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Little separation between Aaron Jones, AJ Dillon?
Green Bay HC: RBs “1A and 1A" options
By: Doug Orth | Aug 22 2022, 11:50 pm
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Matt LaFleur calls Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon running backs “1A and 1A.”
“They’re two of the premier backs in our league, in my opinion. They can do anything.” (The Athletic - Matt Schneidman)
FFToday's Take: LaFleur;s comments should serve as a reminder to fantasy managers to move Dillon up their draft boards. While Jones will start and is the better fantasy option of the two for now, it is hard to justify a 2-3 round gap between the players when Dillon could lead the team in rushing and see a fair amount of activity in the passing game. Jones is consistently going in the late first and early second round, while Dillon can be had in the fifth or even sixth round. It means Jones may be getting drafted about a round too early and Dillon is going at least a round too late.
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Kenyan Drake's time in Sin City coming to an end
Ameer Abdullah appears poised to assume passing-down role
By: Doug Orth | Aug 22 2022, 11:30 pm
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The Las Vegas Raiders plan to release veteran running back Kenyan Drake and absorb a $3.6 million salary-cap hit this year and $4.4 million in 2023 as a result.
Drake said in a phone interview with The Associated Press on Monday that general manager Dave Ziegler called him personally to let him know the team was moving on. (NFL Network - Tom Pelissero)
FFToday's Take: It was a bad sign for Drake's spot on the roster when the Raiders opted to rest Ameer Abdullah and play the 28-year-old over the last two preseason games. Drake's release makes it very likely that Ameer Abdullah will serve in the same passing-down role that Kevin Faulk, Danny Woodhead and James White made famous in New England under former Pats OC (and current Raiders HC) Josh McDaniels. Do not be surprised if Abdullah maintains flex value for what figures to be a very good offense in Las Vegas.
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Isaiah Spiller dealing with ankle injury
Could miss Week 1
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 22 2022, 2:28 pm
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RB Isaiah Spiller (ankle) will miss the final preseason game and there is “a chance” he’ll miss the season opener Week 1 against the Raiders, Brandon Staley said. (Daniel Popper on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Spiller has been a popular best-ball pick in the double-digit rounds as a potential backup to Austin Ekeler. However, it's been Joshua Kelley running with the second team and currently sitting ahead of Spiller on the depth chart. Kelly may have more early-season value while Spiller could be a fantasy factor in the back half of the season.
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Tom Brady expected to return to the Bucs this week
Team scheduled to practice on Monday
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 21 2022, 12:02 pm
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Todd Bowles reiterates Tom Brady will be back this week, but won't say anything more specific. "Early" this week, he says. Brady did not play in Tampa Bay’s preseason opener against the Dolphins, and it is not yet known if he will play in the preseason finale against Indianapolis. (Greg Auman on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Brady's been absent for personal reasons for the last couple weeks. For what exact reason we do not know. It's never good for the team's starting quarterback to miss this much practice time in the middle camp but Brady's certainly one player that can overcome the absence.
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RB Khalil Herbert practicing on Sunday
Left practice early yesterday
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 21 2022, 11:21 am
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Good news on the injury front for the Bears running back room. Fullback Khari Blasingame, who had a brace on his left arm during the Seattle game, does not have the brace on today and is practicing. So is Khalil Herbert, who left practice early yesterday. (Courtney Cronin on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: There was a report floating around yesterday that Herbert sustained a serious injury but that is obviously not the case.
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Changing role for Mike Gesicki?
“I played receiver last year, I’m playing tight end now"
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 21 2022, 8:00 am
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All throughout practice this month, Mike Gesicki has been less a focal point of the offense than he was a year ago. “It’s definitely a whole different offense, a whole different scheme. I’m learning a new position, honestly,” Gesicki said. “I played receiver last year, I played receiver the last three, four years. I’m playing tight end now.
(Miami Herald)
FFToday's Take: It sounds like Gesicki is going to be asked to block more in this offense which could lead to fewer targets. It also means he will share the field more often with fellow tight end Durham Smythe. Gesicki is probably overvalued this point as the current TE12 in PPR leagues.
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Michael Pittman clicking with Matt Ryan
Emerging fantasy superstar in the explosive WR
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 19 2022, 12:00 am
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From the Star: "Michael Pittman Jr. has hit it off with Ryan right away. From the start of training camp, he’s been the new starter’s No. 1 target by far, hauling in 34 passes over 13 practices." (Indianapolis Star)
FFToday's Take: He makes big catches and he scores a lot. Now he has a guy that has thrown to similar talents and knows how to make them shine. MPJ is heading way up in value.
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No date for Tom Brady's return set yet
GOAT's status not an issue, is it?
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 18 2022, 7:00 pm
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Greg Auman (@gregauman) tweets: "Todd Bowles on Tom Brady’s return: “We’ll see. We’ll talk about it next week. I’m not concerned about it right now. We’re trying to practice against Tennessee and play a game. I said sometime after Tennessee. There’s no definitive date for me. We’ll keep in touch and find out.” (Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Brady is a weird guy, but we're still assuming he'll get together with the team soon and start readying to play football. The fantasy needle stays pretty much put pinned somewhere in that second tier for 2022.
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Deshaun Watson gets 11-game suspension, $5 million fine
First game back will be Week 13 against Houston
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 18 2022, 11:57 am
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Breaking: NFL and NFLPA reached agreement on an 11-game suspension for Browns QB Deshaun Watson, per sources. The settlement also includes a fine of $5 million that will go to charity. Deal still is not signed but it is agreed to. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Given Cleveland's bye is in Week 9, Watson will likely see the field in Week 13 against the Texans. The question now becomes, will the Browns roll with Jacoby Brissett or make a play for Jimmy Garoppolo who's currently still with the 49ers but could be released soon. Watson' not draftable in most redraft leagues unless you have a deep bench.
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Latent Value? UDFA rookie Jaylen Warren new Steelers RB2
Supplants Benny Snell as main backup for Pittsburgh
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 18 2022, 8:54 am
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Dale Lolley (@dlolley_pgh) on Twitter: "Fantasy Alert: It appears Jaylen Warren, as I reported earlier in camp, has supplanted Benny Snell as the Steelers' No. 2 running back."
FFToday's Take: Fantasy alert, indeed, Dale. There's a lot of work for the guy who steps up if anything happens to Najee Harris. Warren is a very relevant draft pick now.
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Mecole Harman leaves practice with groin injury
Landed awkwardly during red zone drills
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 17 2022, 12:19 pm
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The Chiefs say that Mecole Hardman has a groin injury.
Jerick McKinnon has a strained hamstring.
Chris Jones didn’t practice because of a sore back.
James Winchester missed today for personal reasons. (Nate Taylor on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: We don't know the severity of the injury but it's something to monitor as we move forward. Apparently, Hardman landed awkwardly during red zone drills. It's doubtful we'll see Hardman play in the Chiefs second pre-season game against the Commanders on Saturday. JuJu Smith-Schuster also missed practice today because of a knee issue.
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Dameon Pierce likely to start early in season
Expected to pass up Marlon Mack and Rex Burkhead quickly
By: Doug Orth | Aug 16 2022, 11:55 pm
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By the first month of the season, Dameon Pierce could take over the starting job. Former Colt Marlon Mack has the most production of the group, which also features Rex Burkhead, but Pierce has the most explosiveness, and it's only a matter of time until Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton makes Pierce the lead back. (ESPN.com - DJ Bien-Aime)
FFToday's Take: Pierce's usage at the University of Florida was befuddling to say the least, as he never carried the ball more than 106 times. He somehow only amassed 100 rushing attempts in 2021 despite scoring 13 times. It would appear Houston believes he can handle a heavy workload; the major concern with him is that he may be too physical to hold up week after week. Regardless, the Texans desperately need a back like him that can run through contact. He makes sense as a strong RB4 option with RB3 upside on draft day.
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Antonio Gibson getting special teams work
Comes on the heels of poor showing in preseason opener
By: Doug Orth | Aug 16 2022, 11:50 pm
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RB Antonio Gibson is playing the slot on punt (protection), which I believe is a new development.
STs coordinator Nate Kaczor likes RBs in the slot bc the role is similar to pass protection. In the past, it’s been rookie Brian Robinson. (Washington Post - Sam Fortier)
FFToday's Take: The Commanders want Gibson to be their workhorse, but he isn't making it easy on the team with his penchant for fumbling and the inconsistency he shows with his vision. It is more likely than not Gibson's appearance in special teams drills is part of his punishment for his continued lack of ball security. Gibson still figures to be the Week 1 starter, but he could lose more work than expected to J.D. McKissic in the passing game and rookie Brian Robinson Jr. on early down than managers could have expected this spring.
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Saquon Barkley eyeing heavy workload
RB "has looked the best he has in years"
By: Doug Orth | Aug 16 2022, 11:40 pm
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Saquon Barkley has looked the best he has in years. Both quarterback Daniel Jones and coach Brian Daboll used the word "explosive" to describe what they've seen. And it matches what is out there on the field every day. In addition, the strength of the Giants' offensive line appears to be its run-blocking, Barkley should be more involved in the passing game this season, and there isn't much depth behind him. So his workload will be huge ... as long as he's healthy. That's the question: Can you trust him to stay healthy? (ESPN - Jordan Raanan)
FFToday's Take: Most fantasy managers cannot name Barkley's backup (any of them), so it should not come as a surprise that he is in line for a lot of work. The bigger takeaway is that he looks as good as he does. Daboll is expected to feature him prominently in the passing game, which should help reduce some of the risk that could come along with giving him 300-plus touches. While it is not overly likely that he ends up as the overall RB1 in fantasy this season, it is within his range of outcomes if he can stay healthy.
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Courtland Sutton emerging as Denver's top WR?
Russell Wilson leaning on big wideout during August practices
By: Doug Orth | Aug 16 2022, 11:30 pm
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With Tim Patrick's season-ending knee injury, Courtland Sutton's and Jerry Jeudy's roles will only be more prominent, especially in the red zone. Russell Wilson has shown in training camp he's going to move the ball around to find the matchups he likes. But he's also shown in practices and the joint workouts with the Dallas Cowboys that when he really needs a completion or has been moved off his spot by the pass rush, he's going to look for Sutton. (ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold)
FFToday's Take: Legwold notes that Jeudy is too good a route-runner to not be a factor, so it is not as if he will be an afterthought. Nevertheless, Sutton will be nearly two years removed from his ACL injury by Week 1. He will also be playing with the best quarterback he's ever had in Wilson. It is reasonable to believe he will top his career-best season of 72 catches, 1,112 yards and six touchdowns (all in 2019) if he can stay healthy this season.
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Kenneth Walker sidelined
HC: RB nursing a "little hernia thing"
By: Doug Orth | Aug 16 2022, 11:20 pm
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Seahawks RB Ken Walker III didn't practice today. Said HC Pete Carroll: “Ken’s got a little hernia thing that he’s working on and we’ve got to get through that. So I don’t know what to tell you yet, but it’s something that we can attend to and all that ... We’ve just got to make sure that he’s OK by the opener is what we’re shooting for.” (ESPN.com - Brady Henderson)
FFToday's Take: Oddly enough, Anderson reported earlier in the day that Walker "is going to be a bigger part of Seattle's backfield and people may realize." There still a good chance that will happen, but the Seahawks have to hope this is indeed a "little hernia thing" and not the kind of sports hernia that sidelined Rashod Bateman for more than a month last season. If the latter is the case, he will almost certainly not be available for Week 1 and could miss more than a month.
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Zack Moss making a case for playing time
Enjoying strong offseason and training camp
By: Doug Orth | Aug 16 2022, 11:15 pm
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The Bills kept Zack Moss’ appearance in the game short and sweet. He was in for the first six snaps, took a short rest, then returned for three snaps just before the end of the first quarter. His play confirmed everything he’s done through spring workouts and the early part of training camp.
Moss ripped off a 27-yard run, cutting and changing directions to the other side of the field. Coach Sean McDermott said the running back was impressive in the running and passing game. Moss has only strengthened his case to be game-day active and possibly even have a share in the rushing attempts this season. (The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia)
FFToday's Take: Four months ago, it appeared that Devin Singletary might be in line for a featured role. The Bills then drafted James Cook, who will steal the bulk of receiving work from him. What was not expected was Moss re-entering the fray. Whether or not he can take some of Singletary's rushing work is debatable, but Buffalo did draft him a few years ago with an eye toward using him as an inside hammer. Singletary is probably still the most attractive of the bunch from a fantasy perspective, but it will be hard to trust any of them if Buffalo ends up going with a three-headed attack.
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Zach Wilson's arthroscopic knee surgery deemed a success
Expected to miss 2-4 weeks
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 16 2022, 3:05 pm
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BREAKING: Zach Wilson's arthroscopic knee surgery was deemed a success, source tells ESPN. There were no surprises from the original diagnosis. They won't put him on the field until he's 100%, but good news for the Jets . #Jets (Rich Cimini on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: It's uncertain if Wilson will be ready in time for Week 1 which means we're likely to see Joe Flacco against the Ravens. Wilson's originally recovery timeline was 2-4 weeks.
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Rhamondre Stevenson getting a shot in passing game?
Seeing reps in "James White role"
By: Doug Orth | Aug 15 2022, 11:30 pm
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Patriots starters finished practice with some two-minute work. Rhamondre Stevenson was repping in the James White role. (MassLive - Chris Mason)
FFToday's Take: This has been discussed off and on throughout the offseason, especially since Stevenson himself admitted this summer that his primary focus was improving in the passing game. White recently retired due to a hip injury, so his usual staffs are up for grabs. Ty Montgomery appears to have the lead in the race to replace White, but Stevenson would likely be a relatively strong RB2 option if he could beat him out. It appears New England is willing to give him that opportunity over the final two weeks of the preseason.
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Christian Watson, Robert Tonyan are coming off PUP list
Packers pass-catchers start doing individual drills
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 14 2022, 3:13 pm
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LaFleur said that G Elgton Jenkins, WR Christian Watson and TE Robert Tonyan are coming off the PUP for the #Packers. They will start out doing individual drills. (Tom Silverstein on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Tonyan is coming off an ACL injury suffered last season (Week 8) and it's still unclear if he'll be ready for Week 1. Watson had some sort of procedure done on his knee this pre-season but the Packers have not disclosed the exact injury. The longer the rookie misses the team portions of camp, but less likely he'll have a meaningful fantasy impact this season.
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Elijah Mitchell nursing hamstring injury
Not expected to play in the preseason
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 12 2022, 8:30 pm
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49ers’ RB Elijah Mitchell is nursing a hamstring injury that likely will prevent him from playing in the preseason, per league source. Mitchell is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Not great. Mitchell suffered a variety of injuries last season that kept him to 11 games. He's penciled in as the Week 1 starter but this news will likely see his (ADP RB 24, 50 Ov) drop in the coming week. As usual, the 49ers have a group of running backs for fantasy owners to take a shot on including Jeff Wilson, Tyrion Davis-Price, Trey Sermon and JaMycal Hasty.
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Zach Wilson leaves with knee injury
Preseason Week 1
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 12 2022, 8:16 pm
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Jets announce Zach Wilson has a knee injury and is questionable to return (it’d obviously be surprising if he played another snap tonight, regardless of how serious the injury is). (Albert Breer on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Wilson appeared to injury his knee while scrambling through traffic. He was helped up and then limped to the sideline and eventually to the locker room. We should get more on his injury later tonight or tomorrow.
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RB James White calls it a career
Spent eight seasons with the Patriots
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 11 2022, 11:15 am
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James White. First class.
One of the most respected players in the NFL calls it a career after a significant hip injury. (James White on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: White spent eight seasons in the NFL, all with the Patriots. He injured his hip last September which derailed his season and started 2022 training camp on the PUP list. His pass-receiving chops made him a valuable asset in PPR leagues. As usual, the Patriots have a number of options at the running back position including Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, Pierre Strong Jr. and veteran Ty Montomery. Harris and Stevenson are the most fantasy relevant for now.
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Eno Benjamin continues to draw praise
Third-year RB making strong push to back up James Conner
By: Doug Orth | Aug 9 2022, 11:50 pm
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The marriage between player and team was rocky. Eno Benjamin was inactive every game of his first year, and even into last season, it looked like the back's future would probably be somewhere besides where he became a college star. It's what makes Benjamin's spot now so surprising. No player on the roster has been praised more this offseason than Benjamin. And not the baseline coach-speak praise Kingsbury can sometimes dole out, but legitimate compliments to a player who he wouldn't have before.
"I would've never expected him to come this far," coach Kliff Kingsbury said. Early on I didn't know if he could figure it out. Professionalism and work ethic and understanding his role and all those things. Each year he has just gotten progressively better. He's one of the hardest workers on the team now. Always upbeat, always into it. Just really come a long way." (AZcardinals.com - Darren Urban)
FFToday's Take: Kingsbury has routinely praised Benjamin this offseason, as have some of his teammates. Benjamin started getting into Kingsbury's good graces toward the end of last season and appears to be pretty close to securing the backup job to James Conner. While it may be too much to ask for Benjamin to assume the same role Chase Edmonds has held in this offense, his skill-set makes it a strong possibility. Fantasy managers need to make sure he is a priority near the end of drafts.
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Albert Okwuegbunam on the verge of breaking out?
Potential replacement for Tim Patrick
By: Doug Orth | Aug 9 2022, 11:30 pm
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The Broncos seem poised to use a cast of many to replace Tim Patrick, who tore his ACL last week. But most prominent among those is tight end Albert Okwuegbunam, who is frequently on the receiving end of Russell Wilson’s passes. His gift is in getting separation outside and finding gaps in zone coverage, especially down the seam.
“Earlier on in OTAs, picking up the system took him a while,” HC Nathaniel Hackett said. “He’s been absolutely splendid going out there right now. He’s been going out there and we’ve been putting him all over the place, from motioning, playing wide, playing ‘F’ and doing all kinds of different things.” (104.3 The Fan - Andrew Mason)
FFToday's Take: Albert O was shaping up to be a trendy sleeper pick in early drafts until reports of rookie Greg Dulchich's supposed rise surfaced. However, Patrick's injury has pretty much guaranteed that Okwuegbunam will play regardless. Based on Hackett's comments, it would seem as though Okwuegbunam will play as much as possible. With Russell Wilson as his quarterback and his eye-popping athleticism, do not be surprised if Okwuegbunam emerges as the next big thing at tight end in fantasy.
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Diontae Johnson dealing with hip issue
Hip flexor injury
By: Doug Orth | Aug 8 2022, 11:55 pm
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Mike Tomlin said that Diontae Johnson is working through a hip flexor. (ESPN - Brooke Pryor)
FFToday's Take: Tomlin added that he hopes Johnson is day-to-day with the injury. This could be a wait-and-see situation as hip flexors can be tricky. If healthy, Johnson is expected to once again command a target share north of 20 percent. The hope this year is that he will get a small upgrade at quarterback after he was attached to the aging Ben Roethlisberger last season. The arrival of George Pickens could change things a bit for Johnson, but he should still be considered a strong WR2 option in fantasy.
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J.K. Dobbins on track for season opener
Activated from PUP list on Monday
By: Doug Orth | Aug 8 2022, 11:55 pm
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Ravens’ RB J.K. Dobbins is being activated today off the Physically Unable To Perform List and is on track to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener vs the NY Jets, per sources. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)
FFToday's Take: Camp video showed Dobbins taking it slow through some drills, but that is to be expected on a player's first day back from a major injury. It should also be noted tag-team partner Gus Edwards (knee) is looking doubtful to join Dobbins in the backfield in Week 1, which means there is a possibility Dobbins sees more work early in the season than one might have expected a month ago. Either way, Dobbins now appears to be a solid RB2 investment at worst.
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Denver OC suggests RBs will be on "pitch count"
Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon expected to split work again
By: Doug Orth | Aug 8 2022, 11:50 pm
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(Broncos OC) Justin Outten is really excited for the RB room. Said the RBs (Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon) will be on a pitch count throughout the season. (DNVR Broncos - Zac Stevens)
FFToday's Take: There was some hope that a new coaching staff would feature Williams and make Gordon more of a breather back in 2022, but that does not appear to be the plan. Fantasy managers should not fret, however, as Denver running backs should not lack for scoring opportunities or clock-killing opportunities with Russell Wilson under center and the Broncos sporting a solid defense. Consider Williams a high-end RB2 with occasional RB1 upside and Gordon a solid flex on draft day.
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Romeo Doubs still impressing
Rookie WR generating steady buzz during camp
By: Doug Orth | Aug 8 2022, 11:45 pm
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Romeo Doubs has gotten a lot of (Christian Watson's) snaps during training camp and has shined. ... I told Matt LaFleur ... that you can really tell the respect defensive players have for Dobbs because you watch and after ... he makes a play, they are nodding at each other or pointing to (Dobbs) and saying, "Good play."
You can just tell he has been accepted early on by the veteran Packers because they know they need some help in the wake of the departure of Davante Adams. (NBC Sports - Peter King)
FFToday's Take: At this point, it seems only a matter of when - and not if - Doubs will be announced as a starter opposite Allen Lazard. Watson will likely battle Sammy Watkins for the third spot - assuming injuries don't decide who plays there. Aaron Rodgers has reportedly shown the ability to support at least three pass-catchers, so fantasy managers should not be afraid to take the rookie in the early double-digit rounds in drafts. No Packer will replace Adams' production this year, but Doubs is making a strong case to be considered a fantasy WR4.
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Kareem Hunt requests a trade, team says No
RB has sat out team drills in hopes of contract extension
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 7 2022, 9:30 am
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Kareem Hunt has asked the Browns to trade him, and they’ve told him no, a league source tells cleveland.com. But his best strategy would be to kill it for the Browns this season and earn a new contract either here or elsewhere. (Cleveland.com)
FFToday's Take: Hunt as sat out team drills the last couple days of practice in hopes of getting a new contract. Hunt has one year remaining on his deal. We'll see how long this staring contest goes. Hunt and Nick Chubb will be the focus of the Browns offense as long as Deshaun Watson remains off the field.
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Mike Evans tweaks hamstring in practice
History of hamstring issues
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 5 2022, 12:58 pm
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Mike Evans tweaked a hamstring, Bowles said. He’s had a hamstring strain of some kind nearly every training camp since he came into the league. That’s just facts. Clearly it hasn’t stopped him from eight straight 1,000 yard seasons. (Rick Stroud on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Evans has a history of hamstring issues as Stroud points out. He last suffered a hamstring injury in December that caused him to miss Week 16 of the 2021 season. Unless we get word that this is a severe issue, this shouldn't have a big effect on Evan's ADP.
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Matthew Stafford dealing with elbow tendinitis
Rams trying to manage QB's "abnormal" pain
By: Doug Orth | Aug 5 2022, 1:15 am
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Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay said QB Matthew Stafford's right elbow pain is "a little bit abnormal for a quarterback," comparing it instead to what pitchers deal with. Stafford, who dealt with an elbow injury last season, received an injection in his right elbow during the offseason. He did not throw during the Rams' spring workouts, saying he and the team were trying to be smart with his throwing arm. Stafford threw during individual and 7-on-7 drills on Thursday but did not take part in the team reps. McVay said earlier in the week that he doesn't expect Stafford to do so before the Rams leave Irvine on Aug. 10.
(ESPN - Sarah Barshop)
FFToday's Take: This is obviously an issue that fantasy managers need to monitor, but it also seems like the Rams aren't overly concerned. It almost goes without saying Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson would be negatively impacted in a big way if Stafford has to miss time. Fantasy managers should proceed as if Stafford will be OK for Week 1, but the team may need to give him regular rest throughout the season. John Wolford is the primary backup.
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A.J. Brown a frequent target early in camp
Ex-Titan has been "focal point" through first five practices
By: Doug Orth | Aug 5 2022, 1:05 am
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Jalen Hurts was also without DeVonta Smith, who did not practice because of a groin injury. As a result, Hurts targeted A.J. Brown early and often, primarily on Brown’s signature in-breaking routes. Brown has been the focal point of the offense through five days of training camp. Maybe that’s just Hurts trying to build chemistry with his new star wide receiver, or maybe it’s a preview of what’s to come.
(The Athletic - Bo Wulf)
FFToday's Take: It should come as no surprise that Brown is a focal point of the offense, but his stock may have taken a bit of a hit in the offseason because Hurts is a less accurate quarterback than Ryan Tannehill. The Eagles may be able to make up for it with volume this season, as their moves this spring suggest HC Nick Sirianni wants to throw the ball like they did early last season. Brown should be considered a strong low-end WR1 option in drafts.
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Romeo Doubs making strong first impression
QB hints at bright future for rookie WR
By: Doug Orth | Aug 5 2022, 1:00 am
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Aaron Rodgers doesn’t gas rookies … basically ever. Here he suggests the only WRs who made as many “wow” plays early in camp as Romeo Doubs, wound up “in the top 10 in Packers receiving history.” (Peter Bukowski on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The implication here is that Doubs could be on the same track as players such as Davante Adams, Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings and/or Randall Cobb with his early play in camp. It has been a consistently positive and steady drumbeat over the last month for Doubs, who may be forcing his way into the starting lineup. He needs to be on a roster in dynasty leagues. He may even have some WR4 appeal in redraft leagues if he can beat out Sammy Watkins and Christian Watson for a starting job.
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NFL will appeal Deshaun Watson's disciplinary ruling
Expected to pursue a significant increase in punishment of Watson
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 3 2022, 4:10 pm
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NFL has exercised its right to appeal Deshaun Watson's six-game suspension, according to a league source. NFL is expected to pursue a significant increase in punishment of Deshaun Watson, with some league sources predicting they will seek to suspend him for the entire season, per league sources. (Aaron Wilson on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Roger Goodell or someone he designates will decide how long the suspension and of fine will be. We're likely to see more than six-game suspension when this is all said an done. Buckle up for Jacoby Brissett to be the Browns starting QB for much of the season.
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Marquise Brown arrested for speeding
Working back from a hamstring injury
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 3 2022, 3:00 pm
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Arizona Cardinals receiver Marquise Brown was arrested Wednesday morning on criminal speeding charges, the Arizona Department of Public Safety confirmed to KTAR News 92.3 FM and Arizona Sports. Brown was not present with the team during the portion of Wednesday morning’s practice that was in sight of reporters but has been working back from a hamstring injury slowly since the start of training camp last week. (Arizona Sports)
FFToday's Take: Brown isn't off to a great start in Arizona. He's expected to be full-go this Monday (8/8) as he works his way back from a hamstring issue. It's doubtful this arrest will result in any missed games.
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Tim Patrick exits practice with knee injury
Teams fear both are significant
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 2 2022, 3:14 pm
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Brutal day at #Broncos practice: Both standout WR Tim Patrick and RB Damarea Crockett went down with apparent knee injuries and both are having MRIs. There is a fear, sources say, that both are significant. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Patrick was set to lineup as the Broncos No.3 receiver opposite Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. KJ Hamler (ACL) was recently activated of the PUP list but will likely be limited during camp as he gets back into shape. Sutton and Jeudy are the current fantasy options in the Broncos passing game.
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TE Irv Smith has surgery on injured thumb
Has not been ruled out for the opener
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 2 2022, 2:05 pm
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#Vikings TE Irv Smith suffered a thumb injury yesterday and had surgery today, coach Kevin O'Connell told reporters. He has not been ruled out for the opener. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Irv missed all of last season with a knee injury and is now getting off to a rocky start in 2022 with a thumb injury that is likely to cost him the rest of the pre-season. It sounds likely that he'll be ready for Week 1 but missing practice time in August is not ideal especially when the Vikings are installing a new offense.
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WR James Washington out with fractured right foot
Surgery to come
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 1 2022, 7:30 pm
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As feared, Cowboys WR James Washington fractured his right foot, two people familiar with situation said. Surgery to come. Dallas to be without both Washington, Michael Gallup to begin season. (Michael Gehlken on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: More specifically, a Jones fracture for the Cowboys wideout. Gehlken also noted that this same injury put DE DeMarcus Lawrence on the shelf for 10 games in 2021. A free agent signee isn't out of the question. Rookie Jalen Tolbert, Noah Brown, and Simi Fehoko round out the current depth chart.
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Deshaun Watson suspended 6 games
League has 3 days to appeal
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 1 2022, 8:24 am
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Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will serve a six-game suspension for violating the league's personal conduct policy following accusations of sexual misconduct. Watson will not be fined, the source told Schefter. Either side would have three days to submit an appeal in writing. In that case, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell or his designee "will issue a written decision that will constitute full, final and complete disposition of the dispute,'' per terms of Article 46 in the CBA. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: The players union stated last night that they will not appeal the decision, likely aware of the suspension length. Now we wait to see if the league will appeal and allow Goodell to be the final judge in the case. The Browns will roll with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback for as long as Watson is suspended.
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