Team news: New England Patriots | Page 23

Washington RB Antonio Gibson (shoulder) listed as FULL in practice today.

Gibson was listed as limited on Monday so this is certainly good news. Gibson and The Football Team host the Giants on Thursday night. He is shaping up to be a nice RB1 start. The Broncos Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams combined for a line of 25-146-1 in Week 1 against the G-men.

And with RB Raheem Mostert announcing today that he is out for the season with a knee injury he sustained vs. Detroit, the 49ers now are signing former Lions’ RB Kerryon Johnson to their practice squad, per his agent

Related players: Elijah Mitchell Trey Sermon, JaMycal Hasty

The news of Mostert now being out for the season is a huge blow to fantasy teams who took their shot he would be the team's RB1. After Mostert went out, it was Mitchell who carried 19 times for over 100 yards and a score. For now, he's the presumed starter as both he and Hasty beat out Sermon in camp, according to Kyle Shanahan. Sermon should still be owned and has draft capital in his favor, but he may not have much of a role in the short term. For now it looks like it's going to be Mitchell's job.

Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears said he feels confident running back Damien Harris will "step up to the plate" after his late-game fumble against the Dolphins. "We have not had a problem with him," Fears said.

Related players: Rhamondre Stevenson, James White, J.J. Taylor, Brandon Bolden

There were stories Monday the Patriots were going limit Harris' workload as a result of his fumble. With Sony Michel now in LA, next up is rookie Stevenson, but Stevenson fumbled in the game as well and lost playing time, and the Patriots aren't loaded with safer options. So this is at least a good sign the team will continue to trust Harris. Harris now comes with some risk in Week 2 until we see his workload.

49ers RB Raheem Mostert has chipped cartilage in his knee.

Related players: Elijah Mitchell, JaMycal Hasty, Trey Sermon

Well that didn't take long. The injuries at RB for the 49ers continue. Mostert will go on IR and HC Kyle Shanahan said expectation is about eight weeks for Mostert to return according to Wagoner. Mike Clay would tweet that the pecking order for RBs right now is Mitchell, Hasty and Sermon, and you can expect Sermon to be active against the Eagles in Week 2. As we posted earlier today, Sermon was simply beat out by Mitchell and Hasty in camp according to Shanahan. It's been no secret the team has loved Mitchell who was selected in the later rounds, but Sermon is the back with the highest draft capital. Sermon is a very risky start until we see him make a move up the depth chart, so for now it's Mitchell.

When Patriots running backs have struggled with ball security in the past, Bill Belichick hasn't hesitated to reduce their workload. One of the more extreme examples came in 2013 when top running back Stevan Ridley had a string of fumbles and was a healthy scratch as a result of it.

Surely, it would take more than what unfolded Sunday for Belichick to take that type of approach with Damien Harris, who had a promising opening performance (23 carries, 100 yards; two catches for 17 yards) before the miscue.

Related players: J.J. Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson

But, the story went on to say, it isn't unrealistic to think Belichick will assess Harris' workload in the opener, and consider a reduction heading into Sunday's road game against the New York Jets. Stevenson (five snaps) had fumbled earlier in the game and was essentially put on ice afterward. He also had a tough time in blitz pickup, the story said. The article went on to say second-year running back Taylor was a healthy scratch for the opener, so he could be an option to replace Stevenson -- and supplement Harris in the traditional running back role -- against the Jets. Needless to say, it's potentially shaping up to be a fantasy mess, just when Harris looked like he could be a constant in the Patriots run game.

Kyle Shanahan says that Elijah Mitchell and JaMycal Hasty simply beat out Trey Sermon in training camp/preseason.

Related players: Raheem Mostert

Those who play dynasty league probably weren't shocked to see Mitchell earn time after Mostert went out with an injury. There's been all kinds of positive news in terms of the 49ers and their love for his ability since he was drafted. Yes it was against the Lions, but Mitchell ran for 19-104-1 after Mostert left the game. The 9ers backfield situation is always one to watch and is usually filled with injuries making the situation a fluid one week-to-week. Mitchell should be a popular pickup on the wires this week, but if Mostert is out in Week 2, Sermon could get a chance to make his mark as well.

Patriots WR Nelson Agholor is questionable to play Week 1 because of an ankle injury, according to Zack Cox of NESN.

Related Players: Kendrick Bourne, Gunner Olszewski

The free agent addition was brought in to lead the Pats receiving corps but is at risk of doing so Week 1. If Agholor sits, Kendrick Bourne and Gunner Olszewski would see an increase in snaps.

However the offense takes shape, Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, the team’s highest-paid and most established weapons, will be featured. They are the rock upon which Bill Belichick has rebuilt his offense. And offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels isn’t discouraged whatsoever by their lack of time together this summer.

Related players: Mac Jones

The story went on to say signing Henry and Smith was an organizational recommitment to reclaiming the middle of the field, where the Patriots have drawn battle lines for two decades. Belichick has preached winning between the numbers since his days coaching in Cleveland. If Henry and Smith succeed in the box and down the seam, Jones will thrive. Smith and Henry were banged up a lot during camp and missed valuable time, so it remains to be seen how quick the team can turn to this offense and have success. We have Smith ranked higher but, based on this story, it's possible Henry could turn into a sneaky pick and play this season.

Hunter Henry injured a shoulder in the Aug. 8 practice. He missed the entire preseason.

The tight end, though, expects to play Sunday in his Patriots debut.

Related players: Jonnu Smith

Henry and Smith, another free agent addition, have yet to share the field together in a game setting, the story pointed out. Of course, fantasy owners are wondering which TE emerges as the go-to guy in the offense. A wait-and-see approach may be the best bet if you have another TE option.