Graham gets smacked, responds with hurdle

Jimmy Graham has had an eventful first quarter. (USATSI)

The Saints were driving on the opening series of the Thursday night game vs. the Panthers, and everything was going well for New Orleans as it moved quickly into the red zone.

Until this happened (and look at that tremendous ricochet off the fine play by Carolina cornerback Antoine Cason that landed in the arms of Dwan Edwards).

Obviously, that's a painful result for a Saints offense that had looked strong thus far. But maybe not as painful as the hit Thomas Davis put on Jimmy Graham during the return.

Though Graham didn't immediately rise from the turf, he was fine, returning on the next Saints series.

As you can see here as he just hurdles whomever is in his way. .

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Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (ankle) nearing return



Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Tuesday that Robert Griffin III is nearing a return to action. "I think Robert is very, very, very close and we just have to decide if he's ready," Gruden said. "Physically I think he'll be ready to go. Doctors are feeling pretty good about it, they still want to feel around this week until we make the final determination. I just want to make sure he feels good in the pocket."Griffin dislocated his ankle in the team's Week 2 game versus Jacksonville. There was some level of confidence in backup Kirk Cousins. That, however, has subsided. In relief, Cousins threw almost as many interceptions (nine) as touchdowns (10). Washington lost each of the four games he played in full. Cousins was benched in favor of Colt McCoy at halftime of the team's Week 7 game. McCoy got the start in Week 8 and played admirably. In spite of that, it appears the team will gladly turn back to Griffin as soon as he's physically ready to go.



This is good news for everyone in Washington as RGIII is easily the most talented QB on the Redskins' roster. His health has been an issue and was the source of many fantasy stories and headaches last season. If Griffin returns for Week 9, he'll have his work cut out for him. The 'Skins Week 9 opponent, Minnesota, gives up the second-fewest fantasy points in the league to quarterbacks.The biggest beneficiaries from this news are WRs Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson, along with TE Jordan Reed. Griffin being under center bumps up their value significantly. While we wouldn't recommend starting Griffin this week, his skill players should be used as they normally would, with a little added confidence.