Injury Status: Championship Games
Thu Jan 25 9:02am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
The good news is the injury reports aren’t too long this week. Now there are a few key players hurting, though, which could impact the game. The Chiefs have some injuries along the offensive line and the 49ers could be without one of their best offensive players. So it isn’t all great when it comes to injuries. There are a few to watch.
Here is the latest. . . .
Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens. It is looking more and more like Andrews will make his return this week. He is practicing in full and seems closer to full strength than last week. He has yet to be activated from Injured Reserve but look for that to happen before the week is out. Andrews still might not play his usual role in the game but look for him to be out there and helping the team.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has a toe injury and is out of practice to start the week. He is resting more than anything, though, and it seems the toe injury isn’t too serious. It would be a shock if Pacheco is not active for the big game this week. He should be ready to go.
Marlon Humphrey, CB, Ravens. Humphrey has not played since Week 17 because of a calf strain. He is back at practice this week, though, and trending towards being ready for the game. It would be a big boost to the secondary to have Humphrey back in the lineup for the Ravens.
Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. Moore seemed finally close to returning last week, returning to some practice. But he seemed to have a setback late last week with the knee injury. He missed Friday’s practice and has not practiced since. This is not a good sign for a return for Moore. He should miss another week of action.
Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers. Samuel has the big injury to watch this week. He was knocked from last week’s game because of a shoulder injury. He is out of practice to start this week. He is apparently not dealing with a significant injury but it is serious enough that it could sideline him this week. He is truly up in the air to play. It might come down to a game-time decision for Samuel.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back former Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. This has been a developing story in recent weeks, and after Dallas did not pick a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, their former first-round pick is back with America's Team. In seven seasons with Dallas, Elliott rushed 1,881 times for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns. The team let him walk last offseason and elevated Tony Pollard to the RB1 role, but Pollard was underwhelming and left for the Tennessee Titans during free agency this year. Although Zeke averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season, he could have RB2 value back in Dallas in one of the best offenses in the NFL. Assuming the Cowboys don't add more legitimate competition to the backfield, he should start, and Rico Dowdle should be viewed as a high-end fantasy handcuff in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Buffalo Bills have signed UDFA running back Frank Gore Jr. Dynasty Analysis: Gore fell out of the 2024 NFL Draft but landed on his feet with the Buffalo Bills quickly after. He'll likely compete with Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans and a few other runners for a spot behind James Cook and presumptive RB2 Ray Davis. Still, the draft capitlal just isn't there to keep him as anything more than a watch list candidate at the moment.
Dynasty | Adding speed on the perimeter with the addition of WR Tez Walker should soften coverage for Flowers. Dynasty Analysis: On paper, Rashod Bateman is the winner of the Baltimore Ravens' draft as they still haven't searched for his replacement. But the bigger development is the field-stretching abilities of fourth round pick Tez Walker, which would give everyone in the offense some additional breathing room. Top wide receiver Zay Flowers gets the largest increase in high quality targets, which could elevate him from his WR21 DLF ranking into the high end WR2 range... if all goes to plan.
Free-agent WR Jarvis Landry (Browns) is expected to work out at the Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie camp.
From TheHuddle
Free-agent RB Ezekiel Elliott (Patriots) agreed to a undisclosed deal with the Dallas Cowboys Monday, April 29.
Fantasy Spin: Zeke figures to get short-yardage and goal line work, pegging him as an RB3 in fantasy.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | Johnny Wilson was drafted in the sixth round of the NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles Dynasty Analysis: Wilson fell all the way down to the sixth round before being taken by the Eagles as the 27th receiver overall. It was a pretty disappointing result for Wilson, whose NFL Draft Combine performance proved to be disastrous. It's hard to say what his future will be but a move to tight end may be best for his career. Regardless, Wilson looks like a late-round dart throw who at least landed on a team known for being creative with players.
Dynasty | The Los Angeles Chargers drafted USC wide receiver Brenden Rice in the 7th round of the 2024 NFL Draft Dynasty Analysis: Rice dropped all the way down to the seventh round before being taken by the Los Angeles Chargers. It was a tough turn of events as he'll have an uphill climb for a roster spot. He's easy to root for as the son of Hall of Famer Jerry Rice but it's hard to see him making an impact in the NFL any time soon. Rice is a watch list candidate or late round dart throw in rookie drafts at the moment.
Dynasty | The Tennessee Titans signed undrafted Washington running back Dillon Johnson. Dynasty Analysis: The questions regarding Johnson's speed and athletic profile proved to be too significant for him to be drafted. Instead, he signed a free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans and will attempt the make the roster as a UDFA. Johnson likely chose a solid spot to attempt just that as the Titans aren't exactly stacked at running back. Still, the fact he dropped all the way out of the draft leaves him as a player to simply keep on watch lists.
Dynasty | The New England Patriots drafted Florida State tight end Jaheim Bell in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Bell was drafted by the Patriots all the way down in the seventh round. He was likely knocked by most scouts because of his size, so he'll need to prove he has the physicality to make it. Unfortunately, the odds are long for Bell as a late round pick so he'll need to make a splash quickly. Keep an eye on him this off-season.
Dynasty | The Green Bay Packers drafted Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt. Dynasty Analysis: Pratt was a hot name going into the draft but fell all the way down to final round before being taken by the Packers. WIth Jordan Love established as the starter, Pratt could challenge for the backup spot eventually. However, the drop in the 2024 NFL Draft leaves him as a little more than a late round flier or player to watch this Spring and Summer.
Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was treated and released with a minor gunshot wound Sunday. Dynasty Analysis: Dynasty managers likely lost their minds when they saw headlines today that said, "Tank Dell has been shot." In the end, Dell was one of up to ten people who were wounded after gunshots were fired at a social gathering. It's a scary situation but one that looks to be free of anything worse. Dell is on his way back from a nasty leg injury from last year and remains a high upside player - this certainly won't change that.
The Washington Commanders have signed undrafted running back MIchael Wiley. The Arizona product has put together a fairly strong college career. He has nearly 3,000 yards from scrimmage and 28 touchdowns during his time at Arizona. He's not exactly a workhorse back with only one season with 100-plus rushing attempts. Despite that, Wiley can still make an impact at the pro level. He'll have an uphill battle during camp, but the Commanders don't have many of reliable backs.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders have signed quarterback Sam Hartman on Sunday. The Notre Dame signal-caller went undrafted during this weekend's NFL draft. There were rumors of Hartman going to the Chicago Bears, but instead Hartman will head to Washington. The six-year prospect finished his college career with Notre Dame after playing mostly at Wake Forest. Hartman threw for 2,689 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions during his last year in college. He should get a legitimate chance to compete for the backup gig with veteran Marcus Mariota in camp. It seems likely that Jaylen Daniels has the starting quarterback gig locked up heading into camp.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (leg) suffered a gunshot wound on Sunday morning after a 16-year-old suspect opened fire during a physical altercation at a private event in Sanford, Florida. Dell, who was at the event but not involved, suffered a "minor wound," with the team reporting the wideout is in "good spirits" and has been released from the hospital. Others were injured during the incident. Fortunately, no one suffered life-threatening injuries. As far as the gunman, he was arrested and charged with several crimes, including attempted homicide, before being transported to a juvenile detention facility. The 24-year-old is currently working his way back from a broken leg suffered at the end of last season and should remain on schedule to return for the 2024-25 campaign, barring any setbacks related to the incident.
From RotoBaller
New York Giants TE Theo Johnson was drafted with Darren Waller's potential retirement in mind, according to general manager Joe Schoen on Saturday, April 27. 'We had to take that into account for sure,' Schoen said.
Fantasy Spin: Waller has been largely frustrating for fantasy due to constant injuries. His future in the NFL is still unclear. Johnson is an intriguing flier for dynasty purposes, but it may be a while before he carves out a role big enough to be usable for fantasy managers.
From TheHuddle
Despite taking quarterback Drake Maye with the third overall pick in this year's NFL draft on Thursday night, the New England Patriots selected Tennessee QB Joe Milton III in the sixth round on Saturday at pick No. 193. The 6-foot-5, 246-pounder said all of his talks with the Patriots have been about playing quarterback, even though some draft analysts have wondered if teams would consider making him a tight end because of his size. "That will never happen," Milton said. The Pats now have five QBs on their roster, led by veteran Jacoby Brissett. After Brissett and Maye, they have Bailey Zappe, Nathan Rourke and Milton. It's the second time in Patriots history that they took two QBs in a draft, with the other coming in 1983 when they took both Tony Eason and Tom Ramsey. They were also the fourth team since 2000 to take a QB after also taking one in the first round.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent WR John Ross (Chiefs) will participate in the Philadelphia Eagles rookie minicamp, according to sources Sunday, April 28.
From TheHuddle
Despite taking a brief pause in contract negotiations during NFL draft weekend, Minnesota Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said the team and wide receiver Justin Jefferson continue to make progress. "We continue to have great dialogue with their representatives," Adofo-Mensah said. "The process is still ongoing. We did say, 'Hey, [let's pause] a couple days.' The draft's coming. They have players they represent. We have our process." The two sides have been discussing a new deal for more than a year, with the GM saying previously they got "unbelievably close" to a deal last summer. Despite going on Injured Reserve in 2023 with a hamstring injury, Jefferson still went over 1,000 yards receiving and scored five touchdowns. Sooner than later, he's going to become the league's highest-paid wideout.
From RotoBaller
Despite the Atlanta Falcons shockingly taking quarterback Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft on Thursday night, veteran QB Kirk Cousins' position as the team's starting signal-caller of the foreseeable future has not changed, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Minnesota signed Cousins to a four-year deal worth up to $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed, in free agency in March. Morris said Cousins doesn't have to look over his shoulder, and that there is no QB controversy at all. Cousins' agent, Mike McCartney, said there was frustration and confusion coming from his camp because the team didn't use their first-round pick to improve the team in 2024. Cousins will be Atlanta's starter in 2024, but perhaps the Falcons are just giving themselves some extra insurance with Cousins coming off an Achilles tear.
From RotoBaller
The Minnesota Vikings drafted quarterback J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in this year's NFL draft for him to be their future starter, but the team is poised to err on the side of methodical caution with their young signal-caller. "We're not going to rush his development," general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. "We're just going to do what's best for the Vikings in the short and long term." McCarthy will be required to hit specific benchmarks in his development, and head coach Kevin O'Connell will have full authority to make the decision on when he thinks McCarthy is ready to start. It's a big reason the Vikings spent $10 million to sign veteran Sam Darnold as a bridge starter. McCarthy just turned 21 in January and played in an offense at Michigan that had him throw an average of 22.1 passes per game in 2023, fewer than 93 other college QBs.
From RotoBaller
