The Two Things We DON'T know

[FanFromArizona]

1. When are we going to see TJ Duckett not be inactive?

Injury report: PROBABLE - DT Cornelius Griffin (Hip), DT Joe Salave'a (Calf), G Randy Thomas (Hamstring), TE Todd Yoder (Ankle)

I am going to have to read between the lines if the choice tomorrow is to activate Yoder over Duckett. At some point we are going to have to get TJ Duckett activated and involved....I would be disappointed in the trade if Duckett is inactive a good portion of the year, especially if the answer to play Yoder or Duckett is Yoder.

Can anyone comment that they actually remember hearing Yoder's name mentioned in a game? Has he seen the field in any packages? Yoder is as much a mystery as Yoda. And why do we need to have 3 TEs active on a game day, when Cooley and Fauria seem to be holding down the fort?


2. What is the extent of Springs injury? All we have heard is "OUT", and it's been 2 weeks since he went for another evaluation since getting "RE"injured. It seems like information about S2 has been quietly dismissed and on the downlow.


When do you think we are going to find out what is going on with these 2 players and what information do you we think we will get?

[PyroGenic]

i have a weird theory on duckett.

I don't think that he has been welcomed by the players OR the staff. I remember all our RBs being pissed that we acquired him and our top RB just happens to be the voice of our team. Lots of sway there.

Also, it may be taking Duckett a while to absorb the playbook (which would be a reason why the staff wouldn't want him on the field).

I dunno, I just have a feeling that the redskin family never let him in.

[hail2skins]

Springs ran agility drills yesterday and then turned to reporters and said something to the effect of "coming to a field near you soon".

Gibbs has explained why TJ Ducketts have been deactivated. Because of the packages they run, they needed more tightends and wide receivers. You won't know who is deactivated unti game time

[hail2skins]

i have a weird theory on duckett.

I don't think that he has been welcomed by the players OR the staff. I remember all our RBs being pissed that we acquired him and our top RB just happens to be the voice of our team. Lots of sway there.

Also, it may be taking Duckett a while to absorb the playbook (which would be a reason why the staff wouldn't want him on the field).

I dunno, I just have a feeling that the redskin family never let him in.Interesting but doubtful. Moss could have reacted the same way when they bought in Lloyd and Randle-El. I don't think this is the case. Now, there is a rumor going around that was mentioned to me, that we got him to keep Philly from getting him. Just something someone said they heard on the radio. Big time rumor so take it that way.

[FanFromArizona]

i have a weird theory on duckett.

I don't think that he has been welcomed by the players OR the staff. I remember all our RBs being pissed that we acquired him and our top RB just happens to be the voice of our team. Lots of sway there.

Also, it may be taking Duckett a while to absorb the playbook (which would be a reason why the staff wouldn't want him on the field).

I dunno, I just have a feeling that the redskin family never let him in.

Well, if that is true that would indicate some kind of rift between management and the players. As a team built on chemistry, you would think that a courtesy check with the players would occur before a trade, much less a 1st day pick. I can see the position that it was done for insurance against an extended CP return, but I would counter that it should have been forseen that it was going to take a few weeks for TJ to learn the plays and the playbook.

I also think Rock's contribution on Special Teams is also making it difficult for Gibbs to keep 4 RBs active.

[ryflan47]

Well Springs isn't coming to a field near us if hes OUT.

[FanFromArizona]

Springs ran agility drills yesterday and then turned to reporters and said something to the effect of "coming to a field near you soon".

Gibbs has explained why TJ Ducketts have been deactivated. Because of the packages they run, they needed more tightends and wide receivers. You won't know who is deactivated unti game time

1. I was not aware Springs has been running drills, glad to hear that. I would love to see him reintroduced in a limited capacity perhaps in the Tennessee game and then play a bigger role in the Colts game.

2. Regarding second statement, can you honestly say that you have heard the mention of the name Yoder yet? I honestly think it's a "I dont want to create a controversy by stating that I have no intention of playing TJ" and will deflect it with an excuse of "we need a third TE whose name you will never hear on gameday".

Don't get me wrong, but my 2 cents right now says that Duckett is not going to see the light of the field too much this year. Is there going to be a game when Yoder is going to be needed as a third TE option?

[FanFromArizona]

Well Springs isn't coming to a field near us if hes OUT.

I think Springs has to be medically cleared to play, so although he may be practicing he will be listed as OUT until the medical clearance is obtained. I think he will continue to practice and when he is good to go he will get the clearance and will have his condition changed rather quickly, I would expect it to skip over doubtful and be somewhere in the questionable to probable range.

[CarMike]

I remember all our RBs being pissed that we acquired him and our top RB just happens to be the voice of our team.
I never saw this in print. did I just miss it?

[fent]

I never saw this in print. did I just miss it?

i don't think it was ALL...if i remember right, it was just one, but they never said who.

[Biggie]

I thought it was Betts and Cartwright who were upset, and CP didn't really take notice of it.

[fent]

I thought it was Betts and Cartwright who were upset, and CP didn't really take notice of it.

cartwright i don't think ever really got upset...he knows his spot is secure because of his amazing Special Teams play.

[BurgundyNGold]

cartwright i don't think ever really got upset...he knows his spot is secure because of his amazing Special Teams play.
No, he was irked too. I recall reading a few of his quotes right afterwards which seemed a bit miffed. That could be because he's pals with Betts -- who was most pissed off about Duckett being brought in -- or because he though it might mean he might get cut. He wasn't irate, but you could tell he was a cross between disappointed and team guy.

[ryflan47]

Well, if Betts keeps this up we may need Duckett next year because he could start for another team. I don't think he will be as effective being a starter, but we'll see.

[Dolla Bill]

I keep hearing about things such as the packages that we run is the reason why Duckett hasn't seen the field. We don't even have a full 3 TE on the roster, except when we added Yoder. What packages are Gibbs and Co. talking about? The 3 WR sets, 2 TE sets, or what?

[PA Skins Girl]

At some point this season, the acquisition of Duckett will be huge.

It may not be evident until the last 4 games or so, plus the playoffs.

Dont worry about it.

[redskinz#1fan]

Gibbs said that we needed to carry 3 TE's on game day because, they were a little banged up. He didn't want to risk going into a game with only 2, and then one go down to injury or reinjure something that was already bothering them. So he has been activating 3 TE's as a safety net. That way if 1 were to go down, we could still maintain our game plan. We have been using the TE's a lot on running plays and they have been staying in to block on quite a few pass plays.

[redwolf1218]

i would have thought that Sellers could fill in at tightend if needed, but since Nemo and White are both gone, we have no backup at fullback.

[PA Skins Girl]

i would have thought that Sellers could fill in at tightend if needed, but since Nemo and White are both gone, we have no backup at fullback.
That's true! Who backs up Sellers if he gets injured? Rock?

[whitskins]

That's true! Who backs up Sellers if he gets injured? Rock?

Sellers can't get injured, his body is made up of 95% pure steel with the remaining 5% comprised of a protective layer of concrete.

[redwolf1218]

That's true! Who backs up Sellers if he gets injured? Rock?
i assume it would be Rock, but no one is listed as Sellers' backup on the redskins.com depth chart.

[bgforever]

Springs ran agility drills yesterday and then turned to reporters and said something to the effect of "coming to a field near you soon".

Gibbs has explained why TJ Ducketts have been deactivated. Because of the packages they run, they needed more tightends and wide receivers. You won't know who is deactivated unti game time


Thanks, we really need to bury this once and for all. It's NOT like the Lumsden for the PS, which worked and then circumstances dictated he couldn't stay. Duckett is to be used and he DID have it explained to him! Come on guys JG knows when its time. I give him credit, AS has tempered his (JG) stubborness to stick with things he trust so much, to understand the new nuasances of the game, how it appears and strategies they used under Coryell and what worked in the AFC ( Skins were winless under Gibbs II, against AFC teams, until AS signed on). The input and teamwork is working. Duckett WILL see the field and man will he, when he does! :)

[tbfoster1]

Sellers can't get injured, his body is made up of 95% pure steel with the remaining 5% comprised of a protective layer of concrete.

:lol1: , I believe that to be true

[BigPlayJay]

October 6, 2006 6:33 PM ET
Redskins (http://www.fanball.com/football/teamProfile.cfm?team=WAS): Duckett could be active

http://www.fanball.com/images/icons/news.gif The News
Running back T.J. Duckett (http://www.fanball.com/fb/playerProfile.cfm/pid.1188) could be active for Sunday's game against the Giants, ESPN's John Clayton reported. Duckett will likely be in uniform if third-string tight end Todd Yoder (http://www.fanball.com/fb/playerProfile.cfm/pid.1735) is unable to play.

http://www.fanball.com/images/icons/ourview.gif Our View
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Remember when we were talking about the possibility of Duckett stealing goal-line carries from Clinton Portis (http://www.fanball.com/fb/playerProfile.cfm/pid.1552)? Well, suffice it to say, if Duckett is considered less valuable than the Redskins' third-string tight end, he has zero fantasy value.



It looks like there is a chance Duckett might play this week.

I continue to hold the idea that you cannot judge the Duckett trade until the season is over. Like someone else said, he could be huge for us late in the season or even the playoffs. If he had one huge game that we needed to go to the Super Bowl then in my mind it was worth a third round pick!

[sinskin]

I haven't read any posts about Duckett that didnt have either a why or wtf is going on about him being deactive for a third rounder we gave... truthfully what do any of us here think we can get pick wise next draft for him? I feel we get our third back or maybe better or we let Betts go for better then a third...on hopes he does good this year.

whether he plays or not.... we get back what we gave... with a sigh of relief from Gibbs if Portis goes down again. Its all good imo

[Syllable]

It looks like there is a chance Duckett might play this week.

I continue to hold the idea that you cannot judge the Duckett trade until the season is over. Like someone else said, he could be huge for us late in the season or even the playoffs. If he had one huge game that we needed to go to the Super Bowl then in my mind it was worth a third round pick!
That doesn't change the fact that He is right about the Fantasy Projection, If Duckett Plays he will probably have like 3 carries.

[smoak]

i don't think it was ALL...if i remember right, it was just one, but they never said who.

Sellers, Betts, and Rock all had quotes that sounded at best "disappointed". But none were what I would call "pissed".

[whitskins]

Sellers, Betts, and Rock all had quotes that sounded at best "disappointed". But none were what I would call "pissed".

Rock gave an interview on Comcast saying it was "like a slap in the face." He was the most outspoken about the trade and was definitely pretty upset.

[FanFromArizona]

Duckett is so gone in free agency.

The other possibility I have read about is we can retain him next year if he does not play in 5 games then this year effectively does not count for him. I normally am not a conspiracist type of person, but if we keep him inactive for 11 games:

Would we retain his rights next year?

[redskin_rich]

Rock gave an interview on Comcast saying it was "like a slap in the face." He was the most outspoken about the trade and was definitely pretty upset.
Yeah, I really didn't get that. Rock just got a new contract and is safe in his role but will never be more than a 3rd string RB. He is on this team for his stellar special teams work, not his ability as a RB.
I would think Betts would be the one who felt threatened by the move, as Duckett would surely be competing for his spot and Betts is in a contract year.

[bgforever]

Duckett is so gone in free agency.

The other possibility I have read about is we can retain him next year if he does not play in 5 games then this year effectively does not count for him. I normally am not a conspiracist type of person, but if we keep him inactive for 11 games:

Would we retain his rights next year?


NOW you are on to something. Where's the link to this (Bold above)?

[BigPlayJay]

The only people I heard complain at all about Duckett's arrival were Rock and Betts. I never heard or saw anything from Sellers or Portis.

[wide_awake]

Interesting but doubtful. Moss could have reacted the same way when they bought in Lloyd and Randle-El. I don't think this is the case. Now, there is a rumor going around that was mentioned to me, that we got him to keep Philly from getting him. Just something someone said they heard on the radio. Big time rumor so take it that way.

Why would Moss get upset about not getting tripled-teamed anymore?

That's a horrible comparison, don't even bring up Moss/Randel El/Lloyd.

1) Moss was NOT being challenged for his role. Betts WAS being challenged for his backup role. And Cartwright (before the kickoff return) becomes the 4th string RB.

2) There is more room for WR because there are more WR's on the field. Not the case for RB's.

[FanFromArizona]

NOW you are on to something. Where's the link to this (Bold above)?


I wish I remember where I read that. I think it was a few weeks ago when Branch was in his dispute with the Patriots, the article was not necessarily specific towards Duckett per se, it was more related to "As long as he plays the last 6 games of the year he will get credited with playing this year....and if he does not play, then the Patriots can retain rights to him"....now I am not sure if this pertains to a player sitting out or ALL players.....

[RedskinRyan]

until duckett does something when activated, this was a terrible terrible trade on our part. as for the rumor of preventing him from going to philly, id rahter have the 3rd rounder.

[BigPlayJay]

I wish I remember where I read that. I think it was a few weeks ago when Branch was in his dispute with the Patriots, the article was not necessarily specific towards Duckett per se, it was more related to "As long as he plays the last 6 games of the year he will get credited with playing this year....and if he does not play, then the Patriots can retain rights to him"....now I am not sure if this pertains to a player sitting out or ALL players.....

That means on the roster. In Branch's case he was holding out. If you hold out a whole year you don't gain that year of seniority and it can hold you back in free agency etc... Duckett is on the roster, just hasn't been active on gameday. His time counts.

[BigPlayJay]

I remember thinking before we got Duckett that he could be huge if he was traded to Pittsburgh! Imagine him up there! If nothing changes, I think this situation may be worse for him than it is for the Redskins

[bgforever]

I wish I remember where I read that. I think it was a few weeks ago when Branch was in his dispute with the Patriots, the article was not necessarily specific towards Duckett per se, it was more related to "As long as he plays the last 6 games of the year he will get credited with playing this year....and if he does not play, then the Patriots can retain rights to him"....now I am not sure if this pertains to a player sitting out or ALL players.....

Sounds creditable, and yes there'd be a big stink in relation to the NFLPA if one team was afforded a key move with a player and others not, if not a preset mitigating circumstance. So I'd go with that, and it is pretty much my holding about Duckett in the first place. It was so much like luxury at LB last year - Clemons, Arrington, Holdman, Washington, Marshall and the year before ADD Antonio Pierce. Yet HOLDMAN was the ODD man out normally, while Clemons was injured. It was by far the BEST NFL stable of LB's in the league. No matter what people print, the NFL COACHES from Sabin to Cowher knew who had a full house! If not, why the heck is two of them in NY in the first place! :)

This is the same thing going on at RB now. No team has the biggest potential at RB as a CORPS, other than what many thought was DENVER, but is more matched by WHO? NY Giants, NE, DALLASS, CHI, INDY, NO, KC, BALT, JETS, PITT, JAX?? NO.
DC, yes.

[hogs86]

I think we will see Duckett.When the weather changes.If we are in the playoff hunt.Dec.It will be Duckett's time rain mud etc.The game of football changes a little when it gets cold outside.

[skins111111]

until duckett does something when activated, this was a terrible terrible trade on our part. as for the rumor of preventing him from going to philly, id rahter have the 3rd rounder.

the keep him from being drafted by Philly had to be a part of the equasion but debth was also a big part.........all in all it was probably a good move on our part, but I guess the jurys out until we see some action..........he will be well rested and have the playbook down pat and could be huge going into the playoffs, especially if we have an injury

[hail2skins]

Why would Moss get upset about not getting tripled-teamed anymore?

That's a horrible comparison, don't even bring up Moss/Randel El/Lloyd.

1) Moss was NOT being challenged for his role. Betts WAS being challenged for his backup role. And Cartwright (before the kickoff return) becomes the 4th string RB.

2) There is more room for WR because there are more WR's on the field. Not the case for RB's.I can bring up who the hell I want to bring up. Who the hell are you to tell me otherwise. Any player at any position can get upset when competition is bought in. DUH. It's about the character of the player already on this team that can take it as a challenge and not wine about it. My analogy was a good one.

When a team runs a 2 TE set with 1 FB and 1 RB and 1 receiver, then there are more runningbacks on the field than receivers. On our 53 man roster we currently have 5 receivers and 5 runningbacks (including Sellers).

[bgforever]

I can bring up who the hell I want to bring up. Who the hell are you to tell me otherwise. Any player at any position can get upset when competition is bought in. DUH. It's about the character of the player already on this team that can take it as a challenge and not wine about it. My analogy was a good one.

When a team runs a 2 TE set with 1 FB and 1 RB and 1 receiver, then there are more runningbacks on the field than receivers. On our 53 man roster we currently have 5 receivers and 5 runningbacks (including Sellers).

Yep, because of the HB expertise, and ditto with Cooley, and add any other RB, you have 3 guys capable of taking the ball behind the line of scrimmage from a set position, as a run. All have done this (run from a RB,FB, HB spot) often enough as well.

[LuvSkins17]

I didn't read where anyone said the "Old Obvious".... We know that good ole Betts has been plagued with injuries EVERY SEASON since he has been here. He is getting ALOT more reps than he used to. Duckett could also be insurence for him also. I know Portis wouldn't be able to take himself out of the game as often if Duckett was backing him up, but this could also be true.

If he doesn't get on the field much, hell we may lose Betts in free agency and Duckett too if he isn't happy being here any longer.

Just my two cents!

[SpicyMcHaggis]

I don't think there is really much difference in Duckett being inactive or being active and getting 3 or 4 carries..I certainly don't think that was the plan when we traded a 3rd round pick for him...And I don't think his being active or not has that much to do with the TE situation, it's just that it's pretty useless having healthy 4 running backs active on game day. One is the starter, the other is the backup, one plays special teams, and what exactly does the 4th one do (considering he does NOT play special teams)? Play cards with Patten and Campbell? Proportionally it would be like having 8 wide receivers active..
So far, this trade is just incomprehensible. Nothing I have read/heard can plausibly explain trading a 3rd round pick for a guy that is either inactive or at best the 3rd string RB, and will be a free agent at the end of the year. Not the TE stuff, not the playbook stuff, not the insurance policy stuff, not the "he'll be useful in the winter" stuff (seems to me that he was useful all the time in Atlanta even though they played in a dome..and by the way, what is he, a blanket?!). And if the Philly stuff is true, somebody in the Front Office (the guy that came up with the idea) should be fired.

[chicago_skinz_fan]

I agree with many of the people who are saying the Philly thing is BS. There is no way this front office, for as smart as they are, traded for Duckett because they wanted to prevent Philly from getting him. That is ludicrous.

The reason we got Duckett is simple, insurance. Gibbs and co were not sure Portis would be the same after the injury. They were thinking Superbowl run and they knew with just Betts we would not get there.

Now with Portis playing, Betts running well, and Rock doing his thing on kickoffs (best in league right now), there is no room for Duckett... If Portis should get injured again this season (god forbid), we will see Duckett reactivated.

A 3rd rounder looks huge right now because Duckett is not in, however again, if Portis gets hurt, and Duckett comes back in and is able to pick up the slack with Betts, many of us would think our front office is a godsend. Just my .02.

[BurgundyNGold]

I agree with many of the people who are saying the Philly thing is BS. There is no way this front office, for as smart as they are, traded for Duckett because they wanted to prevent Philly from getting him. That is ludicrous.

The reason we got Duckett is simple, insurance. Gibbs and co were not sure Portis would be the same after the injury. They were thinking Superbowl run and they knew with just Betts we would not get there.

Now with Portis playing, Betts running well, and Rock doing his thing on kickoffs (best in league right now), there is no room for Duckett... If Portis should get injured again this season (god forbid), we will see Duckett reactivated.

A 3rd rounder looks huge right now because Duckett is not in, however again, if Portis gets hurt, and Duckett comes back in and is able to pick up the slack with Betts, many of us would think our front office is a godsend. Just my .02.
If the 3rd rounder looks huge, what do you think it'll look like next April? I'm especially pissed because when they trade away all of the draft picks, I don't get an opportunity to whoop it up over at FedEx on Draft Day. :(

[chicago_skinz_fan]

If the 3rd rounder looks huge, what do you think it'll look like next April? I'm especially pissed because when they trade away all of the draft picks, I don't get an opportunity to whoop it up over at FedEx on Draft Day. :(


Ha ha I understand, but the third rounder would not be so bad if Portis were to get hurt and Duckett came in, bought Portis time to get right, and we still were able to get to/win the superbowl.

[SpicyMcHaggis]

Ha ha I understand, but the third rounder would not be so bad if Portis were to get hurt and Duckett came in, bought Portis time to get right, and we still were able to get to/win the superbowl.
Yeah, that sure is looking very probable at the moment. Great game for TJ by the way. He won 15 bucks playing poker with Patten and Lloyd (that was actually Lloyd's ghost that played today). Another productive week. Good job TJ!

[bgforever]

Yeah, that sure is looking very probable at the moment. Great game for TJ by the way. He won 15 bucks playing poker with Patten and Lloyd (that was actually Lloyd's ghost that played today). Another productive week. Good job TJ!
:lol1: What makes it so funny is your avatar is completely the opposite in what you're thiking, but reading the writing and seeing him extremely happy, you wouldn't be able to to tell.