Fantasy News

Matt Forte said trade rumors are “fake news.”

The veteran running back was the subject of a report from NFL Network that said the Jets were trying to trade him. Forte said he talked to Jets GM Mike Maccagan, who assured him not to listen to the reports because they are not true. Maccagan, one would hope, probably would not lie to Forte, so expect him to be with the team Week 1 versus the Bills. Forte looks to be the starter for the Jets, but he’ll split work with Bilal Powell.

Via: ESPN 9/1/17 - 12:28 PM ET

Teddy Bridgewater is expected to begin the season on the PUP, according to Ian Rapoport.

This isn’t a surprise, as Bridgewater is still getting to 100% after his terrible knee injury around this time last year and they aren’t rushing things. If Bridgewater is on the PUP, he won’t be able to practice with the team for six weeks. This does allow Minnesota to have another roster spot on their 53-man roster, so that helps as well. Rapoport also notes that the team has not ruled out Bridgewater returning this season—but Sam Bradford is locked in as the starter after playing great last season and entering his second year with the team. However, if the offensive line isn’t better for the Vikings this season, it might be difficult for Bradford (or anyone) to stay healthy.

Via: Ian Rapoport 9/1/17 - 12:20 PM ET

Le’Veon Bell reports to the Steelers.

Just as he said he would, Bell reported on September first—right after the conclusion of the preseason. Bell has no doubt kept himself in great shape, but now he’ll get back to work with his team in preparation for Week 1 versus the Browns. Ideally, he would’ve been there in training camp, but—given his upside—Bell is still a top-two running back selection along with David Johnson. The Steelers aren’t going to be afraid to give Bell the ball a ton this year, especially if it’s his final season in Pittsburgh, so he might lead the league in touches in 2017.

Via: Aditi Kinkhabwala 9/1/17 - 12:09 PM ET

Joe Williams rushed ten times for 53 yards in the team’s preseason finale.

Williams also lost a fumble, and ball security has been an issue for the rookie. Talks of Williams unseating Carlos Hyde all offseason clearly never happened, and it was never expected to happen. Hyde is locked-in as the starter, and Williams doesn’t even look like the second-string back. While he’s a name to monitor in redraft leagues, he should remain on the waiver wire to start the season.

9/1/17 - 12:08 PM ET

Tim Hightower scores in 49ers’ final preseason game.

The veteran running back had eight carries for 21 yards and a touchdown and two receptions for four yards. He’s vying to be Carlos Hyde’s primary backup, but it’s also possible he doesn’t make the roster. He’s probably safe, but it won’t be for sure until the 49ers make their cuts by the 4:00 PM ET deadline on Saturday.

9/1/17 - 12:05 PM ET

C.J. Beathard outruns the defense in preseason finale.

Beathard continued to impress, but in a different way, as he rushed for a 62-yard score against the Chargers. He finished with three carries for 80 yards and was 5/9 for 31 yards passing. Brian Hoyer is locked-in as the starter for the Niners, but Beathard could make some late-season starts if the team falls out of contention as expected.

9/1/17 - 12:03 PM ET

Cardale Jones plays good amount in Chargers’ fourth preseason game.

Jones was 18/24 for 158 yards and an interception while adding three carries for 26 yards in the exhibition. Veteran Kellen Clemens, who didn’t play in the game, looks locked in as Philip Rivers’ backup, but Jones is a developmental guy for down the road with Los Angeles.

9/1/17 - 12:03 PM ET