More shotgun formation for Big Ben because of foot?

Dec 03, 2010

Ben Roethlisberger indeed has a broken bone in his foot, but it was broken a long time ago, probably seven or eight years ago. The fracture was not determined until after the home loss against the New England Patriots last month when Roethlisberger stepped on an awkward spot on the field and sprained his foot. An examination revealed the previous unbeknownst fracture.

The injury was exacerbated on the first series against the Buffalo Bills when Roethlisberger went to plant on his foot and felt the pain again.

Roethlisberger is wearing a shoe that is protected by metal braces during practice this week, but he will not be allowed to wear that shoe during the Ravens game because it is not allowed under NFL guidelines.

But his biggest problem will be this:

Because he is not able to drop back as well as he would like, Roethlisberger is not be able to take a lot of snaps under center and a might have to line in the shotgun most of the time. Typically, Roethlisberger lines in the shotgun maybe only 30 percent of the time.

Fantasy Impact:

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.