Team news: Carolina Panthers | Page 11

Jameis Winston sprained his right foot during the Saints' practice on August 8th, causing him to miss the team's first two preseason games. Returning to practice is a significant step towards a full return.

Related Players: Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Alvin Kamara, Andy Dalton

The article mentions that he had both of his feet "heavily taped" but could still move around normally. Winston isn't known for his wheels, so as long as his lower body is structurally sound, it shouldn't affect his game too much. If he is forced to miss time, we would presumably see veteran Andy Dalton man the quarterback position, but Winston will offer a higher upside for the Saints pass-catchers.

The Eagles did have lead backs under Doug Peterson -- Ryan Mathews, LeGarrette Blount, Josh Adams and Miles Sanders -- but no one carried the ball more than 179 times in a season (Sanders in 2019). Twice Pederson had three backs with 70 or more carries in a season (2016 and 2017) and twice he had running backs finished third on the team in receptions (2016 and 2019).

Sanders is the only back he had that topped 800 yards rushing in a season, which he did in 2019 and 2020.

So if that’s the philosophy Pederson is bringing to Jacksonville, it’s probably safe to assume that James Robinson won’t match the 240 carries he had as a rookie, and Travis Etienne’s potential workload could look something like Darren Sproles’ output in 2016: 94 rushes and 52 catches.

Robinson is still on his way back from injury and the story said until he's 100 % the team won't push him. So it's safe to assume Etienne will see a majority of the workload early on. But once Robinson is fully back, the story believes Peterson will use the backs much like he has in the past when with the Eagles. However, other reports last week said Robinson will take over as the lead back when healthy with Etienne the change of pace. It seems like Etienne's value will come in PPR leagues if he does land the passing down role, which at least seems to be a common assumption.

Miles Sanders was one of seven Eagles to not participate in join practice with the Browns yesterday, and in his steed, Kenneth Gainwell performed well as the team's RB1.

Related Players: Boston Scott

Gainwell was involved in the passing game during team drills, catching balls, and maybe more notably, picking up a blitz that was "one of the highlights of that period." This comes on the heels of SI.com's John McMullen remarking, "[Gainwell] seems to be penciled in for high-leverage situations like third downs, hurry-up offense, and goal-line work." The Philadelphia sophomore is rounding into a terrific late-round fantasy pick.

The Eagles said that Miles Sanders would miss Tuesday’s practice because of a hamstring injury.

Related players: Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott

The story pointed out Sanders has wanted more chances, despite missing nine games over the last two years. Sanders has been mostly unimpressive even when in action. The Eagles lack depth at the position, especially a banger who can go between the tackles, so Sanders is expected to have a big role in the backfield this year. Gainwell and Scott will pick up the slack for now.

The article purports that Gainwell will take a lot of the duties on third downs, hurry-up offense, and goal-line work.

Related Players: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, Jalen Hurts

There have been reports all summer about Miles Sanders taking a multitude of reps with the 2nd team offense, and although coach Nick Sirianni is claiming that "everybody rotates," the Gainwell drumbeat has been sounding for months now. If Gainwell is the lead back in these high-leverage situations, he could sneak into FLEX territory by building on his 33-reception, six-touchdown rookie season.

No surprise that K.J. Osborn locked into the No. 3 WR spot for Vikings.

Related players: Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, Olabisi Johnson, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Irv Smith Jr.

Levitan said those who cover the team are expecting a bump in both pass rate and 3-WR sets with Kevin O'Connell in charge. So Osborn could end up having some fantasy value. However he'll have to battle target monsters Jefferson and Thielen, and perhaps also the return of Smith Jr. at tight end. The post also indicated Smith-Marsette is the WR4 right now.

The New Orleans Saints are signing QB Andy Dalton to a one-year deal.

Related Players: Jameis Winston, Ian Book

Dalton will back up Winston. His signing also means the Saints probably see Ian Book as nothing more than a clipboard holder.

The Atlanta Falcons have signed QB Marcus Mariota to a two-year deal.

Related Player: Feleipe Franks

Shortly after trading Matt Ryan, the Falcons add Mariota. The former Raider and Titan rejoins Arthur Smith in Atlanta. The two worked together in Tennessee. As of today, Mariota has little competition at quarterback, but that could change once the NFL Draft starts.

The Philadelphia Eagles are bringing back RB Boston Scott on a one-year deal.

Related Players: Kenneth Gainwell, Miles Sanders

Sanders may not be the third down back he used to be, but he is a thorn in the side of other Eagles backs, especially Sanders and Gainwell. Scott has little fantasy relevance unless one or both misses significant time.

The Carolina Panthers have agreed to a contract with RB D'Onta Foreman.

Related Players: Christian McCaffrey, Chuba Hubbard

Foreman did well when Derrick Henry was lost for the season in Tennessee. He now will look to continue his revival by competing with Hubbard for the back-up role in Carolina.