Chaz

Schilens

The reputed owner of big-play ability, Schilens has rarely flashed it thanks to a steady stream of injuries. He appeared in a career-high 15 games for the Raiders last season, but was nevertheless slowed by a foot ailment, and limited to just 271 yards on 23 catches. He’s a potentially high-reward flier for the Jets, but not the legitimate No. 2 receiver they desperately need opposite Santonio Holmes. What little dynasty-league value Schilens had will also take a hit as leaves Oakland’s creative offense for Mark Sanchez and New York’s “ground and pound” attack.

The coaching staff counted eight drops in Week 6, and though some were borderline, Javon Walker and Ronald Curry simply haven’t gotten it done. Curry needs to be in the slot and Walker should be on the bench. Rookie Chaz Schilens and impressive practice player Todd Watkins deserve shots.

Per Redskins beat writer Rick Maese, Campbell already has a deal worked out with Al Davis that will pay him $3.14 million this year and $4.5 million in 2011. Campbell may have to “earn” the job by beating out JaMarcus Russell, but it won’t be a competition. Campbell is a much better passer than either Russell or Bruce Gradkowski, so Zach Miller and Chaz Schilens are now prime candidates for breakout seasons. Upgrade Darren McFadden and Michael Bush as well, as defenses won’t be able to key on the running game.

Context is important here. Schilens had spent the previous minute showering Charlie Frye with praise for his first-half performance, only to clam up when asked about Russell. While Al Davis may save him from the chopping block, Russell isn’t going to be starting for Oakland in 2010.

Todd Watkins may have earned the No. 4 job with a strong camp while Chaz Schilens may be the favorite for the No. 5 job. Rookie Arman Shields (knee, hamstring) is in danger of being placed on injured reserve or the practice squad. This could be the worst bench in the league.

He’s already ruled out for Sunday’s tilt with San Diego, which rookie Louis Murphy will start. “I’d say it’s on schedule,” Schilens said. “Everything is settled, the bone is healing well.” He added that his return date will come down to a pain-tolerance issue. The Raiders visit the Chiefs in Week 2.

No details on the damage yet. But we’re pretty sure the fact that we were hyping him up as a nice sleeper recently put the curse on Schilens. Hopefully we’ll get an update after practice.

The Raiders gave no timetable, but this is similar to the injury that cost Donnie Avery 4-6 weeks. On that projection, Schilens would be doubtful for the first two regular season games. He’s currently on crutches. This may force Oakland to start Javon Walker and Darrius Heyward-Bey on opening day. Schilens was the most impressive player in Raiders camp. We’d say downgrade JaMarcus Russell, but you shouldn’t be targeting him anyway.

Don’t expect him to play in Week 2, either. Schilens, an emerging “sleeper” pick in recent weeks, is more of a deep league sleeper at this point. He could be worth an in-season pickup, but is likely to start slow when he returns.

We probably won’t see him before Week 3. In retrospect, Schilens’ injury is more severe than Donnie Avery’s. Avery didn’t need surgery and broke only the fourth metatarsal, whereas Schilens fractured the trickier fifth. Schilens was terrific in the preseason opener, but is no longer draftable in 10-team leagues. He’s not a good bet to make an impact before Weeks 7-8.