Fantasy News

Joe Theismann says Alex Smith “will not play this year.”

The former Redskins quarterback, who is still close with the franchise, appeared on Ian Rapoport’s RapSheet + Friends podcast and said that Smith came “very, very close ” to losing his leg after last season’s injury and that he will not play in 2019. This isn’t a surprise, but after Smith came close to losing his leg, it’s just good that he still has it and even has a chance to eventually play football again. There was some distant optimism that Smith might be able to potentially play toward the very end of this season, but it sounds like that won’t happen. Perhaps Smith can get on the practice field and/or run around a little bit by the end of the year, though. We’re certainly pulling for him to make a full recovery, as should everyone.

Via: Ian Rapoport 7/17/19 - 12:19 PM ET

The Broncos are signing Nick Williams, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Williams gives Denver more depth in training camp, and he’ll have a shot to make the backend of the roster as a reserve receiver. Also, Williams will be a good presence for the other Broncos receivers, as he was previously in Atlanta with Denver offensive coordinator Rich Scangerello and knows his offense.

Via: Mike Garafolo 7/26/19 - 10:14 AM ET

Falcons coaches talk up tight end Austin Hooper.

Longtime NFL coach Mike Mularkey (a three-time head coach) is now coaching Atlanta’s tight ends, and he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Hooper “is a threat in this offense,” while head coach Dan Quinn says Hooper is “ready to go to another level.” Quinn is a very positive coach, so it’s not surprising to hear him say good things about one of his players, but this is still great to hear heading into Hooper’s fourth NFL training camp. Last season, Hooper caught 71 of his 88 targets, so Matt Ryan and the Falcons are likely confident that he can do more with more opportunities. After setting career-highs across the board last season with 71 receptions for 660 yards and four touchdowns, Hooper probably has the upside to be a top-five fantasy tight end to go along with one of the better floors at the position. Hooper’s fantasy upside is unlikely to get into the Kelce-Kittle-Ertz range with so many weapons in Atlanta, but he could be a big factor for the Falcons in real life like those guys are for their teams.

Via: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 7/17/19 - 09:52 AM ET

The Raiders placed Antonio Brown on the non-football injury list.

It’s unclear what Brown is dealing with, but it should be a short stay for him on the NFI list. The Raiders want Brown out there as an example to the entire roster on how to work during practice, as that’s one reason they felt comfortable acquiring him from the Steelers. If this lingers for more than a few days, we should get an inside look at AB’s status from HBO’s Hard Knocks.

Via: Field Yates 7/26/19 - 04:26 PM ET

The Bills are expected to vary their offensive tempo more in 2019.

Bills insider Chris Brown of the team’s official website writes: “Buffalo’s offensive coordinator (Brian Daboll), along with [quarterback Josh Allen], worked extensively on running the offense with shorter play calls or sounds in the spring so they can execute plays in rapid succession.” The Bills wanted to run more tempo last season, but it was tough while Allen dealt with an elbow injury in middle of the season; however, heading into Allen’s second NFL season, Buffalo will switch up their tempo to keep defenses off-guard more in 2019. During offseason training, Daboll sometimes gave his quarterback the freedom to just call plays on his own in the huddle, and there were also shorter play calls that help Allen get words out quicker so the offense can get lined up more efficiently. After the promise Allen showed last season and all the pieces the Bills added in the offseason, there should be a lot of upside—both real life and fantasy—this season.

Via: BuffaloBills.com 7/17/19 - 07:50 AM ET

Allen Hurns is signing with the Dolphins, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

It’s reportedly a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. Right now, DeVante Parker, Kenny Stills, and Albert Wilson look like Miami’s three starting receivers, but Hurns might be able to carve out a nice role. At the very least, he’ll provide excellent depth at receiver for the Dolphins. Hurns went to college at the University of Miami, and his hometown is Miami, so it’s pretty cool that he’ll be returning home to play this season. For fantasy purposes, Hurns doesn’t look like an option unless he emerges as a clear starter this preseason.

Via: Adam Schefter 7/26/19 - 08:22 AM ET

The NFL has suspended Roc Thomas for three games.

The Vikings running back violated the league’s policy on substance abuse and is getting a three-game ban. This hurts Thomas’ case as he looks to make the 53-man roster in Minnesota, especially with the addition of third-round pick Alexander Mattison during this year’s draft. Thomas does not need to be rostered in dynasty leagues at the moment.

7/16/19 - 04:05 PM ET