Team news: New England Patriots | Page 24

The Washington Football Team has released RB Peyton Barber, source said. A bit of a surprise.

Related players: Jaret Patterson, Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic

Those in the dynasty world of fantasy football probably aren't surprised, though. The team will now likely keep undrafted free agent Patterson as the result of Barber's release. There was all kinds of positive feedback on Patterson's camp this season, and he looked good in preseason games on top of that. He now looks to be in a possible RB3 role and backup to Gibson while McKissic is the change of pace and pass-catching option.

Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry also in full pads.

Callahan added we'll have to see what their participation levels are on Monday, but it's certainly a good sign. The hope is both should be ready to go for Week 1, but from a fantasy point of view it could take some time to see where the value is for both players.

Washington Football Team RB Antonio Gibson told reporters that he should have approached a few plays differently in their preseason game against the New England Patriots. “In that situation you have to hit it downhill,” he said. “... I could have easily got that. My size, my speed could easily gotten the first down. We would have been in a better situation, given a better play call for coach."

WFT head coach Ron Rivera called Gibson a complete back and hopes he continues to want to improve and become a three-down back.

It is amazing to see how good Gibson was last season after playing receiver in college. He showed raw skill as a back and has shown with his words that learning the running back position is something he takes seriously. John Paulsen has Gibson ranked as his #12 running back in half-point PPR.

Kyle Allen says Washington is trying to push Antonio Gibson into a similar role as Christian McCaffrey played in Carolina.

Related players: J.D McKissic, Jaret Patterson, Peyton Barber

That's a big role, as the tweet went on to say. But Rivera would know the role well, coming from Carolina. He's compared Gibson to McCaffrey in the past so it may not be a big surprise. But as we learned last year, McKissic is very nice pass catching back who could ease some of that workload, and undrafted free agent Patterson has looked good as well. He was recently compared to Darren Sproles. But this is certainly good news for Gibson and his potential workload.

TE Jonnu Smith sustained a low left ankle sprain early in Sunday’s practice.

Related players: Hunter Henry

There is no firm timetable on his return, according to the tweet. But based on the initial diagnosis, it isn’t considered a serious injury the tweet went on to say. The Pats spent heavily on TE this offseason bringing in Smith and Henry, but now both are missing time leading up to the season.

Patriots TE Hunter Henry now is expected to miss “a couple of weeks” with the shoulder injury he suffered last weekend.

Related players: Jonnu Smith

The good news, according to the rest of Schefter's tweet, is the injury isn't serious. But in the meantime, Smith will perhaps get a leg up on Henry at the position.

Patriots TE Hunter Henry injured his shoulder in Sunday's practice, and is having an MRI, per a source.

Related players: Jonnu Smith

Reiss went on to say the initial indications are that the injury doesn't appear serious. But the bad news is the injury is painful and Henry could miss time in the preseason from what Reiss is saying. It will open the door a bit for Smith.

Antonio Gibson's opportunities will only increase as he continues to find other ways of being useful to the offense. He can be used more on third downs, and the coaches can put him in different personnel packages to spread out the defense. It means that Gibson will be on the field more often, and if last year is any indication, there's nothing wrong with that.

The turf toe is no longer an issue for Gibson, according to the story. The piece also said Gibson is just dipping his toes in the water when it comes to the nuances of the passing game, and the team doesn't want to give him too much at one time. But HC Ron Rivera said in the story he thinks Gibson can handle it, so as the season goes on, it's possible Gibson sees more snaps. Gibson is ranked 12th among our RBs.

Rookies Josh Bledsoe, Rhamondre Stevenson and Cam McGrone were all placed on the non-football injury list by the Patriots today. They can come off NFI and begin practicing at any time.

This is something to keep an eye on as training camp continues, and could help Sony Michel's chances of making the 53-man roster in 2021. For now, Rhamondre Stevenson is 4for4's RB88, with expected lead back Damien Harris RB33.

Former Colts' QB Jacoby Brissett has reached agreement on a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, per source.

Jacoby Brissett will join Tua Tagovailoa in the Dolphins QB room for the 2021 season. He's a proven threat in the red zone with his legs and should provide some veteran leadership.