Fantasy News

Steve Sarkisian says he’s more comfortable heading into Year 2 as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator.

Like players, coaches certainly get more comfortable with a year under their belt with a team in most cases. Remember, last year Sarkisian didn’t just implement his own offense; instead, basically had to learn the offense most of the players already knew. Sarkisian says the difference between this year and last year is “night and day” for him, and added: “Now I can make some of the tweaks that I feel like are needed for this offense to continue to grow.” Atlanta’s offense was still good last season, but they scored 187 less points than their outstanding 2016 season in which they led the league in scoring and Matt Ryan won MVP. With Sarkisian more comfortable heading into this season, look for the Falcons to be more aggressive on offense and put the ball in the end zone more. Many have been quick to forget how great the Falcons were offensively just a couple of seasons ago, and all skill position players on offense could see a bump in production in 2018.

Via: AtlantaFalcons.com 6/7/18 - 08:11 AM ET

Jay Gruden says Chris Thompson has made “unbelievable progress.”

Thompson fractured his fibula last November, and he hasn’t been 100% for offseason training. It sounds like the Redskins don’t want to push things too much with Thompson. Gruden says Thompson “will be available eventually. That’s the plan,” while adding the team is not concerned about his status. As we’ve seen in the past, fractured legs can be difficult to come back from at full strength, but it would be a great sign if Thompson is full-go for training camp.

Via: Redskins.com 6/7/18 - 07:58 AM ET

The Lions fear fullback Nick Bawden tore his ACL, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Pelissero says Bawden suffered an injury during a special teams drill today. It’s a really tough break for the seventh-round pick in his first NFL season. Hopefully we get some good news and the injury isn’t as serious as is believed, but Bawden might be out for the entire 2018 season. We will update you as more information becomes available.

Via: Tom Pelissero 6/6/18 - 04:56 PM ET

Jakeem Grant says teammate DeVante Parker wants to prove people wrong in 2018.

The coaches have slowed their praise for Parker this offseason after they spoke glowingly of him leading up to last season, as they said this year’s plan is to just take it one day at a time. But that doesn’t mean his teammates won’t hype up the former first-round pick. Grant says Parker is a “complete beast” that’s going to have a “great” year, and he said Parker “definitely wants to go out there and prove to people he’s definitely better” than what most people might think (he probably means how Parker isn’t typically brought up on lists of the league’s best receivers, with some even calling him a bust). The word is Parker has showed a very strong work ethic this offseason, and Grant’s words back up that Parker is committed to proving the doubters wrong this season. Entering his fourth season, Parker has WR1 potential in fantasy leagues.

Via: Armando Salguero 6/6/18 - 01:46 PM ET

Jakeem Grant says he’s more committed this season.

Grant spoke to the media after today’s practice sessions and admitted that the team signing former Chiefs receiver Albert Wilson “added fuel to my fire.” Grant also added that he “didn’t have it all down” in previous years but has his head in the playbook this year. It sounds like the electric receiver is as committed and motivated as ever heading into 2018. However, after the signings of Wilson and Danny Amendola, Grant might struggle to carve out a sizable role in Miami’s offense—even after they traded Jarvis Landry to the Browns. The Dolphins receiving group will be one to keep an eye on this summer.

Via: Armando Salguero 6/6/18 - 01:42 PM ET

Tarik Cohen says he’s learning “every position” in Matt Nagy’s offense.

Cohen appeared on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football and said the team’s new offense is like “backyard football” because it lines guys up all over the place. The second-year running back says you might see him in the backfield, in the slot, and even at outside receiver this season. He did note that every player is learning every position in the offense and that you might see a tight end (likely new acquisition Trey Burton) line up in the backfield, for example—which the Chiefs did last season with Travis Kelce—, but we expect Cohen in particular to move around the offense a lot in 2018. Remember, Cohen was compared to Tyreek Hill, who had a huge second NFL season last season with Nagy as his offensive coordinator. The Bears might try to get Cohen the ball enough that he comes a huge fantasy factor this season.

Via: Good Morning Football 6/6/18 - 07:28 AM ET

Terrelle Pryor had a “minor cleanup procedure” on his foot, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport says Pryor, who is currently in a walking boot and not participating in offseason training, is expected to be ready for training camp. This doesn’t end Pryor’s chances of having a big role in the Jets’ receiving group this season, but the team has several options competing for roles, so he’s falling behind by not participating in the spring. Hopefully Pryor is 100% for training camp and can attempt to carve out a nice role on offense for the Jets.

Via: Ian Rapoport 6/5/18 - 12:42 PM ET