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. These are many of the major stories and not meant to be an exhaustive look at all of the recent happenings around the league.
Sunday morning, Adam Schefter reported that it would not be surprising if the Dallas Cowboys turn to Matt Cassel at the quarterback position, moving Brandon Weeden to the bench. Both passers are low-level NFL quarterbacks who look better on paper than in reality. Without Dez Bryant in the lineup, neither has a chance to be fantasy relevant in most leagues.
Seahawks tailback Marshawn Lynch missed Monday night's tilt with the Lions. In fact, he was ruled out on Sunday, revealing that Lynch was not close to playing. Coach Pete Carroll told reporters that a recent MRI revealed that Lynch has damage in his right hamstring. There is a chance that Lynch misses multiple games waiting for the hamstring to heal, but Lynch is a tough guy. He could be back Sunday to face the Bengals. The Monday Night Football broadcast crew reported that Lynch has a first degree hamstring strain.
This past weekend, Mike Garafolo reported that Bills running back LeSean McCoy could miss as many as three-to-four weeks as he recovers from the hamstring injury. The latest MRI showed a new tear in McCoy's hamstring. This extended absence could allow rookie Karlos Williams extra time to carve out a role.
A player to stash in dynasty leagues is running back Robert Turbin. Turbin was signed by Cleveland after getting waived with an injury settlement by Seattle a few weeks ago. When healthy, Turbin is a legitimate threat to start over the struggling Isaiah Crowell. Crowell has missed many holes and was called out by his coach last Saturday. Beat writer Mary Kay Cabot tweeted last Thursday, “#Browns RB Robert Turbin (ankle) saw limited action in individual drills for first time, Pett(ine) says he's still a couple of weeks away.” So, look to pick up Turbin this week in hopes of having a fantasy relevant player by Week 8. The Browns have a solid offensive line and will look to assert the running game as often as possible. The success of rookie Duke Johnson Jr should not impact Turbin's role in the offense.
Packers receiver Davante Adams was downgraded Saturday to “Doubtful”, which came as no surprise after the talented receiver was spotted with a boot on his foot Wednesday. Even though Adams has denied it, many in the media have reported the injury as a high ankle sprain. Whether it is, or not, we expect this injury to keep Adams out of action for multiple weeks.
There were some who were hopeful that Washington wide receiver DeSean Jackson would return soon, possibly Week 4. But, Britt McHenry tweeted late last week, “#Redskins source tells me DeSean Jackson is out Sunday and possibly longer. Said "not even close" #eagles.” So, it will be Pierre Garcon for the forseeable future. The offense is a mess with another injury listed below to tight end Jordan Reed.
The victory on Thursday night was costly for the Baltimore Ravens. In the win, the Ravens only viable receiver Steve Smith was injured. At first, it was reported as a back injury, then a rib injury. But, local Baltimore media member Chick Hernandez tweeted Saturday morning, “Per team source Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. has 4 broken bones in his back. They will put him in wait & see mode (day 2 day).” The differing thoughts came together. On Saturday, Chris Mortensen reported that the injury would not require surgery and that Smith "will play sooner than later." Many in the media are linking Smith's chances of playing this coming week with “pain tolerance.” Four broken ribs is a lot of pain to play through so soon. On Sunday, Baltimore ruled the ageless receiver out for the following week. This means the pain must have been excruciating for Smith not to be close to playing. He may return Week 6.
It was disappointing to read last Wednesday that Giants receiver Victor Cruz suffered a setback on his calf injury during the day's practice. Coach Coughlin told reporters, "Victor came out and tried to do individuals … He felt the calf again and that's all he did." The coach followed that statement by saying there was no timetable for Cruz to return. The NY Daily News reported that Cruz "may not be back on the field for awhile." Ouch! Then, later in the week, it was reported that Cruz received Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc on Twitter) tweeted more about the PRP procedure. Chao said, “PRP is where blood is drawn and spun down. The platelet rich & growth factor component concentrated & immediately re-injected into injury ... #VictorCruz recent PRP injection in calf puts Week 5 & more in jeopardy. Typically takes 2-6 weeks to work.” This explains why the Daily News expected Cruz to be out awhile. We could be looking at mid-November before Cruz gets close to returning to the field.
We were excited to see how rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman would produce as a rookie. He is as physically gifted as any of the rookie pass catchers. Last week, we wrote about Perriman re-injuring his PCL before last Sunday's game. Well, he had surgery by Dr. James Andrews this past week. There were seemingly conflicting reports on the surgery. First, coach John Harbaugh called the surgery an "injection with stem cells." Then, Ian Rapoport reported Perriman underwent an arthroscopic procedure. Yes, both could be correct. But, the takeaway is that it might be Thanksgiving – or later – before Perriman makes his professional debut. We like his talent and advise trying to acquire on the cheap as the injury drags on.
Early on Saturday morning, wide receiver Chris Givens was traded from the St. Louis Rams to the Baltimore Ravens for a conditional 7th round draft pick in 2017. Givens possesses legitimate speed to take the top off defenses. This is one area hindering the Ravens offense this season. After a couple of seasons with little use, we all too soon forget Givens' string of five consecutive games with plays over 50 yards as a rookie in 2012. He still is only 25 years of age. In addition, the injuries to Smith and Perriman above should allow Givens to make an impact sooner versus later. This was a great addition for Baltimore.
Last Tuesday, Jacksonville tight end Julius Thomas visited a hand specialist, but was not cleared to return to full action. Thomas told reporters that he was not given a timetable for his medical release. Many of the Jaguars beat writers expect Thomas to debut Week 6, but we need to see him cleared before making any assumptions.
We are rooting for Washington tight end Jordan Reed to return to action as soon as possible. He was forced from Sunday's game against Philadelphia with a concussion, his third as a professional, after taking a knee to the helmet late in the game. The young tight end was playing very well this season after enduring injuries the past two seasons. On Monday, Ian Rapoport tweeted, “#Redskins coach Jay Gruden says TE Jordan Reed has a sprained MCL, a sprained ankle & in the concussion protocol (otherwise, doing OK tho!).” Coach Gruden went on to say that the team has no timetable for Reed's return to action. Fantasy owners are encouraged to pick up Derek Carrier as soon as possible. Carrier was acquired via trade after Washington lost Niles Paul. He could be a solid TE1 candidate while filling in for Reed.
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