Fantasy News

Andy Cohen of MiamiDolphins.com anticipates about 20 touches per game for Kenyan Drake “when things are working well for this offense.”

Cohen also said veteran Frank Gore would get the ball about 15 times per game when things are going well, but he didn’t mention rookie Kalen Ballage. Gore notably said that when he watched film of Drake last year, he said he saw why the Dolphins traded Jay Ajayi. Drake says he’s “very confident… very comfortable” in his third year in Adam Gase’s offense, noting that things are slowing down for him. Gase said earlier this offseason that Drake was ready to “bust out” for Miami this season, but the additions of Gore and Ballage put a damper on things a bit; however, the 2016 third-round pick is likely to lead the backfield in 2018, and near the 20 touches per game that Cohen says would be ideal if the offense is clicking would make him an obvious RB1. Things don’t always go according to plan, though, and it’s also possible Gore caps his upside if he takes goal-line carries. Overall, Drake is a fine selection in the early-mid rounds of fantasy drafts.

Via: MiamiDolphins.com 8/15/18 - 10:56 AM ET

Wayne Gallman has caught Pat Shurmur’s eye as a pass catcher.

Saquon Barkley is day-to-day with a hamstring injury, so it gave Gallman a few more reps in practice yesterday. Shurmur says the second-year back from Clemson is “gaining an appreciation for what he is as a runner, a pass catcher, and a blocker,” and that these extra reps have given him and the other younger guys the opportunity to improve and show the coaches what they can do. Gallman certainly has three-down ability, but he might not have many opportunities to make an impact behind Barkley and veteran Jonathan Stewart. Still, the Giants have one of the best and deepest running back groups in the NFL, and we think Gallman would do a great job if called into a big role.

Via: Giants.com 8/15/18 - 10:49 AM ET

Rashaad Penny is having finger surgery this morning, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Penny has a broken bone, and Rapoport says he’ll be out three-to-four weeks. This means the first-round rookie running back will be a close call for the season opener on September 9 versus the Broncos. With Penny out, Chris Carson is likely to dominate first-team reps and could run away with the starting job to start the season. Penny’s ADP is going to drop a bit in the coming weeks, while Carson’s ADP might make a big jump.

Via: Ian Rapoport 8/15/18 - 07:05 AM ET

Ben Roethlisberger is apparently in the concussion protocol.

Roethlisberger reportedly landed on his head while in the pocket in a peculiar situation during today’s practice. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says the Roethlisberger “sustained a hit” and is being evaluated by doctors “as part of the concussion protocol.” Tomlin announced earlier that Big Ben would not be playing in this week’s preseason game, so this doesn’t impact that; but hopefully Roethlisberger starts feeling better soon.

8/14/18 - 05:25 PM ET

The Colts have signed Tion Green.

A 2017 undrafted free agent out of Cincinnati, Green appeared in five games last season with the Lions, rushing 42 times for 165 yards (3.9 YPC) and two touchdowns. He will look to take advantage of Marlon Mack (hamstring) missing some time, but the 24-year-old could need another injury to stick around behind Nyheim Hines, Robert Turbin, and Jordan Wilkins into the regular season.

8/14/18 - 04:55 PM ET

Carson Wentz says it’ll be “close” whether he plays in Week 1.

Wentz is confirming what’s clearly the case: There is a real chance he might not be out there for the NFL’s opening game against the Falcons. Smartly, Wentz says it won’t be up to him or the coaches, but it’ll be a doctor’s decision, which is clearly the best course of action for himself and the franchise. Some have speculated that Wentz will not be 100% for most of this season because of the severity of his injury, and things are very much up in the air. Ideally, you’ll be drafting late enough that the timeline for Wentz becomes clearer, but be sure to have a backup plan (like Nick Foles) if you plan on drafting Wentz in the next couple of weeks.

8/14/18 - 02:22 PM ET

Ezekiel Elliott says he’s been studying Marshall Faulk’s game.

Zeke is preparing for an increased workload as a receiver this season, so he’s studying one of the best receiving backs in the history of the league. According to The Dallas Morning News, Elliott says being split out and used as a receiver more this year is “just an opportunity to elevate my game, an opportunity to show that I can do more.” With Dez Bryant and Jason Witten gone, it’s been pretty clear Elliott is going to have his role increase as a receiver in 2018. Elliott offers monster touchdown and yardage upside, and he should be a top-five selection in all fantasy drafts.

Via: The Dallas Morning News 8/14/18 - 12:20 PM ET