Fantasy Football News | Page 68

Seven-time Pro-Bowl WR Julio Jones is signing a one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, per sources.

Jones will be reunited with his former Titans’ teammate, A.J. Brown, who pushed for Tennessee to trade for him from Atlanta. Along with playing with Brown in Tennessee, Jones also previously played with Eagles’ WR Olamide Zaccheaus when the two were together from 2019-2020 in Atlanta. The Eagles do have some need at the slot position with Quez Watkins injured, but this looks to be more of a depth signing. Even if Jones would take over the slot role, he's likely still looking at being the team's fourth option in the passing game behind Brown, DeVonte Smith, and TE Dallas Goedert.

But in the Cardinals’ Week 6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, it was Trey McBride — not Zach Ertz — pacing the tight ends room in offensive snaps (44). His receptions (four) and receiving yards (62) were also tied for the team lead.

HC Jonathan Gannon said McBride has been consistent since OTAs. He also called him an explosive player and a good blocker. McBride may not be on the fantasy radar just yet, but now could be the time to add him, especially if you are among the fantasy owners who don't have a legit TE1 option.

Unlike last year when Titans QB Ryan Tannehill suffered a similar ankle injury, I’m told Tannehill will NOT require surgery this time around. He’s currently in a cast diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, and there’s no definitive timeline for recovery… but “overall good news.”

Related players: Malik Willis, Will Levis

With no timeline mentioned, it's a bit hard to imagine Tannehill plays in Week 7. It's assumed Willis would get the start over Levis, but that's something to monitor over the next couple of days. The Titans have a bye in Week 8, so the hope is maybe Tannehill is able to return for Week 9.

As the Patriots try to avoid falling to 1-6 on Sunday against the Bills, Mac Jones will once again be the starting quarterback.

Via Dakota Randall of NESN.com, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien told reporters on Tuesday that Jones will retain his job.

“Yes,” O’Brien said in response to the question of whether Jones will continue to start.

Related players: Malik Cunningham, Bailey Zappe, Will Grier

The story went to say O’Brien said Cunningham’s role will be determined on a “week to week” basis. Cunningham has leapfrogged Zappe, who served as the emergency quarterback on Sunday. Cunningham played on just six snaps last week.

As I understand it, Christian McCaffrey's injury is more of a pain-tolerance thing. The extra day helps. At this point, it's not out of the question McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams can all be available.

Related players: Jordan Mason, Elijah Mitchell

The bad news for owners of McCaffrey, and Samuel, is the game is a Monday night contest against the Vikings. Owners of both players will likely need a backup plan in place heading into this week as it's possible both players are game-time calls. According to other reports, McCaffrey's status is a bit more tenuous, as the team is still waiting for more information about McCaffrey, according to ESPN.

Head coach Ron Rivera didn’t sound alarmed by Jahan Dotson’s production on Monday. Rivera said “it’s just a matter of time” before Dotson gets back to making an impact on offense.

“As we continue to work and try to distribute the ball to all the players, it’ll happen,” Rivera said, via the team’s website. “It’s just one of those things that sometimes, guys will be targeted more . . . When a guy’s not getting the ball right now, it’s just a matter of time. I think that’s the thing that we all have to be patient with. This is a group of receivers . . . and we’re gonna distribute the ball based on gameplans and who our opponents are.”

Dotson was targeted just once by quarterback Sam Howell last week against the Falcons. But as fantasy owners know, Dotson hasn't been great most of this season. Through six games, Dotson has 17 catches for 140 yards and a touchdown. That’s a big drop for a player who averaged nearly 15 yards a catch last season, the story pointed out.

If Kyren Williams can't play against the Steelers, rookie sixth-round pick Zach Evans will likely get the start at running back.

"Obviously you saw Zach Evans get the first carries," McVay said.

Related players: Ronnie Rivers, Royce Freeman

McVay said the Rams are still "working through" the plan without Williams and Rivers, the story said. The Rams also have Freeman on their practice squad and he'll likely be involved against the Steelers. According to the story, McVay added there are different things the team is working through right now. The Rams could also make a move and bring in another RB with Rivers expected to miss multiple weeks.

Richardson injured his shoulder in Week 5 and has spent the last week getting evaluations and opinions from doctors about next steps. On Monday, Colts owner Jim Irsay told Stephen Holder of ESPN.com that Richardson is likely having surgery in the coming days and that he is unlikely to be back on the field during the 2023 campaign.

Related players: Gardner Minshew

We reported on Monday the Colts and Richardson were discussing season-ending surgery as an option. With the Colts likely not poised for a deep playoff run, the team is thinking about the future of their franchise QB and it seems like they are pretty close to the surgery option. Richardson flashed in his short time on the field, throwing three TDs and just one INT. With really only three full games under his belt, Richardson twice rushed 10 times and rushed for four TDs in that three-game span.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson could opt for season-ending shoulder surgery, and coach Shane Steichen was asked whether the Colts will take a longer-term view of their franchise quarterback.

“Yeah, that makes sense,’’ Steichen said, via Mike Chappell of Fox 59. “It is a priority. Obviously, we want to do what’s best for him and this organization moving forward. Like I said, we will make the decision when the time is right. We’re still evaluating that process.’’

Related players: Gardner Minshew

Richardson was diagnosed with a grade 3 sprain to the AC joint in his right shoulder after being injured eight days ago. Owner Jim Irsay, General Manager Chris Ballard, Steichen and the medical staff will consult with Richardson and his representation when it comes time to make the decision, the story said.

The Giants worked out Matt Barkley. This is possibly a big development related to Daniel Jones’ timeline.

Related players: Tyrod Taylor

Duggan thinks if the Giants sign a vet QB, that would seemingly signal they’re expecting Jones to miss extended time. Jones is dealing with a neck injury and started trending in the wrong direction late last week, with the team saying he was more sore. We'll likely know more Wednesday when the injury report comes out, or if the Giants sign another QB before that.