Great news about Berry being back on field.
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Looking forward to seeing Winston in action SaturdayComment -
Saturday Update
JAX - TE Julius Thomas fractures finger
Source: NFL.com
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Julius Thomas (hand) left the preseason game early Friday, Aug. 14, with a fractured finger. Rapoport wrote, "The hope is it'll affect him minimally."
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Stay tuned here. Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union reports it's a "small fracture". We'll be watching this one.
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PHI - TE Zach Ertz has surgery
Source: NFL Network - Albert Breer
Philadelphia Eagles TE Zach Ertz (groin) underwent surgery on his injured groin Friday, Aug. 14, and he will miss the entire preseason.
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It's hard to imagine Ertz playing week 1, and it's impossible to imagine trusting him in your lineup if he's active. Jordan Matthews looks like a fine Week 1 DFS play and Ertz drops down to a very low TE1 in drafts, if not a TE2 on this news.
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ARI - Arizona likely to add RB Chris Johnson
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Free-agent RB Chris Johnson (Jets) likely will sign with the Arizona Cardinals if he is able to pass his physical and the two sides reach an agreement.
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The Texans and Pierre Thomas couldn't agree on a deal, so it's not a sure thing that Johnson signs. This would probably hurt David Johnson more than Andre Ellington, if it hurts Ellington at all.
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WAS - TE Jordan Reed expected to start
Source: The Washington Post - Liz Clarke and Mike Jones
Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed is expected to be the starting tight end this season after TE Niles Paul (ankle) suffered a fractured ankle in the first preseason game Thursday, Aug. 13.
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Reed has durability problems of his own to contend with, but this does make him a decent leadoff streaming option against Miami in Week 1.
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DET - RB Ameer Abdullah continues to receive praise
Source: The Detroit News - Josh Katzenstein
Detroit Lions RB Ameer Abdullah received praise from New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles after the preseason game Thursday, Aug. 13, in which Abdullah finished with seven carries for 67 yards on only 15 offensive snaps. 'He looked like he did in college,' Bowles said. 'He's quick as a cat. He's about as quick as Barry Sanders. I'm not saying he is Barry, but he's a good running back.'
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People will run with the Sanders comparison despite the qualification, but maybe they should. Abdullah will rise to the fourth or fifth round of drafts, but he can still produce profit if he has numbers like Reggie Bush had in 2013, and he doesn't have Bush's history of wearing down.
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NE - QB Jimmy Garoppolo shaky in first preseason game
Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss
New England Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo was 20-for-30 with 159 yards, no touchdowns and an interception in the first preseason game against the Green Bay Packers Thursday, Aug. 13. He was sacked seven times.
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It was only preseason, but it wasn't exactly encouraging. The Patriots decision to keep him in after taking so many hits is also curious. The Patriots pass offense will be likely be limited for any weeks that Garoppolo plays.
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PHI - QB Sam Bradford out for preseason opener
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Zach Berman
Philadelphia Eagles QB Sam Bradford will not play in the preseason opener Sunday, Aug. 16, while QB Mark Sanchez will start. Bradford is expected to play in the second preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens. 'That's my decision,' Kelly said. 'He really wants to play. I don't think he's really happy with my decision. I just felt he's been out here for two weeks, done a really nice job. He'll get his first work against the Ravens when we get a chance to train with them for a couple days before we play, and he'll play in the Ravens game.'
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No worry here as Bradford has been practicing and looking good. We're excited to see him play in an Eagles uniform next week and he could be one of the most profitable QB picks in drafts this year... if he stays healthy.
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SD - RB Melvin Gordon debuts
Source: The Associated Press
San Diego Chargers RB Melvin Gordon rushed six times for 11 yards in the first preseason game Thursday, Aug. 13.
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Gordon was hesitant and did nothing to instill confidence as third/fourth round redraft pick or a top 3-4 dynasty pick. It's very early and almost insignificant as the first preseason game, but it matches the lukewarm tone around Gordon in camp. His expectations are off the chart. But at this VERY EARLY point in the summer, his production hasn't matched what we've been hoping for. Don't panic. But pay attention.
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TEN - Rough start for QB Marcus Mariota
Source: USA TODAY Sports - Lindsay H. Jones
Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota threw an interception and lost a fumble on his first two drives in a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons Friday, Aug. 14. He finished 7-of-8 for 94 yards and did not run the ball.
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Well that will at least put an end to the no interception in practice talk. More concerning is that the Titans didn't use him to run. While there's no incentive to tip their hand on use of Mariota as a runner and risk injury, the team does need some live reps to get in sync with a read option run attack playbook.
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CLE - QB Josh McCown still the starter
Source: ESPN.com - Pat McManamon
Cleveland Browns QB Josh McCown is still considered the team's starting quarterback even though QB Johnny Manziel played well in the first preseason game, according to head coach Mike Pettine.
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McCown has little to offer the team. If Manziel appears to be at all capable in the preseason, it's probably a matter of when, not if we see him start in the regular season.
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DET - Coach happy with RB Theo Riddick's play
Source: DetroitLions.com - Tim Twentyman
Detroit Lions RB Theo Riddick showed good skills during his performance in the first preseason game, according to head coach Jim Caldwell. 'You know, Theo ran well. Theo got some tough yards, great effort plays and then also he made some people miss, which he's certainly capable of doing,' Caldwell said. 'So it was fun to get an opportunity to see him go at it a little bit and I thought on the ground he was productive.' Riddick finished the game with 35 yards on eight carries.
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Riddick looked much improved as a runner, and we already know he is a great (and former) receiver. Unfortunately sensational rookie Ameer Abdullah is overshadowing him and relegating him to a small role. If the Lions suffer injuries in the backfield, Riddick could still be relevant in fantasy leagues, especially PPR leagues.
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CHI - WR Alshon Jeffery out around a week
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (calf) is expected to be sidelined for about a week because of a mild calf strain, according to a source.
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This is not quite "day-to-day" but a big improvement from the worst case scenario when he was in a boot and on crutches. As long as he plays in the third preseason game without incident, he can stay at his original ranking.
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PHI - QB Sam Bradford not wearing brace
Source: NFL.com - Adam Schein
Philadelphia Eagles QB Sam Bradford (knee) has not been wearing a bulky brace on his surgically repaired knee during practice.
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There are lots of good signs around Bradford's recovery, but we'll still be holding our breath until he takes some hits in preseason games. Remember, last year's torn ACL came in the preseason. Bradford seems to really want to play this weekend, but Chip Kelly is holding him out until Week 2.
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CLE - RB Duke Johnson close to practicing
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) is expected to return to practice next week, and the team hopes Johnson will be able to play in the third preseason game.
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The Browns backfield is still wide open. If Johnson can take the field for the dress rehearsal third week of the preseason and have success, he could be in the mix to be much more than a receiving back.
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Source: footballguys.comComment -
Manziel will become starter at some point this season and his poor play will get GM canned.Comment -
chris johnson as a roll player might be a good fit in zonaComment -
Sunday Update
NO - RB C.J. Spiller had knee surgery
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
New Orleans Saints RB C.J. Spiller (knee) underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Friday, Aug. 14, in Pensacola, FLA. Spiller is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener, according to a source.
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Spiller should be back for Week 1 if he has no problems in his recovery, but "no problems in recovery" is not a common phrase in Spiller's career. He has to move down at least a round or two on your board and we understand if that makes you reluctant to take him even at a value ADP. His upside is high, but only if he's 100% for a good part of the season.
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CHI - WR Kevin White wants to return ASAP
Source: ChicagoFootball.com - Kevin Fishbain
Chicago Bears WR Kevin White (shin) said Saturday, Aug. 15, he wants to return to the field as soon as possible, but he understands that may not be until next season. 'I know it's going to be a little while. If I can come back and am able to play a little bit in the season, we'll do it,' White said. 'If I'm feeling OK. … If they want me out there, then I'll try my best to get out there. I want to come back as soon as possible,' said White.
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He can want to return ASAP all he wants, but the team has to take a long-term view with the rookie. White has amazing talent when healthy as he's an explosive playmaker who has field-flipping speed. This injury has opened the door for Eddie Royal to do more in this offense. We'll also see Marquess Wilson get an increased opportunity to showcase his talent. Royal is reliable and has a higher floor, whereas Wilson is raw, unrefined as a route-runner--but with a high ceiling.
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CHI - WR Alshon Jeffery should be ready for opener
Source: Chicago Tribune - Dan Wiederer
Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery's (calf) calf injury is not considered serious, and he should be ready for the start of the regular season, according to general manager Ryan Pace. Pace said Jeffery will not practice this week and will not play in the second preseason game.
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We would love to see Jeffery return to the field for the third preseason game and might keep him at the bottom of his third round wide receiver tier until he does because the Bears have been dodgy about his and Kevin White's injuries.
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JAX - TE Julius Thomas has fractured hand
Source: Jaguars.com - J.P. Shadrick
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Julius Thomas (hand) has a stable fracture on the back of his left hand, and head coach Gus Bradley said he hopes to have Thomas back by Week 1.
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Thomas might not move down much on your draft board, if at all on this news, but he was already outside of the top five. This has not been a good day for the low TE1 tier.
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BUF - QB EJ Manuel falling behind
Source: WGR Sports Radio 550 - Sal Capaccio
Buffalo Bills QB EJ Manuel has fallen behind QB Matt Cassel and QB Tyrod Taylor in the battle for the starting quarterback job because of poor accuracy.
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Manuel's roster spot is not safe even though he was a first-round pick in 2013. Cassel has the experience advantage, and Taylor is more athletic (and has a stronger arm). Manuel is a football junkie, but he's struggled to stay healthy and make good decisions with the football pas a passer in the pros.
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WAS - QB Robert Griffin III throwing well
Source: ESPN.com - John Keim
Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III hit WR Rashad Ross and WR Pierre Garcon in stride on deep balls in practice Saturday, Aug. 15, and he connected with WR Evan Spencer in the red zone.
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We like what Griffin showed in Washington's preseason opener. He wasn't necessarily flashy, but he did show well from the pocket. His numbers (4-of-8, 36 yards) won't blow anybody away, but Garcon did drop what would have been a 61-yard touchdown on the opening drive. Griffin needs to be more consistent as the starter in what is a make-or-break season for him in Washington.
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NYG - Tom Coughlin displeased with receivers
Source: NJ.com - Jordan Raanan
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin said Saturday, Aug. 15, he didn't think the wide receivers played well Friday, Aug. 14, against the Cincinnati Bengals. Coughlin didn't name specific players, but he said the group lacked execution and was sloppy with route running.
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Coach Coughlin was not handing out Werther's Originals to the wide receivers after the game. We'll see if the group responds with a better performance the next time out.
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JAX - RB T.J. Yeldon to come along slowly
Source: ESPN.com - Mike DiRocco
Jacksonville Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon will be eased into a bigger workload this season. Jacksonville is expected to divide carries among the running backs and then gradually increase Yeldon's carries.
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This takes a little fun out of drafting Yeldon as your RB as we shouldn't expect his best games to come early in the season. He's still worth a pick in the mid-rounds, but temper your early season projections accordingly.
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MIN - Phil Loadholt tears Achilles'
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Zac Jackson
Minnesota Vikings OT Phil Loadholt (Achilles') suffered a torn Achilles' tendon on the second play of a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Saturday, Aug. 15, according to a source.
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A blow to the Vikings' offensive line here. Loadholt is likely to miss the 2015 season with this injury. We'll see if talented rookie T.J. Clemmings can do a good job as the likely replacement for Loadholt in the lineup. Clemmings has good athleticism, and he's an aggressive player who can control his man at the point of attack. The rookie is raw as an offensive lineman after converting from the defensive line just two years ago.
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TB - Demar Dotson carted off
Source: NFL.com - Jeff Darlington
Tampa Bay Buccaneers OT Demar Dotson (knee) was carted off in a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings with a left knee injury Saturday, Aug. 15.
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Early reports seem to indicate this is a serious injury. Losing Dotson would be a bad thing for the Bucs offensive line. Dotson had skipped out on OTAs earlier this year, and the Bucs pulled a contract offer from the table due to his absence. We'll know more about the severity of this injury in the near future.
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DAL - RB Darren McFadden off PUP list
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Updating a previous story, Dallas Cowboys RB Darren McFadden (hamstring) was removed from the physically unable to perform list Saturday, Aug. 15.
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Quite a long stay for a player that is at the top of the list of "injury prone" players. Now he needs to stay healthy for the next three weeks to make the team.
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BAL - WR Breshad Perriman not at practice
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Baltimore Ravens WR Breshad Perriman (knee) will not practice Saturday, Aug. 15, as he continues to nurse his injured knee. Perriman has not practiced since hurting his knee in late July.
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Perriman has been out longer than expected, which is never a good sign. If he doesn't get back on the field soon, it will limit his possibilities for the early season, if not the whole season. Perriman was raw for a first-round pick and needs these practice and preseason reps to get seasoned. Expect a slow start for Perriman and downgrade him on your draft cheatsheet until he returns.
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NYJ - TE Jace Amaro not practicing
Source: NJ.com - Darryl Slater
New York Jets TE Jace Amaro (shoulder) was not at practice Saturday, Aug. 15. Amaro injured his shoulder in the Jets' first preseason game. It is unclear how long he will be out.
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Amaro has not generated much buzz entering his second year in the league. He's hard to recommend as even an upside TE2 until we hear something good about him.
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ARI - RB David Johnson to miss more time
Source: FOX Sports Radio 910 - Mike Jurecki
Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson (hamstring) is expected to miss at least one more week because of his hamstring injury.
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Chris Johnson could be signed by the end of the weekend, which would be a big obstacle to the third-round pick having a big role this year. Head coach Bruce Arians has already indicated that Johnson's absence is hurting his chances to get playing time.
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CLE - RB Duke Johnson not practicing
Source: ESPN.com - Pat McManamon
Cleveland Browns RB Duke Johnson (hamstring) is not participating in practice Saturday, Aug. 15.
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The plan is for Johnson to return to practice this week and play in the third preseason game. The team still likes him and neither of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell have impressed the team in Johnson's absence. He still has a lot of upside this year as long as he can get back on the field this month without any setbacks.
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CLE - WR Dwayne Bowe still sidelined
Source: ESPN.com - Pat McManamon
Cleveland Browns WR Dwayne Bowe (hamstring) is not participating in practice Saturday, Aug. 15.
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Bowe is giving younger players like Taylor Gabriel and Travis Benjamin chances to show what they can do in his absence. The Browns signed him to play a big role, but that could change if he doesn't get healthy and show that his last two years in Kansas City were an aberration.
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Source: footballguys.comComment -
wonder when pierre thomas is going to sign with someone....he's better than a lot of guys on teams.Comment -
Why isn't more made of EJ Manuel being a 1st rd bust?Comment -
I hope that all of these glowing RG reports are true so he can get a healthy to season to prove if he can build on year 1 or continue down the dead end of season 3. Sadly the one report that shined the best light on the likely outcome of this season for him and team was glossed over last month when he was quoted as saying something close to "if they want me to be a basic qb, then that's what I will do"(not exact quote). He emphasized the "they" which showed me that he has no faith in Gruden and is already mentally checked out on team.Comment -
One note about the Garoppolo stats above, Pats sat most of their offensive starters including their top 4 WRs.Comment -
Wonder how long Bowe injury will last sound more then just short termComment
