Broncos Beat: Team wants to play TE A.J. Derby more

Nov 19, 2016

For a team with a former seventh-round draft pick starting at quarterback (Trevor Siemian) a former undrafted player who is a Pro Bowl player at cornerback (Chris Harris Jr.) and a sixth-rounder starting at center (Matt Paradis), the fact that the Denver Broncos sent a fifth-round pick during the season to an AFC rival to get A.J. Derby says it all.

It says the Broncos had a need big enough that they didn’t want to wait until next year to fill it. Which is why Derby was a New England backup one day, and a Broncos tight end poised for playing time the next.

"I’m definitely lucky there, both teams, New England and Denver, have Super Bowl experience," Derby said. "I can’t complain there at all. You obviously know the success they’ve had in New England, and to then come to a team that won the Super Bowl (to close out 2015 season), so I was surprised when they said 'you’re traded,' but at the same time, when they tell you Denver, just excited for the opportunity."

Related players: Virgil Green

Fantasy Impact:

Derby's playing time has reflected his work. He was inactive for the Broncos' Oct. 30 game against the Chargers, played five plays in the Broncos’ loss to the Raiders the next week, and was on the field for 44 plays in the Broncos' win this past Sunday in New Orleans. Derby finished the game with two catches for 22 yards, and flashed the speed the Broncos traded to acquire. He's probably hard to trust in lineups right now, but seems as if he's trending up and may be poised for a break out game.

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.