Fantasy News

D’Andre Swift (groin) will be ready for Week 1.

Swift’s status has been a bit cloudy, but fantasy owners should be able to rest easy knowing he will play in the opener. Still, we’d expect a more even split than expected between Swift and veteran Jamaal Williams, so both might be best viewed as FLEX options against a tough San Francisco defense. Give the second-year runner a boost in full PPR leagues.

9/7/21 - 09:43 AM ET

The Ravens are signing Mark Andrews to a four-year extension.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says it’s a $56 million extension, which at $14 million per year makes Andrews the highest-paid tight end in the league annually. Andrews is former league MVP Lamar Jackson’s most-trusted target on offense, and he’ll obviously now remain a key part of Baltimore’s attack for the next handful of years. Clearly, this salary indicates the Ravens expect major production from Andrews.

Via: Ian Rapoport 9/6/21 - 07:47 PM ET

Justice Hill tore his Achilles.

This explains the Ravens working out veteran running backs Le’Veon Bell and Devonta Freeman. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Hill tore his Achilles at practice recently. Now the Ravens are down both he and J.K. Dobbins, with Gus Edwards and Ty’Son Williams both potentially set to get strong workloads including as receivers this season. We’ll see who else Baltimore adds at running back in the coming days. Hill should be ready for the start of next season, when he’s set to be in a contract year.

Via: Ian Rapoport 9/6/21 - 05:06 PM ET

The Jaguars are signing Duke Johnson Jr. to the practice squad.

With the Jaguars losing first-round rookie Travis Etienne to a season-ending foot injury during the preseason, this is an interesting landing spot for Johnson. We’d think the veteran running back will likely work his way up to the active roster at some point this season.

9/6/21 - 04:52 PM ET

Saquon Barkley (knee) “gearing up” to play in Week 1.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says Barkley is close to getting fully cleared from last year’s ACL tear and surgery. While the Giants and Barkley have taken things slowly with a smart and cautious approach, the expectation has been that he would be ready for the season opener. Barkley isn’t fully cleared yet, but he’s expected to get clearance by the end of the week.

Via: Ian Rapoport 9/6/21 - 07:11 AM ET

Jamison Crowder tested positive for COVID-19.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report that the belief is that this is an “isolated” case, but it’s obviously concerning either way with just a little over a week to go before the season opener. Crowder is now looking shaky for Week 1, and hopefully he’s feeling better soon. If he’s vaccinated, the NFL’s rules would allow him to return sooner than he otherwise would be able to.

Via: Tom Pelissero 9/3/21 - 01:06 PM ET

The Raiders are signing Peyton Barber.

Barber had re-signed with Washington on the practice squad, but Vegas is brining him on the active roster. Barber will provide reliable depth behind Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake in the Raiders backfield.

Via: Ben Standig 9/3/21 - 11:23 AM ET