Steelers Beat: Jesse James is TE if season started today

Aug 07, 2016

If the season began today – and, of course, it doesn’t – and/or if Ladarius Green’s surgically-repaired ankle doesn’t improve over the next five weeks… what are the Steelers options at tight end?

Jesse James would start and serve the No. 1 role. Xavier Grimble has been taking practice reps commensurate with a player who’s expected to have a not-insignificant role in the offense. David Johnson will handle duties of a hybrid Matt Spaeth/Will Johnson 2015 version, meaning mostly as a blocker. It appears Nix is being prepped for some traditional tight end-style work, and maybe someone such Mt. Lebanon native Paul Lang steals a roster spot (in lieu of a still-PUP’d Green).

Fantasy Impact:

As the story said, the unsettled situation bares watching over the next four weeks through the preseason games and up until the final cutdown day. That's especially true if Green's injury continues to keep him out.

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Packers WR Romeo Doubs (concussion) progressing

Rob Demovsky on X

3 minutes ago

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said while Romeo Doubs is still in the concussion protocol, he has progressed to the point where he could possibly play.

Fantasy Impact:

The Packers are hoping to get Doubs back for Thursday Night Football in what is a huge game against the Lions. Hopefully Doubs continues to progress and we'll continue to monitor his practice status as the week goes on.

Saints open practice window for RB Kendre Miller, WR Bub Means

Mike Triplett on X

6 minutes ago

Saints coach Darren Rizzi said team is expected to open the practice window for both RB Kendre Miller and WR Bub Means this week as they're eligible to return from IR.

Related players: Alvin Kamara

Fantasy Impact:

Another beat reporter, Ross Jackson, went on add in a post on X that Miller will get a clean slate and it's "all gas, no brakes" when Miller gets back. With the Saints not going anywhere, the return of Miller could eat into Kamara's workload. Taysom Hill is out for the season, so Kamara may get an extra crack at the end zone now and then, but it's probably worth it for the Saints to get more looks at Miller to close out the season. It's just something for Kamara owners to keep in mind once Miller is back on the field.

Saints TE Taysom Hill (ACL) out for the season

Adam Schefter on X

2 hours ago

Tests today confirmed that Saints TE Taysom Hill is out for the year with the knee injury he suffered Sunday, per source.

Fantasy Impact:

This was the fear after the injury happened during Sunday's game. Hill had six rushing touchdowns this season as that's the area where he did the most damage this year. The injury should open up more chances for Alvin Kamara, but the Saints lose another offensive weapon for the rest of the season. Hill is under contract with the Saints for one more season.