Team news: Chicago Bears | Page 42

Bill O’Brien said he is “not hopeful” that WR Keke Coutee will play in the season opener.

Related players: DeAndre Carter, Vyncint Smith

Coutee returned to practice Monday but doesn't look like he'll be ready for Week 1. As talked about Monday, if Coutee can stay on the field he could be a solid WR3 fantasy option assuming he sees seven-plus targets a game. But right now he can't get on the field. Carter and Smith look to be next up on the depth chart.

Chargers’ WR Keenan Allen suffered an ankle injury at practice this week that is not considered serious but could knock him out of the Chargers’ remaining three preseason games, per a league source. Allen is expected back for the regular-season opener, per source.

The question still lingering is just how severe Keenan Allen's ankle injury is. If it is a high-ankle sprain, the three weeks until Week 1 would probably have Allen questionable to play, but if the team is just being cautious by holding him out of preseason games after a minor ankle injury, that would be better for his early fantasy prospects. His return to practice may be our only sign on his health, so keep an eye out.

Cam Newton began throwing regulation-size footballs again during spring workouts, including a team livestream during minicamp in June. That was the first time the public had seen Newton throw since the Week 15 loss to New Orleans. He progressed from throwing to stationary targets one day, to shorter routes the next, and finally to intermediate routes 20-25 yards down the field.

Which brings us to the present, with Newton slated to be a full participant when training camp opens July 24 at Wofford College in Spartanburg.

The Panthers have long set training camp as their expectation for Newton’s full return. The hope is he can continue developing a camaraderie with young receivers D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, as well as to rekindle his connection with running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end Greg Olsen.

As the story said, Newton struggled with “frustrating” shoulder soreness and tightness over the second half of last year, culminating with him sitting out the final two regular-season games. After the season, Newton had an arthroscopic procedure that was described as a “clean-out” rather than to repair any specific injury. It was said the cartilage damage was much less severe than originally suspected.

Gerald Everett "looked fabulous during the offseason and in fantastic physical shape." may benefit from the Rams wanting "to diversify their offense a bit"

There has been plenty of hype around Gerald Everett's performance this offseason at OTAs and minicamp. He's shown a heightened physical prowess and heading into his third year, could see an uptick in work with the Rams in 2019. If he can continue to separate himself from Tyler Higbee, Everett could be a steal at his current 19th-round ADP.

Texans receiver Demaryius Thomas was carted off the field and quickly ruled out after suffering an Achilles injury in the second half of Sunday's 32-30 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thomas is believed to have suffered a torn Achilles.

Related players: DeAndre Carter, Vyncint Smith

Carter stepped up with a 6-61-0 line while Smith caught a 35-yard TD pass. It's a bit if a blow to the Texans passing offense and DeShaun Watson heading into Week 17 and the playoffs.

WR Keenan Allen (hip) could be a game-time decision.

Related players: Tyrell Williams, Mike Williams

Allen is battling a hip issue, but it was reported there is no structural damage, however he's no lock to play in Week 16. Tyrell Williams and Mike Williams would get a boost, but it's a tough matchup against the Ravens. Luckily for owners, the Chargers play on Saturday.