Fantasy News

Ian Rapoport: Ezekiel Elliott decision is expected “soon.”

Rapoport tweeted “Clarity coming on #Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott: The ruling on his investigation is expected soon, source said. Could be as early as tomorrow.” Yesterday, Rapoport was right about Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant getting the ability to practice and play in preseason games, and he probably has some info on the Elliott situation too. A suspension is fully expected for the second-year back. Some claim the NFL likes to dump news on Friday afternoons, so we’ll see if that happens tomorrow. The Cowboys play their second preseason game on Saturday against the Rams.

Via: Ian Rapoport 8/10/17 - 04:59 PM ET

Marcus Mariota says he tried to get better from the pocket this offseason.

Tennessee’s franchise quarterback was on SiriusXM NFL Radio and said he realizes the best quarterbacks play from the pocket. It’s very wise of Mariota, who is a gifted athlete, to know most winning quarterbacks play from the pocket and throw the ball consistently accurately. Luckily, Mariota is an accurate thrower with a quick release and has no problem playing from the pocket, but it’s refreshing that he knows he should work at his game despite his natural ability. Titans head coach Mike Mularkey was also on SiriusXM NFL Radio, and he said they put more on his plate this season in terms of changing the play to get the offense in a good position for success. Mariota is currently ranked as a top ten fantasy quarterback option on NFL.com and outside of the top ten quarterbacks on ESPN.

Via: SiriusXM NFL Radio 8/10/17 - 04:47 PM ET

Bilal Powell won’t play in the Jets’ first preseason game this Saturday.

Powell is dealing with a neck injury and hasn’t practiced fully for a few days because of it. Head coach Todd Bowles did say that Matt Forte (hamstring) might play, but it’d be a surprise if he played more than a few snaps. Running back is one of the bright spots on the Jets roster, so they’ll probably want to keep those guys healthy for the regular season.

Via: Ralph Vacchiano 8/10/17 - 04:14 PM ET

Philip Dorsett has missed a few practices with a hamstring injury, according to the Indy Star’s Zac Keefer.

Keefer said it’s the “same thing that held him out in minicamp.” Dorsett is battling a couple guys for the third wide receiver spot behind T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief, and missing valuable time in training camp is obviously not a good sign for his chances. Even if he can win the job, the former first-round pick would likely need an injury to Hilton or Moncrief to be fantasy relevant in 2017, especially if Andrew Luck (shoulder) is slow getting back on the field.

Via: Zac Keefer 8/10/17 - 01:18 PM ET

Jared Goff says tight end Tyler Hibgee is “our starter this year.”

According to Myles Simmons of the Rams’ official site, Goff and Higbee are displaying great chemistry during practice. Goff said, “I’m excited to see what he can do this year. He’s our starter this year, and expect him to do some big things.” The Rams drafted tight end Gerald Everett in the second round of this year’s draft, but Higbee is currently listed as the starter. Still, the Rams are expected to use both guys on offense. To start the year, it looks like Higbee—who was drafted last year with Goff and has more experience with the quarterback—will be the better fantasy option. Everett is the preferred option in dynasty leagues, though.

Via: TheRams.com 8/10/17 - 10:02 AM ET

Damiere Byrd goes off in Panthers’ preseason win.

The 2015 undrafted deep threat from South Carolina had four receptions for 98 yards and two touchdowns, including a 50-yarder, against the Texans. Byrd has a ton of speed and is obviously off to a great start this preseason as he tries to make the final roster.

8/10/17 - 09:51 AM ET

Fozzy Whittaker gets a couple carries in preseason opener.

The fifth-year back had two carries for ten yards. Whittaker is looking to keep a nice role on offense, even with the addition of electric rookie Christian McCaffrey.

8/10/17 - 09:46 AM ET