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, superstars, and the relative unknowns, and analysis to decipher the respective situations. These are many major stories and are not meant to be an exhaustive look at all the recent happenings around the league.
There have been many reports on the elbow of Los Angeles Rams passer Matthew Stafford. The elbow was called “bad tendonitis” by Ian Rapoport and coach Sean McVay said Stafford’s injury was common for baseball pitchers. The coach also told reporters that Stafford had an "anti-inflammatory injection" in his throwing arm in the spring. He said, “We’re really taking it a week at a time, really a couple of weeks … Don’t expect him to do anything in these team settings for this block or the next three days, next week. Nothing has changed. ... This is part of the plan that we feel like is in his best interest.” For now, dynasty managers are in wait-and-see mode, hoping Stafford’s elbow can recover quickly. The concerning aspect of the issue is that the team has tried to address the pain for several months with rest and at least one injection, and neither worked. In two-quarterback and SuperFlex leagues, John Wolford is a player to roster as the situation plays out. If Stafford misses time, the Rams offense will take a step back. Wolford has been passable, not great in his limited action.
It was unsurprising that San Francisco quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo passed his physical and was cleared to practice. The 49ers needed him healthy for two reasons: 1) to open up a trade window and 2) to get the team off the hook for the guaranteed portion of the contract. He is likely playing elsewhere by the season opener, but that is subject to change if Trey Lance struggles in the preseason. The best landing spot for Garoppolo is Seattle, but the odds of an intra-division trade are slim.
After signing his three-year, $71 million deal, 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel is open to playing wherever the team wants him. You may remember the report about Samuel balking about playing running back due to health concerns, but now he is fine with the usage. Further, his new contract has incentives for rushing touchdowns. He is now paid like one of the top NFL receivers and is under contract through the 2025 season.
Tampa Bay receiver Chris Godwin returned to practice on August 5 and went through drills. He was still favoring the knee and was wearing a knee brace but went through receiver drills at close to full speed. With the signing of Julio Jones, the Buccaneers will not rush Godwin back. Russell Gage has looked good in training camp, so we expect the team to take a long view of the situation. This team is primed for another Super Bowl run and will take things slow.
The Pittsburgh Steelers rarely extend wide receivers, and – after the draft selections of George Pickens and Calvin Austin III III – it was expected that Diontae Johnson would depart after the season just like the many talented pass-catchers throughout the past two decades. A few days ago, Johnson signed a two-year, $36.7 million extension, keeping him in Pittsburgh through the 2024 season. While less money than the other prominent receivers, Johnson will be able to enter free agency before the others who signed extensions this offseason.
Denver Broncos receiver Tim Patrick was primed for a break-out season before tearing his ACL last week. The injury occurred after Patrick made an outstanding leaping catch. He tallied 734 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2021. We expect K.J. Hamler to get the first crack at replacing Patrick. With the sizeable quarterback upgrade, the Broncos WR3 has fantasy relevance. Hamler is coming off an ACL injury himself after going down in Week 3 of the 2021 season. Denver has several other youngsters who could emerge, so the situation is fluid.
After the Buffalo Bills signed Jamison Crowder, many assumed Isaiah McKenzie would wilt into the background. But the former Denver Broncos draft pick has continued his strong play since late last season. While not big, McKenzie is quick and offers explosive play-making ability from the slot. Crowder has missed time with “general soreness”, giving McKenzie more opportunities to shine. With a depressed dynasty value, he is a player to target before the preseason games. McKenzie flashed potential against the New England Patriots the day after Christmas when he caught 11 of his 12 targets for 125 and a score. The Bills have an explosive set of weapons for quarterback Josh Allen. Between Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, McKenzie, and tight end Dawson Knox, there is a threat for a big play every snap. The draft selection of James Cook should only add to the firepower. The Bills are a Super Bowl favorite in a top-heavy AFC.
Aaron Rodgers does not throw platitudes around, but his appreciation for rookie receiver Romeo Doubs has been expressive. Rodgers told reporters the rookie makes plays regularly. He added, "that's kind of rare for a young guy like that. Now we've had some young guys over the years kind of do that, but you know they're all in the top 10... in Packers receiving history." Doubs is getting more reps as fellow rookie Christian Watson has missed time with a knee injury. Also, Sammy Watkins has missed time with injury, which is indicative of his career. Doubs could be primed for a breakout rookie season with only Allen Lazard locked into a starting role. He will battle Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, Watson, and Watkins for playing time. This is a good time for dynasty managers to see if Doubs can be had for cheap before the glowing reports are more well known.
After signing as a free agent, hopes were high that James Washington could help soften the blow after the trade of Amari Cooper and as Michael Gallup returns from injury. But, Washington broke his foot last week and will be sidelined for at least a few months. We expect him to start the year on injured reserve. Currently, the team is saying they are not interested in bringing in a veteran. Odell Beckham Jr and Will Fuller V are free agents who could help the Cowboys offense. Gallup is expected to begin the season on the PUP list, leaving CeeDee Lamb as the lone anchor at receiver, with Noah Brown and rookie Jalen Tolbert thrust into larger roles.
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