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.
The Lions' playoff hopes have been broken with the back injury to Matthew Stafford. The veteran missed his third consecutive game in the loss to Washington, a game Detroit would have easily won with Stafford under center. Before this injury, Stafford started 136 consecutive games. His longevity has been noteworthy in a league filled with quarterback injuries. At this point, the Lions are still holding out hope for a return, leaving Jeff Driskel at the helm until then. The Detroit receivers are suffering through Stafford’s absence, especially in a fantasy context.
The pulling of Mason Rudolph for Devlin Hodges in Sunday’s game versus Cincinnati might be the final straw in Rudolph’s starting gig. Hodges, not playing especially well himself, led the Steelers to a come-from-behind victory over the Bengals, keeping playoff hopes alive. While crazy to imagine, Pittsburgh would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. The team’s performance with Ben Roethlisberger on injured reserve reinforces him as a “buy” in dynasty leagues. Pittsburgh has the weapons for a quarterback of Roethlisberger’s caliber to exploit.
Last week, the Miami Dolphins waived tailback Mark Walton after he was arrested the night before. General Manager Chris Grier released a statement, "We were made aware of a police matter earlier this morning regarding Walton … We hold our players to a high standard and take these matters very seriously. We will have no further comment at this time." This comes at a time when Walton was already suspended through Week 14. Given the circumstances of his release, Walton’s career is likely over. Joe Schad tweeted more on the context of Walton’s situation, “According to arrest report, Mark Walton allegedly pushed woman against the wall, punched her several times in face and head. She is 5 weeks pregnant. Walton was allegedly just made aware of pregnancy.” The report stated he learned of his paternity just two days prior. We cannot see the commissioner letting him back on the field after this arrest, his fourth in 2019.
Brandin Cooks finally cleared the concussion protocol late last week and played on Monday night against Baltimore. This was his fifth reported concussion ad second of the season. We always downgrade players who have a long history of concussions given their respective careers could end with the next hit, whether big or small. The concussion has overshadowed a lackluster season for the speedy receiver.
Indianapolis tight end Eric Ebron saw his 2019 season mercifully end this week as he was placed on injured reserve with surgery needed on both ankles. This has not been a strong season for the former first-round pick after sky-high expectations stemming from a touchdown-heavy 2018 fantasy breakout season. Last year, he caught 14 touchdowns (on just 66 receptions) and 750 yards. This season, those numbers have dwindled to 31 receptions for 375 yards and just 3 touchdowns. Expect Jack Doyle to have a larger role and promising Mo Alie-Cox to finally get his chance. Dynasty players have been waiting to see if Alie-Cox can deliver on his athleticism.
Vernon Davis was finally placed on injured reserve after he could not get past his latest concussion. He joins Jordan Reed on the sideline, and neither may ever play again. Concussions are scary and Davis is likely to further pursue his acting career if his career is indeed over. Jeremy Sprinkle will continue to play in Davis’ stead but is far from fantasy-viable with Haskins under center.
Last week, Adam Schefter tweeted an update on Browns tight end David Njoku, “Browns TE David Njoku designated for return from injured reserve and will return to practice today.” He did not play Sunday and still might be a week or so from playing. Cleveland needs Njoku back in the lineup and playing healthy, to have a shot at finishing the season strong. The Browns will not get the pleasure of playing the Dolphins every week.
Over the weekend, Mike Garafolo tweeted, “The #Jets are finalizing a multi-year contract extension for TE Ryan Griffin, sources say. Fresh off his 109-yard performance last week, Griffin gets paid and assures he’ll be a Jet going forward.” This deal was necessitated as Chris Herndon has struggled to get – and stay – on the field. Herndon began the season suspended and barely played before going on injured reserve in the last few days. Griffin has been Sam Darnold’s favorite red-zone target of late and becomes a solid long-term play. Griffin is older than most realize, turning 30 years of age in just a few weeks. His new contract includes $4 million guaranteed and tops out at $10.8 million if all incentives are realized. We applaud the team-friendly deal as it gives Darnold stability and there is no assurance Herndon will be able to live up to his immense potential.
Another rookie tight end is gone for the season. This time it is Jacksonville’s Josh Oliver. Hopes were high after Oliver was drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft. But he has battled injuries for most of the year and only played in four games, catching three of his six targets. Oliver is the third Jaguars tight end to land on injured reserve, accompanying James OShaughnessy (ACL) and Geoff Swaim (concussion). Oliver suffered the back injury in the Week-11 loss to Indianapolis. In that game, it was reported that the rookie suffered a small fractured in his back. Ouch! We like Oliver as a long-term prospect and think he has a chance to be a fantasy starter in the future.
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