DFS Alerts

Stefon Diggs (Hamstring) Returns to Practice

Diggs returned to practice Thursday after sitting out Wednesday with a hamstring injury. While he was still considered limited officially, his participation supports the idea the Vikings were simply being careful with Diggs. Last season he finished with 102 catches, 1021 yards and 9 TD’s in 15 games, and he should have a similar role in the offense this year.

Antonio Brown Facing Suspension by Team

Antonio Brown is reportedly facing suspension by the Raiders. Brown posted a picture of a letter the team sent him regarding a fine. This led to a confrontation between Brown and GM Mike Mayock, and the team is now planning to suspend Brown. Derek Carr is the biggest loser here, as Brown would have given him an elite WR target. Instead, his only returning WR option will be 5th-string Dwayne Harris.

Tyrell Williams should be the number 1 option, but that doesn’t always equate to more production. Williams will face more attention from opposing defenses without Brown drawing defenders. Hunter Renfrow and Ryan Grant could benefit the most, given the additional snaps and targets available. TE Darren Waller and RB’s Josh Jacobs and Jalen Richard may also see bumps in targets. No single player can replace Brown, meaning his targets will either be spread around or converted to rush attempts. Given the significant change in personnel, the target distribution will be much more clear after Week 1. It looks like Brown has little chance to suit up Monday.

Robby Anderson (Calf) Will Play Sunday

Robby Anderson will play in the Week 1 opener on Sunday, according to head coach Adam Gase. Anderson had been limited in Wednesday’s practice with a calf injury. Anderson became more involved in the offense as last season progressed, including 34 targets in the last 3 games. The Jets aren’t likely to have a dynamic passing game, but with enough target volume Anderson has upside.

Robby Anderson (Calf) Limited in Practice

Robby Anderson was limited in practice due to a calf injury, but early reports indicate that he is still expected to play Week 1. The Jets likely don’t want to risk any further injury this close to the start of the season. Anderson will be the top receiving option for the Jets this season, and the addition of Le’Veon will force opposing defenses to respect the run game more.

Stefon Diggs (Hamstring) Does Not Practice

Stefon Diggs did not practice due to a hamstring injury. This is a surprising turn of events, as Diggs had been assumed healthy. This could just be a cautious move by the Vikings. We will have updates later this week. If Diggs does miss time it would help newly signed Josh Doctson carve out a larger role in the offense in Week 1.

DeSean Jackson (Finger) Full Practice Participant

DeSean Jackson was not limited by the broken ring finger he suffered during the preseason. Initial reports indicated it was a minor injury, and those reports appear correct. Unless he has a set back, assume that he will be 100% for week 1.

Matt LaCosse (Ankle) and Demaryius Thomas (Hamstring) Limited in Practice

With suspensions to both Ben Watson and Lance Kendricks, Ryan Izzo would be left as the only TE option for the Patriots if LaCosse can’t play Week 1. Izzo didn’t play a major role in the offense at Florida State and is mainly considered a blocking TE. The Patriots also love throwing to their RB’s, meaning they can survive Week 1 without forcing it to the TE. If Izzo is the only healthy option you’re likely better off looking elsewhere at TE for Week 1.

Demaryius Thomas has been working his way back from injury an Achilles injury suffered last season. Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon both missed time during the preseason but have returned, giving the Patriots a suddenly deep WR group when you include Phillip Dorsett and several other young options. Given Thomas’ recent injury history, it wouldn’t be shocking if they were cautious with him. Updates will be available closer to Sunday.

Dante Pettis (Groin) Limited in Practice

Dante Pettis was limited in practice Wednesday, still working his way back from a groin injury. Pettis should be the number 1 option for SF if he is able to get healthy. He showed flashes of his ability last season, including a 3 week stretch totaling 12 catches, 255 yards and 4 touchdowns from week 8-10. With a healthy Jimmy Garoppolo, the big play threat has significant upside. We will have more information as we get closer to Sunday.

Amari Cooper (Foot) Full Practice Participant

Amari Cooper was a full participant at practice for the Cowboys, along with all the other skill position players. There was only one offensive player limited, RG Zach Martin (back). Cooper played the best football of his career in his 9 games with the Cowboys last season, finishing with 53 catches, 725 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Marqise Lee Healthy, Josh Oliver Doubtful for Week 1

The Jaguars did not practice Wednesday, but instead released an estimate practice participation report. WR Marqise Lee would have been a full participant while Josh Oliver would not have participated. Lee has been working back from injury and his role isn’t clear with Dede Westbrook, Chris Conley and D.J. Chark all set ahead of him. Oliver is already behind Geoff Swaim and James O’Shaughnessy at TE, and the impact of him missing week 1 would be minimal.

Nick Foles (Abdominal Oblique Soreness) Expected to Play

Nick Foles appeared on the Jaguars injury report with abdominal oblique soreness, an injury he apparently picked up this week. However, it doesn’t appear to be a major issue and Foles is expected to play Sunday. Keep an eye out for any changes to his status, but at this point the injury designation appears to only be a formality.

Cam Newton (Foot) Off Week 1 Injury Report

Cam Newton did not appear on the Panthers’ injury report, indicating that he is fully healthy to start the season. He suffered a foot injury in his only preseason work this year but has returned to a normal workload. Newton’s yards per game increased significantly last season, his best since his 2015 MVP campaign. He did have fewer rush attempts and yards, but still remains a touchdown threat on the ground, with at least 4 every season of his career. His improved passing combined with his rushing potential make him a high upside QB each week.

LeSean McCoy Likely to Play Week 1

LeSean McCoy is expected to play Week 1 according to head coach Andy Reid. McCoy does have previous experience with Reid back on the Eagles in the early part of McCoy’s career. The role for McCoy still isn’t clear in the talented Chiefs backfield, which already has Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson. The job is still Damien Williams’ to lose, and he remains the best DFS option at RB on the Chiefs.

Trey Burton (Groin) Questionable Week 1

Trey Burton is officially questionably for Week 1 according to the Bears as he recovers from a groin injury. This is not a surprising designation given earlier reports this week. There will be further updates tomorrow as game time approaches, but Adam Shaheen could be an interesting value play in the opening night slate if Burton isn’t able to play.

Trent Williams Will Miss Week 1

Redskins LT Trent Williams will miss Week 1 as he continues his holdout. The 7-time Pro Bowl tackle has not reported and could miss additional games. Donald Penn appears slated to take over LT duty as needed. The 3-time Pro Bowler played just 4 games last season for the Raiders.

Not having the elite pass blocker protecting his blind side will make it tougher for QB Case Keenum to operate. The Redskins open the season against the Eagles, a team with a top pass rush. The hit to the pass protection could force more running by the Redskins, meaning Guice and Peterson could see a bump in carries. However, losing Williams is simply bad news for the entire Redskins offense.