We scour the news around the NFL to bring you what matters most for you and your dynasty team: the most current news on players, both superstars and the relative unknowns, and analysis to decipher the respective situations. These are many of the major stories and not meant to be an exhaustive look at all of the recent happenings around the league.
The Super Bowl hopes of the Arizona Cardinals went down with the non-contact knee injury to quarterback Carson Palmer in Week 10. This past week, the team placed Palmer on injured reserve with a torn left ACL. He is having surgery on the knee this week. The injury is demoralizing to the team, leaving journeyman backup Drew Stanton at the helm. At Palmer's age (35 years old), there is doubt he will come back from the injury, but we expect him to be back by training camp. For the veteran quarterback, the guarantees in his newly-signed contract run out after next season.
It was not a surprise when Jets beat writer Rich Cimini reported Saturday morning that New York quarterback Geno Smith might not be back in 2015. This is expected. Yes, the Jets spent a second round pick on Smith. But, let's remember that coach Rex Ryan will likely be gone and the team will bring in a new coach, and possibly a general manager, too. As we frequently state in this column, new coaches will bring in “their” quarterback. Quarterbacks determine the longevity of their coaches. New York will use a high draft pick on the quarterback position.
We were never sold on St. Louis Rams quarterback Austin Davis. It was strange to see some recognized and respected football people promoting Davis as the next great quarterback to come out from nowhere to be a star. He was replaced by Shaun Hill for Sunday's game against the Broncos and the veteran delivered a victory orchestrating a conservative game plan. Hill is an average quarterback, who could himself be replaced if he has a couple of poor outings.
No matter what coach John Fox tells the media, the Broncos beat writers expect running back Ronnie Hillman to miss at least another week with a mid-foot sprain. Then, last week, beat writer Mike Klis stated that he thinks C.J. Anderson is "the Broncos' best running back." With Montee Ball out, too, the backfield is Anderson's to control until the two gimpy backs are healthy.
While the “injury prone” label is unfair, many are using it in regard to Indianapolis Colts tailback Ahmad Bradshaw after he fractured his fibula (and possibly his ankle, too) in the Sunday night loss to the New England Patriots. This is an especially nasty injury and could put the Colts in line for a running back upgrade if Trent Richardson continues to disappoint.
Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon participated in practice Monday and will play in Week 12. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said last week, "I can’t wait to get him back, looking forward to it … And as soon as he’s ready to go, we’ll make sure to work to get him the ball." It may take the superstar receiver a couple of weeks to get back to full speed, but his presence will help the running game and quarterback Bryan Hoyer … and boy, could Hoyer use the aid after his performance against Houston on Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie receiver Allen Robinson was quietly having a strong season before fracturing his foot in the Week 10 game in London against the Dallas Cowboys. We expect Robinson back in time for offseason camps. The injury should provide dynasty owners with a great buying opportunity. He is the Jaguars' WR1 of the future. However, monitor his progress during the offseason.
As though the demoralizing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals was not bad enough, rookie receiver Brandin Cooks broke his thumb in the contest. We expect the first-year player to miss the rest of the regular season … and possibly land on injured reserve. His loss should allow Kenny Stills to see more pass targets.
One of the bigger surprises this season at the receiver position has been Brian Quick of the St. Louis Rams. He was recently placed on injured reserve with a dislocated shoulder. That just sounds painful. Quick had surgery on the shoulder, and it was reported that the injury was worse than expected. It will not matter as Quick will be healthy for training camp. He makes an intriguing “buy” prospect for dynasty owners. The Rams are expected to upgrade the quarterback position in the offseason.
As each week passes, it is becoming increasingly possible that Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Cameron misses the rest of the season with the concussion issue. It was confirmed last Friday when coach Mike Pettine failed to give a timetable for his tight end's return. Cameron has a recent history of concussions so there is caution. It is a poor time for Cameron since he is a free agent after the season. He likely will not get the type of contract he hoped for as any future employer will be concerned about the concussions.
Many in the dynasty community were sky high on Kansas City Chiefs rookie tight end Demetrius Harris after he made plays in training camp. He is a big, athletic youngster who is a former basketball player. This is a formula for fantasy tight end upside. But, last week, Harris was placed on injured reserve with a broken foot. He broke the foot in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills. Before getting too excited about Harris, let's remember that he plays behind Travis Kelce and will need an extraordinary amount of luck to see the field.
No, the Seattle Seahawks do not utilize the tight end position often, but the ankle injury to Zach Miller will hurt the team. Last week, Miller was placed on injured reserve with the injury. Miller needs a second surgery to remedy the injury. Given his salary for 2015, there is a chance the veteran tight end plays for another team next season.
Monday, the Jacksonville Jaguars activated tight end Marcedes Lewis from injured reserve/designated to return. Lewis looks to be fully healed from the ankle injury early in the season. He will split snaps with Clay Harbor, making neither a fantasy option. There is a chance, however, that Lewis will gravitate to a blocking role with Harbor the receiving tight end role.
Injuries to monitor
- Nick Foles: Collarbone
- Robert Griffin III III: Ankle
- Matt Cassel: Foot
- Carson Palmer: Knee
- Knowshon Moreno: Knee
- Montee Ball: Groin
- Ryan Mathews: Knee
- Stevan Ridley: Knee
- Ahmad Bradshaw: Fibula/Ankle
- C.J. Spiller: Collarbone
- Fred Jackson: Groin
- Danny Woodhead: Ankle
- Victor Cruz: Knee
- Allen Robinson: Foot
- Marvin Jones: Foot/Ankle
- Jordan Cameron: Shoulder
- Tyler Eifert: Elbow
- Kyle Rudolph: Groin/ Sports Hernia
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