Team news: Los Angeles Chargers | Page 9

Jaret Patterson has impressed the coaching staff, and he appears to have grasped the RB3 role right now.

Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Kimani Vidal, Elijah Dotson, Isaiah Spiller

Much like they did in Baltimore, Edwards and Dobbins will look to form the 1-2 punch. While Patterson seems to be in the lead for the RB3 role, the author of this story seems to think rookie sixth rounder Vidal could be left off the roster. He said of the four backs competing behind Edwards and Dobbins, Patterson has gotten the most reps with the first team in practice. He was also the first running back in the game Saturday, ahead of both Spiller and Dotson. The story went on to say Vidal was in uniform for warmups but did not dress for the game. Vidal has also been dealing with an injury and missed four full days of practice earlier this month, according to the story, including the joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams. The author ended by saying this competition is still wide open and things could change by the end of camp.

Following yesterday’s practice, Justin Herbert was diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot.

Doctors have recommended approximately two weeks in a boot — followed by a graduated return to play protocol — with the expectation that he will be ready for the start of the regular season.

Related Players: Easton Stick, Max Duggan

Ah yes, just what we needed; more bad news for the Chargers' passing game. Easton Stick should be stashed away in (very) deep SuperFlex Dynasty leagues, but doesn't move the needle in redraft leagues. If Herbert misses time in the regular season, the entire offense needs to be downgraded in fantasy.

It’s one day in pads but Rico Dowdle is the best RB here and there’s not a lot to argue about there.

Related players: Royce Freeman, Ezekiel Elliott, Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn

It was just a day ago it looked like, based on comments from Stephen Jones, Freeman may end up as the team's RB2 behind Elliott, and Dowdle might be battling with Davis to just make the final roster. It was just one day, but it's another example how quickly things can change. This will be a situation to watch because Elliott isn't expected to dominate the backfield like in days past, so the RB2 should have some fantasy value.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said on 1053 The Fan that veteran RB Royce Freeman has “really impressed.”

“We were just talking about it last night at the scout dinner, ‘What in the hell was he doing sitting around out there?’ An interesting guy to just have been sitting there. He’s a great 2-3 combination in terms of what he can do as a backup. He’s a big, thick guy. And he’s a hell of a special teams player as well. He’ll be a good addition and great complement to (Ezekiel Elliott). And then we’ll let these young guys between (Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis) and those guys battle it out.”

The post said the Cowboys were surprised Freeman was available when they signed him to a one-year deal in April. This could be just talk, but the thought by many was the Zeke and Dowdle would be the Cowboys 1-2 punch at running back. However, the comment by Jones indicates that Freeman could have a much bigger role. For those of you in dynasty leagues, and Freeman is on the wire, he may be worth picking up just in case.

I see Gus Edwards as the clear lead back. The secondary touches are open for competition, though if J.K. Dobbins is healthy, I think he wins that job. Edwards was nursing an injury in the spring, but according to Harbaugh, he should be ready for camp.

Related Players: Kimani Vidal

"If he's healthy" is what we've been saying throughout the entirety of Dobbins' career. He has sadly had multiple major lower-body injuries, and the Chargers signed him to a very minimal contract. Vidal remains an interesting late-round fantasy addition for an L.A. team we are expecting to run the ball a ton.

Dak Prescott gives an update on why he was recently wearing a walking boot. He says there’s “absolutely nothing” wrong with his ankle.

Related Players: Cooper Rush, Trey Lance

The QB dismissed concerns about his surgically-repaired ankle, writing off soreness due to a couple hard practices. It seems like the boot was more precautionary than anything, but it's a situation we'll keep an eye on.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, spotted here in a protective walking boot, is dealing with a very minor foot sprain and has been for a few days. It’s not considered to be anything that should affect his preparation for 2024.

Related Players: Cooper Rush, Trey Lance

A walking boot doesn't sound especially "minor", but we'll keep an eye out for updates over the next week. Former first round pick Trey Lance could be an interesting stash for deep Dynasty leagues where he remains on the waiver wire.

Former Panthers WR and current FA DJ.. Chark has agreed to terms with the #Chargers on a 1-year deal worth up to $5M. A new landing spot for Chark, who visited with LAC before the Draft.

Related Players: Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey

Chark, like most of the Panthers' pass-catchers, had a mediocre single season in Carolina, hauling in only 56.5% of his targets. It's been a long road since his 1,000+ yard season in 2019, but at the very least, he will offer Justin Herbert a little more firepower. He makes for a good dart throw in fantasy, as he could end up usurping Johnston and/or Palmer for snaps.

Running back Ezekiel Elliott and the Dallas Cowboys have agreed to terms, pending a physical that will bring the multi-time former Pro Bowler back, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Monday morning.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Royce Freeman

While we figure that Elliott will be part of a rotation this season, it's hard to imagine the team went through the NFL Draft without selecting an option just to grab their former RB1 and keep him on the bench. If you're targeting a back on the Cowboys, it should be Elliott, but it may be better to take a wait-and-see approach over the next few months.

The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.

Related Players: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn

Freeman hasn't rushed for 500 yards since 2018, his rookie season. This shouldn't have any impact on the team drafting at the position and/or bringing back Ezekiel Elliott.