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.
Even before the big-time victory over Dallas on Thanksgiving, Ian Rapoport reported Washington head coach Ron Rivera wanted quarterback Alex Smith back as the team's starter in 2021. This may seem extreme but consider that the team will not be picking high enough to select one of the top passers, especially if the squad makes the playoffs. Smith is under contract for one more year. At the ripe old age of 36, he is no guarantee to return to the football field next season, but it is good news that the team wants him back. Smith would be an ideal bridge to a second-round selection. He is slated to make $19 million in 2021. The veteran has vastly outplayed both Dwayne Haskins and Kyle Allen. At this point, he is the obvious choice for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year after enduring 17 surgeries. The injury seems so long ago, even though it was just in 2018. For those questioning this report, remember how much Rivera loves veterans.
The division-leading New York Giants could be without quarterback Daniel Jones for a few weeks as the starter injured his right hamstring after a rush attempt late in the third quarter. He was grabbing the hamstring before going down. Veteran Colt McCoy replaced Jones to close out the victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. In a quarter of action, McCoy completed 6 of his 10 pass attempts for a paltry 31 yards. If Jones plays hobbled in Week 13, he will likely exit early again as hamstring injuries do not heal in a week. McCoy is the most likely starter for the next week or two. Expect short passes from the veteran. He never has had a big arm and the team knows it. Dink and dunk will be the flavor of the offense.
The Miami Dolphins played coy with the rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s thumb injury until Sunday morning. It was not until Saturday night that when the rookie sensation was downgraded to “doubtful” that most knew veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick would get the start against the New York Jets. Sunday, Mike Garofolo reported Tagovailoa could be out multiple weeks. A victory over the Bengals could be integral to the Dolphins' playoff hopes. If you are wondering whether Fitzpatrick could play well enough to displace Tagovailoa, Garafolo tweeted an update during the post-game press conference, “Brian Flores asked postgame if Tua is still the #Dolphins’ starter: “Yeah, if he’s healthy, he’s the guy. I don’t know how many different ways we have to continue to say that. You keep asking, I’ll keep answering the same way.” Said they’ll see how he looks in practice this week.” That settles it. Fitzpatrick is the guy while the rookie is out, but it is the youngster’s job long-term.
Last weekend, the New England Patriots placed Rex Burkhead on injured reserve with a knee injury. To the surprise of many, Burkhead led his position in snaps and was second in carries before his Week-11 injury in the loss to the Houston Texans. His absence will open up snaps for James White and Damien Harris. White cashed in twice in the upset victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
On Monday evening, Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller announced on Instagram that he has been suspended six games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy. The implications are many. What a shocker. In a year Fuller has remained relatively healthy, this arises and knocks him out for the remainder of the season. Bad timing for Fuller as he was having a career year with eyes set on his free-agent status this coming offseason. In semi-related news, the well-traveled Kenny Stills is on the move again after he was sent packing from the Houston Texans on Friday, one day after the team’s victory in Detroit on Thanksgiving. Interestingly, the team had to know about the possibility of a Fuller suspension when releasing Stills as the appeal process seemed to have already taken place by Monday afternoon. Stills has not seen the field much and was unhappy with his role, even though the reports said Stills’ release was “mutual”. Still just 28 years of age, he could add a vertical element to several teams, including the Packers, Bears, or the Browns, plus a myriad of other teams. Known for being outspoken since his days at Oklahoma, Stills will need a solid situation in order to be a fantasy-viable player. He has teased fantasy managers for many years, but still could be productive. After the Fuller suspension and Stills release, Keke Coutee has gone from a healthy scratch to the team’s WR2 in three weeks. Beat reporter Aaron Reiss tweeted an interesting perspective, “Crazy to think the #Texans began this season as the only team with 4 WRs counting for at least $6M against the cap: Fuller, Stills, Cobb, and Cooks. Now they're down to just one of them.” Reiss also tweeted out an updated wide receiver depth chart, “So the Texans WRs now are ... Brandin Cooks, Keke Coutee, Isaiah Coulter, Steven Mitchell Jr. (practice squad).” With Deshaun Watson at quarterback, fantasy managers are encouraged to invest waiver wire resources into Coulter and Mitchell.
After flashing early in the season, we have not seen much from Kansas City Chiefs receiver Byron Pringle. He had been pushing Mecole Hardman and Demarcus Robinson for playing time before injuring his ankle. Last week, Pringle was placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his fantasy season. The receiver position is one we fully expect the Chiefs to address next offseason as depth and talent are needed.
Mike Garafolo was the first to report on the reunion of Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur and a receiver he knew with the Rams. Monday, Garafolo tweeted, ”The #Packers are signing veteran WR Tavon Austin, source says. Was with the #Rams when Matt LaFleur was there.” With the lack of depth at the position in Green Bay, Austin may see the field in the next week or so. Also, the veteran receiver will help out on special teams.
We rarely include the virus-related news but when a Type-1 diabetic tests positive, it is news for dynasty. On Sunday morning, Adam Schefter tweeted, “Ravens' Pro Bowl TE Mark Andrews, a Type 1 diabetic, has tested positive for COVID-19, per source. Andrews is out for Tuesday night's game vs. the Steelers and will become at least the 11th Ravens player to go on the Reserve/COVID list.” Andrews will miss at least two games, but we are more concerned with his long-term health. The moving back of the game once again could expedite Andrews’ return to the field if he responds well to the treatments. The Ravens are also without tight end Nick Boyle who was lost for the year a couple of weeks ago.
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