Maroney listed as third RB on Pats depth chart

Aug 09, 2010

Usually, we’re chatting about Laurence Maroney’s hair in this blog, or what he has to say about his long and unruly locks.

Today, we’re going to talk about his game, because he’s suddenly fallen down the depth chart. During most of the second practice session, 34-year-old veteran Fred Taylor was taking the snaps with the first unit.

Maroney?

He fell in line after Sammy Morris. This is not the kind of development you’re looking for from the fifth year back, who is in the final year of his contract. Is Patriots coach Bill Belichick sending a message to Maroney? Or is he really just trying to see how good Taylor’s right ankle is after last year’s surgery, and if the veteran back is still worth a roster spot?

Fantasy Impact:

It's not really surprising, Maroney has been in and out of the dog house his whole, short career and anyone who follows this realizes it could certainly change again by game one. But it's something to monitor as the preseason goes on. Any New England RB is probably one to stay away from when all is said and done.

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.