Footballguys #247 - 12/30

To unsubscribe from these mailings, click [here]. 8065187 --- [Footballguys.com] Volume 17, Issue #247 -- Friday Night, December 30th, 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 Saturday to you and Happy New Years Eve. Be safe tonight as it's Amateur Night. In the meantime we have the News and Notes you need. Let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Free FanDuel Contests By Signing Up For A FREE Basketballguys Insiders Account] Big news for our Basketballguys site. 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 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. All you have to do is to have a free Basketballguys Insider account. [Click Here] to sign up. Links for the free contest entry will be included in the Basketballguys Daily Email Update. INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [KC - RB Spencer Ware to be game-time decision] 2. [HOU - RB Lamar Miller ruled out for season finale] 3. [NE - TE Martellus Bennett questionable] 4. [ATL - WR Julio Jones won't have snaps monitored] 5. [IND - WR Donte Moncrief listed as doubtful] 6. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green will not play] 7. [CIN - RB Jeremy Hill listed as questionable] 8. [DET - RB Theo Riddick won't return Week 17] 9. [KC - Another limited practice for RB Spencer Ware] 10. [SD - RB Melvin Gordon ruled out for Week 17] 11. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed listed as questionable] 12. [DEN - Denver rules out three for Week 17] 13. [PHI - RB Terrell Watson added off practice squad] 14. [KC - OLB Justin Houston a no-go for Week 17] 15. [CIN - Tra Carson promoted] 16. [NYJ - RB Matt Forte will not play in season finale] 17. [DAL - RB Darren McFadden misses practice Friday] 18. [IND - OLB Robert Mathis set to retire] 19. [ATL - WR Taylor Gabriel ruled out for Week 17] 20. [SEA - DE Michael Bennett signs extension] 21. [CAR - TE Greg Olsen at practice] 22. [CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart practicing] 23. [BAL - Keenan Reynolds being promoted] 24. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor practicing] 25. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles to play one more year] 26. [DAL - QB Mark Sanchez likely to see bulk of snaps] 27. [DAL - QB Tony Romo to see action] 28. [CLE - QB Josh McCown hopes to play] 29. [DEN - OLB DeMarcus Ware's career not in jeopardy?] 30. [CIN - RB Jeremy Hill unlikely to play] 31. [MIN - RB Adrian Peterson doesn't practice] --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. [KC - RB Spencer Ware to be game-time decision] Source: The Kansas City Star - Terez A. Paylor Kansas City Chiefs RB [Spencer Ware] (ribs) will be a game-time decision in Week 17 against the San Diego Chargers, according to head coach Andy Reid. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chiefs are wanting to make a deep playoff run, so rushing Ware into the lineup if he's not ready just isn't going to happen. If he's shut down or just limited, the Chiefs should use more Charcandrick West on Sunday. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. [HOU - RB Lamar Miller ruled out for season finale] Source: NFLMedia.com Houston Texans RB [Lamar Miller] (ankle) has been ruled out for the team's Week 17 finale Sunday, Jan. 1, against the Tennessee Titans. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're expecting Alfred Blue to see a good bit of work in this one. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. [NE - TE Martellus Bennett questionable] Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots TE [Martellus Bennett] (ankle, shoulder) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 30, and is listed as questionable for Week 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Stay tuned to this one. We think Bennett likely plays but we're not sure how effectively or how how long. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. [ATL - WR Julio Jones won't have snaps monitored] Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones] (toe) won't have his snaps monitored, according to head coach Dan Quinn. 'He looked good over the last couple of days, so I'm not going to monitor him,' Quinn said. 'If it gets sore, then we'll take him out. He looked good in practice (Friday, Dec. 30). He looked strong. He looked explosive.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for Jones and Atlanta. Clearly Jones didn't look himself last week but another week should help. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 5. [IND - WR Donte Moncrief listed as doubtful] Source: NFLMedia.com Indianapolis Colts WR [Donte Moncrief] (shoulder) is listed as doubtful for the team's Week 17 finale Sunday, Jan. 1, against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He has missed practice each day this week. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's not looking good for Moncrief here. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 6. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green will not play] Source: Steelers.com Pittsburgh Steelers TE [Ladarius Green] (concussion) did not participate in practice Friday, Dec. 30, and has been ruled out for Week 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Steelers could be saving Green for the playoffs. He's a valuable weapon, but concussion problems and other injuries have held him back in his first season with the Steelers. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 7. [CIN - RB Jeremy Hill listed as questionable] Source: Bengals.com Cincinnati Bengals RB [Jeremy Hill] (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Dec. 30, and is listed as questionable for Week 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Most reports indicate that Hill is not going to play. Get ready for the Rex Burkhead show with a dash of Cedric Peerman against the Ravens. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 8. [DET - RB Theo Riddick won't return Week 17] Source: ESPN.com - Michael Rothstein Detroit Lions RB [Theo Riddick] (wrist) missed practice again Friday, Dec. 30, and he has been ruled out for the team's Week 17 contest Sunday, Jan. 1, against the Green Bay Packers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It was supposed to be 'all hands on deck' for the Lions, but Riddick just isn't good enough to play at this time. If the Lions can win and secure a playoff spot, we'll see if Riddick can return for the postseason. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 9. [KC - Another limited practice for RB Spencer Ware] Source: NFLMedia.com Kansas City Chiefs RB [Spencer Ware] (rib) was a limited participant at practice for the third consecutive day Friday, Dec. 30. He is considered questionable to play in the team's Week 17 game Sunday, Jan. 1, versus the San Diego Chargers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Not only is he questionable, but Ware is a game-time decision. They could just use a bunch of Charcandrick West against the Chargers no matter Ware's playing status. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 10. [SD - RB Melvin Gordon ruled out for Week 17] Source: NFLMedia.com San Diego Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon] (hip, knee) missed practice Friday, Dec. 30, and he has been ruled out for the team's Week 17 game Sunday, Jan. 1, against the Kansas City Chiefs. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chargers didn't need to risk any further injury just because Gordon was close and he wanted 1,000 yards rushing on the season. This is the wise move. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 11. [WAS - TE Jordan Reed listed as questionable] Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper Washington Redskins TE [Jordan Reed] (shoulder) was listed on as questionable on the Week 17 injury report despite looking 'great' in practice this week, according to head coach Jay Gruden. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's all hands on deck for Washington. They need to win in order to get to the postseason, and having Reed out there against the Giants will help. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 12. [DEN - Denver rules out three for Week 17] Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos S T.J. Ward (concussion), TE [A.J. Derby] (concussion) and DE Derek Wolfe (neck) have all been ruled out for Week 17 against the Oakland Raiders. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's going to be tough to stop the Raiders rushing attack without Wolfe and Ward. Keep this in mind when you're considering guys like Latavius Murray, DeAndre Washington or Jalen Richard this week. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 13. [PHI - RB Terrell Watson added off practice squad] Source: ESPN - Adam Caplan Philadelphia Eagles RB Terrell Watson was elevated from the team's practice squad Friday, Dec. 30. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Darren Sproles and Byron Marshall are the only healthy backs on the roster, so the Eagles had to make a move. Watson is a big-bodied runner, but he's not creative or elusive with the ball in his hands. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 14. [KC - OLB Justin Houston a no-go for Week 17] Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Josh Alper Kansas City Chiefs LB Justin Houston (knee) has been ruled out for Week 17 against the San Diego Chargers. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's a no-brainer decision for the Chiefs. They'll want Houston as close to full strength as possible with the playoffs right around the corner. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 15. [CIN - Tra Carson promoted] Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Darin Gantt Cincinnati Bengals RB Tra Carson was elevated from the practice squad Friday, Dec. 30. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With Jeremy Hill out in Week 17, the Bengals needed more bodies at the position. Carson will back up Rex Burkhead and Cedric Peerman. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 16. [NYJ - RB Matt Forte will not play in season finale] Source: NJ Advance Media - Connor Hughes New York Jets RB [Matt Forte] (knee, shoulder) has been ruled out for Week 17 against the Buffalo Bills. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The week of practice has been leading up to this decision, so we're not surprised. Forte finishes his first season with the Jets banged up. He started off strong but faded at the end of the year. In 2016, Forte had a career-low 813 rushing yards in 14 games. His eight touchdowns combined helped him finish as a top-20 fantasy back in standard leagues. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 17. [DAL - RB Darren McFadden misses practice Friday] Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys RB [Darren McFadden] (illness) is hopeful to play Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles despite dealing with an illness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Cowboys shouldn't play Ezekiel Elliott that long in a meaningless game. That could mean more playing time for McFadden...if he's healthy enough to go on Sunday. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 18. [IND - OLB Robert Mathis set to retire] Source: IndySportsCentral.com - Mike Chappell Indianapolis Colts LB Robert Mathis has told teammates he intends to retire following the team's Week 17 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Even though he's struggled this season, Mathis has been a top-flight pass-rusher for years in the NFL. At this time, Mathis has 122 career sacks which ranks 18th all time. A fifth-round draft pick in 2003, Mathis has spent his whole career with the Colts and has one Super Bowl ring to show for it. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 19. [ATL - WR Taylor Gabriel ruled out for Week 17] Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons WR [Taylor Gabriel] (foot) will not play in Week 17 against the New Orleans Saints. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Without Gabriel, Aldrick Robinson could get more work as the team's no.3 WR against the Saints. We'll see if Gabriel can be healthy for a playoff run. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 20. [SEA - DE Michael Bennett signs extension] Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora Seattle Seahawks DE [Michael Bennett] signed a three-year, $31.5 million extension to remain with the team Friday, Dec. 30. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bennett is an important part of the Seahawks defense, but his old contract only ran through 2017. This deal likely lowers his cap hit for next year while giving him more money. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 21. [CAR - TE Greg Olsen at practice] Source: Black & Blue Review - Bill Voth Carolina Panthers TE [Greg Olsen] (elbow) returned to practice Friday, Dec. 30. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Olsen looks like he's good to go this week. In the season finale, Olsen should make a good start against the Bucs. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 22. [CAR - RB Jonathan Stewart practicing] Source: Black & Blue Review - Bill Voth Carolina Panthers RB [Jonathan Stewart] (rest) returned to practice Friday, Dec. 30. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Just like most weeks, Stewart gets rest in the middle of the week and then practices at the end. Against the Bucs, the Panthers may use a combination of players in the backfield. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 23. [BAL - Keenan Reynolds being promoted] Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jeff Zrebiec Baltimore Ravens WR Keenan Reynolds will be promoted from the practice squad Friday, Dec. 30. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A converted QB from Navy, Reynolds has been on the Ravens practice squad all year long. He struggled with drops in camp, and Reynolds recorded only one catch in the preseason. He's a developmental player with the athleticism and toughness to become a solid contributor if he hits. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 24. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor practicing] Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Buffalo Bills QB [Tyrod Taylor] (groin, rest) returned to practice Friday, Dec. 30, after he was given a veteran's day off the previous day. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Taylor may be practicing, but he's not going to play in Week 17. Due almost $30 million in guarantees starting next year, Taylor is likely to be let go by the Bills before that money kicks in. Former first-round pick E.J. Manuel will start in Taylor's place. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 25. [PHI - RB Darren Sproles to play one more year] Source: ESPN.com - Tim McManus Philadelphia Eagles RB [Darren Sproles] plans to play one more season in 2017. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We could see Sproles having a similar role in 2017. He's likely to get 50-75 carries and 65 or so receptions if healthy for most of the year. Sproles is always an RB3/flex option with that kind of role. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 26. [DAL - QB Mark Sanchez likely to see bulk of snaps] Source: ESPN - Adam Caplan Dallas Cowboys QB [Mark Sanchez] is expected to receive the bulk of the snaps in Week 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Dak Prescott will start, and even Tony Romo is supposed to get a little bit of playing time in Week 17. Sanchez will play most of the game in a meaningless contest as Dallas has the no.1 seed in the NFC wrapped up. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 27. [DAL - QB Tony Romo to see action] Source: ESPNDallas.com - Todd Archer Updating previous reports, Dallas Cowboys QB [Tony Romo] is expected to see action in Week 17. QB [Dak Prescott] will start the game, and QB [Mark Sanchez] will also see playing time, but the amount hasn't been determined. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Romo gets to play, but how much is a mystery. We can't see him playing that much, but the team wants to knock some rust off his game just in case they need to go to him in the postseason. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 28. [CLE - QB Josh McCown hopes to play] Source: ESPN.com - Pat McManamon Cleveland Browns QB [Josh McCown] said he hopes to play in 2017, but he also has an offer from head coach Hue Jackson to serve on his staff. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A third-round pick out of Sam Houston State all the way back in 2002, McCown has bounced to several NFL teams during his pro career and even had a stop in the UFL. McCown made it into five games this year, finishing with 1,100 yards passing, six touchdowns and six interceptions. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 29. [DEN - OLB DeMarcus Ware's career not in jeopardy?] Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos DE DeMarcus Ware (back) will have a scope on his back, and the procedure isn't typically career ending. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ware could play a few more years as a part-time pass-rusher. He's likely to have back surgery then face several months of recovery. Ware may be able to be ready for training camp next year, but where he lands is unknown. His contract is up with the Broncos but we could see him returning (or going back to Dallas) for a fair price if healthy. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 30. [CIN - RB Jeremy Hill unlikely to play] Source: ESPN - Bob Holtzman Cincinnati Bengals RB [Jeremy Hill] (knee) is unlikely to play against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Bengals will have a backfield led by Rex Burkhead with some Cedric Peerman thrown in for good measure. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 31. [MIN - RB Adrian Peterson doesn't practice] Source: Vikings.com Minnesota Vikings RB [Adrian Peterson] (groin, knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, Dec. 29. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Peterson wasn't effective in the brief moments we saw him this season and it seems like he has finally tapped out the fountain of youth he used to stay productive. Of course, as bad as that offensive line is, it could be that nobody would look good behind it. Suffice to say, even against the Bears we wouldn't trot out anyone from this backfield. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. Be safe tonight 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 to footballguys-public-fulltext as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here]. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * 8065187 [News Items Powered By:] ---