Fantasy News

The Patriots signed Kenjon Barner.

Barner, who was signed and then released by New England earlier this month, will help pick up the slack after Rex Burkhead (neck) was placed on injured reserve. Like Burkhead, Barner can contribute on both offense and special teams, but he’s a different style of offensive player. Barner is probably more comfortable as a receiver than a potential 15+ carry back like Burkhead was, and Barner is also more likely to contribute as a punt returner. Barner is not a recommended fantasy option at the moment, but he’s someone to keep an eye on.

9/26/18 - 12:30 PM ET

Doug Pederson says Jordan Matthews’ role will increase.

Pederson is speaking on a conference call with members of the Tennessee media covering the Titans, and he was asked about Matthews, who starred at Vanderbilt. Pederson talked about how Matthews is comfortable in his offensive system and with both quarterbacks, adding that he’s being worked in and “his role will increase.” It sounds like Matthews is eventually going to work his way into the clear No. 3 receiver role behind Alshon Jeffery and Nelson Agholor, and most of his time is likely to come in the slot, where he played with Philadelphia during his firs three seasons in the NFL. Matthews is not a highly-recommended fantasy pickup.

Via: Jim Wyatt 9/26/18 - 12:25 PM ET

The Patriots are placing Rex Burkhead (neck) on injured reserve, according to Jim McBride of the Boston Globe.

New England has dealt with a lot of injuries this season, and Burkhead is a huge blow as someone that does everything the Patriots ask of him—whether it’s as a runner, as a receiver, or on special teams. It’s unclear when Burkhead was injured in the Sunday night loss to the Lions, and the extent of the injury is also unclear, but he’ll now miss at least eight weeks. Hopefully the injury isn’t serious enough that Burkhead is unable to return this season, and he probably has a good chance to be one of New England’s designated-to-return players if the injury isn’t a long-term thing. However, Burkhead does not need to be held in fantasy leagues if you need a roster spot. It already appeared to be the case after the last two games, but talented first-round rookie Sony Michel is locked in as the clear early-down runner for the Patriots. This doesn’t affect James White too much, as he’ll keep his usual trusted passing back role.

Via: Jim McBride 9/26/18 - 12:01 PM ET

LeSean McCoy (rib) will be limited in today’s practice.

McCoy was limited last week before not playing on Sunday against the Vikings. We’ll see if he makes any progress to a full participant by Friday, but consider him 50/50 for Week 4 for now. Chris Ivory would draw another start if McCoy misses a second straight game.

9/26/18 - 11:37 AM ET

Evan Engram is expected to miss two-to-four weeks with his MCL sprain.

This is according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who says “it sounds like a moderate sprain” for the second-year tight end. Engram should be held on fantasy rosters as a TE1 option when he returns in a few weeks. Rhett Ellison will fill in as the Giants’ starter while Engram is out, and he’ll have some streaming appeal in good matchups.

Via: Ian Rapoport 9/26/18 - 11:17 AM ET

Alshon Jeffery (shoulder) has been cleared for contact.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson just made the announcement, but he said he’s not sure if Jeffery will play on Sunday. However, after Jeffery was limited in practice for a few weeks and was presumably able to get acclimated to running around and catching passes, we expect he’ll be ready to go against the Titans. If Jeffery is somehow available in your league, he’s worth an immediate pickup. Expectations should probably be tempered in a spread-the-wealth passing attack, though, especially in his first game back. Jeffery will have a difficult matchup against the cornerback trio of the Titans if he does play in Week 4.

9/26/18 - 10:34 AM ET

Dalvin Cook (hamstring) was limited in Tuesday’s practice.

Cook missed last week’s game against the Bills with the injury, and he is once again looking questionable on a short week. Fantasy owners need a backup plan in case Cook sits again, but it obviously helps that he plays on Thursday night since there’s plenty of time to find a replacement. We currently have Minnesota’s starter ranked as more of a midrange RB2 against the Rams.

9/25/18 - 07:00 PM ET