Bears expect Cutler back for week 17

Nov 21, 2011

Jay Cutler will have surgery for a fractured thumb sustained in Sunday's win over the San Diego Chargers and will be "out for an extended period of time," Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith told reporters Monday.

The team has not announced a date for Cutler's surgery. Smith said the plan is for Cutler to have surgery "as soon as possible" with the expectation the quarterback will return before their season finale Jan. 1 against the Minnesota Vikings.

"Is it a season-ending injury? No," Smith said. "From what I’ve been told is we can expect him back before the end of the regular season."

Cutler suffered the injury during the fourth quarter when he was taken down by Chargers linebacker Donald Butler following an interception. Cutler remained in the game, however, and the team did not announce an injury.

Fantasy Impact:

Caleb Hanie will be asked to steer the Bears ship until Cutler can return. Hopefully the Bears will still be in the playoff hunt at that time. Hanie is a 3rd year player, undrafted out of Colorado State. He is said to posses "escapability." We'll get our first look at him this weekend in Oakland.

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.