Fantasy News

Antonio Brown has been accused of sexual assault and rape, according to The New York Times.

The New York Times reports Brown has been accused of raping his former trainer, according to a federal lawsuit filed today in the Southern District of Florida. Britney Taylor, a gymnast that went to Central Michigan with Brown, alleges Brown sexually assaulted her twice in 2017 and in 2018, with the final incident happening months after she ended their working relationship because of the first two incidents. In a statement from Taylor’s lawyer, she says: “As a rape victim of Antonio Brown, deciding to speak out has been an incredibly difficult decision. I have found strength in my faith, my family, and from the accounts of other survivors of sexual assault.” Taylor also says she would cooperate in an NFL investigation. Brown has a history of poor off-field behavior, including throwing furniture off a balcony that allegedly nearly struck a child, and the NFL will undoubtedly take these allegations very seriously. This is something to keep in mind from a fantasy perspective, as there’s a chance Brown is facing a very lengthy suspension if the NFL finds these allegations to be true [UPDATE: Brown denies the allegations and says everything was consensual.]

Via: The New York Times 9/10/19 - 08:37 PM ET

Matt LaCosse (ankle) is active for Week 1.

LaCosse is listed as New England’s starting tight end, but he’s not a highly recommended fantasy option quite yet.

9/8/19 - 06:55 PM ET

The Jets are acquiring Demaryius Thomas for a sixth-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

So, New England is essentially trading their No. 5 or No. 6 wideout for a Day 3 selection, but New York feels they need to upgrade their receiving corps for Sam Darnold after a disappointing Week 1 loss. Thomas is now on his fourth team in less than a calendar year, and he probably will slide in as the team’s No. 4 receiver (behind Robby Anderson, Jamison Crowder, and Quincy Enunwa) despite a history with head coach Adam Gase.

Via: Adam Schefter 9/10/19 - 04:26 PM ET

Damien Harris is inactive for tonight’s game.

Harris is a healthy scratch, as his special teams contributions are limited compared to other players that are active for the Patriots. The third-round rookie’s NFL debut will wait, and he’s more of a handcuff to Sony Michel at this point.

9/8/19 - 06:53 PM ET

Greg Olsen (back) officially did not practice today.

Olsen said that he plans to play on Thursday night, but it’s not a great sign that he wasn’t able to participate in practice on at least a limited basis. The final injury report with official game statuses for the Panthers will be released tomorrow.

9/10/19 - 02:13 PM ET

Demaryius Thomas (hamstring) is officially inactive for Week 1.

Thomas was limited in practice all week, it’s not surprise that the Patriots are holding him out for tonight’s game versus the Steelers. After New England’s acquisition of Antonio Brown, Thomas is probably not worth holding onto in fantasy leagues.

9/8/19 - 06:51 PM ET

Greg Olsen (back) says he plans to play on Thursday night.

Olsen says that his back was a little “jacked up” in the season opener and that the short week for a Thursday night matchup isn’t ideal, but he plans to play against the Buccaneers. It’s a long season, and the veteran tight end probably isn’t a lock to suit up; but we’ll check his practice status the next couple of days after he was listed as a would-be non-participant yesterday.

Via: Max Henson 9/10/19 - 01:29 PM ET