Footballguys #256 - 1/3 - News & Notes From Around The League - Playoff Contest For Insider PRO Subscribers

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #256 -- Wednesday Night, January 3rd, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Thursday to you. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Playoff Contest For Insider PRO and PRO Plus Subscribers]( It's back again this year. If you purchased an Insider PRO or PRO Plus subscription for this season, we have a FREE Playoff Contest for you. It's our way of saying thanks for being part of Footballguys. Good luck! [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NFL - Sam Darnold enters 2018 draft](#1) 2. [NFL - Josh Rosen declares for 2018 draft](#2) 3. [ARI - TE Jermaine Gresham has torn Achilles'](#3) 4. [JAX - Full practice for QB Blake Bortles](#4) 5. [BUF - TE Charles Clay limited](#5) 6. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin listed as limited](#6) 7. [NFL - Kamryn Pettway declares for draft](#7) 8. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman limited](#8) 9. [ATL - WR Julio Jones shines bright in postseason](#9) 10. [MIN - Minnesota signs Brandon Zylstra](#10) 11. [DEN - CB Aqib Talib a release candidate?](#11) 12. [TEN - RB DeMarco Murray doesn't practice](#12) 13. [IND - Matt Nagy will meet with Colts](#13) 14. [ATL - WR Julio Jones confirms readiness for WC round](#14) 15. [CAR - WR Devin Funchess misses practice](#15) 16. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill favorite to start in 2018](#16) 17. [HOU - DE Jadeveon Clowney set to undergo knee scope](#17) 18. [DEN - WR Jordan Taylor need surgery on both hips](#18) 19. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead, DT Alan Branch return to practice](#19) 20. [KC - QB Alex Smith shatters small-ball tag](#20) 21. [CIN - Bill Lazor staying in Cincy](#21) 22. [JAX - WR Marqise Lee idle Wednesday](#22) 23. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy idle Wednesday](#23) 24. [PHI - RB Jay Ajayi's knee an issue](#24) 25. [HOU - DE J.J. Watt targeting training camp](#25) 26. [DAL - TE Jason Witten to play in 2018](#26) 27. [ATL - Terrence Magee promoted](#27) 28. [DEN - QB Trevor Siemian set for another surgery](#28) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NFL - Sam Darnold enters 2018 draft]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Southern California QB Sam Darnold has announced that he is declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Many thought Darnold would return for another season at USC. Entering the draft stocks the QB position even more as there may be four or five selected in the first round. Darnold has the size, arm strength and anticipation to make a good (or great) NFL quarterback. He did make too many mistakes in 2017, and Darnold has a loopy release that will need to be tightened up at the pro level. His footwork also seems to be off when the pocket is clean. Even with all the question marks around him, Darnold should be a top-10 pick. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NFL - Josh Rosen declares for 2018 draft]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport UCLA QB Josh Rosen has announced that he will enter the 2018 NFL Draft. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rosen is considered by some in the scouting community to be the best QB available this year. He's got all the tools scouts love; arm strength, accuracy, leadership. However, Rosen does have some injury concerns and there are some concerns about his attitude. He's an alpha male for sure, but there are some who question how well he will take to NFL coaching. Rosen is a lock to be a top-10 pick and he could be the no1 overall selection (even though he may not want to play for the Browns). [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [ARI - TE Jermaine Gresham has torn Achilles'](=) Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban Updating a previous report, Arizona Cardinals TE [Jermaine Gresham]( (Achilles') suffered a torn Achilles' tendon in the team's Week 17 game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Achilles' injuries aren't as devastating as they once were. Gresham's status for the start of the 2018 season is up in the air with this injury. He signed a four-year, $28 million contract with the Cardinals last March. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [JAX - Full practice for QB Blake Bortles](=) Source: Jaguars.com Jacksonville Jaguars QB [Blake Bortles]( (wrist) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Jaguars are at home on Sunday to take on the Bills in the Wild Card Round. If everything goes according to plan, they should run the ball early and often to beat the Bills. That will limit the reps for Bortles and the passing attack. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BUF - TE Charles Clay limited]() Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Buffalo Bills TE [Charles Clay]( (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Clay is limited most weeks with this knee injury. The team is giving him as much rest as possible before Sunday's road game against the Jaguars. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [BUF - WR Kelvin Benjamin listed as limited]() Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Buffalo Bills WR [Kelvin Benjamin]( (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Having Benjamin out there on Sunday would greatly benefit the Bills. They may be playing without superstar RB LeSean McCoy who is a game-time decision. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NFL - Kamryn Pettway declares for draft]( Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora Auburn RB Kamryn Pettway declared for the 2018 NFL draft Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Pettway joins fellow Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson in leaving early for the NFL draft. He began his career at Auburn as a fullback and had an injury/suspension shortened 2017 season where he ran for 305 yards and six touchdowns. Pettway is 6'0" 240 pounds and there's not a lot of nuance to his game. He's a power back who runs with great balance and is tough to bring down when he builds a head of steam. He's likely to be a late-round pick or priority free agent. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman limited]( Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter Atlanta Falcons RB [Devonta Freeman]( (knee) was a limited practice participant Wdnesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Freeman's knee is a concern, but most expected him to be limited most all of the week. The Falcons travel to play the Rams on Saturday night in the Wild Card round. We'll see if Freeman can get a full practice in before the end of the week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [ATL - WR Julio Jones shines bright in postseason]() Source: NFLCommunications.com - Randall Liu Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones]( is the only player in NFL history to achieve multiple playoff games with at least 180 receiving yards and two touchdowns. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If the Falcons want to win on Saturday night against the Rams, it will likely be with a huge game from Jones. They're facing a Wade Phillips defense that will be ready for Jones this weekend. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [MIN - Minnesota signs Brandon Zylstra](=) Source: Vikings.com Minnesota Vikings WR Brandon Zylstra was signed to a Reserve/Future contract Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] First off, Zylstra has a great last name and immediately gets into the Blackeyed Joe All-Name team. Second, the CFL star made huge plays for the Edmonton Eskimos in 2017. In 16 games in 2017, Zylstra had 1,687 receiving yards on 100 catches to go along with five touchdowns. He's a Minnesota native that would love to make the 53-man roster in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [DEN - CB Aqib Talib a release candidate?](=) Source: The Denver Post - Nicki Jhabvala Denver Broncos CB Aqib Talib acknowledged there is a chance he will not return to the team next season. Talib has two years remaining on the five-year contract he signed with the Broncos in 2014 and carries a salary cap hit of $12 million for next season but only $1 million in "dead money,' according to the Denver Post's Nicki Jhabvala. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The salary is inflated, but Talib is still capable of playing at a high level. The Broncos might want to free up $11 million in cap space by releasing Talib so they can have more dollars to go after a free agent QB like Kirk Cousins. Releasing Talib would also allow Bradley Roby to step into the no2 role opposite Chris Harris. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [TEN - RB DeMarco Murray doesn't practice](=) Source: ESPN.com - Cameron Wolfe Tennessee Titans RB [DeMarco Murray]( (knee) was sidelined during practice Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Murray is unlikely to play on Saturday against the Chiefs. We should see Derrick Henry be the lead back for the Titans. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [IND - Matt Nagy will meet with Colts]( Source: ESPN.com - Adam Teicher Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will interview for the Indianapolis Colts' open head coaching position. He will not, however, let it interfere with his responsibilities in the playoffs. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nagy is a rising star in the assistant coaching ranks. He has a connection with the Colts GM Chris Ballard as they worked together with the Chiefs. His work with the Chiefs offense and guys like WR Tyreek Hill, TE Travis Kelce and RB Kareem Hunt have gotten the attention of teams around the league. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [ATL - WR Julio Jones confirms readiness for WC round]( Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones]( (ankle, ribs) told reporters he feels 'great' on Wednesday, Jan. 3, and that he will 'be ready to go' versus the Los Angeles Rams for the Wild-Card Game on Saturday, Jan. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jones is banged up...per usual...but we expect him to play against the Rams on Saturday. In fact, with RB Devonta Freeman banged up too, the Falcons may turn to Jones more than ever. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CAR - WR Devin Funchess misses practice](=) Source: The Charlotte Observer - Joseph Person Carolina Panthers WR [Devin Funchess]( (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Funchess and the Panthers are traveling to take on the Saints for Wild Card Weekend. We should see star rookie CB Marshon Lattimore draw Funchess in coverage...if Funchess is able to play. It's only Wednesday, so check back later in the week to see if Funchess can practice. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [MIA - QB Ryan Tannehill favorite to start in 2018](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Adam H. Beasley Miami Dolphins QB [Ryan Tannehill]( is expected to return as the team's starting quarterback next season, according to head coach Adam Gase. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here. Tannehill was lost for the 2017 season with a knee injury, and that prompted the Dolphins to lure Jay Cutler out of the Fox broadcast booth. Cutler only had a one-year deal, and he may not return to the team or to the NFL. Tannehill is signed through the 2020 season, and the team needs to find better weapons around him as they may lose WR Jarvis Landry in free agency this offseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [HOU - DE Jadeveon Clowney set to undergo knee scope](=) Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans DE/LB Jadeveon Clowney (knee) will undergo minor arthroscopic knee surgery in the coming days or weeks and will not play in the Pro Bowl for the second straight season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Clowney has developed into a force to be reckoned with in the NFL but injuries are a concern. He is expected to make a full recovery and participate in offseason activities. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [DEN - WR Jordan Taylor need surgery on both hips](=) Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos WR [Jordan Taylor]( (hip) is expected to undergo surgery on both hips 'soon,' according to league sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's amazing that Taylor was able to perform with this hip problem. We're monitoring him in deep dynasty leagues. Taylor has plenty of speed and can make acrobatic catches seem routine. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead, DT Alan Branch return to practice](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Darin Gantt New England Patriots RB [Rex Burkhead]( (knee) and DT Alan Branch (knee) were back at practice Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Patriots have a bye this week and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. When they play next week they should have Burkhead back as planned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [KC - QB Alex Smith shatters small-ball tag]() Source: ESPN Stats and Information Kansas City Chiefs QB [Alex Smith]( led the league with 17 completions on passes thrown at least 30 yards downfield this season. By comparison, he had 16 such completions combined from 2013 to 2016. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith obviously took some more deep shots this year. Overall, his air-yards-per-attempt average (7.34 yards) was still below the league average (7.96 yards). His mark ranked 24th-lowest for starting QBs this year, but this is a slight improvement over where Smith ranks historically in that category. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [CIN - Bill Lazor staying in Cincy](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Bill Lazor re-signed with the Bengals Wednesday, Jan. 3, on an undisclosed deal. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lazor got the job as OC for the Bengals when they moved on from Ken Zampese after two weeks of the 2017 season. He gets the same two-year deal that Marvin Lewis got from the Bengals. They didn't have a great year offensively, and the team has many improvements to make on that side of the ball. Lazor's biggest challenge will be getting better/improved play from RB Joe Mixon in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [JAX - WR Marqise Lee idle Wednesday]( Source: The Florida Times-Union - Hays Carlyon Jacksonville Jaguars WR [Marqise Lee]( (ankle) is expected to miss practice Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We haven't seen Lee on the field since Week 15, and his status for Sunday's Wild Card game against the Bills is up in the air. If Lee can't play, then the Jaguars will turn to talented WRs like Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook and Allen Hurns. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy idle Wednesday]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Buffalo Bills RB [LeSean McCoy]( (ankle) won't practice Wednesday, Jan. 3, and he's day to day, according to head coach Sean McDermott. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McCoy is considered a game-time decision for the Wild Card game against the Jaguars. The team wants to give him as much rest as possible to see if he can be ready for Sunday's contest. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [PHI - RB Jay Ajayi's knee an issue]( Source: Philadelphia Daily News - Paul Domowitch Philadelphia Eagles RB [Jay Ajayi]( (knee) may miss practice time this week because of knee soreness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Eagles have a bye this week and they have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs as the NFC's top seed. Ajayi has had knee problems dating back to his days in college at Boise State. Getting rest is just part of his deal. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [HOU - DE J.J. Watt targeting training camp]() Source: ESPN.com - Sarah Barshop Houston Texans DT J.J. Watt (leg) indicated he was on track to be ready to return in time for training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Texans defense will get a huge boost when Watt returns. Watt is recovering from a broken leg suffered in Week 5. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [DAL - TE Jason Witten to play in 2018](=) Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys TE [Jason Witten]( will return for his 16th NFL season in 2018. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Witten and his dad-running style will be back out there for the Cowboys in 2018. He'll continue to provide Dak Prescott with the reliable receiver a quarterback needs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [ATL - Terrence Magee promoted]() Source: NFL Trade Rumors Atlanta Falcons RB [Terrence Magee]( was added from the practice squad to the active roster Tuesday, Jan. 2. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Falcons aren't going to take any chances in the playoffs. Devonta Freeman (knee) is likely to play on Saturday against the Rams, but they add some depth at the RB position with Magee if needed. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [DEN - QB Trevor Siemian set for another surgery]( Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos quarterback [Trevor Siemian]( (shoulder) will undergo surgery to repair a damaged posterior capsule in his left shoulder Wednesday, Jan. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Siemian is tough, but he's injury prone and can't make it through a season without sustaining multiple injuries. Last year he had three injuries as the team's starter (both shoulders and a foot injury) and this year he got benched then came back in to start a few weeks later and got hurt. The hits are taking their toll and Siemian is not standing up against the pressure. Siemian underwent an unrelated left shoulder surgery at the end of the 2016 season as well. His future with the team is up in the air. [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: =