Mixed Messaging from Chuck Pagano on RB Marlon Mack

Oct 14, 2017

Based on coach Chuck Pagano's comments earlier this week, the fourth-round pick should see an increase in his workload in the backfield that also features Gore and Robert Turbin. Gore is still the team's primary running back, while Turbin excels in short-yardage situations.

It's also important to note Pagano also said this week Mack is not ready to be an every down back or third down back. And then he also said this during the week:

"I think it'd be wise to try to find ways to get him the football and get him more involved," Pagano said about Mack. "I think that would've happened by itself had he been available the entire time. Marlon is a change-of-pace guy, he's a speed guy. He's an edge guy. When he gets outside on the perimeter he's dangerous, and we all saw that."

Related Players: Frank Gore, Robert Turbin

Fantasy Impact:

The only clarity we have here is that Chuck Pagano thinks Marlon Mack (maybe) needs more touches, but he doesn't view him as an every down back. Perhaps, the Colts view Mack as a satellite back only for 2017. Frank Gore is not going to lose his job unless he gets injured (which he never does) because he's an elite pass protector. That's huge for the Colts who have had an injured franchise quarterback. As for Mack, he's seen 11, 7, and 10 touches in his three games this year. Like Washington's Chris Thompson, he'll likely need to remain extremely efficient with his touches to be fantasy relevant each week with Gore still in the picture.

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.