Footballguys #107 - 8/7 - Giveaway!, Injury Rounds, Valuing Suspended Players, News & Notes & MORE

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #107 -- Monday Night, August 7th, 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 70 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. What's the best rated mobile draft app for 2017? Product Number of 5 Star Reviews * Footballguys Draft Dominator for Apple phones/tablets 564 Footballguys Draft Dominator for Android phones/tablets 242 Rotowire Draft Kit for Apple 46 - 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, It's been another wild day in the News. Don't worry - we'll stay on top of everything for you so you'll continue to be the sharkiest owner in your league. We've got another huge day of Content plus the News and Notes you need so let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Footballguys $35,000 Subscriber Contest]() Judging from my email box, there are a LOT of you looking forward to this one. It's here. The 2017 Footballguys $35,000 Subscriber Contest is LIVE. Everyone who purchases a Footballguys Insider PRO or PRO Plus subscription gets a free entry. And there's no catch. We pony up $35,000 to put into the prize pool and you guys win it. This isn't some contest with a zillion entries. You're competing just with people who purchase the Insider PRO or PRO Plus and it's a blast. Full rules are in the headline link. B. [The Footballguys Give-Away 2017!]( I say at the end of these emails how much we appreciate you being part of Footballguys. Now let us show you. GET YOUR SWAG on with the Footballguys Give-Away. EVERY entry gets all four of our Training Camp Updates emailed to you. But there are a TON more prizes including a shot at winning $10,000 and earning a Staffer spot at Footballguys. Check it out. C. [FREE FEATURE - 2017 FFPC Co-drafting Strategy]( Our Austin Lee and Alessandro Miglio with an FFPC Pros vs Joes draft recap conversation. They talk player value debates and co-drafting strategy. D. [FREE FEATURE - Hypothetical - What if Odell Beckham Jr. is lost for the season?](=) Our John Mamula asks: "What would an Odell Beckham Jr. season ending injury mean for the Giants, and your fantasy team?" E. [Ezekiel Elliott and How to Value Suspended Players]( With all the buzz about a potential suspension for Ezekiel Elliott, everyone's asking how to value the impact of missing early season games. Our Adam Harstad puts math to work here with a quick and dirty trick for adjusting player values on the fly in the face of early-season suspensions or injuries. If you're one who likes to look deeper into the numbers, this is for you. F. [Injury Rounds: Preseason Week 1 Jene Bramel](=) Our Footballguys MD, Dr. Jene Bramel with a full review of injuries around the league with expanded thoughts on Ryan Tannehill, Jordan Reed, Cam Newton, Will Fuller, and many others. G. [Marry, Flirt, Dump: AFC North]() Our Sigmund Bloom runs down who to marry, who to flirt with, and who to dump for each AFC North team in your fantasy drafts. H. [The Gut Check No. 411: The Devil's Advocate 100-51]( Our Matt Waldman goes to the dark side to test your faith in the top 100 players on the board. I. [Land of Opportunity: Finding Value in Projected Workload, Part II]() Our Ryan Hester with Part II of his feature where he identifies value plays by projected opportunity. J. [Hypothetical - What If Carson Palmer Is Lost For The Season]() Our Justin Bonnema asks the question: "What would happen to the Cardinals' offense if Carson Palmer was lost for the season?" K. [Dynasty New You Can Use, Preseason Volume 9](=) Our Jeff Tefertiller with a look at the recent fantasy news from a dynasty perspective. L. [The New Reality No.88: 2018 NFL Draft Class Preview](=) Our Chad Parsons examines the key prospects and metrics to track for the 2018 NFL Draft class. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa going to IR](#1) 2. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa has bulging disk](#2) 3. [BUF - WR Anquan Boldin headed to Bills](#3) 4. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy to lead team in receptions?](#4) 5. [DEN - QB Trevor Siemian to start preseason opener](#5) 6. [MIA - WR Jarvis Landry under investigation](#6) 7. [CAR - QB Cam Newton does some light throwing](#7) 8. [MIN - RB Dalvin Cook listed as starter](#8) 9. [MIA - WR Kenny Stills limited](#9) 10. [BUF - WR Sammy Watkins practices](#10) 11. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham fees much better](#11) 12. [MIA - QB Jay Cutler is fully recovered](#12) 13. [NYJ - RB Matt Forte back practicing](#13) 14. [DEN - QB Paxton Lynch to start second tilt](#14) 15. [MIA - RB Jay Ajayi doing light work](#15) 16. [CAR - WR Devin Funchess tearing up camp](#16) 17. [CAR - RB Christian McCaffrey running wildcat](#17) 18. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper still sidelined](#18) 19. [KC - Big year coming for WR Tyreek Hill?](#19) 20. [ARI - WR John Brown to return soon](#20) 21. [NE - QB Tom Brady, WR Brandin Cooks building chemistry](#21) 22. [HOU - QB Tom Savage to start first preseason game](#22) 23. [BAL - QB Joe Flacco receives second opinion](#23) 24. [CLE - QB Brock Osweiler to start preseason game](#24) 25. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster favored in red zone?](#25) 26. [TEN - WR Eric Decker meshing with QB Marcus Mariota](#26) 27. [PIT - WR Martavis Bryant to practice soon?](#27) 28. [MIN - RB Latavius Murray returns from PUP list](#28) 29. [OAK - TE Lee Smith listed as starter](#29) 30. [JAX - WR Allen Hurns exits](#30) 31. [WAS - WR Josh Doctson day to day](#31) 32. [KC - TE Travis Kelce idle Monday](#32) 33. [PHI - RB Wendell Smallwood out with hamstring injury](#33) 34. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery padded up](#34) 35. [DET - TE Eric Ebron running on the side](#35) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa going to IR](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter New York Jets WR [Quincy Enunwa](=) (neck) is being placed on the Reserve/Injured list with a neck injury, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Neck injuries are tricky to come back from and they've ended multiple careers in the past. Enunwa's future is in question as 2017 was supposed to be a big contract year. He broke out with 58 catches in 2016 but now Enunwa will hit the open market in 2018 with huge question marks around his health. The Jets now turn to Robby Anderson as the no1 WR this season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NYJ - WR Quincy Enunwa has bulging disk](=) Source: New York Daily News - Manish Mehta Updating a previous report, New York Jets WR [Quincy Enunwa](=) (neck) is out six to nine months with a bulging disk in his neck, according to head coach Todd Bowles. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This isn't great news for his future as a pro. Enunwa was in a contract year this season and now he's going to be a free agent in 2018 with major question marks. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [BUF - WR Anquan Boldin headed to Bills]( Source: FOXSports.com - Peter Schrager Free-agent WR [Anquan Boldin](=) (Lions) will agree to a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills Monday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Zay Jones and Charles Clay's redraft appeal as late-round picks goes down with this news, but Boldin won't have as much value as he had in Detroit last year. Tyrod Taylor and the offense gets a small bump, but with Taylor having lackluster practices in the transition to Rick Dennison's offense, it's probably not an optimistic outlook for their pass offense. Overall this isn't that significant for fantasy, but it helps the Bills who sorely needed more experience at wide receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [BUF - RB LeSean McCoy to lead team in receptions?](=) Source: WKBW.com - Joe Buscaglia Buffalo Bills RB [LeSean McCoy](=) has a chance to lead the Bills in receptions this season, in the opinion of WKBW.com's Joe Buscaglia. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Last year under Rick Dennison (Bills new OC), we saw Broncos RB Devontae Booker finish 3rd on the Broncos in receptions...and he was only the starter for about half the year. McCoy is a much better receiver and a dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands. It only makes sense to use McCoy as much as possible. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [DEN - QB Trevor Siemian to start preseason opener]() Source: NFL Network - James Palmer Denver Broncos QB [Trevor Siemian](=) will start the preseason opener Thursday, Aug. 10. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here as Siemian has been the better player in training camp for most days. Head coach Vance Joseph still says this is an open competition and Paxton Lynch will start preseason game no2 against the 49ers the following week. If Lynch doesn't start playing better, it will be Siemian under center when the Broncos take on the Chargers in Week 1 of the regular season. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [MIA - WR Jarvis Landry under investigation](=) Source: ESPN.com Miami Dolphins WR [Jarvis Landry](=) is being investigated for possible battery, head coach Adam Gase confirmed Monday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This incident was from earlier this offseason. Perhaps it played into the team's decision to not extend Landry before camp although there are reports it did not. Landry was already overvalued as his ADP didn't reflect his less central role in the pass offense, so this is just another reason to avoid him, although the league can move slow when it comes to discipline decisions. On a better note, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported a statement from Landry's girlfriend, Estrella Cerqueira regarding the incident that appeared positive. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [CAR - QB Cam Newton does some light throwing]() Source: Charlotte Observer - Joseph Person Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton](=) (shoulder) did some light throwing with the trainers Sunday, Aug. 6. Head coach Ron Rivera said the trainers told him that Newton did not report any problems after the throwing session. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is a step in the right direction and hopefully a sign that Newton's pause in his recovery is almost over. It is still a situation that merits close monitoring throughout the month. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [MIN - RB Dalvin Cook listed as starter](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Minnesota Vikings rookie RB Dalvin Cook is listed as the starting running back on the Vikings' initial depth chart. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's what we are expecting to start the regular season. Latavius Murray is not healthy enough to compete for the starting job right now and Cook brings an excellent skill set. So long as he stays healthy and hangs onto the rock, Cook as RB1 upside but a price tag of a low-end RB2. The rookie from Florida State has a current ADP of RB19 (4.08) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [MIA - WR Kenny Stills limited](=) Source: Sun-Sentinel - Chris Perkins Miami Dolphins WR [Kenny Stills](=) (hamstring) did not participate in team drills Monday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Stills is a speed guy, so hamstring injuries can definitely linger if not given proper time to heal. He had a career-high 9 touchdown grabs last year but that number should be difficult to duplicate in 2017. We like projecting Stills for around 40 catches, 600 yards and 5 touchdowns. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [BUF - WR Sammy Watkins practices](=) Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Buffalo Bills WR [Sammy Watkins](=) (ankle) participated in practice Monday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Watkins left practice early with an ankle injury on Sunday. He returned on Monday and appeared to be a full participant. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [SEA - TE Jimmy Graham fees much better]() Source: ESPN.com - Sheil Kapadia Seattle Seahawks TE [Jimmy Graham](=) (knee) said he feels almost 100 times better than he did at his point last year. Graham was rehabilitating from a ruptured patellar tendon twice a day to be prepared for games. Additionally, he is down to 260 pounds from around 280 pounds last season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Seahawks figured out how to best use Graham last year and he snared 65 passes for 923 yards and six touchdowns - marks that made him the no2 fantasy TE in 2016. With better health, we should see a more productive Graham and a slam-dunk TE1 for fantasy owners once again this year. Graham has a current ADP of TE5 (6.03) in 12-team PPR leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [MIA - QB Jay Cutler is fully recovered](=) Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero Miami Dolphins QB [Jay Cutler](=) (shoulder) was medically cleared for his surgically repaired shoulder in March. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cutler is ready to go with his new team, and Dolphins coach Adam Gase should be able to get the best out of him. Expect a lot of RPO (run/pass option) for Cutler in 2017, and we could see a guy like WR DeVante Parker becoming Cutler's favorite the way WR Brandon Marshall was for him in Denver and Chicago. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [NYJ - RB Matt Forte back practicing]( Source: New York Post - Brian Costello New York Jets RB [Matt Forte](=) (hamstring) returned to practice Monday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Jets kept Forte out of action until his hamstring injury cleared up. With the injury to Quincy Enunwa, the Jets may rely more on their pass-catchers out of the backfield like Forte. Projecting Forte at around 40 catches in 2017 is not outlandish. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [DEN - QB Paxton Lynch to start second tilt]() Source: The Denver Post - Nicki Jhabvala Denver Broncos QB [Paxton Lynch](=) will start the second preseason game. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Broncos are keeping the door open for Lynch. His play in training camp has not earned that in the eyes of some, but his first-round draft status keeps his chances of winning the job afloat. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [MIA - RB Jay Ajayi doing light work]() Source: ESPN.com - James Walker Miami Dolphins RB [Jay Ajayi](=) (concussion) is observing practice Monday, Aug. 7, and doing light workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It sounds like Ajayi is on schedule to return from this concussion in the typical range of outcomes for a head injury. As long as he gets through August without concussion symptoms once he returns, this shouldn't move Ajayi down too far on your board, but we certainly would rather it hadn't happened. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [CAR - WR Devin Funchess tearing up camp]() Source: Charlotte Observer - Jourdan Rodrigue Carolina Panthers WR [Devin Funchess](=) is having an 'excellent' camp, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is the same thing we heard last year. Funchess is still unlikely to be higher than the fourth target in a pass offense that is not among the league's best. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [CAR - RB Christian McCaffrey running wildcat]( Source: Panthers.com - Max Henson Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey looked comfortable running a wildcat session during practice Sunday, Aug. 6, according to Max Henson of Panthers.com. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Any little way the Panthers can add to his value will help McCaffrey justify the high ADP he has for a rookie running back who may not lead his backfield in touches unless Jonathan Stewart gets hurt. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [OAK - WR Amari Cooper still sidelined]() Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez Oakland Raiders WR [Amari Cooper](=) (leg) was sidelined for the third time in four practices with a left leg injury Sunday, Aug. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll be watching this closely to see if there are signs of an issue that may linger into the season or otherwise be a problem later this year. For now, there's no reason to move Cooper dramatically down your board, but if you were already reluctant to take him at ADP, this won't help. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [KC - Big year coming for WR Tyreek Hill?]() Source: The Kansas City Star - Terez A. Paylor Kansas City Chiefs WR [Tyreek Hill](=) is headed for a 'huge, huge year,' according to Terez A. Paylor of the Kansas City Star, and Paylor believes Hill could top 75 receptions this year. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hill's role is going to grow and he should be able to maintain WR2/WR3 numbers at least. Even if he doesn't return to his WR1 level of production from the second half of the season, Hill is a good bet to return expected value on a fifth round pick. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [ARI - WR John Brown to return soon]() Source: The Arizona Republic - Bob McManaman Arizona Cardinals WR [John Brown](=) (quadriceps) is expected to return to practice Tuesday, Aug. 8. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Now we want to see Brown stay on the practice field for the rest of the summer after an injury-riddled 2016. He's still a value if he can stay healthy and be the team's #2 all season, but his beginning to camp casts some doubt on that. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [NE - QB Tom Brady, WR Brandin Cooks building chemistry](=) Source: ESPNBoston.com - Mike Reiss New England Patriots QB [Tom Brady](=) said he has been working with WR [Brandin Cooks](=) during training camp so they can work on building a better chemistry. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] An important note for fantasy owners here from one of the most trusted beat writers for any team in the league. We've seen other veteran receivers struggle when added by the Patriots (Ochocinco anyone?), but it sounds like Cooks is not going to have the same problem transitioning to the New England way. Fantasy owners should see the WR1 potential in this offense and target Cooks near the 2-3 turn in fantasy drafts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [HOU - QB Tom Savage to start first preseason game]( Source: Houston Chronicle - John McClain Houston Texans QB [Tom Savage](=) will be under center for the first snap of Houston's first preseason game. Head coach Bill O'Brien doesn't know yet how long Savage or any of the quarterbacks will play. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Savage may be in the lead right now. He's competing with 2017 first-round pick Deshaun Watson for the starting job. We could see Savage beginning the year as the starter with Watson taking over if (when?) Savage struggles. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [BAL - QB Joe Flacco receives second opinion]() Source: ESPN.com - Dan Graziano Baltimore Ravens QB [Joe Flacco](=) (back) received a second opinion on his back last week, according to sources. The results were 'positive for a slow return.' There's no timetable for his return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Everything the Ravens have done (or more specifically have not done) point towards them believing they'll have Flacco to open the season. That doesn't mean this injury won't affect his play or be a problem later this season. At least the second opinion didn't recommend surgery. The Ravens offense is looking less attractive by the day. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [CLE - QB Brock Osweiler to start preseason game](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Cleveland Browns QB [Brock Osweiler](=) will be the starter for the first preseason game Thursday, Aug. 10. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Osweiler hasn't been getting many first-team reps in camp, and this doesn't necessarily mean that he is in the lead to start. Cody Kessler hasn't impressed in practices by any measure and DeShone Kizer might not be ready yet, so the team is assessing Osweiler to see if he can be a viable starter. He obviously wouldn't enhance the value of any of his targets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster favored in red zone?]( Source: PennLive.com - Jacob Klinger Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster split reps with WR [Eli Rogers](=) as the slot receiver with the first-team, but Smith-Schuster was used more often in the red zone. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Steelers have quality depth at wide receiver and young depth. If Martavis Bryant gets suspended again, they should still be able to keep the passing game humming. Smith-Schuster would be the preferred pickup of he and Rogers in that case. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [TEN - WR Eric Decker meshing with QB Marcus Mariota](=) Source: FanRag Sports - John Glennon Tennessee Titans WR [Eric Decker](=) has already built a 'trust' with QB [Marcus Mariota](=), according to head coach Mike Mularkey. 'Just in this week of practice, they've connected a lot of times,' Mularkey said. 'So yeah, there's a chemistry there.' [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Decker has been healthy after two offseason surgeries and he should be able to be at worst a high ceiling flex play in Tennessee's offense. He's a solid pick at ADP as probably your fourth wide receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [PIT - WR Martavis Bryant to practice soon?]() Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Gerry Dulac Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Martavis Bryant](=) is expected to be fully reinstated and return to practice this week, a team source said Sunday, Aug. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We didn't think we would have to sweat this during the summer, but it has been a surprise story without a clear resolution on the horizon until this report. Hopefully it is true and we can get the league office out of the equation determining Bryant's value this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [MIN - RB Latavius Murray returns from PUP list]( Source: Vikings.com - Craig Peters Minnesota Vikings RB [Latavius Murray](=) (ankle) was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list Monday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Murray was a big free agent signing for the team this offseason, but then RB Dalvin Cook fell to the second round of the 2017 NFL draft. We expect Cook to begin the season as the starter. Murray will work his way back into shape during the rest of camp and the preseason. After that, Murray will see if he can cut into the touches for the rookie. If Cook hangs onto the rock and stays healthy, we feel he's the Vikings best running back. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 29. [OAK - TE Lee Smith listed as starter]() Source: ESPN.com - Paul Gutierrez Oakland Raiders TE [Lee Smith](=) is listed as the starting tight end ahead of TE [Jared Cook](=) on the Raiders' initial depth chart. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Let the faux outrage begin! Cook is going to have to work his way up the depth chart, but it's something we all expect him to do. We also expect him to somewhat disappoint and fail to play up to his potential because that's what he's done nearly every year of his pro career. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 30. [JAX - WR Allen Hurns exits]( Source: The Boston Globe - Ben Volin Jacksonville Jaguars WR [Allen Hurns](=) (undisclosed) left practice Monday, Aug. 7, with a lower-body injury. Hurns got tangled up with a defender and remained down for several minutes before limping to the locker room. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] If Hurns has a serious injury, Marqise Lee becomes more draftable, although the #2 receiver in a run-first Blake Bortles offense isn't going to change your season. Fourth-rounder Dede Westbrook has already been generating buzz and this could open up more practice opportunities for him. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 31. [WAS - WR Josh Doctson day to day]() Source: ESPN.com - John Keim Updating previous reports, Washington Redskins WR [Josh Doctson](=) (hamstring) is day to day with his hamstring injury. He didn't practice Monday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Doctson seems to be over his achilles issues, but this isn't good news. Terrelle Pryor has been the only completely healthy top passcatcher for this team and he might be gaining momentum. Hopefully, Doctson gets back out there soon, as there's a chance for more than one Washington receiver to outperform ADP if Jordan Reed's toe is a problem this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 32. [KC - TE Travis Kelce idle Monday]( Source: KCChiefs.com - B.J. Kissel Kansas City Chiefs QB [Travis Kelce](=) (knee) is out of practice Monday, Aug. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Kelce had microfracture surgery early in his NFL career. This is a routine issue for him, but if it extends for weeks instead of days, it could be something that affects him to a greater degree during the season than it has in recent years. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 33. [PHI - RB Wendell Smallwood out with hamstring injury]( Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles RB [Wendell Smallwood](=) (hamstring) is out Monday, Aug. 7, due to a hamstring injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Smallwood was already falling behind rookie Donnel Pumphrey. He might be headed to gameday inactive status or worse. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 34. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery padded up]( Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane Philadelphia Eagles WR [Alshon Jeffery](=) (shoulder) is dressed for practice Monday, Aug. 7, after he was limited the previous day. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It looks like the shoulder issue was as minor as reported. As long as it doesn't come up again this month, we can put this behind us in evaluation of Jeffery's stock. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 35. [DET - TE Eric Ebron running on the side]() Source: ESPN.com - Michael Rothstein Detroit Lions TE [Eric Ebron](=) (hamstring) did not participate in practice Sunday, Aug. 6, but he was able to run on the sidelines. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This appears to be a minor hamstring issue that isn't a huge concern as long as the rest of camp and the preseason passes without incident. [Back to Top](#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, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). 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