Footballguys #135 - 9/4 - FPC Almost Filled, News & Notes & MORE

To unsubscribe {EMAIL} from these mailings, click [here](. --- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #135 -- Monday Night, September 4th, 2017 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- [Less Than 275 Teams Remaining]() The 2017 Footballguys Players Championship (FPC) is awarding a record $2.0 million prize pool. - [The 2017 FPC]() has a Grand Prize of $250,000. - Championship round prizes pay to 700th place. - League prizes are $2,000, with $1,500 for first place and $500 for second. - Entries are capped at 7,200 teams and all prizes are guaranteed. - The entire prize pool is escrowed for the ultimate in prize protection. - The 2017 Footballguys Players Championship drafts are happening daily now and will run all the way until Thursday, September 7th, right before the opening kickoff. - The entry fee remains the same at $350 per team and three teams for $1,000. The software will automatically discount every third team by $50. --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Good Tuesday to you. Opening Kickoff is almost here and not a minute too soon. Let's get to it. J SITE NEWS A. [Footballguys Players Championship - Less than 275 Teams remain]() This contest is capped at 7,200 teams and we sold out last year well before the Thursday game. Get your spot now before this sells out. Open Draft Times: Tuesday, September 5th - 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8:05 pm, 11:55pm [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [DAL - TE Rico Gathers placed on IR](#1) 2. [KC - Committee for Chiefs in Week 1](#2) 3. [TEN - No snap count for WR Corey Davis](#3) 4. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell ready for workload](#4) 5. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins pronounces himself healthy](#5) 6. [IND - QB Andrew Luck out for Week 1](#6) 7. [LAC - WR Mike Williams still weeks away?](#7) 8. [IND - TE Erik Swoope placed on IR](#8) 9. [OAK - PK Sebastian Janikowski's status uncertain](#9) 10. [CLE - WR Sammie Coates may play Week 1](#10) 11. [HOU - D'Onta Foreman, RB Alfred Blue could play](#11) 12. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor can practice](#12) 13. [NYG - Odell Beckham not practicing](#13) 14. [BUF - WR Jordan Matthews not cleared yet](#14) 15. [CIN - TE Tyler Eifert back on the field](#15) 16. [CIN - WR John Ross sits out Monday](#16) 17. [LAR - No DE Aaron Donald at practice](#17) 18. [NE - WR Malcolm Mitchell limited at practice](#18) 19. [KC - TE Travis Kelce limited Monday](#19) 20. [NFL - Jonathan Williams not claimed](#20) 21. [LAR - Brandon Allen claimed by Rams](#21) 22. [ARI - RB T.J. Logan headed to IR](#22) 23. [DEN - DE Jared Crick, DE Derek Wolfe back at practice](#23) 24. [DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas out of practice](#24) 25. [IND - S Malik Hooker practices in full Monday](#25) 26. [IND - WR Chester Rogers due back Wednesday](#26) 27. [LAC - QB Kellen Clemens re-ups with Chargers](#27) 28. [BAL - WR Chris Matthews re-signs with Ravens](#28) 29. [BUF - QB Joe Webb to Bills](#29) 30. [NE - WR DeMarcus Ayers to Patriots](#30) 31. [HOU - WR Braxton Miller eyeing season opener](#31) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [DAL - TE Rico Gathers placed on IR](=) Source: DallasCowboys.com - Rob Phillips Dallas Cowboys TE Rico Gathers (concussion) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Sept 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We love Gathers in dynasty leagues, and he flashed early in the preseason. Gathers will have plenty of time to recover from this concussion and perhaps be brought back later in the year. He's out until Week 9 at the earliest. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [KC - Committee for Chiefs in Week 1]( Source: ESPN.com - Adam Teicher Kansas City Chiefs RBs Kareem Hunt, [Charcandrick West](=) and [C.J. Spiller](=) are all expected to see the field in Week 1, according to offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. Hunt will start the game, but Nagy said all three are 'a big part' of the game plan against the New England Patriots. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hunt is the lead back but the rookie from Toledo needs to improve his pass protection if he's going to be on the field during key passing situations. West and Spiller both have plenty of experience and could take away some snaps/targets/receptions from Hunt in the Chiefs backfield. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [TEN - No snap count for WR Corey Davis](=) Source: ESPN.com - Paul Kuharsky Tennessee Titans rookie WR Corey Davis (hamstring) will not be on a snap count in Week 1, but he will be used in specific situations, according to head coach Mike Mularkey. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for the rookie here. Davis has missed quite a bit of time with this hamstring injury and will need to get back to speed before he makes much of an impact. Stash him on your bench in deeper leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell ready for workload](=) Source: NFL Network - Aditi Kinkhabwala Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell said he's prepared for a full workload in Week 1 despite being winded in practice Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's no surprise that Bell would not be in football shape during his first practice back with the team after missing all of training camp. He may not quite look like himself in Week 1, but Bell is a no-brainer must start anytime he's got a jersey on. Bell is a set-it-and-forget-it RB1 for fantasy owners every week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins pronounces himself healthy]() Source: NFL Network - James Palmer Houston Texans WR [DeAndre Hopkins](=) (thumb) told reporters he is '1,000 percent' recovered from the thumb injury that sidelined him for a few weeks during the preseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hopkins is catching passes from QB Tom Savage (for now) and that doesn't give us a ton of confidence. At home against the Jaguars defense in the season opener makes Hopkins more of a WR2/flex option for fantasy owners. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [IND - QB Andrew Luck out for Week 1]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Updating an ongoing story, Indianapolis Colts QB [Andrew Luck](=) (shoulder) will not play in Week 1, according to general manager Chris Ballard. He's on the active roster and will practice. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Luck is missing this game as many expected, but his status after Week 1 is a bit of a mystery. Even though the Colts traded New England for QB Jacoby Brissett, we should see Scott Tolzien in as the starter while Luck is down. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [LAC - WR Mike Williams still weeks away?]( Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers WR [Mike Williams](=) (back) is still 'maybe a couple weeks away' from returning to practice, general manager Tom Telesco said Sunday, Sept. 3. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That's not a shocker as Wiliams should be ready around Week 4 or Week 5 according to reporter speculation. Williams is not on the PUP list, so that indicates the team believes the talented rookie WR will be back before Week 7. It will be interesting to see how the pecking order is changed in the Chargers WR corps once Williams is back on the field. Expect the Chargers to ease the rookie back into action. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [IND - TE Erik Swoope placed on IR]() Source: ESPN.com - Mike Wells Indianapolis Colts TE [Erik Swoope](=) (undisclosed) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Sept. 4. The team also re-signed free-agent TE Brandon D. Williams. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Swoope had a scope back in mid-August, and now he'll be out at least the first eight weeks of the season. Jack Doyle will be the primary TE for the Colts, and even when Swoope comes back it will only be as a part-time player behind Doyle. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [OAK - PK Sebastian Janikowski's status uncertain](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Oakland Raiders PK Sebastian Janikowski's status with the team is uncertain because he has refused to restructure his contract to this point, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This situation needs to be monitored by fantasy owners. Janikowski is scheduled to make $4 million this season and could be released if he does not agree to the reworked deal. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [CLE - WR Sammie Coates may play Week 1](=) Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Dan Labbe Cleveland Browns WR [Sammie Coates](=) hopefully will be able to play in Week 1, according to head coach Hue Jackson. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Coates could play in Week 1, but he's nothing more than a low-end WR prospect in deep dynasty leagues. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [HOU - D'Onta Foreman, RB Alfred Blue could play](=) Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans RBs D'Onta Foreman (groin) and [Alfred Blue](=) (ankle) have a chance to play in Week 1, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Blue has a high-ankle sprain, and that is going to linger if he doesn't get plenty of time to recover. Foreman is the big-bodied rookie from Texas who could get some goal-line work behind Lamar Miller. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [BUF - QB Tyrod Taylor can practice]( Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Updating an earlier report, Buffalo Bills QB [Tyrod Taylor](=) (concussion) is able to practice Monday, Sept. 4, despite remaining in the concussion protocol. The league guidelines state that a player may be considered to return to practice only after the player has returned to baseline status with rest and exertion, has repeat neurophysiological testing and has completed the return to participation protocol. He also must be cleared by the team physician and the independent neurological consultant. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Taylor is doing individual work to begin the week. If he progresses, Taylor should be ready for the Week 1 opener against the Jets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [NYG - Odell Beckham not practicing](=) Source: Newsday - Tom Rock New York Giants WR [Odell Beckham Jr](=). (ankle) didn't practice Monday, Sept. 4. He rode the bike and went inside for rehab work. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Giants begin the season on the road against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. The team is hopeful Beckham will be ready for the season opener, but make sure to check on his practice status on Friday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [BUF - WR Jordan Matthews not cleared yet](=) Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Buffalo Bills WR [Jordan Matthews](=) (chest) is still not fully cleared Monday, Sept. 4, according to head coach Sean McDermott. He is working in that direction. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Matthews has been battling this chest injury basically from the early moments of his time with the Bills. The plan was for him to be cleared for Week 1, and he's been on track to do that. We should see Matthews out there, but fantasy owners should take a wait-and-see approach with the veteran wideout. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [CIN - TE Tyler Eifert back on the field]( Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Paul Dehner Jr. and Jim Owczarski Cincinnati Bengals TE [Tyler Eifert](=) (knee) participated in practice Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for the Bengals, Andy Dalton and fantasy owners here. Eifert did not play in the final two preseason games because of the injury. Playing against the Ravens in Week 1, Eifert could continue as a red-zone threat and TE1 for fantasy owners if healthy. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [CIN - WR John Ross sits out Monday]( Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell Cincinnati Bengals WR John Ross (knee) did not participate in practice Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The speedy rookie has a minor injury but he is expected to miss a couple of weeks. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [LAR - No DE Aaron Donald at practice]() Source: ESPN.com - Alden Gonzalez Los Angeles Rams DT Aaron Donald was not present for practice Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Rams are running out of chances to get Donald in the building before the start of the regular season. Donald has held out all of training camp and the preseason as he looks for a new contract. The Rams have recently met with his representation but it doesn't appear like things are yet close. That could change quickly...provided both sides find some common ground. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [NE - WR Malcolm Mitchell limited at practice](=) Source: Patriots.com New England Patriots WR [Malcolm Mitchell](=) (knee) was limited during practice Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mitchell is a dynasty prospect only at this point in his career. He needs to get healthy, stay healthy and find his niche within the Patriots high-powered passing attack. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [KC - TE Travis Kelce limited Monday](=) Source: Chiefs.com Kansas City Chiefs TE [Travis Kelce](=) (calf) was limited during practice Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's early in the week, but the Chiefs play against the Patriots in the season opener on Thursday night. Kelce will be as ready as he can be in Week 1, and fantasy owners will be thrilled to have him in their lineups. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [NFL - Jonathan Williams not claimed]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Free-agent RB [Jonathan Williams](=) (Bills) went unclaimed Monday, Sept. 4, and is now a free agent. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Something is amiss here...it has to be. Williams has talent and certainly flashed for the Bills in the preseason. Perhaps there's something behind the scenes (medical, off field) that is giving teams pause when it comes to adding Williams. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [LAR - Brandon Allen claimed by Rams](=) Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo Free-agent QB Brandon Allen (Jaguars) was claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Rams Monday, Sept. 4, according to a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A sixth-round pick for the Jaguars in 2016, Allen is a dynasty prospect to monitor. He'll try to push Sean Mannion for the backup job behind Jared Goff. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [ARI - RB T.J. Logan headed to IR](=) Source: Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Arizona Cardinals RB T.J. Logan (wrist) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The rookie from North Carolina is a dynamic change-of-pace back when healthy. On the IR, the Cardinals could choose to bring back Logan later in the year. The team waited to put him on the list so they could have the option of bringing him back when at/near full strength in November. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [DEN - DE Jared Crick, DE Derek Wolfe back at practice]() Source: The Denver Post - Nicki Jhabvala Denver Broncos DEs Jared Crick (back) and Derek Wolfe (ankle) returned to practice Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Good news for the Broncos defense...especially their run defense. They have a challenge in Chargers RB Melvin Gordon on Monday Night Football in Week 1. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [DEN - WR Demaryius Thomas out of practice]() Source: The Denver Post - Nicki Jhabvala Denver Broncos WR [Demaryius Thomas](=) (groin) is out of practice Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] It's just a precautionary move for the Broncos according to head coach Vance Joseph. Thomas is going to be the centerpiece of the Broncos passing attack if healthy, and he's got WR1 upside for fantasy owners. The Broncos play on Monday Night Football (the second game) against the Chargers, and we see Thomas as a WR2 with upside in the season opener. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [IND - S Malik Hooker practices in full Monday]() Source: The Indianapolis Star - Zak Keefer Indianapolis Colts S Malik Hooker practiced Monday, Sept. 4, and is 'ready to roll,' according to head coach Chuck Pagano. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hooker, the team's first-round pick in 2017, has instincts to track down plays and the aggression to blow plays up. He should be an impact player for the Colts for years to come. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [IND - WR Chester Rogers due back Wednesday]() Source: The Indianapolis Star - Zak Keefer Indianapolis Colts WR [Chester Rogers](=) (hamstring) expected to return to practice Wednesday, Sept. 6. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rogers has been out for some time with this hamstring injury. When healthy, Rogers can be a quick-twitch WR on underneath routes as the no3 wideout behind T.Y. Hilton and Donte Moncrief. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [LAC - QB Kellen Clemens re-ups with Chargers]( Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Free-agent QB [Kellen Clemens](=) (Chargers) re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers Monday, Sept. 4, on an undisclosed deal. LB Denzel Perryman (ankle) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list designated to return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Clemens comes back to the team after getting cut on Saturday. He'll be a backup behind Philip Rivers along with Cardale Jones. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [BAL - WR Chris Matthews re-signs with Ravens]() Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Free-agent WR [Chris Matthews](=) (Ravens) re-signed with the Baltimore Ravens Monday, Sept. 4, on an undisclosed deal. CB Maurice Canady (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list designated to return. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Ravens need depth at the WR position and that's why they go back to Matthews. He's a big-bodied receiver who had a big game (four catches, 104 yards, one touchdown) in Super Bowl 49 with the Seahawks but has seen his career outlook plummet after that. There's no fantasy value here as Matthews is buried on the Ravens depth chart. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 29. [BUF - QB Joe Webb to Bills](=) Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Free-agent QB [Joe Webb](=) (Panthers) was signed by the Buffalo Bills Monday, Sept. 4, to an undisclosed contract. FS Colt Anderson was released. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] New Bills head coach Sean McDermott knows Webb well from their days together in Carolina. Webb is a big-bodied athletic quarterback with a rocket arm who can play special teams. He'll work as a reserve quarterback behind Tyrod Taylor. The Bills have rookie Nate Peterman and T.J. Yates as backups behind Taylor right now. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 30. [NE - WR DeMarcus Ayers to Patriots](=) Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Free-agent WR [DeMarcus Ayers](=) (Steelers) was added to the New England Patriots' practice squad Monday, Sept. 4. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Any WR on the Patriots squad will always be of interest to fantasy owners. Ayers is a smaller (190 pounds), quicker receiver who could make plays on underneath routes. Fantasy owners in super deep dynasty leagues should take note just in case. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 31. [HOU - WR Braxton Miller eyeing season opener]( Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans WR [Braxton Miller](=) (ankle) is 'tentatively' expected to be ready for Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Miller is still learning the nuances of the WR position and he's only a player dynasty owners should be interested in. We'll be watching his progress as a pro when he returns to the field. [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](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =