Lions | Tony Scheffler could still be let go

Source: Footballguys.com

The Detroit Lions could elect to part with TE Tony Scheffler is they need more salary cap space, although there is no indication this has been considered. OT Jeff Backus also could be an attractive candidate to cut for salary-cap reasons.

Brandon Pettigrew doubtful for Week 17

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) returned to a limited practice on Friday but is listed as doubtful for Week 17. There's no reason for him to play against the Bears on Sunday. TE Tony Scheffler will see another full workload but isn't a recommended fantasy starter against the league's top TE defense.

Week 17: PPR Watch

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

We profile players that will be difference makers in your PPR league this week. This week's picks include Jeremy Maclin, Montell Owens, Antonio Brown, Tony Scheffler, and Danario Alexander.

Brandon Pettigrew INACTIVE

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is officially inactive for tonight's game against the Falcons.  Tony Scheffler will serve as Detroit's primary pass-catching TE.

Lions | Trio to handle TE duties

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TEs Will Heller, Tony Scheffler and FB Shaun Chapas will handle the tight end duties in Week 16 against the Atlanta Falcons with TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) sidelined. Heller will start the game.

Brandon Pettigrew - Brandon Pettigrew doubtful

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 21, and is doubtful for Week 16.
Huddle Up: This dings Matthew Stafford a bit, and gives Tony Scheffler another shot to prove he can score at tight end. Unfortunately, that would be a bit of a risk for your championship game. Considering the stinker he had last week, you will be better off with a more proven option.

Brandon Pettigrew doubtful for Week 16

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) was unable to practice all week and won't play against the Falcons on Saturday. It puts Tony Scheffler on the low-end TE1 radar. He's seen 17 targets over the past 2 weeks.

Status Wrap: Thanks for the memories, Danario Alexander

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

Normally we give you an Injury Wrap in this space on Fridays, and we will get to plenty of injuries after the jump. But with less in-flux injury news than usual this week, and a few non-injury situations worth discussing, we're broadening the scope of today's piece. Good luck to everyone in their playoff games.

I've enjoyed the Danario Alexander run as much as anyone. I picked him up where I could, started him aggressively, blogged about him constantly. Until the Week 15 bagel, it was a fun and rewarding ride.

But in Week 16, a one-game season, there's no time for sentimentality and future speculation. If you don't like someone's chances at points this weekend, you cut the cord. And with

Brandon Pettigrew - Pettigrew not expected to play

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is highly unlikely to play in the team's Week 16 game. He missed practice again on Thursday.
Huddle Up: It's looking like Pettigrew will miss a third straight game, and it's going to be up to Tony Scheffler, Kris Durham and the other Detroit pass-catchers to step up and perform with the Falcons devoting the majority of their defensive attention to Calvin Johnson.

Brandon Pettigrew still out Wednesday

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) was still unable to practice on Wednesday.  We're now hearing reports that he's dealing with a high-ankle sprain, which makes him extremely doubtful for this Saturday's game against the Falcons.  Tony Scheffler will remain in the low-end TE1 mix.

Week 16 – TE Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Michael Ivins / USA TODAY Sports

High expectations this summer came crashing back to earth after fantasy owners lost Aaron Hernandez to a bad ankle injury during the second week of the season. Hernandez struggled to find his way back to the active roster playing in only two games from week three to week eleven.

Over the past three weeks Hernandez has come back and performed for fantasy owners like we expected, an elite option at his position. During that span of time 26 receptions (no fewer than eight in a game), 247-yards and three touchdowns.

With Rob Gronkowski

Brandon Pettigrew INACTIVE

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is inactive for today's game against the Cardinals.  Tony Scheffler should see a healthy dose of targets, making him a viable fantasy starter.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew has high ankle sprain

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew is officially doubtful to play Sunday versus the Cardinals, but fantasy owners shouldn't expect to see him until Week 17 at the absolute earliest. That's because, as the Detroit Free Press reported Friday, Pettigrew suffered a high ankle sprain early in last week's loss to the Packers. Pettigrew didn't practice this week and will likely be replaced by Tony Scheffler in the starting lineup. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Pettigrew said after that game that he was quot;fine," but you know how players are when it comes to their own health. They're always "fine." But it was telling when Pettigrew couldn't return to the game despite leaving in the first quarter, and he is obviously not fine. You should expect him to miss at

Brandon Pettigrew - Brandon Pettigrew doubtful

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not practice Friday, Dec. 14, and is doubtful for Week 15.
Huddle Up: Tony Scheffler looks like a great start this week at this point with Pettigrew's likely absence. If you are juggling tight ends, this might be the way to go.

Injury Wrap: Ahmad Bradshaw ruled out; news remains cloudy on Robert Griffin

Source: Roto Arcade by Scott Pianowski

It's semifinal week in most fantasy leagues and there's a lot going on with the medical news, so let's get right to the clipboard.

• The Giants aren't going to make us wait for the backfield story – Ahmad Bradshaw (he of the assorted ailments) is not going to play at Atlanta. This sets up David Wilson to pick up his first pro start, and presumably a healthy share of touches, though he will probably be spelled liberally on passing downs. The team still isn't sold on Wilson's ability to pick up the blitz.

• The Falcons have their own intrigue in this game, as Roddy White (knee) didn't practice all week and is

Brandon Pettigrew out again Thursday

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) missed practice again on Thursday.  He's unlikely to play against the Cardinals on Sunday.  That'll mean a healthy bump in targets for TE Tony Scheffler, putting him on the low-end TE1 radar.

Pettigrew misses practice Thursday

Source: FFToday

Sprained ankle

Tight end Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) and defensive tackle Nick Fairley (shoulder) remain out for the Lions after leaving the Packers game with injuries. (Detroit Free Press)

FF Today's Take: Things are trending in the right direction for the Lions tight end. Tony

Brandon Pettigrew - No practice again for Lions' Pettigrew

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) is not taking part in practice Thursday, Dec. 13.
Huddle Up: With 2 missed practices in 2 days, things are most definitely not looking up for Pettigrew this week. If the TE can't go, Tony Scheffler, who's had 11 catches for 132 yards and a TD over the past 3 weeks, will continue to see a fair share of targets.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew misses another practice

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew did not practice for the second consecutive day Thursday. The fourth-year vet is dealing with an ankle injury that forced an early exit during Detroit's eventual loss to the Green Bay Packers. The Lions are already without Titus Young, Nate Burleson, and Ryan Broyles as each player has been placed on injured reserve. Second-year wideout Kris Durham, a former teammate at Georgia with Matthew Stafford, should see a big increase in playing time, as well as Mike Thomas. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Pettigrew is currently questionable and is looking like a game-time decision on Sunday. The Lions face a recently embarrassed Arizona team that actually has done a pretty good job limiting opposing quarterbacks. They

Week 15: PPR Watch

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

We profile players that will be difference makers in your PPR league this week. This week's picks include Ryan Mathews, Justin Blackmon, Josh Gordon, Anquan Boldin, and Tony Scheffler.

Brandon Pettigrew - Brandon Pettigrew misses practice

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) did not practice Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Huddle Up: There is a chance he will not play this weekend, making Tony Scheffler a great option, especially considering the volatility of the tight end position this season.

Week 15 – Start’em – Sit’em

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Kim Klement / USA TODAY Sports

Heading into the second week of the fantasy playoffs, I can understand if fantasy owners are down on those players who failed to help them last week. However, one bad game doesn’t mean a player is going to let you down again this week. While rookie Bryce Brown struggled against the No.1 defense in the league against the run, expect a bounce back performance as the Eagles return home for a Thursday night matchup against the Bengals.

Week 15 Standard Rankings – QB |

Brandon Pettigrew held out Wednesday

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) was held out of practice on Wednesday.  That -- coupled with the fact that he never returned to last Sunday night's game -- has Pettigrew looking extremely iffy for this weekend's game against the Cardinals.  TE Tony Scheffler will be a sneaky fantasy option if Pettigrew sits out.

Week 15 – Waiver Wire Pickups

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Andrew Weber / USA TODAY Sports

While Nick Foles had a big game against the Buccaneers, I won’t officially recommend a quarterback off the waiver wire this week. Foles would likely be the top option to pickup at his position but I’m sure most of you left in the playoffs already have a respectable option at quarterback.

Week 15 Standard Rankings – QB | RB |

Lions | Stuck with two-TE package

Source: Footballguys.com

The Detroit Lions stuck with their two-tight end package even after TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) was injured in Week 14. TE Will Heller played a season-high 64 snaps, and TE Tony Scheffler played 61 snaps.

Week 15 – TE Rankings

Source: Fantasy-Info.com by Sean Douglas

Photo By: Christopher Hanewinckel / USA TODAY Sports

Outside of Jimmy Graham, Tony Gonzalez, Aaron Hernandez and Jason Witten it’s starting to get ugly at the tight end position for fantasy options. Super star names like Vernon Davis and Antonio Gates continue to play way below the expectations we have for them, while other options like Kyle Rudolph and Brandon Myers have good games then disappear for a week or two.

After the top names, look to Jermaine Gresham as the most reliable player for production. For the first time last week Gresham has had at least 43-yards in a game or he’s made up for it with a touchdown in the past six straight weeks.

Cincinnati is still pushing for the playoffs

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew says his ankle is 'fine'

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was injured early in Detroit's loss to the Green Bay Packers. He was unable to return because of an ankle injury. After the game, he said he quot;felt fine." In his absence, tight ends Tony Scheffler and Will Heller saw a big bump to their playing time. The duo combined for seven receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown. Matthew Stafford said, "It always hurts to lose a guy that's a really good tight end in this league." FANTASY ANALYSIS: For now, there is not much information about the extent of Pettigrew's injury or any timeline for a potential return. More information will come out over the week. The Lions are already without three wide receivers (Nate Burleson, Ryan Broyles, and Titus Young) who

Brandon Pettigrew out with ankle injury

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew suffered a left ankle injury in the 1st half of Sunday night's game against the Packers.  He had the ankle taped but hasn't been back on the field in the 2nd half.  Tony Scheffler is now serving as Detroit's every-down TE.

Sunday Scene, Week 14: The Cam Newton surge continues

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Cam Newton accounted for 403 yards of offense in Week 14, rushing for 116, passing for 287, completing 23 of his 35 throws, and generally looking like a dual-threat fantasy monster. Newton gained 72 of Sunday's yards on this third quarter touchdown run, embarrassing the Falcons defense via read-option. He picked up another 53 on a fourth quarter screen pass to DeAngelo Williams that essentially clinched the win for Carolina.

Over the past four weeks, Cam has delivered eight passing TDs, three rushing scores and zero turnovers. He's now on

Over/Under: Will Mr. Old Spice, Greg Jennings, be naughty or nice?

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Fantasy is a speculative game. Predict the future, and you look like a genius. Don't, and you're painfully human. Gazing into the crystal ball here's our view on 10 intriguing over/unders for Week 14.

Greg Jennings, who is expected to fill the void for an ailing Jordy Nelson ailing, receiving yards versus Detroit 79.5

Andy — OVER. Jennings led all Packers receivers in targets last week, in his return from injury. I don't think a 6-catch, 85-yard day is too much to ask.

Scott — OVER. I like how Jennings looked in his first game back, he'll be needed with Jordy Nelson likely out, and I don't have anything good to say about Detroit's passing

Target Practice, Week 13: Aaron Hernandez is back on the leader board

Source: Roto Arcade by Andy Behrens

Aaron Hernandez barely finished inside the top-10 at his position in Week 13 fantasy scoring, and he failed to visit the end zone. Thus, I won't try to convince you that he carried anyone into the fantasy playoffs, single-handedly. In fact, Hernandez had a somewhat sloppy day, with an ugly drop on the Patriots' opening series, plus another near-catch that skipped off his outstretched hands (and, if caught, would have resulted in a touchdown). He was also the targeted receiver on Tom Brady's first quarter

Flames: Bryce Brown to pass playoff test with flying colors

Source: Roto Arcade by Brad Evans

Each week the Noise highlights 12-13 somewhat obscure, unobvious names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo! leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post the results, whether genius or moronic, the following week using the scoring system shown here. If you're a member of TEAM HUEVOS, post your Week 14 Flames in the comments section below.

Joe Flacco, Bal, QB (14-percent started)
Matchup: at

Lions WR Ryan Broyles tears ACL, out for season

Source: Fantasy Football Toolbox

Detroit Lions wide receiver Ryan Broyles tore his right ACL Sunday and is done for the remainder of the 2012 season. The rookie out of Oklahoma left during the first quarter of Detroit's eventual loss to the Indianapolis Colts and did not return. Trainers checked him out on the sideline and determined quickly he was seriously injured. WR Mike Thomas saw more action on the outside, as did TE Tony Scheffler. FANTASY ANALYSIS: It looks as though the Lions may need to re-insert WR Titus Young into the lineup out of necessity. The team did sign WR Brian Robiskie in October and WR Kassim Osgood in August but neither player could have Young's impact. Consider this a big upgrade to WR Calvin Johnson who is already on pace to break Jerry Rice's

Knee injury sidelines Broyles

Source: FFToday

Right knee injury has team concerned

With Titus Young and Brian Robiskie inactive Sunday, the Lions were already short on receivers. It got worse when rookie Ryan Broyles went out with a right knee injury. That is Broyles' "good" knee, not the one he had ACL surgery on in 2011. After being tended to by trainers on the sideline, Broyles walked back to the locker room on his own power. Tight end

Lions | Ryan Broyles set for expanded role

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Scott Linehan talked about the role of WR Ryan Broyles going forward. 'I think pretty much Broyles is going to play inside but we will use (WR Calvin Johnson) inside, we'll use (TE Tony Scheffler),' Linehan said. 'Really Broyles and Scheffler are in the same position, might use their strengths more, what they do better. So you'll see that. Maybe some (WR Titus Young) in the slot more.'

Fancy fantasy football: Tony Scheffler may be Detroit Lions' answer

Source: KFFL.com NFL

The Lions' sputtering offense lost Nate Burleson for the rest of the season, but his absence should prompt them to address the real issue.

Titus Young - Lions not short on slot WR options

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions WRs Titus Young and Ryan Broyles will split duties as the slot receiver with WR Nate Burleson (leg) out for the rest of the season. TE Tony Scheffler is also an option out of the slot. Young caught a game-high six passes in Week 7 Monday, Oct. 22, after battling a knee injury in the first five games. Broyles caught the first three passes of his career Monday.
Huddle Up: Young (team-high 81 receiving yards) and Broyles (51 yards, TD) stood out Monday night in a game where the whole Lions' offense basically was a hot mess. However, things don't get easier this week with the Seahawks' defense coming to Motown.

Lions | Titus Young, Ryan Broyles to split slot duties

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions WRs Titus Young and Ryan Broyles will split duties as the slot receiver with WR Nate Burleson (leg) out for the rest of the season. TE Tony Scheffler is also an option out of the slot. Young caught a game-high six passes in Week 7 Monday, Oct. 22, after battling a knee injury in the first five games. Broyles caught the first three passes of his career Monday.

Tony Scheffler active

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Tony Scheffler (calf) is active for today’s meeting with the Vikings. He might steal a couple looks from starter Brandon Pettigrew, but he’s well off the fantasy radar while in a reserve role.

Leshoure, Stafford active vs. Vikings Sunday - Mikel Leshoure | DET

Source: Rotoworld Football

Lions RB Mikel Leshoure (groin), QB Matthew Stafford (hip) and TE Tony Scheffler (calf) are active in Week 4 versus the Vikings, as expected.

Lions | Three players questionable for Week 4

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Tony Scheffler (calf), LB Justin Durant (back) and SS Amari Spievey (groin) are listed as questionable for Week 4. Spievey did not practice Friday, Sept. 28, while the other two were limited.

Lions | Five limited in practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions LB Justin Durant (back), DE Lawrence Jackson (calf), TE Tony Scheffler (calf), G Rob Sims (knee), and S Amari Spievey (groin) were all limited in practice Thursday, Sept. 27.

Lions | Tony Scheffler, Titus Young return

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions TE Tony Scheffler (calf) and WR Titus Young (knee) returned to practice Thursday, Sept. 27.

Lions | Five miss practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions S Louis Delmas (knee), LB Travis Lewis (quadriceps), TE Tony Scheffler (calf), DT Corey Williams (knee) and WR Titus Young (knee) did not practice Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Tony Scheffler INACTIVE

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Tony Scheffler (calf) is inactive for today's game against the Titans.  Brandon Pettigrew will dominate TE targets and is a strong fantasy option.

Inactives - Week 3

Source: Fantasy Sharks NFL

Updated all the way up until game time. 

Weather Warnings
No threat of inclement weather across the NFL today.  Another nice day for football. 

Inactive
Matt Forte, Pierre Garcon (not expected to play), Jeremy Maclin, Rashard Mendenhall

Active

Tony Scheffler doubtful for Week 3

Source: Draft Sharks

Lions TE Tony Scheffler (calf) didn't practice all week and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Titans.  His absence will mean a few extra targets for TE Brandon Pettigrew, who is already looking at a plus matchup.

Lions | Five miss practice

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions S Louis Delmas (knee), CB Drayton Florence (forearm), LB Travis Lewis (quadriceps), TE Tony Scheffler (calf) and DT Corey Williams (knee) did not practice Thursday, Sept. 20.

Ryan Broyles - Broyles to have role for Lions in Week 3?

Source: The Huddle

Detroit Lions WR Ryan Broyles could play a role in the team's game plan for Week 3 if TE Tony Scheffler (calf) is unable to play. Scheffler did not practice Thursday.
Huddle Up: All good in theory but it's hard to put much stock in the rookie considering that fellow wideout Titus Young, who has season's head start in the Lions' offense, only has 2 receptions for 25 yards so far this season.

Lions | Ryan Broyles could have a role in Week 3

Source: Footballguys.com

Detroit Lions WR Ryan Broyles could play a role in the team's game plan for Week 3 if TE Tony Scheffler (calf) is unable to play.