Footballguys #262 - 1/8 - News And Notes From Around The League

[Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #262 - 1/8 - News And Notes From Around The League Volume 20, #262 -- Tuesday Night, January 8th, 2019 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]( Howdy {NAME}, Good Wednesday to you. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Win a Free 2019 Footballguys All Pro - Please Take Our Survey]() We want to hear from you. Please click the link and take our 2018 Footballguys Survey. We'll be drawing 75 winners from folks that complete the survey and awarding them 2019 All-Pro subscriptions. Thanks. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley limited Tuesday](#1) 2. [CHI - Chicago signs 10 to Reserve/Futures deals](#2) 3. [TB - Todd Bowles, others go to Buccaneers](#3) 4. [IND - TE Eric Ebron misses practice](#4) 5. [IND - WR T.Y. Hilton not at practice](#5) 6. [ATL - Dirk Koetter back in Atlanta](#6) 7. [TB - Bruce Arians joining Tampa Bay](#7) 8. [KC - WR Sammy Watkins has limited practice](#8) 9. [KC - RB Spencer Ware logs limited session](#9) 10. [KC - WR Tyreek Hill practices fully](#10) 11. [DAL - QB Dak Prescott on injury report](#11) 12. [NFL - Lil'Jordan Humphrey declares for draft](#12) 13. [ARI - QB Kliff Kingsbury will coach Cardinals](#13) 14. [BAL - Baltimore signs eight to futures deals](#14) 15. [DAL - Dallas optimistic about WR Cole Beasley](#15) 16. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon has sprain](#16) 17. [NE - Josh McDaniels staying put](#17) 18. [GB - Matt LaFleur lands four years](#18) 19. [CAR - DE Julius Peppers' future uncertain](#19) 20. [CHI - TE Trey Burton injury note](#20) 21. [NFL - Damarea Crockett declares for NFL Draft](#21) 22. [JAX - DT Malik Jackson likely to get cut in offseason](#22) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley limited Tuesday]( Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams Los Angeles Rams RB [Todd Gurley]( (knee) practiced on a limited basis Tuesday, Jan. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gurley had three weeks of rest to get his knee right. He missed the final two weeks of the regular season and had a bye to get as near full strength as possible. Gurley will lead the way on the ground with C.J. Anderson serving as a backup. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [CHI - Chicago signs 10 to Reserve/Futures deals]( Source: ChicagoBears.com - Larry Mayer Chicago Bears RB Ryan Nall, WR [Tanner Gentry](, WR Cyril Grayson, OL Dejon Allen, DL Abdullah Anderson, LB Josh Woods, DB John Franklin, DB Michael Joseph, DB Jonathon Mincy and LB James Vaughters (CFL) were signed to Reserve/Futures contracts Tuesday, Jan. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll continue to monitor Nall and Gentry in super deep dynasty leagues. Nall is a big back, nicknamed 'Wrecking Nall' in college at Oregon State. He's a thumper who can grind down an opponent. Gentry is a sure-handed slot receiver with the quickness to make defenders miss. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [TB - Todd Bowles, others go to Buccaneers](=) Source: MMQB - Albert Breer Updating a previous report, former New York Jets head coach Todd Bowles was hired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the defensive coordinator position Tuesday, Jan. 8. Additionally, former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinators [Byron Leftwich]( and Harold Goodwin will serve as pass-game coordinator and run-game coordinator, respectively. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bowles worked with new Bucs head coach Bruce Arians during their time with the Arizona Cardinals. They're getting the band back together with the Bucs. Arians will run the offense and Bowles will try to get the defense in shape. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [IND - TE Eric Ebron misses practice]() Source: Colts.com Indianapolis Colts TE [Eric Ebron]( (hip) was held out of practice Tuesday, Jan. 9. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ebron is getting a bit of rest here. The Colts will need him as near full strength as possible against the Chiefs in the Divisional Round on Saturday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [IND - WR T.Y. Hilton not at practice]() Source: Colts.com Indianapolis Colts WR [T.Y. Hilton]( (ankle) was not able to practice Tuesday, Jan. 9. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hilton does not practice yet he plays and produces at a high level. We'd be surprised if he was anything more than limited on Thursday and Friday. The Colts travel to play the Chiefs on Saturday in the Divisional Round. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [ATL - Dirk Koetter back in Atlanta]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter was hired by the Atlanta Falcons Tuesday, Jan. 9, as their new offensive coordinator, according to a source. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Koetter is back in Atlanta where they need help after two failed seasons with Steve Sarkisian running the offense. The veteran coach knows the talent well as he was the Falcons OC from 2012-14. It's a good move for the Falcons and for Koetter. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [TB - Bruce Arians joining Tampa Bay](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians is signing a four-year deal with a fifth-year option Tuesday, Jan. 8, to become the next head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We love B.A. and are thrilled that he's back in the league. He's going to 'let it rip' on offense with QB Jameis Winston. Arians will have to lessen his quarterback's turnovers but they should put the pedal to the metal offensively. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [KC - WR Sammy Watkins has limited practice]( Source: Chiefs.com Updating a previous report, Kansas City Chiefs WR [Sammy Watkins]( (foot) put in a limited practice Tuesday, Jan. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's news when Watkins actually practices. We'll see if he can practice enough this week to get out there against the Colts on Saturday. If Watkins is playing in the Divisional Round, we'd expect a smaller than normal role for the veteran receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [KC - RB Spencer Ware logs limited session]( Source: Chiefs.com Updating a previous report, Kansas City Chiefs RB [Spencer Ware]( (hamstring) was limited in practice Tuesday, Jan. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ware should be good to go for the Divisional Round. The Chiefs are at home on Saturday against the Colts and Damien Williams should be their lead back. Ware would serve as a backup if/when he plays. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [KC - WR Tyreek Hill practices fully]( Source: Chiefs.com Kansas City Chiefs WR [Tyreek Hill]( (heel) fully practiced Tuesday, Jan. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hill is looking to make a big impact in the playoffs. With a week of rest during the bye, we should see Hill at full strength (and speed). The Chiefs are at home to play the Colts on Saturday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [DAL - QB Dak Prescott on injury report]( Source: The Dallas Morning News - Jon Machota Dallas Cowboys QB [Dak Prescott]( (knee) was a full participant in practice Tuesday, Jan. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nothing to see here people. He's on the injury report but we highly doubt he misses the Divisional Round game this week. The Cowboys travel to Los Angeles to play the Rams on Saturday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [NFL - Lil'Jordan Humphrey declares for draft](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams Texas WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey announced Tuesday, Jan. 8, that he will enter the 2019 NFL Draft. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Humphrey was the Longhorns leading receiver in 2018, finishing the year with 1,176 receiving yards. Measuring in at 6'4" 225 pounds, Humphrey has an imposing presence on the field. The NFL Draft Advisory Committee gave him a "return to school" grade (third-to-sixth round) but he's deciding to go pro. Testing well at the Combine would greatly help the young wideouts draft stock. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [ARI - QB Kliff Kingsbury will coach Cardinals](=) Source: NFL Network - Peter Schrager Former USC offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is finalizing a deal to become the next head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kingsbury was the OC for the Trojans for about a month. Now, his biggest task will be getting the best out of QB Josh Rosen. A former quarterback himself (Texas Tech), Kingsbury should bring an "Air Raid" offense to the NFL. The move has to be seen as a good one for Rosen after a disastrous rookie season that saw multiple coaches get fired. We'll see if Kingsbury can be a better pro head coach than he was a college head coach (35-40 record at Texas Tech). [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [BAL - Baltimore signs eight to futures deals]( Source: 101 ESPN - Howard Balzer Baltimore Ravens OG Kofi Amichia, OT Randin Crecelius, CB Robertson Daniel, RB [Tyler Ervin](, FB Christopher Ezeala, S Bennett Jackson, LB Alvin Jones and TE Nick Keizer were signed to Reserve/Futures contracts Tuesday, Jan. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ervin is a dangerous return man and lightning quick change-of-pace back. He's mainly been with the Texans since coming into the league as a fourth-round pick out of San Jose State in the 2016 NFL draft. Ervin is only worth monitoring in the deepest of deep dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [DAL - Dallas optimistic about WR Cole Beasley]( Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys WR [Cole Beasley]( (ankle) was not participating in the open session of the team's practice Tuesday, Jan. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll see if Beasley can participate later in the week. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said earlier in the day he was 'positive' Beasley would be able in Saturday's divisional-playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon has sprain](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon]( (knee) suffered a mild sprain in his knee during the Wild Card round but should be available for the Divisional round game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chargers travel to New England to play the Patriots on Sunday. Expect to see Gordon out or limited during the week of practice. He's not 100 percent but he should see a sizable workload in the Divisional Round. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [NE - Josh McDaniels staying put]( Source: NFL Network - Michael Giardi New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said 'the book is closed' on any further head coaching interviews, and he's staying with the team. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McDaniels did have an interview with the Green Bay Packers but they chose to go in a different direction. He returns to run the Patriots offense yet again and one day may be the coach to replace Bill Belichick...at least that's what everyone speculates. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [GB - Matt LaFleur lands four years]() Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Updating previous reports, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur signed a four-year deal. Financial terms weren't disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's a four-year contract with an option for a fifth year. This move was made to get a coach in Green Bay who could get the most out of QB Aaron Rodgers. LaFleur worked under both Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, so explosive offensive design is nothing new to him. It's difficult to judge LaFleur after only one year as the Titans offensive coordinator since QB Marcus Mariota struggled with injuries for much of the year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [CAR - DE Julius Peppers' future uncertain](=) Source: ESPN.com - David Newton Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers is planning on taking a 'couple of weeks' to decide if he wants to return next year, according to a league source, who also claims Peppers' decision is '50-50.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Peppers is not the player he used to be but he could stick around in the league as a part-time pass rusher. His 5.0 sacks in 2018 were the lowest since an injury shortened 2007 with the Panthers. We expect Peppers would have some interest if he decides to keep playing in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [CHI - TE Trey Burton injury note]( Source: Chicago Sun-Times - Patrick Finley Chicago Bears TE [Trey Burton]( (groin) said Monday, Jan. 7, that he missed the club's Wild Card playoff game Sunday, Jan. 6, after he 'started to feel something' in his groin following practice Friday, Jan. 4, despite initially having no limitations. By Saturday, Jan. 5, it had 'locked up,' which he said was his 'body's way of handling threats' to his health. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Burton signed with the Bears in free agency last spring and had 54 catches for 569 yards and six touchdowns in his first season in Chicago. If healthy in 2019 (and this injury should not linger into next season), Burton has TE1 upside for Fantasy GMs. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [NFL - Damarea Crockett declares for NFL Draft](=) Source: Columbia Daily Tribune - Dave Matter Missouri RB Damarea Crockett announced Monday, Jan. 7, that he is foregoing his senior season to enter the NFL Draft. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Crockett finished his time at Mizzou with 2,252 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. He's 5'10" 225 pounds but not a banger between the tackles. Instead, Crockett is an elusive runner who can jump cut his way to open field. He's unproven as a receiver so might be looking at a two-down role in the NFL. Injury history (he never played a full season in college) will have to be examined closely at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [JAX - DT Malik Jackson likely to get cut in offseason](=) Source: The Athletic - Daniel Popper Jacksonville Jaguars DL Malik Jackson expects to be released this spring, halfway through the six-year, $85.5 million contract he signed in March of 2016, accoring to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson is on the books through the 2021 season. He does have a cap hit in 2019 of $15 million with only $4 million remaining in dead money. Releasing Jackson will clear $11 million in cap space for a Jaguars team that has a ton of work to do in the offseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. Remember to get your shot at a FREE 2019 Footballguys Insider All-Pro subscription by taking our survey. Info at the top of the email in Site News. 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