SF - TE Vernon Davis dealt to Broncos
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
San Francisco 49ers TE Vernon Davis and a seventh-round pick in the 2016 draft were traded to the Denver Broncos Monday, Nov. 2, in exchange for sixth-round picks in both 2016 and 2017, according to sources.
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It's a cheap price to pay for a player with tremendous natural ability. Davis wasn't happy with the 49ers, and he didn't mesh with QB Colin Kaepernick over the last two years. He has 18 catches for 194 yards but no touchdowns in 2015. Davis is in the final year of his contract, so the 49ers were going to lose him anyway. At least this way they get a little something for him. Davis could be a TE1 for fantasy owners, and he may be on the waiver wire for some. The Broncos are clearly in "win now" mode, and they should be with Peyton Manning in perhaps his last season and that world-class defense.
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CHI - RB Matt Forte may not miss time
Source: NFL.com - Marc Sessler
Updating a previous report, Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte (knee) is dealing with a knee sprain and isn't expected to be out long term. There's even a chance that Forte could play as soon as Week 9 against the San Diego Chargers Monday, Nov. 9. Forte had been rumored to be trade bait this year, but his knee injury should quiet that chatter.
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The Bears should be cautious with Forte here. Most reports indicate he'll be out a couple of weeks. That's a minor knee injury, but they need to make sure he's close to full strength before putting him on the field.
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PIT - Le'Veon Bell to IR, Isaiah Pead signs
Source: Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Nov. 2, and free-agent RB Isaiah Pead (Rams) was signed to an undisclosed deal in a corresponding move.
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Pead isn't good, but he gives the team veteran depth behind DeAngelo Williams.
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BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor still wearing brace
Source: The Associated Press
Buffalo Bills QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) was still wearing a brace on his knee during practice Monday, Nov. 2, but head coach Rex Ryan expects Taylor to start in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins after he missed two games with a sprained left knee.
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The Bills play at home this week, and getting Taylor back should boost the offense. We'll also be monitoring the health status of RB Karlos Williams as he could return from a concussion this week.
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SD - WR Keenan Allen checked into hospital
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Michael Gehlken
San Diego Chargers TE Keenan Allen (kidney) checked into a San Diego hospital after his symptoms worsened following the flight from Baltimore Sunday, Nov. 1. Allen is expected to miss 'some time,' according to head coach Mike McCoy. Allen was tied for third-most in NFL history with 67 catches through the first eight games of the season, trailing only Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones (70) and Marvin Harrison (69).
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Allen is likely to miss multiple weeks because of this injury. Watch for any other news reports as we need to get further clarity on his condition. In the meantime, several fantasy owners will be making changes at the WR position while Allen is out.
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NO - RB Mark Ingram to see heavier workload
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram is likely to see a heavier workload with RB Khiry Robinson (leg) out for the season, and Ingram could also be in line for more goal-line work. RB C.J. Spiller could also see an increase in workload, but the Saints are bringing him along slowly coming off injury, and he has averaged 16.7 snaps a game and hasn't been involved in more than 21 plays in seven games this year.
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That makes sense, and it's a move we expected once Robinson went down. Ingram is built for a large workload, and he'll continue as a RB1/RB2 for fantasy owners. Spiller's workload could increase, so have him around as a potential flex option each week depending on the matchup.
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NYJ - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will have to deal with pain
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini
Updating previous reports, New York Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick's (thumb) ability to play in Week 9 will largely come down to pain tolerance, according to head coach Todd Bowles. QB Geno Smith (shoulder) underwent tests Monday, Nov. 2, that revealed a 'big bruise.' Smith has no structural damage to his shoulder.
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Bowles is not very confident that Fitzpatrick will be able to play against the Jacksonville Jaguars right now. The Jets are strongly considering trading for a veteran quarterback before the trade deadline Tuesday, Nov. 3.
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NYJ - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB Geno Smith day-to-day
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini
New York Jets QBs Ryan Fitzpatrick (thumb) and Geno Smith (shoulder) are listed as day-to-day, according to head coach Todd Bowles.
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Expect the Jets to make a move for a veteran quarterback. Either through free agency or via trade before the deadline coming up on Tuesday.
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NYJ - WR Brandon Marshall's status uncertain
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini
New York Jets WR Brandon Marshall (ankle, toe) may miss the Jet's Week 9 contest versus the Jacksonville Jaguars, but head coach Todd Bowles said it's too early to tell.
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Wait to see if Marshall can practice later in the week.
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NYJ - Knee still bothering WR Eric Decker
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini
New York Jets WR Eric Decker (knee) said he is getting better but that his injured knee is still bothering him.
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Expect Decker to be limited in practice again this week. Even on Friday, Decker may only be a limited participant. Barring any setbacks, he should play...but make sure to have other options ready.
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CHI - No surgery for WR Eddie Royal?
Source: ESPNChicago.com - Jeff Dickerson
Chicago Bears WR Eddie Royal (knee) should not need surgery on his injured knee, according to head coach John Fox.
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Get Marquess Wilson ready if you have Eddie Royal. The Bears are trying to be quite clandestine about injuries (and everything) this year under John Fox. There is absolutely no clarity about this situation, so get other players ready if you play in deeper leagues.
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SF - QB Colin Kaepernick to be benched?
Source: ESPNChicago.com - Jeff Dickerson
San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick may not be the starting quarterback moving forward. When asked if Kaepernick is still the starter, head coach Jim Tomsula said, 'We're evaluating anyone.'
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It's pretty bad if you're going to get benched for Blaine Gabbert. The 49ers need to get on the winning track, but we don't see Gabbert doing much better than Kaepernick.
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NO - RB Khiry Robinson out for the year
Source: NFL Network - Andrew Siciliano
New Orleans Saints RB Khiry Robinson (leg) had surgery on his broken leg and will miss the remainder of the season, according to head coach Sean Payton.
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A sad way for Robinson to end his season. Without him on the field, we should see more from Mark Ingram and C.J. Spiller.
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BAL - WR Steve Smith intends to return next year
Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora
Baltimore Ravens WR Steve Smith (Achilles') has scheduled surgery on Nov. 9 with the intentions of returning to play next season, according to sources. Smith tore his Achilles' tendon in the Week 8 game against the San Diego Chargers. The Ravens would welcome him back if he chooses to return in 2016.
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We don't want to see Smith go out like that. He's been one of the best receivers in the NFL, and Smith was playing at a high level this season. Achilles' injuries aren't quite as devastating as they used to be, so there's a chance Smith could be ready by the start of the 2016 season if he doesn't retire.
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DAL - QB Tony Romo on track for Week 11
Source: NFL.com
Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo (clavicle) is still 'on target' to return when eligible in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. The fact that Romo isn't expected to practice this week isn't a bad sign.
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The Cowboys need Romo in a bad way. They'll take the time to get him right, then he'll return to the field with the expectation of pulling this franchise out of a rut. Romo should be back soon....stay tuned.
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SF - RB Shaun Draughn joining San Francisco
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Free-agent RB Shaun Draughn (Browns) agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers Monday, Nov. 2. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
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The 49ers had to do something. Carlos Hyde (foot), Mike Davis (hand) and Reggie Bush (torn ACL) are all hurt. That means Draughn could get an opportunity with his new team.
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SEA - WR Ricardo Lockette's career in jeopardy
Source: NFL.com - Conor Orr
Updating a previous report, Seattle Seahawks WR Ricardo Lockette (neck) has 'full motion and feeling in all extremities' and is undergoing surgery Monday, Nov. 2, but his playing career is in jeopardy.
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This injury was incredibly severe. We're glad Lockette has all his motor skills, and now he faces a long road to recovery.
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DEN - QB Peyton Manning not finding tight ends
Source: ESPN Stats and Information
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning is completing only 58% of his attempted passes to tight ends this season, down from 70% during his first three seasons with the Broncos.
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The Broncos showed more emphasis on the TEs in the Week 8 throttling of the Packers. We'll see if Vernon Davis can take over at the position and be at least a high-upside TE2 for fantasy owners.
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TEN - RB David Cobb overweight
Source: TitansInsider.com - Terry McCormick
Tennessee Titans RB David Cobb was overweight when he reported to last week's weigh-in. It could be a factor in determining whether or not Cobb receives carries right away when he returns.
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That's not what you want to hear as Cobb is close to getting to the field. We love his natural talent, power and instinct for running the ball...and we feel he's easily the best back for the Titans. If Cobb gets in shape and earns the starting job, he could be a nice RB2/flex play for fantasy owners.
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TEN - QB Marcus Mariota to return to practice
Source: NFL.com - Jeremy Bergman
Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota (knee) is expected to return to practice Wednesday, Nov. 4, according to head coach Ken Whisenhunt.
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The team doesn't want to rush their franchise quarterback into action, but he's certainly going to upgrade the offense over Zach Mettenberger. Mariota has sat out the team's last two games, both losses.
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NYJ - QB Matt Flynn an option
Source: NFL.com - Dan Hanzus
Free-agent QB Matt Flynn (Jets) is an option to be re-signed by the New York Jets, according to head coach Todd Bowles. QB Bryce Petty could also see more practice this week with both QBs Ryan Fitzpatrick (thumb) and Geno Smith (shoulder) injured.
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Petty just isn't ready. He has plenty of arm talent, but he ran a gimmicky system in college at Baylor and isn't used to going through progressions--or even taking snaps from under center.
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NYG - DE Jason Pierre-Paul not ruled out
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Dan Graziano
New York Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul (hand, finger) has not been ruled out for Week 9 yet, according to head coach Tom Coughlin.
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The veteran pass-rusher will be back out there soon enough...and this defense could certainly use him. Coughlin said Pierre-Paul's availability largely depends on his conditioning.
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SF - WR Torrey Smith invisible again
Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Scott Ostler
San Francisco 49ers WR Torrey Smith was once again a non-factor in the Week 8 loss to the St. Louis Rams, and he showed his frustration after the game, especially because of a play in which QB Colin Kaepernick failed to recognize that Smith was left uncovered. Kaepernick has frequently been criticized for his lack of field vision. Smith finished with just two catches on five targets in the game after dropping his only target in Week 7.
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Smith is not a fantasy asset you want to roster. The team may be switching to QB Blaine Gabbert soon, and that should tell you everything you need to know about the state of this passing game.
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WAS - Confidence key for WR DeSean Jackson
Source: ESPN.com - John Keim
Washington Redskins WR DeSean Jackson (hamstring) wants to build confidence that his injured hamstring is at 100%, which would enable him to play without worrying about aggravating the injury.
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Jackson is a deep receiver with the speed to take the top off the defense. A hamstring injury can be (and has been) especially devastating for a player like that.
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SF - RB Mike Davis has fractured hand
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
San Francisco 49ers RB Mike Davis (hand) is believed to have suffered a fractured hand in Week 8, according to sources.
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Just what the 49ers didn't need...another injury to a running back. Carlos Hyde is down with a foot injury, and now the rookie Davis is banged up. Stay tuned for more information when more testing is done.
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BUF - Buffalo optimistic about WR Sammy Watkins
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins (ankle) was working on the side in practice Monday, Nov. 2, and head coach Rex Ryan expects Watkins to be limited in practice Wednesday, Nov. 4.
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Having Watkins on the field (and QB Tyrod Taylor) should make a big difference for the Bills offense. The Bills and Ryan feel good about Watkins returning in Week 9.
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Source: footballguys.com