 Panthers cautiously optimistic on Newton
Mid-foot sprain
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 23 2019, 11:25 am
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#Panthers QB Cam Newton is back in Charlotte and the official diagnosis is a mid-foot sprain. He had an X-Ray and other tests, and GM Marty Hurney says the team is “cautiously optimistic” that Newton will be ready for Week 1. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: It sounds like Newton will be out there Week 1, but how healthy he will be is another story. This probably isn't enough to knock Newton down your cheatsheets but a tidy injury icon should be included.
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JuJu trying to expand his game
WR attempting to add deep threat to his resume
By: Doug Orth | Aug 22 2019, 10:25 pm
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A breakout season saw JuJu Smith-Schuster rank among the NFL leaders in receptions and yards. A tumultuous offseason saw him ascend to a role as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ top target. What Smith-Schuster wants to evolve into this season is a different player, one who adds dangerous deep threat to his resume by providing splash plays for the Steelers.
“Being able to catch the deep balls down the field, those go balls, those free balls that they send down the field where I’ve got to go make those plays,” Smith-Schuster said. “That’s what I’ve focused on a lot, catching the ball over the shoulder and being able to be a threat on the outside.” (Pittsburgh Tribune)
FFToday's Take: Smith-Schuster played the slot on 59 percent of his snaps last year but has been spending much more time outside this preseason, including on 10-of-13 snaps in last week's preseason game. It's fair to wonder if Smith-Schuster can adequately fill the No. 1 role that belonged to Antonio Brown and beat the top corners in the game, but he's already shown he can thrive with or without Brown and win regardless of where he lines up. He's an easy top-five selection among receivers in drafts.
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Amari Cooper dealing with intrinsic muscle strain
Initially thought to be plantar fasciitis
By: Doug Orth | Aug 22 2019, 10:20 pm
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@Spags52 tells us it's an "Intrinsic muscle strain," NOT plantar fasciitis for Amari Cooper @1053thefan (105.3 The Fan - Shan Shariff)
FFToday's Take: The foot's intrinsic muscles stabilize the foot much like the core muscles in a person's spine stabilizes and protects the spine. Plantar fasciitis would be a reason to downgrade Cooper in fantasy as it would likely bother him most of the season and cost him practice time, while an intrinsic muscle strain might not cost him, according to David J. Chao of ProFootballDoc.com. With all the uncertainty going in Dallas at the moment, it might still be wise to knock Cooper a few pegs.
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Kenyan Drake out of walking boot
RB get some jogging in Thursday
By: Doug Orth | Aug 22 2019, 10:00 pm
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By the way, Kenyan Drake, last seen in a walking boot due to foot injury, is out of the walking boot and jogging. (Miami Herald - Armando Salguero)
FFToday's Take: Initial reports had Drake out "a while" and perhaps in danger of missing the opener, but this report suggests he should be good to go barring a setback. Kalen Ballage has reportedly been a standout in camp, but it hasn't carried over to preseason action. While it's far from a trendy pick at the moment, Drake has the right combination of skill (especially in the passing game) and likely negative game script to be a top-20 PPR back again in 2019.
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TE Jordan Reed being evaluated for concussion
Injured in Redskins third pre-season game
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 22 2019, 9:45 pm
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Injury updates: Redskins TE Jordan Reed is being evaluated for a concussion and is out for the game ... #Packers rookie 1st round pick LB Rashan Gary has left the game with an unspecified injury. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Reed has a past history of concussions to go along with foot and toe issues so a firm diagnosis wouldn't be good. Reed has yet to play a full 16-game season and has scored only 4 TDs in his last 19 games.
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Cam Newton leaves with foot injury
Waiting on official diagnosis
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 22 2019, 8:10 pm
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Injury update: Cam Newton has a foot injury and will not return. (Panthers on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: There's been no official diagnosis by the team yet but this did not look severe at first glance. Newton didn't look happy when trainers were examining his left foot on the sideline. Newton was 4-of-6 for 30 yards before walking to the locker room.
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No end in sight to Melvin Gordon holdout
Holdout expected to continue into the season
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 21 2019, 2:30 pm
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At this point, #Chargers RB Melvin Gordon’s holdout is expected to continue into the season, sources say. Contract talks have not progressed as he hoped, and he’ll continue to train in Florida for the foreseeable future. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: From the beginning, this situation seemed like it might take awhile and that seems to be playing out as both sides are dug in at the moment. Gordon needs to report the team at some point during the season or he'll lose a year toward free agency. Gordon's fantasy value is on the decline and should fall over the weekend on this news.
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Andrew Luck won't practice this week
Team wants to know his status for Week 1 next Monday
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 20 2019, 12:30 pm
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Colts coach Frank Reich today: QB Andrew Luck will not practice this week. The issue remains a matter of "full speed movement vs. pain threshold." Team, ideally, will want to know his status for Week 1 next Monday. That'll be 13 days shy of the season opener. (Zak Keefer on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Time is ticking for Luck who has barely done anything with the team this entire off-season. While they haven't ruled out Luck for Week 1, we're trending towards Jacoby Brissett being the starter against the Chargers.
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Melvin Gordon "waiting for the call" on contract
Chargers RB still holding out for $13M annually
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 20 2019, 10:35 am
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Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, who is nearly five weeks into a holdout over his contract, told ESPN on Monday he is training rigorously in California and is ready to play football. Gordon says he wants to play but continues to wait for a resolution.
"Just waiting on the call," said the Pro Bowl back, who also has spent time preparing in Florida. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: Gordon wants to get paid, and the top of the running back market begins at around $13 million per year. The Chargers have been well short of that number, despite discussions about bridging the gap with incentives. This all means one thing -- that Gordon is like the risk-reward 1B to Ezekiel Elliott's 1A -- a first-round pick with legitimate holdout concerns who maintains immense upside as a Top 5 fantasy back.
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Antonio Brown files another grievance
Embattled star WR still wants to use "his" helmet
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 20 2019, 8:16 am
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ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) via Twitter: "Per source, Antonio Brown has filed a new grievance against the NFL over its attempt to prevent him from wearing any Schutt AiR Advantage helmet less than 10 years old." (Twitter)
FFToday's Take: It's hard to say if or when Brown is going to drop this, but there's almost no chance he wins his fight. It's time (once again) to drop him a few spots on the draft boards. His career with the Raiders couldn't be off to a worse start, and not out of the realm of possibility that it never takes off.
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Kiko Alonso on roster bubble?
LB not a lock to make Dolphins final cut
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 20 2019, 8:12 am
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Former Canadian Football League (CFL) linebacker Sam Eguavoen, who played his college football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2011 to 2014, has been emerging as a possible replacement for Kiko Alonso, who is not a lock to make the final roster. Releasing Alonso would carry $8.2 million in dead money and just a $25,000 cap savings but would save Miami $4 million in cash. Eguavoen’s emergence and Jerome Baker’s evolution — and the fact Miami is expected to play three linebackers less than half the time — have left both Alonso and Raekwon McMillan in a tenuous position. McMillan obviously is not going to be released, but his playing time likely will be impacted. Alonso and McMillan remained out Monday with undisclosed injuries. (Miami Herald)
FFToday's Take: On every NFL team, there’s usually a handful of accomplished veteran players at risk of being purged as the calendar trudges toward NFL cut-down day Aug. 31. The Dolphins are even more inclined to move on from veterans, focusing on investing in their youth and retaining promising talent. It would be a little shocking to see Alonso dropped, but I'd be avoiding him in IDP drafts for now.
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Antonio Brown back at practice Monday
Helmet drama takes a rest
By: Doug Orth | Aug 19 2019, 7:30 pm
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Per source, Antonio Brown returned to the Raiders and attended practice today. (Pro Football Talk)
FFToday's Take: Oh, thank heavens. Normally, this kind of thing wouldn't be headline news, but Brown being at practice this summer has been a bit of a rarity after suffering frostbite on his feet and going back and forth with the league about not being able to wear his old helmet. The sad part is Brown's off-field missteps have completely overshadowed the fact he is one of the game's best and hardest-working players. Such unpredictability has rightfully dropped him into the third round of many drafts.
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Derrick Henry finally good to go
Suffered calf injury on first day of camp
By: Doug Orth | Aug 19 2019, 5:50 pm
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RB Derrick Henry back at practice today for @Titans for first time since Day 1 of training camp. (Titans Online - Jim Wyatt)
FFToday's Take: It is not a good omen when the player the Titans are counting on to carry the offense suffers a soft-tissue injury on the first day of camp, but owners can hope the team was playing it safe all along and the injury was a minor one. Henry's lack of involvement in the passing game obviously limits his upside in PPR leagues, but a 16-game season from him this year could possibly result in a rushing title if Tennessee commits to him like most expect.
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Emmanuel Sanders expected to start vs 49ers
Achilles injury
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 19 2019, 1:15 pm
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Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders will play in a game tonight for the first time since tearing his Achilles at the Dec. 5 practice, and he will start, per source. Sanders will be introduced with Denver’s starters tonight pregame, run out of the tunnel, and be on field for first O snap. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: It's actually quite remarkable that Sanders is going to suit up in tonight's pre-season game given he tore his Achilles back in December. This injury typically comes with a lengthy recovery time and it's difficult for players to ever regain their top form. If Sanders does begin the season in the starting lineup, he'll likely be a value at his current ADP as the WR45 being drafted in Round 10.
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Surgery needed for D.K. Metcalf
Seahawks vague about injury
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 18 2019, 11:00 pm
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D.K. Metcalf’s injury happened a few days ago. Carroll said doctors have a clear look on the MRI. Think it’ll be a really quick recovery. No details on type of surgery. I asked if Metcalf has shot for Week 1 - Carroll just repeated they’re very optimistic. (Tom Pelissero on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Metcalf didn't play in tonight's preseason game against the Vikings and is now in danger of missing Week 1. The Seahawks are being vague about the specifics of the injury but it sounds like he'll have a knee scope of some kind. Tyler Lockett is the only safe Seattle WR fantasy owners should consider in redraft leagues.
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WR Marqise Lee removed from PUP list
Practicing today
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 17 2019, 1:45 pm
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Roughly a year from tearing his ACL, #Jaguars WR Marqise Lee is off the PUP list and practicing today, per coach Doug Marrone. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Lee is working is way back from an ACL injury suffered almost a year ago. He's likely to be limited moving forward but his return will further muddy the waters of the Jacksonville wide receiving corps. For now, Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley and D.J. Chark sit atop the depth chart. It's a situation to avoid outside of Westbrook.
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Eagles pickup QB Josh McCown to fill backup role
QB retired earlier this summer
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 17 2019, 9:15 am
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Josh McCown, who announced his retirement this summer to spend more time with his family, is returning to play his 17th NFL season with the Philadelphia Eagles, sources told ESPN. A source said McCown is signing a one-year deal with the Eagles. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: McCown (40) probably likes the idea of playing for a team that has a realistic chance of making the playoffs and can return to the broadcast booth after the season is over. The Eagles have QB issues with both Nate Sudfeld (broken wrist) and Cody Kessler (concussion) suffering injuries in camp.
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Josh Gordon conditionally reinstated by league
Allowed to be at the team facility on Sunday
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 16 2019, 5:45 pm
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The NFL is conditionally reinstating #Patriots WR Josh Gordon after his indefinite suspension. He is able to return to the team and under contract to do so. He is allowed to be at the team facility on Sunday (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: How many chances is Josh Gordon going to get? Gordon has been suspended numerous times during his career but is getting another opportunity to play football. We don't know the details yet on what conditions he must meet in order to play but the door is open for him to see the field in 2019. Time to adjust your rankings.
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Melvin Gordon could sit out the season?
Reportedly prepared to sit out if no new deal is reached
By: Doug Orth | Aug 15 2019, 9:40 pm
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Chargers and Melvin Gordon have not made progress towards a new deal, per sources. Gordon still wants to return in time for the regular season, but he is prepared to sit out if no new deal is reached, per source. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)
FFToday's Take: While it is still too early to panic (it is possible Gordon's camp is pushing this information to Schefter), there is certainly reason for concern. Owners drafting over the next couple weeks probably need to assume Gordon isn't going to be ready for the opener at the very least and need to wrap their minds around the possibility of not having him at all if they do take the plunge. Austin Ekeler needs to be moved up boards, while Justin Jackson may now move on the flex radar.
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Curtis Samuel off to fantastic start
"Light years ahead" of where he was in years past"
By: Doug Orth | Aug 15 2019, 9:30 pm
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Any credibility we have would be lost if we didn’t pick third-year receiver Curtis Samuel (as the offensive MVP of training camp). Rivera said he’s “light years ahead” of where he was in years past, and it has shown on the field practically every day. From the moment he snagged his long touchdown grab from Cam Newton on the first night, Samuel has been practically impossible to cover. He makes one or two plays every day that bring a wow-factor and it’s a safe bet the same continues once the regular season gets underway. (Charlotte Observer)
FFToday's Take: The positive reports have been coming out of Carolina on a regular basis regarding Samuel, who looks to be a threat to push D.J. Moore for top receiver honors on the team. While it would be an upset if that happened this season, Samuel's biggest problem throughout the first two years of his pro career has been durability. Regardless of whether or not he overtakes Moore, Samuel appears poised to be a top-end WR3 at worst in 2019.
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Keenan Allen expected to miss preseason games
Should be ready for Week 1
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 15 2019, 6:31 pm
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Chargers’ WR Keenan Allen suffered an ankle injury at practice this week that is not considered serious, but could knock him out of the Chargers’ remaining three preseason games, per a league source. Allen is expected back for the regular-season opener, per source. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Perhaps we'll get a firm diagnosis but it sounds like Allen suffered a sprain ankle. Whether it's the low or high variety is key. This will likely ding Allen's ADP in the short term but assuming he does suit up in Week 1, he should be a solid WR2 in most formats.
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Kenyan Drake in walking boot
Expected to be ready for Week 1
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 14 2019, 11:30 am
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Flores said Kenyan Drake, in a walking boot, has an injury that will be a while but said team hopeful ready for opener. (Armando Salguero on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Drake suffered the injury yesterday and although there's no official word on exactly what the issue is, it's not considered to be a "structural" problem. This will ding Drake's ADP and Kalen Ballage will take more reps with the first team in Drake's absence.
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Luck unlikely to play in pre-season
Calf, ankle injury remains an issue for Colts QB
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 13 2019, 7:00 pm
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Chris Ballard on conference call with local media says Andrew Luck’s issue is in the high ankle area. Most of his pain is just below the calf. #Colts have been treating the calf strain, but pain lingered. They think they have the source of the pain now and are moving forward. Ballard said it’s probable Luck won’t play during the preseason, but he is not ready to rule him out for the Sept. 8 opener yet. Trusts the QB and knows he’ll do everything possible to get back ASAP. (George Bremer on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Luck had an MRI done in March on his calf but apparently the Colts have now figured out the source of the issue is Luck's ankle. The fact that this has gone on for so long is baffling and it's hard to trust much of anything coming from this team regarding injury info. Until we get a firm diagnosis and recovery time, Luck's fantasy value will be in limbo.
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Antonio Brown to return to camp
Raiders WR loses helmet grievance, will join team
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 13 2019, 8:46 am
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Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) on Twitter: "Antonio Brown will be back at the Raiders’ facility in Napa today, per source." (Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Schefter's source doesn't say anything about how the frostbitten feet are holding out, but that will probably shake out in camp. For now, it looks like Brown's ADP should stop plummeting as he joins the rest of his team.
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Dontrell Hilliard looking at increased role
Browns didn't use undrafted rookie last season
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 13 2019, 8:30 am
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Dontrell Hilliard didn’t take a handoff last year as an undrafted rookie running back, but the news of the Browns’ trade of Duke Johnson Jr. to the Houston Texans on Thursday showed the confidence the Browns have in Hilliard as the likely running mate to starter Nick Chubb.
“I feel real comfortable,” Hilliard said. “Anytime my number is called, I can be the guy, so I have no doubt in my mind I can fill a more important role. It’s a competitive game, and that move they made opened an opportunity for me, and I’m going to take advantage of it.” (ClevelandBrowns.com)
FFToday's Take: Hilliard is in line to begin the season behind Chubb on the depth chart, should have opportunities as a pass-catching running back used mostly on third down plays, and get the occasional carry. Hilliard's value will take a hit once Kareem Hunt returns from an eight-game suspension, but for now he’s the primary backup and is worth a close look in deeper PPR leagues.
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Theo Riddick out 6-8 weeks, shoulder fracture
Likely to miss first 2-4 games
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 11 2019, 10:00 am
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Tests revealed Riddick, who the Broncos signed as a free agent the week before, suffered a slight shoulder fracture against the Seahawks on Thursday night and will be sidelined six to eight weeks, league sources told 9News. The good news is that Riddick’s injury will not require surgery to repair. And while it does mean Riddick will miss the first two to four games of the regular season, the Broncos already have an experience third-down back in place in Devontae Booker. (9 News in Denver)
FFToday's Take: Booker resumes his role as the Broncos No.3 running back and should see some work on third downs but Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman continue to be the backs to target in Denver. Given the injury, Riddick can be avoided in redraft leagues.
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Jerry Jones driving the Tony Pollard hype train
Cowboys owner thinks Pollard can carry the load?
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 11 2019, 9:15 am
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Jerry Jones: "I certainly thought he had a good account of himself. He looks confident out there, we know he's inordinately understanding of what he does and can do. We've seen him do it, we know he's capable of, if he really needs to, carrying whole load." (David Helman on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The Cowboys are negotiating with holdout Ezekiel Elliott so it's not surprising Jones would talk up his running backs in the media. Tony Pollard never had a big workload in college so it's easy to dismiss Jones' ramblings as fluff. However, Pollard would have some fantasy appeal if Zeke's holdout extends into the regular season so he's worth consideration in the later rounds of your draft.
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Jets' K Chandler Catanzaro calls it a career
K Taylor Bertolet signed
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 11 2019, 9:00 am
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New York Jets kicker Chandler Catanzaro has retired after a shaky start to training camp.
The team announced Catanzaro’s decision Sunday. The Jets also signed kicker Taylor Bertolet to replace Catanzaro on the roster. (AP)
FFToday's Take: Adjust your rankings. Catanzaro missed a couple extra points during the Jets first pre-season game and had some issues with consistency during camp. Bertolet is coming off a stint in the AAF league. He won't be a fantasy consideration.
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AB upset he can't wear preferred helmet
Antonio Brown making friends in Oakland
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 9 2019, 3:00 pm
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Wide receiver Antonio Brown has told the Oakland Raiders that unless he can wear his old helmet, he will not play football again, league sources told ESPN on Friday.
League sources told ESPN that Brown had a two-hour conference call with league officials on Friday in an attempt to argue why he should be allowed to wear his 10-year-old helmet. The Raiders have been sending Brown other approved helmets to wear but, at this time, he is not interested in wearing any of them. (ESPN)
FFToday's Take: Word is leaking that Brown's recent absence from Raiders training camp has more to due with this helmet issue than the problem with his feet. I'm positive we haven't heard the last of this story. Brown is the dictionary definition of a diva wide receiver making him a risky prospect in the early rounds of fantasy drafts.
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Antonio Callaway facing 4-game suspension
Violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 9 2019, 1:35 pm
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Browns receiver Antonio Callaway has been suspended four games for violation of the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, a league announced Friday. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
FFToday's Take: Offensive coordinator Todd Monken noted that Callaway showed up at camp "a little out of shape". Given his previous off-field troubles he's quickly becoming a fantasy afterthought. Expect Rashard Higgins to slide into the Browns third wide receiver role for at least the first four games of the season.
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Trent Williams could be done in Washington
OT reportedly has no intention to play for Redskins again
By: Doug Orth | Aug 8 2019, 7:05 pm
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Sources explained that the situation is not all about money, rather Trent Williams' contract status along with the series of allegations that the seven-time Pro Bowl tackle has lost faith in the team's front office and medical staff. Still, money might be the only way to fix the holdout.
"He's not coming back. Period," said one source that had spoken directly to Williams. (NBC Sports Washington)
FFToday's Take: If Williams follows through with his threat and fails to report, the team will be forced to choose between Donald Penn and second-year pro Geron Christian to replace hm at left tackle. The problem is that while Williams hasn't played a full season since 2013, he's still among the best at his position in the game. If the relationship between the two sides is as fractured as it sounds, Washington will almost certainly be forced to trade him at some point.
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Diontae Johnson pushing for big role?
Rookie pushing James Washington for WR3 reps
By: Doug Orth | Aug 8 2019, 7:00 pm
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According to NFL.com's Amber Theoharis, some Steelers' staff members have rookie WR Diontae Johnson ahead of James Washington on the depth chart. (NFL.com - Amber Theoharis)
FFToday's Take: Despite receiving earlier a shout out earlier this summer from JuJu Smith-Schuster about being a player who is going to surprise some people, Washington has struggled to challenge Donte Moncrief for the starting job. It sounds now as if he is far from a lock to be the third receiver as well. If either Johnson or Washington can secure the job, they will be worth owning in fantasy. However, if they split reps, both will be hard to trust.
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Jerick Mckinnon out two weeks
Dealing with soreness in his surgically repaired knee
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 8 2019, 3:10 pm
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#49ers RB Jerick McKinnon dealing with soreness in his knee after practicing past two days. He did not participate today. Coach Kyle Shanahan said McKinnon is getting a platelet rich plasma injection and will miss next two weeks before getting back in mix. (Nick Wagoner on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The 49ers backfield is starting to look at little clearer for the first part of the season. It appears Tevin Coleman and Matt Breida should handle the bulk of the work out of the backfield beginning Week 1 while McKinnon continues to rehab and work back from his ACL injury that occurred almost a year ago.
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Duke Johnson traded to Texans
For undisclosed draft pick in 2020
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 8 2019, 10:45 am
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#Browns trade Duke Johnson to Houston #Texans for undisclosed draft pick in 2020. (Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The Texans recently released D'Onta Foreman leaving them short on experience at running back. Despite the Browns head coach and GM stating Johnson had a role with the team, they ultimately grant the players wish for a trade. This is a decent landing spot for Johnson's fantasy value who should slide in as the backup behind Lamar Miller.
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Damien Williams returns
Hamstring injury
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 7 2019, 10:20 am
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Damien Williams is practicing for the first time since the first day of camp. We’ll see how much he does. Damien Williams is back but Carlos Hyde is taking the starter snaps at RB as Chiefs begin team drills. 10 plays of a team drill and Damien Williams didn't play. So looks like no team work for him today. (Adam Teicher on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Williams has been absent from training camp with a hamstring injury and still isn't a full go. It's unlikely he'll see any action in Kansas City's first pre-season game. Carlos Hyde, Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson have been handling the bulk of running back duties with Damien out. I
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Ezekiel Elliott won't play for Dallas without deal
ESPN source says Cowboys RB demanding new contract
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 6 2019, 9:25 am
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Representatives for running back Ezekiel Elliott have told Dallas Cowboys that he will not play in the 2019 season without a new contract, a source close to the situation told ESPN's Josina Anderson on Tuesday. The source added that, at this time, it is not likely that Elliott's holdout continues into the regular season, based on the belief that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones wants to get a new deal done with the running back before Week 1.
(ESPN)
FFToday's Take: While Elliott informed the Cowboys that he would not play without a new contract in January, this confirmation confuses the issue a bit heading into fantasy drafts. Elliott could be 2018's Le'Veon Bell if Jones doesn't cough up the cash for a new deal before Week 1.
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Marquise Goodwin -- Not a roster lock?
Speedy WR facing crowded competition in Niners camp
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 6 2019, 9:03 am
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The Athletic's Matt Barrows doesn't consider Marquise Goodwin a lock to make the 49ers' 53-man roster. Barrows named Dante Pettis, Deebo Samuel, Jalen Hurd, and Trent Taylor as the top four, leaving Goodwin, Jordan Matthews, Kendrick Bourne, and Richie James competing for possibly two spots. (The Athletic)
FFToday's Take: Bourne led the Niners' receivers in receiving a year ago and has been impressing at camp. Matthews has reportedly been steady and James is a youngster with some intrigue. Goodwin couldn't stay healthy last year but was productive in 2017, so stay tuned as the preseason develops.
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Rico Gathers waived by Cowboys
TE project never took hold in Dallas
By: Antonio D'Arcangelis | Aug 6 2019, 8:05 am
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The Cowboys cut tight end Rico Gathers on Monday at training camp. Gathers was entering his fourth camp with the team, and had seemingly improved every year, going from the practice squad in 2016-17 to the active roster last year in 2018, when he played 15 games, including four starts.
Gathers hadn't made much of an impact in camp and suffered a minor ankle injury that kept him out a few days. (DallasCowboys.com)
FFToday's Take: Gathers, the sixth-round pick in 2016, tried to make the transition from a college basketball star at Baylor to the NFL. He's a longshot to catch on with another team and can be disregarded in most fantasy formats.
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Jaylen Samuels poised for big role
Steelers see backup RB as jack-of-all-trades offensive weapon
By: Doug Orth | Aug 5 2019, 6:55 pm
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Jaylen Samuels is like OC Randy Fichtner’s Christmas toy that he didn’t learn to play with until the following year. Last year, the Steelers wanted to see if Samuels was a professional football player. This year, he’s been a significant part of their offense, whether it’s been the backup running back or, more importantly, that jack-of-all-trades offensive weapon that can line up just about everywhere. Samuels has been a matchup nightmare for the defense in camp because he’s more than just a running back who can catch. (The Athletic - Mark Kaboly)
FFToday's Take: This should be just want the public needed to fire up Samuels' hype train again. Contrary to popular belief, James Conner is most likely locked into another heavy workload. With that said, there are 160-plus empty plays the Steelers must replace with Antonio Brown now in Oakland. Samuels' unique ability to run most of the receiver routes as a running back makes him a good place to start when redistributing those targets and/or plays.
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Miles Sanders drawing comps to LeSean McCoy?
"Easily the most impressive runner on the team" early in camp
By: Doug Orth | Aug 5 2019, 6:45 pm
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Excluding, maybe, Carson Wentz and DeSean Jackson, rookie running back Miles Sanders has been the talk of training camp. He hasn’t missed a beat (despite missing all of minicamp due to injury), has received many of reps with the first-team and has easily been the most impressive runner on the team through 10 training camp practices. Clearly, the Eagles saw something when they drafted him in the second round, which they haven’t done since picking LeSean McCoy that high 10 years ago. About McCoy: There’s been some who have been quick to compare Sanders to McCoy, precisely because of his ability to cut on a dime, his burst, acceleration and playmaking ability. (NJ.com - Zack Rosenblatt)
FFToday's Take: The Eagles have also been pleased with Jordan Howard's efforts as a receiver and pass protector, so owners need to pump the brakes here - as Rosenblatt suggests fans should do with the McCoy comparisons. Still, how long the Eagles will stay with a true RBBC if Sanders is running circles around Howard as a rusher and earns the trust of his coaches in the passing game? Owners may need some patience here, but Sanders should emerge as the lead back before thee end of the season.
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