Beat: Look for Rob Gronkowski between Weeks 3-6

Sep 02, 2013

The expectation is that he won't be ready for the Sept. 8 opener against the Bills, or for the quick turnaround against the Jets on Thursday, Sept. 12.

Then it lines up this way:

Sept. 22: vs. Buccaneers
Sept. 29: at Falcons
Oct. 6: at Bengals
Oct. 13: vs. Saints

Sometime within that range looks like the sweet spot for when Gronkowski might be ready to deliver one of his "boom" touchdown spikes. The Patriots almost certainly would have placed him on the reserve/physically unable to perform list if that were not a realistic expectation.

Fantasy Impact:

The Boston Herald is reporting Monday that Gronk was in 11-on-11 drills and is hearing whispers that a Week 2 return is possible, which is a Thursday night. The Week 3 or 4 reports fall in line with what we've been hearing the most. Any time after the above dates and the team likely would have put Gronk on the PUP list. All things considered, it certainly seems like Gronk will return sooner than later, making those who took a shot on him in drafts very happy. If you haven't drafted yet, the safest spot is still round 3 or 4, but you should also get a capable backup.

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.