Mike Smith: Jacquizz Rodgers "can play on all three downs"

Aug 02, 2012

I’m almost certain the Falcons have big plans for second-year pro RB Jacquizz Rodgers, and I think those plans might be a lot bigger than people realize. That’s largely because Rodgers is bigger than the Falcons realized when they drafted him last year.

“Jacquizz is not little,’’ Smith said. “He’s short, but he’s thick. People projected him to be a third-down back, a change-of-pace back. I think the guy has the skill set to play on all three downs. One of the things that stood out to me more than anything is his ability to pass protect. A lot of times, your change-of-pace back, you’ve got to get him the ball and not ask him to be a part of the protection. I don’t think that’s the case with Jacquizz. I think Jacquizz is an all-around back that can play on all three downs.’’

Translation: The Falcons aren’t looking for Rodgers to be what Jerious Norwood once was. They want him to be more like what Warrick Dunn once was.

Fantasy Impact:

In terms of carries, we're currently projecting aabout a 70/30 split between Turner and Rodgers. If this buzz keeps up, Turner's ADP could slip into the 5th round where he'd be a good value as an RB2.

today

Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) has chance to play Week 10

CBS Sports

50 minutes ago

Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters Monday that Keaton Mitchell (knee) has a chance to play in Thursday night's matchup against the Bengals, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Related players: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill

Fantasy Impact:

Mitchell tore his ACL in Week 15 last year but has been practicing fully since last week. He didn't play in Week 9 but could get the call in Week 10. We all remember how explosive Mitchell was last year and eventually had stand-alone fantasy value despite not being a bell cow type back. He probably won't be that this season either with Henry leading the way and Hill also showing he's productive. Mitchell will also likely be eased back in the lineup at least to start, but at some point Mitchell could perhaps take over Hill's workload if he can prove to be as dynamic as he was a year ago.

NFL flexes Bengals-Chargers to prime time in Week 11

Pro Football Talk

1 hour ago

The league has flexed the Super Bowl III rematch between the Colts and Jets out of prime-time in Week 11. Taking its place will be Bengals-Chargers.

Fantasy Impact:

The Colts at the Jets game is now an early game that Sunday with Bengals-Chargers moving to the Sunday night game.

Bills WR Amari Cooper (wrist) day to day

Sal Capaccio on X

1 hour ago

WR Amari Cooper, CB Christian Benford and FB Reggie Gilliam are all considered day-to-day, according to Bills head coach Sean McDermott.

Fantasy Impact:

It was a surprise that Cooper was inactive leading up to Week 9. Cooper did log limited sessions last week, so owners will want to pay close attention to this week's practice reports to see if Cooper can get in a full session. The good news for owners is Cooper and the Bills play an early Sunday game at the Colts, so owners should know in plenty of time to adjust their lineups based on Coopers game status.