Footballguys #217 - News & Notes From Around The League

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #217 -- Saturday Night, November 25th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Welcome to Game Day. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin a no-go for Week 12](#1) 2. [CLE - RB Duke Johnson to play more?](#2) 3. [TEN - WR Rishard Matthews a game-time decision](#3) 4. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins not on injury report](#4) 5. [HOU - WR Bruce Ellington on track to play](#5) 6. [HOU - WR Will Fuller to miss another game](#6) 7. [BAL - WR Jeremy Maclin does not practice](#7) 8. [PHI - TE Trey Burton a game-time decision](#8) 9. [IND - QB Jacoby Brissett cleared to play](#9) 10. [WAS - RB Kapri Bibbs promoted](#10) 11. [TEN - WR Harry Douglas activated](#11) 12. [PIT - RB Terrell Watson let go](#12) 13. [TEN - RB DeMarco Murray likely to remain starter](#13) 14. [LAC - WR Mike Williams does not have ACL injury](#14) 15. [NE - WR Brandin Cooks loves New England](#15) 16. [WAS - Still no timetable for TE Jordan Reed](#16) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin a no-go for Week 12](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Buffalo Bills WR [Kelvin Benjamin]( (knee) did not travel with the team and has been ruled out for Week 12 against the Kansas City Chiefs. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This move was expected as Benjamin didn't practice all week. Even though he's been declared day-to-day by head coach Sean McDermott, Benjamin needs proper time to heal. We'll see more of Jordan Matthews and Zay Jones in Week 12, but not enough to get overly excited about them in fantasy leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [CLE - RB Duke Johnson to play more?]() Source: Akron Beacon Journal - Nate Ulrich Cleveland Browns RB [Duke Johnson]( needs to be on the field 'as much as possible' because of his ability as a playmaker, according to run game coordinator Kirby Wilson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'd like to see that. Johnson already has every-week flex appeal in PPR leagues because of his ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield. With a larger role, he could perform at an even higher level. The Browns don't have a ton of talent on offense, but Johnson is certainly one of their best players and deserves more snaps. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [TEN - WR Rishard Matthews a game-time decision](=) Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans WR [Rishard Matthews]( (hamstring) will be a game-time decision for the team's Week 12 game, according to head coach Mike Mularkey. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Matthews was a late addition for the Titans on the injury report. If he doesn't play against the Colts, we should see a larger role for rookie Corey Davis. He makes for a value play in DFS leagues and has WR2 upside in standard leagues in Week 12. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins not on injury report]() Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [DeAndre Hopkins]( (foot) fully participated in practice Saturday, Nov. 25, and is not on the injury report for Week 12. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Tom Savage at quarterback, we're not as excited about the Texans passing game but Hopkins retains his WR1 value for fantasy owners. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [HOU - WR Bruce Ellington on track to play]() Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [Bruce Ellington]( (ribs) fully participated in practice Saturday, Nov. 25, and is not on the injury report for Week 12. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Will Fuller is dealing with his own ribs injury, and he's not going to play on Monday night against the Ravens. We see Ellington as a 'what the heck' flex as he starts opposite DeAndre Hopkins in Week 12. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [HOU - WR Will Fuller to miss another game]() Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [Will Fuller]( (ribs) did not participate in practice Saturday, Nov. 25, and has been ruled out for Week 12. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There was little chance that Fuller made it to the field on Monday night, so this news is not a surprise. We'll see Bruce Ellington fill his shoes as the starter opposite DeAndre Hopkins. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [BAL - WR Jeremy Maclin does not practice]( Source: BaltimoreRavens.com Baltimore Ravens WR [Jeremy Maclin]( (non-injury) did not participate in practice Saturday, Nov. 25, but is not on the injury report for Week 12. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Ravens play on Monday night against the Texans. If Maclin is not on the injury report, then he's likely to play in Week 12. We like him as a WR3/flex option for fantasy owners. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [PHI - TE Trey Burton a game-time decision](=) Source: NFL.com Philadelphia Eagles TE [Trey Burton]( (back) will be a game-time decision for the team's Week 12 game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Burton only catches passes here and there if Zach Ertz is banged up. With Ertz healthy, there wouldn't be that many targets or snaps for the young tight end. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [IND - QB Jacoby Brissett cleared to play]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Indianapolis Colts QB [Jacoby Brissett]( (concussion) has been cleared to play by doctors and will be the starting quarterback against the Tennessee Titans in Week 12. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This was expected as Brissett practiced fully on Friday and was not listed on the injury report. He's a QB2 against the Titans in Week 12. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [WAS - RB Kapri Bibbs promoted]() Source: NFL Trade Rumors Washington Redskins RB [Kapri Bibbs]( was added to the active roster Saturday, Nov. 25. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Washington played on Thanksgiving, defeating the Giants by a score of 20-10. They lack depth at the running back position and promoting Bibbs helps that. Bibbs has some regular season experience from his time with the Broncos in 2016, and he could push Byron Marshall for some playing time as a change-of-pace back behind starter Samaje Perine. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [TEN - WR Harry Douglas activated](=) Source: ESPN.com - Cameron Wolfe Tennessee Titans WR [Harry Douglas]( was activated from the Reserve/Injured list Saturday, Nov. 25. WR [Darius Jennings]( was waived in a corresponding move. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Titans get some veteran depth here with Douglas activated. Fantasy owners shouldn't be adding him - even in super deep leagues - as Douglas is currently fifth or sixth in the WR pecking order at best. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [PIT - RB Terrell Watson let go]() Source: The Athletic - Mark Kaboly Pittsburgh Steelers RB [Terrell Watson]( was released Saturday, Nov. 25. RB [Fitzgerald Toussaint]( was activated from the Reserve/Injured list in a corresponding move. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watson is a big back that doesn't run with the assumed power, and he's had trouble hanging onto the rock. Speaking of fumbling, Toussaint has a history with that as well but he's a better back overall. Toussaint will compete with rookie James Conner to get some reserve snaps behind superstar starter LeVeon Bell. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [TEN - RB DeMarco Murray likely to remain starter]() Source: ESPN.com - Cameron Wolfe Tennessee Titans RB [DeMarco Murray]( is expected to remain the starter over [Derrick Henry]( for the remainder of the season, although offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie admitted there is 'a bit of a hot hand approach with the backs' and 'not a specific play count for each.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The ole 'hot hand' approach sucks for fantasy owners. Murray is the lead back but Derrick Henry could start for a dozen or more teams around the NFL. Moving forward, fantasy owners need to play this RBBC the same way -- Murray as a RB2 and Henry as a RB4/flex option on a weekly basis. If something changes, we'll make note of it but right now Murray is a consideration to be an every week starter while Henry should mostly be used in good matchups. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [LAC - WR Mike Williams does not have ACL injury]() Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune Updating a previous report, an MRI exam for Los Angeles Chargers WR [Mike Williams]( (knee) revealed that he does not have an injury to his anterior cruciate ligament, according to head coach Anthony Lynn. However, he is still being evaluated by doctors and trainers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's good news for the Chargers and Williams, but it doesn't mean he's in the clear. Williams has been bothered by a back injury this year and limited to just six games as a rookie so far. Now this knee injury, even though it's not an ACL injury, could cause him to miss more time. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [NE - WR Brandin Cooks loves New England]( Source: Boston Herald - Jeff Howe New England Patriots WR [Brandin Cooks]( said his goal is to 'absolutely' spend the rest of his career in New England. 'It just matches my personality,' Cooks said. 'The way things are structured, the way they go about their business, it's just a great place.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cooks had back-to-back seasons over 1,000 yards receiving for the Saints in 2015 and 2016...and he's on pace for about the same amount this year. Catching passes from Tom Brady doesn't always go well for veteran free agent receivers...or receivers that have experience and are added via trade like Cooks. We've seen plenty of guys not mesh with Brady (Ochocinco anyone?) while others have thrived (see Wes Welker, Randy Moss). Cooks appears to be in the latter category and fantasy owners are loving the fit. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [WAS - Still no timetable for TE Jordan Reed](=) Source: The Washington Post - Master Tesfatsion Washington Redskins TE [Jordan Reed]( (hamstring) still doesn't have a timetable for his return, head coach Jay Gruden said Friday, Nov. 24. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Reed hasn't played since Week 8 against the Cowboys. He's dynamic when healthy and a must-start for fantasy owners as a TE1....but Reed has an injury history that reads like Infinite Jest. Good thing is, most fantasy owners are already prepared for him to miss time because of his history as an oft-injured player. [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](=). 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