NFL Player News - Week of 8/17/20

**LT Profits** · 08-19-20, 08:21 AM

Wednesday Update

Patriots | Jarrett Stidham struggles in practice
New England Patriots QB Jarrett Stidham threw three interceptions during practice Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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Jarrett Stidham player page

Lions | No injury for Kerryon Johnson
Detroit Lions RB Kerryon Johnson's limited reps in practice have been planned and are not related to an injury, according to head coach Matt Patricia.
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Kerryon Johnson player page

Dolphins | Mike Gesicki is a good spot?
Miami Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki believes he will see a lot of single coverage this year because of the attention WR DeVante Parker and WR Preston Williams will demand. 'When you get your man-to-man or single coverage you have to win your matchup,' Gesicki said.
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Mike Gesicki player page

Cowboys | Coach high on Michael Gallup
Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup is 'a No. 1 receiver,' according to head coach Mike McCarthy. 'Let's make it clear, Michael Gallup's a No. 1 receiver in my view,' McCarthy said.
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Michael Gallup player page

Lions | Marvin Jones standing out early
Detroit Lions WR Marvin Jones looks 'ready to go,' in the opinion of ESPN's Michael Rothstein.
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Marvin Jones Jr player page

Packers | Robert Tonyan the favorite to start at TE?
Green Bay Packers TE Robert Tonyan is very much in play to be the starting tight end, according to comments made by head coach Matt LaFleur on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
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Chiefs | Darrel Williams the handcuff for Clyde Edwards-Helaire?
Kansas City Chiefs RB Darrel Williams was the feature back for the first-team offense at practice Tuesday, Aug. 18, with RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire taking the day off.
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Ravens | Four try out for Baltimore
Undrafted free-agent QB Kenji Bahar (Monmouth) and free-agent WRs Dez Bryant (Saints) and Dwayne Harris (Raiders), along with free-agent P Johnny Townsend (Giants) tried out for the Baltimore Ravens Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Footballguys view: Bryant is the player that gets the most attention here. The veteran has been out of the league since tearing his Achilles' with the Saints last year. Bryant would bring much-needed veteran depth to the Ravens WR corps. Harris would as well, but he would likely be a return man primarily if signed.

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Dez Bryant player page
Dwayne Harris player page

49ers | Dante Pettis seizing opportunity
San Francisco 49ers WR Dante Pettis is impressing at practice by making catches in traffic over the middle as he competes for a roster spot in 2020, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.

Footballguys view: Pettis has always had the talent but he had yet to find consistency to his game and some thought he was in the coach's doghouse. This year with injuries and WRs opting out for the 49ers, Pettis is making a positive impression. Rookie Brandon Aiyuk should be the 49ers top receiver and Pettis is trying to establish himself in the pecking order somewhere behind him (and Deebo Samuel when healthy).

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Dante Pettis player page

Bears | Mitchell Trubisky praised by teammate
Chicago Bears QB Mitchell Trubisky drew compliments from teammate WR/RB Cordarrelle Patterson Tuesday, Aug. 18, for his demeanor at training camp. 'The way he's handling things. I feel he's been more of a leader,' Patterson said. 'Last year I didn't feel like he was that guy, but this year he's taking over. He wants everybody to know that he's that guy and we can come to him when we need something. He's doing a helluva job with it.'

Footballguys view: Trubisky is trying to prove he should stay the starter for the Bears in training camp. He's competing with veteran Nick Foles for that job and it should be his job to lose.

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Mitchell Trubisky player page

Lions | D'Andre Swift impressing in passing game
Detroit Lions RB D'Andre Swift 'could earn himself a bigger role in the passing game' based in his play early in training camp, according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Footballguys view: Swift was arguably the best running back in the 2020 NFL draft. He's quite capable as a runner and can make defenders look silly as a receiver out of the backfield. Swift is competing with Kerryon Johnson to be the Lions featured back in 2020.

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Rams | Josh Reynolds operating as No. 3 receiver
Los Angeles Rams WR Josh Reynolds has been the 'steady' third wide receiver at training camp, according to team play-by-play announcer J.B. Long.

Footballguys view: That sounds about right. He's next up behind Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp on the depth chart. Reynolds will have to hold off 2020 second-round pick Van Jefferson in training camp and it sounds like the veteran is doing that so far.

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Josh Reynolds player page

Browns | Nick Chubb in concussion protocol
Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb (concussion) was placed in the league's concussion protocol Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Footballguys view: Chubb will be in the protocol for a few days, but he'll be ready to go for the start of the regular season. He has no known concussions to this point of his pro career.

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Nick Chubb player page

Source: footballguys.com

**LT Profits** · 08-20-20, 12:19 PM

Thursday Update

Chiefs | Tyreek Hill leaves early
Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill (leg) left practice Thursday, Aug. 20, after apparently suffering a right leg injury.
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Tyreek Hill player page

Raiders | Bryan Edwards working with starters
Las Vegas Raiders WR Bryan Edwards has been working with the first-team offense during training camp.
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Chargers | Justin Jackson the No. 2 back?
Los Angeles Chargers RB Justin Jackson has the 'inside track' to be the backup to RB Austin Ekeler, according to Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register.
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Justin Jackson player page

Dolphins | Preston Williams back at practice
Miami Dolphins WR Preston Williams (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, Aug. 19, after receiving a day off.
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Preston Williams player page

Falcons | Todd Gurley showing burst
Atlanta Falcons RB Todd Gurley (knee) looked 'springy' when carrying the ball during practice Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com.
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Todd Gurley player page

Cardinals | More catches for Kenyan Drake?
Arizona Cardinals RB Kenyan Drake will be more involved in the passing game this season, according to head coach Kliff Kingsbury. 'He's hard to tackle one-on-one in space,' Kingsbury said. 'So that's an area we'd like to get him more involved in.'
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Kenyan Drake player page

Eagles | Miles Sanders expected to play Week 1
Philadelphia Eagles RB Miles Sanders (lower body) 'will be ready to play' Week 1, according to a source Wednesday, Aug. 19. Sanders is officially considered week-to-week by the team.
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Miles Sanders player page

Buccaneers | Scott Miller preferred outside
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Scott Miller is best-suited to playing outside and not in the slot, according to head coach Bruce Arians Wednesday, Aug. 19.
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Scott Miller player page

Jets | Jets host three for tryouts
Free-agent QB Kyle Lauletta (Eagles), WR Donte Moncrief (Panthers) and WR DeAndre Thompkins (Eagles) tried out for the New York Jets Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Footballguys view: The Jets are desperately thin at the WR position. They signed WR Chris Hogan on Wednesday but they might also want to consider Moncrief.

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Donte Moncrief player page

Browns | Four kickers trying out for Cleveland
Free-agent PKs Nick Folk (Patriots), Kai Forbath (Cowboys), Matthew McCrane (Steelers) and Cody Parkey (Titans) tried out for the Cleveland Browns Wednesday, Aug. 19. Free-agent LB Sharif Finch (Bengals), DE Dewayne Hendrix (Steelers) and DT Ricky Walker (Cowboys) also tried out. Undrafted free-agent DT Robert Landers tried out as well.
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Nick Folk player page
Kai Forbath player page
Cody Parkey player page

Jets | Chris Hogan officially joins NYJ
Updating a previous story, free-agent WR Chris Hogan (Panthers) officially signed an undisclosed contract with the New York Jets Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Footballguys view: Hogan only played in seven games last year for the Panthers, finishing with just eight catches for 67 yards. The Jets are desperate at the WR position due to injury but Hogan is still a long-shot to make the final roster.

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Chris Hogan player page

Texans | Will Fuller has QB's belief
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller is 'going to be one of the best receivers in the league,' according to QB Deshaun Watson Wednesday, Aug. 19. Fuller arrived at camp in great shape, according to head coach Bill O'Brien.

Footballguys view: Fuller and Watson have a great connection on the field. Their chemistry is not an issue...but Fuller's long injury history is. If Fuller is healthy, then he's got plenty of flex appeal for Fantasy GMs. Fuller rarely stays healthy for that long, so understand you're trying to catch a window with him and cannot count on him for the full season.

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Will Fuller V player page

Giants | Graham Gano terms
Updating a previous story, New York Giants PK Graham Gano signed a one-year deal worth a maximum of $2.5 million, according to a source Wednesday, Aug. 19.
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Graham Gano player page

Falcons | Qadree Ollison's role could grow
Atlanta Falcons RB Qadree Ollison was the most impressive running back at practice Wednesday, Aug. 19, according to Will McFadden of AtlantaFalcons.com. McFadden suggests Ollison's role could be even large than it was late last season when he emerged as the primary goal-line back.

Footballguys view: Ollison and Ito Smith are going to compete for touches behind starter Todd Gurley. Both backs have impressed so far in camp for different reasons. We'll have to see how this shakes out during the regular season, but be on the lookout for clues as training camp continues.

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Qadree Ollison player page

Dolphins | Tua Tagovailoa accurate in camp
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has been 'as advertised' with his accuracy in the first three days of training camp, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald Wednesday, Aug. 19. Jackson said Tagovailoa has been on target but without any wow plays or bad plays.

Footballguys view: Tagovailoa has great accuracy as a passer but his pass placement is also special. Not only does he throw accurately, but Tagovailoa also does a great job of leading his receivers properly to maximize run-after-the-catch yards. The rookie first-round pick could be the franchise quarterback the Dolphins have been looking for since the days of Dan Marino.

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Cardinals | Chase Edmonds draws high praise
Arizona Cardinals RB Chase Edmonds could be a starting running back in the NFL, according to head coach Kliff Kingsbury Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Footballguys view: Edmonds has a three-down skill set and doesn't need to come off the field. He's the backup for the Cardinals behind Kenyan Drake but a high-value handcuff for Fantasy GMs.

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Chase Edmonds player page

Football Team | Bryce Love No. 2 in Washington?
Washington Football Team RB Bryce Love worked with the first-team offense Wednesday, Aug. 19, with RB Adrian Peterson out. Love's role as the No. 2 running back in Washington 'seems quite real,' according to JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington.

Footballguys view: Love has amazing skill as a runner if healthy. He followed up Christian McCaffrey in college at Stanford and was outstanding when healthy. Love had a redshirt year as a rookie in 2019 as he continued on the road to recovery. He is a player we have been interested in for quite some time and will monitor him in dynasty formats.

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Bryce Love player page

Source: footballguys.com

**LT Profits** · 08-21-20, 07:48 AM

Friday Update

Dolphins | Myles Gaskin making push for No. 3 duties
Miami Dolphins RB Myles Gaskin was singled out by running backs coach Eric Studesville on Thursday, Aug. 20, for the improvements he has made since last season.'Myles has done a great job so far in what we've done; he's head and shoulders above where he was last year. The effort he puts into the game is starting to really show. He's playing more confident, playing faster. We're seeing some of the skill set he's had in the past and we're starting to see what his potential is,' Studesville said.
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Myles Gaskin player page

Chiefs | Tyreek Hill gets good news
Updating previous reports, Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill (hamstring) has been diagnosed with a minor hamstring strain, and there is 'no great concern' about his readiness for the start of the season.
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Tyreek Hill player page

Patriots | Cam Newton takes early lead in QB battle?
New England Patriots QB Cam Newton attempted 'nearly three times the number of competitive throws' that Jarrett Stidham did in practice Thursday, Aug. 20. This occurrence took place one day after head coach Bill Belichick told reporters 'there will be some point where that's (one quarterback seeing significantly more reps than the other) going to happen.
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Cam Newton player page
Jarrett Stidham player page

Seahawks | Phillip Dorsett can still fly
Seattle Seahawks WR Phillip Dorsett is 'the fastest guy we've ever had here,' according to head coach Pete Carroll.'He runs in the time realms we don't even think really exist, 4.2s and stuff. In our systems with (Russell Wilson), the way Russ likes to bomb the football, he's a big factor for us. ... He's doing really well. He's gotten behind (the defense) a couple of times,' Carroll told the team's website.
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Phillip Dorsett player page

Dolphins | DeVante Parker highly motivated
Miami Dolphins WR DeVante Parker doesn't need any help with motivation, according to head coach Brian Flores Thursday, Aug. 20. 'I don't really have to push many buttons with DeVante,' Flores said. 'He's a self-starter, self-motivated. Occasionally I'll find the right buttons to push but with him there aren't many.'
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DeVante Parker player page

Panthers | More physicality wanted from D.J. Moore
Carolina Panthers WR D.J. Moore needs to be more imposing this season, according to new head coach Matt Rhule. 'DJ has to take another step this year and be that physical, dominant, go-to receiver that on third-and-5 you're going to,' Rhule said.
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D.J. Moore player page

Titans | Trevor Siemian officially joins Tennessee
Free-agent QB Trevor Siemian (Jets) officially agreed to terms with the Tennessee Titans Thursday, Aug. 20, and is expected to compete for the No. 2 quarterback spot with Logan Whiteside.
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Trevor Siemian player page

Texans | Jordan Akins flashing with big grabs
Houston Texans TE Jordan Akins has made a couple of big catches for first downs and in the end zone and is having a strong camp, according to John Harris of HoustonTexans.com.
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Jordan Akins player page

Cardinals | Eno Benjamin expected to make roster
Arizona Cardinals RB Eno Benjamin is projected to be the team's No. 3 running back behind Kenyan Drake and Chase Edmonds, according to Kyle Odegard of AZCardinals.com. 'He has a knack for finding the hole, there's no doubt,' head coach Kliff Kingsbury said. 'He definitely has a feel for the run game, and that's exciting to see where he can take this thing. He has to find a role in and contribute on special teams, and he knows that, but we like what we've seen so far.'

Footballguys view: Benjamin is a player that reminds some in the coaching world of Cardinals starter Kenyan Drake. Coming out of Arizona State, Benjamin was known for his big-play ability and that can carry over to the pro level. We certainly have an appreciation for Benjamin in dynasty formats.

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Eagles | John Hightower headed for Week 1 role
Philadelphia Eagles WR John Hightower looks like a receiver who can play on Day 1, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. McLane cites the difficulties the Eagles defensive backs have had containing Hightower in one-on-one drills.

Footballguys view: Hightower is a fast prospect who might body catch a few too many passes, but there is no doubt he can make plays down the field. We like the way he can vary his speed within his route to buy himself some space from tight coverage. Keep Hightower on your waiver wire speed dial in deeper leagues and certainly monitor him in dynasty formats.

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Bills | Zack Moss earning significant role
Buffalo Bills RB Zack Moss 'is expected to be a big part' of the team's rushing attack this season, according to Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News. Skurski adds Moss showed at practice Tuesday, Aug. 18, he could also see work in the passing game.

Footballguys view: Moss is a tough inside runner who can grind down defenders as the game goes on. He'll work as the primary backup to Devin Singletary. Moss can be a starter in this league but expect more of a grinder mentality with him rather than big play expectations if he were to get a larger role.

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Packers | Davante Adams misses practice
Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Thursday, Aug. 20, but head coach Matt LaFleur said Adams should return soon.

Footballguys view: Adams is a seasoned veteran and doesn't need every rep in training camp. He'll get as much time off as he needs to deal with whatever this undisclosed situation is.

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Davante Adams player page

Ravens | Baltimore may not add Dez Bryant now
Free-agent WR Dez Bryant (Saints) worked out for the Baltimore Ravens Thursday, Aug. 20, but the two sides are not expected to reach a contract agreement at this time, according to a source.

Footballguys view: The Ravens did work out Bryant but no deal as of yet. They were just updating their emergency list and could sign Bryant at a later date. He hasn't been in the league since tearing his Achilles' with the Saints in 2019. We'll see if Bryant gets a new home before the start of the 2020 regular season.

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Dez Bryant player page

Eagles | Nate Sudfeld likely will be No. 2 QB
Philadelphia Eagles QB Nate Sudfeld likely will be the No. 2 quarterback this season since QB Jalen Hurts still has a lot to learn, according to head coach Doug Pederson.

Footballguys view: That sounds about right. Sudfeld has been working with the Eagles for some time and knows the system well. Hurts could be a gadget quarterback and get on the field for the Eagles as a 'Taysom Hill-type' of player in 2020.

Link to story

Source: footballguys.com

**LT Profits** · 08-23-20, 10:47 AM

Sunday Update

Eagles | Jalen Reagor back at practice Sunday
Philadelphia Eagles WR Jalen Reagor (illness) returned to action Sunday, Aug. 23, after missing practice due to an illness Friday, Aug. 21.
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Falcons | Brian Hill a more complete back
Atlanta Falcons RB Brian Hill was praised by head coach Dan Quinn for his performance in practice. 'He is 100 percent a guy on a mission,' Quinn said. 'You see his speed at practice, his ability to catch has certainly improved.'
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Brian Hill player page

Seahawks | Greg Olsen's preparation paying off
Seattle Seahawks TE Greg Olsen's work with QB Russell Wilson this offseason is evident in practice, according to head coach Pete Carroll. 'I'm really, really fired up about Greg,' Carroll said.
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Greg Olsen player page

Dolphins | DeVante Parker in rhythm with QB
Miami Dolphins WR DeVante Parker is 'showing off great chemistry' with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick during training camp, according to Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com.
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DeVante Parker player page

Lions | Kerryon Johnson comfortable with brace
Detroit Lions RB Kerryon Johnson said he has become comfortable playing with a brace on his right knee. 'So that's just the new me,' Johnson said. 'I'm the knee-brace guy, everybody jokes about it. It feels great. I like having the knee brace on. It helps me out a lot.'
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Kerryon Johnson player page

Packers | Solid start for Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Green Packers Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling has put together two straight strong practices, head coach Matt LaFleur said Saturday, Aug. 22.
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Marquez Valdes-Scantling player page

Saints | Tre'Quan Smith to be involved?
New Orleans Saints WR Tre'Quan Smith is 'an important part' of the team's offensive plans, according to head coach Sean Payton.
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Giants | Daniel Jones bulked up
New York Giants QB Daniel Jones added muscle this offseason, increasing his playing weight from 220 pounds to 229 pounds. 'Obviously, he's a guy that during the pandemic, he didn't take time off,' head coach Joe Judge said.
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Daniel Jones player page

Raiders | More third downs for Josh Jacobs?
Las Vegas Raiders RB Josh Jacobs needs to be 'more on the field on third down' this year, according to head coach Jon Gruden.
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Josh Jacobs player page

Raiders | Las Vegas adding Theo Riddick
Free-agent RB Theo Riddick (Broncos) is signing a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders Saturday, Aug. 22, according to a source.
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Theo Riddick player page

Rams | Darrell Henderson limps off
Los Angeles Rams RB Darrell Henderson (leg) limped off the practice field with an apparent leg injury Saturday, Aug. 22.
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Darrell Henderson player page

Steelers | James Conner sits out
Pittsburgh Steelers RB James Conner (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Saturday, Aug. 22.
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James Conner player page

Steelers | Diontae Johnson not on field Saturday
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Saturday, Aug. 22.
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Diontae Johnson player page

Packers | Davante Adams back on the field
Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams (undisclosed) participated in practice Saturday, Aug. 22.
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Davante Adams player page

Bears | No practice for Allen Robinson
Chicago Bears WR Allen Robinson (ankle) did not participate in practice Saturday, Aug. 22, because of an ankle injury.
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Allen Robinson player page

Chiefs | Tyreek Hill remains sidelined
Kansas City Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill (hamstring) did not participate in practice Saturday, Aug. 22.
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Tyreek Hill player page

Jaguars | Dede Westbrook does not practice
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Dede Westbrook (shoulder) did not participate in practice Saturday, Aug. 22, because of a shoulder injury.
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Dede Westbrook player page

Patriots | NE expected to sign Nick Folk
Free-agent PK Nick Folk (Patriots) is expected to sign with the New England Patriots once he goes through the COVID-19 testing, according to a source.
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Nick Folk player page

Seahawks | Chris Carson expected back soon
Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson (personal) is away from the team because of a personal matter but should return soon, according to head coach Pete Carroll.
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Chris Carson player page

Jets | Denzel Mims could return soon
New York Jets WR Denzel Mims (hamstring) hopefully will be able to return to practice in the near future, according to head coach Adam Gase.

Footballguys view: Mims will compete with Chris Hogan for snaps outside opposite Breshad Perriman, who has had a good camp while establishing chemistry with Sam Darnold. The Jets second round pick is off of the redraft radar for now, but should at least be on the waiver wire watch list.

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Browns | David Njoku sits Saturday
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (wrist) did not participate in practice Saturday, Aug. 22.

Footballguys view: Njoku has had a slow camp and fourth-round pick Harrison Bryant has outplayed him consistently. If he can't stay on the field, then Njoku could lose time to Bryant and not get it back when he's healthy.

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David Njoku player page

Source: footballguys.com

**cincinnatikid513** · 08-23-20, 11:57 AM

Baltimore Ravens release safety Earl Thomas after on-field altercation

Ravens release Thomas after on-field altercation

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29723620/sources-ravens-cut-trade-earl-thomas-dispute

The Ravens are abruptly parting ways with seven-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas two days after an on-field altercation with teammate Chuck Clark, the team announced.

**BarkingToad** · 08-24-20, 08:53 AM

A lot of false positive tests lately

**Stallion** · 08-25-20, 08:13 PM

One lab in New Jersey is screwing the tests results up.