Fantasy News

Multiple negative reports come out about LeGarrette Blount’s performance with the Eagles.

There have been quite a few reports of the Eagles’ presumed starting running back, with two separate people (ESPN’s Adam Caplan and NJ.com’s Matt Lombardo) saying Blount has been overweight and unimpressive with the Eagles while suggesting he might not make the team. Other Eagles reporters/talking heads have also talked up second-year back Wendell Smallwood, despite Smallwood having not played in a preseason game this year and missing practice time. Don’t be surprised if these reports are being put out by the Eagles so they face less backlash if they do end up cutting Blount. It’s also possible this is all false, as Blount has been working exclusively with the first team—it wouldn’t be wise for the Eagles to give someone a bunch of first-team reps if they aren’t going to be on the team.

8/21/17 - 08:13 PM ET

John Brown practiced for the Cardinals today.

The fourth-year receiver has unfortunately struggled to get healthy with his quad injury, as he apparently has issues recovering as well as most people because of his sickle cell trait. Hopefully he can stay healthy and perform throughout the rest of the preseason. John Brown is currently behind Jaron Brown for the number two receiver job for the Cardinals, but there’s still time for him to get the job entering Week 1.

Via: Mike Jurecki 8/21/17 - 07:23 PM ET

Jets head coach Todd Bowles would not say Matt Forte will be ready for Week 1.

Forte is dealing with a hamstring injury that’s kept him out for a couple weeks. Bowles’ unwillingness to give a straight answer does not mean Forte won’t be ready for Week 1—he could just not want to speculate on whether or not his running back will be ready. There’s still nearly three weeks to go until the start of the regular season, and we would anticipate Forte being good to go for the opener. Bilal Powell could end up being the clear lead guy in the backfield, however.

Via: Rich Cimini 8/21/17 - 03:15 PM ET

DeAndre Hopkins hasn’t practiced since August 9.

Hopkins injured his hand in the team’s first preseason game and hasn’t been on the field since then. It’s unlikely this hand injury is so bad that Hopkins will be out for any regular season time, but it’s still a concern that he hasn’t been on the field and getting reps with quarterback Tom Savage and the rest of the offense. Hopkins should still remain a fine third-round pick as someone that offers elite upside.

8/21/17 - 03:11 PM ET

Leonard Fournette (foot) started running yesterday.

The Jaguars rookie running back was on SiriusXM NFL Radio and said he started running and will be back “soon.” Fournette previously said he isn’t concerned about the foot issue, and it doesn’t sound like a major issue at all. He should be good to go for Week 1 and is safe to draft in your fantasy league. Perhaps his early season workload will be a slight concern if he needs to work his way back into things, but Fournette will certainly be close to a workhorse back at some point this season.

Via: SiriusXM NFL Radio 8/21/17 - 02:57 PM ET

Trevor Siemian will be named the starting quarterback for the Broncos, according to former wide receiver Brandon Stokley.

An official announcement was expected to come at some point early this week after the team’s second preseason game, as it was clear Siemian was the better option, and Stokley’s team connections got him the scoop. This should be considered good news for the entire Denver offense after Siemian threw for almost 3,500 yards and had an 18:10 touchdown-interception ratio in his first year as the starter. The 25-year-old has the poise and accuracy that 2016 first-round pick Paxton Lynch just doesn’t have right now. Siemian could be a low-end streaming option with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders to throw to, but we should wait and see how he plays early in the season. He shouldn’t be drafted in 10- or 12-team leagues.

Via: 104.3 The Fan 8/21/17 - 01:51 PM ET

Bill Belichick says Rex Burkhead can play all three downs.

The Patriots head coach was on a conference call with reporters and was asked about how he’s seen Burkhead progress from the spring, when he first arrived with the team, to now. Belichick said, “Rex has missed very little time. He’s been out there every day. And we’ve worked with him in all areas of the game that we think he can contribute in, which is all three downs offensively…” Belichick also noted the team has been looking at Burkhead since he was in college at Nebraska, and it wasn’t just one game last year (Burkhead’s only career start, 119 rushing yards and two touchdowns) that made them interested in him. While Burkhead has been practicing and not missing much time, Mike Gillislee has missed a couple of weeks of practice with a hamstring injury. Even if Gillislee ultimately becomes the lead runner in New England’s backfield, Burkhead is one of the best selections at the end of fantasy drafts (though his ADP should rise in the coming weeks).

Via: Patriots.com 8/21/17 - 09:33 AM ET