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.
This past week, the big news was the Tampa Bay Buccaneers replacing starting quarterback Josh Freeman with rookie Mike Glennon. Freeman is in the last year of his contract and has not played well at all. The Buccaneers were 0-3 going into the game against the Arizona Cardinals. The timing of the move was very shrewd as Tampa Bay gives the rookie a game to play, then the team has a bye week. Glennon was a third-round pick in April's NFL Draft. Many will remember Glennon as the quarterback who took over for Russell Wilson at North Carolina State when Wilson transferred to Wisconsin. Now, stuck with Freeman's big contract on the bench, there is little chance the Buccaneers can pull off a trade. Who wants to trade for a poor performing, over-priced quarterback in the last year of his contract? Also, only nine teams have the cap room to swallow Freeman's contract. He looks to be in a position to pander for a job this spring.
Before the Thursday night game, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that the St. Louis Rams are "willing to re-do Sam Bradford's contract now," and still view him as their franchise quarterback for the future. Bradford's poor performance against San Francisco may have changed their minds, though. Bradford is in the catbird's seat in terms of his contract situation. He is set to make almost $30 million over the next three seasons. While the 2014 and 2015 years are not guaranteed, St. Louis does not have the fortitude to go in a different direction … even though most fans would love the idea of drafting a rookie passer in a strong quarterback class. One thing is clear: the Rams either need to let Bradford walk and move in a different direction or sign him to a long-term deal given the way even average quarterbacks are getting big money.
With Christian Ponder struggling with a rib injury, Matt Cassel got the start against the Pittsburgh Steelers in London. Minnesota has a bye week coming up so the injury excuse may not hold water for long if the team wishes to go with the former Kansas City Chiefs passer in the future.
Atlanta Falcons tailback Steven Jackson is looking at a week-seven return from his hamstring injury. The Falcons have a bye in week six, making the following week likely for Jackson's return to the field. The Atlanta offense is hurting with Jackson out and star wide receiver Roddy White hobbled with a high ankle sprain.
Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw was ruled out of the week-four game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. Bradshaw had his neck examined during the week three game, but stayed in the contest. The situation is ripe for dynasty owners who want to acquire Bradshaw. He is a free agent in the offseason and Trent Richardson should get the lion's share of the carries the rest of the season. The price for Bradshaw should be very low to acquire in dynasty leagues.
It is always interesting to see what makes players attribute success. Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams was quoted as saying he is running well this year because of the departure of former Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski. But, let's take a closer look. Jonathan Stewart is still out of action. Cam Newton has not run much. The new offense of Mike Shula has struggled to move the chains. So, we are happy Williams likes the new offense with plenty of rushing attempts, but he will soon be splitting carries, and then begin complaining about that. Stewart is on track to return in week seven, when he is eligible to come off the PUP list. Stewart has battled ankle injuries for years, but has the potential to be the lead back for the Panthers.
In the wake of the trade rumors, Adam Schefter recently reported that teams are both "aware and leery" of Cleveland Browns receiver Josh Gordon's off-the-field issues. He is coming off a two-game suspension, and will miss an entire season with one more positive test. Gordon is still only 22 years of age and has the potential to be an elite receiver in the NFL. Teams will struggle with the risk/return compensation for Gordon as Cleveland is open to moving their star receiver, but only for a pick in the top two rounds or bundle of mid-round picks.
Last Tuesday, San Francisco 49ers Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman gave no timetable for receiver Michael Crabtree's return from an Achilles injury. The report on the team's website (49ers.com) quoted Roman as saying, "I don't think there’s any specific day or date … If we can get him back this year, that'd be gravy." We do not expect Crabtree back this season, unless for the playoffs.
In the Thursday night game against the St. Louis Rams, rookie receiver Quinton Patton fractured his foot. This was a tough blow for a thin receiving corps. Expect Jon Baldwin to see increasing playing time. Patton was playing well and has tons of potential for those in dynasty leagues.
Beat writer Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee said last week that he is hearing San Francisco wide receiver Mario Manningham is "on track" to practice in two weeks. Manningham began the season on the PUP list after a serious knee injury late last year required surgery. With Patton out, Manningham has a great chance to make a splash in the coming weeks. He is the type of big-play player the 49ers offense desperately needs.
Washington was once stacked at the tight end position, but both rookie Jordan Reed (thigh) and veteran Fred Davis (ankle) are hobbled. Coming off a serious injury, Davis signed a one-year deal in the offseason. He sustained a high ankle sprain in practice and could attempt to play through the injury. With the way Reed played in the first three games, this looks to be Davis' last season in Washington. He could make a splash in a different city and there will be several journeyman players on the market at the position.
After suffering a bone bruise in his knee, rookie tight end Travis Kelce has yet to resume practicing. This injury has prevented the Kansas City Chiefs tight end from taking advantage of the injuries to those on top of the depth chart. Tony Moeaki was lost for the season. Now, Anthony Fasano is missing time with an ankle injury. Still, Kelce is not in a position to take advantage of the opportunity. We still are high on Kelce and this situation offers dynasty owners a buying opportunity.
Last week, the Oakland Raiders placed tight end David Ausberry on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. When Ausberry left Oakland's second preseason game with a "potentially significant" shoulder injury, few thought it would be this serious. He has not practiced since. After the departure of Brandon Myers, many expected the former seventh-round pick to step into the starting spot. He just could not get back onto the field. The Raiders will now rely on Jeron Mastrud and rookie Mychal Rivera at the tight end position. We like Rivera as a player to watch, especially in tight end premium leagues.
Injuries to monitor this week:
Ray Rice: Hip
Reggie Bush: Left knee
Steven Jackson: Quad/thigh
C.J. Spiller: Knee
Ahmad Bradshaw: Neck
Maurice Jones-Drew: Ankle
Eddie Lacy: Head/concussion
James Starks: Knee
Chris Ivory: Hamstring
Vincent Jackson: Rib
Andre Johnson: Shin
Miles Austin: Hamstring
Jermichael Finley: Head
Jordan Reed: Quadriceps
If you have questions of any variety, please feel free to reach out to me on Twitter (Twitter.com/JeffTefertiller) or in the Wannabee thread in the Assistant Coach Forum.
