Sammie Coates eyes spot in Steeler offense

Jul 31, 2016

WR Sammie Coates has lost about five-to-six pounds and clearly looks more comfortable in his second Pittsburgh Steelers training camp, from his on-field presence to conducting interviews.

Coaches said Coates had a big offseason that included daily trips to the team facility, even in the slow months. Now he's starting to find the payoff. Coates generated buzz with several impressive grabs during Saturday's practice, prompting coach Mike Tomlin to say Coates had a "good day." For Tomlin, who's not an excessive back-patter, "good" is doing mighty fine.

Fantasy Impact:

The Steelers plan to replace the suspended Martavis Bryant’s No. 2 receiver spot collectively, with Markus Wheaton, Coates, Darrius Heyward-Bey and others, the story said. Wheaton would seem to be the favorite for more consistent targets and Coates is more of a vertical threat, according to the story.

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.