We scour the news around the NFL to bring you what matters most to you and your dynasty team: the most current news on players, both superstars and the relative unknowns, and analysis to decipher the respective situations. These are many of the major stories and not meant to be an exhaustive look at all the recent happenings around the league.
Adam Schefter tweeted out an update on the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback situation, “Jaguars’ HC Doug Marrone announces Nick Foles is returning to his role as starting quarterback after team’s bye. Schefter followed that with, “Doug Marrone informed both QBs, Gardner Minshew and Nick Foles, of his decision this morning. Foles starts Week 11 against the Colts.” A few weeks ago, everyone thought the mustached Minshew would have the starting gig indefinitely, but a few lacking outings and not Foles will start next week. The Jaguars need Foles to play well as the team is on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.
Dolphins beat reporter Cameron Wolfe broke the Mark Walton news Monday, “Mark Walton has been suspended for the next four games for violating NFL conduct and substance abuse policy.” He followed that tweet up with, “Walton is eligible return ahead of Dolphins Week 14 game vs. New York Jets. He will be allowed by the NFL to be in the facility and attend meetings but not games and practices.” Walton was easily the best back on the Miami roster after the Drake trade. This suspension is for the legal issues Walton encountered while in Cincinnati. Frankly, we expected a longer suspension given the number and gravity of infractions. Walton will be dropped in some leagues. He is a solid stash candidate given the lack of quality backs on the roster. Plus, he makes for injury insurance for the fantasy playoffs.
On Saturday, the Bears chose to recoup a fourth-round comp pick by waiving Mike Davis, as per an Ian Rapoport tweet, “The #Bears are waiving RB Mike Davis, one of their free-agent signings this past spring, source said. They gave him $6M over 2 years but cut him after just 11 carries in part because of how it helps them get a comp pick. He’ll be attractive on the waiver wire.” Davis is a good player and could be fantasy-viable down the stretch. He was claimed by the Panthers and now slots into McCaffrey's backup role. He has upside if the starter goes down.
On Thursday, Adam Schefter broke the news on ESPN about A.J. Green having a setback in his return from an ankle injury. Schefter wrote in the article, “The latest setback in A.J. Green's recovery process will keep the Bengals wide receiver off the field indefinitely. Green said he will likely not make his season debut Sunday against Baltimore after his left ankle did not respond well to workouts earlier this week. Following Monday's off-week practice, Green said he experienced swelling that derailed his plans of participating in Wednesday's practice. The ninth-year receiver said he doesn't know how long he will need to stay off the ankle as he continues the rehab process.” Schefter captured some Green quotes, "'For me, just gotta make sure I feel comfortable going out there and pushing it … For me, just gotta make sure I gotta take care of me first before anything else'" and "'I just take it day-by-day … If that comes to a point where I can't play, that's what's supposed to happen. Then my ankle's not where I need to be for me to play. Right now, I'm still thinking I still can play. I still can give this thing a little bit more time and then we go from there.’" Jay Morrison jotted down another great quote on Green – who is likely playing elsewhere next season, "I can’t go out there when I'm not 100 percent. It makes no sense for me to put myself in that situation to where I can have another time hurting (it), just like I did my toe. It's all about make sure I'm taking care of myself first. Everything else comes after that." It is easy to see how the veteran receiver may be playing things conservatively as he readies himself for the offseason. Green is likely playing in another city for the 2020 season so he will prioritize getting healthy over returning too soon. There is idle talk that he can return this season but we are leery.
Last Wednesday, Lindsey Thiry reported that Brandin Cooks was already ruled out for Sunday’s game, “Brandin Cooks is en route to Pittsburgh to meet with specialists, Sean McVay said, to further look into his concussions. He has also been ruled OUT for the game.” We have spilled ample ink of late on this topic and are worried about the concussions given the long-term impact. Cooks did post on Instagram about his status, “Whether some like it or not I’m far from that end destination when it comes to this game … I’m thankful that this soon will be something in the past.” It appears as though Cooks received good news from the second opinion. Even if he does return shortly, there will be continued concern as he takes the punishment of an NFL receiver.
On Monday, Ian Rapoport tweeted, “#Eagles WR DeSean Jackson is having surgery to repair a core muscle injury tomorrow, sources say. Based on the timing, it appears unlikely he’ll play again this season.” Adam Caplan – who is very plugged into the Eagles – piled on, “My understanding is similar: With significance of the tear, unlikely he'll be available rest of regular season.” A better indication of the injury came from local television sports anchor John Clark, “He tore the abdominal muscle completely off the bone yesterday, worse than his injury in week 2.” Footballguys own Dr. Jene Bramel offered a medical opinion, “Rehab from core muscle surgery can be as short as 4-6 weeks. Every case is different and Jackson's aggravation may include other factors. The Eagles may choose to keep Jackson on the active roster. If he does go to injured reserve, he could return for the playoffs.” Sadly, this surgery happened a couple of months too late. Jackson adds a valuable dimension to the Eagles offense and the team could have used him down the stretch as opposed to hoping to make the playoffs ad use him then. Jordan Matthews was signed off the street and could see playing time down the stretch.
When Seattle claimed Josh Gordon, rookie Gary Jennings was waived. He was claimed by Miami. This is a great spot for the ex-West Virginia star. Jennings took a pre-draft visit to the Dolphins, so the organization has an idea of what they are getting from the former fourth-round pick. Jennings has speed and Miami has few reliable pass-catchers. He is a player to monitor in the coming weeks.
Many fantasy players have been miffed this season with the lack of production from tight end Trey Burton. While the offense has been putrid, coach Matt Nagy conceded last week that Burton is not fully recovered from offseason groin surgery. As Burton is dropped in many dynasty leagues, fantasy players must decide whether the ex-Eagle can put things together in 2020.
Last week, it was reported that Giants tight end Evan Engram has been diagnosed with a mid-foot sprain and his status is considered week to week. Engram is in a walking boot and his future is uncertain. Beat reporter Ralph Vacchiano tweeted, “Giants TE Evan Engram said the injury to his left foot is NOT a Lis Franc injury. He won’t play Sunday but hopes to be back after that. He called it a ‘low-grade’ sprain.” Even so, Engram is expected to miss time.
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