Cutdown Day Fallout

Mon Aug 31 10:45am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Donald makes his return to Rams

NFL teams had to get their rosters down to 53 players over the weekend, leading to plenty of cuts, trades and moves to Injured Reserve. We're here to sort through the biggest developments and let you know what they mean for fantasy football.

The biggest news of the weekend was that Packers running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the Commissioner's Exempt List on Sunday. Jacobs can't practice or play while on the list, putting his availability for the start of the season in serious doubt. Past players who have been placed on the list have faced lengthy suspensions. We've moved Jacobs way down our rankings for now because of the uncertainty.

Meanwhile, MarShawn Lloyd is seeing his fantasy value skyrocket. He is the likely lead back for the Packers' run-first offense, but he still carries some risk. Lloyd has very little NFL experience, and we don't know how effective he'll be as an every-down back. The ceiling is high in this offense, though, making Lloyd an intriguing fifth- or sixth-round draft pick.

The Packers also traded for running back Kaleb Johnson, giving the team more depth at the position. Johnson could carve out a role once he gets up to speed on the offense. He struggled to make an impact in Pittsburgh, but he has some talent and was a former third-round pick. Maybe a change of scenery will get him going.

The other biggest piece of news from the weekend was the worst-kept secret in football. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald officially un-retired and joined the Rams. He is 35 years old but should still be a difference-maker for the Rams defense. This unit could be dominant with Donald and Myles Garrett along the line.

Dallas made a bit of a surprise move by cutting running back Jaydon Blue. He was thought to have a real chance to be the top backup for the team but lost out on the job to Malik Davis. So if you want a handcuff for Javonte Williams, go grab Davis. He could produce good numbers in this high-powered offense if given a chance to start.

Rams receiver Puka Nacua avoided the Commissioner's Exempt List and returned to practice after a groin issue sidelined him. Nacua was facing some legal trouble but avoided anything too serious for now. This should make fantasy owners feel a lot better about using a first-round pick on the star receiver.

The Packers signed veteran tight end Jonnu Smith, giving the team some additional depth at the position. He could eventually become the top backup to Tucker Kraft, but Smith's fantasy value will be very limited. He is a long shot to get much consistent playing time at this stage of his career unless an injury hits.

Rookie running back Emmett Johnson has won the backup job in Kansas City behind Kenneth Walker III. The team released Emari Demercado, while Brashard Smith fell behind Johnson on the depth chart. Johnson is a big-play threat who could get a few weekly touches in a backup role and would become a much more intriguing fantasy option if Walker were to miss time.

The Titans released quarterback Will Levis, ending his disappointing run with the team. Mitchell Trubisky will be the top backup for Tennessee this season. Levis was supposed to be the franchise quarterback but never panned out. He should get another chance with a new team, but his fantasy value is minimal until he finds a new home.

Cardinals running back James Conner was placed on Injured Reserve and will miss at least the first four games of the season. He has been slow to recover from his ankle injury. Conner could have a hard time reclaiming a significant role in this offense once he returns, with Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier now in the mix.

The Seahawks placed Zach Charbonnet on the Physically Unable to Perform list, meaning he'll miss at least four games. This puts rookie Jadarian Price in line for a huge role early in the year. Price could even seize the job if he plays at a high level, so his draft stock should be rising. George Holani should also be in the mix, as the Seahawks have a history of rotating backs in their offense.

The Giants released wide receiver Jalin Hyatt. He is a former third-round pick who was never able to emerge, failing to play with much consistency during his time in New York. Hyatt is another young player who should get another chance, but his fantasy relevance is fading quickly.

Texans receiver Tank Dell was placed on Injured Reserve, so he also can't return until at least Week 5. He is still recovering from the major knee injury he suffered more than 18 months ago. There was hope he could emerge sooner rather than later with Jayden Higgins going down for the season, but that doesn't seem likely anymore. Dell might once again be a long shot to make much of an impact this season.

The Saints placed running back Devin Neal on season-ending Injured Reserve because of a hamstring injury. He was a candidate to be the top backup for the Saints with Alvin Kamara also sidelined, but that opportunity is gone. Kendre Miller should open the season as the top backup until Kamara is ready.

Denver released running back Jaleel McLaughlin, who was once a pretty big factor in the Broncos offense. He was pushed out by younger options this year, with the emergence of rookie Jonah Coleman making McLaughlin expendable. McLaughlin should have a chance to find work once again, though, and could provide quality depth to an NFL roster.

The Dolphins traded for running back Jarquez Hunter and then released him a few days later. Miami could look to add him to its practice squad, but this was certainly a strange move after the team gave up receiver Tutu Atwell to acquire Hunter. Hunter could have a hard time making an impact in the NFL this season despite the move to a new team.

Veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. has made the Giants roster. He isn't going to be a starter for New York but will serve in a depth role. Beckham should get a few opportunities each week, but probably not enough to help most fantasy owners. He isn't going to regain his old magic, but it is a good story to see him back in the league and making the roster of his old team.

The Saints placed rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson on Injured Reserve because of his hamstring injury. There was some hope he might miss only a couple of games, but he'll now be out for at least four. Tyson seems likely to return in Week 5, barring a setback. He is still worth drafting, but only at the right price.

San Francisco also placed a receiver on Injured Reserve, putting veteran Christian Kirk on the list because of a calf injury. Kirk was expected to serve as the No. 3 receiver for the team, but this injury could set him back from making a big impact in his first year with the 49ers. San Francisco is already thin at receiver because of injuries, which is cause for concern for the entire offense.

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.

Cutdown Day Fallout

The Paur Report