Patriots Beat: RB James White 'in the driver's seat' for third-down duties

Jun 06, 2015

Who are the likely candidates to handle the Patriots' third-down duties?

Well, at the head of the class is James White. He was, after all, drafted last year as the third-down back of the future. After watching two organized team activity sessions, it appears he’s the man in the driver’s seat. He’s definitely taking more of the quality reps. But it’s early, and he doesn’t have the versatility of some of the other candidates.

Fantasy Impact:

White would be the heavy favorite, but the Patriots also signed Travaris Cadet, who is very adept as a pass-catcher. Brandon Bolden is also capable. Whoever wins the job could post RB2 numbers in PPR formats if they dominate the passing down snaps.

yesterday

Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson officially Out for Week 12

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 4:12 PM EST

Cowboys list TE Jake Ferguson as out for Sunday’s game vs. Washington due to his concussion.

Related Players: Luke Schoonmaker

Fantasy Impact:

This puts Schoonmaker more or less in TE streaming consideration, but there are far better options this week, which puts him low on the totem pole.

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith officially Out for Week 12

Mike Garafolo

yesterday · 4:04 PM EST

Eagles ruled out WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) for Sunday against the Rams.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson, Dallas Goedert

Fantasy Impact:

It's a bit of a crapshoot as to who the "WR2" on the offense will be, but now that he's ruled out, Brown and Goedert should get a nice boost to their bottom line. That would lock Goedert into a no-doubt TE1 role in Week 12.