Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell loses $855k game check for Week 1

Sep 08, 2018

The Steelers buses are on the road to Cleveland and RB Le’Veon Bell is not on them, I’m told. Bell will leave a $855K game check on the table and the wait is on. James Conner is their starter until Bell is back.

Fantasy Impact:

Only two things seem plausible in this standoff because of league rules involved with franchise tagged players. Either Bell reports and signs the franchise tag, or he continues to be AWOL. Because of the franchise tag, the Steelers and Bell canonot negotiate a long-term deal until after the season, even if he signs the franchise tag tender. It's also unlikely the Steelers would trade Bell if he signs the tender, because another team couldn't give him a long-term deal either (like the Bears did with Khalil Mack), because Bell would still be on the franchise tag. Why would another team trade for Bell unsure if he'll be there past this year? The team could pull the franchise tag, but that would instantly make Bell a free agent, which would essentially reward Bell for his holdout, giving him the freedom to negotiate a long-term deal with any team and potentially put him on the roster of one of the Steelers' AFC rivals this season. Ultimately, it appears Bell must decide whether he wants to play on the franchise tag again for a portion of this season or risk sitting out a full year, believing the open market will still pay him handsomely in the offseason.

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Cowboys Beat: TE Jake Ferguson not expected to play Thursday

Nick Harris on X

1 hour ago

Long list here, but this is what I’ve gathered:

Guys I expect to play: Brandin Cooks, CeeDee Lamb, Tyler Smith, Cooper Rush

Guys I don’t expect to play: Jake Ferguson, Caelen Carson (possible IR), Zack Martin, Asim Richards

Gonna be close: Trevon Diggs, Eric Kendricks, Marshawn Kneeland

Related players: Luke Schoonmaker

Fantasy Impact:

Ferguson didn't practice Tuesday and remains in protocol, while Rush and Lamb both logged limited sessions. Cooks was also limited. Harris expects Rush, Lamb and Cooks to all play on Thanksgiving against the Giants. If Ferguson is out, Schoonmaker makes for a nice option as a replacement TE in fantasy lineups.

QB Daniel Jones has 'leading' choice, decision could come Wednesday

Josina Anderson on X

1 hour ago

A high-ranking league official told me they have the impression QB Daniel Jones has zeroed on a "leading" choice. While another high-ranking league source told me their understanding is Jones "is telling teams tomorrow."

Fantasy Impact:

Jones seems headed for a backup job and the Ravens, Vikings and Bucs seem like teams that could be in the market. There is a report that says Jones has eliminated the Raiders from contention. As the report said, a decision could come Wednesday from Jones.

Saints say WR Chris Olave (concussion) in a good place

Katherine Terrell on X

1 hour ago

Darren Rizzi said that Chris Olave is in a good place.

Fantasy Impact:

The post went on to say Olave was at the Saints practice on Tuesday and that Olave has seen several specialists and has another appointment coming up soon. On IR, the earliest Olave could be back is Week 15, but there seems to be a ways to go before we get to that point. Other reports say Olave may not return this season.