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 loss to Washington was especially painful for Cincinnati as rookie sensation Joe Burrow suffered a knee injury. A few minutes after the end of the game, Ian Rapoport tweeted, “#Bengals QB Joe Burrow suffered a torn ACL based on the initial diagnosis, source said. There may be additional damage. Burrow signaled it with his tweet, but the MRI confirming the injury would end his stellar rookie season.” There was damage to his MCL, too, which may lengthen the rehabilitation and recovery. Burrow had a great rookie season, throwing for 2,485 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Bengals have a full complement of young weapons for Burrow to bond with over the next few years. The largest need for the Cincinnati offense is the line. With a potential top-3 pick, the Bengals can trade down and add offensive line talent through the draft. As for the remainder of the 2020 season, Ryan Finley is a huge step down for Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and the running game. He was atrocious against the two-win Football Team, completing just 3 of his 10 pass attempts for 30 yards and Finley took 4 sacks totaling 31 yards in lost yardage. There is talk that Brandon Allen, who is currently on the team’s practice squad, might get the call over Finley. Either way, it will be ugly. The next two opponents, the Giants and Dolphins, have good enough defenses to torment the downcast Bengals.
Last Tuesday, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters about his long-term view of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. “I expect Jimmy to be our starter next year,” Shanahan said. “I mean, I expect him to come play with us this year after he recovers. We have six games left. We are not out of the playoffs yet. I’ve been on a team that was 3-6 going into a bye week that ended up winning their division.” He continued, “To think that we’ve made any decisions on anybody going into the future isn’t the case. Jimmy’s won a lot of games for us this year. It’s a lot harder to win games when he’s not here, and I’m just hoping we can get him back.” The quarterback has two years left on his contract without any guarantees. While it is great to see the coach support his quarterback, let’s remember how the 49ers pursued Tom Brady last offseason. We expect the team to bring in competition for Garoppolo at the least and a replacement the most likely option. If Garoppolo departs, the team would have just $2.8 million in dead money. The 49ers have built a young nucleus of weapons and possess a strong defense so the quarterback position will dictate how competitive San Francisco will be over the next year or so.
Beat reporter Jay Morrison tweeted an update on Joe Mixon after coach Zac Taylor’s press conference last week, “Zac confirms Mixon is out this week. Making no predictions on timeline going forward.” The inability to make a prediction on Mixon’s return speaks volumes. It was unsurprising to see Adam Schefter’s tweet Saturday, “Bengals’ RB Joe Mixon will miss at least the next three games after being placed on injured reserve today.” There are not many games left in the season so the lack of a timetable should mean that fantasy managers might get the star back by the fantasy playoffs. We know Mixon will miss at least the next two games and could possibly be back for Week 14. With the team’s quarterback, Joe Burrow, out for the remainder of the season, there is no need to rush Mixon back to the field. If your team is out of contention, we would recommend tossing out an offer for Mixon as we know he is talented when healthy.
With the one-two punch of Carlos Hyde and Chris Carson expected back this week, the Seattle Seahawks are almost back to full strength in the backfield. Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas are quality depth. The one forgotten piece is Rashaad Penny. Gregg Bell tweeted an update last Wednesday, “Pete Carroll on RB Rashaad Penny (IR, knee), DE Darrell Taylor (NFI, leg): "We are getting on the verge of those guys coming back...a week or two away." #Seahawks.” After the victory over the Cardinals, Carroll confirmed to reporters that Carson would be back this week and Penny was “ a couple weeks away” from his return. We know Carroll is frequently ambitious with his comments so take them accordingly. So, Penny might be back for the stretch run. This is a dangerous team at full strength with the various talents at running back.
Running back Jordan Howard has been well-traveled throughout his career. After his release from the Miami Dolphins last week, Howard signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, to the practice squad. Dynasty managers should see this as a depth move for the Eagles and Miles Sanders’ injury history may give Howard another opportunity to shine in Philadelphia. We expect Howard to be elevated to the active roster in the next few weeks. The Eagles need the depth at the position as Corey Clement and company are not viable options.
When Frank Gore saw extended action after rookie LaMical Perine exited the contest against the Chargers, the focus was on the veteran scoring a touchdown. On Monday, beat reporter Rich Cimini tweeted an update on Perine, “RB La'Mical Perine, has high-ankle sprain. Looks like he will be out for multiple weeks. #Jets.” The rookie has played passably this season and looks to be a long-term committee back in the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks tight end Greg Olsen left Thursday night’s game with an apparent foot injury. Beat reporter Joe Fann tweeted an update later that night, “Greg Olsen has a torn fascia in his foot. Sounds like it's ruptured. It's an injury Olsen has had before in his other foot. This injury is to Olsen’s left foot and it could be the end to a long and productive career. He was placed on injured reserve Monday. This was far from a surprise but still confirmed the known outcome. There are reports of Olsen trying to be back for the playoffs, but this is a multi-month injury, so it is a longshot. Will Dissly emerges to fantasy relevance in Olsen’s stead as the two were splitting first-team snaps.
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