As Michael Crabtree ponders the next step in contract n...

Sep 09, 2009

As Michael Crabtree ponders the next step in contract negotiations, he might consider the saga of former Cincinnati Bengals receiver David Verser.
Verser was a No. 10 overall draft pick — just like Crabtree.
Verser put up big statistics for a current Big 12 school — just like Crabtree.
Verser waged a tough contract battle, signed late, got buried on the depth chart and never got his NFL career on track.
Just like Crabtree?
The 49ers certainly hope for a different ending. But with less than a week before Sunday's season opener at Arizona, the Texas Tech star appears nowhere near accepting their reported offer of five years, $20 million.
Even if he does sign, the question at this point will be how much he can contribute in 2009. Receivers rarely make an impact as rookies even in the best of circumstances.

Fantasy Impact:

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.