Courtesy of Footballguys.com
NO - RB C.J. Spiller will not play in opener
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
New Orleans Saints RB C.J. Spiller (knee) will not play in the regular season opener Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Arizona Cardinals as he is recovering from a minor knee surgery, a source said Tuesday, Sept. 8. He is likely to return for Week 2 and beyond.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As is often the case, the team was overly optimistic on Spiller's return date. Let's see how he does for next week.
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GB - WR James Jones ahead of WR Jeff Janis
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Green Bay Packers WR James Jones is listed ahead of WR Jeff Janis on the Packers' depth chart.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Dynasty owners take note here..in addition to re-draft owners who took a late-round flier in deeper leagues. Jones knows the system well, and he's likely to cut into the targets for guys like Ty Montgomery, as well as a little of Davante Adams' balls.
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CHI - WR Alshon Jeffery progressing
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (calf) is making strides with his calf injury and hopes to play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
He'd better because if he doesn't it's Martellus Bennett, Matt Forte and a bunch of random players (the best of which is Eddie Royal) as targets for Jay Cutler. Cutler remains a decent QB2, with Forte a nice RB2 play and Bennett is a solid TE1 but Forte and Bennett may score high based solely on the fact that there isn't much else for Cutler to work with. Color us concerned overall.
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SEA - RB Fred Jackson could play a lot
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Seattle Seahawks RB Fred Jackson ran with the starting offense Monday, Sept. 7, in place of RB Marshawn Lynch, who was tending to a personal matter. Head coach Peter Carroll said Jackson picked up the offense effortlessly and that Jackson will 'play a lot' in the Week 1 opener against the St. Louis Rams. Jackson will step into the role of former RB Robert Turbin. Carroll sees Jackson having a key role in third-down situations, both blocking and receiving.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Maybe Lynch had a stomach ache from too many Skittles. We know Jackson has at least a little left in the tank and he's a more than serviceable second running back for the Seahawks. But don't get carried away as we don't expect Lynch (who projects as a solid RB1 this week) to spend time on the bench. Carroll has to know Lynch is the engine that runs this offense (even with Jimmy Graham in the house) and the last time that engine was on the sideline, it arguably cost the Seahawks a Super Bowl.
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ATL - RB Tevin Coleman listed as starter
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
Atlanta Falcons RB Tevin Coleman is listed as the Week 1 starter over RB Devonta Freeman on the team's official depth chart.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Which doesn't mean that a) he'll get the majority of the carries or 2) that it will amount to anything if he does. We're concerned about the offensive line and don't know what to expect from the breakdown of carries. Coleman is no more than an RB3 right now, though it could bounce up a little if Devonta Freeman is hurt come this weekend.
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BUF - RB LeSean McCoy does solo work
Source: WKBW.com - Joe Buscaglia
Buffalo Bills RB LeSean McCoy (hamstring) did individual drills in practice Tuesday, Sept. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
He did this before the holiday weekend, so while it's encouraging, it's not new. Watch Wednesday and see if he does something more, like teamwork. We have him as a tentative RB4 right now, but we could see him move up a bit into the realm of RB3.
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JAX - RB T.J. Yeldon the starter
Source: The Associated Press - Mark Long
Jacksonville Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon is listed as the starter over RB Denard Robinson on the depth chart.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's a little of a surprise, as many people felt Denard Robinson would get the nod given a pretty solid preseason. Yeldon is a decent RB3 in a tough spot against the Carolina Panthers. Robinson ends up being a 'oh my goodness how did I end up with three injured running backs on my team' emergency start and likely no more than an RB5.
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BUF - WR Sammy Watkins ready to play
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins (glute) said he believes he's ready to play in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. 'For the most part it's just about getting mentally and physically prepared for this game and enduring some physical battles,' Watkins said. 'So I think I'm in shape. I'm ready to go.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We love the natural ability that Watkins has. We don't love the QB situation in Buffalo, but we are intrigued by what Tyrod Taylor can bring to the table. We'll see if the Bills can be more productive through the air than we think.
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ARI - RB Chris Johnson the No. 2 RB in AZ
Source: FOX Sports Radio 910 - Mike Jurecki
Arizona Cardinals RB Chris Johnson is listed as the No. 2 running back behind RB Andre Ellington on the Cardinals' depth chart. Rookie RB David Johnson is listed as the third option ahead of RB Stepfan Taylor.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Johnson has a similar skill set to Ellington, and the team won't have to change the playbook much if CJ?K comes onto the field. Johnson is a good--not great--all-around talent, and Taylor is only an average backup at best.
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NE - WR Julian Edelman not on injury report
Source: Patriots.com
New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman (ankle) was not listed on the Patriots' injury report for Monday, Sept. 7, or Tuesday, Sept. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's the Patriots, so who really knows what's up with anybody. However, it is a good sign that Edelman is not on the injury report.
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NYG - WR Victor Cruz ready at least for Week 2?
Source: New York Daily News - Ebenezer Samuel
New York Giants WR Victor Cruz (calf) said if he is not able to play in Week 1 that he will be on the field for Week 2 or Week 3 and beyond.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This calf problem has really set Cruz back. All signs indicated he was on track to return from his knee injury, but then he hurt his calf. At this point, fantasy owners are going to have to wait for Cruz to be on the practice field before even considering him for a fantasy lineup.
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MIA - MIA signs RB Jonas Gray to PS
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Free-agent RB Jonas Gray (Patriots) signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad Tuesday, Sept. 8, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jonas Gray started his pro career as an undrafted free agent with the Dolphins in 2012. Now, he finds himself back in the spot he started--the Miami practice squad.
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STL - RB Tre Mason doesn't practice
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Jim Thomas
St. Louis Rams RB Tre Mason (hamstring) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Sept. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Just avoid this situation. We know Todd Gurley is not going to play in Week 1, and this hamstring injury could severely limit Mason--if he even plays against the Seahawks. Benny Cunningham could be the team's lead back in Week 1....and that's not great for fantasy owners.
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Source: footballguys.com
NO - RB C.J. Spiller will not play in opener
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
New Orleans Saints RB C.J. Spiller (knee) will not play in the regular season opener Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Arizona Cardinals as he is recovering from a minor knee surgery, a source said Tuesday, Sept. 8. He is likely to return for Week 2 and beyond.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As is often the case, the team was overly optimistic on Spiller's return date. Let's see how he does for next week.
Back to Top
GB - WR James Jones ahead of WR Jeff Janis
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Green Bay Packers WR James Jones is listed ahead of WR Jeff Janis on the Packers' depth chart.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Dynasty owners take note here..in addition to re-draft owners who took a late-round flier in deeper leagues. Jones knows the system well, and he's likely to cut into the targets for guys like Ty Montgomery, as well as a little of Davante Adams' balls.
Back to Top
CHI - WR Alshon Jeffery progressing
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (calf) is making strides with his calf injury and hopes to play against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
He'd better because if he doesn't it's Martellus Bennett, Matt Forte and a bunch of random players (the best of which is Eddie Royal) as targets for Jay Cutler. Cutler remains a decent QB2, with Forte a nice RB2 play and Bennett is a solid TE1 but Forte and Bennett may score high based solely on the fact that there isn't much else for Cutler to work with. Color us concerned overall.
Back to Top
SEA - RB Fred Jackson could play a lot
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Seattle Seahawks RB Fred Jackson ran with the starting offense Monday, Sept. 7, in place of RB Marshawn Lynch, who was tending to a personal matter. Head coach Peter Carroll said Jackson picked up the offense effortlessly and that Jackson will 'play a lot' in the Week 1 opener against the St. Louis Rams. Jackson will step into the role of former RB Robert Turbin. Carroll sees Jackson having a key role in third-down situations, both blocking and receiving.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Maybe Lynch had a stomach ache from too many Skittles. We know Jackson has at least a little left in the tank and he's a more than serviceable second running back for the Seahawks. But don't get carried away as we don't expect Lynch (who projects as a solid RB1 this week) to spend time on the bench. Carroll has to know Lynch is the engine that runs this offense (even with Jimmy Graham in the house) and the last time that engine was on the sideline, it arguably cost the Seahawks a Super Bowl.
Back to Top
ATL - RB Tevin Coleman listed as starter
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
Atlanta Falcons RB Tevin Coleman is listed as the Week 1 starter over RB Devonta Freeman on the team's official depth chart.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Which doesn't mean that a) he'll get the majority of the carries or 2) that it will amount to anything if he does. We're concerned about the offensive line and don't know what to expect from the breakdown of carries. Coleman is no more than an RB3 right now, though it could bounce up a little if Devonta Freeman is hurt come this weekend.
Back to Top
BUF - RB LeSean McCoy does solo work
Source: WKBW.com - Joe Buscaglia
Buffalo Bills RB LeSean McCoy (hamstring) did individual drills in practice Tuesday, Sept. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
He did this before the holiday weekend, so while it's encouraging, it's not new. Watch Wednesday and see if he does something more, like teamwork. We have him as a tentative RB4 right now, but we could see him move up a bit into the realm of RB3.
Back to Top
JAX - RB T.J. Yeldon the starter
Source: The Associated Press - Mark Long
Jacksonville Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon is listed as the starter over RB Denard Robinson on the depth chart.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's a little of a surprise, as many people felt Denard Robinson would get the nod given a pretty solid preseason. Yeldon is a decent RB3 in a tough spot against the Carolina Panthers. Robinson ends up being a 'oh my goodness how did I end up with three injured running backs on my team' emergency start and likely no more than an RB5.
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BUF - WR Sammy Watkins ready to play
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown
Buffalo Bills WR Sammy Watkins (glute) said he believes he's ready to play in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. 'For the most part it's just about getting mentally and physically prepared for this game and enduring some physical battles,' Watkins said. 'So I think I'm in shape. I'm ready to go.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We love the natural ability that Watkins has. We don't love the QB situation in Buffalo, but we are intrigued by what Tyrod Taylor can bring to the table. We'll see if the Bills can be more productive through the air than we think.
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ARI - RB Chris Johnson the No. 2 RB in AZ
Source: FOX Sports Radio 910 - Mike Jurecki
Arizona Cardinals RB Chris Johnson is listed as the No. 2 running back behind RB Andre Ellington on the Cardinals' depth chart. Rookie RB David Johnson is listed as the third option ahead of RB Stepfan Taylor.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Johnson has a similar skill set to Ellington, and the team won't have to change the playbook much if CJ?K comes onto the field. Johnson is a good--not great--all-around talent, and Taylor is only an average backup at best.
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NE - WR Julian Edelman not on injury report
Source: Patriots.com
New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman (ankle) was not listed on the Patriots' injury report for Monday, Sept. 7, or Tuesday, Sept. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
It's the Patriots, so who really knows what's up with anybody. However, it is a good sign that Edelman is not on the injury report.
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NYG - WR Victor Cruz ready at least for Week 2?
Source: New York Daily News - Ebenezer Samuel
New York Giants WR Victor Cruz (calf) said if he is not able to play in Week 1 that he will be on the field for Week 2 or Week 3 and beyond.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This calf problem has really set Cruz back. All signs indicated he was on track to return from his knee injury, but then he hurt his calf. At this point, fantasy owners are going to have to wait for Cruz to be on the practice field before even considering him for a fantasy lineup.
Back to Top
MIA - MIA signs RB Jonas Gray to PS
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Free-agent RB Jonas Gray (Patriots) signed to the Miami Dolphins' practice squad Tuesday, Sept. 8, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Jonas Gray started his pro career as an undrafted free agent with the Dolphins in 2012. Now, he finds himself back in the spot he started--the Miami practice squad.
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STL - RB Tre Mason doesn't practice
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Jim Thomas
St. Louis Rams RB Tre Mason (hamstring) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Sept. 8.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Just avoid this situation. We know Todd Gurley is not going to play in Week 1, and this hamstring injury could severely limit Mason--if he even plays against the Seahawks. Benny Cunningham could be the team's lead back in Week 1....and that's not great for fantasy owners.
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Source: footballguys.com