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Cooper Kupp suffers setback with hamstring injury
Status unclear
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 31 2023, 6:28 pm
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Sean McVay said WR Cooper Kupp suffered a setback with his hamstring and now is day to day. "I think we just take it a day at a time right now. We'll see. We want to be able to get him back right. We're obviously a much better team when he's available, but in his absence over the last handful of months, he's been out there leading in the way that he can. Hopefully we'll know exactly kind of when he's back as soon as possible, but do have a lot of confidence in the depth that's been developed in that room." (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: This sounds like Kupp is truly questionable for Week 1 but we'll have to wait for more clarity. Anytime a team mentions "setback" it typically doesn't bode well for a player to be on the field in a short-time frame. This is going to cause headaches for everyone drafting in the next couple of days. It would be understandable to knock Kupp down into Round 2 of your cheatsheet.
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Kendre Miller dealing with hamstring injury
Missed practice Thursday, no timetable for return
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 31 2023, 2:51 pm
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TE Taysom Hill was back in Saints practice Thursday. Still no CB Marshon Lattimore, RB Kendre Miller, WR Tre'Quan Smith, S J.T. Gray, OL Landon Young and practice squad WR Lynn Bowden Jr.
Dennis Allen said Miller is dealing with a hamstring issue. Didn't place a timetable on it. (Mike Triplett on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: With Alvin Kamara suspended the first three games, the fantasy community was expected the rookie Miller to contribute early in the season. We don't know at this point how this will affect Miller's Week 1 status, however the Saints did sign RB Tony Jones to the practice squad.
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Jeff Wilson, Jalen Ramsey land on IR, out 4 games
Miami dealing with RB injuries
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 31 2023, 10:33 am
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The #Dolphins placed CB Jalen Ramsey, OL Robert Jones and RB Jeff Wilson Jr. on injured reserve. They’re out at least four games; Ramsey is expected back in December. (Tom Pelissero on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Wilson is dealing with an undisclosed injury which we'll likely learn more about in the coming days. This will boost the short-term value of Raheem Mostert who is likely to start for the Dolphins Week 1 against the Chargers. Devon Achane (shoulder) and Salvin Ahmed are also dealing with issues but have a chance to be active for Week 1.
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Jonathan Taylor remains on PUP list
Will miss at least first four games of the 2023 season
By: Doug Orth | Aug 29 2023, 5:30 pm
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No deal: Indianapolis did not find what it felt was a fair-value offer for Jonathan Taylor and it is not trading its All-Pro running back today, league sources tell ESPN.
With no trade materializing today, Taylor now is expected to remain on the Physically Unable to Perform List, making him ineligible to play the first four games of the season. Taylor now is expected to miss games vs. the Jaguars, at Houston, at Baltimore and vs. the Rams. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)
FFToday's Take: It is fair to wonder at this point if Taylor's ankle injury is truly serious, as there would likely be an issue with the NFLPA if the Colts were just trying to leverage the situation. Taylor's potential return to action at this point is completely up in the air and likely send him into RB3 territory for those managers who have yet to draft. There is a slight possibility Taylor's absence extends beyond four games, which is enough reason for managers to avoid him in drafts if they can. Zack Moss (arm) will likely carry the early-down load for Indy once he is healthy enough, but it should not come as a surprise if Evan Hull overtakes him at some point.
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Giants activate Wan'Dale Robinson off PUP list
ACL injury back in mid-November
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 29 2023, 8:19 am
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The #Giants are activating WR Wan'Dale Robinson off the PUP list today, per source. The second-year wide receiver has been rehabbing a torn ACL suffered last year. (Jordan Raanan on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Robinson tore his ACL back on 11/20/22. The Giants have plenty of mediocre receiver depth and appear to be ready to start the season with Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell and rookie speedster Jalin Hyatt as their top four options. Robinson is off the fantasy radar for now.
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Treylon Burks returns to practice
WR suffered sprained LCL less than two weeks ago
By: Doug Orth | Aug 28 2023, 11:10 pm
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Great news for the #Titans. Treylon Burks is back at practice. (ESPN.com - Turron Davenport)
FFToday's Take: Burks was diagnosed with a sprained LCL in mid-August and the team appeared to question if he would be ready for Week 1 just a couple of days ago, so this was surprising news. It would appear he has a very good chance to suit up and play against the Saints in just under two weeks. If Burks is a go, DeAndre Hopkins' fantasy value will take a slight hit as he was likely eyeing a massive target share with all the injuries Tennessee is dealing with at receiver. Burks has WR3 upside but can typically be drafted as a WR4 right now.
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IR stint unlikely for Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Rookie WR underwent wrist surgery recently
By: Doug Orth | Aug 28 2023, 11:00 pm
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#Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who recently underwent surgery to repair a small broken bone in his wrist, is expected to begin the season on the active roster, source said. No word yet on his availability for W1, but avoiding IR/designated to return is a sign he'll play soon. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)
FFToday's Take: While Smith-Njigba's already slim prospects of overtaking DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett have virtually disappeared with the time he'll miss due to this injury, this news does bode well for him to be relevant in fantasy after Seattle's Week 5 bye. The rookie was reportedly the star of Seahawks' training camp, so expect Seattle to put as much on his plate as he can handle once he is fully healthy. Fantasy managers should not hesitate to buy the dip with him and stash him as a strong WR4 option.
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Kyler Murray expected to remain on PUP, miss first 4 games
Joshua Dobbs could start Week 1
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 28 2023, 2:50 pm
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Cardinals do not plan to activate QB Kyler Murray off the Physically Unable to Perform List by Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline, which means he then would ineligible to be active during the first four games of the season. Joshua Dobbs figures to be the leader to become Arizona’s opening-day starting QB. The Cardinals tried to sign him in free agency. They traded for him last week. And he know the Cardinals’ system from having played under Arizona OC Drew Petzing last season in Cleveland. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: We knew the Cardinals would be scrambling at quarterback this season and here we are. Veteran Colt McCoy has been released and with the signing of Dobbs last week the team is expected to head into the season with Dobbs, Clayton Tune and Kyler Murray (PUP). This will be a situation to avoid in most 1QB redraft leagues.
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Patriots ship RB Pierre Strong Jr. to Cleveland
Get OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. in return
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 27 2023, 11:32 am
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In a depth-based trade, the Patriots have shipped backup RB Pierre Strong Jr. to the Browns for OT Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (as
@RapSheet said).
Wheatley is a developmental/depth tackle with plus size/strength (6-6, 320).
Strong projected as No. 3-4 option behind Rhamondre/Zeke. (Mike Reiss on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Strong lost the majority of his fantasy value when New England signed Ezekiel Elliott as a backup to Rhamondre Stevenson. The Browns needed depth at running back position with only Jerome Ford (hamstring) as the projected backup to Nick Chubb. Strong is a player to watch if he's able to wrestle away the No.2 job from Ford.
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Josh Jacobs ends holdout, agrees to one-year deal
Worth up to $12 million
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 26 2023, 12:19 pm
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The #Raiders and star RB Josh Jacobs have agreed to terms on an upgraded one-year deal worth up to $12 million, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
The base value of Josh Jacobs’ deal is now $11.8 million, including some per-game roster bonuses - a significant upgrade from the $10.091 million tag. Jacobs can earn another $200K in incentives to reach the $12M max. (Tom Pelissero on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Jacobs had been slipping down the fantasy ranks this off-season during his holdout but will likely see his ADP rise despite him missing all of training camp. Given his usage last season (393 touches) he'll be one of the top running backs taken off the board in fantasy drafts over the next two weeks.
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Jerry Jeudy leaves practice with hamstring injury
MRI will be done
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 24 2023, 2:06 pm
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Sean Payton on Jerry Jeudy: “It’s a hamstring. We’ll get an MRI. ... Hopefully it’s not anything long term.” (Mike Klis on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: It wouldn't be an NFL season without the Broncos dealing with injuries to their wide receiver room. Tim Patrick suffered an Achilles injury at the end of July and now Jeudy could miss some time with a hamstring issue. We'll know more about his timeframe after the MRI, but Marvin Mims and perhaps tight end Greg Dulcich may be thrust into bigger roles early in the season out of necessity.
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Corey Davis announces his retirement from the NFL
Jets have plenty of depth at wide receiver
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 23 2023, 3:07 pm
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Veteran WR Corey Davis announced he is retiring from the NFL. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Davis came into the league in 2017 as a first-round pick by the Titans where he played four seasons, topping out at 984 yards and 5 TDs back in 2020. He spent the last two seasons in New York with a middling role, barley cracking 500 yards last season. The Jets have plenty of depth at the wide receiver position including Aaron Rodgers favorites, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to go along with Garrett Wilson and Mecole Hardman.
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49ers announce Sam Darnold as backup QB
Trading Trey Lance an option
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 23 2023, 2:42 pm
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The #49ers are naming Sam Darnold their No. 2 quarterback and the team is exploring options with Trey Lance, sources tell me and
@RapSheet.
Darnold will back up Brock Purdy, while the future of Lance - the No. 3 overall pick in 2021 - is unclear. (Tom Pelissero on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: With Purdy recovering nicely from his elbow injury, Lance was on the outside looking in during camp. The 49ers will now pursue trade opportunities for Lance who was taken with the third pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Depending on what the 49ers are willing to accept, there are plenty of teams who could take a flier on Lance as their backup QB.
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Terry McLaurin avoids significant toe injury
Day-to-day with what is believed to be a toe sprain
By: Doug Orth | Aug 22 2023, 11:50 pm
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Good news out of the MRI: Sources say there is optimism for Week 1 for Terry McLaurin. More day-to-day than anything, with the scans showing no major injury. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)
FFToday's Take: McLaurin has just under three weeks to get his toe feeling good enough to go for the team's season opener against the Cardinals. By no means is McLaurin in the clear yet, but this diagnosis makes it more likely he can start the season on time. Expect Washington to take it easy on him over the next two weeks. Assuming he does not reinjure the toe before the opener, McLaurin makes for a solid WR2 option in drafts.
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Jaxon Smith-Njigba will have wrist surgery today
Surgery will determine how long he will miss
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 22 2023, 11:39 am
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Seahawks’ first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba is undergoing wrist surgery today in Philadelphia, but still could have a chance to be ready for the start of the regular season, per sources. Surgery will determine how long he will miss. He hurt his wrist Saturday night vs. Dallas. He broke a bone in his wrist on the play in which he almost scored Saturday night. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Not great news. JSN has been a popular best-ball pick this summer and an intriguing pick in the middle rounds of redraft leagues. He's already carved out a role as the third receiver in Seattle and has shown enough flashes in camp that give him fantasy upside. We should get a better idea of this timeline after surgery.
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Bucs announce Baker Mayfield as Week 1 starter
Kyle Trask No.2
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 22 2023, 10:48 am
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Todd Bowles said he notified the quarterbacks of his decision to go with Baker Mayfield as the starter this morning. He said Kyle Trask handled it like a true professional and said that they have a great relationship. (Jenna Laine on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: It always appeared Mayfield had the inside track for the job and now it's official. We aren't expecting much from the Bucs offense this season as Mayfield has never been a fantasy force and the team appears to be in a rebuild mode after losing Tom Brady. Mayfield is off the fantasy radar in 1 QB leagues and has low-end QB2 value in SuperFlex or 2QB leagues.
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Jonathan Taylor allowed to seek a trade
Colts seeking first-round pick in return for disgruntled RB
By: Doug Orth | Aug 21 2023, 6:50 pm
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According to Stephen Holder of ESPN, Indianapolis is seeking a first-round pick - or a package of picks that equates to a first-round selection - in exchange for Jonathan Taylor. The Colts reportedly granted Taylor permission to seek a trade on Monday. That cost may be prohibitive for teams to acquire Taylor, as they would presumably need to sign the running back to a new contract to make him happy. A second-round pick in 2020, Taylor is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He’s set to make $4.3 million in base salary in 2023. The Dolphins reportedly are expected to explore a trade for Taylor.
Taylor is still on the PUP list with an ankle injury. He was limited to 11 games in 2022 with an ankle issue, but led the league in rushing, yards from scrimmage, and touchdowns in 2021. (ESPN - Stephen Holder)
FFToday's Take: The compensation figures to be a huge sticking point for interested suitors, as will the contract extension Taylor is seeking. The Dolphins are an obvious candidate for his services, as are the Bears, Bengals and Vikings. Any of those spots arguably represent a better situation for Taylor than what he will have this season in Indy. Assuming he is traded before the end of the month, fantasy managers will have to decide if a slow start - while learning his new offense - will be worth the potential upside he brings. Managers in deeper leagues would be wise to consider adding Evan Hull and even Zack Moss until this thing gets settled.
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Isiah Pacheco cleared to practice
RB missed offseason work after undergoing multiple surgeries
By: Doug Orth | Aug 21 2023, 5:50 pm
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Isiah Pacheco was back in a red jersey for the first time and took his place as RB1 for the first time. (ESPN.com - Adam Teicher)
FFToday's Take: HC Andy Reid told reporters after practice Monday that Pacheco "has a chance" to play in the team's preseason finale this weekend. He would almost certainly be limited to 10 or 15 plays at most if he plays, but the mere fact he is back at practice with about three weeks to go before the start of the regular season is a good sign. Pacheco is an injury risk merely because of how physically he runs, but he also possesses plenty of upside as the primary back in one of the best offenses in the league. Pacheco should be considered a strong RB3/flex option at worst.
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Miles Sanders back to work
RB missed most of August due to groin issue
By: Doug Orth | Aug 21 2023, 5:40 pm
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Miles Sanders comes out to practice in pads. That’s a good sign for the veteran RB, who hasn’t played in the first two preseason games. (Panthers.com - Darin Gantt)
FFToday's Take: Sanders inked a sizable contract (four years, $25.4 million, $13 million guaranteed) in free agency before the market completely collapsed on the running back position. Needless to say, Carolina expects him to be the featured back. Sanders will have his work cut out for him transitioning to life without the Eagles' top-notch offensive line, but his expected volume should be enough to keep him firmly in the RB2 conversational season long.
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Devon Achane week-to-week with shoulder injury
May not be ready for Week 1
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 21 2023, 12:04 pm
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McDaniel said Devon Achane is "week to week." Said he avoided anything major. McDaniel doesn't commit to Achane playing in Week 1. "I think that far out, I'm not really being an issue. I'm more worried about how he's going to look at the end of this week." (Adam Beasley on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Achane injured his shoulder in the Dolphins Week 2 preseason game against the Texans. The rookie running back is battling for touches with veterans Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin. Despite the injury, Achane will be a late-round upside play for leagues with deep benches.
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Javonte Williams gets 12 snaps, 7 touches in pre-season game
Coming off serious knee injury
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 20 2023, 9:16 am
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Javonte had 12 snaps: "It was all about getting the nerves out. I just wanted to get tackled again and see how it goes. That's the biggest hurdle."
"It was like a weight lifted off of me. I was thinking it would hurt but I really didn’t feel it. I got right back up.” (Mike Klis on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: It was clear that Sean Payton wanted to get Javonte Williams some action in the Broncos second pre-season game. Williams handled 3 carries and saw five targets (4 receptions) on just 12 snaps. The Denver RB is coming off a serious knee injury that included a torn ACL, LCL and posterolateral corner. The fact that he got in some game action is a significant step. I'm still cautious regarding his projection for the season and won't be taking him at his current ADP, but he's clearly trending in the right direction.
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Washington names Sam Howell starting QB for Week 1
Jacoby Brissett begins as the backup
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 18 2023, 8:43 am
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Ron Rivera named Sam Howell as Commanders’ starting QB for Week 1 vs the Arizona Cardinals. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Ron Rivera put an end to any speculation today by naming Howell the starter over Jacoby Brissett. Howell played in just one game last season (11-19, 169 yds 1 TD, 1 INT) so he's still a relative unknown. He does have a decent set of weapons but as Washington installs a new offense there are bound to be growing pains. Howell is projecting as a low-end QB2 but worth keeping on your watch list.
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Jameson Williams likely out rest of preseason
Hamstring injury; Suspended first six-games
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 17 2023, 9:08 am
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Lions’ WR Jameson Williams has a hamstring injury that is likely to sideline him for the remainder of the preseason. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: This shouldn't affect Williams in the regular season as he's already been suspended six games which should give him more than enough time to recover from his hamstring issue. The Lions are quite thin at receiver with Josh Reynolds and Marvin Jones behind Amon-Ra St. Brown (ankle). Williams can be a late-round flied in leagues with deep benches.
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Treylon Burks suffers sprained knee in practice
Out a few weeks
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 16 2023, 6:39 pm
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#Titans WR Treylon Burks suffered an LCL sprain during practice today, sources say after the MRI. This is good news, as Burks should only miss a few weeks. A scare, but a solid result considering. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: This was probably the best-case scenario for Burks who went down in practice after a pass play and had to be carted off. This may limit him early in the season and we could see Burks fall a few spots in ADP but he's still worth drafting in the middle rounds of most redraft leagues.
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Russell Gage out for the season, knee injury
Bucs need No.3 option at receiver
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 16 2023, 6:24 pm
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Bucs WR Russell Gage suffered a season-ending right knee injury Wednesday in practice vs. Jets. He underwent an MRI and is headed back to Tampa from New Jersey. He will have surgery sometime this week. (Rick Stroud on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Tough break for Gage who was locked into the No.3 role in Tampa Bay. The depth chart behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin is shaky at best with David Moore and Deven Thompkins the only ones with NFL experience. Rookie Trey Palmer now has a few weeks to make his mark on the depth chart.
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Aaron Rodgers injures calf Tuesday
Limped afterward but stayed around for a bit longer
By: Doug Orth | Aug 15 2023, 11:10 pm
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After releasing a pass (interception), Aaron Rodgers clutches his left calf. He’s limping around, but stays in for the next play. This was his “good” calf. Injured the right in OTAs. #Jets (ESPN.com - Rich Cimini)
FFToday's Take: Early indications are that the injury is not overly serious. With that said, expect New York to be very cautious with its 39-year-old quarterback over the next few days - especially considering he has now injured both calves in the last few months. While he offers virtually nothing with his legs nowadays, Rodgers' pinpoint accuracy and strong supporting cast should be enough to make him a strong QB2 in fantasy.
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Anthony Richardson named Week 1 starter
No. 4 overall pick beats out Gardner Minshew
By: Doug Orth | Aug 15 2023, 10:00 pm
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Shane Steichen announces Anthony Richardson has won the starting QB job. (CNHI - George Bremer)
FFToday's Take: It was never a question of if Richardson would start in 2023, but how early. Especially for a quarterback with 13 career starts, he will have his bouts of inconsistency - especially on an offense that may not have the services of Jonathan Taylor (or at least a disgruntled version of him). With that said, Richardson boasts insane rushing upside for a quarterback and is more developed as a passer than he has been given credit for. Fantasy managers should view him as a high-end QB2 just to be on the safe side, but he could easily finish inside the top eight at his position.
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Dalvin Cook joins Aaron Rodgers in New York
Still a week away from practicing due to shoulder injury
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 14 2023, 9:00 pm
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New Jets’ RB Dalvin Cook still is at least a week away from being able to practice after undergoing shoulder surgery in February. Cook’s NY arrival also will be delayed due to fact that he will become a first-time father any day now.
So it will be a bit before he’s on the field. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Cook's arrival isn't great news for the fantasy prospects of Breece Hall (ACL recovery) but those able to take a long-term approach in deeper leagues or best-ball scenarios shouldn't dock Hall much at all. Cook is setup to get a good chunk of the early-season work at running back depending on how quickly Hall is brought along, but should lose touches to the more-talented Hall as the season wears on.
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Ezekiel Elliott lands in New England
One-year deal
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 14 2023, 8:00 pm
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Compensation update: Ezekiel Elliott’s one-year deal with the Patriots includes a $3 million base salary, a $1 million signing bonus and can be worth up to $6 million with incentives. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: The Patriots have been signaling all off-season that they wanted a veteran free agent running back and today they got their man. Elliott was been out-played by Tony Pollard the last two seasons in Dallas and isn't projected to have a lead back role. Elliot will be a nuisance for Rhamondre Stevenson owners and could have a goaline role, but shouldn't be taken until the later rounds in most redraft leagues.
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Saints RB Kendre Miller suffers sprained knee
Further evaluation needed
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 13 2023, 4:30 pm
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Saints rookie RB Kendre Miller suffered a knee sprain, per coach Dennis Allen. Will have to get some imaging for further evaluation. (Mike Triplett on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Miller was expected to have an early-season role along with Jamaal Williams while Alvin Kamara serves his three-game suspension. That role is now in doubt depending on how severe this injury turns out to be. Miller was nursing a knee injury during the off-season.
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Colts expect Jonathan Taylor back at camp this week
Will practice when cleared medically
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 13 2023, 2:47 pm
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Shane Steichen reiterated Colts expect Jonathan Taylor back at camp this week. He practices when he's cleared medically. It was noteworthy last week when JT opted to do his rehab away from the team. That's not even remotely normal. (Mike Chappell on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Taylor, Josh Jacobs and J.K. Dobbins are a few of the high profile running backs that are squabbling with their team's management over contract issues. Taylor is also dealing with an ankle injury which further complicates matters. Even if Taylor reports back to the team, it seems like we have a long way to go before this situation is rectified.
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J.K. Dobbins on the verge of reporting to camp?
RB has missed entirety of training camp
By: Doug Orth | Aug 8 2023, 11:55 pm
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HC John Harbaugh on J.K. Dobbins: “The ball is in J.K.’s court. I do expect him back soon.” He didn’t want to comment further. (The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec)
FFToday's Take: While it not for certain that Dobbins is missing camp due to dissatisfaction regarding his contract, comments like this suggest that is almost certainly the case. While it is a shame Dobbins hasn't getting any reps in new OC Todd Monken's offense, he should not have much of a problem acclimating. Dobbins is set to explode for fantasy purposes this season with Baltimore embracing a more wide-open offensive attack - one that aligns with his explosiveness quite nicely. As long as he reports to camp in the next week or two, consider him a strong RB2 option with RB1 upside.
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Jerome Ford injures hamstring
Likely backup to Nick Chubb goes down Monday
By: Doug Orth | Aug 7 2023, 6:40 pm
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The Browns weren't able to escape Monday's full-contact practice in the rain without getting an injury scare. This one was to a key piece of their running back rotation behind Nick Chubb. Jerome Ford hobbled off the field after a play with an injury to his right leg. After sitting down on the sideline with a trainer for a moment, he limped into the team facility. The injury was later confirmed as a hamstring issue following practice. (Akron Beacon Journal)
FFToday's Take: There is no word on the severity of the injury yet, but we can expect Ford to miss a few practices at very least. Assuming the injury is minor and Ford can return in a week or two, Ford should be considered a high-priority handcuff for Nick Chubb managers. While he may not inherit the same role Kareem Hunt held in recent years for the Browns, Ford should see enough touches to push for flex value as a standalone option.
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Jake Ferguson creating separation atop depth chart
Leading candidate to replace Dalton Schultz
By: Doug Orth | Aug 7 2023, 6:30 pm
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After the draft, the No. 1 tight end spot appeared like it would be a battle between Jake Ferguson and second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker. But the rookie hasn’t been practicing because of plantar fasciitis. Ferguson is the clear No. 1 and the favorite to get the majority of the targets that had gone to Dalton Schultz over the past three seasons. Schultz, who is now with the Houston Texans, averaged 94 targets per season over the last three years. Ferguson was targeted 22 times as a rookie last year, finishing with 19 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns. Those numbers should increase significantly this season. (The Athletic - Jon Machota)
FFToday's Take: File this one away under "most likely late-round tight end to finish as a low-end TE1." Schultz is nothing special as an athlete and was a frequent underneath target of Dak Prescott for a few years. It would be too much to ask for Ferguson to replicate Schultz's production given the firepower Dallas has at receiver now (CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup), but a 60-catch season is very much within reach for him.
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Alvin Kamara gets 3-game suspension
Reached a plea agreement in July
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 4 2023, 2:29 pm
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Sources: NFL is suspending Saints RB Alvin Kamara 3 games for his role in a fight outside a Las Vegas nightclub in 2022. Kamara reached a plea agreement in July, and no longer is facing a felony charge for his role in the fight that occurred before the Pro Bowl in February 2022. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: We've been waiting for the league discipline piece on this issue for quite some time and now we have it. The Saints have Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller to lean on while Kamara is out but expect Williams to do the heavy lifting. Kamara's RB31 ADP is probably a bargain given his talent. Drafters expecting a bounceback season can feel comfortable with him as their RB3.
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Javonte Williams expected to play in the pre-season
Returning from knee injury
By: Mike Krueger | Aug 3 2023, 2:26 pm
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Broncos’ HC Sean Payton told reporters today that RB Javonte Williams, who is coming off a torn ACL, is expected to play this preseason, though Denver might wait until the second preseason game to play him. “I like how he’s progressing,” Payton said. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Williams is coming a serious knee injury that not only affected his ACL, but also his LCL. As we saw with J.K. Dobbins a year ago, it can take some time before players are back on the field and playing at their highest level. Getting action in pre-season games will give us another data point on his recovery. Expect Samaje Perine to be a factor in the Broncos running game regardless of how quick Williams progresses.
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Cooper Kupp exits practice early
Suffered undisclosed injury Tuesday
By: Doug Orth | Aug 1 2023, 11:30 pm
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Cooper Kupp left Tuesday’s practice with a member of their medical staff, and did not return.
Coach Sean McVay said after the practice he did not know what Kupp’s status was, and had not yet spoken to the athletic training staff about the situation.
“I saw he looked like he came up a little bit on a red zone route, and then I just know they told me he was out for practice,” McVay said. “I have no more information than that.” (The Athletic - Jourdan Rodrigue)
FFToday's Take: The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue shared a video on social media that shows what appears to be the moment Kupp pulls up. While a non-contact injury is rarely ever good, it is at least a good sign that Kupp walked off the field under his own power. Assuming the injury is not serious and he is good to go for Week 1, Kupp can make a strong case to be the top overall receiver selected in fantasy drafts.
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NYJ won't go crazy in Dalvin Cook pursuit
RB had "good" visit with the team over the weekend
By: Doug Orth | Jul 31 2023, 5:30 pm
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Dalvin Cook visited the Jets (on July 30). He left without a contract. Saleh called it a “good” visit, but Jets aren’t “pushing” or “pressing” the issue. Basically, there’s no timeline for a signing. Cook needs to do what’s best for his family. The back’s desire to play for the Dolphins is pretty well known. It’s also important to know the Jets don’t need Cook. He’d be a welcome addition, but it’s a case of luxury, not necessity. Any contract offer from Joe Douglas will reflect that. (SNY - Connor Hughes)
FFToday's Take: The Dolphins may not be the betting favor to land Cook, but they probably should be. Signing with the Jets maybe allows Cook to enjoy a fairly sizeable early-season role, but he would almost certainly be stuck in an even timeshare - at best - with Breece_Hall. With Miami, Cook would go to his hometown town and likely assume a lead-back role ahead of rookie Devon Achane, Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert. Stay tuned.
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WR Tim Patrick likely out with torn Achilles
Broncos down two receivers
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 31 2023, 3:25 pm
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New Broncos WR coach Keary Colbert has had better days. KJ Hamler down for a while with heart issue; fear that Tim Patrick has torn Achilles. In a procedural move, Hamler will appear on today’s wire as waived/non-football illness. However, the door is open for his return to the Broncos or any team early this season. (Mike Klis on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: Both Patrick and Hamler have had trouble staying on the field. Hamler has played just 10 games the last two seasons while Patrick missed all of 2022 with an ACL injury. This opens the door for rookie Marvin Mims who the Broncos drafted back in April. They also have Marquez Callaway that Sean Payton recruited from the Saints.
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Kenneth Walker, Zach Charbonnet dealing with injuries
Charbonnet out indefinitely with shoulder injury
By: Mike Krueger | Jul 30 2023, 6:54 pm
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Seahawks’ HC Pete Carroll told reporters that rookie RB Zach Charbonnet has a shoulder injury and is out indefinitely. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)
FFToday's Take: RB Kenneth Walker has missed the last few days of practice with a groin injury and may remain out a while, also according to Pete Carroll. We're not off to a great start with the top two options in the Seahawks backfield. Right now it sounds like Charbonnet's injury might be the more serious of the two, but we should get more info in the coming days.
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