 Emmanuel Sanders will practice on limited basis
Will not go on PUP list to start camp
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 17 2019, 1:20 pm
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Emmanuel Sanders will not go on PUP list. Will start practicing tomorrow on limited basis. Good sign. (Mike Klis on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The Broncos are reporting to training camp today and as expected, Sanders will begin working out on a limited basis, hoping to be active in team drills some time in August. Sanders is recovering from an Achilles injury raising red flags about his 2019 fantasy value. Sanders, Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton sit atop the Broncos wide receiver depth chart.
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Ronald Jones to begin camp as No.2 RB
Weight up to 221 pounds
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 17 2019, 7:00 am
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Ronald Jones is bigger. But will he be better?
The Bucs running back had a disappointing rookie season, to put it mildly. The second-round pick from Southern Cal rushed for only 44 yards and one touchdown in 2018.
Jones says he has added muscle and is up to 221 pounds from 208 pounds.
Jones will begin training camp as the No. 2 running back behind Peyton Barber, who led the team in rushing with 871 yards and five touchdowns. (Tampa Bay Times)
FFToday's Take: After a dismal rookie season, some are predicting Jones will ascend to the lead back role in Tampa Bay now that a new coaching staff is in place. With pass protection and route running being areas of weakness, Jones will need to continue impressing the coaching staff through training camp if he wants to secure a sizeable role in the offense.
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Drew Lock a training camp holdout?
Agent wants QB premium
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 16 2019, 11:00 am
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Negotiations between the Broncos and rookies Dalton Risner and Drew Lock have snagged to the point the team may have a couple second-round training camp holdouts. According to multiple sources, Lock’s agent is seeking a "quarterback premium," which is common for QBs taken in the first and third rounds. Lock was taken in the second round. (Second-round QBs since 2014 did not receive a premium). The premium Lock is seeking would mean either more money or more full guarantees in Lock’s contract than Risner’s slotted amount.
And Risner’s agent understandably doesn’t want to take less than the player selected behind him (9News.com)
FFToday's Take: If Lock (42nd pick) gets a QB premium he would be receiving more money that the Broncos 41st pick which is causing the friction. This will likely get resolved sooner rather than later. Lock is scheduled to backup Joe Flacco in 2019 but it wouldn't be a shock if he makes a couple starts towards the end of the season.
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David Johnson to see lot of action as receiver
Receiving skills should "come back to the forefront"
By: Doug Orth | Jul 15 2019, 7:30 pm
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It’s been a long time since David Johnson’s dynamic 2016 season and push for a 1,000-1,000 rushing/receiving year ended with a scary knee injury in Los Angeles. His 2017 season was lost to a wrist injury, his 2018 lost to a struggling offense and a struggle knowing how to use his talents. Johnson should fit perfectly into the new Cardinals’ offense, mainly because Johnson remains the team’s best offensive weapon (especially at this point in Murray’s development). The Cards are still going to run the ball and Johnson will be the bellcow. But his receiving skills, all but ignored last season, should come back to the forefront. (AZcardinals.com - Darren Urban)
FFToday's Take: Johnson's goal of a 1,000/1,000 season in 2019 may be lofty, but he's going to have a chance in this offense. He's already signed off on the heavy use of shotgun, which is something he ran out of a lot in college at Northern Iowa. He's well worth a pick in the top half of the first round of most fantasy drafts and a strong candidate to reclaim his spot among the elite fantasy backs.
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Ezekiel Elliott threatening to skip camp
Wants progress made on a contract extension
By: Doug Orth | Jul 15 2019, 7:20 pm
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Chargers running back Melvin Gordon isn’t being coy about his intent to hold out until he gets a new deal. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott apparently is, at least for now.
Per a league source, Elliott has privately said that he will hold out of training camp unless he gets a new contract. (Pro Football Talk - Mike Florio)
FFToday's Take: Yahoo's Charles Robinson reports Zeke hasn't made a decision about whether to hold out of camp yet or not, but he definitely wants an extension "in the works." Elliott has two years left on his rookie deal and is actually making a smart play considering he will probably have nearly 800 more touches on his odometer if he waits until the end of his contract to get paid. He is unlikely to miss any regular-season games, but Tony Pollard and Mike Weber will likely split touches if he does.
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Jets' TE Chris Herndon suspended 4 games
Violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 12 2019, 2:54 pm
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Jets TE Chris Herndon has been suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, stemming from a drunk driving arrest. (Rich Cimini on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: We've been speculating that Herndon would get a 2-game suspension but the four-gamer will put a damper on his fantasy outlook for 2019. The Jets have a bye in Week 4, meaning Herndon won't see the field until Week 6. Eric Tomlinson and Daniel Brown are expected to be the main tight end options while Herndon sits on the sidelines.
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Andy Reid endorses Damien Williams
RB has "earned the right to be that guy"
By: Doug Orth | Jul 11 2019, 11:30 pm
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Kansas City Chiefs RB Damien Williams has "taken the challenge" and "earned the right to be (the full-time starter) for the year," according to head coach Andy Reid. (chiefs.com)
FFToday's Take: Reid did qualify his statement by saying "you take it one game at a time" and "it's a matter of production" in regards to whether he stays in that role. Based on his late-season play, there's little question he is capable. The question is ability to handle the workload; he hasn't handled more than 210 touches in a season since his junior college days. Reid's track record for getting fantasy production from running backs speaks for itself, so owners should be thrilled if they can get him in the second round.
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Melvin Gordon threatens training camp holdout
Gordon heading into the last year of his contract
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 11 2019, 10:00 am
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Running back Melvin Gordon has informed the Los Angeles Chargers that, unless he receives a new contract, he will not report to training camp and he will demand a trade, his agent Fletcher Smith told ESPN. Gordon is scheduled to be heading into the last year of his contract, a fifth-year option, worth $5.6 million dollars. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: This agent report indicates Gordon wants to be paid along side the likes of Todd Gurley, David Johnson and Le'Veon Bell. While training camp holdouts tend to work themselves out, this one will be worth watching given Gordon's RB1 status. Austin Ekeler, Justin Jackson and Detrez Newsome are next up on the Chargers depth chart.
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Todd Gurley speaks on knee issues
"Once the season comes, you gonna see what happens"
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 10 2019, 8:15 am
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Any discussion about the Los Angeles Rams' 2019 outlook starts with a question about Todd Gurley's knee. "It's good, man. It's good," Gurley said of his knee. "I'm just like, hey, we're going to find out in training camp, you know? Once training camp comes, you've got the preseason, but you don't have a lot in preseason. I know it's always been a lot of talk going on this whole offseason, so it's just like, hey, it's the offseason. That's what everything is supposed to be about: speculation and reporting. Once the season comes, you gonna see what happens." (NFL.com)
FFToday's Take: Gurley didn't participate in the off-season program and the Rams have a plan for managing his reps during camp. The Rams have indicated by their actions during the off-season that Gurley may share more of the workload in 2019 than he has in the past. That being said, he's still RB1 worthy unless we learn his knee issue is more severe than anticipated.
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Courtland Sutton think's he's the No.1 WR
Sanders not expected to be ready until mid- to late-August
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 9 2019, 11:15 pm
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"I’m excited going into this season knowing that I am going to get to be the No. 1 and I’ll get all of the looks and all of the pressure,’’ he said. If new passer Joe Flacco and the Broncos’ offense under new coordinator Rich Scangarello are to make an immediate positive impact in 2019, Sutton must do more in year two.
Emmanuel Sanders, who was the team’s No. 1 receiver last year until he suffered a late-season Achilles injury, is not expected to be full-go for team drills until mid- to late-August. (9News.com)
FFToday's Take: With Sanders recovering from Achilles injury, Courtland Sutton has an opportunity to become the Broncos main receiving target in 2019. Whether or not he takes advantage of the opportunity is another story. The Broncos reciving corps is young with DaeSean Hamilton and Tim Patrick filling out the top four on the depth chart. Sutton is worthy of a mid-round flier in both standard and PPR leagues.
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Raiders sign rookie RB Josh Jacobs
Rookies expected to report to camp July 23
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 9 2019, 11:00 pm
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Josh Jacobs on Tuesday became the final Raiders draft pick to sign his rookie contract, as the first-round choice and former star Alabama running back completed a four-year deal, the team announced.
The $11.9 million pact features a fifth-year team option, standard language for any first-round pick. (Las Vegas Review Journal)
FFToday's Take: Despite not being signed, Jacobs participated in off-season activities and is expected to report to camp on July 23rd with the rest of the rookies. Jacobs is the favorite to lead the Raiders in running back touches with Jalen Richard filling a pass-catching role.
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Mark Andrews, Hayden Hurst to break out?
Young Baltimore TEs poised to improve in second season
By: Doug Orth | Jul 8 2019, 10:20 pm
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Mark Andrews and Hayden Hurst could be in store for “breakout” seasons that put them on the field more often. Andrews put up great stats as a rookie, catching 34 passes for 552 yards and three touchdowns. If offseason practices are any indication, he could be a featured receiving target as a big body over the middle or even split out wide. Andrews has also focused on becoming a better blocker this summer, which would get him on the field in more situations. Hurst is arguably the team’s most complete tight end and has added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason. The 2018 first-round pick has the talent and opportunity to show he deserves to be the group’s leader. (baltimoreravens.com)
FFToday's Take: The more likely breakout candidate is Andrews, as he is more of a "move" tight end than Hurst. Considering Baltimore could decide to start two rookie receivers and have a quarterback in Lamar Jackson who will probably be asked to make safe throws more often than not, Ravens tight ends should stay involved. Consider Andrews a strong TE2 and make sure to keep Hurst on watch lists.
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D'Onta Foreman "light years" ahead of 2018
RB more than 1 1/2 removed from Achilles injury
By: Doug Orth | Jul 4 2019, 10:50 pm
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D'Onta Foreman ended last season with an uncertain future caused by his lengthy recovery from a torn Achilles suffered as a rookie. Now, Foreman has erased a lot of doubt and the former third-round draft pick is back in the Texans' good graces after getting healthy and in the best shape of his life this spring and summer.
"He's light-years ahead of where he was last year at this time, coming off the injury and everything," Texans running backs coach Danny Barrett said. "I still think he's continuing to work hard. I think he's had a good offseason to date. The time away from here, I thought was well spent for himself." (Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson)
FFToday's Take: If we assume Foreman can return to the form he showed as a rookie, it's perfectly reasonable to believe he could push Lamar Miller and end up forcing a split backfield. At the very least, he would appear to be the favorite for goal-line work in a high-scoring offense. If the offseason reports prove to be accurate about Foreman, he is a strong candidate to beat his current 9.04 ADP in PPR leagues.
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Geronimo Allison a good fit in new offense?
Davante Adams says Allison could be "dangerous" under Matt LaFleur
By: Doug Orth | Jul 4 2019, 10:40 pm
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Davante Adams thinks that will suit his teammate Geronimo Allison well.
“He’s the guy who’s been working a lot in the slot, and he’s used to playing a little more outside, but this is making him a little more dynamic,” Adams said, via the team’s website. “I think Matt has really tested him or challenged him to widen it out so he can play multiple spots. . . . Him being able to move around right now and be healthy, be himself and just play, being able to have all those things, it’s going to be dangerous.” (Pro Football Talk - Josh Alper)
FFToday's Take: For anyone who's been following the coverage coming out of Green Bay this offseason, Adams is set to see more targets, Marquez Valdes-Scantling had a "fantastic" spring and even Trevor Davis has wowed the new staff. Now this. It's obviously going to be a stretch for all three receivers to live up to their press clippings. Valdes-Scantling seems like he should be the favorite, but training camp and preseason action figures to determine who will be Adams' sidekick.
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Giovani Bernard to see plenty of work in 2019
Former Bengals beat writer predicts 11-13 touches per game
By: Doug Orth | Jul 4 2019, 10:30 pm
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Joe Mixon won’t be short on touches. Trust me on that, but I think you’ll see much more of Giovani Bernard, 27, particularly in creative packages. I think there will be more of Mixon and Bernard out there together than you have in recent years.
In my opinion, we see Bernard back in the 11-13 touch per game range. That’s where he belongs and still leaves plenty of room for Mixon to do damage and stay fresh. (The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.)
FFToday's Take: This should not come as a shock for anyone, as new HC Zac Taylor just left the nest of Sean McVay, who has sought a good change-of-pace back from the time he took over the Rams and saw Todd Gurley break down late last season. Bernard probably won't consistently see 11-13 touches, but 8-10 per game would give him somewhere between 128-160 if he can play a full season. He still is very much worth stashing as a flex option and high-end handcuff late in drafts.
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No punishment for Zeke
No violation of the personal conduct policy
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 3 2019, 2:20 pm
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On Tuesday, as part of the review, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Mr. Elliott to reinforce the standards of conduct expected of him and the consequences for failing to meet those standards. Commissioner Goodell determined there was no violation of the personal conduct policy and no further action is warranted. (Mike Garafolo on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: There will be no suspension for Ezekiel Elliott regarding the May incident in Las Vegas. Elliott was briefly detained by police regarding an altercation with a security guard. With no suspension, Elliott remains as a top pick in fantasy drafts this summer.
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More opportunities for Taywan Taylor?
Titans receivers coach talks Taylor
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 3 2019, 9:00 am
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When the subject turned to Taywan Taylor, Moore talked about chances when asked what the third-year receiver needs to do to improve.
“I think Tay has done a solid job for us,” Moore said. “Honestly, I just think we need to give him more opportunities. Give him more opportunities to showcase what he can do and I think he’ll take advantage of his opportunities.” (Titansonline)
FFToday's Take: Taylor wasn't fantasy relevant last season posting a 37-466-1 line and while it's nice that receivers coach Rob Moore wants to get him more opportunities, it's highly unlikely Taylor can become a reliable fantasy asset on a team that routinely finishes near the bottom of the league in pass attempts. With Adam Humphries and rookie A.J. Brown added to the mix, Taylor would do well to be a WR5 for fantasy purposes.
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Colts excited to see Deon Cain in action again
Suffered torn ACL in 2018 preseason opener
By: Doug Orth | Jul 1 2019, 11:40 pm
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Frank Reich’s comments are just a small snippet of how high the Colts remain on Deon Cain. The Colts are extremely bullish on the talent level of Cain and they are eager to see that back on the practice field later this month.
“You guys know we were very excited about what Deon showed, how quickly he picked things up and the playmaking ability that he showed,” Reich says about what Cain did put on display early on at last year’s training camp. (1070 The Fan - Kevin Bowen)
FFToday's Take: This spring, GM Chris Ballard said he didn't expect Cain to return to form until midseason. More than likely, the 22-year-old will be brought along slowly as the team's No. 4 receiver in hopes he can replace Devin Funchess in 2020. While it's possible Cain could force his way onto the field this year, Funchess reportedly held his own during the spring. Regardless of what happens in 2019, Cain is a fine dynasty stash.
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Emmanuel Sanders remains hopeful for Week 1
Recovering from late season Achilles injury
By: Doug Orth | Jul 1 2019, 11:15 pm
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Emmanuel Sanders said being available for the Broncos’ opener “feels realistic” but he’s unwilling to a concrete timetable on his comeback from an Achilles injury. Said he’s confident he can have a Pro Bowl season once ready. (The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala)
FFToday's Take: Even given how far modern medicine has come in recent years, Sanders' optimism could very well prove to be unfounded. He's a 32-year-old receiver whose game relies heavily on speed and quickness - both of which figure to be affected by his injury. While he figures to remain a key part of the offense, it is unlikely he will be able to top last season's 71-868-4 line.
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James Conner expecting another big workload
RB doesn't expect workhorse status to change in 2019
By: Doug Orth | Jul 1 2019, 10:50 pm
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A year after James Conner was the workhorse before getting injured, the Steelers added rookie Benny Snell and perceive a heartier role for pass-catching back Jaylen Samuels. Speaking with NFL Network for an interview, Conner suggested he's preparing for a similar workload to last season.
"I'll have a similar role. I'm healthy, first and foremost, I'm 100 percent healthy now. We'll cross that bridge when we get there (in regards to his workload). ... It goes week to week. The game plan will be different each week. I know I'll be a big part of it and have a big role," Conner said. (NFL.com - Kevin Patra)
FFToday's Take: General manager Kevin Colbert suggested the team would utilize something more of a committee backfield in 2019 this spring, but Pittsburgh has long been an offense that likes to rely on one main running back. Conner can obviously make it a moot point with his play on the field. Conner is a good bet to push for 275 to 300 touches if he plays 16 games, thus remaining a high-end RB1 option in fantasy.
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Ezekiel Elliott to meet with Goodell on Tuesday
Dallas RB detained by police in May
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 1 2019, 8:18 am
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Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott will meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in New York on Tuesday to discuss a May incident in Las Vegas, per @toddarcher. Elliott was briefly detained by police; a player can be subject to penalty under personal conduct policy without arrest. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Elliott was detained by police in Las Vegas back in May regarding an altercation with a security guard at the Electric Daisy Carnival. Elliott wasn't arrested or charged with any crime but as we know, the league can suspend players as they see fit. Elliott was suspended in 2017 for six games. Stay tuned...
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Ruling on Tyreek Hill could come before camp
Meeting with NFL considered a positive one for Hill
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 28 2019, 8:00 am
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The Chiefs are hopeful a ruling on the (Tyreek Hill) matter will come before the start of training camp, and if that comes to fruition, expect him to be in attendance for the start of camp on July 26 in St. Joseph, Missouri.
There’s optimism from those with knowledge of the situation that the meeting with the NFL was considered a “positive” one for Hill.
Hill, however, could conceivably still face discipline from the NFL due to the menacing nature of the “you ought to be terrified of me, too” comment that he made to Espinal on the tape.
It remains unclear how long Hill would potentially be suspended, if he is suspended at all. But if the NFL does decide to punish Hill, he is expected to fly to New York and meet with commissioner Roger Goodell. (Yahoo!)
FFToday's Take: It's sounding more and more like Hill's suspension may be in the 2-6 game area with four games a likely scenario. In any case there should be some clarity on the situation before Chiefs hit training at the end of July.
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Niners likely to sit a high-profile RB on game day
Tevin Coleman, Jerick McKinnon or Matt Breida fighting for two spots
By: Doug Orth | Jun 27 2019, 7:20 pm
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Tevin Coleman is the odds-on favorite to be the closest thing the 49ers have to a lead back. He has history in Kyle Shanahan’s system, and he was the only player among Jerick McKinnon, Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert to practice this offseason. Mostert will almost certainly be one of the three running backs in uniform because he is one of the 49ers’ best special-teams players. That means one of the backs - McKinnon, Coleman or Breida - will not suit up for regular-season games. (NBC Sports Bay Area)
FFToday's Take: Fantasy owners have seemingly rendered this competition fait accompli in favor of Coleman given his familiarity in Shanahan's offense. How quickly most have forgotten McKinnon is still one of the highest-paid backs in the league and how well Breida performed last season. Coleman may very well end up as the carry leader in this backfield when all is said and done, but it would be foolish for anyone to believe he is a prohibitive favorite to do so.
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Packers want to use RBs more often in passing game
Green Bay's backfield ranked 24th in receptions in 2018
By: Doug Orth | Jun 27 2019, 7:00 pm
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Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur intends on getting his running backs more involved in the passing game after they finished with 72 catches in 2018.
"I love it when we can give (running backs) the ball in the passing game," LaFleur said. "That's one more eligible that the defense really has to focus on." (Packers.com)
FFToday's Take: Former HC Mike McCarthy's offenses rarely made it a point to get his backs overly involved in the passing game despite almost always having a player who was more than capable in that role. Jamaal Williams has established himself as a viable threat in the passing game, but there's reason to believe Aaron Jones will eventually take over the backfield. He showed progress as a receiver last year, and it sounds like he should expect a bump up from his 26 catches in 12 games a season ago.
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D.K. Metcalf impressing with his mind
Russell Wilson praises rookie's football intelligence
By: Doug Orth | Jun 24 2019, 8:55 pm
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Leading up to and immediately after the NFL Draft, D.K. Metcalf was perhaps known just as much for his hulking physique as he was for what he did on the field at Ole Miss. But this spring, he was more than merely a physical specimen. Russell Wilson pointed to Metcalf's football knowledge when asked what about the rookie wide receiver has stood out most.
"Everybody knows about his ability to run and everything else, and jump and catch and all that. .. But I think more than anything else, it's his brain and how he processes information and how quickly he understands it. He's really intelligent. He really understands the game really well. He takes coaching really well. He gets extra work. He's a legit pro wide receiver. He's everything that everybody was talking about in terms of what he's capable of and more," Wilson said. (ESPN - Brady Henderson)
FFToday's Take: There's no question Metcalf has done well to build an early rapport with Wilson, but he still has questions to answer regarding his durability and ability to run precise routes. With Tyler Lockett expected to be the clear top option in the passing game and Seattle's run-heavy offense likely to remain the focal point of the offense, Metcalf is not a good bet to be consistent enough to live up to his current 8.10 ADP.
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Tyreek Hill to meet with NFL this week
Multiple interviews with different league officials in Kansas City
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 24 2019, 3:00 pm
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Investigators from the National Football League will conduct “multiple interviews” with Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill this week, according to two sources close to the situation.
The interviews indicate the NFL is ready to move forward and make a decision on Hill’s future in football. Two weeks ago, Sports Radio 810 reported that neither Hill or Espinal was responsible for their three-year-old son’s broken arm, but they both told authorities they disciplined their child with their hands and a belt. (810 WHB)
FFToday's Take: Sounds like the league an Hill will finally meet and begin to move this process forward. It sounds like once the two sides meet that a resolution and potential punishment could come before training camp begins at the end of next month.
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Michel progressing quickly from knee scope
Expected to be ready for training camp
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 23 2019, 8:28 am
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Multiple sources say that Sony Michel is progressing quickly since his most recent arthroscopic knee surgery and has been running full tilt. The 2nd year RB has also been spending considerable time at @TB12sports like so many before - and after - have/will. (Michael Giardi on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Michel missed minicamp with knee issues but is expected to be ready for training camp. Michel racked up 209 carries last season as an early-down pounder in New England's offense but the drafting of Damien Harris could ding Michel's workload knocking him off his RB2 status in Non-PPR leagues in 2019. The Patriots have plenty of depth at the position including James White and Rex Burkhead.
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TE Jake Butt expected to be ready for camp
Coming off 3rd ACL injury
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 22 2019, 8:00 pm
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TE Jake Butt said he’ll be ready for training camp. Had ACL and meniscus surgery in October. Most important part of this story is @JakeButtTE having ACL canal widened to help prevent injury in the future. they’be addressed root cause. Far more significant than ACL repair. (Ryan O'Halloran on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Butt sustained his latest ACL injury last Sept. 27, his third ACL injury overall. Butt will likely be limited in camp but has some weekly TE streamer value if he's able to stay healthy this season. He'll have to fight for targets with rookie TE Noah Fant.
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Redskins RB coach on Guice/Peterson
"Ideally, you'd like to see a 50-50 or 60-40 [split]"
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 19 2019, 7:00 am
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The Redskins can use two backs like this on a regular basis -- with Chris Thompson serving as a third-down back. But the every-down role will be manned by Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson. "They're both different, but they're both explosive," Jordan said. "Ideally, you'd like to see a 50-50 or 60-40 [split]. But the thing is, all those guys can play on first, second or third down. Ultimately, if Guice is healthy, he would be the top back. That's why the Redskins drafted him in the second round. But they also will need Peterson. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: Guice has some hurdles to overcome in training camp as he's recovering from an ACL injury, but if healthy, he should end up being the 1A to Peterson's 1B. Still, this may be a situation that frustrates fantasy owners during the season if the two are used in a 60-40 or 50-50 split as Redskins RB coach Randy Jordan suggests. Guice is currently going in round 5 of most 12-team redraft leagues with Peterson being drafted in round 10.
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"Arthritic component" in Todd Gurley's knee
Trainer confirms previous reports, insists "not one thing has changed"
By: Doug Orth | Jun 17 2019, 7:30 pm
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Todd Gurley is dealing with arthritis in his knee after months of speculation, according to Travelle Gaines, who has trained Gurley for three years. Gaines suggested "not one thing has changed" in regards to his client and that "our routine has worked, he's been strong, he's been in great shape, he's done well." Gaines went on to say the decision this offseason to have Gurley drop six pounds and trim his body fat from 10 percent to seven was not due to injuries and more to accentuate his speed. The trainer also said "it's never been told to me" that the Rams plan on decreasing Gurley's workload come Week 1. (Yahoo! Sports)
FFToday's Take: This news is sure to sink Gurley's ADP a bit more, but should it? Many owners have decided to take the arrival of Darrell Henderson as a sign the Rams are preparing for the worst. However, there's been no indication from the Rams that Henderson will be anything more than a change-of-pace back. It's worth wondering how Gurley has embarked on such a rigorous training program if his knee isn't in decent shape. Gurley still seems worth the risk in drafts, especially if he is still on the board in the early part of the second round.
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Dante Pettis showing "marked improvement"
WR has added muscle, more comfortable in offense
By: Doug Orth | Jun 17 2019, 7:15 pm
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Jimmy Garoppolo and HC Kyle Shanahan are among those who have noticed marked improvement in Dante Pettis ahead of his second NFL season.
“Dante’s body is maturing. He’s coming out of breaks with power, he has speed. It doesn’t look like he’s moving very fast, but he really is. It’s a weird thing for a quarterback to get used to. He’s different than most guys running,” Garoppolo said.
“He worked while he was away. He tried to get bigger. He worked more at his routes and he came here with the idea of ‘Hey, I’m not just coming here to get better back in shape, I’m coming here to get better.’” (NBC Sports Bay Area)
FFToday's Take: George Kittle figures to be the primary option in the passing game, yet any fantasy owner who employed Pettis down the stretch last season knows there is room for at least one very viable receiver in this Shanahan-led passing attack. The 49ers added Deebo Samuel and Jalen Hurd among others this spring, but Pettis should be able to hold off the group for at least a year and perhaps more if he has improved as much as Garoppolo and Shanahan say he has.
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Dwayne Haskins has shot at starting QB job
Gruden calls Haskins a "wild card"
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 14 2019, 7:00 am
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Dwayne Haskins' flashes produce moments of joy, other throws let them know Haskins needs more seasoning.
But with spring practices completed, they've seen enough to know that this year's 15th overall pick is a serious contender for the starting job. "Oh, for sure," Redskins coach Jay Gruden said. "I'd be silly not to. He's put enough out there on tape to say he deserves a shot, without a doubt." (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: Gruden went on to call Haskins a "wild card". With only Colt McCoy and Case Keenum, to beat out, it's likely Haskins will at least makes some starts this season even if he doesn't land the job out of training camp.
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David Montgomery showing off versatility
Rookie RB lauded for route-running skills
By: Doug Orth | Jun 13 2019, 9:00 pm
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(David Montgomery's) versatility has been impressive in practice. Because the team has yet to put on pads, though, the Iowa State alum hasn’t been able to showcase the slashing running style that earned him a third-round draft selection.
“We always knew he had great hands. You don’t know how great of a route runner a college back is, but he’s a really good route runner," HC Matt Nagy said. (Chicago Tribune)
FFToday's Take: New OC Mark Helfrich also is a believer, as he told the story of someone comparing Montgomery to Matt Forte after the draft. While there are obvious differences, it's an apt comparison in that both backs may not be special in any one area but are very good at just about every area a running back needs to be. Expect Montgomery's current 4.04 ADP in PPR leagues to shoot up by at least one round by the time drafts really start rolling in August.
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Dallas Goedert ready to become a star?
Drumbeat continues for second-year TE
By: Doug Orth | Jun 13 2019, 8:55 pm
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(Dallas Goedert) made waves during his rookie camp, but the tight end looks capable of making a second-year leap into stardom. He’s that good. (Philadelphia Inquirer)
FFToday's Take: Goedert has been the focus of several glowing offseason reports, but he is also stuck behind a 100-catch tight end named Zach Ertz. With that said, HC Doug Pederson has hinted at using more two-tight sets for a while and Goedert's emergence would be more than enough reason to make it happen. Goedert should be rostered in most leagues in 2019 and would become a must-start if Ertz is sidelined for any length of time.
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Sony Michel has knee scoped
Expected to return for training camp
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 12 2019, 2:00 pm
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Running back Sony Michel missed the final portion of the Patriots offseason workout program due to a knee scope, according to a source. Should be ready for training camp. (Jeff Howe on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Michel has missed the June workouts and now we know why. Michel has a history with knee injuries but this doesn't appear to be a serious issue. Rookie Damien Harris has been picking up extra reps in Michel's absence which can only help his development.
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Eagles sticking with RBBC
RB coach discusses committee approach
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 11 2019, 8:00 am
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“We haven’t had that one guy since (LeSean McCoy). To have the type of backfield we have now, we’re going to share the ball and these guys understand that. We talk about if you’re going out there and your number is called, you just go out there and do the best you can during that play. Don’t worry about the course of the game … just take advantage of your number being called during that time ... These guys understand. It’s something we’ve been doing for a while.” (NJ.com)
FFToday's Take: Running backs coach Duce Staley continues to preach the committee approach and unless the position endures significant injury it's going to be tough for fantasy owners to peg the most worthy fantasy running back in any given week. Jordan Howard has received praise for his pass-catching chops in minicamp and rookie Miles Sanders, Corey Clement and Wendell Smallwood all figure to have their opportunities during the course of the season.
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Kyle Rudolph sticking in Minnesota
Four-year extension
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 11 2019, 1:00 am
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Vikings are giving veteran TE Kyle Rudolph a four-year, $36 million extension that locks him into Minnesota, per source. Rudolph not going anywhere, except back to the Vikings. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The Vikings lock up their starting tight end but they are also hoping to get some salary cap relief in the deal. Rudolph has been a low-end TE1 the last couple seasons thanks to a lack of a true No.3 receiver in Minnesota, but the drafting of TE Irv Smith could eat into Rudolph's fantasy value in 2019.
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Julio Jones limited with foot injury
Rehabbing foot injury
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 10 2019, 9:32 am
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Falcons coach Dan Quinn just told me that WR Julio Jones and LB Deion Jones will not participate in drills. Both are rehabbing foot injuries. (D. Orlando Ledbetter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Jones has a history with foot injuries but this doesn't appear serious and likely maintenance and a precaution for the Falcons star receiver. Even if he misses most of minicamp, he should be fine for training camp. Julio will be a top WR pick in fantasy drafts this summer
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Travis Kelce expected to be ready for camp
Chiefs' TE will miss minicamp
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 8 2019, 9:30 am
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As he has throughout organized team activities, or OTAs, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watched Thursday’s workout from the sideline. And that likely will be his vantage point when mandatory mini-camp begins next Tuesday.
But coach Andy Reid said Thursday that should be the extent of Kelce’s absence.
“I don’t think (he’ll participate) next week,” Reid said. “I think you’ll probably see him in training camp.”
(Kansas City Star)
FFToday's Take: Kelce is roughly about five months removed from ankle surgery which put him in a boot for a few weeks afterward. Unless there's a setback Kelce should be ready to go for camp. He's in the conversation as the No.1 overall fantasy tight end along with George Kittle and Zach Ertz.
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Bilal Powell back with Jets
Jets overloaded at RB
By: Mike Krueger | Jun 8 2019, 7:00 am
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Free-agent running back Bilal Powell, who played with the New York Jets from 2011 to 2018, is reuniting with the team. Powell's career appeared to be in jeopardy last season after a serious neck injury. Some in the organization wondered whether Powell would play again. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: The Jets currently have too many running backs with Le'Veon Bell, Ty Montgomery, Elijah McGuire, Trenton Cannon and now Powell on the depth chart. It's likely one of McGuire or Cannon will not make the final 53. Bell is currently the only fantasy asset worth your attention.
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