Derrick Ward leaves game with ankle injury, Ben Tate explodes

Sep 11, 2011

That the Texans would open their 10th season Sunday with the NFL's leading rusher on the roster was impressive enough.

But the fact said running back, Arian Foster, wouldn't be active for the game, yet the Texans could still have 100 rushing yards by halftime – plus a stunning 34-0 lead over the Indianapolis Colts - spoke even more eloquently about how far they've come as an offense.

Note, too, that Derrick Ward, the man who started for the injured Foster, was already icing a sprained ankle and done for the day.

Not a beat would be missed because second-year pro Ben Tate, making his regular-season NFL debut, gained 116 yards while averaging nearly five per carry and scored his first touchdown.

Fantasy Impact:

Before the ankle injury, it was looking as if Ward would get more carries, but Tate impressed in a great matchup against a bad Colts rush defense and is looking like the right guy to own given the injuries to Foster and Ward.

Apr 17

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

Tom Pelissero

Apr 17 · 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.