Sat Aug 23 12:41pm ET
Field Level Media
The Cincinnati Bengals have a reputation for knowing how to pinch a penny. Just ask star defensive end Trey Hendrickson, currently embroiled in a contract stalemate with the franchise.
Boomer Esiason, who led the Bengals to an appearance in Super Bowl XXIII, did nothing Friday to change that narrative.
Speaking on his radio show, "Boomer and Gio" on WFAN in New York, the ex-quarterback told co-host Gregg Giannotti about the invitation he received to attend the team's Ring of Honor induction in October.
He was added to the Ring of Honor in 2023, and he said was invited via email. Former Bengals offensive lineman Dave Lapham and cornerback Lemar Parrish make up the Class of 2025 and will be honored when the Bengals play the New York Jets on Oct. 26.
"I don't know how to take this invite, that's the thing," he said on the show.
He shared details of the invitation, which included two free game tickets and the opportunity to buy another one. But that's where the complementary stuff stopped.
"If you are traveling in for the weekend from out of town, we have secured a block of rooms at the Renaissance Hotel at a preferred discounted rate," Esiason read from the invitation. "Rooms are limited, so please book directly for the early and the best rate. We look forward to hosting you in The Jungle for an unforgettable weekend."
Esiason said he thought he would be paying for the flight, too.
Giannotti said that wasn't right for a member of the Ring of Honor to have to pay the tab.
"Your name is on the stadium," Giannotti said.
Later, he added, "I'm sorry, but for an NFL franchise, that's embarrassing."
Esiason didn't say whether he had booked a room to meet the Friday deadline for a discount.
Now 64, he played with the Bengals (1984-92, 1997), Jets (1993-95) and Arizona Cardinals (1996). He said he maybe could turn to one of his other ex-teams for help.
"Maybe I could fly out with the Jets, come back with the Jets," Esiason joked. "Maybe (Jets head coach) Aaron Glenn would let me tag along."
Five Fantasy Football Busts
The Las Vegas Raiders waived rookie quarterback Cam Miller on Tuesday, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. A sixth-round pick out of North Dakota State, Miller showed some flashes during the preseason. His release comes as somewhat of a surprise, with Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (wrist) set to miss significant time after fracturing his wrist. However, Las Vegas solidified its backup QB role by acquiring Kenny Pickett from the Cleveland Browns, and chose not to put O'Connell on injured reserve to begin the year. Miller could potentially find his way back to the Raiders as a practice squad signing or be claimed elsewhere.
From RotoBaller
Zac Jackson of The Athletic expects Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. to "play a lot, immediately" in 2025. Jackson also writes that Fannin Jr. and veteran tight end David Njoku will be both deployed together and moved around in different offensive formations. A third-round pick out of Bowling Green, Fannin Jr. recorded 117 catches for 1,555 yards and 10 touchdowns across 13 games in his final collegiate season. He may not be ready to overtake Njoku as Cleveland's TE1 right away, but it appears that the Browns are searching for ways to utilize Fannin Jr.'s obvious talent as a receiver. The 21-year-old is definitely a name to know in dynasty leagues, and he could become a priority waiver-wire target in redraft formats if Njoku were to get injured.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts rookie running back DJ Giddens could be in a prime position to open the season as the team's RB2 after Indianapolis released veteran back Khalil Herbert on Tuesday. With Herbert off the roster, Giddens and Tyler Goodson (elbow) are the Colts' running backs behind Jonathan Taylor. Goodson may miss the start of the regular season as he recovers from an elbow injury he suffered during preseason play, leaving Giddens as the likely passing-downs back early in the year. For fantasy managers looking for a handcuff option for Taylor late in drafts, Giddens appears to be the clear choice.
From RotoBaller
Veteran running back Khalil Herbert has been released by the Indianapolis Colts, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Herbert signed with Indianapolis in free agency this past March, but is now likely headed elsewhere. In 14 games split between the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals last season, Herbert logged 36 carries for 130 yards and one touchdown. With Herbert out of the picture in Indianapolis, Tyler Goodson (elbow) and rookie DJ Giddens now make up the depth behind star running back Jonathan Taylor. Goodson is currently dealing with an elbow injury, but is expected to return early in the season.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper told Kevin Patra of NFL.com that he still has "some juice left" and that signing with the Raiders will allow him to show it. Cooper signed a one-year deal with Las Vegas on Tuesday. The 31-year-old recorded 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns across 14 games split between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills in 2024. However, before 2025, Cooper had reached 1,000 receiving yards in five of the six previous seasons. He should slot in as the WR2 in Las Vegas next to Jakobi Meyers, although Cooper may eventually be surpassed by rookies Dont'e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech. As a late-round flier, Cooper could end up being a solid depth piece for fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars have acquired veteran wide receiver Tim Patrick from the Detroit Lions in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The 31-year-old recorded 33 catches for 394 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games with Detroit last year. The Lions' decision to move on from Patrick signals an internal belief in third-round rookie Isaac TeSlaa, who was a standout performer in the preseason. In Jacksonville, Patrick will likely step into the team's WR3 role next to Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter. He should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.
From RotoBaller
Following the trade that sent Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick to the Jacksonville Jaguars, rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has a clear path to open the season as the team's No. 3 wide receiver. During the preseason, the rookie from Arkansas was one of the most impressive pass catchers. The Lions selected TeSlaa with the 70th overall pick in April's draft. In the Hall of Fame Game, TeSlaa racked up 46 yards. Then, in his next contest, the wideout found the back of the ned zone for the first time in his career. In their preseason finale against the Houston Texans, TeSlaa punched in another score, which further solidified his starting role. With Patrick now out of the picture, fantasy managers should expect the 23-year-old to open the season sitting behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Given his dominant preseason, he is worth a late-round look in all 3-WR 12+ team leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Chiefs have released tight end Robert Tonyan. Dynasty Analysis: In 2020, Tonyan had a 52/586/11 line for the Packers in 16 games. In his other 69 games played, he has a total of six other scores. It's a truly unbelievable stat but reinforces the fact he's been truly a one-hit wonder. Such has been the case with so many other players waived today, as Tonyan just hasn't been able to resurrect magic he once had in his career. At this point, he's far away from any dynasty roster.
Denver Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger was released on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The move comes as Denver trims down its roster to 53 players, and it leaves the team with just Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham in its quarterback room. Ehlinger appeared in all three preseason games, completing 42 of 57 pass attempts for 415 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He also took four sacks. The former sixth-round pick hasn't appeared in a regular season game since the 2022 campaign with the Colts. He's a candidate to join the practice squad in Denver or elsewhere, but his path to playing time includes numerous obstacles. He should be left on waivers in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan was released on Tuesday, the team announced. The move leaves Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Jared Wiley as the Chiefs' three rostered tight ends. Tonyan has spent seven seasons in the NFL, and he made waves with 52 catches, 586 yards, and 11 touchdowns as a Green Bay Packer in 2020. Outside of that campaign, he has been unexceptional, as his reception count dwindled to 11 in 2023 and zero in 2024. It remains to be seen whether Tonyan will land on another 53-man roster or if he'll have to settle for a practice squad spot.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Easton Stick was released on Tuesday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The move helped the Falcons trim their roster down to 53 players, and it leaves Atlanta with only Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins in its quarterback room. Stick appeared in all three preseason games, completing 54 of 78 pass attempts for 520 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also took five sacks. The former fifth-round pick spent his first six NFL seasons with the Chargers before inking a deal with Atlanta in April. Now, he'll look for a new landing spot as Week 1 approaches. NewOrleans.Football's Mike Triplett reported that the Saints looked into signing Stick before he wound up with Atlanta, so perhaps they'll continue to show interest now that he's a free agent again. Regardless of where the veteran quarterback ends up, he should be avoided in all fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) was placed on the PUP list Tuesday, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. This was merely a procedural move to get Dell off the 53-man roster ahead of the 2025 NFL season. Placement on the PUP list comes with the requirement that a player misses at least four games, which won't be a problem for Dell given that he's expected to be sidelined for most or all of the season while he recovers from a dislocated knee and torn ACL, MCL, and LCL. Nico Collins and Christian Kirk will operate as C.J. Stroud's primary targets in the passing game, while tight end Dalton Schultz and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel also look to get involved.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans DT Denico Autry (knee) will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, and he will miss at least the first four games of the regular season.
From TheHuddle
The Dallas Cowboys waived running back Deuce Vaughn on Tuesday, but he could return as a member of the team's practice squad, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. Now 23 years old, Vaughn joined the Cowboys as a sixth-round pick from Kansas State in 2023. He appeared in 14 games in his first two seasons and totaled 110 yards on 40 carries. In his bid for a roster spot this summer, Vaughn played in all three of the Cowboys' preseason games and ran for 64 yards on 17 attempts. It wasn't enough to convince Dallas to put Vaughn on its roster. The team will instead open the season with Javonte Williams, Jaydon Blue, Miles Sanders, and Phil Mafah as its running back quartet.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans released quarterback Trevor Siemian on Tuesday. However, they'd like to bring him back as a member of their practice squad, according to Paul Kuharsky. The 33-year-old journeyman yo-yoed between the Titans' active roster and practice squad in 2024, but he didn't appear in any games. He rejoined the Titans as a free agent earlier this month and went on to complete 8 of 11 passes for 68 yards in two preseason games. The Titans will head into the season with rookie starting QB Cameron Ward, the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, and veteran backup Brandon Allen.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers released wide receiver Robbie Chosen on Tuesday despite a productive preseason. After he signed with the 49ers earlier this month, the 32-year-old appeared in all three of the team's exhibition games and racked up nine catches for 117 yards. Chosen was a factor earlier in his career, especially when he amassed 95 receptions for 1,096 yards and three touchdowns with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. His numbers have dropped off considerably since then, though, and he combined for just five catches in 11 games with the Miami Dolphins from 2023-24.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum (leg) has made the 53-man roster and will open 2025 as the team's third-string signal-caller. Keenum has been dealing with a minor leg injury this month, but it won't be enough to keep him off the roster. The well-traveled 37-year-old joined the Bears in free agency in April after a second stint with the Houston Texans. He didn't play at all last year after suffering a foot injury and hasn't attempted 100-plus passes in a season since 2019, which he spent with Washington. With Caleb Williams entrenched as QB1 and Tyson Bagent locked into the No. 2 role, Keenum shouldn't see any meaningful action this season unless things go catastrophically wrong for the Bears.
From RotoBaller
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (ankle) passed his physical on Tuesday, Aug. 26. The team is still expected to take it slowly with him, and he might not practice until Week 2.
Fantasy Spin: Godwin won't be forced to play before it's time, but he is progressing well from his injury. It's possible he only misses a couple of games, as opposed to being on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list, missing a minimum of four games. Fantasy managers will still want to keep him sidelined until he officially plays and makes it through a full game with no setbacks. In the meantime, rookie Emeka Egbuka should start opposite Mike Evans, and he'll be a decent low-end WR3 or flex fantasy option.
From TheHuddle
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) on Injured Reserve with a return designation on Tuesday. The move means that McMillan will be eligible to come back in Week 5, but he may have to miss more time than that as he recovers from a sprained neck. The 23-year-old suffered the injury in a preseason win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Aug. 16. McMillan, a third-round pick from Washington in 2024, impressed with 37 catches, 461 yards, and eight touchdowns in 13 games. He hauled in seven of those scores in the Buccaneers' final five games of the season, but he won't be able to build on that performance until at least October. The Bucs will also open the year without Chris Godwin (ankle), which will give first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka a prime opportunity to step up as the team's No. 2 receiver after Mike Evans.
From RotoBaller
Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) has avoided the Injured Reserve and will open the season on the team's 53-man roster. Likely underwent surgery on his foot after suffering a small fracture on July 29, but he has recovered quickly enough that he'll be available early in the season. The 25-year-old set career highs in receptions (42), yards (477), and touchdowns (six) last season, providing the Ravens a solid pass-catching option at the position behind Mark Andrews (undisclosed). While Andrews is dealing with an undisclosed injury, indications are that he'll be ready for the Ravens' Week 1 matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 7. Likely may not be a sure thing for that game, but he will make his 2025 debut sometime in September.
From RotoBaller