Pats Beat: No need to rush RB Dion Lewis back

Nov 07, 2016

The Pats are "holding out hope" that RB Dion Lewis will be available for the Week 10 game versus Seattle, according to a recent Boston Herald report.

Just because he will soon be moved to the active roster does not mean he'll soon be a major contributor for the Pats offense. The Pats are 7-1 and in first place in the AFC. They have a capable backup in James White. They can afford to mix Lewis in slowly and then crank up his workload as the playoffs approach.

Fantasy Impact:

The story went on to say there is logic in shortening Lewis' season. He is as prone to injury as he is dynamic. In 2011 and 2012, he dealt with two separate hamstring issues during training camp with the Eagles. In 2013, he broke his leg in the preseason with the Browns. Lewis missed a game in 2015 due to an abdominal injury before tearing his ACL in Week 9. The Pats would be wise to gradually increase his snap count as the regular season concludes.

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.