RADIO
The Pittsburgh Steelers are going forward with plans to start Landry Jones at quarterback in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Ben Roethlisberger was listed as questionable on the team’s injury report this week instead of doubtful, but he’s still expected to sit the game out.
Roethlisberger’s backup Michael Vick has not practiced at all this week with a hamstring injury. That means Jones will get the start.
Although Jones didn’t look horrible last week, he’s still not a recommended fantasy football start. I don’t expect him to play too poorly. Heck, I could even see him lead the Steelers to a win. But he’s still not adding to your fantasy football roster.
If Jones looks really good against the Chiefs, expect the team to use him as trade bait during the offseason.
Despite poor play from quarterback Colin Kaepernick thus far this season, the team will stick with him as the starter.
"Colin's our quarterback," coach Jim Tomsula said, according to a reporter for the Sacramento Bee.. "No controversy."
Kaepernick has completed 124 of 202 passing attempts thus far this season for 1453 yards and six touchdowns. He has thrown five interceptions. He hasn’t been nearly as effective in the run game as most expected he’d be coming into the season. He has only 39 rushes for 228 yards and one touchdown.
Against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, Kaepernick was dreadful. He completed 13 of 24 passes for just 124 yards. He had no touchdowns, interceptions or rushing attempts. But for a team that doesn’t have many superstars, the 49ers need Kaepernick to make big plays.
Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota didn’t practice again on Friday with a knee injury. He has been ruled out for the team’s Week 7 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Zach Mettenberger will make his seventh career NFL start.
Mettenberger has a pretty nice matchup this week, but he’s not worth adding and starting for just one week. Mariota’s job is not in jeopardy and regardless of how well Mettenberger player, the rookie will reclaim the job as soon as he’s healthy.
Mettenberger, similar to Jones, could be used as trade bait in the offseason if he plays extremely well with the opportunities given this season.
Mariota’s Week 8 status against the Houston Texans is still up in the air. If he does play, he’d be a very risky start.
