Fantasy News

Vance McDonald (foot) is “close” to returning to practice on a partial basis.

The Steelers tight end says he’s hoping to lay in the season opener on September 9 against the Browns, but that it’ll be up to the team. It sounds like McDonald needs to get cleared before he can return to the field. If he could start practicing by sometime next week, it’d be a good sign for his Week 1 status. McDonald offers some upside as a tight end option at the end of fantasy drafts, but missing the entire summer is not ideal.

Via: Jeremy Fowler 8/23/18 - 05:08 PM ET

While Josh Gordon has returned to the Browns, he is ineligible to practice, according to Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero says it’s due to the jointly negotiated substance abuse program, and per NFL PR man Brian McCarthy, Gordon “can attend meetings, do conditioning. Can go to practice but not participate. No timetable on next step.” So, Cleveland’s superstar talent still isn’t 100% in the clear for Week 1, it would seem, and even if he is eventually cleared, he will miss more valuable time. And as always, fantasy owners need to keep Gordon’s history in mind when drafting in a couple weeks.

Via: Tom Pelissero 8/18/18 - 01:03 PM ET

Marlon Mack (hamstring) is “no slam dunk” to be ready for Week 1.

Colts head coach Frank Reich says next week will be important for the second-year back as he looks to get ready for the season opener, but it sounds up in the air at this point. Ideally, you’ll be holding your fantasy draft late so there is more clarity on the situation of Mack and other players not currently at 100%. It’ll be interesting to see which backs work with the first team in this week’s third preseason game, as Christine Michael drew the start in the team’s second preseason game against Baltimore.

Via: Zak Keefer 8/23/18 - 04:15 PM ET

Jamaal Williams is “fine” after last night’s ankle injury.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero says it’s a minor ankle sprain for the second-year back. Williams might be ready to go for the team’s important third preseason next week versus Oakland. He mostly split work with Ty Montgomery before leaving last night’s game.

Via: Tom Pelissero 8/17/18 - 01:28 PM ET

Todd Gurley will not play in the Rams’ third preseason game.

Gurley did not play at all this preseason, and he won’t. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year will get plenty of work during the regular season, and he should be a top-five selection in all fantasy drafts.

8/23/18 - 04:09 PM ET

Carson Wentz has been cleared to resume 11-on-11 work, according to Chris Mortensen.

Wentz hasn’t participated in 11-on-11 drills all month after doing so previously, so this is obviously positive news and a step in the right direction for Philly’s franchise quarterback getting cleared for the opener. Still, we have no indication one way or the other, and fantasy owners might not know Wentz’s Week 1 status until after drafts have been held. Nick Foles (shoulder) is expected to be fine, but hopefully his injury isn’t rushing the starter back too soon.

Via: Chris Mortensen 8/18/18 - 12:31 PM ET

The Buccaneers have placed Charles Sims on injured reserve.

Sims was unfortunately injured on the opening kickoff of last week’s preseason game versus the Titans. The fifth-year back’s season is now over, and starter Peyton Barber could be in line for more work on third downs. We wish Sims luck in his recovery from this knee injury as he hits free agency in 2019.

8/23/18 - 04:00 PM ET