Courtesy of Footballguys.com
CIN - TE Tyler Eifert's rehab on schedule Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Jim Owczarski
Cincinnati Bengals TE Tyler Eifert (ankle) is reportedly progressing as planned following right ankle surgery on May 27, according to a league source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As planned could easily include missing or being limited for the first two or three games of the season. Eifert's fantasy outlook isn't that different than 3rd-4th pick Jordan Reed - when healthy - but Eifert's recovery timeline has always put being 100% on Week 1 on the edge of the range of possibilities.
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NE - QB Tom Brady can't work with teammates
Source: Boston Herald - Karen Guregian
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady will be prohibited from engaging in any football-related activities or discussions during the course of his four-game suspension, even if he is away from the team facility, according to NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy. The ban also prohibits Brady from attending games and practices as a spectator and receiving game and practice film from club personnel.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This would be more worrisome if Brady was suspended for substance abuse issues or otherwise needed to be with the team to foster unity and buy-in. He's still being drafted as a low QB1 who will produce more like an elite QB once he's back in Week 5. If rosters are big enough to accommodate another quarterback without losing too much early season waiver wire flexibility, Brady is a value pick.
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PHI - QB Sam Bradford likely gone after 2016
Source: PhillyVoice.com - Jimmy Kempski
Philadelphia Eagles QB Sam Bradford is 'extremely unlikely' to be with the team after the 2016 season has drawn to a close, according to PhillyVoice writer Jimmy Kempski.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We could see Chase Daniel at some point this year if Bradford fails. Having a lame duck quarterback is not good for a team's competitiveness, so this should be considered a rebuilding year for the Eagles. The quarterback position is unlikely to provide very much fantasy value in Philadelphia this year.
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PHI - QB Carson Wentz set for heavy preseason load
Source: PhillyVoice.com - Jimmy Kempski
Philadelphia Eagles rookie QB Carson Wentz is expected to see 'a ton' of work in the preseason, according to PhillyVoice writer Jimmy Kempski.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wentz should get a lot of work because he will be exposed to a much faster level of play than he saw at North Dakota State. It will be the best indicator of how ready he is for NFL regular season that the Eagles will get before Week 1. If the Eagles have their way, Wentz will sit all season.
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NYJ - Todd Bowles confident in QB Geno Smith
Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta
New York Jets QB Geno Smith remains in line to start with the contract impasse between the organization and free-agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Head coach Todd Bowles said he is confident in Smith as the starter. 'I think Geno can be a good starter, but he's got to prove it in training camp like everybody else,' Bowles said. 'It's not just about the quarterback position. You got to have a team around that position to play ball, but he's been in the system a year. He has a better grasp of it going into training camp and we'll see what he does.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Smith is actually a bold downfield passer, and he could mesh better with the Chan Gailey offense than he has with any of his previous offensive coordinators. If he starts for the Jets this year, it won't be as much of a blow for Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall as some might think.
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DET - RB Ameer Abdullah avoids preseason PUP list
Source: NFL.com
Detroit Lions RB Ameer Abdullah (shoulder) did not appear on the team's physically unable to perform (PUP) list, suggesting he will be a full-go for training camp following offseason shoulder surgery.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is a good sign for Abdullah, who should have the opportunity to take the lead in the backfield and level off as a boom/bust RB2 in PPR leagues. In any scenario, he'll share with Theo Riddick and a back who is more proficient between the tackles.
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OAK - S Karl Joseph will be ready
Source: Bay Area News Group - Jimmy Durkin
Oakland Raiders rookie SS Karl Joseph (knee) will be ready to participate in training camp, according to head coach Jack Del Rio. Joseph is expected to start opposite FS Reggie Nelson.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Raiders already have one of the best rising defensive stars in the NFL in Khalil Mack. The addition of Nelson and Bob Sanders-esque talent Joseph in the back of the defense should help them create more interceptions when Mack and company get after the quarterback.
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DEN - RB Ronnie Hillman may not make team
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold
Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman could be in jeopardy of not making the final roster if he can't contribute more on special teams during training camp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fourth-round pick Devontae Booker looks like the backup to CJ Anderson already, which is great news for those targeting him late in drafts. Anderson has yet to prove that he can make it through a full season as a starter, so Booker could be the back to own by the fantasy playoffs. Anderson and Booker is one of the better handcuff combinations in drafts this year.
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BAL - TE Dennis Pitta cleared to practice
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Zac Jackson
Baltimore Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (hip) has been cleared to participate in the start of training camp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Pitta is attempting an unlikely comeback from two hip fractures, but the Ravens would be happy to welcome back his services on a team with injury issues at wide receiver. If he is good enough to make the team, then Pitta could cost size/speed wide receiver to tight end convert Darren Waller a spot on the 53.
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DET - Is Jake Rudock future in Detroit?
Source: Detroit Free Press - Carlos Monarrez
Detroit Lions QB Jake Rudock was drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he might be the future backup to QB Matthew Stafford with veteran QB Dan Orlovsky only signed through 2016. If Rudock sees second-team reps in training camp and the preseason, it might signal the team would prefer to keep Rudock and cut Orlovsky.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Patriots went into the season with an undrafted rookie as their backup passer the year after Tom Brady tore his ACL, so it's not unprecedented that a team would trust an unheralded rookie to man the shop if the starter goes down.
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13. DET - Last year for QB Dan Orlovsky?
Source: Detroit Free Press - Carlos Monarrez
Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky remains the backup seeing second-team reps in the spring, but he is only signed through 2016 and does not have a future in Detroit. The team drafted QB Jake Rudock in the sixth round and he looked competent in minicamp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Orlovsky isn't the worst backup in the league, but he's not exactly inspiring confidence, either. The Lions have a quarterback-centric offense, and they would be in bad shape if Matthew Stafford goes down.
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Source: footballguys.com
CIN - TE Tyler Eifert's rehab on schedule Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Jim Owczarski
Cincinnati Bengals TE Tyler Eifert (ankle) is reportedly progressing as planned following right ankle surgery on May 27, according to a league source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
As planned could easily include missing or being limited for the first two or three games of the season. Eifert's fantasy outlook isn't that different than 3rd-4th pick Jordan Reed - when healthy - but Eifert's recovery timeline has always put being 100% on Week 1 on the edge of the range of possibilities.
Back to Top
NE - QB Tom Brady can't work with teammates
Source: Boston Herald - Karen Guregian
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady will be prohibited from engaging in any football-related activities or discussions during the course of his four-game suspension, even if he is away from the team facility, according to NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy. The ban also prohibits Brady from attending games and practices as a spectator and receiving game and practice film from club personnel.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This would be more worrisome if Brady was suspended for substance abuse issues or otherwise needed to be with the team to foster unity and buy-in. He's still being drafted as a low QB1 who will produce more like an elite QB once he's back in Week 5. If rosters are big enough to accommodate another quarterback without losing too much early season waiver wire flexibility, Brady is a value pick.
Back to Top
PHI - QB Sam Bradford likely gone after 2016
Source: PhillyVoice.com - Jimmy Kempski
Philadelphia Eagles QB Sam Bradford is 'extremely unlikely' to be with the team after the 2016 season has drawn to a close, according to PhillyVoice writer Jimmy Kempski.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We could see Chase Daniel at some point this year if Bradford fails. Having a lame duck quarterback is not good for a team's competitiveness, so this should be considered a rebuilding year for the Eagles. The quarterback position is unlikely to provide very much fantasy value in Philadelphia this year.
Back to Top
PHI - QB Carson Wentz set for heavy preseason load
Source: PhillyVoice.com - Jimmy Kempski
Philadelphia Eagles rookie QB Carson Wentz is expected to see 'a ton' of work in the preseason, according to PhillyVoice writer Jimmy Kempski.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wentz should get a lot of work because he will be exposed to a much faster level of play than he saw at North Dakota State. It will be the best indicator of how ready he is for NFL regular season that the Eagles will get before Week 1. If the Eagles have their way, Wentz will sit all season.
Back to Top
NYJ - Todd Bowles confident in QB Geno Smith
Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta
New York Jets QB Geno Smith remains in line to start with the contract impasse between the organization and free-agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Head coach Todd Bowles said he is confident in Smith as the starter. 'I think Geno can be a good starter, but he's got to prove it in training camp like everybody else,' Bowles said. 'It's not just about the quarterback position. You got to have a team around that position to play ball, but he's been in the system a year. He has a better grasp of it going into training camp and we'll see what he does.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Smith is actually a bold downfield passer, and he could mesh better with the Chan Gailey offense than he has with any of his previous offensive coordinators. If he starts for the Jets this year, it won't be as much of a blow for Eric Decker and Brandon Marshall as some might think.
Back to Top
DET - RB Ameer Abdullah avoids preseason PUP list
Source: NFL.com
Detroit Lions RB Ameer Abdullah (shoulder) did not appear on the team's physically unable to perform (PUP) list, suggesting he will be a full-go for training camp following offseason shoulder surgery.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is a good sign for Abdullah, who should have the opportunity to take the lead in the backfield and level off as a boom/bust RB2 in PPR leagues. In any scenario, he'll share with Theo Riddick and a back who is more proficient between the tackles.
Back to Top
OAK - S Karl Joseph will be ready
Source: Bay Area News Group - Jimmy Durkin
Oakland Raiders rookie SS Karl Joseph (knee) will be ready to participate in training camp, according to head coach Jack Del Rio. Joseph is expected to start opposite FS Reggie Nelson.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Raiders already have one of the best rising defensive stars in the NFL in Khalil Mack. The addition of Nelson and Bob Sanders-esque talent Joseph in the back of the defense should help them create more interceptions when Mack and company get after the quarterback.
Back to Top
DEN - RB Ronnie Hillman may not make team
Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Legwold
Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman could be in jeopardy of not making the final roster if he can't contribute more on special teams during training camp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fourth-round pick Devontae Booker looks like the backup to CJ Anderson already, which is great news for those targeting him late in drafts. Anderson has yet to prove that he can make it through a full season as a starter, so Booker could be the back to own by the fantasy playoffs. Anderson and Booker is one of the better handcuff combinations in drafts this year.
Back to Top
BAL - TE Dennis Pitta cleared to practice
Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Zac Jackson
Baltimore Ravens TE Dennis Pitta (hip) has been cleared to participate in the start of training camp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Pitta is attempting an unlikely comeback from two hip fractures, but the Ravens would be happy to welcome back his services on a team with injury issues at wide receiver. If he is good enough to make the team, then Pitta could cost size/speed wide receiver to tight end convert Darren Waller a spot on the 53.
Back to Top
DET - Is Jake Rudock future in Detroit?
Source: Detroit Free Press - Carlos Monarrez
Detroit Lions QB Jake Rudock was drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, and he might be the future backup to QB Matthew Stafford with veteran QB Dan Orlovsky only signed through 2016. If Rudock sees second-team reps in training camp and the preseason, it might signal the team would prefer to keep Rudock and cut Orlovsky.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Patriots went into the season with an undrafted rookie as their backup passer the year after Tom Brady tore his ACL, so it's not unprecedented that a team would trust an unheralded rookie to man the shop if the starter goes down.
Back to Top
13. DET - Last year for QB Dan Orlovsky?
Source: Detroit Free Press - Carlos Monarrez
Detroit Lions QB Dan Orlovsky remains the backup seeing second-team reps in the spring, but he is only signed through 2016 and does not have a future in Detroit. The team drafted QB Jake Rudock in the sixth round and he looked competent in minicamp.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Orlovsky isn't the worst backup in the league, but he's not exactly inspiring confidence, either. The Lions have a quarterback-centric offense, and they would be in bad shape if Matthew Stafford goes down.
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Source: footballguys.com