Barber's slump becomes a concern

Dec 29, 2009

Marion Barber is a prototypical power back except for one detail – he's struggling in short-yardage situations.

In the last three games, Barber is 2-for-7 on third and fourth downs with 1 or 2 yards to go. He was 10 of 11 in those situations in the previous 12 games. In Sunday's win over Washington, Barber failed to convert four of those short-yardage situations. He was stopped at the 1 three straight times against San Diego.

Phillips said the coaches are looking at the short-yardage package to correct what has gone wrong, but he doesn't think doubt will creep in.

Barber appeared to hesitate after two of those handoffs. Phillips said Washington's Albert Haynesworth had much to do with the stops. He disagreed with a notion that the Cowboys ran finesse plays.

"We've been successful," Phillips said. "We were one of the most successful and Marion was one of the most successful guys and has been through his career, so I think we can get back to that. ... We're addressing that to make sure it doesn't happen again, or the chance of it happening will be less. We need to make those kinds of plays."

Fantasy Impact:

yesterday

Cowboys hope to get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back for Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:55 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said he's hoping Cowboys will get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Cooper Rush will get the start at QB again against the Commanders in Week 12. CeeDee Lamb led the way with 12 targets vs. the Texans, but it was Luke Schoonmaker, who took over after Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, who had 10 targets which was most behind Lamb. The addition of Cooks should help the Cowboys offense in what is a good matchup against the Commanders defense. For the fantasy world, Rush did end up throwing for 354 yards.

Cowboys will start Cooper Rush at QB in Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:48 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said Cooper Rush "will be the starter" this week against Washington and a package of plays will be formed for Trey Lance.

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy came out and said he regrets not giving Lance a chance to run the offense in the loss to the Texans on Monday Night, but even after that the team is going forward with Rush in Week 12 against the Commanders. One would have to assume Rush gets the start the following week as well, which is a short week and a game on Thanksgiving Day game against the Giants.

49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) 'close' to playing in Week 11

The Athletic

yesterday · 3:18 PM EST

Shanahan said George Kittle was “close” to playing against Seattle and should be able to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

It's at least a good sign Kittle is expected to practice Wednesday. The hope is he will be ready to go in Week 12. The 49ers play at the Packers, and it's in the later Sunday window so owners will certainly want to pay attention to what kind of work Kittle can get in this week at practice.