In Week 1 of NFL's regular season, Chris Nield burst on to the scene, and through the N.Y. Giants offensive line, to tally an NFL league-leading 2 sacks. He also forced a fumble in his debut. Since then, the news services around the D.C. area have had a get-to-know-you week with Chris Nield as they have all published articles about Nield, how he made the team, his lunch-pail work-effort, and his anti-Albert Haynesworth approach to football.
This week, Nield isn't expected to have that kind of game against the Arizona Cardinals (1:00p.m. FOX), but look for him to get more playing time on the Redskins' D-line this week.
In Texas, last year's NFL leading-rusher, Arian Foster, returned to practice and is expected to start this week against the Miami Dolphins (4:15 CBS). He will share carries with Derrick Ward who filled in admirably in the Texans' win against the Indianapolis Colts. Ben Tate will also be active for the Texans leaving Steve Slaton as a likely inactive. As long as the trio of Foster, Tate, and Ward are healthy, don't look for Slaton to be in the Texans' lineup anytime soon. Head Coach, Gary Kubiak, when asked about keeping Slaton after the Preseason, has said that Slaton will prove to be a valuable member of the Texans by the end of the season. My guess is that Slaton's best value for the Texans is his trade value.
In what was supposed to have been Robert Sands regular season debut with the Cincinnati Bengals, he showed up on the inactives list for prior to last week's game. There has been no news about Sands this week, so it remains to be seen whether or not he will play against the Denver Broncos (4:15 CBS). Adam Pacman Jones received positive news this week about his neck after doctors cleared him to play. Jones suffered the neck injury last season against the Atlanta Falcons and had a second surgery just before training camp began. Jones is on the Bengals' PUP list and will be eligible to return to play in Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Anthony Becht spent last season doing radio in the Tampa Bay area after getting cut by the Arizona Cardinals prior to last season. He kept himself in game shape and tried out for other teams before getting signed by the Kansas City Chiefs in the middle of the Preseason to provide depth at the TE position. After the preseason was over, the Chiefs cut Becht, but head coach, Todd Haley, told Becht to stay in game shape in case they needed him. Haley evaluated the Chiefs roster after Week 1 and decided they needed Becht's blocking and pass-catching abilities back on the roster. They play at the Detroit Lions (1:00 CBS), where Becht is expected to be in uniform after practicing with the team on Friday.
Here are some other games of note that will have former Mountaineers in action:
Oakland Raiders at
Buffalo Bills
1:00 CBS
Corey McIntyre will get the start at FB for the Bills.
Cleveland Browns at
Indianapolis Colts
1:00 CBS
Pat McAfee will handle punting duties for the Colts. Jarrett Brown is on the Browns' practice squad.
Seattle Seahawks at
Pittsburgh Steelers
1:00 CBS
Ryan Mundy is a key backup at safety for the Steelers.
Philadelphia Eagles at
Atlanta Falcons
8:15 NBC
Owen Schmitt gets the start at fullback for the Eagles.