Courtesy of Footballguys.com
ATL - Owner wants to keep WR Julio Jones
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones is in the middle of contract extension talks with the team, and owner Arthur Blank said he wants Jones to remain for the team for the rest of his career. Blank said there is no timetable for the deal to be completed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
No shocker here. Jones is one of the best WRs in the game today, and the Falcons will be compensating him as such. We feel Jones should get a deal similar to what Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas received (five years, $70 million) from their respective teams earlier in the year.
Back to Top
TEN - WR Kendall Wright building chemistry with QB
Source: The Tennessean - David Climer
Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright has been developing a solid chemistry with QB Marcus Mariota during training camp. Wright said he has learned to keep active during his routes since Mariota can extend plays.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wright has to be energized that he's playing with such an athletic and potentially playmaking quarterback. We like Wright as a low-end WR4 with upside. The veteran receiver should become a favorite target for the rookie this season.
Back to Top
CLE - RB Duke Johnson not on the field
Source: ESPN.com - Pat McManamon
Cleveland Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) is not participating in practice Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Terrance West did return from his hamstring injury, so Johnson needs to get back on the field soon to avoid being marginalized in the early season backfield mix. The Browns running game was Cowboys-esque before center Alex Mack went down last year, so Johnson could be missing a big early opportunity if this injury makes his transition to the pros slow in year one.
Back to Top
ATL - Atlanta's top RBs still out
Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure
Atlanta Falcons RBs Devonta Freeman (hamstring) and Tevin Coleman (hamstring) are not participating in practice Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Terron Ward has been getting first-team reps in their absence and the little brother of Broncos safety TJ Ward has a chance to make the team if the Falcons decide to carry four running backs. Big play threat Antone Smith is also getting more work while Coleman and Freeman mend on the sidelines.
Back to Top
BUF - QB Matt Cassel expected to start vs. CAR
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Buffalo Bills QB Matt Cassel is expected to be the starting quarterback for the team's first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Bills quarterback competition has sounded more like slapstick comedy than intense football so far. Cassel is just as likely to be cut as he is to start Week 1, although Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel could be his biggest allies in his mission to make the team.
Back to Top
JAX - TE Julius Thomas making quick impression
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Julius Thomas has already established himself as 'the best player on the team, period,' according to LB Dan Skuta. 'He's going to be a matchup nightamre for a lot of teams,' Skuta said Satuday, Aug. 8. 'Get him on some guys that aren't used to covering him like me. That's what happens with good players. You've got to be perfect.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Thomas is a fantastic player who splashed onto the scene in 2013 and has caught 24 touchdown passes over the last two years. His numbers should go down in Jacksonville since he's no longer catching passes from Peyton Manning, but we still think Thomas is a low-end TE1 for fantasy owners.
Back to Top
JAX - QB Blake Bortles solid in scrimmage
Source: NFL.com - Chris Wesseling
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Blake Bortles completed eight of his 16 pass attempts for 80 yards and three touchdowns in a scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We're interested to see if Bortles can take the next step forward in his pro career. He's got better weapons around him this year, should have the support of a better rushing attack and Bortles should be better protected this year too. Last season as a rookie, Bortles was sacked more than any other quarterback in the league.
Back to Top
DET - RB Theo Riddick likely to have similar role
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions RB Theo Riddick is expected to have a similar role in 2015 than he did last season but could see more time in the slot.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Riddick is a valuable player for the Lions, but his fantasy value is low with the addition of rookie RB Ameer Abdullah. Keep Riddick on your waiver wire speed dial in case he's used more as a part-time back due to injury.
Back to Top
MIA - WR Kenny Stills sitting out
Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley
Miami Dolphins WR Kenny Stills (calf) is not participating in practice Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's been about a week since Stills was first held out with this calf injury. If healthy, we love him as a deep threat for the Dolphins. Stills could end up as a WR4/WR5 for fantasy players in PPR leagues.
Back to Top
MIA - RB Jay Ajayi missing practice
Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley
Miami Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi (hamstring) is not participating in practice Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The rookie RB from Boise State has talent, but he's not had an impressive start to camp. He has struggled to make a positive impression on the field, and Ajayi has even struggled to hold onto the rock. Lamar Miller's hold on the starting job is as strong as ever. Consider Miller a high-end RB2 who could finish as a top-10 fantasy running back. Ajayi should be his backup, but don't handcuff him to Miller unless you play in a deep league.
Back to Top
DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders on the field
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (hamstring) is participating in practicing Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is the news that we were looking for after Sanders' hamstring injury was considered minor publicly by the team. Confirmation that it was nothing significant means we can take our Sanders and Cody Latimer rankings off of the possible update list for now.
Back to Top
JAX - RB T.J. Yeldon sprains finger
Source: The Associated Press
Jacksonville Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon (finger) sprained a finger on his left hand when his hand slammed against the helmet of LB Jeremiah George on a touchdown run during the scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 8. Head coach Gus Bradley said Yeldon 'should be good.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Yeldon should be back out there soon. The sprained finger can be managed, and the rookie won't have to miss much (if any) time. Yeldon should be the top back for the Jaguars this year, and fantasy owners should consider him a low-end RB2.
Back to Top
Source: footballguys.com
ATL - Owner wants to keep WR Julio Jones
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones is in the middle of contract extension talks with the team, and owner Arthur Blank said he wants Jones to remain for the team for the rest of his career. Blank said there is no timetable for the deal to be completed.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
No shocker here. Jones is one of the best WRs in the game today, and the Falcons will be compensating him as such. We feel Jones should get a deal similar to what Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas received (five years, $70 million) from their respective teams earlier in the year.
Back to Top
TEN - WR Kendall Wright building chemistry with QB
Source: The Tennessean - David Climer
Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright has been developing a solid chemistry with QB Marcus Mariota during training camp. Wright said he has learned to keep active during his routes since Mariota can extend plays.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wright has to be energized that he's playing with such an athletic and potentially playmaking quarterback. We like Wright as a low-end WR4 with upside. The veteran receiver should become a favorite target for the rookie this season.
Back to Top
CLE - RB Duke Johnson not on the field
Source: ESPN.com - Pat McManamon
Cleveland Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) is not participating in practice Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Terrance West did return from his hamstring injury, so Johnson needs to get back on the field soon to avoid being marginalized in the early season backfield mix. The Browns running game was Cowboys-esque before center Alex Mack went down last year, so Johnson could be missing a big early opportunity if this injury makes his transition to the pros slow in year one.
Back to Top
ATL - Atlanta's top RBs still out
Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure
Atlanta Falcons RBs Devonta Freeman (hamstring) and Tevin Coleman (hamstring) are not participating in practice Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Terron Ward has been getting first-team reps in their absence and the little brother of Broncos safety TJ Ward has a chance to make the team if the Falcons decide to carry four running backs. Big play threat Antone Smith is also getting more work while Coleman and Freeman mend on the sidelines.
Back to Top
BUF - QB Matt Cassel expected to start vs. CAR
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Buffalo Bills QB Matt Cassel is expected to be the starting quarterback for the team's first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Bills quarterback competition has sounded more like slapstick comedy than intense football so far. Cassel is just as likely to be cut as he is to start Week 1, although Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel could be his biggest allies in his mission to make the team.
Back to Top
JAX - TE Julius Thomas making quick impression
Source: The Florida Times-Union - Ryan O'Halloran
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Julius Thomas has already established himself as 'the best player on the team, period,' according to LB Dan Skuta. 'He's going to be a matchup nightamre for a lot of teams,' Skuta said Satuday, Aug. 8. 'Get him on some guys that aren't used to covering him like me. That's what happens with good players. You've got to be perfect.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Thomas is a fantastic player who splashed onto the scene in 2013 and has caught 24 touchdown passes over the last two years. His numbers should go down in Jacksonville since he's no longer catching passes from Peyton Manning, but we still think Thomas is a low-end TE1 for fantasy owners.
Back to Top
JAX - QB Blake Bortles solid in scrimmage
Source: NFL.com - Chris Wesseling
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Blake Bortles completed eight of his 16 pass attempts for 80 yards and three touchdowns in a scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We're interested to see if Bortles can take the next step forward in his pro career. He's got better weapons around him this year, should have the support of a better rushing attack and Bortles should be better protected this year too. Last season as a rookie, Bortles was sacked more than any other quarterback in the league.
Back to Top
DET - RB Theo Riddick likely to have similar role
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions RB Theo Riddick is expected to have a similar role in 2015 than he did last season but could see more time in the slot.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Riddick is a valuable player for the Lions, but his fantasy value is low with the addition of rookie RB Ameer Abdullah. Keep Riddick on your waiver wire speed dial in case he's used more as a part-time back due to injury.
Back to Top
MIA - WR Kenny Stills sitting out
Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley
Miami Dolphins WR Kenny Stills (calf) is not participating in practice Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's been about a week since Stills was first held out with this calf injury. If healthy, we love him as a deep threat for the Dolphins. Stills could end up as a WR4/WR5 for fantasy players in PPR leagues.
Back to Top
MIA - RB Jay Ajayi missing practice
Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley
Miami Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi (hamstring) is not participating in practice Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The rookie RB from Boise State has talent, but he's not had an impressive start to camp. He has struggled to make a positive impression on the field, and Ajayi has even struggled to hold onto the rock. Lamar Miller's hold on the starting job is as strong as ever. Consider Miller a high-end RB2 who could finish as a top-10 fantasy running back. Ajayi should be his backup, but don't handcuff him to Miller unless you play in a deep league.
Back to Top
DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders on the field
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (hamstring) is participating in practicing Sunday, Aug. 9.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is the news that we were looking for after Sanders' hamstring injury was considered minor publicly by the team. Confirmation that it was nothing significant means we can take our Sanders and Cody Latimer rankings off of the possible update list for now.
Back to Top
JAX - RB T.J. Yeldon sprains finger
Source: The Associated Press
Jacksonville Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon (finger) sprained a finger on his left hand when his hand slammed against the helmet of LB Jeremiah George on a touchdown run during the scrimmage Saturday, Aug. 8. Head coach Gus Bradley said Yeldon 'should be good.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Yeldon should be back out there soon. The sprained finger can be managed, and the rookie won't have to miss much (if any) time. Yeldon should be the top back for the Jaguars this year, and fantasy owners should consider him a low-end RB2.
Back to Top
Source: footballguys.com