Fantasy News

Jon Gruden says Martavis Bryant must step up.

Gruden says Bryant has “got to get out here and play better. He’s in a competitive situation… Nothing is going to be given to anybody.” Gruden went on to add that it doesn’t matter how the players got on the team, and that “the best players are going to play.” In case you didn’t know, Gruden is going to tell it how it is and will not hold anything back—that’s the case here with Bryant. After missing some practices and showing inconsistency throughout the start of training camp, Bryant needs to get out on the field and play well if he’s going to be the clear number three receiver for Oakland this season. Gruden did say that he’s confident that Bryant will become more consistent, but the talented receiver is going to have to show it. Bryant is not locked into a starting role for the Raiders.

Via: Michael Gehlken 8/4/18 - 08:37 PM ET

Sony Michel will miss at least ten days after a knee procedure.

This is according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, who says Michel had a procedure to drain his knee. The Patriots have a lot of options in the backfield, so the missed time might be difficult for the rookie to make up. However, New England obviously selected Michel in the first round because they really like him, so he certainly shouldn’t be counted out for a big role yet. Assuming Michel is able to get back as soon as expected, it’ll be interesting to see how the backfield rotation looks in the third (and potentially second) preseason game.

Via: Mike Reiss 8/4/18 - 04:21 PM ET

Kenny Britt (hamstring) is off the PUP list.

Britt hasn’t immediately become a full participant in practice, as he’s working his way back. New England’s receiver corps is among the most crowded position groups in the NFL, so Britt might need to get back to 100% soon if he’s going to carve out a solid role catching passes from Tom Brady.

Via: Patriots.com 8/4/18 - 03:53 PM ET

Colts owner Jim Irsay says he can see Marlon Mack rushing for 1,500 yards.

Irsay recently spoke extensively, and according to The Indianapolis Star, he singled out Mack: “I think Mack has a chance to be a special guy this year. Depends on how many times you want to feed him the ball, 16-20 touches on the ground and I could see him approaching 1,500 yards.” All indications have been that the Colts will go with a committee backfield, but 16-20 carries per game for Mack would put up him at 256-320 carries on the season, which would put him among the league leaders. Irsay probably doesn’t have any impact on the decisions of the coaches, but this is still interesting nonetheless. We’ll keep a close watch on the backfield rotation throughout the preseason.

Via: Indy Star 8/4/18 - 12:21 PM ET

Dalvin Cook is expected to participate in the preseason.

It might even be Week 1 of the preseason this upcoming week versus the Broncos that Cook participates in. This is just further evidence that Cook’s ACL tear from last October is of little-to-no concern heading into 2018. It’ll be interesting to see if the preseason gives some insight on how Cook and Latavius Murray will be used this season.

Via: Vikings.com 8/4/18 - 09:25 AM ET

Dr. David Chao casts doubt on Carson Wentz’s Week 1 status.

Wentz hasn’t participated in 11-on-11 team drills in the last five practices, which has caused some people to be concerned. Dr. Chao, also known as ProFootballDoc, says that although he hasn’t examined or treated Wentz, “there is no way that Wentz can be 100% for Week One,” adding that “it is just physiologically impossible” for him to be at 100% until “much later this season – or beyond.” While Dr. Chao is an expert, it’s just the opinion of one person; Wentz could just be a freak athlete that’s able to do things that are seemingly impossible. Chao maintains that Wentz won’t be the same electric dual-threat player if he does start Week 1, which is worth noting as you consider him in fantasy drafts. We expect Wentz will do everything he can to play against the Falcons in under five weeks, but it’s no lock yet.

Via: The San Diego Union Tribune 8/3/18 - 07:24 PM ET

Courtland Sutton has been the “talk of camp” in Denver.

NFL Network’s James Palmer said of the rookie second-round receiver: “He’s the third receiver. It’s not even a competition. Everybody on this team knows it.” Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are both reportedly energized by the team drafting Sutton and fellow rookie receiver DaeSean Hamilton this year, so the receiving group is looking good at this point in the summer. Despite the optimism around Sutton, who could be a major factor for the Broncos this year, Hamilton shouldn’t be counted out having a big role. It’s still early and preseason games haven’t even been played.

Via: NFL.com 8/3/18 - 01:06 PM ET