Team news: New Orleans Saints | Page 30

Marquez Valdes-Scantling, wide receiver: Do with this observation what you wish, but Valdes-Scantling’s hands have been noticeably better so far in camp. Not just on blatantly catchable balls, some of which he has dropped in the past, but on passes he has no business catching, too. If he keeps this up, he’s the clear-cut No. 2 wideout behind Davante Adams.

Related players: Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard

The story said Valdes-Scantling isn’t just a deep-ball threat anymore, and that’s scary for defenses that have largely been able to game plan for a one-dimensional receiver in the past. Perhaps the biggest thing to take away is "if he keeps this up." We currently rank MVS as the team's WR4 behind Cobb and Lazard.

Add running back to the positions that have been hit by the bug as well, after rookie Jermar Jefferson left practice on Monday with a leg injury. D’Andre Swift also has missed significant practice time while nursing a sore groin.

Related players: Jamaal Williams

The story said it's a big blow for Jefferson, who has been having a nice camp and figured to play a large role in the preseason opener on Friday against Buffalo. As for Swift, the story said he’s suited up almost every day, but rarely has participated in seven-on-seven or 11-on-11 work. That's left Williams as the main back for the Lions.

Former #Packers RB Jamaal Williams is signing a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million with the #Lions, per source.

Jamaal Williams will be a nice backup to D'Andre Swift, and should be involved on passing downs. With the lack of receiving options currently in Detroit, there could be some decent work in that regard.

From NFL Now: It's looking more likely that #Raiders starting QB Derek Carr is back for 2021, while backup QB Marcus Mariota is not. He's been the subject of trade calls.

Derek Carr is currently 4for4's QB17 in John Paulsen's 'never too early rankings'. Six-year veteran Marcus Mariota has garnered some interest from various teams across the league and could find himself a third NFL home in the coming weeks.

Sean Payton said his understanding is that Alvin Kamara would be eligible to return Sunday, but said "we'll see" on whether he will play. Said it would come down to the team's plan, etc.

On the reserve/COVID-19 list, Alvin Kamara must remain quarantined through Saturday, but lucky for him and the Saints, their game is scheduled for Sunday. If he goes, Kamara will be among the top options at RB for any fantasy playoff action.

The entire Saints RB room won’t be available tomorrow bc of close contact to Alvin Kamara. Latavius Murry, Burton, Washington, RB coach all out tomorrow. They are moving Ty Montgomery to RB and calling up practice squad RB

It looks like Ty Montgomery will get the start at RB for New Orleans in Week 17. Taysom Hill should also have a meatier role in the run game this week, as well.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara has been placed on the reserve/COVID list, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. He is out Sunday and questionable to play if the Saints have a game Wild Card weekend.

A.J. Dillon should have a bigger role in Green Bay's backfield next year since Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are set to be free agents after this season. The Packers (12-3) already gave lucrative extensions to defensive tackle Kenny Clark and offensive tackle David Bakhtiari, so it's hard to imagine they'll be able to keep both Jones and Williams.

The story added Dillon could even see more time during the Packers playoff run, which could hurt the fantasy value of Jones and Williams, perhaps especially Williams who is dealing with an injury but has been the change of pace back to Jones most of this season. It seems like there is a good chance one of Jones or Williams will be playing somewhere else next season, giving Dillon a much bigger role in 2021 with the Pack.