Gary Kubiak says the Broncos 'need' WR Cody Latimer, snaps will 'pick up'

Apr 19, 2015

Broncos HC Gary Kubiak's relationship with WR Cody Latimer dates back 13 months. Latimer visited the Baltimore Ravens leading up to the 2014 draft, meeting with Kubiak, then the Ravens' offensive coordinator. He told Latimer their paths would cross again. Their intersection in Denver — sooner than either expected — brings lofty expectations.

"He showed a lot of flashes from me watching (film of) him in practice," Kubiak said. "A lot of times being a rookie can be over- whelming. I think it's time for him to make a big jump, not just a little jump. Obviously his playing time is fixing to pick up, and it needs to pick up. We need him."

Fantasy Impact:

Kubiak has a reputation for preferring two-TE sets over three-WR sets, which may limit Latimer's upside. The Ravens' WR3, Marlon Brown, played 40 percent of the snaps last season, so it remains to be seen if Latimer gets enough run to be fantasy relevant. He's at best the Broncos' WR3 behind Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Kubiak's tendencies mean that Latimer will have to carve out snaps -- they won't be handed to him.

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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (ankle) listed as full for Monday's practice

Pro Football Talk

20 minutes ago

Patrick Mahomes is listed as a full participant on the team’s first injury report of the week.

Related players: Carson Wentz

Fantasy Impact:

It was a pretty positive outcome for fantasy owners counting on Mahomes in Week 16. The story said Reid spoke to reporters before practice and said they would see what Mahomes was able to do during a light practice. The answer was that he did everything that the Chiefs asked of him, the story pointed out. Keep in mind it was a light workout. It's possible Mahomes is listed as limited later in the week. As we stated earlier today, we're still some time away from Saturday, so it will be worth monitoring right up to game time. Owners may still want to have a backup plan in place.

Raiders say QB Aidan O'Connell (knee) trending toward playing Week 16

Paul Gutierrez on X

1 hour ago

"I would say he's trending upwards to playing this week." - Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, on QB Aidan O'Connell

Related players: Desmond Ridder

Fantasy Impact:

Ridder didn't exactly do much to make the Raiders want to continue to see him for the rest of the season. At this point, it makes more sense for O'Connell to get the work. Either way, the Raiders are expected to have a new starting QB next season, according to some who follow the team. The return of O'Connell would be a little boost for the rest of the offense as they have a winnable game against the Jaguars at home in Week 16.

Titans Beat: Team planning to make change at QB

Jeremy Fowler on X

1 hour ago

The Tennessee Titans are planning to make a switch at quarterback this week, source told ESPN.

Related players: Mason Rudolph

Fantasy Impact:

It seems as if there is no official word on just who will take over yet, but as the post points out, Rudolph is the logical candidate to step in. Rudolph has twice come in for Levis this season, once when injured and this past week when Levis threw three INTs. Rudolph did threw for two TDs as he tried to lead the team back against the Bengals. The Titans travel to Indy in Week 16 in a game in the early window. Rudolph did flash at times earlier this season as well, but the Titans moved back to Levis once he was healthy. Rudolph is probably a better option for deeper two QB or superflex leagues.