NFL Player News - Week of 7/15/19

mpaschal34 · 07-15-19, 09:58 PM

i've also added 13 pounds this offseason. i should dominate the fantasy leagues like ronald jones.

yisman · 07-15-19, 10:38 PM

I don't think desean jackson will be a major factor

Mike Huntertz · 07-15-19, 11:21 PM

I wish it was already NFL time....MLB is killing me.

LT Profits · 07-16-19, 08:29 AM

Tuesday Update

DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott planning to hold out?

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Mike Florio

Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott has privately said he intends to hold out of training camp unless he gets a new contract, according to Pro football Talk's Mike Florio via a league source.

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The Cowboys are set to report in just a little under two weeks from Monday. Elliott may not hold out if he feels the Cowboys are making an honest effort to get something done with him in the near future. The team still needs to figure out big-money contracts for Elliott, QB Dak Prescott and WR Amari Cooper. Yahoo's Charles Robinson had some nice insight. He wrote yesterday, "Cowboys know he needs to report to camp by Aug. 6 to get an accrued 4th season toward unrestricted free agency. If he reports after that date, he can't hold out of 2020 training camp and still hit unrestricted FA market." Stay tuned.

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ATL - WR Julio Jones' extension talks could drag

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones' contract extension is now the team's 'most pressing priority,' but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport states that it 'might take a while.' However, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Jones' agent and the team are scheduled for face-to-face negotiations on Wednesday, July 17.

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Jones is signed through 2020 and has previously stated that he won't hold out. With DT Grady Jarrett signed on Monday to a long-term deal, the Falcons can solely focus on getting another big-money deal for their superstar wide receiver. Jones is hoping this contract makes him a Falcon for life.

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ARI - RB David Johnson's hands unlikely to be wasted

Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban

Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson's receiving skills 'should come back to the forefront' after being 'all but ignored last season,' in the opinion of Darren Urban of AZcardinals.com.

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Johnson can be a fine receiving option out of the backfield. He's done it before and he can do it again. He may not catch 77 passes like he did in 2016, but projecting Johnson to catch 65 passes is fair. Johnson is a good runner but he's best as a receiving threat from the running back position.

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ARI - WR Andy Isabella set to produce right away?

Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban

Arizona Cardinals WR Andy Isabella seems like 'a sure thing to have an initial chance,' in the opinion of Darren Urban of AZcardinals.com.

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Isabella has speed to burn and he's capable of playing in the slot. He played mostly outside the numbers for UMASS and has the versatility to play in either spot. We love his stock in dynasty formats and super late in drafts, the rookie makes for a 'what the heck' upside pick in redraft leagues.

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CAR - Carolina to give RB Christian McCaffrey help?

Source: Charlotte Observer - Brendan Marks

Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey might see a little more help in the backfield, as head coach Ron Rivera searches for a secondary runner. '(McCaffrey) him touching the ball was no concern,' Rivera said. 'It was just the extra plays. So we have to look at that and find a way to take that load from him.'

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McCaffrey should touch the ball as much as possible, but a breather from time-to-time would be nice. The team re-signed RBs Cameron Artis-Payne and Elijah Hood, they drafted RB Jordan Scarlett, signed Elijah Holyfield as an undrafted free agent and have RB Reggie Bonnafon in the mix as well. We'll watch this backup running back situation shake out in training camp.

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GB - Mentor for WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper

Green Bay Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling said he has been working out with retired WR Randy Moss four days a week to prepare of the upcoming season.

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Be on the lookout for Valdes-Scantling this year. He could win the No. 2 job for the Packers opposite of Davante Adams. The second-year pro can create separation and should continue to build trust with QB Aaron Rodgers. His current ADP is WR42 (9.07) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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NFL - Maratvis Bryant seeks reinstatement

Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano

Free-agent WR Martavis Bryant (Raiders) has applied to the NFL for reinstatement. He has been working with the NFL and the NFL Players Association to address his mental health issues.

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Bryant was most recently suspended in December for violating a policy from a previous ban. He has been suspended three times in the past four years for violations of the league's substance abuse policy. If healthy and on the right track, Bryant can still be a deep threat in the league. It's unknown if or when Bryant would actually be reinstated.

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WAS - QB Alex Smith ditches external fixator

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper

Washington Redskins QB Alex Smith (knee) will no longer be required to wear the external fixator that he had worn for eight months since suffering his devastating knee injury in November of 2018.

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Smith is trying to work his way back from the horrific leg injury he suffered last year. We don't think he plays this year, and his future in football is up in the air. Washington has Case Keenum and rookie first-round pick Dwayne Haskins to compete for the No. 1 job in training camp.

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CAR - RB Jordan Scarlett best backup option?

Source: Charlotte Observer - Brendan Marks

Carolina Panthers RB Jordan Scarlett slipped to the fifth round in the 2019 NFL Draft due to character concerns from his time at the University of Florida. However, beat writer Brendan Marks suggest Scarlett might be the most talented tailback to back up starting RB Christian McCaffrey.

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Scarlett is a hard-charging back at 5'11" 208 pounds. He's incredibly strong and is not afraid of contact. Scarlett does a good job of making defenders miss in tight quarters and he does have good footwork to help him change direction. He is not a receiving option whatsoever and had some of the worst hands of any running back in this draft class.

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Source: footballguys,com

mpaschal34 · 07-16-19, 03:53 PM

Martavis Bryant......what a waste of talent.

Who catches more balls going forward? Martavis Bryant or Dez Bryant

LT Profits · 07-17-19, 09:03 AM

Wednesday Update

NE - Could TE Rob Gronkowski return?

Source: NBC Sports Boston

Retired TE Rob Gronkowski has a 40-percent chance of returning to play for the New England Patriots this season, a source close to the tight end told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio on Tuesday, July 16. The report speculates that Gronkowski may come back for the 'good stuff,' the end of the season and playoffs.

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This should be an ongoing question throughout the 2019 season -- both early and late. The Patriots sure could use Gronkowski, especially since Ben Watson is suspended for the first four games of the season. Even though he's lost some weight since retirement, Gronkowski has been seen working out with QB Tom Brady. We love the story of Gronkowski returning, but we'll have to wait and see if it actually comes to fruition.

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TEN - QB Marcus Mariota auditioning for long-term deal?

Source: MMQB - Robert Klemko

Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota needs to earn a long-term commitment from the team as he enters the fifth-year option of his rookie deal in 2019, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. 'I think everybody has a contract, and we're very aware of players who are in the last year of the deal. Marcus is obviously one of those,' Vrabel said. 'When you make a commitment to the QB you want to make sure that this is going to be your guy for the next 7-10 years when you look at the percentage of the cap quarterbacks are driving. Nobody is more proud of what Marcus has done in the offseason than me. He's come back stronger, bigger, with greater understanding of what we're doing offensively, being able to communicate it to players the field. I don't look at the lack of a long-term extension as a negative, though that's what people try to make it. I know Marcus's demeanor and that won't change whether he's on a 10-year contract or its up after the season. He's that type of person. So I know it'll work because of how he is.'

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In four seasons as a pro, Mariota has failed to play a full 16-game regular season. He first needs to stay healthy if he wants a chance to get a long-term commitment from the Titans. If healthy, Mariota needs to impress as a passer. We all know he's athletic and can keep plays alive with his feet but he needs to be better with his arm. It's easy to see that 2019 is a make-or-break year for Mariota.

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DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders to be worked in gradually

Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala

Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (Achilles) told The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala that he is 'definitely not going to be full-go from the jump' in training camp. He also said the plan is to gradually work him back to full practices.

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That's the best move for the Broncos in camp. Sanders is a seasoned veteran and doesn't need a ton of work in the preseason. He's been running at full speed and cutting, but there's no need to rush him back and risk an aggravation of the Achilles' injury that cut short his 2018 season. Sanders should be the No. 2 receiver for the Broncos this year so long as Courtland Sutton takes over as the top target.

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TEN - TE Jonnu Smith may not be ready for Week 1

Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt

Tennessee Titans TE Jonnu Smith (knee) has not practiced all offseason, and his availability for the season opener could be in doubt, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's website.

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Smith was hurt late in the 2018 season (Week 14) with a torn MCL. He's missed everything so far this offseason as he continues to recover. It sounds like Smith may be a candidate to begin the regular season on the PUP list. That would mean he's out for the first six weeks...stay tuned to see if Smith can get back before the start of the regular season.

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TEN - TE Delanie Walker likely a go for opener

Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt

Tennessee Titans TE Delanie Walker (ankle) is expected to be ready for Week 1, according to Jim Wyatt of the team's website.

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Good news for the seasoned veteran here. The Titans should take it easy on him in training camp and the preseason so that he's as close to full strength as possible when the season opens up. Walker has a current ADP of TE13 (12.04) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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NYG - RB Saquon Barkley tops in long gains

Source: Pro Football Focus

New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley led all running backs with 12 runs of at least 25 yards in 2018.

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Barkley can rip off big runs with ease. He did that in college and wasted no time doing the same thing in the pros. Barkley is a top-43 fantasy running back this year and worthy of a top-5 pick in any format. In fact, Barkley is going off the board at RB1 (1.02) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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BUF - QB Josh Allen a threat on ground

Source: Pro Football Focus

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen led all quarterbacks in 2018 with seven rushes of at least 25 yards.

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Allen had three games of 95 or more rushing yards and he scored eight times as a runner. He clearly can make plays with his legs, but in 2019 we need to see him make more plays with that big arm. His 52.8 completion percentage ranked the lowest of any regular starting quarterback in the league last year. They put better weapons around him in the passing game this year and that should help.

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PHI - RB Boston Scott in the lead

Source: NBC Sports Philadelphia - Dave Zangaro

Philadelphia Eagles RB Boston Scott might be the front runner for the final running back spot on the roster. He is one of the few backs on the roster with punt return experience.

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We'll watch Scott in deep dynasty formats. A sixth-round pick for the Saints in the 2018 NFL draft, Scott is a smaller (5'6" 203 pounds) but lightning quick back who is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. He has great footwork and can change direction on a dime.

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JAX - WR Marqise Lee due back late in preseason

Source: The Florida Times-Union - John Reid

Updating previous reports, Jacksonville Jaguars WR Marqise Lee (knee) isn't expected to be a full participant until late in the preseason.

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The Jaguars are going to take it easy on Lee as he continues to come back. The best-case scenario is that he is available for Week 1. Lee said he's ahead of schedule, but the team is taking a conservative approach with his recovery.

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PIT - WR Ryan Switzer working in the slot position

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Jonathan Bombulie

Pittsburgh Steelers WR Ryan Switzer is working on playing in the slot this offseason. He figures to battle WR Eli Rogers for repetitions there in training camp.

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Switzer is a slot guy, so it makes sense that he could win that job in training camp. In 2018, Switzer had 36 catches for 253 receiving yards and one touchdown. Those totals are around where he should be projected this year. Even without Antonio Brown, there might not be much of a bump for Switzer because of rookie Diontae Johnson and free agent addition Donte Moncrief.

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NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa to be used differently

Source: New York Post - Brian Costello

New York Jets WR Quincy Enunwa will be used more on the outside this year, whereas he was used on screen routes more last season. Head coach Adam Gase said that Enunwa needs to go down more instead of fighting for the extra inch in order to stay healthy.

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There have been some positive reports about Jets WRs (Robby Anderson, Jamison Crowder) over the last couple of weeks. We're excited to see the next step that second-year QB Sam Darnold takes, but don't go overboard loading up with Jets WRs in your redraft leagues. Anderson is typically the only Jets WR getting drafted with a current ADP of WR31 (7.01) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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MIA - WR Albert Wilson an option for PUP list?

Source: NFL.com - Jeremy Bergman

Miami Dolphins WR Albert Wilson (hip) may start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.

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No surprise here. Wilson missed all of the Dolphins offseason work. He's learning a new system and coming off of a hip injury so just keep the veteran on your waiver wire speed dial. There doesn't seem to be any concern about his status for Week 1 of the regular season even though he might miss some time in training camp.

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NFL - RB Alex Collins suffers broken leg

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Free-agent RB Alex Collins (leg) recently suffered a broken leg and had surgery to repair the injury, according to a source.

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Collins was trying to latch on with a team and was working out to stay in shape. Now, his football career might be near the end. Not only is he out with this broken leg, but Collins also has some legal troubles from this offseason to clear up.

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Source: footballguys.com

mpaschal34 · 07-17-19, 01:15 PM

What was Collin’s legal troubles? I don’t recall that.

LT Profits · 07-17-19, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by mpaschal34

What was Collin’s legal troubles? I don’t recall that.

Collins was arrested following a car crash close to the Ravens’ Under Armour Performance Center on March 1. Baltimore County Police charged Collins with possession with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana in excess of 10 grams and possession a handgun in the vehicle.

JAKEPEAVY21 · 07-18-19, 06:30 AM

signing Mariota to a long term deal? that would be a huge mistake, the guy has gotten worse over the years and can't stay healthy.

mpaschal34 · 07-18-19, 07:22 AM

Originally posted by LT Profits

Collins was arrested following a car crash close to the Ravens’ Under Armour Performance Center on March 1. Baltimore County Police charged Collins with possession with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana in excess of 10 grams and possession a handgun in the vehicle.

In the middle of re-watching The Wire....sounds like Collins would have fit right in.

LT Profits · 07-18-19, 09:00 AM

Thursday Update

DEN - RB Phillip Lindsay to be eased back

Source: NFL Network - James Palmer

Denver Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay (wrist) is ready for the start of training camp but will be eased back into practice during the early portion of camp.

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Broncos head coach Vic Fangio said the team would ease him back in...but they would be quick about it. Lindsay did not participate in team drills this offseason and has not taken a handoff or caught a pass in practice this offseason. We expect him to be limited in the preseason but get full work in practices after about a week or so.

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DEN - QB Drew Lock agrees to terms

Source: ProFootballTalk.com

Denver Broncos second-round draft choice QB Drew Lock agreed to terms with the Broncos on a four-year contract Wednesday, July 17, according to a source. Financial terms were not disclosed.

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Lock had wanted a quarterback premium, even though he fell to the second round of the 2019 NFL draft. He's got a big arm but his footwork and arm mechanics need work. Lock is known as a hard worker and a good student of the game. We'll see if he can develop behind Joe Flacco in 2019. Lock could be the Broncos QB of the future.

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CIN - PUP list an option for RB Rodney Anderson

Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.

Cincinnati Bengals RB Rodney Anderson (knee) is a candidate to start the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, in the opinion of The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr.

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Anderson is a talented runner who can grind down an opponent with power and determination. However, his injury history from his college days at Oklahoma is a long one. Anderson has talent to be at least part of a RBBC at the pro level, but he's going to have to get healthy and stay healthy in order to do that. When healthy, Anderson will be No. 3 or No. 4 on the depth chart.

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DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders to avoid PUP

Source: 104.3 The Fan - Cecil Lammey

Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (Achilles') will not open camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to team president John Elway.

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Good news for the Broncos and Sanders here. His 2018 season ended after 12 games due to this Achilles' injury and Sanders has been working diligently to get back ever since then. He has been running at full speed and cutting this offseason, but Sanders did not get any work in OTAs or minicamp. The Broncos will ease him into action and we may not see much of Sanders in the preseason as they want the veteran ready for the start of the regular season.

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BAL - WR Miles Boykin signs

Source: BaltimoreRavens.com

Baltimore Ravens third-round pick WR Miles Boykin signed an undisclosed four-year deal Wednesday, July 17.

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We love Boykin in dynasty formats due to his size/speed combination. During his college career at Notre Dame, Boykin regularly drew comparisons to the Lions Kenny Golladay. He needs to learn how to use his hands better to beat the jam at the line of scrimmage, but the raw talent is there to be a solid starter in the NFL one day.

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JAX - RB Alfred Blue looks to be top backup

Source: The Florida Times-Union - John Reid

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Alfred Blue is the 'frontrunner' for the No. 2 spot behind RB Leonard Fournette, in the opinion of The Florida Times-Union's John Reid.

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That sounds about right...and it makes Blue a handcuff to Fournette in leagues that have enough roster space on the bench to do that. Blue is big and swift as a runner and can catch a few passes here and there. His biggest competition for the No. 2 running back spot is rookie Ryquell Armstead from Temple. We'll see how this shakes out in training camp.

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PHI - Devin Ross let go

Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Michael David Smith

Philadelphia Eagles WR Devin Ross (undisclosed) was released with a non-football injury designation on Tuesday, July 16.

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No word on what the non-football injury was for the young receiver. Ross joined the Eagles in May after spending last offseason with the Titans. He never played in a regular season game.

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DEN - Denver to take it easy with TE Jake Butt

Source: DenverBroncos.com - Aric DiLalla

Denver Broncos TE Jake Butt (knee) was limited to individual drills for most of the offseason as he continued to recover from surgery on his torn anterior cruciate ligament. He believes he will do more 'team things' at start of camp while the team slowly works his reps back to where they were, according to Aric DiLalla of the team's website.

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That's the best plan for Butt. He's had three major knee injuries during his football career, and the Broncos want to make sure they don't rush him back. Butt looked good for a limited time last year before getting hurt. He will work as a reserve tight end behind rookie first-round pick Noah Fant and veteran blocker Jeff Heuerman.

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CHI - WR Javon Wims could surprise in 2019

Source: ChicagoBears.com - Larry Mayer

Chicago Bears WR Javon Wims is a player who 'probably deserves more attention' after performing well during offseason workouts and appears primed to compete for a role on offense in training camp, according to Larry Mayer of the team's website.

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Wims, a seventh-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft out of Georgia, has speed to burn. He has good size and is a player we've been monitoring in deep dynasty formats. We'll see if Wims can impress in training camp this year and earn a larger role on the Bears offense. He's competing for the No. 5 spot on the depth chart at the wide receiver position.

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Source: footballguys.com

LT Profits · 07-19-19, 11:48 AM

Friday Update

DEN - RB Phillip Lindsay gets early work

Source: NFL Network - James Palmer

Denver Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay (wrist) participated in the first offensive rep of training camp Thursday, July 18, and received the handoff on a rushing play. Lindsay didn't take a single handoff all offseason after undergoing wrist surgery this past winter.

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Lindsay didn't catch a single pass all offseason either. He did that on Thursday and looked good doing it. A wrist injury didn't do anything to his legs, and Lindsay looked super quick and fast on the first day of training camp. He'll be the No. 1 running back for the Broncos in 2019 but he's going to split time with Royce Freeman. We could see Freeman getting a lot of carries and Lindsay being used more as a receiver.

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TB - TE Cameron Brate in line for 60 targets as TE2

Source: PewterReport.com - Taylor Jenkins

Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE Cameron Brate could see 60 targets in 2019 while working as the backup to starter O.J. Howard, according to Taylor Jenkins of PewterReport.com.

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The last time Brate got over 60 targets, he finished as the no. 8 fantasy tight end in standard-scoring leagues. That was in 2017 when he was targeted 77 times, caught 48 passes for 591 yards and six touchdowns. Fantasy GMs should consider Brate a TE3 in 2019.

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TB - RB Peyton Barber could see 45 targets

Source: PewterReport.com - Taylor Jenkins

Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Peyton Barber will receive close to 45 targets in 2019, according to Taylor Jenkins of PewterReport.com.

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That would be quite the increase over the 29 targets he had as the Bucs lead back in 2018. Barber is going to compete with second-year back Ronald Jones for the top spot this season. Even if Jones is the lead back, Barber could be used as a receiving option out of the backfield.

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BAL - WR Marquise Brown expected back in a few weeks

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

Baltimore Ravens WR Marquise Brown (foot) is making solid progress in his rehab and likely will be back on the field in a few weeks.

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Brown had Lisfranc surgery back in February but was still a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft. He's incredibly quick, fast and capable of ripping off big plays often. Brown is going to be a great weapon for QB Lamar Jackson in 2019, and it's going to be exciting to see him play this season. Brown's current ADP is WR59 (13.09) in 12-team PPR leagues.

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DEN - WR Emmanuel Sanders nearing full practice

Source: NFL Network - James Palmer

Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (Achilles) didn't participate in team periods at practice Thursday, July 18, but told NFL Network's James Palmer he could do them if he was allowed by the coaches and training staff. Sanders is expected to a 'full go' for practice in two to three weeks, according to Palmer.

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Sanders looked great on the first day of training camp. He did not do work in team drills, but Sanders looked like his old self during individual drills. We should see him eased in as training camp continues.

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CLE - QB Baker Mayfield within reach of record

Source: NFL Network

Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield needs 42 touchdown passes in 2019 to break Dan Marino's record of 68 over a player's first two seasons.

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Mayfield certainly has the weapons around him in the passing game to throw a lot of touchdowns in 2019...but we're not projecting him for 42 touchdown passes this season. We could see Mayfield throwing 32 touchdowns in 2019 after tossing 27 touchdown passes as a rookie in 2018.

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DET - RB Zach Zenner could challenge for backup role

Source: The Detroit News - Justin Rogers

Detroit Lions RB Zach Zenner could challenge veteran RB C.J. Anderson for the No. 2 spot behind RB Kerryon Johnson, in the opinion of The Detroit News' Justin Rogers, who notes that Zenner's north-south running style is a good fit for the team's blocking scheme.

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Zenner has a role for the Lions and we'll see if he can push Anderson in training camp. Anderson is much more experienced and was one of the best running backs down the stretch last year as he helped the Rams make it to the Super Bowl. Now, Anderson is working for the Lions and the most likely backup behind Kerryon Johnson in 2019.

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Source: footballguys.com

BigdaddyQH · 07-19-19, 12:04 PM

Aways intersting as we approach the 4 games that make up the "Pre-Season", where a lot of these guys will get their chance to win, or possibly lose their jobs.

LT Profits · 07-20-19, 08:22 AM

Saturday Update

KC - WR Tyreek Hill won't be suspended

Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport and James Palmer

Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill will not be suspended by the NFL as the league found that he did not violate the personal conduct policy.

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He will be able to attend training camp and participate in all team activities now with no suspension handed down. Hill was under investigation for months but the league determined there was not enough evidence to suspend the controversial wide receiver. Hill will be a WR1 for Fantasy GMs in 2019 and should go off the board in the first round or two in drafts of any format.

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KC - WR Tyreek Hill contract talks on hold

Source: NFL Network - James Palmer

Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill is unlikely to resume contract talks for several weeks or months with the team.

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Hill and the Chiefs could reconnect on contract talks around the midway point of the regular season. We're sure the team will want some protection in case Hill gets in trouble off the field.

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LAR - RB Todd Gurley proclaimed ready by coach

Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra

Los Angeles Rams RB Todd Gurley (knee) received a vote of health and confidence Thursday, July 18, from head coach Sean McVay, who was a guest on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. 'I think he's feeling great,' McVay said on the show of Gurley. 'I think, you know, one of the things about Todd is (he's a) great competitor. I think he's earned the right to be able to have the plan that we had this offseason. Can't wait to get him back going. I know he's ready to go and it's going to be fun for the Rams this year.'

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Gurley's knee problem has made his draft stock fall a bit this summer. He's got a current ADP of RB11 (2.05) in 12-team PPR leagues. His knee scares Fantasy GMs just a bit and so does the fact that the Rams could use guys like Darrell Henderson and Malcolm Brown a bit more to give Gurley a breather.

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PHI - RB Darren Sproles returning to Philly

Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com

Free-agent RB Darren Sproles (Eagles) signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles Friday, July 19. Financial terms were not disclosed.

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The Eagles jam-packed backfield gets a little more cramped here. Jordan Howard should be the lead ball-carrier, but guys like Miles Sanders, Corey Clement and Sproles will compete for snaps/touches as a change-of-pace option.

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BUF - Buffalo could cut veteran RB

Source: MMQB - Albert Breer

Rival teams believe the Buffalo Bills could release someone from the group of RBs LeSean McCoy, Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon, according to MMQB's Albert Breer, who notes that McCoy is set to earn far more money than Gore or Yeldon.

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McCoy is in the final year of his contract and his cap number is just a bit over $9 million with only $2.6 million in dead money. The Bills could go with cheaper options if they feel it's time to move on from McCoy. In addition to Gore and Yeldon, the Bills also have rookie Devin Singletary to turn to. Singletary was a third-round pick out of FAU this year and there's a bit of McCoy (but more Charlie Garner) to his game. We'll watch this position in training camp and the preseason.

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OAK - RB Jalen Richard to lose snaps?

Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur

Oakland Raiders RB Jalen Richard could lose a 'good chunk' of his snaps on receiving downs to RB Josh Jacobs, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic.

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Reports seem to vary coming out of Oakland. Some reporters think Jacobs is going to get a majority of the touches, while others think Richard will cut into Jacobs touches. We feel that Jacobs will be the top rusher for the Raiders in 2019, but they should use Richard as a change-of-pace back when the talented rookie needs a breather.

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DEN - Denver officially adds RB David Williams

Source: The Denver Post - Ryan O'Halloran

Free-agent RB David Williams (Jaguars) officially signed with the Denver Broncos Friday, July 19. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

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Williams brings some much-needed size to the Broncos backfield behind Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman. He was a seventh-round pick of the Broncos last year but was plucked from their practice squad by the Jaguars. Now he's back in Denver and trying to make the final roster...or practice squad again. He's a big back with better footwork than some would expect for a man of his size. Williams looked good catching a few passes out of the backfield on Friday.

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TB - WR Justin Watson taking up residence in slot position

Source: The Athletic - Greg Auman

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Justin Watson worked 'extensively' in the slot this spring, according to Greg Auman of The Athletic.

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Watson has been watching film of Larry Fitzgerald to prepare him for playing the slot this season. We'll see him compete with Breshad Perriman to be the Bucs No. 3 WR behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

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DEN - QB Drew Lock a work in progress

Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis

Denver Broncos QB Drew Lock is a 'hard-throwing pitcher who doesn't know how to pitch yet,' head coach Vic Fangio said Friday, July 19.

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That sounds about right. Lock is not a finished product and he's not close to pushing Joe Flacco for the starting job. In fact, he's not above Kevin Hogan (yet) on the Broncos depth chart. The rookie is a hard worker and has a big arm but his footwork, release point and pass placement are poor at times. We'll see how Lock develops in 2019, likely as the backup to Flacco.

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KC - WR Mecole Hardman ready to shine

Source: NFL.com - Grant Gordon

Kansas City Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman 'will make an instant impact' as a receiver, according to Grant Gordon of NFL.com.

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Hardman is competing with Demarcus Robinson to be the Chiefs No. 3 WR behind Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins. The rookie from Georgia can fly down the field. His game is all about speed, speed and more speed. He should be fun to watch in the preseason, and we're stockpiling his stock in dynasty formats.

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PHI - RB Miles Sanders not a lock for big role

Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com - Dave Spadaro

Philadelphia Eagles RB Miles Sanders has 'absolutely nothing guaranteed' in terms of his role in the offense, according to Dave Spadaro PhiladelphiaEagles.com.

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Sanders is a talented rookie but he's got to stay healthy and earn a spot in the rotation as a change-of-pace back behind starter Jordan Howard. With the Eagles adding veteran Darren Sproles on Friday, Sanders competition for snaps/touches just got tougher. Corey Clement will be in the mix for the spot Sanders and Sproles are competing for too.

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PHI - Charles Johnson in the mix for spot

Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com - Dave Spadaro

Philadelphia Eagles WR Charles D. Johnson is going to be in the mix for a roster spot after a strong showing in spring practices, according to Dave Spadaro of PhiladelphiaEagles.com.

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It's been all downhill for Johnson since 2014 when he flashed a little bit with the Vikings. A seventh-round pick in the 2013 NFL draft (Packers) out of Grand Valley State, Johnson got an opportunity with the Eagles due to his play in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football. We'll see if he can earn a roster spot with his play in training camp and the preseason.

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DEN - WR DaeSean Hamilton shines in practice

Source: DenverBroncos.com - Andrew Mason

Denver Broncos WR DaeSean Hamilton had 'a slew of solid receptions' for the first-team offense during training camp Thursday, July 18.

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Hamilton is working to be the No. 3 WR for the Broncos this year behind Courtland Sutton and Emmanuel Sanders. He's a great route-runner and generally has strong hands and good concentration. The No. 3 WR for Denver won't get a ton of work s the Rich Scangarello offense will regularly feature two-TE sets.

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JAX - RB Ryquell Armstead still on track

Source: The Florida Times-Union - John Reid

Jacksonville Jaguars RB Ryquell Armstead (hamstring) remains on track for the start of training camp, according to John Reid of The Florida Times-Union.

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Armstead is the only Jaguars RB being drafted behind Leonard Fournette. With Fournette's propensity to get banged up and miss time, Fantasy GMs need to be locked into the battle for the No. 2 job. The main backup to Fournette right now has to be veteran Alfred Blue.

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KC - WR Demarcus Robinson asked do more

Source: The Athletic - Nate Taylor

Kansas City Chiefs WR Demarcus Robinson will be expected to take over the role that Jacksonville Jaguars WR Chris Conley filled for the offense last season.

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Robinson is going to compete with rookie Mecole Hardman for the No. 3 spot on the WR depth chart behind Tyreek Hill and Sammie Watkins. Projecting him for about 25-30 catches this season is fair. That means Robinson is more of a dynasty prospect than a redraft receiver in 2019.

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Source: footballguys,com

mr. leisure · 07-20-19, 09:52 AM

PHI - RB Darren Sproles returning to Philly

Coming back for his 15th season .

Otters27 · 07-20-19, 05:04 PM

Darren Sproles has the perfect low center of gravity.
Amazing career