Pats Beat: James White will be 'a steady contributor the rest of the way'

Oct 14, 2016

Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald on James White's playing time:

It’s easier to forecast the New England weather than the Patriots’ backfield rotations, but White should continue to earn more playing time with Brady running the show because they’re naturally expected to throw it more. White has been impressive this season. He looks more elusive, and he has a bit more explosion in his legs. White appears to be breaking more tackles, too.

I don’t under any circumstances believe White will take Blount’s reps in the ground game because Blount is the superior player between the tackles. But I do believe White will be a steady contributor the rest of the way. I never understood why White only played 16 snaps against the Texans and 21 against the Bills. Regardless of the game plan and the quarterback for those games, White had been playing well enough to warrant more playing time for that stretch with Jacoby Brissett.

Fantasy Impact:

Howe doesn't address the return of Dion Lewis, but while Lewis remains sidelined, White should see increased snaps now that Tom Brady is back and the team is throwing the ball more.

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.