Broncos Beat: Team wants to play TE A.J. Derby more

Nov 19, 2016

For a team with a former seventh-round draft pick starting at quarterback (Trevor Siemian) a former undrafted player who is a Pro Bowl player at cornerback (Chris Harris Jr.) and a sixth-rounder starting at center (Matt Paradis), the fact that the Denver Broncos sent a fifth-round pick during the season to an AFC rival to get A.J. Derby says it all.

It says the Broncos had a need big enough that they didn’t want to wait until next year to fill it. Which is why Derby was a New England backup one day, and a Broncos tight end poised for playing time the next.

"I’m definitely lucky there, both teams, New England and Denver, have Super Bowl experience," Derby said. "I can’t complain there at all. You obviously know the success they’ve had in New England, and to then come to a team that won the Super Bowl (to close out 2015 season), so I was surprised when they said 'you’re traded,' but at the same time, when they tell you Denver, just excited for the opportunity."

Related players: Virgil Green

Fantasy Impact:

Derby's playing time has reflected his work. He was inactive for the Broncos' Oct. 30 game against the Chargers, played five plays in the Broncos’ loss to the Raiders the next week, and was on the field for 44 plays in the Broncos' win this past Sunday in New Orleans. Derby finished the game with two catches for 22 yards, and flashed the speed the Broncos traded to acquire. He's probably hard to trust in lineups right now, but seems as if he's trending up and may be poised for a break out game.

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Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown's practice window to open "Friday or Monday"

Ian Rapoport

2 hours ago

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown has received final clearance to practice, paving the way for him to play before the regular season ends.

Brown, who is recovering from surgery to repair his SC joint, should have his window opened Friday or Monday. The team will be cautious.

Fantasy Impact:

If Brown were cleared by Week 17, he would be incredibly tough to start in pretty much any sort of fantasy league with Championships on the line. However, he could be an interesting click for Playoff-only leagues if he can ramp up in time.

Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker misses second straight practice

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

For a second straight day today, Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III didn’t practice due to his calf injury.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Fantasy Impact:

Looks like things should be cleared out for Charbonnet once again in what could be a very close game against the Packers. If Walker misses Week 15, fire Charbs up as a high-end RB2.

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo, Nick Bosa, and Dre Greenlaw active for Week 15

Lindsey Pallares

3 hours ago

In Week 15, the red and gold have defensive lineman Nick Bosa and linebacker Dre Greenlaw active and ready for the team's second meeting with their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams.

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers will have rookie running back Isaac Guerendo available against the Rams. He was listed as questionable on Wednesday on account of a foot sprain but was given the green light to play ahead of "Thursday Night Football."

Fantasy Impact:

We do expect Guerendo to handle the majority workload for TNF, but you do have to wonder if he gets the same type of workload he would have, had he avoided the injury report all week. Consider him closer to an RB3 than a locked-in RB2 he otherwise would have been.