Austin Seferian-Jenkins trying to make strides

Aug 09, 2016

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins hauled in a huge catch over the middle in traffic during Tuesday’s training camp practice and flashed a big smile. Exactly two months ago today, on the final day of OTAs, he was booted from practice because head coach Dirk Koetter said, “He didn’t know what he was doing.”

The Bucs' starting tight end last year said it was exactly what he needed at the time. “[Coach Koetter] won't settle for me being average or good. He won't even settle for me being great. He wants me to be special,” Seferian-Jenkins said after Tuesday’s practice, the final open practice before the Bucs head to Philadelphia for their first game of the preseason. “I really thank God every single day he kicked me out of practice. It was really a wake-up call.”

Fantasy Impact:

While Seferian-Jenkins was all smiles and very chatty after practice, he hasn't been that way all of training camp, and questions lingered about his status with the team. When the Bucs released the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, it was Cameron Brate, not ASJ, whose name was at the top. The last two practices, Seferian-Jenkins made some noticeable catches in traffic. But he also had a drop in the red zone Tuesday that drew the ire of some fans who, like many, had hoped this could be the tight end's breakout year. He's been on the brink the last two seasons, but injuries, penalties, some technique issues and questionable decisions -- paying homage to Captain Morgan in a touchdown celebration and posting it on Instagram during his rookie season, and arguing with fans on Twitter after he was booted from practice -- have held him back, the story all said.

yesterday

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) listed as DNP Tuesday

Pro Football Talk

yesterday · 6:31 PM EST

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan shared his team’s pre-practice injury report at a Tuesday press conference and it was the same as Monday’s estimated one, so several key players are on the sideline ahead of Thursday’s game against the Rams.

Among them was RB Isaac Guerendo.

Related players: Patrick Taylor, Israel Abanikanda

Fantasy Impact:

Guerendo had a great game in Week 14, but left with a sprained foot. Guerendo said afterward he felt great and it was just precautionary. However, we know by now we can't always trust when a player talks about his status for the following week. The DNPs for both Monday and Tuesday are not a great sign for Guerendo's chances to play in Week 15, which is a short week against the Rams on Thursday Night Football. Guerendo's practice status for Wednesday will hopefully will give us a better idea. Taylor would likely be next up for the 49ers if Guerendo can't go.

Moore: Eagles want to 'increase the likelihood' WR A.J. Brown gets the ball

Pro Football Talk

yesterday · 4:49 PM EST

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown’s comment that the team’s passing offense needs to improve in the wake of Sunday’s 22-16 win over the Panthers has been the biggest topic of conversation of the week in Philadelphia and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore got his chance to weigh in on it Tuesday.

Moore said he speaks to Brown and other members of the offense every week and said “the flows of seasons” call for weekly conversations about how to get the most out of the passing offense. Part of that process for this week is working on ways to get the ball to Brown after he was targeted four times against Carolina.

“I’m going to focus more on trying to find different ways of increasing the likelihood of the ball going to him,” Moore said, via a transcript from the team.

Fantasy Impact:

Brown came out and criticized the passing game after just getting by the Panthers in Week 14. The Eagles, thanks to Saquon Barkley, have been a run-first team this year, and it's largely worked, thanks also to an improved defense. DeVonta Smith has also voiced frustration recently. The Eagles aren't likely to stop giving Barkley the ball, but we've had a few stories in the news this week featuring unhappy WRs, and there can often be a bit of a change in the game plan to keep players happy. The Eagles host the Steelers this week, so things may not come easy again for the offense.

Steelers call WR George Pickens doubtful, outside chance to play

Pro Football Talk

yesterday · 12:37 PM EST

The Steelers did not have receiver George Pickens for their Week 14 victory over the Browns and they are likely to be without him again against the Eagles on Sunday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said in his Tuesday press conference that Pickens could be characterized as doubtful for Week 15, but there is still an outside chance he’ll play.

Fantasy Impact:

The Steelers thought Pickens would play last week but was eventually ruled out. After Sunday’s contest, Pickens underwent an MRI, which revealed the injury was more significant than initially believed, the story said. Reports from those who follow the team on Monday mentioned it was unlikely Pickens would play, and that's certainly looking like the case.