Footballguys #244 - 12/27

To unsubscribe from these mailings, click [here]. 8065187 --- [Footballguys.com] Volume 17, Issue #244 -- Tuesday Night, December 27th, 2016 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [Subscribe to Basketballguys daily email updates, get access to FREE FanDuel contests.] Every day, from 12/29 through 1/4, we're going to include a link to a free play contest on FanDuel within our Basketballguys FREE daily email update. There's gonna be a total of seven contests, NBA and NFL, offering $1,500 in cash prizes. PLUS - first place in all seven of those contests will win a 3-year Footballguys Insider PRO subscription. To make sure you don't miss out on your share of those prizes, sign up for our free Basketballguys FREE daily email update today! [Sign Up Now] --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Wednesday to you. We've got the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [BUF - Rex Ryan fired] 2. [BUF - Tyrod Taylor will not play Week 17] 3. [CIN - TE Tyler Eifert may need surgery] 4. [NYJ - QB Bryce Petty to undergo surgery] 5. [DET - RB Theo Riddick did more side work] 6. [DAL - QB Tony Romo unlikely for finale] 7. [TB - RB Doug Martin won't play finale] 8. [DAL - Jason Garrett plans to play starters] 9. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed will play Week 17] 10. [SEA - Seahawks work out veteran RBs] 11. [PHI - RB Ryan Mathews goes to injured reserve] 12. [SD - RB Melvin Gordon 'probably' a Game Time Decision] 13. [SF - RB Carlos Hyde placed on IR] 14. [SEA - WR Tyler Lockett lands on IR] 15. [TEN - QB Marcus Mariota placed on IR] 16. [SD - No practice for RB Melvin Gordon] 17. [TB - TE Cameron Brate won't play this week] 18. [OAK - QB Derek Carr doing well] 19. [NYJ - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to draw Week 17 start] 20. [NYJ - RB Khiry Robinson headed to IR] 21. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green still in protocol] 22. [SD - RB Andre Williams promoted] 23. [MIN - OLB Chad Greenway unsure about retirement] --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. [BUF - Rex Ryan fired] Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan was fired Tuesday, Dec. 27. Assistant head coach Anthony Lynn will serve as interim head coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bills have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs, so Ryan is out. Ryan went 15-16 in two years as the Bills head coach. Injuries set back the team this year, and Ryan couldn't bring them out of their playoff drought. We think his time as a head coach is over, but Ryan could latch on as a defensive coordinator with another team somewhere. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. [BUF - Tyrod Taylor will not play Week 17] Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Buffalo Bills QB [Tyrod Taylor] will reportedly be benched for Week 17 against the New York Jets. Buffalo reportedly does not want to take the chance of owing Taylor $30.75 million should he get hurt in the regular-season finale. Impending free-agent [EJ Manuel] will start in his place. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's just a business decision for the Bills. They don't want Taylor to get hurt so they'll keep him off the field in Week 17. We may have seen the last of Taylor in a Bills uniform as some reports speculate the team will release him in the offseason. With Rex Ryan fired, the Bills are moving in a whole new direction yet again. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. [CIN - TE Tyler Eifert may need surgery] Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Jim Owczarski Updating previous reports, Cincinnati Bengals TE [Tyler Eifert] (back) had surgery recommended to correct a disc problem in his back, which has become more uncomfortable in recent weeks, according to multiple sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Eifert has been banged up quite a bit during his pro career. This back problem wasn't his only injury this season as an ankle injury (suffered in the Pro Bowl) also held him down. Hopefully this surgery takes care of the back injury that has been problematic for him. The 2017 season isn't in jeopardy for the veteran tight end. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. [NYJ - QB Bryce Petty to undergo surgery] Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta and Daniel Popper Updating previous reports, New York Jets QB [Bryce Petty] (shoulder) will undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Petty's injury is to his non-throwing shoulder, but the damage was bad enough that he needed surgery to repair it. He's already on Injured Reserve, and the team will turn to Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starter in Week 17. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 5. [DET - RB Theo Riddick did more side work] Source: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett Detroit Lions RB [Theo Riddick] (wrist) ramped up his side work in practice last week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Riddick could be back this week against the Packers. If the Lions win in Week 17, they win their first division title since 1993. Zach Zenner looked good as a runner against the Cowboys, but he's not the receiving threat that Riddick is. Having Riddick back would be a boost for the Lions offense -- specifically the passing game in a win-and-you're-in game against the Packers. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 6. [DAL - QB Tony Romo unlikely for finale] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Dallas Cowboys QB [Tony Romo] is unlikely to play in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to owner Jerry Jones. 'We don't feel like we can gain anything from him running a few plays,' Jones said. '(It's) not worth the risk.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cowboys have the no.1 seed in the NFC locked up with their win over the Lions on Monday night. Romo won't play and even Dak Prescott's time is up in the air. Right now, coach Jason Garrett says the starters will play but we'll see how this story develops. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 7. [TB - RB Doug Martin won't play finale] Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB [Doug Martin] will be inactive again in Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Another week, and another healthy scratch designation for Martin. Set to make $7 million in base salary in 2017, it looks like Martin will not be back with the Bucs. Jacquizz Rodgers should be their lead back in Week 17, and Charles Sims should work as a receiving/change-of-pace back. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 8. [DAL - Jason Garrett plans to play starters] Source: The Dallas Morning News - Brandon George Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said the 'preliminary plan' for the team's Week 17 game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Jan. 1, is to play the starters who are healthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's the plan now, but it could change as we get closer to Sunday. If you have to play this week, then proceed with caution when considering your Cowboys. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 9. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed will play Week 17] Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora Washington Redskins TE [Jordan Reed] (shoulder) will play in the team's Week 17 finale Sunday, Jan. 1, against the New York Giants. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Reed isn't at 100 percent, but Washington needs all the help they can get in Week 17. They need some help to get in, but Washington is still alive for a playoff spot. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 10. [SEA - Seahawks work out veteran RBs] Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Free-agent RBs [Stevan Ridley] (Falcons), [Jonas Gray] (Jaguars), [LaMichael James] (Dolphins), Dominique Williams (Jets) and [Dan Herron] (Bills) worked out for the Seattle Seahawks Tuesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No signing is imminent, but it shows how thin Seattle is at running back. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 11. [PHI - RB Ryan Mathews goes to injured reserve] Source: CSNPhilly.com - Dave Zangaro Philadelphia Eagles RB [Ryan Mathews] (back) was placed on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Eagles are thin at running back with only Darren Sproles and Byron Marshall healthy on the active roster. Practice squad running back Terrell Watson could be called up later this week. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 12. [SD - RB Melvin Gordon 'probably' a Game Time Decision] Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Michael Gehlken Updating a previous report, San Diego Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon] (knee, hip) said he will 'probably be a game-time decision' for the team's Week 17 game Sunday, Jan. 1. He added, 'If I can (play Sunday), I will.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chargers are thin at running back with Kenneth Farrow on I.R. They could use Gordon, but there's no need to rush him back for a meaningless Week 17 game. Ronnie Hillman could start for the Chargers this week. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 13. [SF - RB Carlos Hyde placed on IR] Source: CSNBayArea.com - Matt Maiocco San Francisco 49ers RB [Carlos Hyde] (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Just 12 yards short of his first 1,000-yard season in 2016, Hyde ran with plenty of heart this year. Things didn't go smooth for the 49ers offense, but Hyde put a lot of good tape out there in 2016. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2017 and could certainly benefit from staying healthy and continuing to produce at an improved level next year. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 14. [SEA - WR Tyler Lockett lands on IR] Source: Seahawks.com Seattle Seahawks WR [Tyler Lockett] (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 27. WR [Kasen Williams] was subsequently promoted to the active roster from the practice squad. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here given the severity of his injury. Lockett's injury was tough to watch, but it sounds like his recovery will put him on schedule to participate in training camp next year. Dynasty wise, we're concerned about his injury-plagued sophomore season but not too worried about this latest injury being career threatening. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 15. [TEN - QB Marcus Mariota placed on IR] Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans QB [Marcus Mariota] (leg) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 27. QB [Alex Tanney] was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad in a subsequent move. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Matt Cassel will be the starting quarterback for the Titans in Week 17. Mariota is going to have a metal plate inserted into his leg, and he's likely to miss all the OTAs and workouts in the spring. However, it looks like a return for training camp is very likely. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 16. [SD - No practice for RB Melvin Gordon] Source: The San Diego Union-Tribune - Tom Krasovic San Diego Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon] (knee, hip) did not practice Tuesday, Dec. 27, although he is making progress in his recovery from knee and hip injuries. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Kenneth Farrow on I.R. the Chargers are left with castaways Ronnie Hillman and Andre Williams as RBs in Week 17. There's no need to rush Gordon back if he's not fully ready. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 17. [TB - TE Cameron Brate won't play this week] Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE [Cameron Brate] (back) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A third-year UDFA out of Harvard, Brate turned in career-best numbers this season. With 57 catches, 660 yards and eight receiving touchdowns Brate was a top-10 fantasy tight end in standard scoring leagues. He's an Exclusive Rights Free Agent in 2017, and that guarantees he's returning to the Bucs. Entering next year, Brate will be considered top 10 at his position again. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 18. [OAK - QB Derek Carr doing well] Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Vic Tafur Oakland Raiders QB [Derek Carr] (fibula) underwent successful surgery Tuesday, Dec. 27, and is doing well, according to his mother. Carr is expected to be fully recovered from his broken fibula in six to eight weeks. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There's a small chance he could be ready for the Super Bowl if the Raiders make it that far, but let's just move forward considering that Carr is done for this season...no matter how far the Raiders go. He should be good to go for OTAs and of course training camp next year. Carr is the best QB in his division, and he's one of the best young players at his position in the league. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 19. [NYJ - QB Ryan Fitzpatrick to draw Week 17 start] Source: Newsday - Kimberley A. Martin New York Jets QB [Ryan Fitzpatrick] has been named the starter for Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bryce Petty has been shut down for the season with a non-throwing shoulder injury that was surgically repaired already. Fitzpatrick won't be with the team next year, but they want him starting instead of 2016 second-round pick Christian Hackenberg. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 20. [NYJ - RB Khiry Robinson headed to IR] Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets RB [Khiry Robinson] (leg) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday, Dec. 27, after suffering his third broken leg in 13 months in Week 16. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Entering free agency in 2017, Robinson may not find teams lined up to sign him when he's healthy enough to return to the football field. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 21. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green still in protocol] Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Gerry Dulac Pittsburgh Steelers TE [Ladarius Green] (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol and not expected to play in Week 17 versus the Cleveland Browns. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Without Green, the Steelers should turn to Xavier Grimble and Jesse James once again. The Steelers can't move from the no.3 spot in the playoffs, so expect them to rest their starters at some point in Week 17. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 22. [SD - RB Andre Williams promoted] Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams San Diego Chargers RB [Andre Williams] was elevated from the team's practice squad Tuesday, Dec. 27. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Kenneth Farrow on I.R. the team had to do something. Williams will serve as a backup to Melvin Gordon and Ronnie Hillman. Gordon's status is unclear for this week as he's dealing with a knee/hip injury that has cost him two games. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 23. [MIN - OLB Chad Greenway unsure about retirement] Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Andrew Krammer Minnesota Vikings LB Chad Greenway intends to take some time to decide whether or not he will retire at the end of the season, calling it a 'family decision'. The 33-year-old Greenway entered the 2016 season with the intention of walking away after playing out a one-year contract signed in March, but said he’s still entertaining the possibility of returning for a 12th NFL season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Greenway may not quite be the player he used to be, but he might decide to play one more year. He could continue to play with a part-time role with the Vikings if the two sides can come to an agreement on a one-year deal. [Back to 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. 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