Lions WR Ryan Broyles may be ready for training camp

May 30, 2012

The Lions had a very high grade on WR Ryan Broyles, who some believe would have been a first round pick had it not been for the torn ACL that ended his record-breaking career with the Sooners early. Also, under offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, the Lions featured three-, four- or even five-receiver sets on nearly 75% of their offensive snaps a season ago so receivers are always needed. Finally, Broyles is a completely different style of wideout than Johnson, Burleson and Young and therefore should be in a position to succeed once he proves himself fully recovered from the injury.

The 5-10, 192 pound Broyles left Oklahoma having caught an NCAA-record 349 passes over his career. He's not as big or fast (even when healthy) as Johnson, Burleson or Young. Broyles, however, is further along as a route-runner than any of these three at similar points in their career. His game is built around his flexibility and burst out of his breaks as a short to intermediate route-runner. He also has terrific hands. Simply put, Broyles gains separation and catches the football, which is why some clubs graded him as the top slot receiver prospect in the 2012 draft.

And the injury? Broyles (and more importantly team sources) indicate that the rehabilitation is coming along well. Only five months after tearing the ligaments against Texas A&M, Broyles completed a full Pro Day workout that included running the 40-yard dash in a respectable 4.57 seconds. He participated in the team's recent OTA's and the Lions believe he has a shot at being back on the field full time for training camp.

Fantasy Impact:

Broyles is worth watching as he presses Nate Burleson and Titus Young for snaps. Broyles is a more natural slot receiver than either of those players, so he could work his way into a WR3 role rather quickly.

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.