Footballguys #98 - 7/29 - Faceoffs, OL Notes, IDP, News & Notes and MORE

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #98 -- Saturday Night, July 29th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- [Grab your Draft Dominator for Mobile Now!](=) Do you want to DOMINATE YOUR fantasy league this year? =For only $4.99, you'll have over 60 experts in your pocket, helping you to make the best draft picks, when it matters. Don't settle for runner up, this is your year. - Adapts to your league settings - Rankings adapt based on your roster's needs and for sleepers late - Predicts your opponents moves, so you can outsmart them - Mock draft so you're prepared for every scenario - Rate my team reports reviewing each draft - Up to the minute projections, ADP, news, rankings outlooks, depth charts and tags --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Sunday to you. Things are rolling and we're here for you. We've got more great content and the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [FREE FEATURE - Player Faceoff: Terrelle Pryor, Washington]( Two staffers go head-to-head and discuss Terrelle Pryor. B. [Player Faceoff: Dak Prescott, Dallas](=) Two staffers go head-to-head and discuss Dak Prescott. C. [Offensive Line Notes: Training Camp Battles]() Our Matt Bitonti with an in-depth look at the positions up for grabs this preseason, and the linemen to watch in training camp. D. [IDP - Eyes of the Guru Preseason, Part 6: NFC South]( Our John Norton with an overview of defenses in the NFC South with an emphasis on individual defensive players and their fantasy value. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [IND - QB Andrew Luck unsure when he will be cleared](#1) 2. [CIN - RB Giovani Bernard 'looked incredible' Friday](#2) 3. [BAL - QB Colin Kaepernick interested in Baltimore](#3) 4. [NE - RB Mike Gillislee the new LeGarrette Blount?](#4) 5. [BUF - Buffalo to take it easy on RB LeSean McCoy](#5) 6. [NYG - WR Odell Beckham Jr. will be paid](#6) 7. [ATL - Devin Fuller tears ACL](#7) 8. [PIT - JuJu Smith-Schuster injures ankle](#8) 9. [CLE - David Njoku struggling early](#9) 10. [TB - QB Jameis Winston wearing a knee brace](#10) 11. [HOU - D'Onta Foreman carving out a role?](#11) 12. [GB - WR Randall Cobb wants to stay healthy](#12) 13. [MIN - RB Jerick McKinnon nursing leg injury](#13) 14. [HOU - WR Braxton Miller maturing as a receiver](#14) 15. [DEN - RB Bernard Pierce to miss a few days](#15) 16. [TEN - Corey Davis agrees to terms](#16) 17. [BAL - TE Crockett Gillmore unable to practice](#17) 18. [PHI - QB Nick Foles not practicing](#18) 19. [NFL - CB Darrelle Revis still waiting](#19) 20. [PIT - WR Justin Hunter impressive early](#20) 21. [KC - WR Demarcus Robinson getting first-team reps](#21) 22. [ATL - WR Taylor Gabriel among potential punt returners](#22) 23. [NYG - QB Geno Smith free of restriction](#23) 24. [PIT - Mike Tomlin's contract extended](#24) 25. [DEN - Solid practice for Jordan Taylor](#25) 26. [DEN - Early action for RB Stevan Ridley](#26) 27. [DEN - DE Dwight Freeney a fit in Denver?](#27) 28. [CIN - John Ross to be limited early](#28) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [IND - QB Andrew Luck unsure when he will be cleared]() Source: The Indianapolis Star Indianapolis Colts QB [Andrew Luck](=) (shoulder) told the Indianapolis Star's Stephen Holder there is 'no reason to freak out,' but he remains on the preseason Physically Unable to Participate list and uncertain about being ready in time for the regular-season opener. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners are freaking out due to Luck's shoulder injury. Luck now won't commit to being available for Week 1 of the regular season. He's been slow to recover for what seems like forever. The Colts need to be incredibly cautious...just like fantasy owners considering Luck. Wait to see what his health status is like as we get late into August. If healthy, Luck is a top-3 fantasy quarterback. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [CIN - RB Giovani Bernard 'looked incredible' Friday](=) Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Paul Dehner Jr. Cincinnati Bengals RB [Giovani Bernard](=) (knee) looked very impressive during practice Friday, July 28, in the opinion of The Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Dehner Jr. Bernard is eight months recovered from suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Here's the full quote from Dehner: "Post first practice observation: Giovani Bernard looked incredible. Not just for a guy 8 months removed from ACL. For any NFL RB." That's strong. It's also July 29. We think Joe Mixon could be the primary back for the Bengals with Bernard competing with Jeremy Hill for reserve snaps/time/targets this season. Although it looks like this is far from settled. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [BAL - QB Colin Kaepernick interested in Baltimore]( Source: NFL Network - Michael Silver Free-agent QB [Colin Kaepernick](=) (49ers) is interested in playing for the Baltimore Ravens, according to sources. Kaepernick has not talked with any teams about money. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kaepernick would be a backup to Joe Flacco if added but he may want to wait and see what happens during camp with other teams. If injuries hit, Kaepernick could get an opportunity to be the starter elsewhere. That's just not a possibility with an established quarterback like Flacco in Baltimore. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [NE - RB Mike Gillislee the new LeGarrette Blount?](=) Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss New England Patriots RB [Mike Gillislee](=) handled the first carry at the goal line at practice Saturday, July 29, and appears to be the 'top candidate' to replace [LeGarrette Blount](=) as the big back in the Patriots' offense, according to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners are wondering the same question. Gillislee is not going to get 18 rushing touchdowns like Blount did last year, but he could fill a role that is quite fantasy relevant. We could see Gillislee score near double-digit touchdowns as the Patriots goal-line back. They will still continue to use James White an/or Dion Lewis in a RBBC. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BUF - Buffalo to take it easy on RB LeSean McCoy]() Source: ESPN.com - Mike Rodak Buffalo Bills RB [LeSean McCoy](=) will have his workload in training camp 'managed,' according to head coach Sean McDermott, who added that it is 'too early to determine' how the depth chart will stack up behind his top running back. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] There's no need to push McCoy in camp or give him many reps in the preseason. Under new OC Rick Dennison, McCoy remains in a running back friendly system and is a top-5 fantasy back in any league. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [NYG - WR Odell Beckham Jr. will be paid]( Source: NJ.com - Dan Duggan New York Giants WR [Odell Beckham Jr](=). 'deserves to get paid,' owner John Mara said Friday, July 28. 'We're going to pay him,' Mara said. 'It's just a question of when we enter into the contract. And I don't have a timetable on it right now.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Beckham isn't going anywhere. The Giants exercised his fifth-year option which keeps him under contract through the 2018 season. He expressed his feelings about his contract by staying away during voluntary portions of offseason workouts. The Giants know the contract is likely to make him the richest WR in the league...and it will take a bit more time to get that monumental contract done. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [ATL - Devin Fuller tears ACL]( Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport Atlanta Falcons WR [Devin Fuller](=) (knee) was diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament Friday, July 28, and will miss the 2017 season, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A seventh-round pick out of UCLA in 2016, Fuller was trying to make the 53-man roster as a speed player. He missed his rookie season with a shoulder injury, and missing back-to-back years is likely to end his career before it started. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [PIT - JuJu Smith-Schuster injures ankle]() Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during practice Friday, July 28, but was able to finish practice, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith-Schuster is an exciting rookie wide receiver who has always reminded us of a young Anquan Boldin. We'll see if this ankle problem continues to bother him during camp. The rookie from USC is likely to win the no3 job at wideout behind superstar Antonio Brown and Martavis Bryant. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [CLE - David Njoku struggling early](=) Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot Cleveland Browns TE David Njoku had the ball stripped twice during practice Friday, July 28. Head coach Hue Jackson said Njoku needs to work on holding onto the ball. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Not terribly surprising given the fact that he's a rookie and rookie TEs struggle. Njoku has Greg Olsen-like upside if he plays up to his potential. The early going might be rough, but we'll be watching him for our dynasty leagues to see how he develops. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [TB - QB Jameis Winston wearing a knee brace](=) Source: Florida Football Insiders - Roy Cummings Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB [Jameis Winston](=) was spotted wearing a brace on his left knee Saturday, July 29, but head coach Dirk Koetter called the move 'precautionary'. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Winston may have a slight limp according to some reports. The brace wasn't fitting right on Friday, and he must've gotten it right on Saturday. At the end of the day, we don't think there's much to get worried about but (as always) stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [HOU - D'Onta Foreman carving out a role?]() Source: HoustonTexans.com - John Harris Houston Texans RB D'Onta Foreman scored a one-yard touchdown, stayed in his running lanes and displayed good interior vision during practice Friday, July 28, according to John Harris of HoustonTexans.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Foreman is a big back who could actually run with more power. The offseason has been full of reports about how the team wants to use Lamar Miller a bit less in order to keep him fresh all season long. Foreman is competing with Alfred Blue to be the primary backup behind Miller, and he's a player who could steal some short-yardage or goal-line work away from the Texans starter. Watch this battle unfold during training camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [GB - WR Randall Cobb wants to stay healthy](=) Source: Packers.com - Wes Hodkiewicz Green Bay Packers WR [Randall Cobb](=) said he is going to do everything he can to stay healthy this year. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fantasy owners want Cobb to stay healthy! His numbers are unlikely to be what they were two years ago (91-1,287-12), but as the no3 WR for the Packers he still is a fantasy commodity. Cobb should be projected for around 70 catches in 2017. That makes him a WR4 with upside in most fantasy leagues. Right now his ADP is WR39 (8.06) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [MIN - RB Jerick McKinnon nursing leg injury]() Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Chris Tomasson Minnesota Vikings RB [Jerick McKinnon](=) (leg) did not practice Friday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McKinnon is competing for likely a reserve role behind Dalvin Cook. The rookie Cook is the starter in our eyes, but McKinnon's value as an explosive playmaker and valuable receiver out of the backfield cannot be overlooked. When Latavius Murray is healthy and able to contribute it will further complicate things in the Vikings backfield, so at this time it's safe just to keep McKinnon on your waiver wire speed dial. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [HOU - WR Braxton Miller maturing as a receiver]() Source: Houston Chronicle - John McClain Houston Texans WR [Braxton Miller](=) has improved his route-running and is having a good camp, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Miller converted from quarterback to wide receiver during his college career at Ohio State. He's only a few years into learning the position and still has a lot of room for growth. Miller has tremendous athleticism and is dangerous with the ball in his hands. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [DEN - RB Bernard Pierce to miss a few days]( Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos RB [Bernard Pierce](=) (hamstring) will miss a few days of practice because of a hamstring injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Pierce is competing for a spot on the 53-man roster but he's only got an outside shot of making the team. This injury doesn't help, and it opens the door for newly signed Stevan Ridley. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [TEN - Corey Davis agrees to terms](=) Source: NFL Network - Tiffany Blackmon Tennessee Titans first-round draft choice WR Corey Davis agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Titans Saturday, July 29. Financial terms were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Davis was a top-5 pick this year and the first WR off the board in the 2017 NFL draft. He's got 'my ball' mentality and has no problem winning contested catches. The rookie is used to a heavy target load and can get it done in the red zone too. The Titans are jam packed at the position, and targets will be split primarily between Davis, Rishard Matthews and Eric Decker. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [BAL - TE Crockett Gillmore unable to practice]( Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens TE [Crockett Gillmore](=) (leg) did not participate in practice Saturday, July 29. There are reports it could be potentially serious. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gillmore has skill but injuries certainly have held him back as a pro. If healthy, Gillmore is set to compete for snaps/targets at the TE position with guys like Ben Watson and Maxx Williams. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [PHI - QB Nick Foles not practicing]( Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles QB [Nick Foles](=) (elbow) is not participating in practice Saturday, July 29, because of elbow soreness. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This just creates more opportunity for Matt McGloin. The Eagles know what Foles can do, so they'll give him the necessary time to recover. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [NFL - CB Darrelle Revis still waiting]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Free-agent CB Darrelle Revis (Jets) is still working out in hopes of playing in 2017, but he has not received much interest at this point. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Revis isn't going to get top dollar like he's used to. If he wants to continue playing, it will likely be a short-term contract for near veteran minimum. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [PIT - WR Justin Hunter impressive early](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Justin Hunter](=) could possibly fill a role as a deep threat if it takes [Martavis Bryant](=) a while to return to form, according to ESPN.com's Jeremy Fowler. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hunter has always had more potential than he's ever played up to. Bryant has yet to be fully reinstated by the league coming off his year-long suspension in 2016. Even if Bryant is slow to get up to speed, we don't see Hunter doing that much. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [KC - WR Demarcus Robinson getting first-team reps]( Source: The Kansas City Star - Terez A. Paylor Kansas City Chiefs WR [Demarcus Robinson](=) has earned a number of first-string reps alongside [Chris Conley](=) and [Tyreek Hill](=) so far at training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A fourth-round pick out of Florida in 2016, Robinson has fantastic straight-line speed and run after the catch ability. He was just a special teams player as a rookie but has a chance to do something as a receiver this year. However, even if he wins the no3 job in Kansas City it won't be fantasy relevant. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [ATL - WR Taylor Gabriel among potential punt returners](=) Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter The Atlanta Falcons are considering using WR [Taylor Gabriel](=) as their punt returner, although WR [Andre Roberts](=) is considered the favorite to return both kickoffs and punts this season. Gabriel gained experience returning punts in college and during the preseason for the Cleveland Browns several years ago. In addition to Gabriel and Roberts, WRs Reginald Davis III, [Devin Fuller](=), Marvin Hall and Josh Magee practiced at the position Friday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Gabriel is fast, quick and elusive in the open field. He'll be effective in limited targets on offense as the no3 WR behind Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu. The Falcons may just want to get the ball in his hands as much as possible by using him in the return game. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [NYG - QB Geno Smith free of restriction](=) Source: Giants.com New York Giants QB [Geno Smith](=) (knee) has been cleared to practice without restriction at the start of training camp, according to head coach Ben McAdoo. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smith is hoping for a fresh start with his new team. He's competing with rookie Davis Webb (and others) to win the primary backup job behind Eli Manning in 2017. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [PIT - Mike Tomlin's contract extended]( Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's contract vested through the 2019 season based on wins. There have been talks about a longer deal. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Steelers historically re-sign their head coach when there's around two years left on the deal. With only three head coaches over the last 40-plus years for the Steelers, Tomlin's got plenty of job security. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [DEN - Solid practice for Jordan Taylor]( Source: DenverBroncos.com - Andrew Mason Denver Broncos WR [Jordan Taylor](=) made several solid catches during practice Friday, July 28, according to Andrew Mason of DenverBroncos.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Taylor is a fast target who is developing as a route runner. He's clearly on the roster bubble for the Broncos as they are jam packed at wide receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [DEN - Early action for RB Stevan Ridley]( Source: DenverBroncos.com - Andrew Mason Denver Broncos RB [Stevan Ridley](=) saw action with the second-team and third-team offenses Friday, July 28. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ridley had surprising burst for a player who hasn't been the same since a 2014 knee injury. The Broncos just needed depth after losing Devontae Booker (wrist) for camp, and we don't think Ridley makes the 53-man roster. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [DEN - DE Dwight Freeney a fit in Denver?](=) Source: Denver7 Sports - Troy Renck Free-agent LB Dwight Freeney (Falcons) could draw interest from the Denver Broncos, according to Troy Renck of Denver7 Sports. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fans want to see DeMarcus Ware come back in 2017 but that's unlikely to happen. Freeney wants to keep playing and if he came to Denver for the right price, the veteran pass-rusher would be a great fit on arguably the league's best defense. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [CIN - John Ross to be limited early]() Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell Cincinnati Bengals WR John Ross (shoulder) was not placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list but will be limited during the early part of training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's smart as Ross continues to recover from his shoulder surgery. The rookie can flat out fly, and if Andy Dalton has time to throw we could see Ross become a favorite big-play option. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today. 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 *