Pats Beat: No need to rush RB Dion Lewis back

Nov 07, 2016

The Pats are "holding out hope" that RB Dion Lewis will be available for the Week 10 game versus Seattle, according to a recent Boston Herald report.

Just because he will soon be moved to the active roster does not mean he'll soon be a major contributor for the Pats offense. The Pats are 7-1 and in first place in the AFC. They have a capable backup in James White. They can afford to mix Lewis in slowly and then crank up his workload as the playoffs approach.

Fantasy Impact:

The story went on to say there is logic in shortening Lewis' season. He is as prone to injury as he is dynamic. In 2011 and 2012, he dealt with two separate hamstring issues during training camp with the Eagles. In 2013, he broke his leg in the preseason with the Browns. Lewis missed a game in 2015 due to an abdominal injury before tearing his ACL in Week 9. The Pats would be wise to gradually increase his snap count as the regular season concludes.

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.