Mike Sando of ESPN: One school of thought says the ...

Aug 16, 2012

Mike Sando of ESPN:

One school of thought says the San Francisco 49ers got the most they'll ever get from quarterback Alex Smith last season.

What if last season was only the beginning?

That question ran through my mind while watching Smith fire passes on time and on target during a recent three-day stay at 49ers training camp. The answer became clearer every time Smith connected with newcomers Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, which was frequently. He appeared more accurate, more confident and more in command than I can ever recall seeing Smith during a training camp -- or any other time, for that matter.

"He's letting the ball go, he's making the right decisions and he's not afraid," tight end Vernon Davis said. "He's playing ball, he's having fun."

Fantasy Impact:

Smith finished the season with 3,144 yards, 17 TDs versus only five interceptions, but posted a respectable 7.1 yards per attempt, which ranked 17th among QBs with at least 10 games played. The 49ers added Randy Moss, Mario Manningham, A.J. Jenkins and LaMichael James to boost the passing game, and HC Jim Harbaugh has indicated that he has confidence in Smith, so it appears that they plan to open up the passing game a bit more. Considering he finished QB14 last year, our #18 ranking seems reasonable. He's the 25th QB off the board, so he's a solid QB2 that can be had dirt cheap.

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.