We scour the news around the NFL to bring you what matters most to 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 the recent happenings around the league.
Note that this article is a living document and will be updated throughout the preseason. For the new blurbs, just scroll down until you see an update, which will be highlighted in blue.
Quarterbacks
July 10: Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes II has been the popular topic of conversation this past week. Mahomes inked a 10-year contract extension worth an astonishing HALF A BILLION dollars if all incentives are realized. The prospect of Mahomes and coach Andy Reid together for another decade is enough to relieve even the most skittish of dynasty players. The quarterback is still improving and will be a factor in the AFC for many years to come. Ian Rapoport reported that the contract includes $477 million in "guaranteed mechanisms." These mechanisms are staggered throughout the deal, but it would be false to think that the $477 million will be guaranteed. The Chiefs still have several spots where the team can exit the contract. The new deal is an extension meaning Mahomes' 2020 and 2021 salaries are factored into the contract. In an odd view of the situation, Mahomes and Panthers passer Teddy Bridgewater are each scheduled to earn $63 million over the next three years. Kansas City has a great young (and fast) nucleus around Mahomes.
July 10: When the New England Patriots signed quarterback Cam Newton to the risk-free contract – with only $550,000 guaranteed, it left fantasy players uncertain about Newton's standing with the team. Ne has since passed the physical and joined the team officially. The contract is basically a one-year "prove it" deal with just a $1.05 million salary and $700,000 added as per-game bonuses. Still just 31 years of age, Newton adds veteran upside to New England. Multiple reports spoke to the narrative that coach Bill Belichick has not guaranteed the starting job to the veteran over sophomore Jarrett Stidham, but only the closest of Stidham's relatives would assume he has a fighting chance of being under center to kick off the season. Many beat reporters still believe the team "loves" Stidham ... and this could be true, but Newton should be locked in as the 2020 starter as long as he remains healthy. One caveat: do not have high expectations. Unless Newton is willing to run the ball often, his fantasy production will be limited. The receiving corps is weak, and the offense will need to adjust with limited practice times.
August 14:When beat reporter Joe Buscaglia stated that he believes Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott "could outlive" Josh Allen in Buffalo if the quarterback "doesn't show marked improvement in the next two seasons", it was not a surprise. We have been concerned about Allen's lack of passing efficiency for some time. His rushing ability has led many to overlook Allen's poor passing. Oddly, this comment by Buscaglia came one day after the Bills signed McDermott to a four-year extension through 2025.
Update August 21: Alex Smith has finally returned to the field. Many never thought it would happen; Smith playing football again. He was cleared for practice last Sunday. Field Yates tweeted out the Smith's journey, "Alex Smith's leg was shattered on November 18th, 2018. In the days following, he got sepsis, which nearly took his life. He spent the next month in a hospital, then 3 in a wheelchair, then 8 in an external fixator. He had 17 surgeries within 9 months." This was almost two full years ago. At this point, Smith should be considered a favorite to start games for Washington as the quarterback situation led by Dwayne Haskins is tenuous.
August 1:Dynasty players should keep an eye on the status of Washington quarterback Alex Smith. He will slowly see his activity increase over the next few weeks. Coach Ron Rivera loves veterans and Smith could surprise and overtake Dwayne Haskins for the starting gig. In deeper Superflex leagues, he is worth a wait-and-see stash.
Running Backs
July 24: Josh Jacobs flashed big-time upside as a rookie. He would have splashed even larger had Jacobs been more involved in the passing game. Beat reporter, Paul Gutierrez, opined this week that he expects the second-year back to be more integrated into the Raiders' passing game this season. While this sounds good, let's remember that as a rookie, Jacobs saw a whopping 27 pass targets while Jalen Richard only saw 43 targets while leading the backfield in the category. This was an offense devoid of wide receivers and the backs saw very few targets. With the addition of Nelson Agholor, Henry Ruggs, and Bryan Edwards, it is a stretch to expect many more pass targets for Jacobs. This story is more noise than news.
June 13: Adam Schefter was the first to report that Todd Gurley passed his physical with the Falcons. Schefter tweeted, "After having an agreement with Atlanta for nearly two months, Todd Gurley finally was able to fly to Atlanta, where he took and passed his Falcons physical Monday, per source. With his physical behind him, Gurley now can focus on his preparation for a bounce-back season." There is little competition for touches in the Atlanta backfield. If truly healthy, Gurley could be huge for fantasy owners and his dynasty price is at an all-time low. While we still are unconvinced about Gurley's longevity, he could have a solid two-year stretch, so he is a buy recommendation depending on price. This is an explosive offense that will score points. Having the running back on these high-scoring offenses usually pays dividends for fantasy.
August 8: Confirming what we already assumed, coach Dan Quinn told reporters last week that the RB2 spot behind Todd Gurley will be shared between Ito Smith and Brian Hill. This is especially relevant given Gurley's history of knee issues.
July 18: It is difficult to laud a long-term deal for a running back given the poor outcomes for the past few. How did LeVeon Bell's big deal work out for the Jets? How about Todd Gurley's in Los Angeles? But, we like the extension the Tennessee Titans gave Derrick Henry. Henry was slated to make $10.3 million in 2020 while playing on the franchise tag. He now gets a slight raise with the four-year, $50 million contract. Henry receives $25.5 million in guarantees, which is just the first two seasons. Further, the guaranteed money is roughly what Henry would have received by playing under the franchise tag for both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Combined with the contract given quarterback Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee is looking to keep the offense together in the short term.
July 10: Many took the bait when San Francisco 49ers tailback Raheem Mostert had his agent request a trade due on social media. Mostert, who is currently set to make a little less than $3 million, wants to be paid on par with Tevin Coleman, who is slated to earn $4.55 million. While it is easy to see why Mostert wants a raise after one good season, an aging journeyman in a back-friendly offense should be thankful he has a chance to shine for another year. Last offseason, he signed a three-year deal worth a little less than $9 million. Given the running back market in the NFL – and Mostert's age (27) – this might just go away quietly. Few teams will give up valuable draft capital to trade for a back wanting a raise. This will go down as more noise than news.
August 1: After publicly whining about his salary, the 49ers gave Raheem Mostert a raise. Adam Schefter tweeted about the new deal, "Raheem Mostert is due $2.575 million in base salary, with a $300K bonus; he now can earn up to an additional $2.75 million in bonus and incentives, per source." He should be locked in as the team's top ball carrier. Beat writer Matt Barrows encourages us to consider Jerick McKinnon. He tweeted, "I'm bullish on (Jerick) McKinnon returning to full health. He's been pushing his surgically repaired knee more strenuously than he did last year, and so far it's responded." It might be Tevin Coleman who loses snaps if McKinnon is healthy.
August 8: A recent article in The Mercury News had glowing quotes about Jerick McKinnon from his teammates. First, Jimmy Garoppolo said, "Even just throwing routes on air this offseason, he runs them differently than most running backs and he has a feel that's like a receiver, but he feels space like a quarterback … It's very unique and I'm excited to get him back, man. It's been a while. We came in together, me and him when we both signed here, and it's exciting to have him back." Let's remember that McKinnon played quarterback in college. New left tackle Trent Williams added, "I'm looking forward to seeing Jet (Jerick McKinnon, who trained this offseason at Williams' Houston gym). After two years, the way he's looked in offseason. I just can't fathom him not being a breakout player." McKinnon offers upside in the unpredictable 49ers running game.
August 8: In what should have been assumed, coach Bruce Arians told reporters last week that Ronald Jones II is the "main guy" in the Buccaneers backfield. We interpret this to mean that Jones will dominate early-down work and LeSean McCoy, KeShawn Vaughn, and Dare Ogunbowale to have reserve and passing-down roles. Arians likes veterans so McCoy should see time if Jones misses time. For dynasty players, this news might be enough to permit you to "sell high" on Jones. His value has ample downside and little upside.
July 24: The Tampa Bay backfield could yield upside for fantasy players. Connected beat reporter, Jenna Laine, spoke last week how she expects Ronald Jones II to open the season as the lead back on early downs and Dare Ogunbowale to be the team's third-down back. This would leave rookie KeShawn Vaughn as Jones' backup. There have been many reports of Jones working hard this offseason. He is an intriguing dynasty player as quarterback Tom Brady has always utilized the backs, even ones less talented than Jones. Ogunbowale is a player to monitor early in the season. Can he become a trusted outlet like James White? Unlikely, but even 80% of White is a solid RB3 for fantasy.
July 24: If you are trying to handcuff Carolina Panthers star, Christian McCaffrey, beat reporter David Newton thinks it may be journeyman Mike Davis. Newton said that Davis might have the edge in the race to be the team's RB2. The only way McCaffrey's backup is relevant is if he misses time. Given McCaffrey's high usage, anything can happen.
July 10: The Buffalo Bills allowed veteran tailback Frank Gore to exit in free agency. The future Hall of Famer landed with former coach Adam Gase. The Bills drafted Gore's replacement in Zack Moss. Last week, the team's official website reported that the rookie is expected to fill the "Gore role", limiting the upside of fantasy-favorite Devin Singletary. Moss is undervalued in most rookie drafts if he will indeed get the early-down carries.
July 18: Ace beat reporter, Mike Reiss, reported this week that New England starting tailback Sony Michel has been at the team's facilities rehabbing his foot for several weeks. He had foot surgery in June and many fantasy footballers were worried that Michel might start the season on the PuP list. Michel is still in a walking boot so he may not be ready to play football for some time. The uncertainty surrounding Michel has led many to jump on the Damien Harris train. But, the time to buy Harris – a quality back – will be after Michel returns. Right now, his price is too high. There is little hope that Michel will be able to return to full action and not suffer a setback or another injury. Plus, James White is the quiet value play, per usual.
June 13: Patriots running back Sony Michel has been effective when healthy. He Michel has led New England in rushing each of the past two seasons, finishing the 2019 season of the 1,000-yard mark (912 yards) on 247 carries and seven touchdowns. This was almost identical to his 2018 campaign. In that year, Michel ran the ball 208 times for 931 yards and six touchdowns. Beat writer extraordinaire, Mike Reiss, reported late last week that Michel had foot surgery. Per Reiss on Twitter, "News story: Patriots RB Sony Michel recovering from foot surgery, per sources. The surgery was viewed as more maintenance-based to relieve discomfort. How Michel's rehab progresses will determine if he opens training camp on PUP." Many have forgotten Michel's knee injuries. Here is a quick history lesson: ACL tear in high school, 2017 knee injury in SEC Title Game, 2018: fluid drained in the preseason and missed two games midseason with a twisted knee, 2019 knee scope, and now a foot injury. These are just the injuries we know about. There could be more. With James White still the pass-catching back, there is a chance for second-year back Damien Harris. The former third-round draft selection from Alabama played in just two games as a rookie. He was very good in spots in college. Harris ran the ball 477 times for 3,070 yards and 23 touchdowns. He added 52 receptions for 407 yards and a pair of scores as a receiver. As Michel's injuries mount, Harris is a great player to acquire on the cheap.
August 1: Plugged-in beat reporter Jeff Howe tweeted an update on Sony Michel last Monday, "It's still uncertain if Sony Michel will be cleared in time for the start of practice, per source. Michel had foot surgery in May. His status remains up in the air." The Damian Harris train is picking up steam, but it is James White who should benefit and is going undervalued.
August 14:Last Monday, beat writer Jeff Howe tweeted, "Context behind the Lamar Miller signing: It's still too early to know if Sony Michel (foot surgery) will be ready for the regular season, and Brandon Bolden's opt-out created additional urgency to add another veteran." New England signed Miller to a one-year deal, then promptly placed him on the PUP list. Let's remember that Miller has not played or practiced since tearing his ACL and MCL last August. Miller got a low-end contract worth $1.05 million in base salary ($200,000 guaranteed) and another $1.5 million in achievable incentives according to Field Yates. This signing is insurance for Sony Michel who looks like a candidate to start the season on the PUP list, therefore missing the first six games of the season. Michel is trying to come back after having foot surgery not long ago. If Michel misses extended time, Miller and Damien Harris would compete for early-down work with James White seeing passing-game work. Howe wrote later in the week that White will "have a heavy role and could be in for a monster year" if Cam Newton wins the team's starting quarterback job. He referenced the Newton-Christian McCaffrey connection in 2018 when the tailback caught 107 passes. It seems like White will be undervalued in dynasty until he retires.
June 13: After his signing with the Seattle Seahawks, it did not take Carlos Hyde long to admit Chris Carson is the presumed starter. Beat reporter Bob Condotta gave a report for the press conference. Condotta tweeted, "Carlos Hyde said 'everybody knows'' Chris Carson is the starter in Seattle but says he'll come in to compete with Carson while understanding he's most likely competing for the number two spot. Reality is, with Penny likely out, the team will find a role for Hyde." Hyde is a quality running back as evidenced by his performance in Houston last year. With Carson coming back from injury, Hyde makes a great stash candidate. Rashaad Penny will likely begin the season on the PuP list and miss at least the first six games of the season. We know from recent history that the Seahawks will run the ball often so Hyde could see enough touches to be fantasy viable even when Carson is healthy.
Update August 21: Beat reporter, JP Finlay, stated his belief this week that Bryce Love is Washington's RB2. While veteran Adrian Peterson was getting a day off, it was Love who stepped into first-team reps. Following the release of Derrius Guice, there is little talent. Rookie Antonio Gibson is still learning how to play Running Back and Peyton Barber should not scare even the most pedestrian of running backs.
August 1: This week, Damien Williams opted out of the 2020 season. While everyone is pushing up Clyde Edwards-Helaire – and rightly so – the real winner will be whichever back asserts himself to be the RB2. We think it might be DeAndre Washington. The others are less than ideal, and Washington showed well in Oakland. Also, he played at Texas Tech with quarterback Patrick Mahomes II. There is a chance that the Chiefs bring in a veteran (e.g., Lamar Miller) to the mix, but we like Washington to emerge as the second back in the rotation.
Update August 21: After the Eagles listed tailback Miles Sanders as "week to week" with a "lower-body injury," many in the fantasy community were alarmed. The team later came out and said they expected the star running back to be ready for the opener. If anything, this injury should illustrate how thin Philadelphia is at the position and why the team pursued Carlos Hyde and sniffed around LeSean McCoy before each inked with other teams. Just Boston Scott sits between Corey Clement and the starting job if Sanders misses action.
June 13: We are big fans of Eagles' tailback Boston Scott. There have been a few reports of him competing for a larger role behind Miles Sanders. This could happen, but we advise caution. Philadelphia has been rumored to sign a veteran tailback. They offered contracts to Hyde (before he signed in Seattle), Devonta Freeman, and have been in contact with former Eagle, LeSean McCoy. Where there is smoke, we should expect flames. The good news for Scott is that these runners are more in the mold of departed Jordan Howard, excelling in early-down plays, while Scott is a dynamic, versatile back who is good in the passing game.
August 1: This week, Tampa Bay signed LeSean McCoy, formerly of the Chiefs, to a one-year, $1 million contract. Much ink was spilled about how the signing impacts Ronald Jones II and the rest of the Buccaneers backfield. McCoy appeared to be washed up last year so we would advise using this opportunity to acquire Jones at a reduced price.
August 8: After his arrest on charges of assault and battery, strangulation, and destruction of property, Washington had no choice but to release tailback Derrius Guice. After taking on a bad team, coach Ron Rivera is seeking to turn the culture around. With Guice gone, we expect Bryce Love to get an expanded look for more snaps. The team knows what it has in Adrian Peterson and Peyton Barber but needs more … much more if the offense hopes to provide balance for quarterback Dwayne Haskins. We expect rookie Antonio Gibson to be a gadget player and slot receiver. For Guice, it could be the end of the road after losing his rookie season to an ACL injury.
August 1: After his 2019 campaign ended prematurely with an MCL injury, Derrius Guice has been cleared for 2020. Washington has a cache of options at the position but Guice should be considered the frontrunner for lead-back duties.
Wide Receivers
July 24: It should have been no surprise last week when Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni said receiver T.Y. Hilton will be the focal point of the pass offense. Sirianni said, "I expect a great bounce back from a year he had a lot of injuries ... I expect the 2018 version of him. If T.Y. stays healthy, there's no doubt that's what we'll see. ... He's still the main piece of this offense. T.Y. Hilton is who this pass offense runs through." Basically, the coaches are giving Hilton a mulligan for the Jacoby Brissett time and hope to see the version of Hilton that put up huge numbers with Andrew Luck throwing the ball. Philip Rivers is a huge upgrade over Brissett, and Hilton remains undervalued. He is a low-end WR1 with solid upside given the inexperience at the receiver position.
August 14:Last Saturday, Field Yates was the first to report the good news on Jarvis Landry. Yates tweeted, "This is notable: Browns WR Jarvis Landry has passed his physical and is activated off of PUP, per source. Great sign in his recovery from offseason hip surgery." Landry has been discounted all offseason due to the hip surgery and now appears to be on schedule for Week 1.
August 1: There is doubt that Browns receiver Jarvis Landry will be healthy. Without training camp and preseason games, there is less transparency into many players' health status. The Akron Beacon Journal recently wrote, "Will Landry be ready to start the season after hip surgery, which he elected not to undergo until after the Pro Bowl? If he's not, Hunt may be spending much of his time in receiver meetings." The paper expects running back Kareem Hunt – not another receiver – to benefit if Landry misses time.
Update August 21: Many, including this writer, expected rookie Justin Jefferson to waltz in and take the starting receiver job across from Adam Thielen. As Lee Corso would say, "Not so fast." Beat reporter, Chad Graff, reported last week that Jefferson is clearly behind Olabisi Johnson at practice. Sure, things can change quickly, but this piece of news should be accepted as a data point.
July 18: Philadelphia beat reporter, Jimmy Kempski, wrote this past week that receiver Alshon Jeffery is "almost certain to start" on the PUP list while recovering from his foot injury. Coach Doug Pederson told reporters that Jeffery is without a timetable for return. His absence should give rookie Jalen Reagor more opportunity to solidify his role early in the season. Nelson Agholor is now in Las Vegas, leaving the Eagles thin at receiver with only Reagor and DeSean Jackson as viable receivers with Jeffery sidelined. Expect two-tight end sets often, just like in years past.
July 10: One injury which has received little press is the foot injury of Alshon Jeffery. As of a few weeks ago, Jeffery was reported to be without a timetable for return. The 30-year-old is returning from a Lisfranc injury and those can be difficult to heal without re-injury. There is a very real possibility that the veteran is no ready for the season opener so plan accordingly. With Nelson Agholor now in Las Vegas, the pressure will be on rookie Jalen Reagor to produce out the gate. Last week, Adam Caplan predicted the first-rounder will lead the Eagles in receptions and snaps. This is a prediction, not a factual report, and possibly due to Jeffery's injury. We might argue that tight end Zach Ertz is the most likely to lead the team in receiving, but this prediction confirms the high expectations for the rookie.
August 1: The Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver position bears watching. Beat reporter, Paul Domowitch, tweeted, "Doug says Alshon Jeffery 'is in a really good spot.' Won't say when he thinks he'll be ready to practice/play." A day later, Philadelphia Eagles Twitter account (@Eagles) tweeted "#Eagles have placed WR Alshon Jeffery on Active/PUP." We should expect Jeffery to miss the first six weeks of the season. Adding to the Eagles woes, Ian Rapoport tweeted Tuesday, "Source: #Eagles speedy WR Marquise Goodwin plans to opt-out for the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns. He has informed the team, who traded for him during the draft. Goodwin has a 5-month daughter after his wife previously had three miscarriages. Family is the most important." Philadelphia has a lack of weapons and depth. This explains why Geoff Mosher tweeted, "Jalen Reagor on a Zoom with reporters: 'They've just been emphasizing to me to learn X and Z, and just to learn. I pride myself on being adaptable to every situation. I feel like if I know the whole playbook it'll make it easier for me to move around.'" Jimmy Kempski added great context, "With Marquise Goodwin opting out, and not including Alshon Jeffery (who is unlikely you be ready for Week 1), all the remaining non-DeSean receivers on the Eagles' roster have a combined 52 career catches for 631 yards and 2 TDs." The Eagles need Jackson and Reagor to play well.
July 10: The 49ers offense took a major hit with the foot injury suffered by Deebo Samuel a few weeks ago. The timeline for his return is still uncertain, but do not expect him back to full strength until Halloween. Dr. Robert Anderson performed the surgery to repair the dreaded Jones fracture. Jones fractures rarely are without complications so do not believe the ambitious reports. As a rookie, Samuel became the team's top receiver and expectations were sky-high for year two. The void created by Samuel's injury will be difficult to fill. First-round rookie Brandon Aiyuk, Kendrick Bourne, fellow 2019 rookie Jalen Hurd, and Trent Taylor will be the top receivers. Yes, Dante Pettis and Richie James are still on the roster but cannot be relied upon. In reality, Samuel's injury will likely result in a larger role for tight end George Kittle. Beat reporter Matt Barrows opined that Trent Taylor is the favorite to lead San Francisco in receptions behind Kittle and Samuel. That is only if the young receiver is healthy. Ironically, Taylor missed the 2019 season with a similar injury to what is sidelining Samuel. Taylor is a solid slot receiver on an offense lacking reliable pass-catchers.
August 1: Adam Schefter was the first to report the news of Antonio Brown's suspension. He tweeted, "Antonio Brown was notified today by NFL Special Counsel for Conduct Todd Jones that he has been suspended without pay for the first eight regular-season games of the 2020 season for multiple violations of the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy." He followed that up with a pair of tweets adding more context, "If Antonio Brown is signed before the start of the 2020 season, he would be eligible to participate in his club's preseason activities. Brown's suspension would take effect as of final roster reduction on September 5. He would be eligible to return after the team's eighth game" and "NFL also warned Antonio Brown that any future violation of the Personal Conduct Policy will likely result in more significant discipline." There should be considerable interest from playoff teams who may need either depth due to COVID concerns or another playmaker.
July 24: On Tuesday, John Clayton wrote, "The Seahawks should be finding out something in the next week or two about wide receiver Josh Gordon, who has applied for reinstatement following last year's suspension. If he is cleared, the Seahawks will try to sign him." Now is the time to look for Gordon on your league's waiver wire. Sure, he will be no higher than WR3 on the depth chart, but this is a crazy year, and anything can happen. Gordon has stayed in Seattle and has a great rapport with the team leaders. We are rooting for him to finally put his potential into production.
August 1: Field Yates tweeted the news of Devin Funchess opting out of the season, "Packers WR Devin Funchess has opted out of the 2020 NFL season, per source." Funchess had signed a one-year $2.5 million deal in March. He posted on Instagram, "My closest family members have experienced the life-threatening impact of COVID-19 first hand..." so we understand why he made the decision. This should move Allen Lazard and the other young receivers an opportunity for more snaps across from Davante Adams.
July 18: Hopes were increasing that second-year receiver Kelvin Harmon was going to have a solid 2020 campaign after a disappointing rookie season. This will have to wait another year as the Washington pass-catcher suffered a torn ACL this summer and will miss the season. Steven Sims Jr and Antonio Gibson will see a larger role behind Terry McLaurin. Without a viable tight end, these three could see more pass targets than most expect.
August 1: Insider Adam Caplan recently tweeted, On #Raiders rookie Bryan Edwards: "He has recovered from the broken foot that he suffered in Feb while working out for the combine + is ready to go. He'll line up in camp behind Tyrell Williams but could start in 2021. The gtd money in the Williams contract expires after 2020." This is great news for Edwards long-term, but he may not get out to the fast start fantasy players desire.
August 1: A move that barely impacts dynasty leagues, New England Patriots receiver Marqise Lee opted out of the 2020 season. This should lock in Mohamed Sanu, Julian Edelman, and NKeal Harry as the team's starting receivers. With no tight end options after the departure of Rob Gronkowski and retirement of Benjamin Watson, these receivers and James White will be relied upon even more than many expect.
Tight Ends
August 14:It was a big week for tight ends getting extensions. This was started by San Francisco giving George Kittle a five-year, $75 million extension through 2025. This included an $18 million signing bonus. Still just 26 years of age, Kittle set the tight end market. He is a great blocker and receiver for the 49ers. This was a great move by the team, locking up a great player for several years.
August 14:After Kittle set the bar, Travis Kelce was able to get an extension completed with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 31-year-old Kelce is now under contract through 2025. He was slated to make $8 million in 2020 but his new deal averages more than $14 million per year. While this is a little less than Kittle, it is still a huge raise for Kelce. The player and the team were waiting to see what Kittle would agree to before coming in a smidge below. Tight ends have played well into their 30s so Kelce's age is not a concern.
August 14:Sleeper tight end Will Dissly practiced for the first time last Wednesday. He is ten months removed from tearing his Achilles last year. Dissly is already practicing and looks to be a threat to Greg Olsen for the starting gig. He has been very productive when healthy and has big-time upside in the Seattle offense.
July 10: Another player who asked for a trade recently was Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku. While he asked for a trade, the Browns have given no indication this may come into fruition. The team did draft a potential replacement in Harrison Bryant. The addition of Austin Hooper to the Browns means a reduced role for the disappointing Njoku.
July 10: A rookie tight end to stash this season is Colby Parkinson, drafted in the fourth round by the Seattle Seahawks. Parkinson will likely miss much of his rookie year with a broken foot. He had surgery on June 2 but is unlikely to see the field over Greg Olsen, Will Dissly, or Jacob Hollister in 2020. It is difficult enough for rookie tight ends to contribute. Add in the lack of rookie camps or OTAs and it became even more difficult. Now, the foot injury limiting snaps, and it is difficult to predict any rookie snaps for Parkinson.
June 13: Beat writer Greg Auman gave fantasy players some insight into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense after a recent press conference. Auman tweeted, "'That's our base offense,' Arians says of '12 personnel,' with two tight ends on the field. Says he even likes 13 with a third tight end. Expect more of that from Bucs, as we've written this spring ...". With the acquisition of Rob Gronkowski, this means the O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate will be competing to play opposite Tom Brady's ex-teammate. One warning, even with the "12 personnel" base offense, it is still likely to be utilized roughly half the time – or even less – and should not have an impact on Chris Godwin or Mike Evans. Yes, tongues have been wagging since this press conference, but it is most likely just offseason hot air. Arians (with Brady's input) will put the players on the field in certain formations which give them the best chance to win.
Update August 21: We miss the in-depth training camp updates and preseason games. Fantasy players must now rely upon reading the tea leaves of respected beat reporters. One such is John Oesher. This week, he started that Tyler Eifert "has looked good early" in camp. Eifert has always been talented but suffered more than his share of injuries. He is healthy now and has a fresh start in Jacksonville. He was expected to split time with youngster, Josh Oliver, but the latter suffered a broken foot in last Monday's practice. Oliver was placed on injured reserve and his season is finished. Still just 23 years of age, Oliver is worth a stash in very deep leagues with an injured reserve designation.
August 8: Barely qualifying as "news", San Francisco signed tight end Jordan Reed to a one-year contract. Reed played for coach Kyle Shanahan in Washington. The coach's father, Mike, drafted Reed in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Throughout his career, Reed has missed almost half of his games with multiple concussions and other injuries. He adds play-making ability and another dimension to the offense.
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