Bears Beat: Alshon Jeffery suspension shouldn't affect future with team

Nov 14, 2016

Alshon Jeffery’s four-game suspension should not dissuade the Chicago Bears from signing him long-term, or applying the franchise tag for a second consecutive year.

There is no question about Jeffery’s talent.

At 26, Jeffery is one of the most productive receivers in franchise history with 292 receptions for 4,358 yards and 25 touchdowns. Jeffery isn’t the fastest player on the field, but he skillfully uses his 6-foot-3 frame to create separation on both underneath and downfield routes.

Jeffery may not be a top-five receiver, but if he reaches the open market, he will be paid like one. The suspension will not reduce Jeffery’s asking price.

Fantasy Impact:

The concern with Jeffery boils down to availability. One reason Chicago hesitated to lock up Jeffery long-term last offseason is that he played in only nine games due to a variety of soft-tissue injuries. Jeffery’s mission in 2016 was to prove to the NFL he can stay healthy, and he’d been active in all nine of the Bears’ regular-season games.

yesterday

Cowboys hope to get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back for Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:55 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said he's hoping Cowboys will get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Cooper Rush will get the start at QB again against the Commanders in Week 12. CeeDee Lamb led the way with 12 targets vs. the Texans, but it was Luke Schoonmaker, who took over after Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, who had 10 targets which was most behind Lamb. The addition of Cooks should help the Cowboys offense in what is a good matchup against the Commanders defense. For the fantasy world, Rush did end up throwing for 354 yards.

Cowboys will start Cooper Rush at QB in Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:48 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said Cooper Rush "will be the starter" this week against Washington and a package of plays will be formed for Trey Lance.

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy came out and said he regrets not giving Lance a chance to run the offense in the loss to the Texans on Monday Night, but even after that the team is going forward with Rush in Week 12 against the Commanders. One would have to assume Rush gets the start the following week as well, which is a short week and a game on Thanksgiving Day game against the Giants.

49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) 'close' to playing in Week 11

The Athletic

yesterday · 3:18 PM EST

Shanahan said George Kittle was “close” to playing against Seattle and should be able to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

It's at least a good sign Kittle is expected to practice Wednesday. The hope is he will be ready to go in Week 12. The 49ers play at the Packers, and it's in the later Sunday window so owners will certainly want to pay attention to what kind of work Kittle can get in this week at practice.