Fantasy Football News & Views
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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Lions | Eric Ebron remains sidelined Thu Aug 17, 09:40 PM
Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) did not participate in practice Thursday, Aug. 17.
Link to storyEric Ebron player page
Broncos | A.J. Derby dealing with injury Thu Aug 17, 08:29 PM
Denver Broncos TE A.J. Derby (back) did not participate in practice Thursday, Aug. 17, because of a minor back contusion.
Link to storyA.J. Derby player page
Redskins | Coach happy with Niles Paul Thu Aug 17, 07:39 PM
Washington Redskins TE Niles Paul has been one of the most impressive players during training camp, according to head coach Jay Gruden. Paul has worked at all of the tight end spots and can play fullback.
| Footballguys view: This is notable for the fact that Jordan Reed is often heard and has never completed an entire season. So Paul may end up as a pass-catching weapon for Washington at some point this season. This news really just let you know that he'll be on the field a lot, though as long as Reed and the wide receivers are healthy his impact from a fantasy standpoint should be super low. |
Niles Paul player page
Redskins | Jordan Reed back at practice soon? Thu Aug 17, 04:33 PM
Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed (toe) said he's hoping to return to practice either Monday, Aug. 21, or Tuesday, Aug. 22. Reed added that the orthotics he's been wearing have helped his toe injury.
| Footballguys view: We're hoping he comes back soon as well, but there's no rush. He's the top tight end option there and it's not like he's new to the playbook. On the other hand, Reed was only healthy for ten weeks in 2016 and has yet to play a full season. When on the field he is outstanding--you just have to know there are weeks he will not be there. Reed is currently the 4th tight end going off the board in drafts, around the fifth round or so at an overall ADP of 46. |
Jordan Reed player page
Panthers | No Greg Olsen extension imminent Wed Aug 16, 11:27 PM
Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen's agent has talked with interim general manager Marty Hurney about a possible contract extension for Olsen, but no deal is imminent at this point, according to sources.
| Footballguys view: Olsen may be getting on in years but he's still a dynamic tight end, and Fantasy GMs know it based on his over ADP of 40, and regularly coming off the board as the third tight end in drafts. We expect another great season from him. |
Greg Olsen player page
49ers | San Francisco happy with Vance McDonald Wed Aug 16, 10:43 PM
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said the team is very happy with how TE Vance McDonald has performed during training camp.
Link to storyVance McDonald player page
Lions | Three Detroit TEs do not practice Wed Aug 16, 07:40 PM
Detroit Lions TEs Cole Wick (undisclosed), Tim Wright (undisclosed) and Khari Lee (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Link to storyTimothy Wright player page
Khari Lee player page
Cole Wick player page
Lions | Eric Ebron misses practice Wed Aug 16, 07:32 PM
Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Link to storyEric Ebron player page
Cowboys | Rico Gathers has concussion Wed Aug 16, 03:35 PM
Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers (concussion) is in the NFL' concussion protocol after sustaining a concussion in practice Tuesday, Aug. 15.
| Footballguys view: Gathers has been a preseason star this year, so this concussion will knock him off track. We love his stock in dynasty leagues and the former basketball player has upside as a developmental guy. When healthy, Gathers will back up Jason Witten this season. |
Rico Gathers player page
Lions | Detroit waives one, adds three Wed Aug 16, 02:30 PM
Detroit Lions LB Brandon Copeland (pectoral) was waived with an injury designation Wednesday, Aug. 16. The Lions added free-agent DE Giorgio Newberry (Steelers), OG Connor Bozick (Lions) and TE Andrew Price to fill out their 90-man roster.
Link to story
Browns | David Njoku returning Wed Aug 16, 11:42 AM
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (back) plans to play Monday, Aug. 21, after missing the preseason opener.
| Footballguys view: Njoku has been struggling so far but we still appreciate his dynasty value. The rookie from "The U" has drawn multiple comparisons to Greg Olsen (Panthers), but the transition to the NFL takes some time for tight ends. We like him in dynasty, but there's little to look for from Njoku in redraft leagues this year. |
David Njoku player page
49ers | Several Niners out of practice Wed Aug 16, 11:41 AM
San Francisco 49ers DE DeForest Buckner (ankle), DE Ronald Blair (groin), WR Aaron Burbridge (hamstring), LB Jayson DiManche (hamstring), OG Josh Garnett (knee), LB Aaron Lynch (ankle), LB Donavin Newsom (concussion) and LB Sean Porter (quadriceps) are out of practice Wednesday, Aug. 16. TE George Kittle (hamstring) is limited.
Link to storySean Porter player page
Jayson DiManche player page
Aaron Lynch player page
DeForest Buckner player page
Aaron Burbridge player page
Ronald Blair player page
George Kittle player page
Rams | Johnny Mundt off the PUP list Tue Aug 15, 07:48 PM
Los Angeles Rams TE Johnny Mundt (undisclosed) passed his physical Tuesday, Aug. 15, and was taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list.
Cowboys | Dallas waives two, signs two Tue Aug 15, 07:27 PM
Dallas Cowboys TE Connor Hamlett (fibula, ankle) and WR Javontee Herndon were both waived/injured Tuesday, Aug. 15. Free-agents WR Corey Washington (Chiefs) and TE M.J. McFarland (Cowboys) were signed in corresponding moves.
Javontee Herndon player pageCorey Washington player page
Buccaneers | O.J. Howard to focus mostly on blocking? Tue Aug 15, 12:05 PM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE O.J. Howard will most likely make his mark as a blocker - and not a receiver - early in the season, according to ESPN.com's Jenna Laine.
| Footballguys view: This report should put a damper on fantasy owners and their excitement about the rookie from Alabama. He's talented..no doubt..and a big/strong/fast presence that QB Jameis Winston could eventually rely on. However, he didn't do much in his college career unless he was playing Clemson...then he exploded for HUGE games. Howard has natural talent but is going to be splitting time at the position with Cameron Brate...a breakout player for the Bucs last year. We love Howard in dynasty, but are taking a 'wait and see' approach with the rookie in redraft leagues. |
O.J. Howard player page
Eagles | Trey Burton's usage to increase Tue Aug 15, 10:33 AM
Philadelphia Eagles TE Trey Burton is expected to see more targets out of the slot after the team traded WR Jordan Matthews. Burton and Wentz are close friends, and the two have a rapport on the field. Burton received 36 targets in the last six games last year, and he caught 23 of them.
| Footballguys view: Burton was a player to emerge at the end of last year. The addition of weapons like WRs Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith mean the targets won't be thick. Add in a reportedly surging Nelson Agholor (and oh yeah, Zach Ertz) and you can see how Burton's path to fantasy relevance is murky...even with more targets out of the slot. |
Trey Burton player page
Jaguars | Two Jags TEs miss practice Mon Aug 14, 08:00 PM
Jacksonville Jaguars TEs Mychal Rivera (undisclosed) and Neal Sterling (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 14.
Link to storyMychal Rivera player page
Neal Sterling player page
Jaguars | David Grinnage signed by Jags Mon Aug 14, 06:01 PM
Free-agent TE David Grinnage (Packers) was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars Monday, Aug. 14.
Giants | Two Giants waived Mon Aug 14, 05:48 PM
New York Giants WR Kevin Norwood (undisclosed) and TE Colin Thompson were waived Monday, Aug. 14.
Kevin Norwood player page
Bills | Charles Clay receives day off Mon Aug 14, 05:39 PM
Buffalo Bills TE Charles Clay did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 14, because he received the day off.
Link to storyCharles Clay player page
Colts | Erik Swoope week-to-week Mon Aug 14, 05:29 PM
Indianapolis Colts TE Erik Swoope (knee) recently underwent a knee scope and is considered week-to-week.
| Footballguys view: Swoope never played college football as he was a basketball star at the University of Miami. He's been learning the pro game for a few years with the Colts, and we have added him in nearly every deep dynasty league we play in. At some point, Swoope has to stay healthy and start paying off for the Colts. So far that hasn't happened, so in deep dynasty leagues we'll continue to monitor his progress. |
Erik Swoope player page
Dolphins | Julius Thomas had tight back Mon Aug 14, 10:51 AM
Updating an earlier report, Miami Dolphins TE Julius Thomas (back) received the veteran's day off Monday, Aug. 14, after his back tightened up.
| Footballguys view: Thomas is talented, and we've already seen him produce at a high level under Adam Gase when the two were with the Broncos......BUT, Thomas has yet to play a full 16-game season in his pro career. Now entering year seven in the NFL, we'd be startled if he gets a full season in 2017. Draft him as a TE2 with TE1 upside in certain matchups...especially is QB Jay Cutler shows a propensity to target him if/when Thomas flashes in the preseason. |
Julius Thomas player page
Redskins | Jordan Reed had a fracture Mon Aug 14, 10:39 AM
Updating previous reports, Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed (toe) disclosed that he had a fracture in his toe Sunday, Aug. 13. 'It's the cleats more than anything,' Reed said. 'The cleats prior to this were more narrow and pressing on the bone that I had the fracture in. These cleats are wider and the orthotics are softer so I don't feel it.'
| Footballguys view: Reed is trying new orthodics to help his toe issue. He believes that he'll return to action next week and that he could even play in one of the team's remaining preseason games. Reed is a stud tight end for fantasy owners, but make sure to snare a good backup at the position if you select him. |
Jordan Reed player page
Dolphins | Julius Thomas out of practice Mon Aug 14, 09:39 AM
Miami Dolphins TE Julius Thomas (back) is out of practice Monday, Aug. 14.
| Footballguys view: He's getting a veteran day of rest. Thomas had his back tighten up, but with a day of rest he could get back out there soon. You're drafting him as a TE2 even though fantasy owners know TE1 upside is there...so long as Thomas is healthy. |
Julius Thomas player page
Redskins | Jordan Reed expects to return soon Sun Aug 13, 06:55 PM
Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed (toe) said his new cleats and orthotics have made a difference with his sprained big toe.
| Footballguys view: Everyone already knows that if Reed is healthy then you want him on your fantasy team..and in your starting lineup every week. It's the staying healthy part of things he's struggled with as a pro. Reed is still on the Physically Unable to Perform list but expects to start practicing soon. |
Jordan Reed player page
Packers | Beau Sandland placed on IR Sun Aug 13, 05:21 PM
Green Bay Packers TE Beau Sandland (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Sunday, Aug. 13. The team also claimed DE Shaneil Jenkins off waivers.
Link to storyBeau Sandland player page
Packers | Richard Rodgers wearing splint on finger Sun Aug 13, 04:11 PM
Green Bay Packers TE Richard Rodgers (finger) wore a splint in his broken right ring finger during practice Sunday, Aug. 13. He said the splint did not affect his ability to catch passes or block and believes he can wear it during games until the finger is healed.
Link to story Cowboys | Connor Hamlett likely done for the season Sun Aug 13, 02:55 PM
Dallas Cowboys TE Connor Hamlett (fibula, ankle) suffered a fractured fibula and high-ankle sprain versus the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 12.
Link to story
Chiefs | Travis Kelce returns to practice Sun Aug 13, 11:46 AM
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce was back at practice Sunday, Aug. 13, after missing the team's preseason opener with knee soreness.
| Footballguys view: The Chiefs will work him back carefully and monitor his knee for further soreness. If he continues to practice, he should be available for their second preseason game. |
Travis Kelce player page
Patriots | Dwayne Allen comfortable with new offense Sun Aug 13, 11:08 AM
New England patriots TE Dwayne Allen is running better than he was in the spring and seems more comfortable with the offense, according to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss.
| Footballguys view: This is an improvement from what we've seen reported from OTAs and minicamp. It didn't seem like Allen was fitting in early on, but it sounds like he's getting up to speed with what the Patriots want him to do. Allen won't have much fantasy impact so long as Rob Gronkowski is healthy. If Gronk gets banged up, Allen has TE1 upside in this dynamic offense. |
Dwayne Allen player page
Cowboys | Rico Gathers scores again Sun Aug 13, 12:24 AM
Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers caught four passes for 47 yards and a touchdown, his second of the preseason, in a 13-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 12.
| Footballguys view: Gathers has great size (6'6") and can box out smaller defenders for the ball. He's scored twice in the preseason so far and the converted basketball player from Baylor is improving his skills on the gridiron. He's behind Jason Witten on the depth chart, so his redraft value is low in 2017. However, Gathers is a dynasty prospect we've always coveted....grab him if he's out there in those formats. |
Rico Gathers player page
Raiders | Clive Walford taking notes Sat Aug 12, 11:40 PM
Oakland Raiders TE Clive Walford has been asking TE Jared Cook for tips on catching and running routes.
| Footballguys view: Walford was an interesting prospect when he came out of Miami a few years ago. He's basically disappeared as a pro. Walford is athletic and can go all out to make difficult catches, but he's been too inconsistent to be relied on. |
Jared Cook player page
Clive Walford player page
Redskins | Jordan Reed to be reevaluated soon Sat Aug 12, 04:07 PM
Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed (toe) will be reevaluated after the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, according to head coach Jay Gruden.
| Footballguys view: Reed is wearing a special insert in his shoe to help with the problem. We'll see if that helps him or makes no difference. Reed can be a fantasy force if healthy, but he makes for a risky fantasy pick with his long injury history. |
Jordan Reed player page
Browns | David Njoku back on the field Sat Aug 12, 04:06 PM
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (back) is participating in practice Saturday, Aug. 12.
Link to storyDavid Njoku player page
Redskins | Jordan Reed to try out new footwear Sat Aug 12, 01:55 PM
Washington Redskins TE Jordan Reed (toe) received special orthotics for his left cleat and will test it out for the next couple days, according to head coach Jay Gruden, who added the team will take a look at how Reed is doing after the team's next preseason game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, Aug. 19.
| Footballguys view: Magic shoes worked for Forrest Gump, so we'll see if this insert will help Reed play better. If healthy, Reed is a top-3 fantasy tight end...but it's that whole thing about staying healthy that he struggles with. Monitor his progress through the rest of the preseason. |
Jordan Reed player page
Chargers | Matt Weiser added to roster Sat Aug 12, 11:51 AM
Free-agent TE Matt Weiser signed an undisclosed contract with the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, Aug. 11. To make room for him on the roster, S Adrian McDonald was waived.
Link to story
Saints | John Hughes, Braedon Bowman land in Big Easy Sat Aug 12, 11:39 AM
Free-agent DL John Hughes (Buccaneers) and TE Braedon Bowman (Jets) signed undisclosed contracts with the New Orleans Saints on Saturday, Aug. 12.
Link to storyJohn Hughes player page
Braedon Bowman player page
Packers | Richard Rodgers to return Sunday Fri Aug 11, 09:56 PM
Green Bay Packers TE Richard Rodgers (finger) said he will return to practice Sunday, Aug. 13.
Link to story 49ers | Vance McDonald picking up play Fri Aug 11, 09:32 PM
San Francisco 49ers TE Vance McDonald has 'turned it up' in recent weeks, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan, and Shanahan said all six tight ends on the roster still have a chance to make the team.
Link to storyVance McDonald player page
Colts | Mo Alie-Cox waived from IR Fri Aug 11, 06:02 PM
Indianapolis Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox (leg) was waived from the Reserve/Injured list Friday, Aug. 11, after he agreed to an injury settlement.
Link to story 49ers | George Kittle not expected to play Fri Aug 11, 05:24 PM
San Francisco 49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) may participate in pregame warmups but is not expected to play in the preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs Friday, Aug. 11.
| Footballguys view: We've got some dynasty love for Kittle, an H-back type of player who can be moved around the formation as a receiving weapon. The 49ers are rebuilding under new head coach Kyle Shanahan, but this year we should see Vance McDonald as their primary tight end. |
George Kittle player page
Lions | Eric Ebron returns Fri Aug 11, 09:41 AM
Detroit Lions TE Eric Ebron (hamstring) returned to practice Friday, Aug. 11.
| Footballguys view: Ebron's absence was long enough that we should really worry if this comes up again, but not long enough to greatly move him on our draft boards. |
Eric Ebron player page
Colts | Six Colts idle Friday Fri Aug 11, 09:40 AM
Indianapolis Colts WR Phillip Dorsett (hamstring), RB Marlon Mack (shoulder), OT Joe Haeg (undisclosed), TE Erik Swoope (undisclosed), LB Antonio Morrison (undisclosed) and CB Rashaan Melvin (undisclosed) are out of practice Friday, Aug. 11.
Link to storyRashaan Melvin player page
Erik Swoope player page
Phillip Dorsett player page
Antonio Morrison player page
Marlon Mack player page
Chargers | Cardale Jones impressing Antonio Gates Thu Aug 10, 10:17 PM
Los Angeles Chargers QB Cardale Jones has 'special ability,' according to tight end Antonio Gates. 'The ceiling is unlimited for him,' Gates said.
| Footballguys view: Jones was acquired for a song and this preseason could get him on track to be developed as Philip Rivers eventual replacement. Head coach Anthony Lynn knows Jones from their time together in Buffalo, which is a potential good sign and endorsement. |
Antonio Gates player page
Cardale Jones player page
Cowboys | James Hanna out with groin injury Thu Aug 10, 09:47 PM
Dallas Cowboys TE James Hanna (groin) did not practice Thursday, Aug. 10, because of a groin injury.
Link to storyJames Hanna player page
Cowboys | Sean Lee injured Thursday Thu Aug 10, 05:20 PM
Dallas Cowboys LB Sean Lee (hamstring) left practice with a strained hamstring Thursday, Aug. 10. The injury is not believed to be serious, but the Cowboys will be cautious with it. Addtionally, TE James Hanna (groin) did not practice due to a strained groin, while CB Chidobe Awuzie (ankle) appeared to hurt his sore ankle.
Link to storySean Lee player page
James Hanna player page
Chidobe Awuzie player page
Texans | Two Texans will return Friday Thu Aug 10, 04:06 PM
Houston Texans LB Benardrick McKinney (undisclosed) and TE Stephen Anderson (undisclosed) are expected to return to practice Friday, Aug. 11, according to head coach Bill O'Brien.
Link to storyBenardrick McKinney player page
Stephen Anderson player page
Raiders | Jared Cook frequently targeted Thu Aug 10, 01:14 PM
Oakland Raiders TE Jared Cook has been thrown to often by QB Derek Carr this offseason, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Vic Tafur. Carr is excited about what Cook brings to the table. 'When you add a guy like Jared Cook that runs a 4.3 [40-yard dash] or a 4.4 and he can outrun [defensive backs], [you] can throw him out wide and run different kinds of routes with him,' Carr said. 'We can do that kind of stuff because he is that talented.'
| Footballguys view: We'll see how this translates, and Cook did look pretty good at times with Green Bay in 2016. On the other hand, the "at times" is the whole problem with Cook, who can never be consistent enough to provide reliable production for fantasy owners. That's probably why he is the No. 24 tight end going in drafts right now, 189th player off the board. He has skill, but he just doesn't seem to put it all together at once. |
Jared Cook player page
Saints | John Phillips ready to practice Wed Aug 9, 09:04 PM
New Orleans Saints TE John Phillips (appendix) passed his physical Wednesday, Aug. 9, and has been cleared to participate in practice.
Link to storyJohn Phillips player page
Browns | David Njoku to miss preseason game Wed Aug 9, 07:54 PM
Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku (back) will not play in the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints Thursday, Aug. 10, according to head coach Hue Jackson.
Link to storyDavid Njoku player page
