New England Patriots Pro Bowl wide receiver Wes Welker ...

Apr 05, 2012

New England Patriots Pro Bowl wide receiver Wes Welker said Chad Ochocinco will have a role in New England's offense and he suspects it will be more prominent than the one he had in 2011.

"Chad's such a great player and he has been for a long time," Welker said.

"If you have him go out there and run a comeback, he's the best comeback runner I think I've ever seen. Being able to do some of those different things for us will be huge and I look for him to improve greatly from this past year."

Ochocinco struggled to fully grasp the Patriots' complex scheme after being traded to New England in the lockout shortened offseason. The six-time Pro Bowl receiver had career lows in every major category (minus yards per reception), after playing sparingly due to a lack of familiarity with the ninth ranked offense in the NFL.

That should change with one season under his belt in New England and a full offseason with Tom Brady, Welker and the rest of the Patriots' explosive offense. Ochocinco was never a renowned route runner during his time in Cincinnati, something that is crucial in New England's offense, but he has never lacked talent.

Fantasy Impact:

It's tough to buy into Ochocinco's upside in New England after the Patriots signed Brandon Lloyd this offseason. Ochocinco had a tough time getting on the field in 2011 and it's not going to be any easier with Lloyd in town.

yesterday

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker listed as DNP; RB Zach Carbonnet full

Adam Schefter on X

1 hour ago

Seahawks listed RB Kenneth Walker III as a Did Not Practice today while RB Zach Charbonnet was upgraded to full practice ahead of Thursday night’s game at Chicago.

Fantasy Impact:

Walker is dealing with an ankle injury and as we get closer to Thursday his status really seems to be in doubt. Charbonnet would be the team's lead back and looks to be good to go despite dealing with an elbow injury. He'd once again be a great option if Walker is unable to go.

Charger RBs Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins listed as limited

Pro Football Talk

1 hour ago

Gus Edwards is listed as a limited participant due to an ankle injury. Edwards ran 14 times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday’s win over the Broncos.

J.K. Dobbins (knee) was also limited in his first appearance on the injury report since being designated for return from injured reserve.

Fantasy Impact:

The story said if Dobbins is going to play against the Patriots, the Chargers will have to activate him by Friday. It could be a tricky situation depending on each back's status. Owners will want to pay close attention to this situation leading up to game time.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow, WR Tee Higgins listed as limited

Pro Football Talk

1 hour ago

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters on Tuesday that he feels like he’s totally past his right wrist injury, but it still landed him on the team’s injury report.

Burrow was listed as limited due to the wrist and his knee

Wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was listed as limited as well,

Fantasy Impact:

The story said Burrow's injury shouldn’t create much cause for concern about his availability against the Broncos on Saturday since he was listed as limited all of last week before playing without issue in the team’s win over the Browns. Burrow added there are still things he does to help with it but he's pretty much past it. The story added Higgins also played without incident last Sunday after being on the report all week.