NFL

NFL Network’s Jason La Canfora is reporting that Bucs first-round draft pick Josh Freeman will take over as the team’s starting quarterback by as soon as Week 9. Even though the source quoted is the dreaded “insider within the organization,” this rumor seems to make sense as week 8 is the Buccaneers bye.

So far this season, Tampa Bay has had a revolving door at QB and Coach Raheem Morris also admitted following Week 5 that he strongly considered letting Freeman make his debut against Philadelphia. Considering that Tampa Bay just traded Gains Adams, is rumored to be trying to deal former first-rounder Michael Clayton and the team could conceivably lose their next two games against Carolina and New England, expect to see Freeman make his NFL debut in week 9.

Elsewhere from around the NFL:

Chicago: The Bears have acquired DE Gaines Adams from the Buccaneers in exchange for a 2010 second-round draft pick. Adams, who has been a big disappointment, caught a huge break in being dealt to the Bears. Defensive line guru Rod Marinelli is currently the Bears line coach.

New England: Patriots WR Wes Welker is no longer on the Patriots’ Week 6 injury report after returning to a complete practice Friday. Originally, rumors were swirling around that Welker’s knee might be operated on before the team’s week 8 bye. Welker fantasy owners should be ecstatic about this news.

Washington: Redskins LT Chris Samuels’ season could be over due to spinal stenosis. Samuel, who has made six Pro Bowl’s in his career, will seek a second opinion before making any harsh decisions. Stephon Heye seems to be the new starting LF in Washington.

Washington: Redskins DE Renaldo Wynn has been released. Just like last week, Wynn was cut to make room for P Glenn Pakulak. Ouch-this has to be a big blow to Wynn’s ego.

Philadelphia: Eagles QB Donovan McNabb will wear a flak jacket once again this week to protect his ribs. Coach Andy Reid said McNabb’s ribs are a little sore, but that the quarterback is getting close to 100 percent. McNabb should have an easy week against the Raiders.

Minnesota: The Vikings have re-signed QB John David Booty to their practice squad. Booty, who was a fifth-round pick in 2008, will have to wait to join the Vikings until they can trade Tarvaris Jackson.

Houston: Texans starting DT Shaun Cody is out for Sunday’s game against the Bengals due to the flu. Cedric Benson’s fantasy value increases slightly with this news. Frank Okam is expected to draw the start, with DelJuan Robinson also getting snaps.

San Francisco: The 49ers worked out free agent LB Matt Wilhelm on Friday. Wilhelm has also recently worked out for the Bills and Lions recently. He’s best suited as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 system.