The fact that Vinny Testaverde at the age of 44 was the choice of both the Cardinals and the Panthers illustrates how bad the quarterback market is for teams scrambling for replacements for injured quarterbacks.
Other than Aaron Brooks, little is out there to excite teams, and apparently Brooks isn't on many teams' radars. He wasn't even invited for a visit, even though he's the most talented quarterback available. Tim Rattay was the Cardinals' second choice after Testaverde informed the team Phoenix is too far away from where he wants his family to live. And now that Rattay and Testaverde are off the market where does the next team with a quarterback injury go?
It's amazing how this league chews and spits out quarterbacks. And, believe it or not, the market could be worse. Because nine teams are foolish enough to roll the dice with two quarterbacks on their active rosters, there could even be a thinner market for injuries in the second half of the season.
Sands on the move: One name to watch before next Tuesday's conclusion of the trading period is Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands. The Raiders are willing to move him after they benched him, but it's going to be hard to sell him after he received more than $4 million a year from the Raiders this offseason. Sands is a big defensive tackle, but he didn't make enough plays to satisfy first-year coach Lane Kiffin. For the right price, the Raiders might also be willing to surrender cornerback Fabian Washington, who is now a backup.
Bucs running on empty: The market for running backs is extremely thin. Just ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are down to three running backs because of injuryies to Mike Allstott, Cadillac Williams and Michael Pittman. One name to follow is Anthony Thomas of the Bills. Thomas is popular with Bills head coach Dick Jauron, who was his coach when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears. The right trade offer could make him an option for the Bucs, who might have to get through the rest of the season with third-stringers or practice squaders if they can't make a trade by Tuesday.
Bengals not healing: The bye week apparently didn't help the Bengals. Linebackers Ahmad Brooks (groin) and Caleb Miller (back) aren't practicing. With Lemar Marshall going on the injured reserve because of a torn Achilles, the Bengals have only four healthy linebackers for Sunday's game against the Chiefs. Dhani Jones is probably going to take over at middle linebacker. Landon Johnson and Anthony Schlegel will be the outside starters. Corey Mays, signed last week from the Patriots, will be the backup to every linebacker position.
Raiders missing in action: The Raiders don't expect defensive end Derrick Burgess to be able to play Sunday because of his calf injury. It also doesn't look great for halfback LaMont Jordan, who has a bad back. Jordon did some things on the practice field Thursday. Jordan says the back is feeling better, but it's going to be a push to see if he can make it to the game Sunday against the Chargers. The Raiders should have Dominic Rhodes and Justin Fargas available if Jordan can't go.
Rams thin on the outside: The Rams basically don't have a healthy wide receiver. Isaac Bruce (hamstring), Dane Looker (thigh) and Dante' Hall (ankle) aren't expected to play Sunday against the Ravens. Torry Holt is playing with a sore knee and won't be 100 percent this season. Drew Bennett is bothered by a quad injury, but Holt and Bennett will start. There really isn't anybody else. Marques Hagans is the only healthy receiver but he also serves as the third quarterback. It looks as though he will have to be active Sunday as the third receiver.