Fantasy News

Antonio Brown told the Raiders he won’t play football again unless he can wear his old helmet, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

This reads like something straight out of a parody account, but people should genuinely believe this with the way Brown has acted in the last year. Schefter says that Brown “believes the new helmet that the rules mandate he wears protrudes out and interferes with his vision as he tries to catch.” Between Brown’s feet and the helmet situation, this is pretty insane. AB’s adjustment to playing for the Raiders certainly doesn’t seem to be going smoothly, and it’s not lock he suits up in Week 1 this season. Those drafting early should clearly downgrade Brown while upgrading Tyrell Williams, who Raiders quarterback Derek Carr recently said could be a 100-catch, 1,000-yard guy if he was the featured receiver on offense. Again, hopefully you are holding your fantasy draft late in the summer, after the preseason and closer to the start of the regular season.

Via: Adam Schefter 8/9/19 - 04:30 PM ET

Keenan Allen is dealing with an ankle injury, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Schefter says the injury is “not considered serious,” so it sounds like this could be nothing to get too concerned about. Allen will likely miss the rest of the preseason in an effort to ensure he’s ready to go for Week 1, but we’ll track his status over the next several days. This could knock Allen’s ADP down slightly, especially for those in leagues that are drafting early.

Via: Adam Schefter 8/15/19 - 07:33 PM ET

Antonio Brown has reportedly caused multiple issues over the past few months due to new helmet rules, according to NFL Network.

Brown has apparently been staying away from Raiders camp because of the helmet issue (he isn’t allowed to wear the helmet he’s had for his entire career because of safety reasons) more than his feet injuries, and the superstar receiver has lashed out at his new team, including complaints about Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers being allowed to have the same helmet—which isn’t true. AB has also tried simply sneaking the helmet onto the practice field multiple times, and because the team—not the player—would be subject to punishment, it appears he may simply feel he is an exception that Oakland should take the appropriate fines for. We should get more details in the coming days/weeks, including on HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’, but this may be reason enough to knock Brown down a few spots in fantasy drafts.

Via: Mike Silver 8/9/19 - 04:03 PM ET

D.J. Chark is being evaluated for a concussion.

Chark just took a hit to the head while returning a kickoff, and he’s headed to the locker room. Don’t expect Chark to return to a preseason game, but hopefully he’s feeling better soon.

8/22/19 - 09:13 PM ET

Antonio Brown (feet) is close to practicing.

Brown is currently warming up a bit ahead of the Raiders’ preseason game tonight versus the Cardinals, and he’s apparently close to returning to the practice field. Expect AB to return to practice sometime late next week at the latest. With his helmet issue now in the past and his feet close to 100%, you don’t have to worry about Brown’s Week 1 status if you’re drafting early.

8/15/19 - 07:12 PM ET

Antonio Callaway is facing a four-game suspension, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Callaway violated the NFL’s substance abuse policy, and he’s appealing the ruling. It’ll almost certainly be difficult for Callaway to get his suspension overturned, so expect him to miss the first four games of the season. The second-year receiver has mostly not been running as a starter along with Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry this summer, and this pending suspension is likely a part of that. Callaway is talented, but there’s a reason he lasted until the fourth round of the 2018 draft—and even a selection that high was considered a bit of a surprise considering his off-field issues. Unless he somehow wins his appeal, confirmation of the suspension should come at some point before Week 1.

Via: Ian Rapoport 8/9/19 - 02:21 PM ET

Cam Newton (foot) is out for the rest of tonight’s preseason game.

Newton is headed to the locker room and has obviously been ruled out for the rest of tonight. Hopefully this injury isn’t too serious, but foot injuries can be tricky and lead to lengthy absences. More information should become available in the next 24 hours—if not tonight—on early thoughts on the extent of Newton’s injury.

8/22/19 - 08:14 PM ET