Giovani Bernard

It's getting more and more likely that Bernard isn't ready for the start of the 2017 season, which would give rookie Joe Mixon a clear leg-up on the receiving duties for the Bengals. He's also coming back from a torn ACL, which could take some time for him to regain his form. A player who's offered little upside since coming into the league, he's not someone who'll help you win fantasy titles.

Giovani Bernard 'looking great' in his rehab

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Geoff Hobson is reporting running back Giovani Bernard is "looking great in his ACL rehab," but doesn't believe the team "wants to rush him back into the first couple of regular-season games."

Fantasy Impact

Although Hobson believes the Bengals could hold Bernard out of the first few regular season games in 2017, the beat writer doesn't think the ailing rusher will open the year on the PUP list. Since this is only speculation, and it is still June, Bernard's fantasy value shouldn't take too much of a hit. However, if there is no improvement with Bernard's health as the offseason progresses, his ADP will likely fall heading into fantasy draft season. In his absence, Joe Mixon, who has been highly touted at OTAs, is expected to assume Bernard's role in the backfield.