WEEK 9 WAIVER WIRE HELP

By Ralph Mancini, FFi Senior Writer

SEARCHING THE SCRAP HEAP
BROOKS BOLLINGER (MIN-QB)- The former Jet performed quite admirably versus the Eagles by completing 7 of 10 pass attempts for 94 yards in relief of Kelly Holcomb, who was forced to exit the game with a neck injury. Backed by a strong running game, Bollinger could do a serviceable job against a San Diego team that can be thrown on next week.

MICHAEL BENNETT (TB-RB)- Larry Johnson’s former caddy has a new lease on life as a major component in Tampa Bay’s running attack. Despite being being slowly worked into the rotation, Bennett has showcased his trademark speed with an 18-yard carry versus Detroit in week seven and a 19-yard score this week against a formidable Jacksonville defense. Bennett could serve as a useful flex back in most leagues, but don’t confuse him for a workhorse back.

MAURICE STOVALL (TB-WR)- The 6’5” Stovall was thrown to more than normal thanks to a high ankle sprain suffered by third receiver Michael Clayton, which should keep him out for at least the next couple of weeks. Stovall’s size could fill a need on fade routes near the goal line. Versus the Jaguars, the former Golden Domer had four receptions for 38 yards.

MIKE FURREY (DET-WR)- With bye weeks still in full swing, Mike Furrey can be the ideal fill-in starter. Always a Mike Martz favorite since his days with the Rams, Furrey was on the receiving end of 3 passes for 44 yards in week 8. Look for the former defensive back to possibly double this week’s output as top receivers Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson will be locked up with shutdown corners Champ Bailey and Dre’ Bly in their upcoming contest against the Broncos. Furrey is a good possession receiver who knows how to get open.

JEFF KING (CAR-TE)- One of the few bright spots on the Panther end in Carolina’s 31-7 shellacking at the hands of Indianapolis was tight end Jeff King, who led the team with 10 receptions for 81 yards. The second-year professional has made a name for himself as a dependable target that started off the season with 13 receptions in his first three games. His services might be called upon again next week, as Carolina faces off against a stingy Tennessee defense that specializes in shutting down the running game.

JUSTIN PEELLE (MIA-TE)- Stepping in for an injured David Martin, Peelle (6 receptions, 42 yards) stepped up as quarterback Cleo Lemon’s primary target in a low-scoring slugfest versus the Giants at Wembley Stadium. The former Oregon Duck is an exceptional receiver who can line up in a variety of positions.

ONES TO WATCH
SHAUN HILL (QB-SF)- Starting quarterback Alex Smith was no savior this week as San Francisco lost their fifth-straight to the New Orleans Saints. The former number one overall pick in the 2005 draft has been very disappointing and one or two more sub par performances may lead coach Mike Nolan to start the recently acquired Shaun Hill. The 6’3” 225-pound signal caller is best known for his successful 2003 campaign in NFL Europe with the Amsterdam Admirals. During that season, Hill completed a league-record 225 passes for 2,256 yards with 13 touchdowns and only five interceptions. His above-average mobility may serve as a spark to Nolan’s club later in the season.

ADICHINOBE ECHEMANDU (HOU-RB)- The former practice squad player has been signed to take over the role of the recently-released Samkon Gado in the Houston’s offense. The seldom-used Echemandu got off to a flying start in his first game versus San Diego by gaining 62 yards on 10 carries. With Ahman Green’s health status in question, the fortunes of the Texan running attack may be in the hands of Echemandu and Ron Dayne. The Nigerian native is a versatile back who also played wide out during his collegiate years at the University Of California.

ANDRE’ HALL (DEN-RB)- With a number of fantasy owners having already prepared themselves for the possible suspension of Travis Henry by enlisting the services of running back Selvin Young, it might be interesting to note that should Young be elevated to lead back, his immediate backup would be second-year player Andre’ Hall. Similar in stature to Henry at 5’ 10” 212 pounds, Hall has been described as having “better long-speed” than Young. In his two-year stay at the University of South Florida, Hall became the program’s all-time leading rusher 2,731 yards on 480 carries and 24 rushing touchdowns.

LORENZO BOOKER (MIA-RB)- The 5’ 10” 191-pound rookie has generally been a spectator during his first go-around in the NFL. Playing behind Ronnie Brown and Jesse Chatman, Booker hasn’t had an opportunity to showcase his considerable talent, but that day may soon be coming on a winless Miami team that will probably be focused on playing for next season after their week nine bye. The Florida State product is an extraordinarily fast player with sharp, stutter-step moves in the open field. During Miami’s May mini-camp, some compared Booker to Reggie Bush.

TED GINN JR. (MIA-WR)- Miami’s 2007 first-round pick is gradually rounding into the playmaker front-office management envisioned when selecting him. In addition to averaging a healthy 24.3 yards per kickoff return, the speedy Ginn has also been the author of some big plays in recent weeks, including catches of 32 and 36-yards, not to mention his 21-yard touchdown reception he recorded this week versus the Giants. The potential is there for Ginn to develop into a weekly dynamic presence.