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Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best (concussions) appears headed to the physically unable to perform list to start the regular season, making him unavailable for the first six weeks of the season. That's not a complete surprise, since Best has yet to be cleared for any sort of contact.
The Lions' running back situation is foggier than autumn in San Francisco. Mikel Leshoure is slowly working his way into the rotation after a hamstring injury. Keiland Williams and Stefan Logan are getting plenty of snaps in practice and Joique Bell had a big night in the preseason opener against the Cleveland Browns.
Right now, the clubhouse leader for Detroit's starting running back spot is Kevin Smith. Of course, Smith has his own lengthy injury history, including sitting out a game last season with ankle problems. Still, he remains the back to target in the Motor City as a No. 3 or flex fantasy football option.
Isaac Redman to have MRI
Pretty soon, the Pittsburgh Steelers might hold a raffle to find someone to run the ball for them.
Isaac Redman is slated to have an MRI on the injured groin that has hampered him since the beginning of training camp. That could put him on the shelf alongside presumptive starter Rashard Mendenhall (ACL surgery), who is expected to start the season on the PUP list. Those two won't be lonely on the sideline, though -- John Clay, who will miss the season with a thigh injury, was waived Tuesday, and Jonathan Dwyer is nursing a sprained shoulder.
Who's healthy in Pittsburgh? There's Baron Batch and rookie Chris Rainey. Batch posted a ho-hum 41 yards on 19 carries in the preseason opener against the Eagles. Rainey projects as a hybrid RB/WR in the mold of fellow former Florida Gator Percy Harvin. Both are moving up the Steelers' depth chart, but still have limited fantasy football draft value.
Quick Outs
Roddy White told the Savannah Morning News that he hopes the Atlanta Falcons spread the ball around a little bit more in 2012. Last season, White was the most-targeted receiver in the NFL, but expects that some of those chances to go to Julio Jones and Jacquizz Rodgers. This just confirms what we suspected about Rodgers' increased involvement in the offense and solidifies the belief that Jones is on the verge of becoming elite...
While the Jacksonville Jaguars front office waits for Maurice Jones-Drew to end his holdout, coach Mike Mularkey is working on contingency plans. As long as MJD is getting in a little vacation, Rashad Jennings will be the team's No. 1 option with Montell Owens moving up to the No. 2 slot. Jennings has looked good in camp and is worth a look as a No. 2 fantasy football option as long as he's the starter...
Sidney Rice shed the red jersey at the Seattle Seahawks' practice on Tuesday and took full part in team drills, even diving for balls. With Doug Baldwin also returning to practice, the Seahawks can get a better look at their receiving crew, but fantasy football owners should remain wary. Rice hasn't played more than nine games in each of the past two seasons and hasn't caught more than two touchdowns since 2009. At best right now, he's a No. 2 receiving option in drafts and more likely a No. 3 wideout. ...
The Tennessee Titans don't have much of a clue as to when Kenny Britt will be back in action for them. Britt told The Tennessean that he still hasn't heard about a potential suspension. He's also not sure when he's going to be well enough to come off the PUP list. The idea of Britt working with Jake Locker is tantalizing, but until he looks close to returning, Britt is best avoided until the late rounds. ...
Things had been too calm with the Washington Redskins' running back situation. That should change after Mike Shanahan told reporters that Tim Hightower could begin taking reps with the rest of the team on Friday. Hightower is the projected starter this season, but with Evan Royster and Roy Helu very much in the mix, it's hard to project a clear-cut No. 1 back in D.C. ...
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Pat Angerer will miss at least the next six weeks because of a broken foot that requires surgery. Angerer was an IDP monster last season, finishing fourth in the NFL in tackles while defending four passes and snagging an interception to boot. Jerrell Freeman is poised to step into Angerer's spot, but Freeman has yet to play a regular season NFL game after signing with the Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2008. In a Colts defense that had plenty of holes last season, Freeman should get opportunities to make plays. The question remains whether or not he'll actually do so.
Follow Marcas on Twitter @MarcasG
