SBR Top-Rated Sportsbooks
NFL Player News for Week 8 - Early Edition
NFL - RB Ray Rice's appeal to be heard soon
Source: ESPN.com
Free-agent RB Ray Rice (Ravens) will have the appeal of his indefinite suspension from the NFL heard Nov. 5-6, according to media reports. A decision on whether commissioner Roger Goodell will testify at the hearing is expected to come this week.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
If Rice's suspension is overturned and he is signed by a team, he could return this season.
Back to Top
IND - WR Reggie Wayne could miss a game or two
Source: Indianapolis Star - Mike Chappell
Updating previous reports, Indianapolis Colts WR Reggie Wayne's (elbow) injury isn't believed to be serious, but it could cause him to miss a game or two, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Head coach Chuck Pagano hasn't revealed the results of Wayne's MRI exams, however. Wayne said his injury wasn't serious after the Week 7 win. He finished the game against the Cincinnati Bengals with just four catches for 15 yards, and he had two drops. WR Hakeem Nicks could receive a heavier workload if Wayne needs some time to heal from his injury. Nicks had zero catches on one target against the Bengals after catching just two passes for 18 yards the previous week.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We're way more excited about rookie Donte Moncrief than we are Nicks. With Wayne out, we could see Moncrief get a real opportunity to impress in one of the league's more robust passing games. He's a big target who can make plays above the rim because of his size, wingspan and leaping ability. Fantasy owners in deeper leagues need to take a look at Moncrief.
Back to Top
WAS - Not ruling out Robert Griffin
Source: NFL.com
Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III (ankle) will not be ruled out for Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys, but he has a long way to go in order to be ready, according to head coach Jay Gruden. Gruden said Griffin must be 100 percent in order to play.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Griffin would be a huge upgrade over Colt McCoy, but the team needs to be cautious here. Stay tuned.
Back to Top
CIN - WR A.J. Green's status up in the air
Source: ESPN.com - Coley Harvey
Cincinnati Bengals WR A.J. Green (toe) said his return from a toe injury is 'still up in the air' heading into Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. However, Green said he's making nice progress, and his toe feels much better. Green hasn't played since Week 5 against the New England Patriots. 'It's probably not going to be 100 percent,' Green said. 'I hope it's just manageable and I can get through the season and be fine and still play at a high level.'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The team is going to monitor Green as he works through the week of practice. This situation could go either way, so make sure to check back each day for practice status updates.
Back to Top
SEA - WR Paul Richardson earns targets
Source: NFL.com - Alex Gelhar
Seattle Seahawks WR Paul Richardson caught four passes on five targets for 33 yards in Week 7. Richardson was targeted just once in the team's first five games.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Richardson is an exciting rookie for fantasy owners to keep tabs on. He has a skill set reminiscent of DeSean Jackson because his speed can get on top of the defense in the blink of an eye. We'll see if he can continue to earn a larger role going forward.
Back to Top
DET - WR Calvin Johnson must be 100 percent
Source: ESPN.com - Michael Rothstein
Detroit Lions WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) will only return in Week 8 against the Atlanta Falcons if he's 100 percent healthy, according to head coach Jim Caldwell. 'It's not going to be a thing of degrees,' Caldwell said. 'When they say he's cleared, he's ready to go and he’s feeling great, when they doctors say, OK, that's when it's going to happen. It's not going to be a whole lot of in between.' Johnson has missed six straight practices.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We're okay with the team holding out Johnson until he's fully ready to return. We saw him struggle with this ankle injury for a couple of weeks, and he just didn't look the same. Keep watching for Johnson's practice status each day.
Back to Top
BUF - RB C.J. Spiller placed on short-term IR
Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora
The Buffalo Bills placed RB C.J. Spiller (collarbone) on short-term Reserve/Injured Tuesday, Oct. 21.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Spiller won't be eligible to return until Week 16. That's the fantasy championship week for most fantasy leagues out there, but he's a risky player to hold onto. We'll see the Bills move forward with Anthony Dixon and Bryce Brown in some form of RBBC with Spiller out. Fred Jackson will also return at some point (before Spiller).
Back to Top
CLE - QB Johnny Manziel could play in Week 8
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot
Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel could see some action in Week 8 against the Oakland Raiders, according to head coach Mike Pettine. However, Pettine said Monday, Oct. 20, that QB Brian Hoyer is still firmly entrenched as the team's starting quarterback. Hoyer completed a career-low 39 percent of his attempts against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 7 and threw for 215 yards with no touchdowns and an interception. He has completed only 41.3 percent of his passes in the last two weeks. Pettine blamed Hoyer's poor performance on the team's inability to run and set up play-action.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Fantasy owners need to be alert to this situation. The Manziel era is coming soon for the Browns. The 2014 first-round pick will get his shot as the starter if Hoyer continues to struggle.
Back to Top
DEN - Week 11 Return for RB Montee Ball?
Source: Cecil Lammey - ESPNDenver.com and Footballguys.com
In a recent interview on ESPN Denver radio, Mike Klis of the Denver Post speculated that Montee Ball might be able to return by the Week 11 game against the St. Louis Rams. At this time, it seems like Ball is still a couple of weeks away from returning from the groin injury he suffered in the Week 5 game against the Cardinals.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ball might return to a much different role. Ronnie Hillman has been productive as the team's starter over the last two weeks. If Hillman continues to produce (and hang onto the rock), we could see Ball as a backup. Right now, Juwan Thompson serves as the primary backup behind Hillman.
Back to Top
STL - Sign two to practice squad
Source: St. Louis Post-Dispatch - Jim Thomas
The St. Louis Rams signed free-agent WRs Kadron Boone (Eagles) and Devon Wylie (49ers) to their practice squad Tuesday, Oct. 21.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wylie was once an interesting prospect in dynasty leagues. He's been unable to stick on more than one roster despite having incredible natural ability. Wylie is quick, fast and agile--but he struggles staying healthy and with consistency. We're no longer interested in him...even in the deepest of deep dynasty leagues.
Back to Top
JAX - RB Denard Robinson praised by coach
Source: Jaguars.com
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Denard Robinson was recently lauded by head coach Gus Bradley. Bradley said Robinson is extremely competitive and the drive to succeed and get better came from within for Robinson.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Robinson is the lead back for the Jaguars until further notice. His speed and explosiveness are quite noticeable when he gets to the second level of the defense. We can recommend him as a RB2/flex play in good matchups. Against tougher teams, it's best to consider Robinson more of a flex player for your fantasy team.
Back to Top
JAX - TE Marcedes Lewis to practice soon?
Source: Jaguars.com
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (ankle) is expected to be able to practice next week. Lewis is on the short-term Reserve/Injured list with a high ankle sprain.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Clay Harbor express will be ending soon. If you've picked up Harbor in free agency, you might want to get him in the lineup soon. When Lewis is back, Harbor will be a player you can move on from.
Back to Top
NYJ - WR Jeremy Kerley's extension official
Source: NFL.com - Conor Orr
New York Jets WR Jeremy Kerley officially signed a four-year, $16 million extension Tuesday, Oct. 21. Kerley will receive $5.4 million of guaranteed money. He has 22 catches for 201 yards and a touchdown this year.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Kerley was nearing the end of his rookie contract, and now he's locked up through the 2018 season. The Jets just acquired Percy Harvin last week, and they added Eric Decker in free agency earlier this year. Even though the future of their quarterback position is up in the air, the Jets are setting themselves up at wide receiver.
Back to Top
JAX - RB Toby Gerhart progressing
Source: Jaguars.com
Jacksonville Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart is progressing from a foot injury that has caused him to miss the last two games. His status will be updated Wednesday, Oct. 22.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Gerhart is progressing, but he's going to come back to a new role with the Jaguars. Denard Robinson has emerged as the featured runner with rookie Storm Johnson working as a part-time player. When healthy, Gerhart should take over for Johnson in that limited role.
Back to Top
ARI - RB Andre Ellington extremely productive
Source: NFL.com - Dan Hanzus
Arizona Cardinals RB Andre Ellington had 88 yards rushing and 72 yards receiving in Week 7, and only four players in franchise history since 1960 to have more yards from scrimmage than Ellington's 653 through six games. Ellington has also been playing with a partially torn tendon in his foot. Head coach Bruce Arians said Ellington will continue to sit out of practice on Wednesdays.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ellington is one of the most explosive players in the game today. It's wise for the Cardinals to use him as much as possible. However, fantasy owners were upset that Stepfan Taylor (and not Ellington) scored a couple of touchdowns for the Cardinals in Week 7.
Back to Top
SD - RB Ryan Mathews doesn't practice
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Michael Gehlken
San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (knee) did not practice Tuesday, Oct. 21, and is not expected to play Thursday, Oct. 23, against the Denver Broncos.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Mathews may not be back for another couple of weeks. We'll see Branden Oliver as the lead back for the Chargers on Thursday night.
Back to Top
SD - RB Donald Brown not practicing
Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Michael Gehlken
San Diego Chargers RB Donald Brown (concussion) did not practice Tuesday, Oct. 21, and is not expected to play Thursday, Oct. 23, against the Denver Broncos.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This is not a good sign for Brown. The Chargers have a short week as they play the Broncos on Thursday night. It looks like we'll see Branden Oliver and Ronnie Brown in the backfield for the Chargers in Week 8.
Back to Top
MIA - RB Lamar Miller practicing with brace
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - Omar Kelly
Miami Dolphins RB Lamar Miller (knee) practiced with a brace on his right knee Tuesday, Oct. 21.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Just keep an eye on this situation. Miller is the clear lead back for the Dolphins, and Daniel Thomas is his primary backup. Make sure Miller is practicing without incident due to this brace.
Back to Top
PHI - RB Darren Sproles back at practice.
Source: NFL.com
Philadelphia Eagles RB Darren Sproles (knee) returned to practice Tuesday, Oct. 21.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Sproles is considered to be ahead of schedule in his recovery from an MCL injury. We'll need to see if he can practice later in the week. At this time, his status for the Week 8 game on Sunday against the Cardinals is up in the air.
Back to Top
TEN - Zach Mettenberger an option at QB?
Source: ESPN.com - Paul Kuharsky
Tennessee Titans QB Jake Locker (thumb) will start at quarterback when he's healthy, according to head coach Ken Whisenhunt. QB Charlie Whitehurst has filled in for Locker twice this year, but buzz continues to mount for QB Zach Mettenberger, the team's sixth-round draft pick this year. “We’re trying to get him better as we go, knowing with the way it’s gone for us at quarterback this year that's something that could happen at any time,” Whisenhunt said. Whisenhunt doesn't sound concerned about playing Mettenberger too soon, either.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The rookie has a rocket for a right arm...but he throws with little control. He also struggles when under duress--even a little bit of pressure will throw his game off. He's a big pocket passer but lacks the athleticism to keep plays alive with his feet.
Back to Top
NO - RB Pierre Thomas out 2-3 weeks
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
New Orleans Saints RB Pierre Thomas (shoulder) is expected to miss two to three weeks due to a shoulder injury, according to sources.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Keep this in mind when you're looking at Travaris Cadet on the waiver wire. Mark Ingram returned last week, but Cadet is turning into their primary receiving back. He should get a larger role with Thomas out.
Back to Top
NE - DE Chandler Jones out a while
Source: The Boston Globe - Shalise Manza Young
New England Patriots DE Chandler Jones (hip) did not practice Tuesday, Oct. 21 with a hip injury, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Bad news for the Patriots pass rush here. They rank 10th in the NFL with 18 sacks generated so far this year, but Jones has been putting up the best sack totals of anyone on the team. Jones is expected to miss a month or so.
Back to Top
Source: footballguys.com
Reply With Quote