Bowe will be suspended for the first game of the regular season due to last year’s arrest
Some of you have drafted already while others are still game planning for their drafts. Fortunately, we here at FantasyPros are bringing you the latest news around the league to help those that are still in the planning phase.
Thanks to our team of correspondents, you’ll find all the latest news such as Dwayne Bowe’s recent suspension or the latest recap of preseason game performance. Have a look below to see how some of your prospects are doing.
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Dwayne Bowe suspended 1 game
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Bowe will be suspended for the first game of the regular season due to last year’s arrest for possession of an illegal substance. This news comes on the heels that Bowe is also struggling with a finger injury that has caused him to struggle with drops in Training Camp. (Adam Schefter)
Fantasy Impact: It’s another blow to Bowe’s fantasy value but the bigger issue is still likely the finger injury which head coach Andy Reid described as “being shot”. Bowe is currently going in the 9th round of standard drafts. We would anticipate his ADP to drop a round or 2 and fantasy owners should be cautious about targeting him.
Marqise Lee bounces back with strong performance
Jaguars rookie wide receiver Marqise Lee bounced back from his lackluster preseason debut and scored his first pro touchdown Thursday night against Chicago in preseason action. After being held without a grab in the opener, he caught all four of his targeted passes for 46 yards.
Fantasy Impact: With fellow rookie wide receiver Allen Robinson still out as a result of a hamstring injury, Lee is establishing himself as the #2 wideout for the Jaguars. There were questions about his effort in the first preseason game, but he impressed this week and looks to be building chemistry with Henne. I would target Lee in the late rounds of standard leagues, and late first round in rookie-only drafts.
Gronkowski “favoring his right knee”
The MMBQ report added that the tight end was running with a “decent but not terrible limp,” and looked “far from a lock to play Week 1.” (The MMQB)
Fantasy Impact: Considering Gronkowski is just 8 months removed from tearing his ACL, a slight limp is understandable, and the TE continues to make strides in his recovery. He still hasn’t been cleared for physical contact, and it’s doubtful he’ll see any preseason action. We’ll continue to monitor Gronk’s progress closely, but it’s likely we won’t know his true Week 1 status until much closer to game day.
Morris could have larger role
Redskins HC Jay Gruden singled out RB Alfred Morris with praise over his work ethic and reliability. Morris looked very comfortable in the team’s first preseason game against the Patriots and broke off several chunks of yardage both with handoffs and a screen pass. (Comcast SportsNet)
Fantasy Impact: Morris is probably a little undervalued on draft boards this summer because of the uncertainty of his role under Gruden. If you have the chance to snag Morris, you should strongly consider it. He’s young, durable and is being evaluated for a three-down role.
Zach Ertz can “get open against anyone”
After Philadelphia and New England’s joint practice, a few notable Patriots defensive players agreed that 2nd-year TE Zach Ertz can, “get open against anyone” and that, “he’s a good tight end, an athletic guy… stretches the field.”
Fantasy Impact: This is high praise from a Pats defense that gets to cover the dominant force that is Rob Gronkowski every day. Zach Ertz is in his second-year, after recording 36-469-4TD line in his rookie campaign. He is on the proverbial “break-out-radar” and comes cheap at his early-10th round ADP.
Joique Bell could lead Lions in carries
The split in carries between Detroit Lions’ running backs Joique Bell and Reggie Bush may actually favor Bell according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN. (ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: New Lions’ offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi figures to use Bell and Bush much like he did Khiry Robinson/Mark Ingram and Darren Sproles last season in New Orleans. Meaning Bell could actually see the majority of early down carries and goal-line work while Bush figures to play more of the Sproles’ role for the Lions. If true, Bell would be a great value pick in redraft leagues, and perhaps the more valuable pick overall between the two.
Patterson provides play of the day with one-handed grab
Cordarrelle Patterson hauled in an outstanding one-handed grab from expected starter Matt Cassel during Vikings practice on Thursday. The second-year wideout beat cornerback Xavier Rhodes on the play during an 11-on-11 drill. (Star Tribune)
Fantasy Impact: Patterson continues to show flashes of brilliance during the preseason and appears ready to capitalize on his immense potential in 2014. The explosive playmaker is currently being drafted as the 22nd wide receiver off the board and 51st overall, which would make him a low-end WR2. At this point his ranking is based more on his potential than his production, but it appears that Patterson might be more than capable of fulfilling on his promise.
Bailey most consistent WR in Rams camp
Stedman Bailey has been the most consistent wideout in camp and may have a role on the team when he returns from a four-game suspension. (ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: It will be interesting to see what the pass-to-run ratio will be for the 2014 Rams as the season starts. Keep Bailey in mind as a possible waiver wire pickup starting with Week 5 if that ratio is favorable for the receiving corps.
Blake Bortles goes 11-for-17, 160 yards against Bears
The Jaguars 3rd overall pick had another nice outing in his second career game Thursday night, going 11-for-17 and 160 yards.
Fantasy Impact: Bortles played with the second and third team offense in his playing time during the 2nd, 3rd, and half of the 4th quarter. The rookie QB continued to make his case to see some reps with the first team offense in the Jags third preseason game against the Lions (8/22). He is now 18 of 28 for 277 yards in his first two preseason games.
Matt Cassel expects to be the Vikings’ starter in Week 1
Veteran quarterback Matt Cassel expects to begin the regular season the same way he began the preseason – as the starting QB for the Minnesota Vikings. With rookie Teddy Bridgewater struggling, Cassel has solidified his spot atop the depth chart with an effective and efficient preseason. Cassel went 5 for 6 for 62 yards while leading the Vikings to a touchdown in his only drive of the the preseason-opener last Friday. Cassel is expected to play as much as two quarters in the Vikings’ second preseason game on Saturday and he is looking forward to taking advantage of his opportunity. “I have to go out and perform, and if I do that, I plan on being the Week 1 starter,” Cassel said. (ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: While much of the preseason attention has been focused on rookie Teddy Bridgewater, Cassel has quietly went about his business of winning the starting QB job for the Vikings. He has also been flying under the radar for fantasy owners as well as he is currently going undrafted in the majority of mock drafts. With the almost unprecedented depth at the quarterback position this year Cassel really only has value as a backup in deeper leagues or in leagues that start 2 QBs. But considering the weapons he has at his disposal, Cassel is definitely someone worth keeping an eye on.
Up and down night for Forte versus Jacksonville
On the ground, Forte couldn’t find any room taking 4 carries for -2 yards. On the plus side, the RB did bring in 3 catches on 3 targets for 22 yards.
Fantasy Impact: Forte showed off why he is a consensus top 5 overall pick in 2014. Even on a night where he didn’t produce on the ground, the Tulane product added some nice yards in the air. After finishing #3 in total yards in 2013, expect Forte to do more of the same this year and be a great choice at his current #4 ADP.
Garrett Graham a not so sure thing
Nonexistent in the Texan’s preseason opener against the Cardinals, dropping his only target, it’s difficult to know what to expect from Texans TE Garrett Graham this season. But if last season is any indication, when he failed to capitalize after Owen Daniels was sidelined, we can expect Ryan Griffin and rookie C.J.Fiedorowicz to be in the mix for snaps. (ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: Graham was a mere average TE last season, going 49/545/5 in 13 games. It seems Coach Bill O’Brien will be using a lot of two-TE formations this season. However, if the Texans offensive line doesn’t improve their blocking and take some pressure off the QB, the TE slots will remain a huge factor. Look for Graham to be a late-round draft pick, so it’s best to keep any idea of drafting him on the back burner for now.
Grant still showing off his skills in practice
WR Ryan Grant got heaps of praise for a very difficult catch he made in Thursday’s practice. QB Robert Griffin threw an off target pass behind Grant. However, as Grant was running his route, he was still able to reach behind his body to make the tricky reception. (ESPN)
Fantasy Impact: There is something special about this kid. The athleticism is not there with him, but he has such great awareness and makes plays that few other receivers can. Honestly, Grant continues to be the most impressive WR in camp so far. While he won’t get much playing time in the beginning since he needs to consistently produce and make the most of his spotty playing time, he could be a star in a few years. Dynasty leaguers, take notice!
All-Pro Safety Thomas to get first shot at punt returns again Friday night
ESPN 710 Seattle’s LIz Matthews reports that Pete Carroll will give Earl Thomas the first crack at returning punts tonight against San Diego. (Liz Matthews on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: Many people feel that putting such a crucial player back to return punts is a risky move. Before you subscribe to that theory, name the last punt returner that was injured during a return. Pretty hard to recall even a single one, right? If Thomas is the best the Seahawks have, Carroll will not have any issue putting his premier Safety back there, nor should he. Add in the elite kick returning ability of Percy Harvin, and fantasy owners could see an even bigger season from the consensus top ranked D/ST unit that failed to record a single return TD in 2013.
