Packers Beat: It's 'clear' that TE Jared Cook is team's starter

Jun 16, 2016

Before Jared Cook dropped out of the offseason program because of foot surgery, it became clear that he was the Packers' new No. 1 tight end.

Related players: Richard Rodgers

Fantasy Impact:

The Packers typically give their top tight around 90 targets per season. Cook has a career Catch Rate of 57.7% and 12.8 Y/R, so assuming he continues at that rate -- which may be low-balling his numbers since the quality of his targets should increase significantly -- he would catch 52 passes for 666 yards. Jermichael Finley averaged 0.34 TD per game in his final three seasons and Richard Rodgers averaged 0.50 TD last year. So if we assume 0.40 TD per game for Cook, that yields 6.4 TD for the season. In PPR formats, that’s about what Richard Rodgers scored last year as the #11 TE. Cook has upside from there if his Catch Rate and Y/R increase with Rodgers throwing him the ball, though the foot injury is keeping Cook and his quarterback from developing the chemistry necessary for consistent in-season production. If Cook stays healthy and does play starter’s snaps, then he has a great shot at TE1 numbers.

today

Jaguars TE Evan Engram out for the remainder of the season

J.P. Shadrick

1 hour ago

TE Evan Engram out for the season. Surgery coming on labrum in shoulder.

Related Players: Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Josiah Deguara

Fantasy Impact:

Bummer for Engram, who will finish the season as the TE16 with 7.3 half-PPR PPG in nine weeks.

It's unlikely that Strange pops up as a TE streamer through the remainder of the season, with no more byes on the horizon.

yesterday

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

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 7:56 PM EST

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

yesterday · 7:53 PM EST

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.