Footballguys #139 - 9/5 - Julio Jones Questions, Plus News And Notes From Around The League

[Deposit now and get up to a $500 Deposit Bonus](=) = CAN’T MISS OFFER! Through 9/16, ALL USERS get a deposit bonus up to $500, thanks to our friends at DraftKings. Terms and Conditions apply. --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #139 - 9/5 - Julio Jones Questions, Plus News And Notes From Around The League Volume 21, #139 -- Thursday Night, September 5th, 2019 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]( Howdy {NAME}, And we're off. Thursday night down. A whole Sunday to go. Let's do this. J [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [OAK - WR Antonio Brown likely to be suspended](#1) 2. [ATL - WR Julio Jones to sit opener without new deal?](#2) 3. [OAK - WR Antonio Brown threatened GM](#3) 4. [DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott on pitch count?](#4) 5. [LAR - No limits on RB Todd Gurley in opener](#5) 6. [MIN - WR Stefon Diggs back at practice Thursday](#6) 7. [NYJ - WR Robby Anderson limited again](#7) 8. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery on injury report](#8) 9. [SEA - D.K. Metcalf deems own knee to be 100 percent](#9) 10. [MIA - WR Albert Wilson remains limited](#10) 11. [NE - WR Demaryius Thomas listed as limited](#11) 12. [HOU - Limited practice for WR Keke Coutee](#12) 13. [SF - Nick Bosa expected to go in opener](#13) 14. [CAR - QB Cam Newton back to normal](#14) 15. [IND - Thursday practice report for Indy](#15) 16. [BAL - WR Marquise Brown on injury report](#16) 17. [BUF - Vincent Taylor to practice squad](#17) 18. [CLE - WR Odell Beckham still dealing with injury](#18) 19. [WAS - RB Adrian Peterson could be odd man out](#19) 20. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed limited again](#20) 21. [CAR - TE Greg Olsen feeling healthy](#21) 22. [LAC - QB Philip Rivers could be busy](#22) 23. [OAK - RB Doug Martin becomes a free agent](#23) 24. [SF - WR Dante Pettis listed as No. 1 receiver](#24) 25. [MIA - RB Kalen Ballage to take back seat?](#25) 26. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake to be workhorse in Week 1](#26) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [OAK - WR Antonio Brown likely to be suspended]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Oakland Raiders WR [Antonio Brown]( is likely to be suspended by the team after getting into a confrontation with general manager Mike Mayock on Wednesday, Sept. 4, according to league sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Not only will he perhaps be suspended, we could see this relationship end due to yet another incident. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [ATL - WR Julio Jones to sit opener without new deal?]() Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones]( (foot) answered questions from the media for about four minutes Thursday, Sept. 5. During the interview, Jones said, 'I don't know,' when asked if he was definitely playing (in Week 1) before backtracking a bit and saying 'you can go with that' when asked if he planned on playing. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jones is always in our lineups when he's on the field, but this means we'll need to check back Sunday morning before setting our lineup. That includes if we have Matt Ryan or Mohamed Sanu too, as both would be greatly affected by Jones missing the opener. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [OAK - WR Antonio Brown threatened GM](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Oakland Raiders WR [Antonio Brown]('s shouting match Wednesday, Sept. 4, with general manager Mike Mayock did not get physical, but Brown did threaten to punch Mayock in the face, according to sources. Brown then punted a ball, and said 'fine me for that.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We could see Brown suspended by the Raiders for this incident. Stay tuned as the team may try and go after his near $30 million in guaranteed money which of course would mean the end of his time in Oakland. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [DAL - RB Ezekiel Elliott on pitch count?]() Source: NFL.com - Andie Hagemann Dallas Cowboys RB [Ezekiel Elliott]( impressed head coach Jason Garrett in his return to practice, but Garrett said Thursday, Sept. 5, that it's 'too early' to say if Elliott will be on a pitch count Sunday, Sept. 8, in the season opener. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] You're still starting him anyway as an RB1 for your fantasy team. Elliott may be limited but he could still be productive. Tony Pollard becomes more of a 'what the heck' flex with Elliott coming back. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [LAR - No limits on RB Todd Gurley in opener]() Source: ESPN.com - Lindsey Thiry Los Angeles Rams RB [Todd Gurley]( (knee) will not be on a 'pitch count' in Week 1 versus the Carolina Panthers, according to head coach Sean McVay. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McVay has never told us the truth about Gurley, so don't be shocked if he has less than typical volume for a #1 back. He's still worth starting as he's as healthy as he'll be all year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [MIN - WR Stefon Diggs back at practice Thursday](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper Minnesota Vikings WR [Stefon Diggs]( (hamstring) was reportedly spotted at practice Thursday, Sept. 5. Diggs did not practice Wednesday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Diggs has always underperformed when he's on the injury report, so this could be a bad sign for him and good for Adam Thielen's prospects this week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NYJ - WR Robby Anderson limited again](=) Source: NewYorkJets.com New York Jets WR [Robby Anderson]( (calf) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Anderson could play this week, but he will face Tre'Davious White and is probably better off left on your bench unless you have no viable alternative. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery on injury report]( Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com Philadelphia Eagles WR [Alshon Jeffery]( (biceps) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll watch this injury as the Eagles are deep enough at wide receiver to be cautious with Jeffery. If he can't go Sunday, rookie JJ Arcega-Whiteside will get a big opportunity vs. Washington. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [SEA - D.K. Metcalf deems own knee to be 100 percent](=) Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams Seattle Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf (knee) deemed himself 100 percent ahead of his team's Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. 'I am. I'm 100 percent. I'm very excited just to be back out there and play on Sunday,' Metcalf said before practice Thursday, Sept. 5, via Curtis Crabtree of Sports Radio KJR. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Metcalf is still a fringe play for Week 1 with the Seahawks heavily favored and likely to run a lot vs. Cincinnati, but it will be exciting to see how he looks on an NFL field and he could be one of the Week 1 sensations if he gets free deep. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [MIA - WR Albert Wilson remains limited]() Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero Miami Dolphins WR [Albert Wilson]( (hip) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wilson might not yet be 100% after his season-ending hip injury last year. Jakeem Grant could get a lot more work in the slot this week if Wilson can't go, and UDFA Preston Williams would get more looks outside. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NE - WR Demaryius Thomas listed as limited]() Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots WR [Demaryius Thomas]( (hamstring) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Thomas might be eased back into the lineup with a hamstring injury since he's coming back from an achilles tear. He's worth a roster spot in deep leagues, but looks like he'll be no higher than the third target in this passing game without an injury to Julian Edelman or Josh Gordon. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [HOU - Limited practice for WR Keke Coutee](=) Source: HoustonTexans.com Houston Texans WR [Keke Coutee]( (ankle) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Coutee is looking like he could play in Week 1, but we don't know how effective he will be or how much he will play. Leave him on the bench for this week and hope that he goes off outside of your lineup. Kenny Stills would be a viable WR3/FLex if Coutee can't go Monday night. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [SF - Nick Bosa expected to go in opener](=) Source: Bay Area News Group - Cam Inman San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa (ankle) will play in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bosa might have a limited impact and snap count, but it's a good sign that he's ready to go. He's rosterable in IDP leagues, but probably not worth a start yet. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [CAR - QB Cam Newton back to normal](=) Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton]( (foot) has reportedly shown the ability to move around well in practice, leading head coach Ron Rivera to believe Newton will be able to do the things 'he has normally done' in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Newton will need that mobility against Aaron Donald on Sunday. He's still a solid QB1 in a game that could end up as a shootout. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [IND - Thursday practice report for Indy](=) Source: Colts.com Indianapolis Colts DE Jabaal Sheard (knee), RB [Jonathan Williams]( (rib) and S Clayton Geathers (non-injury) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 6. CB Kenny Moore II (thumb), RB [Jordan Wilkins]( (ankle) and DE Kemoko Turay (neck) were limited during practice. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Wilkins is healthier than Williams after battling a lower leg ailment during camp and preseason. He's probably the #3 back and direct backup to Marlon Mack in the running game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [BAL - WR Marquise Brown on injury report](=) Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec Baltimore Ravens WR Marquise Brown (foot) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown is a risky play, but he could benefit from facing a corner other than Xavien Howard. He's only a very deep league play, but this is enough to make him definitely worth a roster spot in longer bench leagues to see what Week 1 reveals for the first rounder in the revitalized Ravens passing game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [BUF - Vincent Taylor to practice squad](=) Source: BuffaloBills.com Free-agent DT Vincent Taylor was signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad Thursday, Sept. 5. The team also released TE Nate Becker from the practice squad. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Taylor was a rising player for the Dolphins. His release was surprising. He should be on an active roster by the end of the season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [CLE - WR Odell Beckham still dealing with injury](=) Source: The Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak Cleveland Browns WR [Odell Beckham]( Jr. (hip) said he is still dealing with his lingering hip injury but expects to be on the field for Week 1. He has not run at full speed at this point but plans to make an impact in the game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Beckham is making this sound bad, and we might be disappointed come Week 1, but you can't bench him. Rashard Higgins and Jarvis Landry look a little more attractive on this news. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [WAS - RB Adrian Peterson could be odd man out](=) Source: USA TODAY Sports - Mike Jones Washington Redskins RB [Adrian Peterson]( could be inactive Sunday, Sept. 8, if the team decides to dress only two running backs behind starter Derrius Guice and needs that third back to play on special teams. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Guice becomes a high floor RB2/Flex if Peterson is inactive, but he still has a low ceiling playing in one of the worst offenses in the league. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed limited again](=) Source: USA TODAY Sports - Mike Jones Washington Redskins TE [Jordan Reed]( (concussion) practiced on a limited basis for the second straight day Thursday, Sept. 5. Reed remains in the concussion protocol. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] For now we should assume we won't see him Sunday and he's a risky play even if he does suit up. No Reed would be a boost for Trey Quinn and Chris Thompson. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [CAR - TE Greg Olsen feeling healthy]() Source: The Athletic - Joe Person Carolina Panthers TE [Greg Olsen]( said Thursday, Sept. 5, that he feels good and healthy and feels he is running well. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If you waited on tight end in your draft, you might have Olsen on your roster. He is as healthy as he's been in some time and could post low-end TE1 numbers as a favorite target of Cam Newton in 2019. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [LAC - QB Philip Rivers could be busy]() Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers QB [Philip Rivers]( could use a pass-first approach in the offense in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts. The Chargers dropped back to pass on 62.4 percent of the plays in the four games RB [Melvin Gordon]( missed last season with an injury as opposed to 58.3 percent when he was healthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rivers could be busy getting out of the way of pass-rushers all year long. The Chargers offensive line is below average and without left tackle Russell Okung, Rivers may be under constant pressure. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [OAK - RB Doug Martin becomes a free agent](=) Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur Oakland Raiders RB [Doug Martin]( (shoulder) was released from the Reserve/Injured list on Tuesday, Sept. 3, after reaching an injury settlement with the club. DE Alex Barrett (undisclosed) was also let go from IR with a settlement. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Martin should get another shot somewhere in the league once injuries hit at the position. In 2018, Martin had 839 yards from scrimmage (723 rushing, 116 receiving) with four touchdowns as a fill in once Marshawn Lynch went down. He'll land on his feet somewhere, but who knows when or where that will be. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [SF - WR Dante Pettis listed as No. 1 receiver]( Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco San Francisco 49ers WR [Dante Pettis]( is listed as a No. 1 receiver on the team's unofficial depth chart heading into Week 1, starting opposite WR [Marquise Goodwin](. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Pettis has the speed to beat a defense deep. We'll see if he can show more savvy as a route-runner on underneath routes. We like Pettis in dynasty formats, but he's nothing but a super deep bench stash in most re-draft leagues...or just leave him on the waiver wire and watch to see if the 49ers passing game can be better than expected. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [MIA - RB Kalen Ballage to take back seat?](=) Source: Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad Miami Dolphins RBs [Kenyan Drake]( and [Kalen Ballage]( will be involved in the offense in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, according to running backs coach Eric Studesville. However, head coach Brian Flores seemed to indicate Wednesday, Sept. 4 that Drake would see a heavier workload. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Drake is going to lead the way but Ballage could get some work in this RBBC. It sounds like Drake might get a 70 percent split provided he could stay healthy. That makes Ballage more of a bench stash or waiver wire speed dial back. If you play in a deeper league, then perhaps Ballage is a super deep 'what the heck' flex but that's about it until he gets a larger role. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [MIA - RB Kenyan Drake to be workhorse in Week 1](=) Source: Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad Miami Dolphins RB [Kenyan Drake]( is expected to be involved heavily in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. 'I think he's both physically and mentally ready,' head coach Brian Flores said Wednesday, Sept. 4. 'This is a guy who has as much talent as we have on our team. He's fast. He's physical. He's explosive. He makes a ton of plays, and we're looking forward to getting him a lot of touches this week.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Drake is the lead back and Kalen Ballage is going to serve as his backup. This is a 180 from the direction things were heading just a couple of weeks ago. Things change quickly around here in the NFL, but so long as Drake is healthy he could be their top back. That makes him a low-end RB2 or flex play on a weekly basis. [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: =