Insider Doug Kyed hears that there's "no concern" about Jets WR Elijah Moore's quad injury. Exhale! We'll see when the rookie is able to get on the field. But you can continue targeting him aggressively in the double-digit rounds of fantasy drafts.
We’ve seen Chargers coaches talking up WR Mike Williams. Sounds like the QB agrees. “We need to get him the ball more,” Justin Herbert said, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. “He’s one of those guys that you just have to find out there. He’s going to get open. He’s so physical, fast and strong that he’s going to win — jump balls, deep balls and intermediate routes. I think we need to get him more involved in the short game and the quick game because he’s an incredible player.” Williams’ ADP has climbed since the beginning of draft season but he remains a solid-to-good value in most places.
Ravens WR Rashod Bateman had successful core-muscle surgery in Philadelphia on Friday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. HC John Harbaugh reportedly still hopes to get the rookie back “sometime in September.” Bateman’s absence to open the season helps the outlook for both Marquise Brown and Sammy Watkins.
Broncos RB Mike Boone is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a quad injury, insider Mike Klis reports. That puts him right up against the start of the season. Denver's likely #3 RB, Boone wasn't really on the fantasy radar. But we thought there was a chance that he siphoned a handful of carries per game from RBs Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. That's now less likely in the beginning of the season. Klis said Boone was having a "terrific camp" before this injury.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Raiders TE Darren Waller is dealing with an ankle injury that's "not concerning." We know Waller has been sidelined for over a week now -- but this is the 1st time we've heard why. "If prepping for a regular-season game, Waller would probably be fine," Fowler adds. We'll keep an eye on this, but it doesn't sound like we need to adjust 2021 expectations for Waller right now.
Chargers HC Brandon Staley said Thursday that QB Justin Herbert won't play at all in the preseason. That's not necessarily good or bad news. It does mean that we won't get to see him at all in the new offense until the regular season. We have Herbert below the top tier (or top 2?) in our QB rankings. With just 1 year behind him and a new coaching staff in place, there's more risk than we see in the QBs above him. But Herbert, of course, also showed us plenty of upside as a rookie.
The Cardinals on Thursday placed RB James Conner on the COVID list as a high-risk close contact. As long as Conner tests negative, he should be back soon with no reason for further concern. We'll keep an eye out for updates on his situation. Jonathan Ward and Eno Benjamin should see extra reps for as long as Conner is out.
Jets WR Elijah Moore injured his quad in Thursday's practice. He was able to get off the field under his own power but is headed for an MRI, HC Robert Saleh said. We'll pass along an update when we get one.
ESPN's Jamison Hensley reports that Ravens WR Rashod Bateman will have surgery on his groin. HC John Harbaugh reportedly says the rookie will be back "sometime in September." We'll see about that as the return gets closer. For now, Bateman probably has to fall down draft boards. He had been performing well in camp, but WR Sammy Watkins has also drawn positive reviews from OC Greg Roman. Bateman's situation certainly adds upside to Watkins as a late fantasy pick.
Dolphins WR Will Fuller remains sidelined with the injury he suffered on July 28. It's believed to be a foot injury, although we haven't heard much from the team on the situation. We're still a month away from the start of the season -- and Fuller is suspended for Week 1 -- but this is starting to become a concern. Fuller, of course, has had durability problems throughout his career. We just nudged him down the WR rankings.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott told reporters Wednesday that he's getting another MRI on his strained shoulder this weekend. The QB said that there's been no setback in his rehab and that his body has responded well to the recent return to light throwing. He said the team is working to make sure the issue doesn't linger, and he still expects to be ready for the opener. "Once Sept. 9 comes, I'll move forward and won't think about this again," he said, according to the team website. We'll have to keep watching for updates/changes on Prescott's situation. He's holding at his current spot in our QB rankings, though.
The Athletic's Jeff Howe believes Sony Michel is currently the "1B" to Damien Harris' "1A" in the Patriots backfield. Howe writes that both guys have "had the best training camp of their careers, thanks to performance and availability." That's a pleasant surprise regarding Michel considering most have written him off. Harris remains the favorite to lead New England in carries this season -- but his fantasy stock would take a significant hit if Michel is heavily involved. It's a situation to monitor in preseason action.
Rams WR DeSean Jackson has had a "fantastic" camp, insider Cameron DaSilva writes. "Seemingly every day he’s making catches deep down the field for touchdowns, proving he still has that top-end speed and can threaten defenses," DaSilva adds. "Expect him to play a big role on offense this season, assuming he’s able to stay healthy." That last part is key. Jackson has enjoyed a healthy offseason so far. As long as that continues, he could be a sneaky fantasy option in what should be a strong Rams passing attack.
Ravens HC John Harbaugh confirmed on Wednesday that "it's going to be weeks" before WR Rashod Bateman can return from his groin injury. Harbaugh added that he's "still hopeful" the rookie will be ready for Week 1. Translation: Bateman is iffy for the start of the season. And considering the training camp and preseason reps he's going to miss, he probably won't be a guy that we can trust in fantasy lineups until October at the earliest.
Mark Kaboly of The Athletic writes that RB Anthony McFarland has “shown the most promise” among Pittsburgh backups. Kaboly notes McFarland’s scheme fit while calling his rushing ability “notably better than a year ago.” While the 2020 4th-round pick goes just 5’8, he's well built at 208 pounds. Kaboly also called Kalen Ballage a “pleasant surprise” but noted his similarities — at least stylistically — to Najee Harris. A Harris injury would almost certainly lead to a timeshare.
Jets WR Denzel Mims had a rough spring, working mostly with the 2nd and even 3rd-team offenses. But Pro Football Network's Tony Pauline hears that Mims has been much better lately, showing a better understanding of the new offense and producing on the field. He's "been the best receiver at camp in the past four days alongside Elijah Moore," Pauline writes, adding that Mims got reps with QB Zach Wilson and the 1st-team offense at a recent scrimmage. Pauline also reports that Mims dealt with food poisoning in June and lost 15 pounds -- which certainly explains some of his earlier struggles. This Jets WR corps remains fluid, so we'll monitor Mims and the rest of them in preseason action.
ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports that Colts QB Carson Wentz (foot) is "trending" toward being ready for the start of the season. That jibes with recent positive reports on Wentz's recovery from August 2 surgery. We're still 32 days away from the Colts' season opener, so we'll continue to monitor Wentz's progress. Mortensen adds that G Quenton Nelson (foot) is also on track to be ready for Week 1. Excellent news for the entire Colts offense.
Per Bills HC Sean McDermott, RB Zack Moss won’t practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury suffered in Tuesday’s practice. The team will approach Moss’ injury “one day at a time.” The missed time will give more first-time reps to Devin Singletary and Matt Breida. We’ll let you know when Moss returns to the practice field.
The Lions signed K Zane Gonzalez. He'll duke it out for the starting job with K Randy Bullock over the next few weeks. Avoid the situation in fantasy drafts.
The Broncos listed QBs Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater as co-starters on the first unofficial depth chart. Per HC Vic Fangio, Lock will start Week 1 of the preseason vs. Minnesota; Bridgewater will start Week 2 against Seattle. Fangio said Lock is getting the first crack at starting because he’s the returning veteran — not because he’s outplayed Bridgewater. We ultimately expect both passers to make starts in 2021.
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