Fantasy News

The NFL has suspended Chris Herndon for the first four games of the regular season for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy.

A suspension was expected for the second-year tight end, but the Jets and Herndon investors were likely hoping for a two-game ban. Now, the 23-year-old will miss a decent chunk of the season (especially with the Jets having a Week 4 bye), and he’s gone from a potential TE1 option in fantasy drafts to someone that’s probably not worth rostering with the position looking fairly deep this year. Last season, Herndon caught 39 passes for 502 yards and four touchdowns. New York could look to fourth-rounder Trevon Wesco to step up, but the most likely fallout from this will be more early-season touches for Le’Veon Bell.

7/12/19 - 02:55 PM ET

Jimmy Garoppolo says Dante Pettis is “something else.”

The Niners franchise quarterback spoke to Sporting News and was asked about Pettis being a potential No. 1 receiver, and he talked about how Pettis’ style is different from most receivers with his “very long and gangly” body type. Garoppolo said it might not look like Pettis has the explosiveness and power to get out of breaks when running his routes, but he does. Jimmy G ended by saying that he’s thrilled about Pettis’ ability because it makes his job easier “for someone to win one-on-one opportunities like that. He’s a tremendous talent and keeps working, grinding to make big things happen.” Garoppolo was then asked about second-round pick Deebo Samuel coming in as a rookie, he wasn’t quite as effusive in his praise but said the rookie receiver will have a “great opportunity” in training camp. Right now, it looks like Pettis remains the early favorite to be San Francisco’s top receiver after a big December last season while averaging 17.3 yards per reception.

Via: Sporting News 7/12/19 - 10:51 AM ET

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson talks up team’s backfield.

Talking on NFL Network’s NFL Total Access, Pederson said that Howard was very productive in his first two seasons with the Bears but that things changed when head coach Matt Nagy took over in Chicago last year. Pederson then said, “I’ve always liked Jordan Howard and what he’s done in his young career. He’s one of the top running backs, when you look at some of the production numbers. He’s one of the top guys, he’s up there with some of those big-time running backs.” Pederson is happy with the “stability” Howard brings to the running back position for the Eagles, but he also added that they felt “real comfortable” with second-round running back Miles Sanders, too. The fact that Pederson called Howard “one of the top running backs” in terms of production indicates he’s the early leader to start for Philadelphia and could be more of a clear backfield leader than many are anticipating. Howard is third in the league in rushing since being drafted in 2016, and he’ll likely be the main goal-line option on what should be one of NFL’s best offenses this season.

Via: NFL.com 7/12/19 - 07:50 AM ET

Melvin Gordon reportedly might sit out into the regular season.

After a previous statement to ESPN about Gordon demanding a trade if he doesn’t get a contract extension, Gordon’s other agent Damarius Bilbo told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero that there’s a “strong possibility” Gordon could miss regular season time if he doesn’t have a new contract with the Chargers. Bilbo added that they do want to get something done before training camp and that “there’s a long way to go to Week 1.” Obviously, this isn’t what football fans want to hear, as Gordon is an exceptional player people would love to see on the field. Hopefully this is just posturing and Gordon ends up with a new contract soon, as a Le’Veon Bell situation probably wouldn’t be good for either side. For those holding early fantasy drafts, Gordon should probably be downgraded slightly—and things like this are why it’s probably best to wait and hold a late draft closer to the regular season if possible.

Via: Tom Pelissero 7/11/19 - 10:55 AM ET

Melvin Gordon has informed the Chargers he will demand a trade if he doesn’t receive a new contract, according to ESPN.

Gordon is set to become a free agent after the season, but unless he’s bluffing, it doesn’t sound like it will come to that, as the star running back has apparently said he won’t show up to training camp without a new deal. Last year, Gordon gutted it out down the stretch by playing on an injured knee, and he probably feels the franchise should reward him with an extension before the 2019 season. The 26-year-old has scored 38 total touchdowns over the past three years, and his 5.1 yards per carry last season was a career-high and among the best in the league. Hopefully things get resolved one way or another before most fantasy drafts take place late next month, but if nothing else, early drafters can probably push David Johnson and perhaps other options clearly ahead of Gordon for now. The Buccaneers and Bills could be among the teams potentially interested in Gordon if the Chargers decide to make him available for trade, but it’s more likely that LA signs Gordon long-term.

Via: Adam Schefter 7/11/19 - 09:54 AM ET

Jeremy Hill says he’s close to being cleared from his torn ACL.

Hill told Herbie Teope of The Advocate that he’s doing what he can to get back to full strength, adding, “I know there’s going to be a job waiting on me when I get cleared.” As for a timeline, Hill says he’s “pretty close” to getting cleared. The former Bengals and Patriots running back tore his ACL in Week 1 of last season with New England, and he played in just seven games in 2017 because of injury. Hill had 30 touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons, though, and he should receive plenty of interest around the league when he does get cleared. Ideally, Hill will be with a team early in training camp.

Via: The Advocate 7/11/19 - 09:19 AM ET

Chris Moore is expected to be a starter for the Ravens this season.

With Moore and Willie Snead IV being the only Baltimore receivers returning from last season, Ryan Mink of the team’s official site believes they will be two starters at wide receiver in 2019. Mink also adds that Moore will “get more passes thrown his way this year and has shown good chemistry with [Ravens starting quarterback Lamar Jackson] in offseason practices.” Both Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and owner Steve Bisciotti have said they believe Moore could break out this season with more opportunities, and it shouldn’t be counted out that he might ultimately provide the best fantasy value among Ravens receivers this year, though there’s a chance most of the fantasy value in Baltimore comes from the running game, with no starting-caliber fantasy receivers.

Via: BaltimoreRavens.com 7/11/19 - 08:37 AM ET