DFS Alerts

Alshon Jeffery (Biceps) "Fine" for Week 1

Alshon Jeffery was a surprising add to the injury report Thursday with a “Biceps” injury. It wasn’t clear exactly what the injury was or how it happened. It has now been reported to be the result of Wednesday’s practice. At this point the injury isn’t considered serious and Jeffery is on track to play Week 1.

Dante Pettis (Groin) Full Practice Participant

Dante Pettis was able to be a full participant in Thursday’s practice, clearing the way for him to be Jimmy G’s top WR going into Week 1. SF should have a significantly improved offense this season if Garoppolo can stay healthy, and Pettis would be the biggest beneficiary.

Cameron Brate (Calf) and Antony Auclair (Calf) Full Practice Participants

TE Cameron Brate and TE Antony Auclair were both full participants in Thursday’s practice. Brate will share the bulk of the TE targets with O.J. Howard, while Antony Auclair fills more of a blocking role. Tanner Hudson could be inactive for Week 1 if Brate and Auclair are able to play.

Antonio Brown Out Week 1, Not Suspended Yet

The Raiders have not yet decided what to do with Antonio Brown, but they do not plan on having him play Week 1. Whether it is a suspension or simply telling him to stay away from the team, the Raiders will have to lean on the WR’s further down their depth chart. Tyrell Williams will have to deal with additional attention from opposing defenses, which could offset the added targets he should see. The WR’s just down the depth chart might benefit more, particular Ryan Grant and (if healthy) J.J. Nelson.

Trey Burton Inactive Thursday Night

Trey Burton is inactive Thursday night with a groin injury. Adam Shaheen will be the main option to fill in for Burton, and will provide a significant value if he can produce tonight. However, he is also likely to be a chalk play. Ben Braunecker and Bradley Sowell are the two other TE’s on the roster, but would only be worth adding to your lineup if you want to go contrarian and they happen to grab a TD.

WR Riley Ridley and RB Kerrith Whyte are the two other offensive skill players inactive for the Bears tonight.

Dexter Williams, Darrius Shepherd Inactive Thursday Night

Dexter Williams and Darrius Shepherd are the only two offensive skill players inactive for the Packers Thursday night against the Bears. Neither seemed likely to play this week, so there aren’t many adjustments needed to DFS lineups.

Antonio Brown (Conduct) Does Not Practice, J.J. Nelson (Ankle) Limited

Today it was announced the Raiders are planning to suspend Antonio Brown following his confrontation with GM Mike Mayock Wednesday. Not surprisingly, Brown did not practice today, and he was not at the facility. It is safe at this point to assume Brown will miss at least Week 1.

J.J. Nelson was limited in practice with the ankle injury he suffered last month. He does appear to be progressing towards playing Week 1, but we will be sure to track his progress. The Raiders playing on Monday night gives him an additional day to recover, and if healthy, he will benefit from the targets opened up by Brown’s suspension. Hunter Renfrow would also be in position for an expanded role.

McVay say Todd Gurley (Knee) Not on Play Count

Sean McVay said Todd Gurley won’t be on a play count to open the season. Last year Gurley was his usual dominate self in the regular season, leading the league in rushing TD’s for the second straight season and gaining 1831 yards from scrimmage in 315 touches over 14 games. However, after a strong first game of the playoffs his role fell off, totaling 14 carries and 2 catches in the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl combined.

If McVay is being truthful, Gurley will be one of the most productive players in the NFL. The concern for this season has not been around Gurley’s ability, but whether or not the Rams will try and manage his work load to have him healthy for the playoffs. Week 1 should give us a better picture of their plan and whether or not McVay is bluffing.

Alshon Jeffery (Biceps) Limited in Practice

Alshon Jeffery was added to the injury report on Thursday for a biceps injury, the first time we are hearing of this injury. The nature of this injury is not clear yet, but his absence would be a major blow for the Eagles. JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Mack Hollins would both see increased roles if Jeffery is out. Expect an additional update tomorrow to make the situation more clear.

Keke Coutee (Ankle) Limited in Practice

Keke Coutee was limited Thursday due to an ankle injury. However, the Texans do not play until Monday night, giving Coutee an additional day to recover. On the initial depth chart he was listed as the starting slot receiver, and if healthy this shouldn’t change. Newly acquired Kenny Stills has the most to gain from a potential Coutee absence. Even if Coutee plays, Stills will see some snaps, meaning he has upside if he can break one deep.

Devin Funchess (Back) Full Practice Participant

Devin Funchess was able to complete a full practice Thursday, putting him on track to play Week 1. If healthy, he will be a starter working with QB Jacoby Brissett. Like all the Colt WR’s, the Luck retirement has dampened the expectations for Funchess. Brissett has shown some flashes but it will be hard to count on any of his receiving targets until he proves that he has improved.

Julio Jones "Plans" on Playing Week 1, Won't Fully Commit

Julio Jones gave a confusing an non-committal series of answers Thursday regarding his status for Week 1. While Jones did not hold out this preseason, he has been trying to get a new extension signed before the start of the season. While he said he “plans” to play, he also said “I don’t know.” The last impressions he gave off did indicate he would play.

There has been an expectation of Jones playing even without an extension, and sitting out would be a surprising move. It is possible he is trying to create leverage in his negotiations to get a deal done before Week 1. This is certainly something that must be monitored as we get closer to Week 1. As an unrelated note, Jones did sit out practice today for rest.

Marquise Brown (Foot) Added to Injury Report, Practices Fully

Marquise Brown was added to the injury report Thursday with a foot injury. However, he practiced fully and his status for Week 1 is unchanged. However, just two days ago Brown was declared ‘full-go’ by coach John Harbaugh, so this injury designation does give some reason for concern. Monitor his status leading up to Sunday. If there aren’t any changes, expect Brown to be on the field for the Ravens, and to have some explosive upside.

Odell Beckham "will not be at full speed" Sunday in the Browns opener

Odell Beckham “will not be at full speed” Sunday in the Browns opener, but it’s not totally clear what that actually means and if it’ll have a real impact on Beckham’s Week 1 workload. He’s apparently having some trouble sprinting at full speed, which at face value is an obvious issue for a skill-position player but there hadn’t been much talk of an injury prior. There doesn’t seem to be any concern as to whether or not he’s going to be active, but this situation will be worth monitoring up until kickoff on Sunday. If Beckham is limited in any way, Jarvis Landry would figure to be the biggest beneficiary with Rashard Higgins, David Njoku and the backs also potentially seeing a slightly higher workload.

Jordan Reed Limited in Practice, Remains in Concussion Protocol

Reed suffered yet another concussion during the preseason, at least his 6th dating back to college, and remains in the concussion protocol despite returning to practice. If he is able to pass protocol by Saturday he should play. Otherwise, Vernon Davis and Jeremy Sprinkle will split TE duty. Reed missed the last 3 games of last season, and neither backup TE saw significant targets. In the one game both Sprinkle and Davis played without Reed, both received 3 targets. Davis had 2 catches for 16 yards while Sprinkle had 2 catches, 19 yards and a TD. Either player could hit value if they get a TD, but the split targets will make both high-risk plays.