🏆 Najee Harris To See Less Work?

[Footballguys Email Updates](=) [Go PRO](=) | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 24, #60 • Jun. 8th[,](=) 2022 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [The 2022 Footballguys Players Championship]() Howdy {NAME}, Good Thursday to you. It's early June but we've got a bunch of News and Notes for you. Plus the Footballguys Spotlights are back. And new video for you as well. Pull up a chair and buckle up. We want to give you everything we can to help you win more at Fantasy Football. Let's Go. J --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys Players Championship Early Bird Discount]() Sponsored by [The 2022 Footballguys Players Championship]() [Grab Our Early Bird Promo And Compete For A $500,000 Grand Prize]() [The 2022 Footballguys Players Championship]() features a $500,000 grand prize, a $150,000 runner-up prize, and a $4,395,750 fully-guaranteed total prize pool, Teams are $350 each or -- our best value -- $1,000 for a three-pack. Only 15,000 teams are available, so don't miss out. Don't miss out on our Early Bird Promo: When you register before Thursday, June 30th, and draft that team by July 15th, you'll receive a FREE $35 FFPC league credit (limit 3). -- DRAFTS ARE ALREADY UNDERWAY! -- [Sign Up Now]() --------------------------------------------------------------- SITE NEWS A. [Can Tua Tagovailoa be a QB1 in 2022?]( The Footballguys Player Spotlights are back! In this one, our Kevin Coleman breaks down the chances that Tua Tagovailoa can finish as a QB1 in 2022. B. [Video - Most Underrated Players in Early Drafts]( Our Sigmund Bloom and Dwain McFarland of ProFootballFocus talk NFL and fantasy football. Topics Include: Running backs to target at ADP, Offenses with new quarterbacks, Favorite sleepers, and more! C. [Video - The case for Darrell Henderson](=) Our Chris Allen is here to discuss Darrell Henderson and why you might want to take a closer look at him in your fantasy football drafts this year. D. [Video - Why Najee Harris is undervalued in redraft]() Our Hutchinson Brown discusses Najee Harris and why the second-year running back could be undervalued in redraft fantasy football leagues in 2022. E. [Video - Will Travis Etienne Be Ready for Week 1?]() Our Chris Allen and Adam Wilde discuss this week in Dynasty fantasy football and take you through what they're seeing. Including when we should see Travis Etienne. F. [Video - Players to Target in Dynasty Startup Drafts]( Our Alfredo Brown discusses some players to target in your dynasty startup drafts for the 2022 fantasy football season. G. [Video - Dynasty Hit Rates]( Our Chad Parsons and Jordan McNamara talk about using hit rates in dynasty, dynasty trades, and quotes from our Footballguys Shark Pool Message Board forum. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PIT - RB Najee Harris to rest some downs](#1) 2. [IND - Michael Pittman, Matt Ryan 'in sync'](#2) 3. [PIT - RB Najee Harris talks weight criticism](#3) 4. [SEA - WR DK Metcalf's absence unexcused](#4) 5. [LVR - TE Darren Waller envisions big role](#5) 6. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson expected at minicamp](#6) 7. [NYG - Saquon Barkely feeling better in 2022](#7) 8. [SF - WR Deebo Samuel contract talks ongoing](#8) 9. [IND - RB Jonathan Taylor out again Wednesday](#9) 10. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers wants to end career in GB](#10) 11. [PHI - PHI sees 'big difference' in QB Jalen Hurts](#11) 12. [TEN - Treylon Burks sits Tuesday](#12) 13. [DAL - Jake Ferguson signs rookie deal](#13) 14. [GB - WR Sammy Watkins set for big role](#14) 15. [CAR - TE Ian Thomas dealing with injury](#15) 16. [TB - Ke'Shawn Vaughn showing improvement](#16) 17. [CLE - QB Baker Mayfield excused from minicamp](#17) 18. [LAR - QB Matthew Stafford will 'definitely' throw at camp](#18) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [PIT - RB Najee Harris to rest some downs]( Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Chris Adamski Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris said that he won't be playing every down next season. 'I am taking time off,' Harris said. 'I will not be on the field for certain plays. We're still going to talk about that, though. I do want to play. Any time I can. But at the same time, it's all about being smart. So I understand where [the Steelers] are coming from.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Don't panic with this news, Harris still has plenty of potential even with a lower snap percentage. Harris is still going to be an RB1 for Fantasy GMs, and there's plenty of pass-catching opportunities which make PPR formats even juicier. In order to be in the top-3 of fantasy running backs, it would be nice if Harris broke off longer runs and bigger plays like Jonathan Taylor does with the Colts. Taylor played 212 fewer snaps than Harris in 2021. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [IND - Michael Pittman, Matt Ryan 'in sync']( Source: The Athletic - Zak Keefer Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. and QB Matt Ryan are 'in sync' in practice, The Athletic's Zak Keefer noted on Wednesday, June 8. 'Pittman has been really good the past few days. Him and Ryan are in sync. Impressive grab over the middle in heavy traffic today,' Keefer wrote. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is one of those offseason 'drumbeats' you want to pay attention to. There's offseason fluff and then there are developing stories that can benefit you in your fantasy drafts. Pittman is already getting drafted as a mid-range WR2 in most formats, but his talent coupled with a strong connection with Ryan could push him into top-10 range. Let's see how they look in the preseason and how many more of these 'drumbeats' we hear in training camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [PIT - RB Najee Harris talks weight criticism](=) Source: 93.7 The Fan - Josh Rowntree Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris responded to those criticizing his weight gain to 244 pounds. 'I was 242 last year. Now I'm 244. But -- if you guys didn't know -- you always are heavier in this than when you play in the season,' Harris explained. 'Y'all making it seem like I'm just fat as hell.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ah yes, the offseason weight gain story is making headlines in Pittsburgh. Unless Harris looks out of shape (like Leonard Fournette does in Tampa) this is a non story. Oh yeah, he's also got time before training camp to drop some pounds if he wants to. Harris is a big back, and he will carry a lot of weight. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [SEA - WR DK Metcalf's absence unexcused]() Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson Updating previous reports, Seattle Seahawks WR DK Metcalf's absence from mandatory minicamp is not excused, and he could be subject to fines of $93,000 or more. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Metcalf is in the final year of his rookie contract, and he's going to end up with a new contract that makes him one of the highest paid wide receivers in the league. Seattle has been dragging their feet, and Metcalf wants to get paid before his stats take a hit catching passes from below average quarterbacks Geno Smith or Drew Lock. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [LVR - TE Darren Waller envisions big role](=) Source: RaidersWire - Levi Damien Las Vegas Raiders TE Darren Waller expects to do 'a lot of things' in the new offense under head coach Josh McDaniels. 'I'm excited. It's asking me to do a lot of things,' said Waller. 'We watch a lot of tape of [Rob Gronkowski](=) running wild from old New England clips, so it's exciting to see the different ways that I'll be used.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Waller and WR Davante Adams should go hog wild in the McDaniels offense this year. Fantasy GMs are drooling thinking about how high powered the Raiders passing game could be (don't forget about Hunter Renfrow too!). Waller is a no-brainer TE1 for Fantasy GMs and could finish 2022 as the best fantasy tight end in the league. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson expected at minicamp]( Source: WNST.net - Luke Jones Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is expected to attend mandatory minicamp after sitting out voluntary organized team activities, head coach John Harbaugh said on Wednesday, June 8. Harbaugh also noted Jackson has been working hard while away from the team. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] When the work becomes mandatory, Jackson will be there...a surprise to no one. The Ravens and Jackson have not agreed to any new contract, and there seems to be a thought there's no rush to do so even though Jackson is in the final year of his contract. If he plays well this season (and stays healthy) the Ravens could slap the franchise tag on Jackson next offseason while they work more fervently on a new contract. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [NYG - Saquon Barkely feeling better in 2022]( Source: SNY - Ralph Vacchiano New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley says he feels 'a lot better than I felt at this point last year. My body feels good. I'm trusting my knee again.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Barkley hasn't looked like his old self for some time. Since his 2020 ACL injury, Barkley is not the same player he was in his first two seasons (especially his rookie season). Now that he's feeling better perhaps Barkley will start playing up to his potential in what should be his final season with the Giants. He's in a much better offense with new head coach Brian Daboll, so Barkley could be a fantastic value pick in the third round of your fantasy draft. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [SF - WR Deebo Samuel contract talks ongoing]( Source: Bay Area News Group - Cam Inman The San Francisco 49ers and WR Deebo Samuel are in ongoing talks about a contract extension and the hope is a deal gets done before the start of the season, head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Tuesday, June 7. 'I know we go through the business part of the league, but I don't think the relationship was ever too far away to not get it back to normal and we're working on that,' Shanahan said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Samuel wants to be paid, and he's set to get one of the richest contracts for a wide receiver in the NFL when the 49ers come through. He also wants to be used less as a runner, something the team should oblige to make him happy. With QB Trey Lance taking over as the starter, the 49ers need to make sure Samuel is there to ease the transition. We could see something get done before the start of training camp - and at the latest before the start of the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [IND - RB Jonathan Taylor out again Wednesday](=) Source: The Herald Bulletin - George Bremer Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (undisclosed) is not participating at mandatory minicamp for a second straight day on Wednesday, June 8, due to an undisclosed injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's the offseason, so injury designations are not a thing. We're not sure what this undisclosed injury is but it is nothing to be concerned about at this time. Taylor is going to carry perhaps the largest load of any running back in the NFL this season, and he doesn't need to push it during minicamp. We'll see what he looks like when training camp gets here. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS PICKS EARLY BIRD DEAL ON 2022 FOOTBALLGUYS PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP ENTRIES - For a limited time, get a FREE $35 FFPC League Credit when you register for the Footballguys Players Championship. The $500,000 grand prize and the $4,395,750 total prize pool are fully guaranteed. Drafts are already underway so you can compete right away. [Sign Up Now]() --------------------------------------------------------------- LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL CONTENT? - Matthew Berry's RotoPass bundles together premium subscriptions from Footballguys, RotoWire, RotoViz, ESPN+, and more. [Sign Up Now](=) --------------------------------------------------------------- FOOTBALLGUYS GEAR IS HERE! - We're proud of what we put together here for you and we're thankful and appreciative when folks represent. And if you're reading this, it's a safe bet to assume you've dominated your league. Now you can look the part too. [Shop Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [GB - QB Aaron Rodgers wants to end career in GB]() Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers intends to finish his career with the team, he said on Tuesday, June 7. The veteran would not say how much longer he intends to play, though. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That was kind of expected when Rodgers signed his new contract earlier this offseason....so we're not quite sure why it's news now. Rodgers has a few years left, and the Packers have pressure to get him another ring. We'll see if they can do that before Rodgers decides to hang up his cleats. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [PHI - PHI sees 'big difference' in QB Jalen Hurts]() Source: ESPN.com - Tim McManus Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is impressing head coach Nick Sirianni so far this offseason. 'I'm noticing a big difference,' Sirianni said. 'What I see is a crisper ball. The accuracy I've been very pleased with. You can just see him taking strides every single day with his accuracy because of the fundamentals he has with his feet and his upper body.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hurts looked serviceable running an offense that featured his running ability and the ground game. In order for the Eagles to push for a playoff run, Hurts needs to be better as a passer. Adding a superstar WR like A.J. Brown will help, and so will his improved mechanics. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [TEN - Treylon Burks sits Tuesday](=) Source: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport Tennessee Titans WR Treylon Burks (undisclosed) did not participate in organized team activities on Tuesday, June 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Head coach Mike Vrabel would only say Burks was 'unavailable.' Vrabel also noted that the Titans were aware of Burks' asthma issue before drafting him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [DAL - Jake Ferguson signs rookie deal]( Source: ESPN.com - Todd Archer Dallas Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson agreed to a four-year rookie contract on Wednesday, June 8, per source. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ferguson is a talented move tight end with the speed to attack the seam. He's tough over the middle and not afraid of contact either. He'll serve as a backup to TE Dalton Schultz as a rookie. Keep tabs on him in dynasty formats. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [GB - WR Sammy Watkins set for big role](=) Source: CheeseheadTV - Aaron Nagler Green Bay Packers WR Sammy Watkins is 'going to be a big part of our offense,' head coach Matt LaFleur said on Wednesday, June 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good luck with that. Watkins was seen as a player on the roster bubble only a couple of months ago, and now he's going to be a big part of their offense. Okay, that's not a great plan. The former first-round pick is no longer the player he used to be. The last time he was fantasy relevant was back in 2017 when he was with the Rams and he finished that season as the no.34 fantasy wide receiver. Since then, Watkins has been in the WR6 to WR9 range. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CAR - TE Ian Thomas dealing with injury]() Source: The Athletic - Joe Person Carolina Panthers TE Ian Thomas (ankle) is absent from practice due to an unspecified high-ankle injury, head coach Matt Rhule said on Wednesday, June 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] High-ankle injuries can linger if not given enough time to heal. Good thing for Thomas is that there's plenty of time before the start of training camp. We'll see him compete with Tommy Tremble in a tight end situation that has not been productive under head coach Matt Rhule. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [TB - Ke'Shawn Vaughn showing improvement]() Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn has shown improvement as a pass-catcher and has looked better than expected in that area this spring, head coach Todd Bowles said on Wednesday, June 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Vaughn is the forgotten man in the Buccaneers backfield, and he's no lock for the 53-man roster. The 2020 third-round pick has not done much over the last couple of seasons and is running out of time to impress. The Buccaneers added Arizona State RB Rachaad White in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, and he's pushing for at least the pass-catching role in the backfield. That means Vaughn may have to find his way on another team. We'll see what he can do in training camp and the preseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [CLE - QB Baker Mayfield excused from minicamp](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield will be excused from mandatory minicamp when it begins on Tuesday, June 14, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Browns and Mayfield are going to part ways at some point. Teams are freezing out the Browns because they want them to pick up part of his tab. That's why Seattle or Carolina haven't traded for him yet. There's no need to get him hurt during minicamp and crush his trade value. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [LAR - QB Matthew Stafford will 'definitely' throw at camp]() Source: NFL Network - Andrew Siciliano Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (arm) 'definitely' expects to be ready to throw when training camp rolls around, he said on Wednesday, June 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is something for Fantasy GMs to keep tabs on. Stafford hasn't thrown this spring as the team continues to slowly ramp him up after the veteran received an anti-inflammatory injection in his elbow earlier this offseason. It's June, and Stafford hasn't thrown...let that sink in. The plan is to have him ready in training camp and for the start of the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J [Crush Your Draft With A Premium Subscription From Footballguys.com](=) [Joe Bryant - Guide - Footballguys.com](=) Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! You're subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Sportsguys * 118 N. Peters Rd., Suite 208 * Knoxville[,]( TN 37923 * News Items Powered By: [USA Today Fantasy Sports](=)