Footballguys #128 - 8/27 - Injury Notes, Preseason Waiver Wire, From The Gut, News & Notes and MORE

[2018 Footballguys Players Championship]() [Don't Get Shutout - Just 1,789 teams left]() We are headed for another sellout of the [Footballguys Players Championship](). More than $2,100,000 in prizes will be awarded after the 2018 season including the $250,000 grand prize. At only a $350 entry fee, can you afford not to play in this tournament? Daily online drafts are happening now. You'll get your draft slot as soon as your league fills--which won't take long, we promise! The prize pool--paying all the way down to 700th place--will still remain the same, as will the two preseason waiver wires we introduced last season. And the league prize values are up to $2,300 this season as well, so grab your preferred draft times and dates now! --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #128 - 8/27 - Injury Notes, Preseason Waiver Wire, From The Gut, News & Notes and MORE Volume 20, #128 -- Monday Night, August 27th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]( Howdy {NAME}, Good Tuesday to you. Drafts are happening everywhere you look. Buckle up. J SITE NEWS A. [Get A FREE Season Long Pro Subscription - Offer Ends Friday!]( I guess all good things have to end. That's the case with our killer DRAFT.com promotion we've run this summer. New customers of DRAFT.com deposit just $10 with DRAFT.com and you'll get a free Footballguys Season Long Pro subscription. See the offer [here]( with details. Scroll down to the DRAFT offer and click the orange "Claim Offer" button. B. [Monday Injury Rounds: Preseason Week 4]() Our Dr. Jene Bramel, MD, checks in with the questions you're asking: Will Carson Wentz play in Week 1? Can Travis Frederick return this year? How close are Saquon Barkley, Doug {NAME}, Jerick McKinnon, Alshon Jeffery, and others? C. [FREE Feature - Offensive Line Rankings and Notes: After Preseason Week 3]() Our offensive line expert, Matt Bitonti, with updates on injuries and other offensive line related news, after week three but prior to week four of the preseason. D. [35 Players To Target on the Preseason Waiver Wire]() Our Sigmund Bloom with a list of 35 players who might have been overlooked in early drafts to target on preseason waiver wire runs. E. [From The Gut: NFC]() Our Sigmund Bloom with a collection of observations and gut feelings about every team in the NFC. F. [On Second Thought]( Our Sigmund Bloom with a rundown of all of the value changes from the preseason and training camp. G. [True Fantasy Points: 2018 Quarterback Projections]( Our Danny Tuccitto with a stats-based guide for separating skill from luck in quarterback projections. H. [Linebacker Tiers]() Our Aaron Rudnicki takes a look at the landscape for linebackers in 2018 and breaks them up into tiers to help with your IDP draft. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NYG - Odell Beckham agrees to massive extension](#1) 2. [CLE - WR Josh Gordon will not start Week 1](#2) 3. [WAS - WR Chris Thompson looks good](#3) 4. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed should be ready](#4) 5. [CLE - QB Baker Mayfield starting this week](#5) 6. [SEA - WR Doug {NAME} to do more at practice](#6) 7. [TEN - TE Delanie Walker expects to play Week 1](#7) 8. [IND - QB Andrew Luck has foot ailment](#8) 9. [TB - WR Mike Evans back on the field](#9) 10. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers dealing with illness](#10) 11. [NE - RB Sony Michel returns to practice](#11) 12. [PHI - RB Jay Ajayi not ready to return](#12) 13. [NYG - TE Evan Engram still sidelined](#13) 14. [OAK - Oakland trades WR Ryan Switzer](#14) 15. [PIT - Pittsburgh acquires WR Ryan Switzer](#15) 16. [CLE - QB Baker Mayfield may play a lot Thursday](#16) 17. [JAX - WR Donte Moncrief has an opening](#17) 18. [JAX - WR Marqise Lee headed to IR](#18) 19. [DET - DE Robert Ayers signs with Lions](#19) 20. [NYG - OLB Olivier Vernon iffy for season opener](#20) 21. [NYG - RB Saquon Barkley takes part in practice](#21) 22. [NYG - Jon Halapio likely will start](#22) 23. [NYG - X-rays negative for OLB Olivier Vernon](#23) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NYG - Odell Beckham agrees to massive extension](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport New York Giants WR [Odell Beckham Jr](. agreed to terms on a five-year contract extension with the Giants Monday, Aug. 27, worth $95 million, according to a source. The deal includes $65 million in guaranteed money. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The guaranteed money is a record for the position. Another record for Beckham is his new average annual salary of $19 million. He is looking to bounce back after an injury-shortened 2017 season, and the team clearly believes he can do just that. This contract situation never turned ugly as Beckham put forth several good faith moves during the offseason. So long as he stays healthy, Beckham is a superstar and no-brainer WR1 for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [CLE - WR Josh Gordon will not start Week 1]() Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns WR [Josh Gordon]( (hamstring) will not start Week 1 even if he is completely healthy but will play in the game, according to head coach Hue Jackson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gordon could end up as a WR2 with WR1 upside for Fantasy GMs this year. In Week 1, we'll be nerfing his projections a bit due to this news. Gordon will be a boom/bust flex play to begin the season if the team has him on any sort of snap count. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [WAS - WR Chris Thompson looks good]() Source: ESPN.com - John Keim Washington Redskins RB [Chris Thompson]( (leg) has looked 'really good,' according to head coach Jay Gruden. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Thompson has admitted that he won't feel 100 percent until November but it doesn't mean he can't look good now. He's the primary pass-catching back for the Washington offense with Adrian Peterson likely to lead the way on the ground. Thompson has flex appeal in PPR leagues and he's got a current ADP of RB30 (6.12) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed should be ready]() Source: ESPN.com - John Keim Washington Redskins TE [Jordan Reed]( (toes) is on pace to be ready for Week 1, according to head coach Jay Gruden. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Reed should be ready for the season opener, but how long he stays healthy is anybody's guess. He's a talented tight end with TE1 ability for Fantasy GMs but Reed's injury history is long. If he stays healthy for 16 games (something he's never done as a pro), Reed could be a top-10 fantasy tight end. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [CLE - QB Baker Mayfield starting this week]() Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield will start the final preseason game with head coach Hue Jackson resting the starters. Jackson said Mayfield could play a full half. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That makes sense. Mayfield is set to begin the regular season as a backup to Tyrod Taylor. Once the season is out of hand, Mayfield should take over as the starter. He was the no.1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft and the Browns certainly see him as a potential franchise quarterback of the future. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [SEA - WR Doug {NAME} to do more at practice]() Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta Seattle Seahawks WR [Doug {NAME}]( (knee) will be able to do more things during practice this week, according to head coach Pete Carroll. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Seahawks have been working {NAME} back cautiously from this knee injury. {NAME} will not play in the final preseason game but is on track for Week 1. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [TEN - TE Delanie Walker expects to play Week 1]() Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans TE [Delanie Walker]( (toe) said he fully expects to be ready for Week 1. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Walker has not been practicing since the middle of August due to this injury. It sounds like everything is on track for him to play in the season opener. Walker is a low-end TE1 for Fantasy GMs, and currently he's going off the board at TE9 (7.09) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [IND - QB Andrew Luck has foot ailment](=) Source: The Herald Bulletin - George Bremer Indianapolis Colts QB [Andrew Luck]( (foot) is dealing with a minor foot issue stemming from Week 3 of the preseason, according to head coach Frank Reich. Luck would play if there was a game this week, however. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This sounds like a minor injury, but we'd feel a lot better if he didn't have any extra nagging injuries heading into the regular season. Luck is coming back from a major shoulder injury and we could see him post QB1 numbers in 2018. Fantasy GMs are taking him off the board at QB8 (8.05) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [TB - WR Mike Evans back on the field]() Source: The Athletic - Greg Auman Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR [Mike Evans]( (back) participated in practice Monday, Aug. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Evans is out there practicing but he won't play in the Buccaneers preseason finale. So long as he's healthy, Evans should post WR1 numbers (again) in 2018. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers dealing with illness](=) Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein Green Bay Packers QB [Aaron Rodgers]( (illness) is not participating in practice Monday, Aug. 27, because of an illness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This doesn't sound like a big deal. Rodgers isn't going to play in the team's preseason finale and he should be feeling much better for the start of the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NE - RB Sony Michel returns to practice]( Source: NESN.com - Doug Kyed New England Patriots RB Sony Michel (knee) participated in practice Monday, Aug. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Michel hasn't practiced with the team since early August. The talented first-round rookie from Georgia is a dynamic running back who is a threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Members of the scouting community regularly compared his game to that of LeSean McCoy and certainly the Patriots are excited about his future. Michel should be ready for the start of the regular season, but when he takes the lead position over Rex Burkhead remains unclear. Fantasy GMs are nabbing him at RB37 (8.04) in 12-team PPR leagues because of Michel's upside in that high-powered offense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [PHI - RB Jay Ajayi not ready to return](=) Source: Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles RB [Jay Ajayi]( (undisclosed) is not participating in practice Monday, Aug. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Reporters around the Eagles are declaring this a 'lower body' injury. Ajayi has missed over a week of practice now due to this ailment. At this moment, it seems like he should be ready for the start of the regular season. When healthy, Ajayi should be the lead back for the Eagles and a RB2 or flex option for Fantasy GMs on a weekly basis. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [NYG - TE Evan Engram still sidelined]( Source: The Bergen Record - Art Stapleton New York Giants TE [Evan Engram]( (concussion) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Engram won't play in the preseason finale, and he should have time to get through the concussion protocol before the start of the regular season. He was concussed last year early in his rookie season and didn't miss a game during that time. He's a TE1 for Fantasy GMs after finishing as the no.5 fantasy tight end in 2017 (standard scoring leagues). [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [OAK - Oakland trades WR Ryan Switzer](=) Source: Yahoo! Sports - Jordan Schultz Oakland Raiders WR [Ryan Switzer]( was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday, Aug. 27, according to a source. It is not known what the Raiders received in return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Raiders traded with the Cowboys for Switzer (a 2017 fourth-round pick) back in April. Switzer wasn't going to do much as a receiver no matter where he was playing, and his main role is on special teams as a returner. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [PIT - Pittsburgh acquires WR Ryan Switzer](=) Source: Yahoo! Sports - Jordan Schultz Oakland Raiders WR [Ryan Switzer]( was acquired by the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday, Aug. 27, according to a source. It is not known what the Raiders received in return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Switzer was a fourth-round pick of the Cowboys back in 2017 and is now on his third team. He's a small slot receiver with great quickness and a small catch radius. Switzer's main value should come as a return man although he did not impress in that department during three preseason games with the Raiders. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [CLE - QB Baker Mayfield may play a lot Thursday]() Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield may play as much as a half in the final preseason game Thursday, Aug. 30, according to head coach Hue Jackson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Tyrod Taylor is the starter for the Browns to begin the regular season. He will give way to Mayfield at some point, likely this season. Mayfield, the no.1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, has shown flashes during the preseason but still needs more time and development. He's going to get plenty of chances to show off his progress in the preseason finale. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [JAX - WR Donte Moncrief has an opening]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Jacksonville Jaguars WR [Donte Moncrief]( has an opening to a starting receiver spot with WR [Marqise Lee]( (knee) out for the season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Moncrief should get more looks now that Marqise Lee is done for the year. How much fantasy value do those extra looks may have is debatable. Keelan Cole likely gets the most boost with the Lee injury. Dede Westbrook will factor into the mix here as well. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [JAX - WR Marqise Lee headed to IR]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Jacksonville Jaguars WR [Marqise Lee]( (knee) will be placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Aug. 27, and he's expected to miss the entire season due to ligament damage. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Earlier this offseason, Lee signed a four-year, $38 million contract. The deal included $18 million guaranteed. That number means he'll be back...just in 2019. This injury opens the door for guys like Keelan Cole, Dede Westbrook and Donte Moncrief to do more. Cole should see his ADP rise from the current level of WR58 (13.01) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [DET - DE Robert Ayers signs with Lions]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Free-agent DE Robert Ayers (Buccaneers) agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions Monday, Aug. 27. Financial terms weren't disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] In two seasons with the Buccaneers, Ayers only compiled 8.5 sacks in 24 games (12 each year). The veteran was released in March and has drawn little interest on the open market. The Lions needed some depth, and Ayers gives them a veteran pass rusher who could play a rotational role. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [NYG - OLB Olivier Vernon iffy for season opener](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating previous reports, New York Giants LB Olivier Vernon (ankle) has a deep bruise high on his ankle, and he may cut it close to being ready for Week 1. His timetable isn't clear until the team sees how he responds in the next day or so. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Vernon is considered day-to-day with this ankle injury. Previous reports seemed to be positive about his availability for the start of the regular season. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [NYG - RB Saquon Barkley takes part in practice]( Source: Giants.com - Dan Salomone New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley (hamstring) participated in team drills during practice Sunday, Aug. 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is a great sign for Barkley's Week 1 availability and effectiveness, as long as he makes it through the next two weeks of practice without incident. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [NYG - Jon Halapio likely will start]( Source: The Bergen Record - Art Stapleton New York Giants C Jon Halapio likely will be the starting center this season after the team traded C Brett Jones to the Minnesota Vikings. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Halapio had earned the job by many accounts, so this isn't really a downgrade for the Giants offensive line. Last year's starter Weston Richburg signed a big deal in free agency. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [NYG - X-rays negative for OLB Olivier Vernon](=) Source: ESPN.com - Josina Anderson Updating a previous reports, New York Giants LB Olivier Vernon (ankle) underwent X-rays on his injured ankle and they came back negative, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's good news, but he's not out of the woods for Week 1 and limited effectiveness when he first returns. [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: =