Fantasy News

Doug Martin says he has “a chip on his shoulder.”

Martin had another down season in 2016 after being named First Team All-Pro in 2015, and he’s now suspended for the first three games of 2017. The Bucs running back says he “owes it” to the team to work hard and have a good season because they have a chance to have a great season as a team. Martin also says he eliminated a lot of fatty foods from his diet and is at 6%-7% body fat after dropping about 2% body fat. Because of the suspension, Martin has been splitting first-team reps with Jacquizz Rodgers; but Martin is fully expected to return in Week 4 as the team’s starter as he’ll look to have another bounce-back season.

Via: Buccaneers.com 7/30/17 - 11:44 AM ET

Adam Schefter reports Chargers rookie receiver Mike Williams might need season-ending back surgery.

Williams was injured in his first minicamp practice and was diagnosed with a herniated disc that kept him out for the rest of the offseason program. Schefter reports “one source” says Williams might have injured his back before he was drafted but covered it up well enough to still go number seven overall. Schefter also reports that the Chargers are “hoping” to avoid season-ending surgery for Williams, but there’s a chance he misses his entire rookie season. Williams reportedly received a second epidural to get him ready for training camp, but the team isn’t counting on him being ready. The Chargers has some good depth at receiver, including Keenan Allen returning from his ACL tear, but you have to feel for Williams. Hopefully the talented wideout can get healthy and not miss his entire first year in the NFL.

Via: ESPN 7/19/17 - 04:06 PM ET

Blake Bortles threw five interceptions in practice yesterday.

Yes, it was only an early training camp practice, but head coach Doug Marrone said he’s “concerned,” and it’s hard not to blame him. Bortles has struggled with turnovers since he entered the league—even during his 2015 breakout season he threw 18 interceptions. Jaguars.com senior writer John Oehser says Bortles “didn’t appear to make good decisions” in the practice. The former third overall pick in the draft is facing a make-or-break season in Jacksonville. It’s clear the Jaguars are going to run the ball with fourth overall pick Leonard Fournette and company to try to take pressure of their quarterback.

Via: Jaguars.com 7/30/17 - 11:33 AM ET

Cam Newton (shoulder) is throwing with teammates.

We know for certain Newton started throwing in the locker room last month, but he apparently has ramped it up enough to throw to his receivers. According to Max Henson of the Panthers’ official website, head coach Ron Rivera said Newton is currently in Baltimore working out with teammates, and that “the shoulder must be fine.” It’s looking like Newton could be 100% for the start of training camp, which is a good sign for someone looking to have a bounce back season in 2017. Newton’s ADP is currently in the sixth round and has been rising.

Via: Max Henson 7/19/17 - 03:05 PM ET

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy says running the football is very important.

McCarthy said at a training camp press conference, “I’ll just say this, and I’m not joking: Running the football is A-Number 1 important in offensive football,” according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. The Packers didn’t work much on the running game throughout the non-padded practices in the offseason, but it’s clear the team wants to run the football. If incumbent starter Ty Montgomery holds his own in pass protection, he should get most of the work in the Packers backfield. Montomgery is currently going in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts.

Via: ESPN 7/30/17 - 11:08 AM ET

Stacey Dales reports there is “internal optimism” an extension gets done for Matthew Stafford in the next two weeks.

Stafford is entering the final year of his contract and the two sides have been talking about an extension. The Lions’ franchise quarterback would probably like to get a deal done soon so he can focus on the season and not worry about contract negotiations with the team. Detroit has a lot of cap space in 2018 and Stafford is only 29-years-old, so he could get a deal at around the same amount as Derek Carr did with the Raiders, which at $25 million/year is the highest contract in NFL history.

Via: NFL Network 7/19/17 - 02:18 PM ET

Tyreek Hill isn’t returning kicks this year.

According to Adam Teacher of ESPN, the Chiefs aren’t putting the dynamic second-year receiver on returns because “it’s part of the plan to free him for more work on offense.” Hill had three touchdowns on returns last season, so that’s a big element taken away from his individual game, though he’ll look to make it up on offense. The Chiefs have De’Anthony Thomas and Demarcus Robinson to return punts and kicks, both who are also dynamic players, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Hill back there in big situations—like head coach Andy Reid did with Brian Westbrook at times with the Eagles.

Via: ESPN 7/30/17 - 10:41 AM ET