SBR Top-Rated Sportsbooks
NFL Player News for Week 5
Courtesy of footballguys.com:
HOU - WR Andre Johnson might not play?
Source: ESPN.com - Tania Ganguli
Houston Texans WR Andre Johnson (ankle) did not practice Friday, Oct. 3, and is questionable for Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys. He may have aggravated his injury during the week.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fantasy alert! If Johnson doesn't play in the 'Battle for Texas' against the Cowboys, then DeAndre Hopkins becomes a better start. Hopkins should be considered a WR2 with upside in Week 5. Stay tuned to this one.
Back to Top
DET - RB Joique Bell ruled out
Source: DetroitLions.com
Updating previous reports, Detroit Lions RB Joique Bell (concussion) did not practice for the third straight day Friday, Oct. 3, and has officially been ruled out for Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We had expected this news to come down at some point today...fortunately fantasy owners don't have to wait until Sunday. Bell has been cleared for football activities, and he may be able to return in Week 6 against the Vikings. Expect a larger-than-normal workload for Reggie Bush this week.
Back to Top
TEN - QB Jake Locker will start Sunday
Source: The Tennessean - Jim Wyatt
Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (wrist) suffered no setbacks during practice this week and will start against the Cleveland Browns in Week 5. 'He's has a good week of practice,' head coach Ken Whisenhunt said of Locker. 'The first day working back into it with the hand, we weren't sure how it was going to be, but he's progressed as the week has gone along.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Charlie Whitehurst era is over ...thankfully (for now). Locker has had trouble staying healthy over his young pro career. We'll see if he can start playing better going forward now that he's back.
Back to Top
DEN - PK Matt Prater being released
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Denver Broncos PK Matt Prater is being released before he comes off his four-game suspension, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Broncos making an interesting statement here. There's about $2.3 million in dead money remaining on his contract. PK Brandon McManus has won the team's kicking job, and now Prater will have to look for a job elsewhere. He was almost suspended a full year for another alcohol violation, but his lawyer got the suspension reduced to 'only' four games.
Back to Top
ARI - QB Carson Palmer to sit out
Source: AZCardinals.com
Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer (shoulder) did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 3, and has been ruled out for Week 5.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This means Drew Stanton is the starting quarterback for the Cardinals once again. Stanton has the lowest accuracy of any starter (51.6 percent) in the NFL, but he stays aggressive and keeps firing downfield despite his miscues. He's a mid-level QB2 against Denver in Week 5.
Back to Top
NYG - Odell Beckham questionable
Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Kieran Darcy
New York Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons, and he thinks he will play. If he plays, he's expected to be the No. 3 receiver behind WRs Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle. The Giants have been featuring many three receiver sets this year. Beckham could also return punts, but he's unsure what his role will be against the Falcons.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We're excited to see the rookie receiver (finally) out on the football field. However, if (big if) he does play this week, fantasy owners need to dial back expectations. Beckham was one of the most naturally talented players in this year's draft, but it may take some time for him to ramp up his game.
Back to Top
BAL - RB Bernard Pierce expected to play
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com
Baltimore Ravens RB Bernard Pierce (thigh) practiced in full Friday, Oct. 3, and is probable for Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Things just got a lot messier in the Baltimore backfield. Pierce will split time with Justin Forsett and rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro. Forsett is a RB2, Taliaferro is a RB3 and Pierce in his first game back is a desperation flex play in super deep leagues.
Back to Top
CAR - Panthers to use hot hand at RB
Source: Charlotte Observer - Joseph Person
Carolina Panthers RBs Darrin Reaves, Fozzy Whittaker and Chris Ogbonnaya will all receive carries early in the game Week 5, and the team will continue to use whichever running back is producing, according to head coach Ron Rivera.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Okay, maybe not 'hot' hand with this collection of backs...but can we at least get 'lukewarm' hand?? Ugh, what a mess. Fantasy owners need to avoid this if possible. Reaves is quick, but he lacks run after contact ability. Ogbonnaya is the best all-purpose back out of this group, but who knows how large his role will be on Sunday.
Back to Top
DET - TE Eric Ebron to have big role
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron, who played a season-high 33 snaps and caught his first touchdown pass in Week 4, will continue to play a big role in the offense in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. 'There's plenty of opportunities in every team we're going to play, so hopefully I just go out there and execute,' Ebron said. 'I don't want to go out there and mess up. Those are just my biggest fears. I never really worry about the opponent, I always worry about myself more than anybody else.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
More Ebron please! He's a huge target with the ability to play above the rim in the red zone. Ebron is also athletic enough to challenge the deep seam of the defense. We like him as a TE2 with upside this week against the Bills.
Back to Top
MIN - QB Teddy Bridgewater will be ready to go
Source: ESPN.com - Ben Goessling
Updating a previous report, Minnesota Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater (ankle) said he would have been able to play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 had the game been on a Sunday this weekend. As a result, Bridgewater said he has 'no doubt at all' that he will be healthy enough to return in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions. Head coach Mike Zimmer said he is planning to start Bridgewater in that game.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Getting Bridgewater back will help the offense. He's a much better starting option than Christian Ponder is. Bridgewater is smart and accurate, and that's a big reason why he was our favorite rookie QB this year.
Back to Top
ATL - RB Antone Smith landing praise
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Atlanta Falcons RB Antone Smith has scored every 4.3 times he has touched the football this season, yet he is fourth among the team's tailbacks with 13 touches on the season. Offensive coordinator Dick Koetter said the team is deep at tailback and they feel good about all of their backs. He went on to note that Smith is making the most of his playing time. 'Guys earn their touches and he's doing a good job. You can make a great argument that he deserves more,' Koetter said. Smith has three touchdowns in four games this year. He averages 16.4 yards per touch during his career.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Smith is worth a flex start in certain league formats. He's built low to the ground, and Smith is difficult to tackle in the open field. Smith has the speed to make big plays as a runner or receiver out of the backfield.
Back to Top
PHI - QB Nick Foles working on accuracy
Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com - Adam Hermann
Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles said he has been working on improving his accuracy during practice this week after missing some throws during the Week 4 game. 'I've definitely tried to just take some shots, stretch them out a little bit,' Foles said. 'I need to be a little more accurate, that's what I'm working on this week, working on that, and staying clean in the pocket so I can deliver the ball to our guys where they can go up and make a play, not where the ball lands in front of them.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We'll see if Foles can clean up this part of his game. The Eagles haven't been providing good pass-protection, and Foles' performance has suffered.
Back to Top
WAS - TE Niles Paul on the field
Source: NFL
Washington Redskins TE Niles Paul (concussion) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 3.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Paul should be good to go for the Monday night game against the Seahawks. We should see the return of Jordan Reed as well. This makes a clustered TE situation in a bad matchup. Paul is a low-end TE1 at best. The game is Monday, so start better options if you can.
Back to Top
WAS - WR DeSean Jackson fully practices
Source: NFL
Washington Redskins WR DeSean Jackson (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 3.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jackson's game has never been consistent. Two weeks ago, Jackson had five catches for 117 yards and one touchdown. Last week, Jackson had one catch for nine yards. Can you trust that? We can't...and that's why we have Jackson as a WR4 in a tough matchup against Seattle in Week 5.
Back to Top
WAS - TE Jordan Reed limited
Source: NFL
Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed (hamstring) was limited during practice Friday, Oct. 3.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Reed might/should/maybe/could be out there this week for Washington. The game is on Monday night...and they're playing the Seahawks. Even if Reed does play, he'll split time with Niles Paul and the matchup is terrible. You likely have much better options at tight end in Week 5.
Back to Top
NE - TE Rob Gronkowski expected to play
Source: NFL
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (knee) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 3, and is listed as probable for Week 5.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gronkowski is one of the only pieces of the New England offense that you want. The Patriots are struggling, but Tom Brady leans on Gronk. Make sure he's in your lineup as a TE1 this week in a tough matchup against the Bengals.
Back to Top
KC - RB Jamaal Charles probable
Source: NFL
Kansas City Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 3, and is listed as probable for Week 5.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Charles is back to his RB1 status...thanks Andy Reid! His return has made Knile Davis more of a flex play each week.
Back to Top
ARI - RB Andre Ellington should play
Source: AZCardinals.com
Arizona Cardinals RB Andre Ellington (foot) was limited during practice Friday, Oct. 3, and is listed as probable for Week 5.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ellington is going to be a tough matchup for the Broncos defense. Denver does see the return of Danny Trevathan..and that will help in coverage. Ellington is an explosive weapon who can contribute as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. We like him as an RB2 with RB1 upside in Week 5.
Back to Top
HOU - RB Arian Foster should play in Week 5
Source: ESPN.com - Tania Ganguli
Houston Texans RB Arian Foster (hamstring) is listed as probable for Week 5 against the Dallas Cowboys.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Yes, he should play....BUT his workload might depend on the status of his hamstring injury. Start Foster as a RB2 with RB1 ability, but realize that he may have a wide variance of outcomes for Sunday.
Back to Top
CLE - TE Jordan Cameron probable
Source: ClevelandBrowns.com
Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 3, and is listed as probable for Week 5.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Great news! What's not great news is the Browns offense and their limited passing game. This team wants to run the ball as much as possible, and they won't light it up through the air. Cameron's fantasy status is held down by the direction of the offense. Consider him a low-end TE1 against the Titans this week.
Back to Top
CIN - WR Marvin Jones doubtful
Source: Bengals.com
Cincinnati Bengals WR Marvin Jones (ankle) did not practice for the third straight day Friday, Oct. 3, and is doubtful for Week 5 against the New England Patriots.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Zero surprise here. Jones suffered an injury in practice that is not related to the foot surgery that he had earlier this year. The way the Pats rolled over for the Chiefs in Week 4, the Bengals may not need Jones to dominate New England.
Back to Top
BUF - WR Sammy Watkins expected to play
Source: BuffaloBills.com
Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins (ribs) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 3, and is listed as probable for Week 5.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Kyle Orton is the new starter for the Bills since E.J. Manuel has been benched. While that's not overly exciting, the team should tell Orton to target Watkins early and often. That makes him a decent WR3 play in Week 5 against the Lions.
Back to Top
SD - WR Malcom Floyd probable
Source: Chargers.com
San Diego Chargers WR Malcom Floyd (illness) practiced in full for the second straight day Friday, Oct. 3, and is probable for Week 5 against the New York Jets.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Jets have a weak secondary, so we like Floyd as a WR4/flex play with upside in Week 5.
Back to Top
NYJ - RB Chris Johnson listed as probable
Source: NewYorkJets.com
New York Jets RB Chris Johnson (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 3, and is listed as probable for Week 5.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Awesome....this means he should play with this ankle injury. However, Johnson has fallen behind Chris Ivory as the most valuable Jets running back for fantasy owners. Yes, he scored on a long touchdown run last week, but that was a somewhat busted play and fantasy owners can't rely on that type of fluke each week. Johnson is a RB3 in Week 5.
Back to Top
JAX - WR Cecil Shorts ruled out
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Cecil Shorts (hamstring) has officially been ruled out for Week 5 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Jaguars are going with a banged up wide receiver group against the Steelers this week. It's nothing new, as they've been fighting off (mostly soft tissue) injuries all season long.
Back to Top
NYJ - WR Eric Decker listed as questionable
Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta
New York Jets WR Eric Decker (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the San Diego Chargers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fantasy owners need to have a backup plan ready just in case. Decker has been fighting through this injury all season long.
Back to Top
Reply With Quote
Monitor-Tan gave LT Profits 2 Betpoint(s) for this post.
