Fantasy News

Rob Gronkowski (ankle) is listed as questionable for Week 7.

It’s been like this for a few weeks now, with Gronk being listed as questionable before playing in games. It would be a major surprise if he’s not active on Sunday, but check back for his status at 11:30 AM ET ahead of the game against Chicago.

10/19/18 - 03:58 PM ET

Russell Shepard (neck) remains limited in practice.

Expect Shepard to remain limited tomorrow, but we’ll see how he’s listed when the official injury report for the game is released.

10/19/18 - 03:54 PM ET

Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks says the team wants to get David Johnson more involved on offense.

Following the firing of offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, Wilks said today “you definitely want to try to get David Johnson going in the run game and the pass game. With [new offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich] understanding some of the success he’s had in the past, hopefully we can tap back on that.” This is exactly what fantasy owners of Johnson want to hear, as he was used up the middle on predictable runs far too often in his first even games this season. DJ might not be the force he was back in 2016 this season, but his outlook is much more positive than it was just 24 hours ago. Johnson is a recommended trade target as someone that might get back to 20-25 touches per game moving forward.

Via: Ian Rapoport 10/19/18 - 03:53 PM ET

Nick Chubb is Cleveland’s new starting running back following the trade of Carlos Hyde.

This is exactly what fantasy owners holding onto the second-round pick were hoping for, as the talented runner has averaged 10.8 yards per carry this season, but he’s received just 16 touches behind Hyde. Now, talk of getting the rookie more involved will need to come to fruition, and he’s immediately a fringe RB1/RB2 option behind a strong offensive line on an emerging offense. Duke Johnson will handle most of the receiving work out of the backfield, but Chubb is also an underrated receiver that obviously needs to be owned in all fantasy leagues as a potential league-winner down the stretch. Don’t hesitate to get the Georgia product in lineups this week against a banged-up Tampa Bay defense.

10/19/18 - 03:32 PM ET

The Jaguars are acquiring running back Carlos Hyde from the Browns, according to ESPN.

This is a shocker, and it indicates the Jaguars are not happy with star running back Leonard Fournette’s recovery from his hamstring injury. Fournette owners should probably be worried that their first- or second-round pick might not be back to his usual self this season. But for now, Carlos Hyde’s fantasy value gets an increase in the short-term (aside from this week, as he might not play) in an offense that might hand him the ball 20 times per game. Hyde was set to be phased out in Cleveland at some point, as second-round rookie Nick Chubb looks like a future star. If Chubb is available in your league, pick him up immediately—the Georgia product might be an RB1 for the rest of the season, but he should be a decent RB2 at the worst.

Via: Adam Schefter 10/19/18 - 03:24 PM ET

Theo Riddick (knee) has been ruled out for Week 7.

Riddick didn’t practice all week because of his knee injury, and he should be considered week-to-week for now. This could mean Ameer Abdullah, who had been phased out of Detroit’s offense, could get some time on third downs against the Dolphins. Rookie Kerryon Johnson might also take on a bigger workload for the Lions given his all-around skillset.

10/19/18 - 03:14 PM ET

Marshawn Lynch (groin) is out at least one month, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport says injured reserve is a “strong possibility” for the veteran running back. Raiders head coach Jon Gruden said the team was concerned about Lynch’s groin injury, and the MRI apparently confirmed it’s a pretty bad injury. Oakland is on a bye this week, but Doug Martin will be the leading ball-carrier during Lynch’s absence. Martin hasn’t had many opportunities this season (27 carries), but he’s a highly-recommended fantasy pickup and should be added in all leagues. Gruden and the team were high on Martin during the summer. Lynch should probably be held in fantasy leagues if possible, but you can drop him if you need room on your roster.

Via: Ian Rapoport 10/19/18 - 03:03 PM ET