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Backup plans: reserves who will be thrust into prominent roles as stars rebound from injuries

Sporting News, The, July 21, 2006 by Vinnie Iyer

Charlie Batch, QB, Steelers. He figures to get plenty of preseason reps with Ben Roethlisberger recovering from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. The team is in good hands if Big Ben can't go because of Batch's familiarity with its schemes.

Angelo Crowell, OLB, Bills. Takeo Spikes has progressed well so far while recovering from a torn right Achilles', but Buffalo has terrific insurance in Crowell, a young playmaker in the making who would benefit from more playing time.

Joey Harrington, QB, Dolphins. Miami is supposed to be a fresh start for Harrington, but the team might be in trouble early if Daunte Culpepper has any setbacks with his knee. Harrington's past inspires little confidence.

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Damione Lewis, DT, Panthers. Carolina didn't want to get caught without front-four depth if Kris Jenkins goes down again. Lewis and fellow newcomer Maake Kemoeatu are expected to develop into key parts of the rotation.

Marcus McNeill, OT, Chargers. With the quarterback change to inexperienced Philip Rivers, the team hopes veteran left tackle Roman Oben can come back from his foot surgeries and hold together the protection. If that doesn't happen, McNeill, a rookie, will be pressed into a key role.

Anthony Wright, QB, Bengals. Wright has shown a nice arm in the past, but Carson Palmer is an irreplaceable talent in terms of smarts and physical tools. If Palmer's knee rehab hits a snag, the playbook will have to be scaled back.

DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers. Considering starter DeShaun Foster (leg) and second-year back Eric Shelton (foot) are trying to return from broken bones, the team's top draft pick will need to have a great camp to prove he can handle being the feature back.

Backup plans: reserves who will be thrust into prominent roles as stars rebound from injuries

Sporting News, The, July 21, 2006 by Vinnie Iyer

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