With the first half of the season in the books, most Vortex players around the NFL will enter the long and grueling second half of the season this Sunday. Although a few players will get the benefit of having a bye week before heading down the long road of their second half schedule.

In week 9 rookie DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans will try to get back on the winning track when they head to the Big Apple to face the New York Giants. The Texans (2-5) dropped a 28-22 loss at the hand of the Titans last Sunday. Ryans racked up 10 total tackles against the Titans, 6 of the 10 were solo. Despite a bye in Week 5 of the season, DeMeco leads all rookies and is 7^th in the league with 63 total tackles on the year. His 50 solo tackles rank him 2^nd in the league and at the top of all rookies. Many journalists are naming Ryans as a front runner for the 2006 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year that will be awarded at the conclusion of the season.

After a gut wrenching loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night the Carolina Panthers (4-4) will utilize a bye in week 9 to lick their wounds. Starting right guard Evan Mathis who was injured late in the game on Sunday is expected to make a full recovery and be ready when Carolina returns to action in Week 10 when they host Tampa Bay in a Monday night match-up. Defensive tackle Kindal Moorehead continued to provide tough play along the Panthers’ defensive front against the Cowboys. In his role as a reserve, Moorehead has provided much needed depth and strength to one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.

Other news concerning Vortex Players in Week 9

After suffering a hip flexor strain in the loss to Oakland in Week 7, Karlos Dansby did not see action in the Cardinals 14-31 loss to the Packers on Sunday. Dansby and the Cards (1-7) will also be idle this week before hosting the Cowboys in Week 10.

Shaud Williams of the Buffalo Bills enjoyed an off week last Saturday in Tuscaloosa as he watched his former team the Alabama Crimson Tide face Florida International. Williams and the Bills return to action this Sunday when they host fellow Vortex player Charlie Peprah and the Green Bay Packers. Peprah was inactive for last Sunday’s Packer win over the Cardinals. Peprah a rookie out of Alabama was drafted by the New York Giants but was picked up by Green Bay one week before the start of the 2006 season.

Anthony Bryant continues to be a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad.