Fantasy News

Bucs GM Jason Licht is happy with rookie tight end O.J. Howard.

Licht was on SiriusXM NFL Radio and says their first-rounder has been “everything” they expected. Howard is a prototypical tight end that somehow dropped to the 19th pick in the draft, where the Buccaneers—who were shocked he was still available—scooped him up. For those watching HBO’s “Hard Knocks”, you should get a nice look at Howard leading up to the regular season. He’s being drafted as a borderline TE1.

Via: SiriusXM NFL Radio 8/9/17 - 03:33 PM ET

Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant could be reinstated in the “next couple of days.”

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Bryant is “waiting for the doctors and the counselors, people who saw him, to hand in their letters, get the paperwork cleared with the NFL, have the league process that, and then make him officially conditionally reinstated.” It sounds like it’s just procedural things that should only take a matter of time. After his expected full conditional reinstatement, it’ll be up to Bryant to stay clean and abide by the conditions of his reinstatement—which shouldn’t be a problem if he has his head on straight.

Via: NFL.com 8/9/17 - 03:27 PM ET

Cam Newton has thrown four straight days with no soreness.

Panthers head coach Ron Rivera told this to NFL Network’s Tiffany Blackmon. Rivera also said they “don’t feel the need to force it” regarding Cam’s full return to practice and preseason games. It’s a great sign that Cam isn’t feeling any discomfort while throwing over the last four days after he was previously suffering soreness. The Panthers play their first preseason game tonight against the Texans without Newton, but it sounds like the 2015 league MVP should be good to go for the Panthers’ third preseason game, if not the second.

Via: Tiffany Blackmon 8/9/17 - 03:01 PM ET

“All indications” are Andrew Luck won’t start the season on the PUP.

Colts GM Chris Ballard said this to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, but didn’t say if Luck would play Week 1. There have been reports (that we never considered accurate and worth sharing) there is fear Luck will start the season on the PUP. That simply isn’t happening unless he has a setback, as putting Luck on the PUP would keep him out for the first six weeks of the season. The Colts and their franchise quarterback have been careful not to put a timetable on the return from shoulder surgery, because they don’t want to rush things. When Luck is 100% he’ll be back on the field, and that should be by Week 1.

Via: Tom Pelissero 8/9/17 - 11:34 AM ET

Chargers receiver Mike Williams (back) is running.

Head coach Anthony Lynn said, via ESPN’s Eric D. Williams, “he’s back on the grass. He’s running. He’s doing well.” D. Williams also reports the Chargers are still hoping the rookie receiver can play in a preseason game to prepare him for the regular season. The team obviously will not rush Williams back though, because any setback could potentially knock him out for his entire rookie season. It’d be huge for the Chargers to get their first-round pick back and healthy this year.

Via: ESPN 8/9/17 - 10:29 AM ET

Devonta Freeman has agreed to a multi-year extension with the Atlanta Falcons, according to Mike Silver.

Both sides expressed optimism throughout the offseason and got it done a couple weeks into training camp. This deal, which reportedly makes Freeman the highest paid running back in the NFL (at $8.25 million/year), should keep the 25-year-old in Atlanta through the prime of his career. Freeman has had 275+ touches in each of the past two seasons, finishing as the RB1 and RB6 in the explosive Falcons offense. Talented backfield partner Tevin Coleman might take more touches this season after having under 150 in 2016, but Freeman should still be a very good fantasy asset this year—the Falcons are certainly paying him to keep up his production. Regardless, he’ll remain a big part of a team that is trying to win a Super Bowl in 2017 and beyond.

Via: Mike Silver 8/9/17 - 09:07 AM ET

Donte Moncrief is back practicing for the Colts.

Moncrief missed a few days with a mild AC joint sprain. Because the Colts don’t play their first preseason game until Sunday, Moncrief might be able to suit up in the game.

Via: George Bremer 8/9/17 - 09:11 AM ET