Red-Zone Report

It’s all about the backs today in the news:  

Adam Schefter of NFL Network is reporting that Chiefs running back Priest Holmes is expected to announce his retirement as early as Wednesday. If he does, the Chiefs would be without their starting halfback–Larry Johnson–and their backup. It has been reported that Johnson could be lost for the season.

Per David White of the San Francisco Chronicle, Raiders running back Lamont Jordan has asked to be released. Jordan has fallen out of favor in Oakland with new head coach Lane Kiffin and Justin Fargas has taken on the role of the starting halfback.

If the team chooses to release Jordan, it would create a roster spot to activate running back Michael Bush. Bush is currently on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list and must either be activated today or placed on IR.

David White also introduced a new twist to this running back mix. (I’m sorry I didn’t notice it myself first.) If the Chiefs are light on running backs, and the Raiders have too many, they may be interested in acquiring Jordan if he is released. Jordan also played for Chiefs coach Herm Edwards while he was with the Jets.

That could, White mentioned, prevent the Raiders from making the release. 

White said another option remains: releasing seldom-used halfback Dominic Rhodes. 

The Raiders have until 1 p.m. PST Wednesday to make a move with Michael Bush. If history is any indication, the Raiders won’t want any of their running backs–Marcus Allen ring a bell?–to switch jerseys within the division.

Update: Kansas City Chiefs running back Priest Holmes has also announced his retirement from the NFL.

Update 2: Per KFFL, the Raiders decided not to activate Bush from the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list, in part, because they would have to release either Jordan or Rhodes, and they did not one of thier division rivals to sign the one they had released. Bush is now ineligible to play in 2007.

Source: Sfgate.com, KFFL.com, NFL.com. Nov. 21 – 12:00 p.m. et. Updated 7:05 p.m. et

ESPN’s Chris Mortensen has reported that commissioner Roger Goodell has reinstated running back Ricky Williams after an 18 month suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

The Dolphins have been notified of the decision and will reportedly be given a two-week roster exemption to make a decision on his future.

Based on this recent photo, Williams looks happy about the decision. (Actually this is a February 2000 mug shot taken after Williams refused to sign a traffic ticket for swerving from lane-to-lane in his Hummer.)

Source: ESPN.com, thesmokinggun.com. Nov. 14 – 12:13 p.m. et

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that running back Larry Johnson has made “significant improvement“ with his injured right foot. His status for this weekend, against the Denver Broncos, is still doubtful to out.

Johnson will be re-evaluated early next week with further tests, the team announced.

Below is the full statement from kcchiefs.com:

Chiefs Statement on RB Larry Johnson

Nov 08, 2007, 3:27:26 PM

According to our Chiefs medical staff and its most recent evaluation of Larry Johnson last evening (Wednesday, November 7), Larry has made significant improvement with less swelling and pain in his injured right foot. His status will be re-evaluated again early next week with further exams and tests. His status for this week is doubtful to out.

Jon E. Browne, MD
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic of KC

Carl D. Peterson
President/GM, CEO
Kansas City Chiefs

Source: kcchiefs.com. Nov. 8 – 8:22 p.m. et

Kansas City Chiefs running back Larry Johnson is “highly questionable,” according to coach Herman Edwards, for Sunday’s game against Denver and may miss the rest of the season, NFL.com has reported.

Chiefs head coach Herman Edwards denied the reports that Johnson’s out for the season and said he only knows what the team doctors have told him. Team doctors have Johnson listed as doubtful for Sunday.

The Chiefs have said they are seeking a second opinion on Johnson’s sprained right foot, which was suffered against Green Bay last Sunday when linebacker A.J. Hawk tackled him from behind.

The Chiefs are also awaiting the results of an MRI on Johnson’s foot. Running back Priest Holmes is next in line, along with rookie back Kolby Smith.

“Priest Holmes obviously won’t be the featured back. We’re going to have to do it by committee,” Edwards said. “Kolby Smith is going to be used. I’m not going to sit here and say Priest will carry the ball 30 times. That wouldn’t be fair to Priest.”

Source: NFL.com. Nov. 7 – 11:42 a.m. et

The Minnesota Vikings wont’ announce their starting quarterback until Sunday morning, ESPN.com has reported.

Tarvaris Jackson is questionable with a broken index finger in his throwing hand, and it appears more likely backup QB Kelly Holcomb may start in his place.

Source: ESPN.com. Oct. 27 – 10: 53 a.m. et

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Byron Leftwich, who was given the starting job last week, had surgery on his sprained right ankle Tuesday, ESPN.com has reported. The surgery may allow Leftwich to return within two weeks.

Before being sidelined with the severe sprain, Leftwich went 15-of-23 for 145 yards and one touchdown Sunday against the New Orleans Saints.

Joey Harrington will start Sunday when Atlanta takes on the San Francisco 49ers.

Source: ESPN.com. Oct. 24 – 11:26 a.m. et

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has been carrying the team all season, but after suffering a left ankle sprain against the Colts the Jags may have to depend on someone else.

“He got a pretty good sprain,” coach Jack Del Rio was quoted on NFL.com. “I would think, in all likelihood, he’ll be missing some time.”

The Jags will likely seek a veteran quarterback until Garrard is healthy. Notable FA veteran quarterbacks include Drew Bledsoe, Aaron Brooks and Chris Weinke. 

Source: NFL.com. Oct. 23 – 8:13 a.m. et