Hakeem Nicks (foot) played in the Giants' final preseason game – Nicks was targeted twice in limited snaps and brought in one pass for six yards, but his performance was irrelevant. The mere fact that he suited up and looked to be completely healthy is the real news here. It appears his broken foot is fully healed and he is in line to suit up in just one week when the Giants kick off the 2012 season versus Dallas.
Maurice Jones-Drew will not be traded according to Jags' GM Gene Smith – Though no ground has been made in the stalemate between MJD and Jacksonville management, one thing that was made clear is that Jones-Drew will remain a Jaguar. Now whether or not he suits up is another issue altogether, as a resolution to his holdout does not seem to be coming soon. And even if it does, Rashad Jennings has been named the starter for Week 1 against Minnesota. For anyone drafting prior to next weeks games, that means MJD should be downgraded some and Jennings should be one of the top backup RB's to come off the board.
Roy Helu (Achilles) led the Redskins in rushing for the team's final preseason game versus the Buccaneers – Helu certainly did not show any ill-effects from the Achilles tendinitis that has been bothering him since the start of training camp as he tore through the Bucs reserve defenders for 124 total yards and two scores on just 17 touches. However, while Helu looked like the best of the Skins' backs it should be noted that Evan Royster was also impressive (44 yards and a TD on 10 carries) working with the first unit. Rookie Alfred Morris didn't suit up as the team is likely looking to keep him healthy for Week 1, and Tim Hightower rested his sore knee after seeing his first action just this past Saturday. Bottom line, with four capable running backs competing for time in a Mike Shanahan backfield, the recipe is set for a monumental headache for fantasy owners unless injuries clear the way for one or two of them.
Marshawn Lynch (back spasms) has yet to practice this week – Head coach Pete Carroll continues to downplay the issue, but it could very well loom as a problem for Lynch into the regular season. Back injuries are usually touch-and-go and can reoccur at any time. For a player with Lynch's physical running style, a balky back could severely limit him. Until the issue proves serious though, the man known as Beast Mode should continue being drafted as a top-10 back. His handcuff however, rookie Robert Turbin, should be grabbed as well as a reserve fantasy back with significant upside should Lynch see extended down time.
Jason Witten had his spleen injury checked out again and received a good report from the doctor – He has not yet been given full clearance for Week 1, but this appears to be a step in the right direction for Witten. He is still not expected to require surgery to return to 100|PERCENT|, but may require more time to get back on the field. As for Week 1, it looks like there's a 50/50 chance Witten plays against the Giants.
Jonathan Dwyer will start the Steelers' final preseason game – With Isaac Redman resting a mild ankle sprain, Dwyer will get his shot to lead Pittsburgh in the last preseason game. Though Redman is still expected to start Week 1 at Denver, he has been less impressive than Dwyer during preseason action and could see more of his carries shift to Dwyer if the younger back continues his strong play.