As he came away from the Redskins’ preseason opener aga...

Aug 11, 2013

As he came away from the Redskins’ preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday, Coach Mike Shanahan expressed encouragement over the performances of running backs Roy Helu Jr. and Evan Royster.

Each back averaged an effective 4.4 yards per carry against Tennessee. Helu, who got the start, gained 57 yards on 13 carries, while Royster rushed for 62 yards on 14 carries.

Fantasy Impact:

As the story points out, each has a different style. While starter Alfred Morris is a bruising runner, Helu excels because of his speed and big-play ability. His receiving skills also make him an effective third-down back. Royster, meanwhile, is a smoother runner, has good field vision and picks up yards in chunks. With backs like Keiland Williams and rookies Chris Thompson and Jawan Jamison also on the roster the Skins are deep. Helu's third down ability perhaps gives him an advantage which could make Royster expendable. In terms of a Morris handcuff, it's something worth watching.

today

Ravens RB Keaton Mitchell (knee) has chance to play Week 10

CBS Sports

50 minutes ago

Head coach John Harbaugh told reporters Monday that Keaton Mitchell (knee) has a chance to play in Thursday night's matchup against the Bengals, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports.

Related players: Derrick Henry, Justice Hill

Fantasy Impact:

Mitchell tore his ACL in Week 15 last year but has been practicing fully since last week. He didn't play in Week 9 but could get the call in Week 10. We all remember how explosive Mitchell was last year and eventually had stand-alone fantasy value despite not being a bell cow type back. He probably won't be that this season either with Henry leading the way and Hill also showing he's productive. Mitchell will also likely be eased back in the lineup at least to start, but at some point Mitchell could perhaps take over Hill's workload if he can prove to be as dynamic as he was a year ago.

NFL flexes Bengals-Chargers to prime time in Week 11

Pro Football Talk

1 hour ago

The league has flexed the Super Bowl III rematch between the Colts and Jets out of prime-time in Week 11. Taking its place will be Bengals-Chargers.

Fantasy Impact:

The Colts at the Jets game is now an early game that Sunday with Bengals-Chargers moving to the Sunday night game.

Bills WR Amari Cooper (wrist) day to day

Sal Capaccio on X

1 hour ago

WR Amari Cooper, CB Christian Benford and FB Reggie Gilliam are all considered day-to-day, according to Bills head coach Sean McDermott.

Fantasy Impact:

It was a surprise that Cooper was inactive leading up to Week 9. Cooper did log limited sessions last week, so owners will want to pay close attention to this week's practice reports to see if Cooper can get in a full session. The good news for owners is Cooper and the Bills play an early Sunday game at the Colts, so owners should know in plenty of time to adjust their lineups based on Coopers game status.