Footballguys #267 - 1/19

To unsubscribe from these mailings, click [here]. 8065187 --- [Footballguys.com] Volume 17, Issue #267 -- Thursday Night, January 19th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email Hi Folks, Welcome to Friday. It's an important day for our Country with Inauguration Day. My thought is whether you're encouraged or discouraged today, remember we're all in this together. We've got the News and Notes for Football so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell excused from practice] 2. [GB - WR Jordy Nelson to work with rehab group] 3. [ATL - WR Julio Jones to sit again] 4. [IND - QB Andrew Luck idle three months] 5. [ATL - WR Taylor Gabriel still limited] 6. [SEA - No missed snaps for CB Richard Sherman] 7. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green downgraded] 8. [MIN - OLB Chad Greenway will only sign with MIN] 9. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon excited about new coach] 10. [GB - Geronimo Allison may sit a few days] 11. [BAL - QB Joe Flacco happy that OC will return] 12. [MIN - Minnesota hires Clancy Barone] 13. [NYG - RB Adrian Peterson interested in Giants] 14. [TB - Tampa Bay an option for RB Adrian Peterson?] 15. [HOU - RB Adrian Peterson interested in Houston] 16. [TEN - QB Marcus Mariota on track in recovery] 17. [GB - Geronimo Allison set to play] 18. [GB - WR Davante Adams expected to play] 19. [GB - WR Davante Adams was busy against ATL] 20. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman with mixed bag against GB] --------------------------------------------------------------- 1. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell excused from practice] Source: CBSSports.com - Jason La Canfora Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell (personal) was excused from practice Thursday, Jan. 19, because of personal reasons. Head coach Mike Tomlin said Bell will be able to play in the AFC Championship game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're not worried and though Bell faces a tough matchup, he scoffs at tough matchups. Literally. Slow down any run and you can see him giggling on a touchdown. He's the best start in the NFL this weekend. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 2. [GB - WR Jordy Nelson to work with rehab group] Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers WR [Jordy Nelson] (ribs) will be on the field with the rehab group during practice Thursday, Jan. 19, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's a good step. Nelson will likely play, though head coach Mike McCarthy said under regular season conditions, the receiver wouldn't likely be active. We're cautiously optimistic about him playing, but keeping a lower than normal ceiling on his expected production. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 3. [ATL - WR Julio Jones to sit again] Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones] (toe) will not participate in practice Thursday, Jan. 19, but said he will be ready for the NFC Championship game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] They are just resting him. The Packers secondary is vulnerable, though they will pay extra attention to Jones. We expect Jones to be one of the better options in fantasy this weekend, though, as Matt Ryan will definitely target him a lot. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 4. [IND - QB Andrew Luck idle three months] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating an earlier report, Indianapolis Colts QB [Andrew Luck] (shoulder) will begin throwing in three months, and he'll be ready to return fully in six months. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're hoping this fixes whatever has been going on with him the last two years. It would help if the Colts can get him an offensive line as well. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 5. [ATL - WR Taylor Gabriel still limited] Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Atlanta Falcons WR [Taylor Gabriel] (foot) was limited in practice Thursday, Jan. 19. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We're not worried about him and feel he will be a good producer this weekend with the attention given to Julio Jones by the Packers secondary - which isn't a tremendous unit to begin with. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 6. [SEA - No missed snaps for CB Richard Sherman] Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Seattle Seahawks CB Richard Sherman (knee) did not miss a snap in practice or in a game this season despite dealing with a significant medial collateral ligament injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As reported earlier, Seattle could lose a second-round pick for not disclosing Sherman's injury. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 7. [PIT - TE Ladarius Green downgraded] Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette Pittsburgh Steelers TE [Ladarius Green] (concussion, illness) did not practice Thursday, Jan. 19, after being limited in practice Wednesday, Jan. 18. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This could pave the way for a nice game for Jesse James. He had 83 yards on five catches against Kansas City, and could easily equal that with attention going to Antonio Brown. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 8. [MIN - OLB Chad Greenway will only sign with MIN] Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Sid Hartman Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent LB Chad Greenway said he will only sign with the Vikings if he decides to continue his playing career. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A first-round pick in 2006, Greenway is not the same player he used to be. If the Vikings don't want him anymore, then Greenway could just end up retiring. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 9. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon excited about new coach] Source: Chargers.com - Ricky Henne Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon] said he is happy that the team hired head coach Anthony Lynn because of Lynn's success as a running backs coach for many years. 'He obviously knows the game, so if he sees some wrinkles, I've got another set of eyes. Everyone's got some holes in their game, and he'll bring some wisdom to help get my game right when I need it. I've got someone who has been around the game for so long and coached some of the league's best players. He'll know how to help me. He's perfect for me, so I'm excited to get this thing rolling under him,' Gordon said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lynn really got LeSean McCoy on the right track, and could mean good things for Gordon once the Chargers back gets healthy again. We'll be waiting to see how Gordon looks in the spring but we're cautiously optimistic. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 10. [GB - Geronimo Allison may sit a few days] Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein Green Bay Packers WR [Geronimo Allison] (hamstring) may not practice until Saturday, Jan. 21, according to head coach Mike McCarthy. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Allison saw his role reduced when Randall Cobb came back, but if Jordy Nelson or Davante Adams are limited by their injuries, he could find himself targeted a bunch. He's a high-risk play this weekend. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 11. [BAL - QB Joe Flacco happy that OC will return] Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens QB [Joe Flacco] said he has a great working relationship with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and is happy that Mornhinweg will return next season. Flacco threw for 3,035 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions under Mornhinweg in 2016. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It was a shaky season for Flacco, so he's more happy than we are about it. The Ravens need to get him some more dynamic receivers...especially with Steve Smith retiring. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 12. [MIN - Minnesota hires Clancy Barone] Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis The Minnesota Vikings have hired former Denver Broncos offensive line coach Clancy Barone as their new tight ends coach. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Barone failed as the O-Line coach in Denver, but he did a good job with Julius Thomas when he was the Broncos tight end coach. He'll benefit from working with a tight end like Kyle Rudolph. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 13. [NYG - RB Adrian Peterson interested in Giants] Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Andrew Krammer Minnesota Vikings RB [Adrian Peterson] said he would be interested in the New York Giants if he becomes available this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] So he wants to go from a team with a garbage offensive line to a team with a slightly less garbage offensive line? Peterson doesn't seem to have much left in the tank, but we might be interested in the right situation. This isn't it. The Giants need running back help, but they need an offensive line as well. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 14. [TB - Tampa Bay an option for RB Adrian Peterson?] Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Andrew Krammer Minnesota Vikings RB [Adrian Peterson] said he would be interested in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if he becomes available this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Where's the upside for the Bucs here? Maybe Doug Martin isn't the answer anymore, or maybe Peterson won't be more than a backup. But we've seen him behind sketchy offensive lines and Peterson doesn't seem to have much in the tank anymore. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 15. [HOU - RB Adrian Peterson interested in Houston] Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune - Andrew Krammer Minnesota Vikings RB [Adrian Peterson] said he would be interested in the Houston Texans if he becomes available this season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's time for the Vikings and Peterson to part ways, but Houston—while close to home—would not benefit from an aging Peterson. Lamar Miller did well this year, so adding Peterson does nothing for this team, who needs a quarterback, not a running back. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 16. [TEN - QB Marcus Mariota on track in recovery] Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra Tennessee Titans QB [Marcus Mariota] (leg) recently met with a doctor and is on track in his recovery from a broken fibula. Head coach Mike Mularkey said he is not sure when Mariota will be able to practice but expects him to be ready for the start of the season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mariota was really making strides as a quarterback, so we hope he isn't held back by the injury. For a guy who is dangerous when mobile, a leg injury is always a concern long-term. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 17. [GB - Geronimo Allison set to play] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Green Bay Packers WR [Geronimo Allison] (hamstring) is expected to play in the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 22. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Allison is another guy head coach Mike McCarthy said wouldn't play if this were a regular season game. His role was reduced with the return of Randall Cobb, but Allison has shown flashes of production. If he plays but Nelson or Adams are out, expect him to see a lot of action. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 18. [GB - WR Davante Adams expected to play] Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Green Bay Packers WR [Davante Adams] (ankle) is expected to play in the NFC Championship game Sunday, Jan. 22. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] How effective will he be, though? Keep an eye on this, as Mike McCarthy has said that in a regular season game, Adams would be sidelined. That's not a great sign, and could be cause for concern. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 19. [GB - WR Davante Adams was busy against ATL] Source: USA TODAY Fantasy Sports Green Bay Packers WR [Davante Adams] had 12 catches for 74 yards against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It doesn't really have much impact on this game, but it's worth knowing he can find success against this secondary if Aaron Rodgers has time to throw the ball. Adams is nursing a sore ankle, and Jordy Nelson may not play much, if at all this weekend. Both things will have a big impact on Adams' numbers and bear watching. [Back to Top] --------------------------------------------------------------- 20. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman with mixed bag against GB] Source: USA TODAY Fantasy Sports Atlanta Falcons RB [Devonta Freeman] rushed 11 times for 35 yards and a touchdown with four catches for 23 yards and another touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Packers run defense is still ranked pretty highly, but it's a bit of a paper tiger, feasting on teams which aren't very good. Ezekiel Elliott dropped 125 on this unit last week and while we expect Freeman to fall short of that mark, he should be able to find plenty of room to run on Sunday. [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. Peace and Grace to you. 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:] ---