QB challenges youngsters to emerge as 3rd WR

Jun 01, 2009

Colts QB Peyton Manning has noticed and, with the void created by Marvin Harrison's cost-cutting release in February, has served notice. "Every one of those guys, I've told them, 'There's a WR's spot open right now,' " Manning said earlier this week. The likely scenario in the base offense has Reggie Wayne lining up at his normal spot on the left side and Anthony Gonzalez replacing Harrison as the right-side starter. At issue is who assumes the #3 WR role -- either in the slot or split out wide -- that Gonzalez has handled for 2 years. The candidates, Manning said, "need to be saying, 'Hey, that's my job to go win.' It doesn't matter how old you are, how many years you've been in the league. If you win the job, it's yours." The presence of Dallas Clark mitigates the immediate concern over the absence of a legitimate #3 WR. He is a TE by trade but possesses receiver-like skills and can be a matchup nightmare when he lines up in the slot.

Fantasy Impact:

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.