WR Edelman, RB Fred Taylor out...

Dec 06, 2009

WR Julian Edelman, S Bret Lockett, RB Fred Taylor, OT Sebastian Vollmer, and CB Shawn Springs have been downgraded to "out" for Miami.

Taylor's absence was expected, even after he returned to practice on Friday. But Vollmer and Edelman had better shots to play. Springs has been inactive the last three games, though he made the trip to Indy and New Orleans, which makes this one a little different.

What does it all mean? Laurence Maroney will again be the primary guy when the offense isn't in the shotgun

Fantasy Impact:

yesterday

Raheem Mostert requests trade from 49ers

Brett Tessler on Twitter

yesterday · 5:17 PM EDT

Raheem Mostert's agent tweeted the following on Wednesday afternoon: "After months of unproductive talks with the 49ers about fairly adjusting Raheem Mostert's contract (which paid him for special teams) we have requested a trade. Disappointing that it would come to this for a guy who led all NFL RBs in YPC & helped lead them to the Super Bowl."

Fantasy Impact:

Mostert was slated to play a major role in the San Francisco backfield this fall so if he actually does end up getting traded it would have serious fantasy implications. Tevin Coleman would stand to receive a huge boost in workload and value if Mostert is playing for another team before Week 1. It's unclear what kind of compensation the 49ers will be looking for to move Mostert. He flashed big play ability last season but has a limited track record and scary injury history. If Mostert is moved, the fantasy-friendly running game in San Francisco would make Coleman a fascinating RB2 with RB1 upside.

NFL, NFLPA discussing player opt-outs for 2020 season

NFL.com

yesterday · 2:47 PM EDT

The NFL and the NFLPA have begun discussions on player opt-outs for the 2020 season amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The report notes that both the league and union anticipate that an opt-out option will be available to players. The deadline for opting out has not been agreed upon, and the report also notes that any tolling of player contracts for opting out has yet to be discussed.

Fantasy Impact:

It is too early to know if any fantasy relevant players will be opting out this season, but it is fair to assume that if opt-outs are allowed at least some players will exercise that ability. Numerous players have opted out of the MLB and NBA restarts. Depending on the names that exercise an opt-out, the pandemic could have a huge influence on the fantasy landscape for 2020. With training camps set to open in less than three weeks, the league and union have plenty of issues to sort through in a short period of time before the players take the field to prepare for a new season.

Jul 07

Giants Beat: TE Evan Engram, WR Sterling Shepard need to stay on field

New York Post

Jul 07 · 8:27 PM EDT

What Evan Engram cannot do, at least thus far, is stay healthy. He played in 11 games in 2018 and only eight last season, forced out with ligament damage in his foot that required surgery.

No one wants to talk much about what happens next with Sterling Shepard. He sustained two concussions last season that forced him out of six games. He dealt with a migraine issue earlier in his career. These are cumulative health concerns, and if Shepard continues to encounter head and concussion issues he will not make it through the length of his contract.

Related players: Daniel Jones

Fantasy Impact:

Despite the injury issues with both players, the talent is there. As a rookie in 2017, Engram had 11 receptions of 20 or more yards. In 2018, he averaged 8.7 yards after the catch per reception. That was second among all tight ends, behind only George Kittle. Shepard isn't a number-one WR, but he's a locker room asset and a nice compliment on the field. Having both healthy will be great news for Jones this year.