NFL Player News - Week of 5/7/18

**mpaschal34** · 05-07-18, 10:47 AM

I thought Brandon Coleman was going to be good in the Saints offense. He’s had a good game here and there, but he never broke out.

**mr. leisure** · 05-07-18, 01:28 PM

The Chargers are the team to beat in the AFC West.

Agree

**JaimeMiro** · 05-07-18, 02:05 PM

Just waiting to see if Lamar Jackson remains as explosive and influential in the NFL.

**LT Profits** · 05-08-18, 11:47 AM

Tuesday Update

NO - TE Coby Fleener let go

Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin

New Orleans Saints TE Coby Fleener was released Monday, May 7, according to a source.

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The writing was on the wall for quite some time. In fact, we're shocked it took this long but Fleener is still recovering from a concussion he sustained last year.

SEA - Rashaad Penny may be three-down back

Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny will work on pass protection this offseason because the team wants to see if he will able to be a three-down running back, according to head coach Pete Carroll.

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Penny is likely to be the lead back for the Seahawks...and he has a skill set where he doesn't need to come off the field. The Seahawks have been looking for a quality RB for some time now and that's one of the reasons why they selected Penny in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft.

NFL - TE Coby Fleener still wants to play

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Free-agent TE Coby Fleener (Saints) would like to continue his NFL career if he can get back to full health.

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Fleener did not impress during his time with the Saints and never established much chemistry with QB Drew Brees. Some team may give him a shot when he's fully recovered. He is still recovering from a concussion.

NE - TE Rob Gronkowski may rework deal

Source: Boston Herald - Karen Guregian

New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski's agent has been talking with the Patriots about reworking Gronkowski's contract, according to sources.

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Gronkowski has been hinting at retirement, so the Patriots may want to put in some incentives that make him happy to stay. It shouldn't take long to get something done if both sides are serious about reworking his deal.

PHI - QB Carson Wentz's throwing motion intact

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz (knee) sent video to quarterback gurus Tom House and Adam Dedeaux, and his mechanics are sound, according to sources.

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Great news for the Eagles here. Wentz is working his way back from the knee injury that cut his season short last year. His availability for Week 1 of the regular season is up in the air but things seem to be trending in the right direction. He is throwing the same or better than before the knee injury.

GB - GB high on QB DeShone Kizer

Source: USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin - Ryan Wood

Green Bay Packers QB DeShone Kizer has starter ability and franchise potential, according to Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. Kizer will compete with QB Brett Hundley for the backup job. 'In my opinion, if he was in that class this year,' McCarthy said, 'he would've been part of that group of first four guys, or first five. I always felt there were five, the five quarterbacks, first-round guys.'

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Kizer would have easily been sixth out of the 'big 5' at quarterback this year. We might even rate him behind Mason Rudolph (Steelers) if Kizer was in this draft class. While he thinks he's part Cam Newton and Tom Brady, Kizer played more like JaMarcus Russell last year. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good.

CLE - Baker Mayfield working under center

Source: ESPNCleveland.com - Tony Grossi

Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield has spent the first two days of rookie camp taking a majority of his snaps from under center. 'We are going to hammer that until I am good and it feels natural,' Mayfield said. 'That is the way it should be because I can play out of the 'gun. Everybody here knows that.'

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It's something Mayfield needs to work on as he only had three passing attempts from under center in 2017. Mayfield worked diligently on his footwork in the predraft process, and that should help when working from under center.

PHI - Josh Adams to help fill void?

Source: The Morning Call - Nick Fierro

Philadelphia Eagles RB Josh Adams will likely be 'no higher' than fourth on the running back depth chart, according to Nick Fierro of the Morning Call, but Fierro believes Adams could help fill the void left by RB LeGarrette Blount's departure to the Detroit Lions.

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Adams is a one-speed runner, measuring in at 6'2" and 213 pounds. He is comfortable working between the tackles and engaging contract. That sounds like a perfect back to replace what Blount brought to the table. We're not expecting much from him, but do monitor this backfield as touches/carries are worked out for guys like Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement and Darren Sproles (in addition to Adams).

MIN - Two options for Vikings No. 3 receiver

Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin

Minnesota Vikings WRs Kendall Wright and Laquon Treadwell likely will compete for the No. 3 receiver job during training camp.

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There's not much to go around for the Vikings no.3 WR because of TE Kyle Rudolph...and the fact that Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs get most of the looks. We'll see if new starting QB Kirk Cousins grows attached to Wright or Treadwell, but they shouldn't have too many looks coming their way in 2018.

PIT - WR Justin Hunter may be deep threat

Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Justin Hunter could be used as a deep threat in the passing game this upcoming season since the team traded WR Martavis Bryant to the Oakland Raiders.

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A second-round pick in 2013, Hunter has always had the physical ability to do more. He's definitely got the speed to take the top off the defense, but with only 82 career receptions Hunter is not a lock for the 53-man roster...even with Bryant traded away.

PIT - Two QBs may compete for one spot

Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Landry Jones and Joshua Dobbs likely will compete for one roster spot during training camp and the preseason.

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Jones has struggled as a backup to Ben Roethlisberger, but Dobbs doesn't really have the skill set you can trust right now as a no.2 QB. Rookie Mason Rudolph should be groomed behind Roethlisberger as the team's QB of the future. They might trust him enough as a rookie to be the primary backup.

BAL - Robert Griffin could make team

Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley

Baltimore Ravens QB Robert Griffin III has a chance to make the 53-man roster depending on how QB Lamar Jackson progresses during training camp and the preseason, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley.

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Jackson has great upside as a quarterback in the NFL. However, his skill set may require some sharpening at the pro level. Griffin has the veteran experience like the guarantee on the box on 'Tommy Boy' and he could easily be the primary backup to Joe Flacco while Jackson develops.

BAL - Jordan Lasley performs well

Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley

Baltimore Ravens WR Jordan Lasley was the most impressive receiver at the team's rookie minicamp because he used his speed to gain separation and ran good routes, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley.

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A fifth-round pick out of UCLA this year, Lasley has an impressive size/speed combination at 6'1" 203 pounds. He can make defenders miss in the open field and Lasley does a good job of coming back to the ball, squaring up to the line of scrimmage and creating the biggest possible target for his quarterback on comeback routes. He was suspended multiple times in college and needs to stay out of trouble in order to play up to his potential in the NFL.

DET - WR Marvin Jones expanding his game

Source: MLive.com - Nate Atkins

Detroit Lions WR Marvin Jones said he has been adding muscle this offseason to make himself harder to tackle and increase his yards after catch.

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Jones was a fantasy stud last year, going for over 1,000 yards receiving with nine touchdowns and finishing as the no.5 fantasy WR in standard-scoring leagues. He should be seen as having WR1 upside (with a WR2 price tag) for fantasy owners once again this year.

Source: footballguys.com

**mr. leisure** · 05-08-18, 07:09 PM

I hope Rashaad Penny kicks ass for the seahawks .

**LT Profits** · 05-09-18, 11:27 AM

Wednesday Update

NO - RB Mark Ingram suspended

Source: The New Orleans Advocate - Nick Underhill

New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram has been suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy.

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Ingram is eligible to return in Week 5, so the Saints will turn to Alvin Kamara for an even larger role for the first month of the regular season. Behind Kamara, we're interested to see what Jonathan Williams can do with an opportunity. Keep an eye on this backfield in training camp to see how the pecking order behind Ingram and Kamara is established.

IND - RB Marlon Mack the early favorite at RB

Source: The Indianapolis Star - Zak Keefer

Indianapolis Colts RB Marlon Mack 'remains the favorite to slide into the starting role' left behind by Frank Gore and 'assume whatever the Colts consider a No. 1 running back in 2018,' according to the Indianapolis Star's Zak Keefer.

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Mack (shoulder) played with a torn labrum in 2017, according to general manager Chris Ballard. As a rookie, Mack only had 93 carries for 358 yards with 21 receptions for 255 yards and four touchdowns combined. He'll be at the top of the depth chart to begin OTAs and minicamp, but Mack will face competition from rookies Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins. Mack needs to stay healthy and show that he can be a full-time back, or at least the lead back in a committee. The Colts backfield is one fantasy owners are going to have to wait and see what happens in training camp.

CLE - WR Corey Coleman not untouchable

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Mike Florio

Cleveland Browns WR Corey Coleman could be traded if the Browns were to receive a 'decent offer,' according to The Cleveland Plain-Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.

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The buzz about Coleman perhaps being on the trade block has been around seemingly most of this offseason, so this report should not come as any surprise. The Browns added Jarvis Landry via trade and he should be their top target. Behind Landry, we should see Josh Gordon produce as the no.2 wide receiver. A first-round pick in 2016 out of Baylor, Coleman has done little to impress as injuries and inconsistencies have held him back as a pro.

PHI - RB Terrance West meets with Eagles

Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jeff Zrebiec

Free-agent RB Terrance West (Ravens) visited the Philadelphia Eagles Tuesday, May 8, according to a source.

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A third-round pick in 2014 (Browns), West hasn't gotten any interest since his contract with the Ravens expired. The Eagles might want to add a veteran to the mix in the backfield, but things are jam-packed to begin with. West might be better off looking for a job elsewhere.

BUF - RB Kenjon Barner visiting Bills

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Free-agent RB Kenjon Barner (Eagles) is visiting the Buffalo Bills Tuesday, May 8, according to a source.

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Barner is a speedy change-of-pace back who could give the Bills some depth at the position. If added, Barner would compete for a spot on the depth chart behind starter LeSean McCoy with Chris Ivory likely serving as the second-string back.

Source: footballguys.com

**Otters27** · 05-09-18, 12:37 PM

Rashad penny is the real deal. New Orleans probably only needs 2 QBs with breeze

**mr. leisure** · 05-09-18, 08:58 PM

NO - RB Mark Ingram suspended

Another cheater

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 05-10-18, 06:57 AM

Originally posted by mr. leisure

I hope Rashaad Penny kicks ass for the seahawks .

definitely rooting for him and I think he will be very good.

**mpaschal34** · 05-10-18, 07:41 AM

i thought chris carson was a solid back last year. however that injury last year looked horrible. not sure if he will ever be the same back.

**LT Profits** · 05-10-18, 12:55 PM

Thursday Update

NO - RB Mark Ingram's appeal denied

Source: The Times-Picayune - Josh Katzenstein

Updating an earlier report, New Orleans Saints RB Mark Ingram's appeal of his four-game suspension has been heard and denied by the league, according to sources.

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The appeal was already denied before the suspension was handed down. Ingram, entering the final year of his contract, will miss the first month of the season. The big question will be how much more work Alvin Kamara might see with Ingram out. Stay tuned. Monitor the backups behind those two as we're curious to see how Jonathan Williams does with an opportunity.

SEA - WR Brandon Marshall visits Seahawks

Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Free-agent WR Brandon Marshall (Giants) is visiting the Seattle Seahawks Wednesday, May 9.

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Released by the Giants earlier this year, Marshall does not have much left in the tank. An ankle injury in Week 5 of 2017 (that required surgery to repair) limited him to just 18 catches for 154 yards in his lone season with the Giants. Seattle is revamping most of their roster, but they still have Doug Baldwin and Tyler Lockett at the top of the depth chart. If added, it's unclear how Marshall would fit in.

NFL - RB Orleans Darkwa has surgery

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Free-agent RB Orleans Darkwa (Giants) underwent minor surgery Wednesday, May 9, to remove a plate from his leg that was put in last offseason.

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Darkwa is not drawing any interest on the open market and this surgery, however minor, won't help that cause. His fracture is fully healed and he is expected to make a full recovery in four weeks. Expect a team to take a chance on him if/when someone gets hurt in training camp.

NFL - WR Victor Cruz still looking to play

Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan

Updating previous reports, free-agent WR Victor Cruz (Bears) said he'll wait until around training camp for a team to sign him before he retires.

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Back in 2011, Cruz was salsa dancing his way into the hearts of fantasy owners with a 1,500-plus yard season (and nine touchdowns). It's never been the same after that. Cruz's career was knocked off track by a serious knee injury and subsequent calf injuries. He didn't play a snap last year after getting released by the Bears before Week 1. We think his playing days are done.

WAS - RB Chris Thompson's role not changing

Source: ESPN.com - John Keim

Washington Redskins RB Chris Thompson will continue to be the top option out of the backfield on passing downs despite the arrival of second-round RB Derrius Guice, according to ESPN's John Keim, who believes Jordan Reed's health will affect the degree to which Thompson needs to be leaned on in 2018.

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Guice should be the lead back for Washington, relegating Samaje Perine to the bench. We should see Thompson get onto the field as the team's receiving back, and he's got plenty of flex appeal in PPR leagues.

PHI - Two-year deal for RB Matt Jones

Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com

Updating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles RB Matt Jones' contract is for two years. Financial terms were not disclosed. WR Dom Williams was waived in a corresponding move.

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A third-round pick for Washington in 2015, Jones was with the Colts in 2017 and had only five carries for 14 rushing yards on the season. The Eagles have a crowded backfield, and Jones is certainly no lock to make the 53-man roster. He's competing behind guys like Jay Ajayi, Corey Clement, DJ Pumphrey and Darren Sproles.

NE - Danny Etling signs rookie deal

Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora

New England Patriots QB Danny Etling signed his rookie four-year contract Wednesday, May 9. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

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Etling is a big project at the quarterback position. The seventh-round pick out of LSU can throw a good deep pass and generally takes care of the football. However, he struggles mightily under pressure and tends to 'see ghosts' when in the pocket. He'll compete to make the 53-man roster behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer.

TB - Peyton Barber to share the load

Source: Tampa Bay Times - Greg Auman

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Peyton Barber will likely share the load with RB Ronald Jones to start the season with RB Jacquizz Rodgers and RB Charles Sims behind them.

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Barber can be a grinder for the team and pick up tough yards. The rookie Jones is a dangerous player with the ball in his hands, reminding many in the scouting community of a young Jamaal Charles. We're excited to see what Jones does in PPR leagues as he can be a starting caliber back with good receiving ability.

Source: footballguys.com

**mr. leisure** · 05-10-18, 01:10 PM

NFL - WR Victor Cruz still looking to play

Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan

Updating previous reports, free-agent WR Victor Cruz (Bears) said he'll wait until around training camp for a team to sign him before he retires.

Too bad he got injured , he could have been really good for a lot of years .

**LT Profits** · 05-11-18, 08:13 AM

Friday Update

NYG - Davis Webb has early edge for No. 2 QB job

Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan

New York Giants QB Davis Webb is considered the early leader for the No. 2 quarterback job but will have to compete with QB Kyle Lauletta during training camp.

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As expected. There was a lot of noise in New York (or northern New Jersey where the team resides, if we want to be exact) that the new staff and front office loved Webb. While that cooled post-draft and might have just been a way to be direct that, no, they weren't drafting a replacement for Eli Manning at No. 2, we still think they are happy with Webb's progress, and Lauletta is incredibly raw.

CAR - QB Derek Anderson still an option

Source: ESPN.com - David Newton

Free-agent QB Derek Anderson (Panthers) is still talking with the Carolina Panthers, but he may be too expensive for the team.

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Cam Newton has been pretty healthy, so the role of understudy for him isn't critical. Given that they are otherwise ready to role with a group consisting of Taylor Heinicke, Garrett Gilbert and rookie Kyle Allen, we don't think they are worried about the backup spot.

CAR - RB Fozzy Whittaker placed on IR

Source: Panthers.com - Bill Voth

Carolina Panthers RB Fozzy Whittaker (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Thursday, May 10, after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament during a non-contact drill Monday, May 7.

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Whittaker was a 'break lass in case of emergency' option, so we're not losing much here unless of course, an emergency occurs. Christian McCaffrey and former Broncos back C.J. Anderson will take the lead. Anderson will see more work on early and non-passing downs, though McCaffrey put on muscle this offseason, so he could see more carries than he did in 2017. We'll watch this closely during camp.

NYG - RB Paul Perkins could go on IR

Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano

Updating a previous report, New York Giants RB Paul Perkins (pectoral) was waived/injured Thursday, May 10, and will revert to the team's Reserve/Injured list if he is not claimed off waivers.

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Perkins was hailed as the top dog in 2017 more than once but never backed it up with good numbers. With first-round pick Saquon Barkley around, the situation wasn't going to improve for him and the team might have released Perkins as a favor. They need the roster space, and would have placed him on Injured Reserve anyway, so this way he could find a team who might let him hang around with a chance to play this year.

MIA - WR DeVante Parker playing with purpose

Source: Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad

Miami Dolphins WR DeVante Parker has done a great job so far this offseason and seems to be playing with more of a purposed, according to head coach Adam Gase. Gase posited that injuries have been the main hindrance to Parker's growth and development, including a high-ankle sprain last season. Furthermore, he believes the presence of fellow WRs Kenny Stills and Danny Amendola will aid Parker's growth.

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It's hard to get enthusiastic over a report, the substance of which is the exact same thing we've heard nearly every year with him...and have yet to see it pay off in a consistent way. Add in the equally inconsistent quarterback play and while we like the idea of Parker hitting big, we don't buy it right now. His current ADP in 12-team PPR leagues is WR41 (9.05).

MIA - RB Kenyan Drake ready for breakout?

Source: Sun-Sentinel - Omar Kelly

Miami Dolphins RB Kenyan Drake is ready to 'bust out' this season, according to head coach Adam Gase.

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The Dolphins do have the immortal Frank Gore behind him, but they certainly don't see Gore as a long-term answer. They need Drake to step up, and reports earlier this year indicated he added more body armor (weight) during this offseason. Drake didn't really get going until Week 13 last year, and he had back-to-back 100-yard rushing games after that (finishing with 644 yards on the ground and 4.8 yards per carry). If Drake struggles we could see a committee pretty quickly.

WAS - Derrius Guice's role already clear

Source: ESPN.com - John Keim

Washington Redskins RB Derrius Guice has the fortune, as a rookie, of already knowing when he'll be on the field. Head coach Jay Gruden has made it clear that Guice will be in on first and second downs with RB Chris Thompson maintaining his passing-down role. Gruden added that Guice needs to improve his pass protection, but he also gave Guice credit for being a good pass-catcher.

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Pass protection is the issue which tends to keep rookie running backs off the field more than any other. It's early yet, but it does seem like Guice -- if he avoids whatever issue dropped him in the draft -- could be a big producer in short order in Washington.

MIA - QB Brock Osweiler not guaranteed job

Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson

Miami Dolphins QB Brock Osweiler is considered the leading candidate for the No. 2 quarterback job entering training camp, but QB David Fales could win the job if Osweiler struggles during the preseason.

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Osweiler was with the Broncos last year but didn't do anything to impress in a handful of games. He's trying to get his career back on track with a familiar coach in Adam Gase. Osweiler was with Gase during his first stint with the Broncos.

OAK - QB Josh Johnson let go

Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates

Oakland Raiders QB Josh Johnson was released Thursday, May 10, according to a source.

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A fifth-round pick in 2008 (by Jon Gruden's Buccaneers), Johnson has bounced around the league and played for around 1/3 of the NFL. He couldn't make it with Gruden again and this may be it for his pro career. The Raiders move on with Derek Carr as the starter. Connor Cook and E.J. Manuel will compete for the backup job.

ATL - TE Austin Hooper has been working with QB

Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure

Atlanta Falcons TE Austin Hooper has been working with QB Matt Ryan this offseason in hopes of building better chemistry with Ryan.

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Hooper doubled his reception and yardage totals in 2017, and the third-year player is hoping for a more significant role in the offense. With rookie WR Calvin Ridley joining the team though, Hooper's prospects for that take a bit of a hit. Too many mouths, not enough to eat is the biggest problem, though his struggles to stretch the field hurt as well.

Source: footballguys.com

**mpaschal34** · 05-11-18, 10:59 PM

Originally posted by mr. leisure

NFL - WR Victor Cruz still looking to play

Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan

Updating previous reports, free-agent WR Victor Cruz (Bears) said he'll wait until around training camp for a team to sign him before he retires.

Too bad he got injured , he could have been really good for a lot of years .

Cruz won me a championship one year in my dynasty league. The next year I traded him after two good weeks for a couple of future #1 picks. He got hurt a game or two later and wasn’t ever the same.

My friend is still pissed and it’s been at least 3-4 years.

**LT Profits** · 05-12-18, 07:52 AM

Saturday Update

PHI - Philly encouraged by QB Carson Wentz's progress

Source: ESPN.com - Tim MacMahon

Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz (knee) has yet to be medically cleared, but the team is 'highly encouraged' by the progress he has made in his rehab from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. Nevertheless, head coach Doug Pederson made it clear he has no intention to rush Wentz back, telling reporters his quarterback will be 'ready when he's ready, and when we feel he's ready.'

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Great news for the Eagles here, and it falls in line with the reports that have been coming out this entire time. Wentz is doing well in his recovery and might even be ahead by some standards. That's great, but it's still too early to tell if he's going to get much (if any) work in the preseason and training camp. Even Wentz's status for Week 1 of the regular season is in doubt. We'll all be staying tuned in here.

DAL - TE Rico Gathers good to go in 2018

Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer

Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers has been cleared to play after fully recovering from the concussion, neck and jaw injuries he suffered last August, according to ESPN's Todd Archer.

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Gathers has intriguing size and the athleticism to box out smaller defenders. With Jason Witten retired, Gathers should be part of the mix at tight end with guys like Geoff Swaim, Blake Jarwin and rookie Dalton Schultz.

NE - WR Malcolm Mitchell likely to go for OTAs

Source: The Athletic - Jeff Howe

New England Patriots WR Malcolm Mitchell (knee) is expected to participate in OTAs after missing all of the 2017 season with a knee injury, according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe.

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Mitchell is obviously in a make-or-break year in 2018. Even if he stays healthy, finding snaps and targets could prove to be difficult if the Patriots receivers and tight ends are at full strength. Snatch him up for a cheap price in dynasty leagues if you liked what he showed as a rookie in 2016 (32 catches, 401 yards, four touchdowns).

DAL - WR Tavon Austin to be busy?

Source: NBC Sports - Josh Norris

Dallas Cowboys WR Tavon Austin could touch the ball 'a dozen to two dozen' times per game this season, according to executive vice president Stephen Jones.

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It's hard to say how realistic this is, or what it means. We've heard it before about Austin and it never happens. But there is a potential talent gap with the departures of Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, so we're optimistic the opportunity will be there. The execution? Austin doesn't have our faith on that end.

ARI - Josh Rosen signs rookie deal

Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban

Arizona Cardinals QB Josh Rosen signed a four-year deal worth $17.84 million with an $11 million signing bonus Thursday, May 10.

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Rosen has the best chance to start from the best position as the Cardinals signal caller. That's not to say the situation is ideal or he's a top ten fantasy quarterback, but that he has Larry Fitzgerald, David Johnson and a decent line, as well as a good coaching staff. It makes him the best of the bunch right now, though we wouldn't invest in him for a redraft league this year.

CHI - Anthony Miller to be limited

Source: Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs

Chicago Bears WR Anthony Miller (foot) will not participate in team drills during the rookie minicamp this week because he is coming off a foot injury.

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Miller was a playmaker in college for Memphis, and he can bring that ability to the field for the Bears in the pros. He has recovered from the injury, but the team wants to be cautious.

CAR - RB Kenjon Barner signs with Panthers

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Free-agent RB Kenjon Barner (Eagles) signed an undisclosed deal with the Carolina Panthers Friday, May 11.

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Barner began his career with the Panthers as a sixth-round pick (2013) out of Oregon. The Panthers need some depth at the position, even after adding C.J. Anderson in free agency, because they put Fozzy Whittaker on Injured Reserve. Barner can help give them veteran depth at the running back position and can also contribute on special teams.

DET - Kerryon Johnson signs rookie pact

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Detroit Lions RB Kerryon Johnson signed his rookie four-year deal Friday, May 11. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

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Johnson was a touchdown hog at Auburn, scoring 29 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons. Patience is his best attribute as Johnson does a good job of allowing his blocks to set up fully in front of him before making his move. The Lions can't find a good runner to save their life and have missed on several prospects in recent years. Perhaps Johnson could finally be the runner this team needs to complement QB Matthew Stafford.

Source: footballguys.com

**mpaschal34** · 05-12-18, 06:59 PM

tavon austin will be someone i'm adding in best ball leagues.

**LT Profits** · 05-13-18, 08:47 AM

Sunday Update

ARI - QB Sam Bradford still the starter

Source: NFL.com - Chris Wesseling

Arizona Cardinals QB Sam Bradford is the starting quarterback, head coach Steve Wilks said Friday, May 11, but Wilks added that he wouldn't hold back QB Josh Rosen.

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Wilks needs to add 'for now' to this statement. Bradford came to Arizona on a one-year deal to keep the seat warm for whatever quarterback the Cardinals selected in the 2018 NFL draft. That became Josh Rosen (UCLA) with the 10th overall pick, and Rosen is clearly the future. Don't expect Bradford to hang onto the starting job all season long...especially if/when he struggles.

ARI - Josh Rosen a quick study

Source: The Arizona Republic - Kent Somers

Arizona Cardinals QB Josh Rosen settled down after showing some early nerves during the first day of rookie minicamp Friday, May 11, according to head coach Steve Wilks, and Wilks said Rosen is already showing an understanding of the playbook. 'The guy is extremely smart,' Wilks said.

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Rosen is the smartest guy in the room, just ask him. In all seriousness, Rosen is incredibly bright and needed to be challenged according to his former college coach at UCLA Jim Mora Jr. Rosen has a chip on his shoulder because of the 'nine huge mistakes' made in front of him in the 2018 NFL draft. Sam Bradford may be the starter for now, but Rosen has the upside to be a franchise quarterback for the Cardinals. Don't be surprised if he takes over this season.

MIA - David Fales could win backup gig

Source: The Miami Herald - Jordan McPherson

Miami Dolphins QB David Fales was impressive in his Week 17 start last year and will have a chance to compete with QB Brock Osweiler to be the backup quarterback in 2018, according to head coach Adam Gase.

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Fales has a quick throwing motion and he's got great anticipation as a passer. His arm strength isn't the greatest and he's not the biggest guy either. We'll see if he can beat out Osweiler for that backup job to Ryan Tannehill in 2018.

NO - RB Adrian Peterson an option for Saints?

Source: NFL.com - Herbie Teope

Free-agent RB Adrian Peterson (Cardinals) would be an option that New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton would consider if the team pursues a veteran running back.

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That's odd because Peterson was such an odd fit for the Saints last year. He only played four games with the Saints in 2017 before getting traded to the Cardinals in October last year. The Saints have Mark Ingram suspended for the first month of the 2018 season, but they should be more than fine with guys like Jonathan Williams backing up starter Alvin Kamara.

NFL - TE Coby Fleener looking to be medically cleared

Source: NFL.com - Herbie Teope

Free-agent TE Coby Fleener (concussion) is still trying to get medically cleared after suffering a concussion he suffered in Week 12 of the 2017 season, according to New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton.

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Fleener busted during his time with the Saints, and injuries were a part of that failure. He's looking for a fresh start as soon as he's cleared, and there might be a team or two interested in Fleener's services when healthy.

CAR - Garrett Gilbert leader for No. 2 QB job

Source: Charlotte Observer - Joseph Person

Carolina Panthers QB Garrett Gilbert is considered the leading candidate for the No. 2 quarterback job at this point, according to head coach Ron Rivera.

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Gilbert should be in the lead for the backup spot. The Panthers only have Taylor Heinicke and rookie Kyle Allen competing with him.

CHI - QB Aaron Murray trying out

Source: Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs

Free-agent QB Aaron Murray (Rams) is participating in the Chicago Bears' rookie minicamp this weekend on a tryout basis.

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Murray is a camp arm for the Bears. He has experience working with new Bears head coach Matt Nagy from the time he was a backup to Alex Smith with the Kansas City Chiefs.

DET - RB Ameer Abdullah frustrated with role

Source: MLive.com - Nate Atkins

Detroit Lions RB Ameer Abdullah said he was frustrated with the role he had in 2017 because he did not receive consistent touches during games.

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Abdullah needs to earn those consistent touches. He's been nothing but a disappointment during his pro career. However, some say he's just been misused as he should have never been considered a full-time back coming out of Nebraska years ago. Abdullah shouldn't be happy this year either as the Lions added LeGarrette Blount in free agency and Kerryon Johnson (Auburn) in the 2018 NFL draft. Add in Theo Riddick as the pass-catching back and you can see how Abdullah may not get many touches in 2018.

ARI - Chase Edmonds signs rookie deal

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams

Arizona Cardinals RB Chase Edmonds signed a four-year deal Friday, May 11.

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Edmonds has a compact build at 5'9" 205 pounds. He's a fine receiver out of the backfield with the ability to make defenders look silly with multiple moves in the open field. His lack of bulk might hinder his ability to be a full time player, but he's got the upside to be a decent change-of-pace back in the NFL.

JAX - Allen Lazard to play receiver

Source: The Florida Times-Union - Phillip Heilman

Jacksonville Jaguars WR Allen Lazard said he chose to sign with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent because the Jaguars were one of the teams who viewed him as a receiver and a not a tight end.

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Measuring in at 6'4" 225 pounds, Lazard is a big-bodied receiver who does a good job of keeping smaller defenders at bay. Every game he played in college, Lazard had at least one reception and recorded an Iowa State record of 48-straight games of doing just that. Lazard is not an elite athlete but has the strength and concentration to be at least a red zone weapon in the pros.

Source: footballguys.com

**mr. leisure** · 05-13-18, 10:43 AM

NO - RB Adrian Peterson an option for Saints?

Source: NFL.com - Herbie Teope

Free-agent RB Adrian Peterson (Cardinals) would be an option that New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton would consider if the team pursues a veteran running back.

I don`t buy it lol