Fantasy News

ESPN Chiefs reporter Adam Teicher thinks it’s “unlikely” Kareem Hunt opens the season as the team’s starting running back.

Teicher, while he doesn’t believe Hunt will overtake Spencer Ware as the starter to open the season, thinks the third-round rookie could get a lot of playing time if he plays well during training camp and the preseason. The Chiefs obviously like Hunt after they drafted him in the third round of the draft, but Ware a veteran presence that averaged 4.3 yards per carry and a robust 13.5 yards per reception last season for Kansas City. Hunt is definitely worth a late-round selection in fantasy drafts in case he takes over at some point, though.

Via: ESPN 7/24/17 - 11:26 AM ET

Rookie receiver Zay Jones has been lining up all over the field so far.

The Bills cross train their guys to have the ability to play different receiver positions, which is smart so players know what they’re doing if they have to step into a certain spot on offense. Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison says the team is looking for someone that “steps up” opposite Sammy Watkins, so Jones’ ability to play multiple positions should help him see the field for whatever role he ends up having. Jones, Andre Holmes, and Corey Davis are probably the three main players competing for the number two receiver role.

Via: BuffaloBills.com 7/31/17 - 02:54 PM ET

Redskins head coach Jay Gruden hints at RBBC.

The team’s offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh previously said the team will use a “hot hand” approach at running back; and Gruden seconded that, stating everyone that dresses will get carries, “Whether it’s 18 for Fat Rob and 15 for Perine and five for Chris [Thompson], however it pans out.” Gruden says Kelley has earned the right to open as the team’s starting running back, but it’s clear they’ll go with whatever guy gives them the best chance to win. Whoever plays best during the regular season will emerge as the best fantasy option, and it could change throughout the season. The rookie Perine is currently going ahead of Fat Rob in fantasy drafts.

Via: Redskins.com 7/24/17 - 11:18 AM ET

Adam Schefter reports the Dolphins “fear” Ryan Tannehill will need season-ending surgery on his knee.

Schefter and co-worker Jeff Darlington say “no decision has been made” despite the fear. The thought was Tannehill would be in the clear when it was revealed there was no structural damage relative to this morning, but Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald reported that Tannehill might still need season-ending surgery after inconclusive MRI results. Even if Tannehill doesn’t get surgery, he’s still expected to miss 6-8 weeks. The Dolphins will likely want to come to a decision soon, especially if they opt to bring in Jay Cutler or another quarterback. It’s definitely leaning towards surgery at this point, so Tannehill can get to 100% and put the knee issue behind him in 2018.

Via: Adam Schefter 8/3/17 - 10:28 PM ET

Alden Gonzalez of ESPN believes rookie receiver Cooper Kupp will start this season.

Gonzalez writes Kupp “looks primed to solidify a role as a slot receiver” as a starter alongside Tavon Austin and Robert Woods. Everything surrounding the all-time FCS record-setter has been positive so far, including head coach Sean McCoy revealing that future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning loved throwing to Kupp at his quarterback camps. He might not put up big numbers as a rookie, but Kupp will look to emerge as a top target for Jared Goff moving forward.

Via: ESPN 7/24/17 - 11:10 AM ET

Mike Zimmer says he doesn’t know when Latavius Murray (ankle) will return.

Murray is still recovering from offseason ankle surgery, and Zimmer says his new running back is still waiting for the green light from doctors. The longer Minnesota’s free agent signing is sidelined, the steeper climb he faces in winning the starting job in a backfield that includes talented rookie Dalvin Cook. Latavius still has well over a month to get healthy for the regular season, but he will fall behind if he misses too much preseason action, especially if Cook plays well. Murray will likely see his ADP fall into the late rounds if he isn’t back soon, but he could still provide value there.

Via: Minnesota Vikings 7/31/17 - 12:49 PM ET

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler thinks Sammie Coates is on the roster bubble for the Steelers.

Fowler believes four receivers (Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Eli Rogers, and rookie JuJu Smith-Schuster) are locks to make the roster. Pittsburgh will keep at least five receivers, and Coates is a good bet to make the team. He has a lot of ability, but was hindered by a broken hand/fingers last season; and he also plays special teams. If Coates ends up not making the Steelers, multiple teams would be lining up to claim or sign him.

Via: ESPN 7/24/17 - 11:04 AM ET