Where's Devard Darling?

[KingJ]

Does anyone have the answer? I know at one point he was dangerously close to being put on IR, but he must have proved himself able to play. I realize he didn't get much (any?) preseason action, but the early trend this year is to play the rookies when all else fails. I find it hard to believe he's so far behind the learning curve that putting Kordell Stewart or Deion seem like better options. Was he inactive for week 2 just because they needed the spot for someone else? With Todd Heap out , Travis Taylor hurting and Randy Hymes being , well, Randy Hymes, isn't it time for Devard?

[The Miner Part 2]

I have no clue who youre talking about. Awsome 1st post.

[Mercer Boy]

Well, Travis Taylor is hurt, and Devard Darling is shown as his replacement on the depth chart. He is not denoted as an injured player. However, it appears as though Randy Hymes has been playing in Taylor's stead; he has 8 catches for 83 yards this year. So, Darling is either still hurt or still too low on the depth chart to play. Maybe he hasn't learned the offense well enough?

Here's the point of the whole thing: Do you really want to play any Ravens offensive player other than Jamal Lewis? I mean, maybe you could play Kevin Johnson in a really deep league as a #3 WR, but other than that, I'd take my chances with any other team's passing game.

[KingJ]

I wasn't so much contemplating picking him up as trying to determine if he'd gone AWOL on the Ravens (and who could blame him, really). Not too long after he was drafted, there were a few people on this board who spoke highly of him. I guess I am just pulling for him to succeed after having suffered the loss of his twin brother, Devaughn I believe, who also was a football player and died during a college practice.

**Off topic alert- Don't read past this point or you'll probably feel compelled to inform me I am off the subject**

Miner, not sure if you we're being sarcastic or not. Either way, you should know I am originally from Illinois and am a Bears fan.
To insult me would be insulting one of your own. I realize by admitting to being a Bears fan I will instantly lose credibility with some of you. I'm OK with that.

[Gunslinger]

Darling is a very talented rookie, but he's been battling injuries. I'm pretty high on him longterm (dynasty leagues) but being in the Baltimore system is going to stunt his growth somewhat.

[IRON CHEF]

KingJ I think Miner was commenting on the fact that he knew nothing about Devard Darling, so it was more of a compliment than anything.

As for Devard, I drafted him in a dynasty league hoping he might eventually pan out or produce, but I dropped him because I needed roster space and he completely fell off the radar. But with Heap out and the Ravens turning to WRs in the passing game, maybe Darling will start seeing more opportunities.

[Chopper]

Darling was dealing with a quadriceps injury through much of camp. He was active for the first game (not sure if he played; no cathces), but not the second. His injury (and Taylor's and others) was talked about as one of the reasons that Prime Time could see time at WR. Darling, best I can tell, is still on the roster and may be called upon before long, but there isn't a whole lot of buzz about him.

[The Miner Part 2]

Wasnt meaning to offend, I just thought it was a bizarre first post.

[KingJ]

I was going to post this morning that I was picking Darling up to fill a useless roster space. I was then going to say with my luck, Clarence Moore, the other Ravens rookie WR, would be the one to come from nowhere and be the next big thing (Literally, he's 6'6)

Well lo and behold, the Ravens website has a Clarence Moore feature on the home page, comparing him to Herman Moore. Of course all they can really base it on is height and having the same last name. The point is, he seems to be more in the gameplan now than Darling.

I guess my first post was odd, but I am only new to the forum, not new to fantasy football. I've been reading posts here for a couple of years, and finally had a question of my own.

[smackthefirst]

Actually news around Balt is Darling is having a hard time coping with his life as of right now.

I heard this all on a sports talk show so don't have a link and you can choose to believe it or not. Heck, im not to sure about it all either until I get more but it does make sense.

Essentially, Darling is dealing with a lot of pressure from the combined factors of:

Injury
Having hard time adjusting to pro game

And of course this is all compounded because to hear him talk, his lone goal is to make it for his brother.

Now hes not a head case like the guy from Minn (I forget his name but you know who I mean), but right now hes just in one of those spots we've all been before I suppose.

But the kid does have heart and a lot of talent. He might not make heads turn this year, but in the future he will.