delone carter

As the Ravens hit the practice field Tuesday, one of their AFC rivals was putting the finishing touches on a significant trade. The New England Patriots sent six-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Logan Mankins to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for tight end Tim Wright and a 2015 fourth-round pick.

For wide receiver David Reed, this week marks a return to familiar territory.

Ravens rest starters in 24-21 loss against the Rams to end the preaseason

Sunday's release of Tommy Streeter, Rashaad Carter and Gerrard Sheppard (Towson, McDonogh) leaves the Ravens with seven healthy wide receivers on their roster. It also narrows down what might be the most intriguing roster competition left before the regular season begins.

New Ravens running back Delone Carter is involved in the personal equivalent of a two-minute drill.

It took only a few moments for Ravens Pro Bowl offensive guard Marshal Yanda and starting cornerback Lardarius Webb during their respective preseason debuts to prove that their surgically repaired limbs are sound.

The Ravens acquired third-year running back Delone Carter from the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver David Reed. What should the Ravens expect from Carter this season, assuming he makes the team?

The exchange provides a fresh start for two players that weren't assured of roster spots with their original teams.

Last week, we looked at the biggest surprises of the 2011 fantasy football campaign. This time around, we will hand out dishonors to the disappointing (non-injured) players who have torpedoed our seasons so far. Try not to cuss too much in the comments section below after receiving this list, OK?

In last week's installment of Fantasy Fodder, I cautioned you to not panic and trade away one of five notable early-season disappointments if your team was stuck in the cellar. I hope this past week was better for you. This week, we're going to turn the tables. If you're in first place in your league and closing in on a playoff spot, don't stand pat. Now is the time to feed on the desperation of owners who feel their season slipping away.

The news that Peyton Manning will miss Week 1 with a neck injury -- and that his status going forward is unclear -- is good news for the Texans, Ravens, Patriots, Steelers and the other contenders in the AFC. It's bad news for fantasy football owners who were counting on Manning or other Colts to produce this year.