We scour the news around the NFL to bring you what matters most to you and your dynasty team: the most current news on players, both superstars and the relative unknowns, and analysis to decipher the respective situations. These are many of the major stories and not meant to be an exhaustive look at all the recent happenings around the league.
On Saturday, Jay Glazer suggested that the Giants could look to trade Eli Manning as the trade deadline approaches. Daniel Jones is the present and future face of the franchise and trading Manning would both remove and distraction in the media and reinforce Jones’ hold on the starting job. There has not been any interest in the veteran as of yet, but who knows. We cannot imagine he has much value, but who would have thought the Broncos would give a decent pick for Joe Flacco.
There has been much ink spilled on the organizational divide in Washington, centered around coach Jay Gruden’s preference for quarterbacks not named “Dwayne Haskins”. Beat writer Les Carpenter wrote last week that Gruden was not in favor of drafting Haskins. According to Carpenter, Gruden was overruled by owner Daniel Snyder, who loved Haskins’ ability. With Gruden’s team circling the drain and the coach starting Colt McCoy against the Patriots, it is difficult to reason not playing Haskins. Yes, the coach did insert the rookie into the Week 4 game against New York and he did not play well. But the time has arrived that Gruden has been relieved of his duties, and the time is quickly approaching that Haskins will be on the field.
Jason La Canfora reported over the weekend that there are teams willing to trade a first-round pick for A.J. Green if Cincinnati makes him available. Green is in the last year of his contract and is reportedly uninterested in signing an extension with the Bengals. La Canfora named New England and New Orleans as possible suitors. With the Tyler Boyd emergence, Green is expendable on an 0-5 team. Any trade would need to wait until the veteran pass-catcher is fully recovered from the ankle injury that has kept him out of action.
Early last week, Ian Rapoport indicated unrest in Minnesota, “On #Vikings WR Stefon Diggs: His frustration with the organization has been palpable. He was not at practice yesterday for non-injury reasons. Teammates are left wondering if he wants to be there. The team is adamant he is not available for a trade, barring some massive deal.” Tom Pelissero tweeted later in the week, “The #Vikings fined WR Stefon Diggs for skipping meetings and practice this week, sources say – and that wasn’t the first time Diggs missed a meeting this season. Worth noting a lot of players get fined for things during a season, though. Bottom line: They want Diggs in Minnesota” and “This is what Mike Zimmer was referring to today when he said Stefon Diggs has "already been punished." The #Vikings didn't put Diggs on the final injury report, and while Zimmer will make the final call, as of now all signs point to Diggs being active Sunday against the #Giants.” At a press conference late in the week, beat reporter Chris Tomasson noted, “Stefon Diggs on if he's upset about #Vikings offense: ‘The space that we’re in right now is definitely is a lot of questions. I can’t sit up here and act like everything is OK because obviously it’s not but I can say at this point I’m just trying to work through it.’’’ Fellow beat reporter Chad Graff captured, “Stefon Diggs on reports that he wants to be traded: ‘There’s truth to all rumors. I won’t be speaking on that.’” So, early in the week, quarterback Kirk Cousins publicly apologized to Adam Thielen for missing him often in Week 4. Then, Diggs voiced his displeasure by missing meetings and asking for a trade. Jeremy Fowler added context, “From what I’ve gathered after asking around on Stefon Diggs situation...*Vikings hoping this blows over while handling internally, *This isn’t first time Diggs has been frustrated with team dynamics, *still unclear to many what ‘s actually making him upset (though assume offense).” Schefter tweeted out the punishment instituted by the team on Diggs, “More on the Vikings fining WR Stefon Diggs over $200,000 for unexcused absences from practice and meetings - and telling teams they don’t plan to trade him.” The interesting part is the investment in the pass offense by the organization. First, Cousins gets a huge contract. Then, the team locks up its two star receivers. But coach Zimmer wants to utilize a run-oriented offense. With Zimmer running the show, literally, it is best to permit other dynasty teams to pursue the Minnesota pass catchers, even though each is a long-term buy. Sure, there will be big games by squeaky wheels like Thielen’s on Sunday. But that should be the exception – not the rule. The price will reduce even further due to poor statistical 2019 seasons compared to previous years.
Bengals receiver John Ross injured his shoulder in the Monday night loss to the Steelers. Ian Rapoport reported, “The #Bengals have placed WR John Ross on Injured Reserve, and I’m told no surgery is scheduled. He is a candidate to return later in the season.” Mike Garafolo added, “Ross is expected back. It was about a six-week injury, so the #Bengals decided to take it slow and give him a full eight weeks. Makes sense, as their playoff hopes are already dim, and they want him healthy for the long haul.” Ross had a strong start to the season and should be a strong, cheap buy in dynasty leagues as A.J. Green’s future with the team is uncertain.
Colts rookie receiver Parris Campbell is trying to return from an abdominal procedure and does not have a timetable for return. Without knowledge of the situation, the procedure feels like a sports hernia surgery. If so, he may not be “right” until the offseason. The Colts had depth at the receiver position but injuries to Devin Funchess and T.Y. Hilton have eroded the depth. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is performing admirably given the dearth of weapons at his disposal.
San Francisco placed rookie Jalen Hurd on injured reserve and replaced him with Jordan Matthews. The veteran receiver was one of the team’s final cuts and provides depth to the unsettled receiving corps. Hurd has tried to play through a stress fracture in his back since midway through the preseason. The 49ers envisioned the youngster as a multi-faceted weapon and his emergence might have to wait until next year.
Chargers tight end Hunter Henry practiced last Wednesday for the first time since injuring his knee in the season opener. The team held off putting Henry on injured reserve and now we see why. We expect the 24-year old to practice more in the coming weeks as Los Angeles will need him for the last half of the season. Now is the time to throw out offers for the talented tight end.
Jaguars tight end James OShaughnessy exited the loss to Carolina in the third quarter with a knee injury. Beat reported Michael DiRocco tweeted an update, “Jaguars TE James O'Shaughnessy was using crutches and had his left knee wrapped and in a brace in the locker room. That would seem to indicate the injury is more than just a mere sprain. Rookie TE Josh Oliver, who just started practicing recently as he recovers from a hamstring injury suffered during training camp, might have the timetable for his return accelerated.” Dr. David J. Chao tweeted the following in response to the above, “By video, worry for ACL tear as documented at profootballdoc.com. Hope my impression is wrong.” It looks like the youngster will be out for the near future. Oliver is available on some waiver wires.
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