Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE

Darrius Heyward-Bey was able to participate in practice today for the first time since suffering that violent hit against the Pittsburgh Steelers. By all measures that is a bit of good news for the Raiders who are currently swimming in a sea of bad press.

Naturally the news is better for DHB than it is for Oakland. Hey-Bey’s health trumps anything that might be to Oakland’s benefit from a football standpoint.

Of course with Greg Knapp’s limp offense it’s not like missing DHB was something that was holding the team back. After Heyward-Bey’s breakout season in 2011 some big things were expected in 2012. We’re still waiting for Knapp to get a clue how to figure this thing out. Maybe he should just call Hue Jackson for advice.

But I digress…

The real hope is that the bye week provides DHB with enough time to fully recover, pass the league’s tests and take the field in Atlanta next week.

Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE

Greeting Nation. It’s that time of the year, Fantasy Football. Most have you have already drafted. Today, I’m going to chat a bit about Oakland Raider fantasy options. In the past, I’ve usually steered clear of just about all Raiders when it comes to fantasy football. I try not to choose my team with my heart, but purely stats. In the last few years, my attitude has changed. With the emergence of Darren McFadden, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore and the Polish Cannon, Sebastian Janikowski, I can draft with my heart and a bit of stats to back up my picks. Let’s start with the no brainer then work towards the value picks, then the WTF picks.

No brainer; Darren McFadden is a first round talent that you should never pass up. However, if you do pick DMC, make sure you have other later round options, incase the injury bug jumps up and bites his toe again. DMC has never played a whole 16 game season but you already knew that. No brainer; Sebastian Janikowski. Sea Bass is the best kicker in the NFL and the best kicker ever to wear silver and black. Enough said. Go ahead and pick him in the first round! Ha Ha!

Now for some “value” picks. Darrius Heyward-Bey had a break out season last year showing sure hands and his lightning quick routes. DHB would be a great 3^rd or back up receiver. We still need to see his chemistry with Carson Palmer though. All other Raider receivers I wouldn’t touch unless you are looking for a late round sleeper, then I would go Rod Streater. With Denarius Moore, on clipboard duty and Jacoby Ford playing scared, Palmer has shown a great affinity to the huge target, Mr. Streater.

A Raider I would not draft this season would be Carson Palmer. His erratic play this preseason has me worried. Jeckle and Hyde is a great choice for a Sunday matinee, but not a good choice on your fantasy team. I’m not a Carson hater, I’m honestly cheering for the man, but when it comes to fantasy football, when in doubt, don’t draft a turd.

Greg Simon

JBB Staff Writer

@simonizr

“Like” us on Facebook!

By Mark J. Rebilas, US Presswire

Two pre-season games into the season and I’m ready to call out a few players. For starters, we are in deep trouble at quarterback. Call it rust, or unfamiliarity, but Carson Palmer looks like a bewildered freshman on his first day of high school. No touch on the deep ball and inaccuracies on the short passes makes me believe we have bigger issues the just “rust”. That brings us to Matt Leinart and Terrelle Pryor. Leinert looks like his did when he played at AZ, confused, inaccurate and injury prone. TP, on the other hand, look like he switched positions and sports over the summer. TP’s passes have been inaccurate and most have looked like lob passes from a point guard to power forward. TP (a.k.a. Happy Feet) needs some real work and I’m not sure if he has the tool belt for the job.

Jacoby Ford has looked scared and unsure of his abilities this preseason. Maybe it’s the erratic play of Palmer, but he has not looked like the Jacoby Ford of the past. It might also be the outstanding play of undrafted free agent Rod Streater who has put all of the wide receivers on notice. By the way, is Darrius Heyward-Bey still on the team? DHB is doing his best “Ghost to the Post” impression and has literally disappeared this pre-season.

Then there is DeMarcus Van Dyke …. Um yeh. I better save that one for a longer article.

I know what you are saying Raider Nation, it’s preseason @Simonizr, chill. I hope you are right, but this does not settle my anxiety towards opening day. In a conference that went on an overhaul from the Chiefs, to the Donkeys, it’s going to be a season of challenge for our beloved Oakland Raiders.

Greg Simon

@simonizr

Staff Writer

Justblogbaby.com