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
Chiefs | Sean McGrath absent Fri Jul 25, 09:43 AM
Kansas City Chiefs TE Sean McGrath is absent from training camp Friday, July 25, and may be cut.
| Footballguys view: ESPN's Adam Teicher has reported that McGrath is considering retirement. McGrath had the most passing yards among the tight ends last year though that amounted to a whopping 26 catches on 40 targets for 302 yards. So, not all that much. We'll watch this, but there really aren't any fantasy viable tight ends on the roster. |
Sean McGrath player page
Lions | Eric Ebron primed for leadership role? Fri Jul 25, 01:26 AM
Detroit Lions rookie TE Eric Ebron exudes charisma and vocal leadership skills that are commonly found among team captains. He took on a 'front and center' role at the NFL Rookie Symposium, while other Lions rookies stayed out of the spotlight. Ebron wasn't a captain in three years at North Carolina, because head coach Larry Fedora required captains to be senior classmen. 'I don't ever talk about being a leader. I just always do actions,' Ebron said. 'I've never been a vocal person about leadership and about being, 'Hey man, you ought to do this.' We're all grown men. I just always show through actions or whisper, 'Hey, let's go.' That's all I do.'
Link to storyEric Ebron player page
Bengals | Tyler Eifert says he is 100 percent Thu Jul 24, 11:09 PM
Cincinnati Bengals TE Tyler Eifert (shoulder) said the shoulder injury he had during the offseason workouts has completely healed.
Link to storyTyler Eifert player page
Jets | Two expected to report Friday Thu Jul 24, 09:38 PM
New York Jets TE Jeff Cumberland and DE Jason Babin are expected to report to training camp Friday, July 25.
Link to storyJason Babin player page
Jeff Cumberland player page
Patriots | Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski work together Thu Jul 24, 09:18 PM
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady worked with TE Rob Gronkowski (knee) on a side field after practice Thursday, July 24, and they ran a variety of pass routes. Gronkowski did not participate in team drills during practice and will be eased back into practice.
| Footballguys view: This is what those guys do. Brady and Gronkowski have an amazing connection, and it will be great to see Gronk back out on the field this year. The Patriots passing game will be more robust with Gronkowski in the game. He's a top-3 fantasy tight end with a current ADP of TE3 (3.04) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Tom Brady player page
Rob Gronkowski player page
Seahawks | Chase Dixon waived Thu Jul 24, 06:01 PM
The Seattle Seahawks waived TE Chase Dixon Thursday, July 24.
Vikings | Chase Ford had foot procedure Thu Jul 24, 02:09 PM
Minnesota Vikings TE Chase Ford (foot) had a procedure on his left foot last week for a stress fracture and is expected to miss training camp.
| Footballguys view: Ford is a borderline talent in the NFL. Missing training camp won't help him make the final roster. |
Chase Ford player page
Giants | Larry Donnell listed as starter Thu Jul 24, 01:25 PM
New York Giants TE Larry Donnell is listed as the team's starting tight end on the first unofficial depth chart of training camp.
Link to storyLarry Donnell player page
Patriots | Rob Gronkowski limited Thu Jul 24, 12:03 PM
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (knee) was limited in practice Thursday, July 24. He worked for an hour and 15 minutes before watching the rest of the activities. He didn't participate in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 drills.
| Footballguys view: Gronkowski is still going to be eased in, and there's no guarantee that he will play in Week 1 even though he's not on the PUP to start camp. We'll monitor this closely, but if you want Gronk on your team, you'll likely have to take him in the second round - maybe even the early second. |
Rob Gronkowski player page
Giants | Daniel Fells may have the edge Thu Jul 24, 09:34 AM
New York Giants TE Daniel Fells has received the first snap in 11-on-11 drills during the team's two days in training camp.
| Footballguys view: The Giants tight end situation is a mess, with no proven pass catchers in the bunch. This means more three-wide sets, which could make #12 overall pick Odell Beckham or 2013 late-season star Jerrel Jernigan candidates to see the field a lot this year. "JPP of tight ends" Adrien Robinson is the only name worth watching in this position battle, but the chances that this situation produces a fantasy relevant TE are very low. |
Daniel Fells player page
Kellen Davis player page
Adrien Robinson player page
Colts | Two cleared Thu Jul 24, 08:32 AM
Indianapolis Colts TE Dwayne Allen (hip) and OG Donald Thomas (quadriceps, biceps) have been cleared to practice.
| Footballguys view: Allen's return has generated excitement for the Colts and he should be on your late-round TE list, especially if you don't take a top four option in your draft. Allen has vastly outplayed Coby Fleener so far in their careers, and his run-blocking will keep him on the field in every situation. Don't be surprised if Allen is one of Andrew Luck's top red zone options this year. |
Dwayne Allen player page
Panthers | Greg Olsen tired of WR criticism Thu Jul 24, 01:33 AM
Carolina Panthers TE Greg Olsen said he is tired of hearing criticism about Carolina's new receiving corps, which is largely made up of journeymen and unproven commodities. Olsen added that the Panthers' offensive identity is not going to change, so controlling the clock through a balanced offense remains important.
Link to storyGreg Olsen player page
Cardinals | Troy Niklas participates Wed Jul 23, 10:15 PM
Arizona Cardinals TE Troy Niklas (hand) has been cleared to participate in training camp, and was working Wednesday, July 23.
| Footballguys view: Good news for the Cardinals here. Niklas is a talented rookie tight end, but the position is just not used that much in a Bruce Arians system. This holds the fantasy value for Niklas down. |
Troy Niklas player page
49ers | Garrett Celek placed on PUP list Wed Jul 23, 06:56 PM
San Francisco 49ers TE Garrett Celek (undisclosed) will start training camp on the team's Physically Unable to Perform list for undisclosed reasons.
Link to storyGarrett Celek player page
Giants | Three get first-team reps at tight end Wed Jul 23, 05:15 PM
New York Giants TE Kellen Davis, TE Adrien Robinson and TE Daniel Fells all received first-team reps in practice Wednesday, July 23. All three rotated into the backfield and played some fullback.
| Footballguys view: No, no and no. Just say no when it comes to drafting a Giants tight end. Even in super deep dynasty leagues, we're no longer that thrilled by the likes of Robinson. |
Daniel Fells player page
Kellen Davis player page
Adrien Robinson player page
Bengals | Jermaine Gresham to PUP list Wed Jul 23, 05:12 PM
Cincinnati Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham (hernia) was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list Wednesday, July 23.
| Footballguys view: The veteran tight end underwent hernia surgery earlier this offseason. He's not on the fantasy radar because of the presence of Tyler Eifert. Gresham could be back in the near future, but the team will be cautious. |
Jermaine Gresham player page
Vikings | Sign Michael Higgins Wed Jul 23, 04:28 PM
The Minnesota Vikings signed TE Michael Higgins (Saints) Wednesday, July 23. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyMichael Higgins player page
Patriots | Nate Byham contract details Wed Jul 23, 03:28 PM
Updating a previous report, New England Patriots TE Nate Byham signed a one-year, $645,000 contract that did not include any bonus money.
| Footballguys view: Byham played for the Buccaneers over the last two seasons after beginning his career as an undrafted free agent with the 49ers in 2010. He'll compete for a spot on the depth chart behind Rob Gronkowski. His main competition will be Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams. |
Nate Byham player page
Bears | Work out two FAs Wed Jul 23, 02:35 PM
The Chicago Bears worked out free-agent TE Travis Beckum (Seahawks) and C Thomas Austin (Colts) Wednesday, July 23, according to a source.
| Footballguys view: Talent has never been a question with Beckum. However, he's struggled to stay healthy during his brief time in the NFL. The Bears might just be updating an emergency list here. |
Travis Beckum player page
Giants | Daniel Fells working with starters Wed Jul 23, 02:33 PM
New York Giants TE Daniel Fells lined up with the starting offense during team drills Wednesday, July 23.
| Footballguys view: This just goes to show you how poor the Giants TE position is. Whether it's Fells, Adrien Robinson, Kellen Davis, Xavier Grimble or Larry Donnell there's very little fantasy value to be had. |
Daniel Fells player page
Jets | Jeff Cumberland excused Wed Jul 23, 01:21 PM
New York Jets TE Jeff Cumberland has been excused from reporting to training camp Wednesday, July 23, because of a personal issue. He is scheduled to report to camp Thursday, July 24.
Link to storyJeff Cumberland player page
Bills | Two hospitalized due to cramps Wed Jul 23, 12:21 PM
Buffalo Bills FB Evan Rodriguez (cramps) and TE Chris Gragg (cramps) were hospitalized because of complications from cramps and were getting hydrated, according to head coach Doug Marrone. Rodriguez has been released from the hospital, while Gragg is still in the hospital.
Link to storyEvan Rodriguez player page
Chris Gragg player page
Ravens | Crockett Gillmore misses practice Wed Jul 23, 12:11 PM
Baltimore Ravens TE Crockett Gillmore (illness) sat out practice Tuesday, July 22, because of the flu. He is feeling better Wednesday, July 23, and is scheduled to take his conditioning test.
| Footballguys view: Gillmore is a talented all-purpose rookie tight end who will compete for a backup spot this year. The team has Dennis Pitta and Owen Daniels in front of him on the depth chart. |
49ers | Vernon Davis reports Wed Jul 23, 12:03 PM
San Francisco 49ers TE Vernon Davis has reported to camp Wednesday, July 23, according to an Instagram post from 49ers S C.J. Spillman.
| Footballguys view: So much for him holding out. Davis is already the 4th-highest paid tight end in the NFL in terms of annual average salary ($7.35 million). The 49ers were unlikely to get him a new deal, so holding out was fruitless. |
Vernon Davis player page
Patriots | Rob Gronkowski cleared Wed Jul 23, 08:51 AM
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (knee) has been cleared for contact and will not be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to head coach Bill Belichick.
| Footballguys view: Great news for the Patriots (and for fantasy owners) here. Gronkowski is a big part of the passing game, and the way defenses play him opens things up for others catching passes from Tom Brady. Fantasy owners can look to Gronk as a top-3 tight end. His current ADP is TE3 (3.05) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Rob Gronkowski player page
Bills | Three out, one back Wed Jul 23, 08:32 AM
Buffalo Bills TE Chris Gragg (cramps), FB Evan Rodriguez (cramps) and CB Brandon E. Smith (leg) were out of practice Wednesday, July 23. OT Seantrel Henderson (hip) returned to action.
Link to storyEvan Rodriguez player page
Chris Gragg player page
Buccaneers | Few players may be on bubble Wed Jul 23, 02:31 AM
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Bobby Rainey, G Carl Nicks and DE Da'Quan Bowers may be fighting for roster spots once training camp begins due to other competition for their jobs. TE Luke Stocker and S Kelcie McCray were also mentioned.
| Footballguys view: Zero surprise here. All of the players listed have question marks surrounding their game--either durability or upside/natural ability. We'll see if a guy like Rainey can stick around as a reserve runner with the Bucs. |
DaQuan Bowers player page
Luke Stocker player page
Bobby Rainey player page
Browns | Backup TE job up for grabs Wed Jul 23, 01:01 AM
Cleveland Browns TEs Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray will battle for the No. 2 tight end spot during training camp and the preseason.
| Footballguys view: The TE2 in Cleveland won't get much work unless Jordan Cameron goes down with an injury. Even if they get more playing time, there's not much fantasy value in either player. |
Gary Barnidge player page
Jim Dray player page
Texans | Sign Chris Coyle Tue Jul 22, 04:31 PM
The Houston Texans signed free-agent TE Chris Coyle. Terms of the deal were undisclosed.
Link to story Texans | Two waived Tue Jul 22, 04:28 PM
The Houston Texans waived FB Brad Smelley and DL Tim Jackson.
Link to storyBrad Smelley player page
Giants | Two leave early with heat-related issues Tue Jul 22, 03:49 PM
Updating a previous report, New York Giants TE Xavier Grimble (illness) and OT Brandon Mosley (illness) had "heat-related" issues that caused them to get carted off from practice Tuesday, July 22, according to head coach Tom Coughlin.
Link to story
Broncos | Release Joel Dreessen Tue Jul 22, 03:41 PM
The Denver Broncos released TE Joel Dreessen with a failed physical designation Tuesday, July 22.
Link to storyJoel Dreessen player page
Giants | Two leave early with heat-related issues Tue Jul 22, 03:31 PM
Updating a previous report, New York Giants TE Xavier Grimble (heat exhaustion) and LB Jameel McClain (heat exhaustion) had "heat-related" issues that caused them to get carted off from practice Tuesday, July 22, according to head coach Tom Coughlin.
Link to storyJameel McClain player page
Ravens | Crockett Gillmore not practicing Tue Jul 22, 03:18 PM
Baltimore Ravens TE Crockett Gillmore (undisclosed) is not participating in practice Tuesday, July 22.
Link to story Giants | Xavier Grimble carted off Tue Jul 22, 02:53 PM
New York Giants TE Xavier Grimble (undisclosed) was carted off from practice Tuesday, July 22.
Link to story
Saints | Je'Ron Hamm stood out Tue Jul 22, 10:43 AM
New Orleans Saints TE Je'Ron Hamm stood out the most of the backup tight ends and fullbacks during organized team activities and minicamps because of his athletic ability and receiving skills.
Link to story
Redskins | Mike Caussin signed Mon Jul 21, 06:36 PM
The Washington Redskins have signed free-agent TE Mike Caussin (Bills). Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The team also waived LS Kyle Nelson.
Link to storyMike Caussin player page
49ers | Two TEs will compete for one spot Mon Jul 21, 01:13 PM
San Francisco 49ers TEs Derek Carrier and Garrett Celek will compete for the No. 3 tight end spot during training camp.
Link to storyGarrett Celek player page
Derek Carrier player page
Chiefs | Several injuries practice Mon Jul 21, 01:07 PM
Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce (knee), WR Kyle Williams (knee), WR A.J. Jenkins (hamstring) and CB Christopher Owens (hamstring) participated in practice Monday, July 21.
| Footballguys view: The team really likes Kelce, and he should be the starter at tight end if healthy this year. Kelce is tough and knows how to use his size in order to "box out" defenders. The Chiefs desperately need weapons in the passing game besides Dwayne Bowe and Jamaal Charles. We'll see if Kelce can be that guy. Keep him as a low-end TE2 with upside or on your waiver wire speed dial this year. |
Christopher Owens player page
Kyle Williams player page
A.J. Jenkins player page
Travis Kelce player page
Broncos | Four could go on PUP Mon Jul 21, 11:43 AM
Denver Broncos LB Von Miller (knee), CB Chris Harris Jr. (knee), DT Kevin Vickerson (hip) and TE Joel Dreessen (knee) could begin the preseason on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
| Footballguys view: We wouldn't be shocked to see all four of these players go on PUP to begin training camp. The Broncos want Miller and Harris to be ready for the start of regular season. Both are coming back from late-season knee injuries suffered in 2013. Miller seems to be ahead in the recovery process, but expect the team to take it easy on him when he does come back. |
Joel Dreessen player page
Kevin Vickerson player page
Von Miller player page
Chris Harris player page
Bills | Chris Gragg dealing with cramps Sun Jul 20, 09:23 PM
Updating a previous story, Buffalo Bills TE Chris Gragg (cramps) was dealing with cramps Sunday, July 20, and was looked at by a trainer. He is expected to return to practice tomorrow.
Link to storyChris Gragg player page
Bills | Chris Gragg looked at by trainer Sun Jul 20, 08:47 PM
Buffalo Bills TE Chris Gragg (undisclosed) was stretched out and looked at by a trainer during training camp Sunday, July 20.
Link to storyChris Gragg player page
Seahawks | Luke Willson likely to see increased time Sun Jul 20, 04:45 PM
Seattle Seahawks TE Luke Willson will be TE Zach Miller's backup this season, but he's likely to see increased playing time.
Link to storyZach Miller player page
Luke Willson player page
Patriots | Nate Byham signs Sun Jul 20, 03:31 AM
The New England Patriots have signed free-agent TE Nate Byham (Buccaneers). Byham will likely compete with TEs Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams for a chance to back up Rob Gronkowski.
| Footballguys view: We can't imagine Byham beating out either of those two. Gronkowski's injury history makes fantasy owners curious about his backup. However, as we saw last year the team changes the way they distribute the football through the air if Gronk is out. |
D.J. Williams player page
Michael Hoomanawanui player page
Nate Byham player page
Rams | Two TEs may compete for one spot Sat Jul 19, 08:39 PM
St. Louis Rams TEs Justice Cunningham and Alex Bayer may compete for one roster spot during training camp if the team decides to keep four tight ends.
Link to storyJustice Cunningham player page
Patriots | Rob Gronkowski plans to play the entire season Sat Jul 19, 10:03 AM
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (knee) said he is planning on playing the whole season in 2014. 'I'm planning on playing the whole season this year,' Gronkowski said.
| Footballguys view: That's the plan for everyone, but injuries happen all the time in the NFL. Gronkowski has had problems staying healthy dating back to his days in college at Arizona. If healthy for a full season, Gronkowski is easily a top-3 fantasy tight end. |
Rob Gronkowski player page
Bengals | Jermaine Gresham could sit early in camp Fri Jul 18, 09:11 PM
Cincinnati Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham (hernia) could sit out practice early in training camp, because he is recovering from offseason hernia surgery.
Link to storyJermaine Gresham player page
Patriots | Rob Gronkowski not sure if he will go on PUP list Fri Jul 18, 08:32 PM
New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski (knee) said he is not sure if he will begin training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
| Footballguys view: It doesn't matter if he's on the PUP or not. The Patriots are going to take it easy on Gronkowski as he comes back from this injury. If healthy, Gronkowski is easily a top-3 fantasy tight end. |
Rob Gronkowski player page
Redskins | Andre Roberts might benefit from many weapons Thu Jul 17, 10:46 PM
Washington Redskins WR Andre Roberts has admitted since the signing of WR DeSean Jackson that he might have opted to go elsewhere had he known Jackson would be signed. However, Roberts might be one of the biggest benefactors of having WRs Pierre Garcon and Jackson, as well as TE Jordan Reed, in the offense.
| Footballguys view: Roberts will get over it -- eventually. The team wanted to find a more dangerous weapon and clearly Jackson is that guy. Roberts is a better fit inside as a slot receiver anyway. He'll be able to get off the line cleanly and get downfield in a hurry. We're not expecting much from Roberts in terms of fantasy production, but put him on your waiver wire speed dial if he is more involved in the offense than most project right now. |
DeSean Jackson player page
Pierre Garcon player page
Andre Roberts player page
Jordan Reed player page
NFL | Jermichael Finley to meet with doctor Thu Jul 17, 02:07 PM
Free-agent TE Jermichael Finley (neck) is scheduled to meet with doctors Thursday, July 17, to review MRI's and discuss the next step in the process. There is nothing imminent between Finley and the Green Bay Packers.
| Footballguys view: Finley is trying to prove that he's healthy after a serious neck injury that cut his 2013 season short. If doctors give him the "thumbs up" we should at least a small handful of teams interested in the veteran tight end. |
Jermichael Finley player page
