Fantasy Football News

Danny Woodhead practices after ACL injury

By Stacie Rigby   Wed, May 24th 10:29pm EDT

Baltimore Ravens newly signed running back Danny Woodhead hit the practice field during the OTA's after recovering from an ACL injury in his right knee last season. Woodhead signed with the Ravens in March 2017 as an undrafted free agent. This nine year vet spent the last four years with San Diego with five starts in 37 games. He will be competing with running backs Terrance West, Javorius "Buck" Allen and Kenneth Dixon, who will be serving a four-game suspension in the regular season. (Source: Baltimore Ravens )

Fantasy Impact: Woodhead is returning to the field with no restrictions after a serious knee injury. He has had several months of recuperation and reportedly running routes for the past three months. He is a versatile player in the slot or out of the backfield.

Colin Kaepernick met with Seahawks, not expected to sign immediately

By Chad Satterfield   Wed, May 24th 3:24pm EDT

Colin Kaepernick and Austin Davis met with the Seahawks on Wednesdays and sources say "it's not expected any signing will happen immediately." (Source: Bob Condotta on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: If Kap were to sign with the Seahawks, he wouldn't have any fantasy value unless Russell Wilson gets injured.

Rod Streater signs with Bills

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 3:09pm EDT

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the Buffalo Bills have signed free agent wide receiver Rod Streater on Wednesday. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Streater will join a Bills wide receiver depth chart full of question marks outside of Sammy Watkins and Zay Jones. The 29-year-old wideout, who only played in 20 games since 2014, will likely have to compete for a roster spot for the 2017 season. Despite the underwhelming core of talent surrounding him, Streater is no shoe-in to make the final cut.

Jaron Brown a limited participant at OTAs

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 3:01pm EDT

Arizona Cardinals beat writer Kyle Odegard is reporting wide receiver Jaron Brown (knee) is a limited participant at OTAs on Wednesday. (Source: Kyle Odegard on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Brown, who tore his ACL in Week 7 of the 2016 season, is working his way back from injury. He participated in individual drills during Wednesday's OTAs session. Barring a setback, Brown will have a chance to compete with John Brown for the No. 3 wide receiver spot on the depth chart for the 2017 season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the New England Patriots and free agent wide receiver Andrew Hawkins have agreed to terms on a one-year deal. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: The Patriots, who've added a boatload of offensive weapons this offseason, aren't finished yet. They signed Hawkins, formerly of the Browns, to a one-year deal Wednesday. With Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, Malcolm Mitchell, Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola, amongst others, already on the depth chart, Hawkins is not guaranteed to make the final roster come Week 1.

Ezekiel Elliott suffers head injury, not practicing

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 12:12pm EDT

Dallas Cowboys beat writer Nick Eatman is reporting running back Ezekiel Elliott did not practice Wednesday due to a head injury suffered in a minor car accident Sunday night. (Source: Nick Eatman on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: It appears that Elliott was involved in a minor car accident Sunday night in which he sustained an apparent head injury. This is just another off the field issue added to Elliott's list since entering the NFL last offseason. Although his injury is said to be minor, Elliott's off the field incidents are beginning to pile up, which could eventually lead to a suspension or worse if he continues down this path.

Mike Williams not participating in OTAs

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 10:00am EDT

Los Angeles Chargers beat writer Eric Williams is reporting wide receiver Mike Williams (back) is not participating in OTAs due to a back injury suffered during the first practice session. (Source: ESPN)

Fantasy Impact: In the wake of Williams' injury, Chargers head coach Anthony Lynn is " hopeful the rookie receiver can return to the field next week." Williams, who is currently slated to open the 2017 season as Los Angeles' No. 3 receiver, could take a step back in his development due to the missed time. Still, unless Williams is sidelined for an extended period, his spot on the depth chart should be safe.

Matt Jones not attending OTAs

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 9:48am EDT

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones is not in attendance at OTAs. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Rapoport later added that Jones, who was a healthy scratch for most of the 2016 season -- he only appeared in seven games -- is "not a part of [the Redskins'] their plans" for 2017. Barring an unforeseen turn of events, expect Washington to move on from Jones prior to the start of the upcoming season. He could very well fall victim to veteran cuts in June.

Christian Hackenberg impressing Jets' staff

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 8:46am EDT

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting New York Jets quarterback Christian Hackenberg is "pleasing" the coaching staff with the way he has "looked" this offseason. Schefter attributes Hackenberg's progress to the addition of Jeremy Bates to New York's staff. (Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Hackenberg, who is entering his second year in the league, is currently slated as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart. If the former 51st overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft continues to impress, he could finally see playing time and even start if the Jets are sliding out of playoff contention in 2017. Josh McCown is expected to open the year as the Jets' starter.

Matt Forte, Bilal Powell to split carries in 2017?

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 8:36am EDT

New York Jets offensive coordinator John Morton told the media the team is planning on employing a "backfield by committee" approach to their ground game in 2017. (Source: Rich Cimini on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Morton's remarks suggest that Bilal Powell and Matt Forte will split carries throughout the 2017 season. Although Forte opened the 2016 campaign as the starter, Powell garnered the bulk of the touches as the year progressed. I'd expect that trend to continue this year. Target Powell well ahead of Forte in fantasy football drafts, more so in the mid-rounds.

Trevor Siemian working with first-team offense

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 8:26am EDT

Denver Broncos beat writer Mike Klis is reporting quarterback Trevor Siemian is working with the first-team offense at OTAs. (Source: Mike Klis on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: It's not too surprising that Siemian is running with the first-team offense at the start of OTAs. He was Denver's starting quarterback for most of the 2016 season, his second year in the league. Appearing in 14 games, the 25-year-old signal caller produced a 3,401-18-10 stat line and proved he could play through injury. While Paxton Lynch has upside for the future, he'll have to have an outstanding showing in training camp and the preseason to out-seat Siemian from the top spot on the depth chart. Expect Siemian to open the 2017 season as Denver's starting QB.

Jamaal Charles could return for training camp

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 8:00am EDT

Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph told the media that the timetable for running back Jamaal Charles (knee) to return to football activities is training camp. (Source: Jesse Palmer on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Charles, Denver's newest addition to their backfield, is still recovering from his knee injury that sidelined him for all but eight games in the past two seasons. Per Broncos head coach Vance Joseph, the 30-year-old running back will "rehab and get healthy through OTAs" while targeting a training camp return. If his health gets back on track, Charles will compete with C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker for the team's starting running back job for the 2017 season.

Teddy Bridgewater throwing at OTAs Tuesday

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 7:38am EDT

The official Twitter account of the Minnesota Vikings posted a video of injured quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (knee) throwing at OTAs Tuesday. (Source: Minnesota Vikings on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Although Bridgewater, who suffered a gruesome knee injury last preseason was practicing at OTAs Tuesday, his playing status for the upcoming season remains in question. Even if the 24-year-old signal caller miraculously recovers from his injury in time for the start of the 2017 campaign, he will enter the year as Sam Bradford's primary backup at best. Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer had already named Bradford the Week 1 starter during the early portion of the offseason. From a fantasy football perspective, Bradford should be viewed in the mid-to-low end QB2 tier, while Bridgewater will likely open the year on the PUP list.

Kevin White sidelined at Tuesday's OTA session

By Anthony Cervino   Wed, May 24th 7:27am EDT

Chicago Bears beat writer Chris Emma is reporting wide receiver Kevin White (leg) did not practice at Tuesday's OTA session. Head coach John Fox told the media that White's injury is "nothing new." (Source: Chris Emma on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: White, who participated in Monday's OTA session and received praise from presumed starting quarterback Mike Glennon, was once again sidelined Tuesday with his lingering leg ailment. White, 24, is entering his third NFL season but only appeared in a total of four games in his first two years in the league. If healthy, White is expected to open the upcoming campaign as one of Chicago's top two wide receivers, but the keyword here is "if." From a fantasy football perspective, the former first round pick is worth a late-round flier in fantasy drafts, but I wouldn't target him too high. His injury history is just too risky.

Jared Goff finding new offense easier to learn

By Eric Snyder   Tue, May 23rd 9:06pm EDT

Rams' starting QB Jared Goff is having an easier time learning new HC Sean McVay's offense this offseason. Thrust into a terribly vanilla scheme last season, Goff already sees a difference between the two coaching staffs. "It's a way different offense. Personally, from my brief experience with it, I've had a quicker time learning it -- easier time learning it," Goff said. McVay echoed that Goff has done "a nice job just getting better every single day."

Fantasy Impact: Offseason positivity for each team is in full swing, but McVay was hired to get the very best out of last year's #1 overall pick. Goff still possesses the physical skill-set to be a quality NFL starter. With an offensive-minded head coach focused on running a more quick-paced, two-TE set attack, Goff has a great chance to take a big step forward in his second year. It seems a bit premature to call Goff a draft bust after one season in a predictably underwhelming offense.

Shayne Skov released by 49ers

By Chad Satterfield   Tue, May 23rd 7:25pm EDT

Shayne Skov is one of 13 players to be cut by the 49ers. He was released because of failed physical, likely because his injured knee is not 100%. (Source: CBS Sports)

Fantasy Impact: Skov hadn't done much for the 49ers in awhile. he was mostly a special teams player. He is not fantasy relevant.

Navorro Bowman to ride the pine in 2017?

By Chad Satterfield   Tue, May 23rd 6:45pm EDT

The 49ers gave big money to free agent LB Malcolm Smith and drafted LB Rueben Foster in the first round of this year's draft. Bowman has said that he won't be on the sidelines this year, so it seems that he has some extra motivation to be the starter. (Source: CSN Bay Area)

Fantasy Impact: When healthy, Bowman is the best LB in the league. If he's back to his old self, there is no way he'll be on the sidelines.

Rob Gronkowski inks new deal

By Anthony Cervino   Tue, May 23rd 5:38pm EDT

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport is reporting the New England Patriots and tight end Rob Gronkowski have agreed to a restructured deal for the 2017 season. (Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Gronkowski, who was set to earn $5.25 million in 2017, could now make "up to" $10.75 million in the wake of his reworked deal. The 28-year-old tight end could become the highest-paid player at his position if he remains healthy for a full 16-game slate and performs up to his normal standard. From a fantasy football perspective, Gronkowski should still be viewed an elite TE1 despite only appearing in eight games in 2016. However, his injury concerns are certainly an issue moving forward as he's missed 24 games since 2012.

Eric Decker participating at OTAs

By Anthony Cervino   Tue, May 23rd 2:45pm EDT

New York Jets beat writer Brian Costello is reporting wide receiver Eric Decker (hip/ shoulder) is participating in OTAs in a red "no-contact" jersey. (Source: Brian Costello on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Decker, who is recovering from offseason hip and shoulder surgeries, is participating in OTAs in a limited capacity. If the veteran wideout returns to full health, he is expected to open the 2017 season as the Jets' No. 1 receiver. Decker should be viewed in the high-end WR2 tier for the upcoming fantasy football campaign with solid upside. He is playing on a rebuilding team that will likely play from behind for most of the season, which will be a plus for Decker's target opportunities.

Doug Martin working as Tampa Bay's top back at OTAs

By Anthony Cervino   Tue, May 23rd 2:41pm EDT

Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat writer Roy Cummings is reporting running back Doug Martin is working as the No. 1 back at OTAs. (Source: Roy Cummings on Twitter)

Fantasy Impact: Cummings is reporting Martin "has been first to go in most of the running back drills at OTAs," with Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims working as the No. 2 and No. 3 backs respectively. Although it is only the first day of OTAs, this could shed light on how the Buccaneers' running back rotation will flow once all three rushers are good to go and healthy during the 2017 season.