Beat: 'all signs point' to Gronk being ready Week 1

Jul 06, 2014

As has been the case in recent seasons, the Patriots TE situation all comes down to the health of arguably the Patriots best player: Rob Gronkowski.

At this point all signs point toward Gronk being ready to go in Week 1, but that’s really not the important part of the equation for the Patriots. Can he withstand the rigors of an NFL season and put his injury problems behind him? If he can then the lack of depth at the position won’t be much of a concern. If he can’t, then Tom Brady will have to go without a reliable pass catching tight end for the second straight season.

Fantasy Impact:

Backup Michael Hoomanawanui is not a fantasy option. So, if Gronk misses the start of the season, or any time during the season, it will likely affect the Pats offense much like last year when more WRs saw the field a greater percentage of the time without Gronk. Julian Edelman appears to be the only safe fantasy WR right now, but we should learn more about the Pats offense in camp, the status of Gronk, as well as the fantasy roles of guys like Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins, Josh Boyce and Danny Amendola. This news certainly helps Gronk's value, though, as he's our number-three TE with an ADP of the fourth round.

yesterday

Chargers to sign RB J.K. Dobbins on one-year deal

Tom Pelissero

yesterday · 7:45 PM EDT

Former Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins is planning to sign with the #Chargers on a one-year deal. Electric when healthy, Dobbins — who averages 5.8 yards per carry in his career — reunites with OC Greg Roman and can hit the market again in March.

Related Players: Gus Edwards

Fantasy Impact:

Dobbins has had poor injury luck in his career, but has only managed 234 total rushes since being drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. This is a low-risk, high-reward move by the Chargers and might give them a runway to wait a little longer in the '24 Draft before they address the position.

Apr 16

Cowboys sign RB Royce Freeman

Todd Archer

Apr 16 · 8:15 PM EDT

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.

Apr 15

Eagles sign WR DeVonta Smith to three-year extension

Ian Rapoport

Apr 15 · 10:45 AM EDT

The Eagles have paid another big-time, rising player. This time, WR DeVonta Smith gets a 3-year, $75M contract extension that includes $51M guaranteed.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, DeVante Parker, Parris Campbell

Fantasy Impact:

Great news for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense as a whole. Smith will continue his 1b role in which he finished the 2023 season as fantasy's WR22.