Footballguys #138 - 9/6 - Game One in the Books + News and Notes

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See website for details. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #138 - 9/6 - Game One in the Books + News and Notes Volume 20, #138 -- Thursday Night, September 6th, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]( Howdy {NAME}, Here. We. Go. We've got some news and notes for you so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Footballguys And Rotogrinders Present Tips and Picks](=) Our John Lee and our friends from Rotogrinders team up for the DFS show you need to see. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell won't have tag rescinded](#1) 2. [PIT - Teammates frustrated with Le'Veon Bell](#2) 3. [OAK - RB Marshawn Lynch limited in practice](#3) 4. [CLE - WR Josh Gordon limited again](#4) 5. [LAC - TE Antonio Gates optimistic of playing Sunday](#5) 6. [HOU - WR Will Fuller remains limited](#6) 7. [NE - Sony Michael limited](#7) 8. [NYJ - Full practice for WR Quincy Enunwa](#8) 9. [NYJ - WR Terrelle Pryor takes part in practice](#9) 10. [NYJ - WR Jermaine Kearse sits out](#10) 11. [PIT - No practice for TE Vance McDonald](#11) 12. [LAC - DE Joey Bosa may miss Week 1](#12) 13. [MIA - WR DeVante Parker remains sidelined](#13) 14. [MIA - RB Frank Gore does not practice](#14) 15. [JAX - TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins limited](#15) 16. [CAR - Carolina signs QB Connor Cook](#16) 17. [LAR - OLB Khalil Mack was a trade target for Rams](#17) 18. [CIN - TE Tyler Eifert a full participant](#18) 19. [CLE - WR Dez Bryant may be option for CLE again](#19) 20. [IND - RB Marlon Mack on the field Thursday](#20) 21. [MIN - RB Dalvin Cook's usage unclear?](#21) 22. [NYG - OLB Olivier Vernon remains out of practice](#22) 23. [NYJ - Multiple players worked out for Jets](#23) 24. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead to be eased in](#24) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell won't have tag rescinded](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell won't have the franchise tag rescinded, according to a source. He'll play for them this year, but it's just a matter of when. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Well, that's no shock. Add in the fact that his offensive line - including the player rep - just threw him under a bus and it will be interesting. Hopefully, you got James Conner. While he's not the back Bell is, he should have some solid production and you know the offensive line will go all out for him to prove their point. He should be good against Cleveland, though not near as good as Bell would be, and is definitely worth having in at least your flex spot. For Bell, there seems to be some optimism he might report before Saturday. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [PIT - Teammates frustrated with Le'Veon Bell]() Source: NFL Network - Aditi Kinkhabwala Pittsburgh Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey voiced frustration over RB Le'Veon Bell's absence after Bell's agent wanted to know the team's plan to use Bell this season. 'Why play hide and seek? Why let your agent say this? Just man up and tell us what you're going to do,' Pouncey said. OT Alejandro Villanueva said: 'teams win and lose as a team.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is unprecedented, and when we write that word, it's not hyperbole. Clearly, the team's been hurt by Bell's lack of communication. Things can change in a hurry though so we'll see how it goes when Bell returns. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [OAK - RB Marshawn Lynch limited in practice]( Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal - Michael Gehlken Oakland Raiders RB [Marshawn Lynch]( (groin) was a limited participant in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We truly don't know what to expect from Jon Gruden and his Raiders, which makes it a bit dicey to rely on this backfield. Lynch is likely to be the lead back, but we don't think that's going to account for much against a tremendous defense, while the rest of the Oakland offense is forced to keep pace with a Rams offense which can score points early and often. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [CLE - WR Josh Gordon limited again](=) Source: The Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak Cleveland Browns WR [Josh Gordon]( (hamstring) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is where missing training camp -- even for good reasons -- oftentimes hurts a player. Conditioning is an important part of camp and preseason, and a lack of it can lead to muscle injuries like this. We feel Gordon will have a good season, but this week, as he is gimpy and the Browns face a good defense, is one where we would avoid him or, at the most, relegate him to a flex option. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [LAC - TE Antonio Gates optimistic of playing Sunday](=) Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers TE [Antonio Gates]( has not ruled out playing in the team's season opener Sunday, Sept. 9. 'I've always been optimistic about playing in a game, whether I was injured or not here -- it didn't matter,' Gates said after practicing for the first time this season Wednesday, Sept. 5. 'So, I think I'm well aware of the preparation that needs to be put in throughout the week to go play a game at the highest level possible. With that being said ... it just depends on how I feel leading up to Sunday.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We wouldn't advise you to risk Gates in your lineup this week. We don't know what shape he's in, how he's practiced or even how mentally prepared he is. Could he have a big game? Sure, but it's more likely that it will take a week or two for him to start producing. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [HOU - WR Will Fuller remains limited](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [Will Fuller]( (hamstring) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] New England's secondary is a good matchup for the Houston passing offense, but Fuller's hamstring is a concern. It's hard to see him generating much more than between 50 and 60 yards, and we think touchdowns could go to DeAndre Hopkins and the backfield. He's a middling start this week, though we like his seasonal upside. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NE - Sony Michael limited]() Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots RB Sony Michel (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Maybe there's some sort of Monkey's Paw type curse for Patriots first round running backs, although to be fair, Laurence Maroney is the only other one to judge by. The Patriots already run a committee most of the time, so Michel was going to have to fight for impact carries anyway. Missing time like this isn't going to help at all. Rex Burkhead is the lead back - maybe that should be in quotes - this week but might be eased in, so he's likely to not be more than a flex. This is probably how things are going to look most weeks -- lots of variance in who is getting the most production and lots of headaches for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [NYJ - Full practice for WR Quincy Enunwa]( Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets WR [Quincy Enunwa]( (thumb) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Enunwa, like much of the Jets passing offense, isn't anyone you can rely on. We do like him as a deeper option since the offense will utilize the slot receiver quite a bit as rookie quarterback Sam Darnold gets his feet under him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NYJ - WR Terrelle Pryor takes part in practice]( Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets WR [Terrelle Pryor]( (ankle) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Pryor isn't a guy we are throwing into the lineup yet but as the Jets lack any real tight end option, he could end up filling that role, especially in the red zone. Rookie quarterback Sam Darnold did seem pretty comfortable with him as well. That presents the possibility that Pryor could end up as a solid flex or WR4 type receiver, especially in touchdown heavy leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [NYJ - WR Jermaine Kearse sits out]( Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta New York Jets WR [Jermaine Kearse]( (abdomen) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kearse was already feeling like the odd man out in the Jets lackluster passing offense, and so we weren't very excited by him to begin with. Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa will see the most work, but a rookie quarterback and a solid Detroit defense have our expectations pretty low. We would avoid the Jets this week, and certainly for the near future until this offense shows us something. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [PIT - No practice for TE Vance McDonald](=) Source: The Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak Pittsburgh Steelers TE [Vance McDonald]( (foot) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There is no tight end on the roster which we would throw out there this week, healthy or no. Since Heath Miller has departed, the Steelers have not had an even remotely reliable fantasy option. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [LAC - DE Joey Bosa may miss Week 1](=) Source: Los Angeles Daily News - Jack Wang Los Angeles Chargers DE Joey Bosa (foot) is at risk of being sidelined for the season opener, according to head coach Anthony Lynn. 'It's possible that he might be with us. Foot injuries, they take on all the body weight. That can be tricky,' Lynn said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This could help Pat Mahomes this weekend, as he will see less pressure. Though Melvin Ingram will be there and he's plenty good too. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [MIA - WR DeVante Parker remains sidelined]() Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero Miami Dolphins WR [DeVante Parker]( (finger) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Parker continues to underwhelm. Even when he's healthy, he's not very productive and now he's not even healthy. We won't go anywhere near him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [MIA - RB Frank Gore does not practice]() Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero Miami Dolphins RB [Frank Gore]( (Achilles', non-injury) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gore is old. That doesn't mean we don't think he has anything left in the tank, just that his body doesn't heal like it used to. So the Dolphins will be careful with him in case Kenyan Drake struggles and they need a more even split. As it stands Gore isn't a great start, as he is unlikely to see the field much, so we are avoiding him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [JAX - TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins limited](=) Source: Jaguars.com Jacksonville Jaguars TE [Austin Seferian-Jenkins]( (core) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We used to call "core" injuries "pulled abdomens" or "bad back." Sefarian-Jenkins is an intriguing addition to this offense but a core injury could keep him off the field completely and limit his effectiveness even when he's active. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [CAR - Carolina signs QB Connor Cook](=) Source: Panthers.com Free-agent QB [Connor Cook]( (Raiders) was signed to the Carolina Panthers' practice squad Thursday, Sept. 6. DT Kendrick Norton was released in a corresponding move. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cook has ability, though he was never going to get a chance to show it in Oakland. The situation isn't much better in Carolina, but it's not a bad place for him to develop. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [LAR - OLB Khalil Mack was a trade target for Rams]( Source: Los Angeles Times - Gary Klein Chicago Bears DE Khalil Mack was a trade target for the Los Angeles Rams before the Bears acquired him from the Oakland Raiders, according to executive vice president of football operation Kevin Demoff. Demoff said the Rams made an aggressive offer for Mack but that the Raiders though the Rams' draft picks would be too low. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That chill you just felt go down your spine if you are anyone but a Rams fan is natural. It only means you're sane. Mack and Aaron Donald, with Ndamukong Suh? That's enough to give even backup quarterbacks who never see the field nightmares. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [CIN - TE Tyler Eifert a full participant]() Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Paul Dehner Jr. Cincinnati Bengals TE [Tyler Eifert]( (back) was full go in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Eifert has burned everyone enough to where the Fantasy world is leery of his charms. We think he should be a decent TE2 this week according to our latest projections, but we don't expect more out of him. The back seems to be a non-issue now, so that's good. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [CLE - WR Dez Bryant may be option for CLE again](=) Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Free-agent WR [Dez Bryant]( (Cowboys) may receive interest from the Cleveland Browns again after Week 1 because only 25 percent of his salary would be guaranteed if he was released for some reason, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're not sold that Bryant would add much, if anything, to the mix in Cleveland. Jarvis Landry will get the lion's share of targets and rookie Antonio Callaway along with Josh Gordon will get the rest. There's also tight end David Njoku. Whether quarterback Tyrod Taylor can take advantage or not is another discussion, but if Bryant signs in Cleveland, his impact will be minimal. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [IND - RB Marlon Mack on the field Thursday](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Indianapolis Colts RB [Marlon Mack]( (hamstring) is participating in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Keep an eye on this as Mack is the best option in that backfield. Right now it seems like there will be a RBBC with Jordan Wilkins leading the way. We aren't grabbing anyone in the backfield this weekend unless Mack is there. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [MIN - RB Dalvin Cook's usage unclear?]( Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin Minnesota Vikings RB [Dalvin Cook]( (knee) may or may not be on a snap count this week, according to offensive coordinator John DeFilippo. DeFilippo did say that Cook has proven he can handle a full workload in his recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cook is still a dynamic back who we see having a pretty significant impact both this weekend against San Francisco and throughout the season. We see him as a solid back who could nudge up against 100 yards, combined this weekend even on a snap count. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [NYG - OLB Olivier Vernon remains out of practice]() Source: New York Post - Paul Schwartz New York Giants LB Olivier Vernon (ankle) will not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 6, according to head coach Pat Shurmur. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Giants are just being cautious as the last person this defense can afford to lose is it's best pass rusher. The Jacksonville Jaguars will focus on the ground game, but at some point Blake Bortles will have to throw, in which case Vernon could be dangerous off the edge. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [NYJ - Multiple players worked out for Jets]( Source: BalzerFootball.com - Howard Balzer Updating previous reports, the New York Jets on Wednesday, Sept. 5, worked out free-agent OLs Will Holden (Cardinals) and Rees Odhiambo (Seahawks), DLs Cornelius Washington (Lions), PKs Jon Brown (Bengals) and Matthew McCrane (Cardinals), CBs Tony Lippett (Dolphins) and [Josh Robinson]( (Buccaneers), LB Hayes Pullard (Chargers), WR [Hunter Sharp]( (Giants) and RB Mark Thompson (Ravens). [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Jets will keep throwing wood on the fire, hoping some of it isn't wet and catches. They need offensive line help, kicking help and some defensive depth but none of these guys is likely to move the needle in a big way. That's why they were on the street in the first place. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [NE - RB Rex Burkhead to be eased in](=) Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss New England Patriots RB [Rex Burkhead]( (knee) is cleared to play in Week 1, but he's expected to be eased into the mix. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's not much of a shock, given how the Patriots historically use their backs. We think Burkhead will still see enough use to make him a decent low end RB2 option this week, but if you have a healthy option around the same area of production, we might lean that way. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Have a great day and 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: =