Orton says he'll play in Broncos' season opener

Sep 09, 2009

A day after returning to practice for the first time since dislocating a knuckle on the index finger of his throwing hand on Aug. 30, quarterback Kyle Orton said he expects to play in Sunday's season opener at Cincinnati.

"I'm preparing that I'm going to play. No question about it," Orton said before practice today. "(I'm trying) to take as many reps as I can this week in practice to get ready, and be ready to go on Sunday."

Stitches remain in Orton's finger because the knuckle broke through his skin when he dislocated it. During practices he's donning a protective glove to help keep the wound closed. He said the glove helps his grip, but also hinders throwing because of too much grip.

"I don't know if I'll do that on Sunday or not, but right now that's the best way for me to go," he said.

If Orton is unable to play, Chris Simms will start at quarterback. Simms returned to practice Sunday from a high-ankle sprain.

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.