Footballguys #154 - 9/23 - News & Notes From Around The League

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #154 -- Saturday Night, September 23rd, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- [DraftKings Special Offer for FBG Readers]( Ever wanted to get season tickets but just weren't able to make it happen? Well the good news is, our friends over at DraftKings are making an incredible offer for Footballguys readers. This week, when you make your first deposit of at least $5, DraftKings will give you a ticket to play [FREE EVERY WEEK FOR THE REST OF THE REGULAR SEASON](. That's a $45 value, all yours for just $5! What's better than that? [Click here to claim this offer]( before it expires on Sunday at 1:00 PM EST --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Welcome to Game Day. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Get The Lineup Dominator for Mobile Now!]( If you're looking for a mobile app to help you dominate your league and set the best lineup each week, the Footballguys Lineup Dominator is your ticket. We bring next level projections, value algorithms and analysis to help you Dominate. It's just $4.99 and available in the iTunes and Google Play stores. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon expected to play](#1) 2. [DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott to play in next two games](#2) 3. [MIA - RB Jay Ajayi 'feeling good'](#3) 4. [DAL - Questionable tag for WR Terrance Williams](#4) 5. [ARI - QB Carson Palmer on track to play](#5) 6. [ARI - JJ Nelson listed as questionable](#6) 7. [ARI - WR John Brown will not play](#7) 8. [NE - Taylor Heinicke added to practice squad](#8) 9. [DET - Jim Caldwell receives extension](#9) 10. [SF - Tank Carradine out 4-6 weeks](#10) 11. [LAC - CB Jason Verrett placed on IR](#11) 12. [JAX - WR Dede Westbrook could return this season](#12) 13. [NYJ - TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins may have bigger role](#13) 14. [DEN - WR Bennie Fowler out of protocol](#14) 15. [NYG - CB Janoris Jenkins a game-time decision](#15) 16. [TEN - WR Taywan Taylor's role about to grow?](#16) 17. [HOU - No hiding WR DeAndre Hopkins](#17) 18. [DAL - WR Dez Bryant not worried](#18) 19. [BUF - Buffalo happy with WR corps](#19) 20. [JAX - QB Ryan Nassib learning the offense](#20) 21. [CIN - WR John Ross likes new OC](#21) 22. [LAC - No contact yet for WR Mike Williams](#22) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon expected to play](=) Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon](=) (knee) is expected to play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3, head coach Anthony Lynn said Friday, Sept. 22. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gordon was a late addition to the injury report, but practicing on Friday shows that he's likely to play on Sunday. Things haven't been great for Gordon this year, but he's still got plenty of fantasy relevant as a centerpiece of the Chargers offense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott to play in next two games]( Source: USA TODAY Sports - Lorenzo Reyes Dallas Cowboys RB [Ezekiel Elliott](=) has been cleared to play in the next two games after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th District set a Oct. 2 court date for the case involving his six-game suspension. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Don't automatically hit 'accept' if you get a trade offer for Elliott...he could be suspended as soon as Week 5. Even after a career-worst game against the Broncos in Week 2, you're still starting Elliott so long as he's playing. Have a plan ready in case Elliott ends up getting suspended at some point this season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [MIA - RB Jay Ajayi 'feeling good'](=) Source: ESPN.com - James Walker Miami Dolphins RB [Jay Ajayi](=) (knee) missed two practices this week with a knee injury but told reporters he was 'feeling good' despite being listed as questionable on the official Week 3 injury report. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Great news for the Dolphins and for fantasy owners here. Against the Jets, Ajayi could do plenty of damage (and rack up points) without getting a ton of playing time. They may have him on a snap count in Week 3, and if the Dolphins blow out the Jets then perhaps Ajayi will get some rest. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [DAL - Questionable tag for WR Terrance Williams]() Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota Dallas Cowboys WR [Terrance Williams](=) (ankle) is listed as questionable for the team's Week 3 game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Williams has been limited during the week of practice, but it looks like he'll play on Monday night against the Cardinals. Fantasy owners aren't lined up to start him anyway, and you likely have much better options as Williams is merely a desperation 'what the heck' flex. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [ARI - QB Carson Palmer on track to play]() Source: AZCardinals.com Arizona Cardinals QB [Carson Palmer](=) (non-injury) fully participated in practice Saturday, Sept. 23, and is not on the injury report for Week 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners who stream QBs are not really thrilled if Palmer is their option this week. It's a Monday night game against the Cowboys that gave up four TD passes to Trevor Siemian (Broncos) last week. The Cardinals offense has gotten off to a slow start in 2017, and they are hoping to get things revved up faster in Week 3. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [ARI - JJ Nelson listed as questionable]() Source: AZCardinals.com Arizona Cardinals WR JJ Nelson (hamstring) was limited during practice Saturday, Sept. 23, and is listed as questionable for Week 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners are looking forward to Nelson's Monday night performance, but they have to have a backup plan in case he doesn't play. He's been limited all week in practice, and hamstring injuries can slow a speedy receiver like him down. We might see Jaron Brown get a little more love if Nelson isn't quite himself. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [ARI - WR John Brown will not play]() Source: AZCardinals.com Arizona Cardinals WR [John Brown](=) (quadriceps) did not participate in practice Saturday, Sept. 23, and has been ruled out for Week 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here. Brown did not practice all week. On Monday night against the Cowboys, the Cardinals will line up Larry Fitzgerald, J.J. Nelson and Jaron Brown in 3WR sets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [NE - Taylor Heinicke added to practice squad](=) Source: Patriots.com Updating a previous report, the New England Patriots signed QB Taylor Heinicke to their practice squad Saturday, Sept. 23. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Heinicke was an interesting deep dynasty prospect with the Vikings. They let him go and picked up Kyle Sloter when the Broncos let him go after the preseason, and now Heinicke lands in New England. He's just a scout-team arm, but with New England we are monitoring him in the deepest dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [DET - Jim Caldwell receives extension](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell signed a multi-year extension with the Lions Saturday, Sept. 23, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Caldwell's deal was set to expire at the end of this year. They've gone to the playoffs as Wild Card teams under Caldwell, and the Lions are trending to make a deeper postseason run in 2017. The Lions have gone 29-21 under Caldwell. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [SF - Tank Carradine out 4-6 weeks]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport San Francisco 49ers DT Tank Carradine (ankle) is expected to be sidelined for four to six weeks because of his high ankle sprain, according to a source. The MRI on Carradine's ankle came back relatively clean. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] At least he won't be done for the year or even put on Injured Reserve. A high ankle sprain can linger if not given enough time to heal. Without Carradine, the 49ers defense will turn to veteran Elvis Dumervil to do more. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [LAC - CB Jason Verrett placed on IR]() Source: Chargers.com - Ricky Henne Los Angeles Chargers CB Jason Verrett (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Sept. 23. The team also signed practice squad LB Nick Dzubnar to their active roster. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Verrett is a talented but oft-injured player, and this is a major blow to the Chargers secondary. They'll still have Casey Hayward as the no1 CB in that secondary, but second-year CB Trevor Williams (UDFA, 2016) will be lined up opposite of him. Expect opponents to go after Williams as much as possible. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [JAX - WR Dede Westbrook could return this season]() Source: ESPN.com - Mike DiRocco Jacksonville Jaguars WR Dede Westbrook (core) is a candidate to be activated from the Reserve/Injured list later in the season, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Michael DiRocco. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That was the plan when the team put him on Injured Reserve. They especially need him now with Allen Robinson (knee) done for the year. Westbrook is a speedy rookie who can get open in a hurry and is dangerous with the ball in his hands after the catch. He's first eligible to return in Week 9. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [NYJ - TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins may have bigger role]() Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets TE [Austin Seferian-Jenkins](=) could receive a bigger role in the offense in Week 3 if TE [Will Tye](=) (illness) is not able to play. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If you're desperate at the TE position, then Seferian-Jenkins could be a consideration for you off the waiver wire as a streamer. The Jets are horrible, but they're going to be playing from behind and will have to fill the air with footballs to stay in games. Perhaps a chunk of those targets will wind up aimed at Seferian-Jenkins. He's always been physically gifted but has been a career disappointment in the pros due to injury and inconsistency. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [DEN - WR Bennie Fowler out of protocol]( Source: DenverBroncos.com - Patrick Smyth Denver Broncos WR [Bennie Fowler](=) (concussion) has cleared the concussion protocol but is still listed as questionable for Week 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fowler still might not play against the Bills on Sunday. If he's down, then the Broncos would likely turn to Jordan Taylor in Week 3. In two games, Taylor has been a healthy scratch for the Broncos. Rookie Isaiah McKenzie would also get a bump in opportunity. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [NYG - CB Janoris Jenkins a game-time decision](=) Source: NFL.com New York Giants CB Janoris Jenkins (ankle) is expected to be a game-time decision for the team's Week 3 game, according to head coach Ben McaAdoo. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He didn't practice all week, so Jenkins is on the doubtful side of questionable. If he can't play, the Giants would look to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie to do more. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [TEN - WR Taywan Taylor's role about to grow?]() Source: ESPN.com - Cameron Wolfe Tennessee Titans WR [Taywan Taylor](=) is the player most likely to see a significant increase in his role with fellow rookie [Corey Davis](=) (hamstring) ruled out for Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It will grow, but that doesn't mean it will be incredibly fantasy relevant. The rookie from Western Kentucky was a favorite of ours before the 2017 NFL draft. He's got the skill set similar to that of Stefon Diggs (Vikings) with the quickness and separation ability to get open on underneath routes. Taylor is also dangerous after the catch. Monitor him in dynasty leagues as he continues to progress. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [HOU - No hiding WR DeAndre Hopkins]() Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop Houston Texans WR [DeAndre Hopkins](=) has been facing double-teams all season because 'everyone in the league knows we're going to throw the ball to Hopkins,' head coach Bill O'Brien said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopkins has 29 targets through Week 2, making him easily the most targeted receiver in the league through two games. The Texans don't need to hide him, they just need to find ways to get him the football. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [DAL - WR Dez Bryant not worried]( Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys WR [Dez Bryant](=) has nine catches on 25 targets through two games, and he said while that level of efficiency is 'not acceptable,' he believes the connection between he and QB [Dak Prescott](=) will start clicking. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's only a matter of time really. Bryant and Prescott will benefit from a bruising rushing attack led by Ezekiel Elliott. When the team can't run the ball (see Week 2 vs Denver), then it complicates the entire offense. We like Bryant as a low-end WR2 or flex play on Monday night against the Cardinals. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [BUF - Buffalo happy with WR corps]() Source: The Buffalo News - Vic Carucci Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott said he is happy with WR [Jordan Matthews](=), WR [Zay Jones](=) and the rest of the receiving corps. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] He's happy with them but this passing game doesn't make fantasy owners happy. Things won't get any better for the Bills WRs as they face the 'No Fly Zone' and the Broncos swarming defense on Sunday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [JAX - QB Ryan Nassib learning the offense]( Source: The Florida Times-Union - John Reid Jacksonville Jaguars QB [Ryan Nassib](=) said learning the terminology of the offense has been his biggest challenge since being signed but playing under head coach Doug Marrone and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett in college has helped the transition. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nassib shouldn't take that long to get up to speed in the Jaguars offense. He'll work the scout team for the Jaguars, but with Blake Bortles on shaky ground it wouldn't surprise us to see Nassib get a shot....of course after the team benches Bortles then gets enough out of backup Chad Henne. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [CIN - WR John Ross likes new OC](=) Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Paul Daugherty Cincinnati Bengals WR [John Ross](=) said new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor is going to make the offense 'simple enough for us to incorporate it.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lazor is all about passing the ball...early and often...and as much as possible. That should fit in nicely for pass-catchers like A.J. Green, Gio Bernard and Ross. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [LAC - No contact yet for WR Mike Williams](=) Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers WR [Mike Williams](=) (back) is improving every practice but not yet facing contact, head coach Anthony Lynn said Friday, Sept. 22. 'Mike's getting better every single day,' Lynn said. 'He's running full speed, changing direction.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Running routes and running at full speed is the first step for the talented rookie. We should see him hit the field for the Chargers at some point in October. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =