Player News
Review the latest player news for a specified group of players.
a d v e r t i s e m e n t
News: Johnson, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee earlier this month, expects to be sidelined for three-to four-weeks, the Associated Press reports. (May 21)
Impact: Johnson's ability to participate in the Texans' current OTA's will obviously be limited by his knee issue. On the plus side, Johnson is in line to be good to go in time for the start of training camp in August, barring a setback. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 3:17p ET)
Overall Rank: 12
Position Rank: 2
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Johnson underwent a left knee scope this offseason, Stephanie Stradley of The Houston Chronicle reports. (May 21)
Impact: Though Johnson did not participate in the Texans' organized team activities Monday, coach Gary Kubiak noted that the star wideout probably could have. In any case, Johnson's scope is being downplayed and it sounds like he will be good to go when it counts. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 1:52p ET)
Overall Rank: 12
Position Rank: 2
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Winslow says the team is looking to trade him, Stephen Holder of the Tampa Bay Times reports. (May 21)
Impact: Winslow has said that first-year coach Greg Schiano has told him the team is planning on moving on without him. The Buccaneers have indicated they will pursue free agent Dallas Clark this week, who would presumably become the starter at tight end. Despite the pedigree of a top ten draft pick and having a Hall of Fame father, Winslow has not been the consistently dominating force many envisioned when he came out of the University of Miami. At this point, he's not likely to net much of a return for the Bucs in a trade. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 11:12a ET)
Overall Rank: 125
Position Rank: 15
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Wells noted Friday that he is "coming along" in his recovery from offseason knee surgery, the Cardinals' official site reports. (May 18)
Impact: "I'm rehabbing, just trying to get back," said Wells, who doesn't have a timetable for his return to the field. That said, it doesn't sound like there is any concern about his availability for the season, with most of the gray area lying in what he'll be able to do leading up to training camp. "I am hopeful, but it's offseason stuff," Wells said. "Being ready for training camp is the most important thing." (Source: RotoWire / Time: 4:32p ET)
Overall Rank: 60
Position Rank: 22
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Coach Ken Whisenhunt said the competition between Skelton and Kevin Kolb will begin "as evenly as possible," NFL.com reports. (May 18)
Impact: This has been the narrative throughout the offseason for the Cards, as Skelton's 6-2 record under center turned some heads. Statistically, Kolb outperformed Skelton, but was unable to translate that into victories. Either quarterback, however, should receive a boost from the revamped passing game (Michael Floyd) and run game (the return of Ryan Williams). (Source: RotoWire / Time: 2:38p ET)
Overall Rank: 399
Position Rank: 52
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Welker's recent comments about his negotiations with the Patriots have reportedly not gone over well with the team, the Boston Globe reports. (May 18)
Impact: Among other things, Welker noted that "there have been talks, but nothing that's brightened anything at all. It's actually gotten worse." In the meantime, Welker recently signed his franchise tag, which will pay him a guaranteed $9.515 million this season. The report suggests that the Patriots' current offer to the wideout is now less than the two-year, $16 million deal the team had proposed last year and goes on to speculate that this could be Welker's last season with the team. We'll take that last bit with a grain of salt, and though he is not the sort of player who needs extra motivation to produce, Welker in playing-for-his-next-contract mode can't hurt fantasy owners. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 11:57a ET)
Overall Rank: 24
Position Rank: 6
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Blackmon has impressed players and coaches with his performance at OTAs so far, according to the Florida Times-Union. (May 18)
Impact: "He's ahead of where you think most rookies would be," said coach Mike Mularkey. Blackmon has the potential to become this year's Offensive Rookie of the Year, but his development depends almost entirely on the ability of quarterback Blaine Gabbert to get him the ball. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 7:57a ET)
Overall Rank: 95
Position Rank: 35
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Coach Mike Munchak acknowledged Sunday that Britt -- who is bouncing back from both a torn AC and MCL - might require a second procedure on his knee at some point, NFL.com reports. (May 14)
Impact: While it's no lock that will be the case, even hinting at such a possibility suggests the wideout's knee remains a concern. "I think it always is (possible)," Munchak said of the possibility of another knee procedure for Britt. "I don't know if he will at some point, but I think that's something that's common with that injury." In any case, given Britt's status, it's completely justifiable that the Titans took fellow wideout Kendall Wright in April's draft. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 12:51p ET)
Overall Rank: 64
Position Rank: 25
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Wilson will compete for the starting quarterback job in training camp with Tarvaris Jackson and Matt Flynn, the Seattle Times reports. (May 14)
Impact: Coach Pete Carroll made the announcement after Seattle's three-day rookie minicamp this weekend. "He did an excellent job of demonstrating that he is prepared for this," Carroll said. " ... He left really no question that he needs to be involved in the competition." It would be highly surprising if Wilson won the starting job, or even the backup job. Carroll is a big believer in camp competition at every position, and this appears to be little more than ramping up the QB competition. Then again, Jackson is likely only a fall-back option, so if Flynn doesn't pan out, Wilson could get a serious look at the job. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 11:45a ET)
Overall Rank: 979
Position Rank: 122
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Coach Pat Shurmur said that Richardson will participate fully in the Browns' rookie minicamp -- which starts Friday -- despite his minor offseason knee scope, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports. (May 10)
Impact: Given how aggressive the Browns were in acquiring Richardson in April's draft, it's pretty clear that the team isn't worried about the rookie's long-term health. From all indications, the Browns don't plan to be shy about deploying Richardson extensively out of the gate. Given his upside and projected haevy workload, those wishing to land Richardson in fantasy drafts will have to be nearly as proactive as the Browns were in landing him. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 2:14p ET)
Overall Rank: 40
Position Rank: 17
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Charles expects to join his teammates in their first full-squad practice on May 21 and feels that he will be more than ready for the start of the season, ESPN.com's Bill Williamson reports. (May 9)
Impact: Judging from Charles' strong statements, he's expecting to have his best year yet despite the recovery from an ACL tear he suffered last September. Though any player in his position is likely to offer similar sentiments, the passion in Charles' words and the hunger that is evident in his tone make it difficult to doubt him. As if issued as a warning to the league, he proclaimed, "When I touch the field again, you're going to feel my pain." The intensity and drive with which he's attacked his rehabilitation process are apparent in those words. He went on to say with regard to his physical condition, "I feel it in me that I can bring a lot to the team this year, being bigger, stronger and maybe even a little faster." While he has to be cleared by his surgeon, the famous Dr. James Andrews, before he can actually participate in Kansas City's OTAs, his admission that he's already been cutting and catching balls while working out with teammates is a great indication that Charles is putting himself in position to back up his strong words. While the remainder of his offseason obviously needs to be watched carefully, if Charles can put his money where his mouth is during the preseason, he should once again be considered with a high draft pick. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 3:26p ET)
Overall Rank: 27
Position Rank: 13
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Though Peterson (knee) hopes to be back in action by Week 1 this coming season, Vikings head athletic trainer Eric Sugarman suggests that's no lock to occur, the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports. "I love Adrian," Sugarman said Tuesday. "But let's make this clear: I'm still not going to be quoted as saying he's going to play in the first game. That's not fair. I don't know that." (May 9)
Impact: "He'll keep throwing that out there. And good for him," Sugarman added. "That's great. That's obviously our goal, to get him playing the first game. But only if he's functionally safe to do it. This is our franchise. We can't be foolish about this." Sugarman said Peterson's left quadriceps is back to about 80 percent strength, has no swelling in his left leg and his leg has regained normal motion. However, Peterson has problems with deceleration, which is normal in a recovery from an ACL tear. Peterson has been running since late March and has started to cut. Peterson and Sugarman are slated to hold a news conference Wednesday to update the running back's progress in his rehab, but from all accounts that has been going well. In any case, Peterson's status will be worth monitoring closely in the coming weeks, as when to draft him this season is very much up for debate at this point. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 10:10a ET)
Overall Rank: 35
Position Rank: 15
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Ravens have signed Jones to a two-year, $7 million contract, the Carroll County Times reports. (May 8)
Impact: Jones, who can also help in the return game, is clearly behind Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith in the Ravens' WR pecking order, but he has a good shot to nail down the team's No. 3 wideout gig over the likes of Tandon Doss, David Reed, LaQuan Williams and Tommy Streeter. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 6:59p ET)
Overall Rank: 228
Position Rank: 85
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Longwell was cut by Minnesota, ESPN 1500 am Twin Cites reports. (May 7)
Impact: The Vikings will save some long-term cap room as he was due $7 million over the next three seasons. Blair Walsh, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2012 draft, will take over placekicking and kickoff duties. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 6:00p ET)
Overall Rank: 352
Position Rank: 36
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Bills have signed Jackson to a two-year contract extension, NFL.com reports. (May 7)
Impact: Jackson rushed for 934 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games last season before suffering a fractured fibula in Week 11. Jackson has indicated he is now 100 percent healed from the injury, but notes he's not quite in "football shape." In any case, with his contract out of the way, Jackson can now focus on re-establishing his role in a Bills' offense that also needs to find ways to get the ball into C.J. Spiller's hands. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 2:44p ET)
Overall Rank: 21
Position Rank: 11
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Patriots have agreed to terms with Addai, the Boston Globe reports. (May 6)
Impact: The Patriots were looking to add a veteran to work with second-year backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen, in the wake of the departure of BenJarvus Green-Ellis via free agency. Addai, who averaged 3.7 yards per carry last season with the Colts, can help the Patriots' offense with his ability as a receiver out of the backfield, but his addition to the mix (Danny Woodhead is still around, as well) suggests a fantasy-draining committee approach, when all or most of the team's backs are healthy. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 8:45a ET)
Overall Rank: 188
Position Rank: 67
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: Gaffney has signed to a two-year deal with the Patriots, NFL.com reports. (May 2)
Impact: Gaffney was released by Redskins on Tuesday despite recording career-high highs in 2011 with 68 catches for 947 yards and five touchdowns. He'll be hard-pressed to match those numbers in his second stint with New England, given that the Patriots' wideout corps is already crowded and headed by Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 5:19p ET)
Overall Rank: 145
Position Rank: 53
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Saints and Brees are still not close to reaching a deal to extend the QB's contract, ESPN.com reports. (May 2)
Impact: Brees has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender and has skipped the team's voluntary workouts thus far. It's beyond obvious that the Saints need to get this taken care of soon -- GM Mickey Loomis acknowledges that Brees' contract is the team's most important order of business -- especially in the wake of the team's coaching staff and defensive corps being hit with suspensions as a result of "Bounty Gate." (Source: RotoWire / Time: 2:20p ET)
Overall Rank: 9
Position Rank: 4
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Browns selected Weeden in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, 22nd overall. (Apr 26)
Impact: Colt McCoy's days as Cleveland's starter are semi-officially numbered. A competition is still in store, but Weeden possesses vastly superior arm strength and can put vertical pressure on a defense. Plus, teams don't draft quarterbacks in the first round so they can keep them on the bench. Weeden is not the most intriguing fantasy option, in any case, unless Cleveland adds some talent at receiver and right tackle. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 10:15p ET)
Overall Rank: 181
Position Rank: 31
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Cardinals selected Floyd in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, 13th overall. (Apr 26)
Impact: Floyd gives the Cardinals a terrific option opposite elite pass-catcher, Larry Fitzgerald. The Notre Dame product has a very good combo of size and playmaking ability and regardless of who is behind center for the Cards this season, their passing attack just got a whole lot more dynamic with this pick. While there is no immediate danger of Floyd overtaking Fitzgerald as the team's top wideout, he figures to see his share of targets out of the gate in his role as the legit No. 2 target that the team has been seeking. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 9:28p ET)
Overall Rank: 130
Position Rank: 46
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Dolphins selected Tannehill in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, eighth overall. (Apr 26)
Impact: After missing out on Peyton Manning, Robert Griffin and Matt Flynn, the Dolphins finally grab hold of a player with indications of franchise quarterback potential. Tannehill's development was stunted by a two-year assignment at wide receiver, but he has a lot of long-term potential thanks to his combination of athleticism, arm strength and intelligence. It wouldn't surprise if he opens his career as a backup, however. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 8:51p ET)
Overall Rank: 303
Position Rank: 37
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Jaguars selected Blackmon in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, fifth overall. (Apr 26)
Impact: The Jags badly needed to add some weapons for QB Blaine Gabbert and Blackmon is a good one. The Oklahoma State product may not be in the prospect class of the likes of Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson, but he's a quality target with good hands and route-running skills, in the mold of Anquan Boldin. What sort of fantasy impact he will make as a rookie, however, hinges largely on Gabbert's development. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 8:38p ET)
Overall Rank: 95
Position Rank: 35
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Browns selected Richardson in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, third overall. (Apr 26)
Impact: The Browns traded the fourth overall pick and picks in the fourth, fifth and seventh rounds in order to get the third pick from Minnesota. The Alabama product is nearly flawless as a prospect, possessing good speed and good hands to go along with excellent balance and rare power. He will start for Cleveland and should be considered at least an RB2 in nearly all formats. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 8:24p ET)
Overall Rank: 40
Position Rank: 17
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Redskins selected Griffin in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, second overall. (Apr 26)
Impact: The Baylor star and Heisman Trophy winner is the highest quarterback selection for Washington since Heath Shuler went third overall in 1994. He more than likely will be Washington's Week 1 starter in 2012, and his combination of excellent deep accuracy and 4.4 speed makes him an intriguing fantasy option, even as a rookie. It would be unwise for a number of reasons to expect a Cam Newton sort of impact from Griffin in his first season, but Griffin's superior running skills could make him a better fantasy option than Andrew Luck, at least. He has a better running game (Roy Helu) and group of pass-catchers (Fred Davis, Pierre Garcon, Santana Moss, Josh Morgan) than Luck, too. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 8:13p ET)
Overall Rank: 79
Position Rank: 15
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A
News: The Colts selected Luck in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, first overall. (Apr 26)
Impact: The Stanford product certainly has big shoes to fill, as he will take over in Indy for future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. It's an assignment that he's well-equipped to handle however, as Luck is viewed as the safest and most polished college QB draft prospect to come along in quite some time. Luck combines good size and athleticism with a strong arm and all the intangibles you like to see from a franchise signal-caller, so this is a slam-dunk for a team that has grown accustomed to outstanding QB play, 2011 notably excluded. The Colts are a rebuilding team, but Luck will at least have veteran Reggie Wayne to throw to, along with the likes of Austin Collie and Donnie Avery. Don't be surprised if the Colts add additional weapons at wideout and TE in the coming days, but as gifted as Luck is, there will be growing pains out of the gate. He's certainly worth drafting in fantasy leagues as a backup with upside, but he will be most valuable initially in keeper formats. (Source: RotoWire / Time: 8:09p ET)
Overall Rank: 112
Position Rank: 21
% Started: N/A
% Owned: N/A