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.
Ian Rapoport tweeted an update on Seattle tailback Chris Carson, “Source: #Seahawks RB Chris Carson, who left the game early, had his MRI and it showed that he did have a mid-foot sprain. He’s week-to-week, an indication he’ll miss some time.” Jeremy Fowler followed up with, “Source said Chris Carson expecting to be back sooner than later on that midfoot sprain, could miss some time but hoping to bridge gap. He's known as a warrior and hasn't missed a game through this year's injuries.” We expect Carson to miss a couple of weeks, leaving Carlos Hyde and DeeJay Dallas to share snaps. Dallas will see an uptick in touches with Travis Homer also getting nicked up.
During his Wednesday press conference, Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn gave an update on injured tailback Austin Ekeler. Jeff Miller tweeted the quote, “#Chargers coach Anthony Lynn on RB Austin Ekeler returning from his hamstring strain: ‘It will be later than sooner with Austin. He had a very serious injury there with his hamstring. We want to make sure that he’s right before he comes back.’” We are likely three or four weeks away from Ekeler returning to the field. The Chargers miss him as Jackson and Kelley are not in the same hemisphere as the starter when it comes to play-making ability.
Rapoport also tweeted an update on Cardinals tailback Kenyan Drake, “Source: #AZCardinals RB Kenyan Drake suffered a high-ankle sprain and he’s expected to miss a few weeks. This makes him a candidate for Injured Reserve, but he’ll return with plenty of time in the season.” This may open the door for Chase Edmonds to finally see a full workload. Also, keep an eye on Eno Benjamin who many in the scouting community like.
When Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon was ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Browns a few days ahead of the contest, it sent a strong signal that the foot injury is more severe than previously reported. Mixon tried to play through the injury in Week 6 but was unproductive. Sunday morning, Rapoport called the injury “week-to-week” so his absence could be extended. This is an injury to monitor as the Bengals offense needs Mixon’s presence on the ground. Gio Bernard should continue his role as the lead back and get ample targets for low-end RB1 upside.
Adam Schefter was the first to report about the status of Jaguars running back Ryquell Armstead. He was placed on the covid list in September and soon forgotten. Well, Armstead has endured a rough journey. He has been hospitalized twice due to complications and hopes to return to full strength next year. If a young athlete can suffer such negative side effects, we should all take note.
The Browns had a rollercoaster of a game against their in-state rival Bengals. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was 0-for-5 and an interception. On the interception, Odell Beckham was hurt trying to make the tackle. He was noticeably upset and quickly escorted to the locker room. Early on, it was feared Beckham tore his ACL and it was confirmed Monday morning via an MRI. Mayfield went on to complete 22 of his remaining 23 passes for 297 yards and 5 touchdowns. For Beckham, his season ends with 319 yards and 4 total touchdowns on 23 catches. Mike Garafolo reported over the weekend that $12.971 million of Beckham's 2021 $15.75 salary "is guaranteed for injury and converts to a full guarantee if he’s on the roster the third day of the league year." So, unless traded, he is guaranteed to be in Cleveland next season. Expect Rashad Higgins and Donovan Peoples-Jones to see more targets in Beckham’s absence.
Last Wednesday, Schefter got the talking heads talking about Antonio Brown when he tweeted, “With Antonio Brown’s suspension eligible to end after week 8, the Seattle Seahawks are now positioned to make a push to sign him, though they’re not alone, league sources tell ESPN. Other teams also are interested.” Then, Mark Maske piled on with, “Antonio Brown is eligible to be signed and play once his eight-game suspension ends, source says. The NFL's investigation into sexual assault allegations against Brown remains open but no conclusions have been reached at this point, source says.” Maske added “Antonio Brown could face further discipline by the NFL if its ongoing investigation into sexual assault allegations against him yields credible evidence he violated the personal conduct policy, source says. But no conclusions have been reached to this point in that investigation.” So, Brown was free to sign but he could be subject to further suspension once his eight-game absence was complete. Garafolo was the first to report where Brown signed, “One-year deal slightly above the minimum for Antonio Brown with the #Buccaneers but he'll have the chance to earn more via individual and team incentives.” As for the contract structure, ace beat reporter Rick Stroud added great context, “On Antonio Brown’s contract, understand there is NO guaranteed money. The three $250k performance incentives for receptions, yards, and TDs is only paid if the #Bucs reach the playoffs. $750k base salary and $250k per-game roster bonus. Pay as you play. Insurance is a good word.” So, it is all upside for both parties. We all-to-soon forget how productive Brown has been. The Twitter account called ESPN Stats & Info had a great stat, “Since entering the league in 2010, here are Antonio Brown's career ranks: 2nd in receptions (841), 2nd in rec yds (11,263), & 3rd in rec TD (75).” On likely his final chance for a comeback, we are interested to see how Brown interacts with coach Arians and his teammates. His unceremonious exits from Pittsburgh, Oakland, and New England offer pause, but Tom Brady’s willingness to reunite offers a sliver of hope. The Buccaneers are pushing the chips to the middle of the table and going “all in” to leverage Brady’s last season or two. If nothing else, this soap opera should be entertaining.
As the rookie receiver class has excelled, many have forgotten about Jalen Reagor. He was activated from injured reserve Monday and could play very soon. When diagnosed with the thumb injury, he was given a 6-8-week timetable. With the emergence of Travis Fulgham, the Eagles have a solid young duo for the future. We expect Alshon Jeffery and DeSean Jackson to be playing elsewhere in 2021.
While fielding a punt late in the fourth quarter of Thursday night’s victory, DeSean Jackson was bent back over in what looked like a possible serious injury. Jackson was seen in obvious pain. The next morning, Schefter tweeted, “Eagles believe WR DeSean Jackson suffered a high ankle sprain last night but he is undergoing an MRI today to see if he might need surgery, per source.” This was followed up by Ian Rapoport saying Jackson left the stadium in a boot. Later Friday morning, an MRI confirmed this diagnosis. Jackson was placed on injured reserve later that day. Mike Garafolo tweeted, “From @gmfb: #Eagles WR DeSean Jackson has a similar injury to TE Dallas Goedert -- a non-displaced fracture in his ankle -- and is out 6-8 weeks. Jackson is frustrated but highly motivated to get back this year. His fantasy season is over. This was sad to see for a player in his first game action after coming back from injury.
Last week, the Philadelphia Eagles placed tight end Zach Ertz on injured reserve as he recovers from an ankle injury. Garafolo called the injury a high-ankle sprain and gave a 4-6-week timetable. This would put Ertz's return date sometime around Thanksgiving. Dallas Goedert should be back a few weeks prior. Outside of the final drive, the Philadelphia offense looked lost Thursday against New York.
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