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NE - RB Sony Michel running at full speed
Source: NFL Network - Michael Giardi
New England Patriots RB Sony Michel (knee) has been running at 'full tilt' after recovering from offseason arthroscopic knee surgery, according to multiple sources. He was unable to participate in the team's minicamp last month but should be ready for the start of training camp.
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Michel had fluid drained from his knee last year during camp, missed time during the season, and still made a consistent and sizable fantasy impact on the strength of the Patriots running game and game scripts. This year third round pick Damien Harris could take away touches if not overtake Michel as the finisher of drives and games, so Michel must stay healthy during camp.
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PIT - RB James Conner thrived on big plays
Source: Pro Football Focus
Pittsburgh Steelers RB James Conner gained 340 of his 972 rushing yards on runs of 15 yards or longer last season, according to Pro Football Focus.
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Conner definitely benefited from an offense that kept defenses off balance behind a great offensive line and dangerous downfield passing game. Antonio Brown's loss is a negative, but overall the situation is still a positive. He isn't a speedy back, so the longer gains may be limited this year with defenses able to contract unless James Washington, Donte Moncrief, or third-round pick Diontae Johnson present a credible downfield threat opposite Juju Smith-Schuster.
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DET - Big year for RB Kerryon Johnson?
Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett
Detroit Lions RB Kerryon Johnson is 'easily' going to top 1,000 rushing yards this season if he stays healthy, in the opinion
of Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
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Johnson was getting on track before he got hurt and this offense should feed him all he can handle. Theo Riddick could get released before the season and boost Johnson's value even higher. He's looking like a good third-round target.
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TB - Tampa Bay remains high on RB Peyton Barber
Source: The Athletic - Greg Auman
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Peyton Barber is still held in high regard by the team, according to Greg Auman of The Athletic. Auman adds the 25-year-old was the first rusher in the last five years to rack up 250-plus touches but fail to compile 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 2018.
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Barber could end up being cheap bye/injury depth if he holds off Ronald Jones after a strong spring from Jones. He has a low ceiling, but Barber might gain value in the same role as 2018 if Bruce Arians improves the offense.
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SF - Jeffery Wilson on the bubble
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
San Francisco 49ers RB Jeffery Wilson faces an 'uphill climb' to make the 53-man roster, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area.
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Wilson has a chance to maker the roster if one of the top four backs isn't healthy enough to contribute early in the season, and three of them couldn't practice in the spring. Even if he's released, he could end up back on the roster by season's end.
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LAC - RB Justin Jackson seizing opportunity
Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams
Los Angeles Chargers RB Justin Jackson has benefited from extra reps in OTAs as a result of RB Melvin Gordon's absence, according to head coach Anthony Lynn.
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Jackson was impressive for a seventh-round pick. He could have as much value as Austin Ekeler or more if Melvin Gordon misses time again this year. He'll be an immediate pickup if either Ekeler or Gordon miss time.
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Source: footballguys.com