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Another Sunday, another Fantasy Notebook. ... As we head into the final two weeks of "quiet time" before training camps start it's a good time to gather thoughts on and begin discussing some of the more interesting -- at least from a Fantasy perspective -- situations we'll be watching once the pads go on.

And that's what we'll be doing today. ... Once we get past the preliminaries.

And by preliminaries, I mean FavreWatch 2009 (with a little Vick sprinkled in to break the monotony).

On Wednesday, Brett Favre told the Associated Press that he felt "pretty good" after working out, but the veteran signal caller isn't ready to commit to the Vikings because he wants to make sure he can be effective for an entire season.

Favre has been working out with the local high school football team three days a week all summer, but added a Sunday workout because he's "running out of time." He also told the AP that surgery to repair a biceps tendon in his throwing arm was successful and that he has enough velocity to return to the NFL. He's just not sure whether that means he'll be able to compete for an entire season.

The 39-year-old quarterback says he will give the Vikings an answer on whether he'll play this season by the July 30 start of training camp.

Not surprisingly, head coach Brad Childress (with his job pretty much on the line no matter who his QB is this year) is willing to wait for a decision.

"I know everyone gets concerned about. ... When is it going to be?" Childress said. "It doesn't have to be a minute before training camp, but I think if he is going to do that, he won't miss a day of training camp."

Or will he?

Minneapolis Star-Tribune staffer Sid Hartman isn't sure Favre is a lock to return. According to Hartman, the big problem is not the Vikings. It's Favre, who can't make up his mind as to what he wants to do. The contract won't be a problem, as it will be heavy on incentives. There will not be a big guarantee.

But Hartman closed his piece by advising readers that Favre "is telling his best friends that he hasn't made up his mind. ..."

Hartman's Star-Tribune colleague Judd Zulgad, on the other hand, believes Favre is 99.9 percent certain to return.

Likely teammate to be Jared Allen, however summed it up best.

"If we get Brett, then that's a bonus," Allen told Sam Farmer of the L.A. Times. "But let's either get it done and get moving on with it or let it go. It's not so much that it's a distraction because we're professionals and don't really buy into that. But it's annoying."

No doubt. ... Fortunately, we'll have an answer soon enough.

In another story that's picking up steam. ... Michael Vick undoubtedly will request reinstatement from the league as soon as his sentence officially ends tomorrow.

It remains to be seen whether NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell expedites the matter, given that training camps soon will be opening. Also unclear is the amount of interest Vick might draw if reinstated.

In case you don't know where I stand on this one: Vick should get a second chance. And he will.

But a second chance at life doesn't necessarily mean a second chance at earning millions of dollars playing in the NFL. It might. But a second chance might also entail spending the rest of his days in more mundane -- and less lucrative -- pursuits.

I hope we all understand the difference between deserving a second chance and being owed a roster spot in the NFL. They are two entirely different things. ...

Meanwhile, USA Today's Jarrett Bell reports that Vick's high school football coach, Tommy Reamon, has been helping the former Falcon get ready to play again. Vick has been improving his condition with agility drills. He also has been throwing footballs in his backyard, but no farther than 20 or 30 yards. ...

With that out of the way. ...

We'll get the ball rolling this week in Denver, where Colorado Springs Gazette staffer Frank Schwab recently offered his take on the team's backfield. Schwab opened his article, published July 9, by advising readers: "Be wary of anyone who says they know exactly how the Broncos are going to utilize their running backs this season.

"That's very tough to project before training camp, especially in Denver's complicated situation."

I couldn't agree more.

Nor do I have any issues with Schwab's believe that Knowshon Moreno is the favorite to lead the team in carries and yards.

As Schwab framed it: "Denver didn't ignore their glaring defensive needs with the 12th overall pick to draft someone that wouldn't play a lot as a rookie."

That said, Schwab was quick to point out that unlike Ryan Clady, who was a starter from his first off-season practice last year, Moreno ran third on the depth chart behind LaMont Jordan and Correll Buckhalter throughout recent workouts.

Schwab believes that will change, but he also stresses it will be tough to pinpoint when and how much Moreno will take over the position when he does get promoted. I tend to think the promotion will come early and the workload will be heavy.

Remember: Moreno rushed for 2,734 yards and 30 touchdowns in only two seasons at Georgia. His college productivity is undeniable. Moreno's 1,400 yards rushing in 2008 rank fifth on the Bulldogs annual record chart and rank behind Herschel Walker as the second-best season total by a sophomore.

Known as the team's workhorse, he averaged 19.15 rushing attempts per game, the second-most career total in school annals.

I'll further remind you that head coach Josh McDaniels went out of his way to praise Moreno's all-around ability upon drafting him.

Indeed (as I reported in a May 3 Fantasy Notebook), McDaniels told reporters that Moreno has the potential to be an every down running back. The coach also stressed the newcomer's pass-protection skills.

"One of the things that no one will talk too much about is his pass protection. For a college back that's something that doesn't get a lot of recognition," McDaniels said. "This guy stands in there and can put his face right in his numbers and he'll keep him off the quarterback."

Schwab also stressed there were no signs in mini-camps that Moreno couldn't perform at a very high level in the NFL.

Assuming he performs to his talent level during training camp, Moreno should rise up the depth chart. Schwab, however, offered the following caveat: "Moreno might not become a Terrell Davis-type workhorse right away."

And that, of course, sets up the question Fantasy owners trying to assign value to Moreno and the rest of the Broncos' running backs will be asking on a regular basis through August.

Opinion -- while clearly favoring Moreno -- is mixed and tends to run towards caution.

According to the Sports Xchange's Derek Harper, Moreno has top quickness and surprising power, drawing comparisons to Clinton Portis for his abandon running the ball in traffic.

Harper added, however, that Moreno isn't as naturally strong as Portis, and there are concerns about how he'll hold up to the pounding taken as a featured runner in the NFL.

Others believe the presence of Jordan, Buckhalter, Peyton Hillis and Ryan Torain are reasons enough for concern.

Given the logjam at the position, Denver Post staffer Lindsay H. Jones warned readers in May against expecting "the next, great 25-carry-per-game running back.

"That does not seem to be McDaniels' style.

"Instead, think of a trio -- at least -- of tailbacks, each with 10 to 15 touches a game. ..."

Schwab also hinted at that angle, suggesting while the Broncos clearly didn't burn that first-round pick to have Moreno sit on the bench, they also didn't sign Buckhalter and Jordan to have no role at all.

Schwab went on to remind readers that Buckhalter has been an effective NFL running back, averaging 4.5 yards per carry in his career and about 5 yards per carry the past two seasons. Jordan, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry in New England last year, knows the offense and McDaniels knows what he can do.

More than the presence of two veterans, however, Schwab believes that McDaniels' previous use of tailback committees -- and his success with that approach -- is what might keep Moreno from carrying the ball 20 times per game.

Last year New England had five tailbacks get significant time, and only one (Sammy Morris) had more than 83 carries.

Opinion in that regard, however, is far from unanimous.

According to ESPN.com AFC West blogger Bill Williamson, "There is no doubt Moreno will become the featured back in Denver where, during the Mike Shanahan days, running backs were mined in the late rounds."

Even Jones, who expects a committee approach, advised readers earlier this month that Moreno "has the makings of a star."

RapidDraft.com's Mike Beacom offered the following take in this year's Fantasy Football DraftBook magazine: "While it's not a lock by any means that the former University of Georgia star will be the featured running back in Week 1, it seems inevitable that he'll assume the role at some point during the season.

"The only drawback to his potential success is he could lose goal-line touches to one of the bigger backs on the roster, but he should still be able produce enough points as a No. 2 or 3 back to keep his Fantasy owners satisfied. ..."

NFL.com's Michael Fabiano offered the following take: "I still think Moreno has 1,000-yard potential, and his skills as a receiver out of the backfield makes him more attractive than one-dimensional runners.

"But there could be weeks that Moreno loses carries and posts inconsistent stat lines, especially when you consider McDaniels' fondness for committees with the Patriots. The chance for that sort of scenario to emerge will make Moreno a third- or fourth-round selection in most seasonal drafts. ..."

I agree with that likely ADP.

I also believe Moreno could provide considerable value from that spot -- especially in point-per reception scoring formats.

In addition to Moreno's undeniable ability as a pure ball carrier, I believe McDaniels' preference for spread formations makes it even more likely the rookie emerges as a true play-making threat in his first season. At the very least, he's a versatile back with outstanding quickness and elusiveness who gives the Broncos another weapon in the passing game with his exceptional hands and underrated route-running.

Kind of like Matt Forte in Chicago last year. ... Oh, and Steve Slaton in Houston and Chris Johnson in Tennessee.

Bottom line for me? Moreno ranks 19th among all running backs on my current FootballDiehards.com rankings (please note: those using our customizable web-based cheatsheets could come up with different results based on the scoring and line-up requirements set upon creation). ...

Also in Denver. ... As an injured player, receiver Brandon Marshall has been informed he needs to show up for training camp with the team's rookies on July 27. And as Post staffer Mike Klis pointed out, as a disgruntled player, Marshall could have reacted poorly to such a mandate.

All players received a letter from McDaniels that formally notified them of their reporting dates for training camp. Veterans who demonstrated healthy bodies through the Broncos' off-season mini-camps don't have to report until July 30, with two-a-day workout sessions commencing the next day.

Rookies and players rehabilitating from injury are scheduled to report July 27.

In case you haven't been paying attention, Marshall is coming off hip surgery that forced him to miss the entire offseason. He also sent the message he was unhappy with the Broncos' medical treatment and his contract by moving his rehabilitation away from the team's facility, then skipping the final mini-camp in mid-June.

Marshall, a 2006 fourth-round NFL draft pick who earned $1.5 million in each of his first three seasons, reportedly wants an upgrade to a contract that is set to pay him $2.2 million in 2009.

Still, as Klis explained, the odds of a holdout lasting into the regular season are slim.

All players who don't report by Aug. 11 must forfeit an accrued season. That would leave Marshall as a third-year player in 2009 instead of a fourth-year player. In turn, he would remain another season from the potential jackpot that is unrestricted free-agent eligibility.

On a more positive note, Marshall has been working out in Minneapolis with the Cardinals' Larry Fitzgerald and a handful of other NFL wideouts (including retired all-time greats Jerry Rice and Cris Carter along with such current players as Greg Jennings, Lee Evans, Michael Clayton and Brian Robiskie).

That he's working with that group clearly suggests Marshall is getting ready to play.

He subsequently confirmed that belief in an interview on the red carpet at the ESPY awards.

In fact, Marshall made it clear that plans to show up for training camp as required.

"Right now I'm obligated, I'm under contract. ... It's $14,000 a day if I miss," Marshall said on Wednesday. "I'm not stupid. So I will be there."

Actually, as Profootballtalk.com's Mike Florio noted, it's more like $17,000 per day for a training-camp holdout, if Marshall chooses to stay away.

Complicating matters at least slightly, however, Marshall hinted at an agreement he claims to have with owner Pat Bowlen during a recent meeting, which presumably is a reference to the supposed promise by Bowlen that he will trade Marshall, if Marshall wants out.

Again, all indications coming from the team are that's not the case.

Appearing on NFL Network's Total Access the next day, Marshall said his agent, Kennard McGuire, is handling all aspects of his contract negotiations, and he didn't want to discuss his reasons for wanting a trade.

"It wouldn't be fair for me to sit up here and bash the organization and say things that we've been trying to keep behind closed doors," Marshall said.

Marshall also said during the Thursday appearance that said there was "more to it" than money, but refused to elaborate.

Marshall spoke positively about Bowlen, new head coach Josh McDaniels and new quarterback Kyle Orton, but he didn't seem to include himself as part of the Broncos.

"The locker room guys are buying into coach McDaniels' system. Guys, they're excited for what he's selling. Guys are working hard," Marshall said. "I can honestly say the Broncos are on track to do some good things. ..."

As for the hip?

Marshall claims to be making major progress.

"Just the other day, I did a 360 dunk and followed up with a windmill," Marshall said during the NFL Network spot. "I'm good. I'm ready. ..."

In a related note. ... Schwab reports the player who continues to benefit the longer Marshall avoids team activities is Jabar Gaffney, who has been the starter opposite Eddie Royal during mini-camps.

Even assuming Marshall remains a Bronco, Gaffney is likely to be the third receiver, which has a lot of value in the offense.

That's probably not great news for Brandon Stokley fans -- but the diminutive veteran receiver could still carve out a role under McDaniels. As Schwab notes, Stokley's ability and McDaniels' desire to spread the field could at least secure the veteran's roster spot.

That said, Gaffney knows the offense well and was plenty productive when given the opportunity in New England. ...

In Green Bay. ... The plan for the 2009 season is for the Packers to run the ball more frequently. At least that's what offensive coordinator Joe Philbin is hoping.

According to Green Bay Press-Gazette staffer Mike Vandermause, Philbin was talking recently about his expectation that Ryan Grant would get the bulk of the carries this season. But then he added that if the Packers can run more often, then other backs on the team, such as Brandon Jackson, could see their share of carries go up as well.

"Boy I'd love to see us run 32-34 times a game where we need to split up the carries a little better," said Philbin. "We haven't been that type of a team consistently. We've had spurts where we ran it that much but we need to get it up in the 30s on a consistent basis. When that happens the way the game unfolds dictates that you balance it out a little better.

"When you're running it 24 times, it's a little different."

The Packers' total number of rushes last season (437) works out to an average of 27 carries per game. If they increased that total by five carries per game as Philbin would like, the Packers' run-pass ratio would be close to 50-50.

"We want to be a balanced offensive football team," the coordinator told Vandermause. "We don't want to be an empty team. That's not where we want to go. The better balance we have, the more success we'll have offensively."

What about Philbin's comments regarding Jackson seeing more time behind Grant?

ESPN.com NFC North blogger Kevin Seifert noted last week that he asked general manager Ted Thompson about that last month.

Thompson said the team likes the idea of a 1-2 punch, but Seifert was left with the impression that coaches plan to use Grant for the vast majority of carries again this year.

"I think you need multiple guys," Thompson told Seifert. "And we think we have some guys that can step in and play. We've put a lot of burden on Ryan the last couple of years, and I think in an ideal situation we would have some guys step in and take some of those reps, but we feel like Ryan will be our guy."

When you look at the numbers, the Packers' distribution actually has been more equitable than you might imagine.

Grant has taken 82 percent of the carries Green Bay has given its tailbacks since Week 7 of the 2007 season. He has 495 carries over that 26-game span while all other runners have 106.

Seifert went on to express serious doubts about Grant falling below that 80 percent threshold this season, providing he stays healthy.

The problem with that, Seifert suggests, would be the way it's kept Jackson from developing into a consistent No. 2 threat capable of providing a routine rotation. This summer might represent Jackson's last chance to earn that role.

Getting back to Grant, he's starting to look more like a solid value pick.

Remember, last offseason was about financial security for Grant. Grant stayed away from the Packers' facility most of last season and then suffered a hamstring injury that lingered and affected his explosiveness through the hole.

The result was fewer big plays, and the Packers had to ask Aaron Rodgers to do more than was designed.

Grant rushed for more than 1,200 yards but scored just four touchdowns and had four fumbles.

So this year will be about redemption.

Grant is healthy entering training camp, and by all accounts had a terrific offseason. He's pointed to big plays, long gains and explosiveness as his goals.

Indeed, Harper reports that Grant is out to prove he can consistently be the player that earned a contract last offseason. If the Packers' offensive line, which could have three new starters, comes together, Grant will be a player to target on draft day. ...

In Arizona. ... Pro Football Weekly reports that Chris "Beanie" Wells, the Cardinals first-round draft pick, has dropped 18 pounds -- from 247 to 229 -- since he began working out under the direction of strength and conditioning coach John Lott.

The PFW report adds to recent blogging by AZCardinals.com staffer Darren Urban, who recently advised readers that Lott has taken Wells under his wing, knowing Beanie's importance to the future of the team.

Lott, who nicknames all the rookies, calls Wells "Little Jim Brown." Lott -- who worked with Brown when Lott was with the Cleveland Browns -- sees a facial resemblance.

Will the Cards see any kind of playing resemblance from Beanie?

"I made a promise to Fitzgerald, a promise to (head coach) Kenny [Whisenhunt], a promise to players interested," Lott said of his interest in seeing Beanie break out. "I think this kid has a chance to do something. He's got the tools. ... He could be a beast. ..."

While I'm not necessarily buying into the off-season workout hype, Wells does rank as the first Cardinals running back on our current FDH rankings.

I'll remind you, however, that doesn't necessarily mean Wells is a lock to be the Week 1 starter.

In fact, Urban caused a bit of a stir a few weeks back when he suggested Tim Hightower and not Wells would be the Cards' starting running back in the Sept. 13 regular-season opener.

Urban addressed the issue again last week, when he wrote: "It's impossible to know exactly how this will play out over the season (Did anyone last July -- heck, last September -- see fifth-round pick Hightower supplanting [Edgerrin James] altogether? I think not). I think Beanie will get playing time, whatever he earns, behind Hightower. Jason Wright will be in the mix too.

"Beanie's physical tools are better than Hightower's, but that's far from a lock when they get on the field."

True enough. The fact is, we haven't seen Wells work at the pro level yet. As Urban explained, we learned little during the off-season practices. Wells barely took part in any of those thanks to the Ohio State semester. The coaching staff had already headed out on vacation by the time Beanie returned.

But Lott, who spent years training Curtis Martin in New York, sees Wells as the potentially perfect blend of power and speed -- someone who can break long runs, a bonus the Cards simply haven't had much of from running backs of recent vintage.

And that play-making ability is something we didn't see a whole lot of from Hightower last season. ...

In a semi-related note. ... NBCSports.com's Tom Curran, writing for PFT late last month, advised readers that James, who turns 31 in August, got an offer from a team earlier this offseason. Agent Drew Rosenhaus wouldn't tell Curran which club but declared, "We will be selective. We want to make sure for Edge that he goes to a good situation. He would like an opportunity to have a significant role and a great opportunity for playing time.

"We may wait until right before camp and see what teams have the greatest need. We may wait until during or after camps when teams are dealing with injuries."

James is coming off the least productive season of his 10-year career, carrying for just 514 yards on 133 carries. But the Cardinals turned to him at the tail end of their stunning season and James gave himself some bounce as he entered the market, closing the regular season with a 14-carry, 100-yard game against the Seahawks and then going for 236 yards on 61 carries in four playoff games.

Not surprisingly, Rosenhaus claims James is ready for action. "He's always worked out on his own anyway so he continues to be in excellent shape. He's healthy, excited and ready to have a great season. ..."

While the Saints and Eagles have been mentioned as possible destinations for James, the field could open up a bit when training camps open, pre-season play gets underway and people start getting hurt. ...

One last note out of Arizona. ... Fitzgerald did not attend ESPYs because he did not want to miss a workout.

In a message to fans posted to his Twitter account, Fitzgerald wrote: "all my fans thank u 4 votin 4 me @ the espy's! Sorry I couldnt b there 2 accept my award of best nfl player. Missin a workout cant happen!"

Might I go so far as to suggest that's the kind of dedication it takes to be considered the best player at your position in the NFL right now?

In Buffalo. ... As BuffaloBrowns.com staffer Chris Brown reminded readers early this past week, Buffalo's offense has had a few playmakers the past few seasons, but opponents more often than not have been able to hold those two or three premium weapons in check.

And though playmakers like Evans, Josh Reed and Marshawn Lynch have all posted personal career highs in that span and two have reached milestones like 1,000 yards in a season it hasn't translated into victories sufficient for a playoff berth.

So, Buffalo's need for more playmakers was obvious. Hence the addition of Terrell Owens.

But the need for others to pick up the pace and take pressure off the bigger names prompted Brown to suggest a handful of players he believes are capable of delivering game-changing plays -- even while working in supporting roles.

Among those Brown singles out are running backs Fred Jackson and Dominic Rhodes.

Jackson has provided some big plays for the Bills in the past. His 54-yard catch and run against Washington as part of a 151-yard all purpose day in a comeback win while spot starting for an injured Lynch was just one example. Last year's 131-yard rushing effort in the season finale was another.

With a strong likelihood that his role on offense will increase, Brown believes Jackson stands a good chance of being a weekly spark plug for the offense.

"I'd like to see an ever-increasing role with Fred," running backs coach Eric Studesville told Brown. "He's proven that he's dependable and productive in everything that we've asked him to do. So we're going to do it, get him more touches and find more ways to get him in the game."

Much like Jackson, Rhodes is a smooth receiving option out of the backfield.

Coming off a 2008 season with Indianapolis in which he set a career high in receptions with 45, which included three touchdowns, Brown considers Rhodes to be yet another potential playmaker who could make it tough for the coaching staff to keep him off the field.

"His experience speaks for itself, as far as what he's done in the past," said Studesville. "I'm excited to get him into pads. But he's a veteran player who's sharp and smart and has great quicks and burst."

When head coach Dick Jauron first expressed an interest in adding a third running back he said it was partly in the interest of lightening the load carried by Lynch and Jackson. Though Jauron liked the way both backs were utilized in Buffalo's offense last season, it was clear he wanted another back that was dependable.

"We'd like to take a little bit of pressure off of them," said Jauron of Lynch and Jackson. "We wanted to find a guy with a little more experience in that third spot."

And that man is Rhodes.

Brown concedes that some outside observers see Rhodes' presence as a detractor for Lynch, knowing in some way it will take opportunities away from Buffalo's feature back. On the other hand, it's also likely to keep Lynch a lot fresher come the end of the season when the countless number of hits really begin to take their toll, but the running game is needed all the more.

Whatever the case, as Brown summed up, knowing Lynch is going to miss the first three regular season games due to suspension, Rhodes and Jackson could be delivering a lot of impact plays early in 2009 -- and perhaps beyond. ...

Other players on Brown's radar?

With a good on field chemistry already established with Trent Edwards, Brown believes receiver Steve Johnson could find his way on the field in four-wide looks and in the red zone, which could translate into more scoring opportunities than expected, knowing attention will be paid to Evans and Owens.

And noting the starting tight end job is his to lose, Brown believes Derek Schouman could be yet another reliable red-zone threat if too much attention is paid to Evans and Owens by opposing defenses. He may not catch 50 passes in 2009, but he could provide the offense with some much needed points inside the 20-yard line.

Second-year man Derek Fine will be battling Schouman for the starting tight end role. Though rookie Shawn Nelson is a game-breaking talent, chances are that it will be Fine or Schouman making more plays in the passing this fall. ...

And finally this week, yet another installment from "85's Twitterverse. ..." In case you missed last week's episode, Chad Ochocinco recently declared his desire to "Tweet" (post to Twitter) during NFL games and the NFL already gave him a very firm "no."

But he says he plans on doing it anyway.

According to Yahoo! Sports' "Shutdown Corner" blog, the Ocho said: "There's a lot of things they don't want me to do. I do it anyway. They know that. I don't know why they even fussing about it. ... When I say I'm going to do something, I'm going to do it, regardless of what they say."

My guess is league officials will be asking Ochocinco to break out the ol' checkbook on a regular basis until he sees it their way.

That's it for this week's Notebook. I'll check in again next Sunday. ... In the meantime, keep an eye on the News & Views section of this site for late-breaking news and other tidbits of interest. Watch the Headline News section for more in-depth reviews of current events -- including the Fantasy Notebook.

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