Ravens' Heap plans to rebound in big way

Jul 29, 2009

Ravens fans remain fixated on whether Derrick Mason is coming back.

On a different level, the same question could be asked of Todd Heap. As the veterans reported to Ravens training camp Wednesday, the former Pro Bowl tight end is looking to become a key weapon in Cam Cameron's offense, reversing a series of disappointments.

It started with training camp last season, when Heap missed most of the preseason with a calf injury. It continued throughout the regular season when a coaching decision turned the franchise's all-time leading receiver into more of a blocker. Then, it extended to this offseason when there was talk of the Ravens trading Heap or replacing him if Brandon Pettigrew fell to them in the draft.

Heap, 29, acknowledges it was a difficult year, but he wants to prove that it wasn't a deflating one.

"There's no doubt in my mind that I can be a top tight end," Heap said. "I have confidence in myself and my abilities."

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.