📝 News & Notes

• James Cook inching towards a hold-in after missing practice due to “business” [Alaina Getzenberg]

  My take: Reports all the way back in February said that James Cook was looking for a new deal and they didn’t anticipate getting something done anytime soon. He showed up for mandatory minicamp which lowered the holdout risk but as is the current trend to avoid racking up fines, the hold-in seems very live. The market is drafting Ray Davis as if this is more than smoke but my current lean is James Cook won’t miss any games due to this contract situation.

• Khalil Shakir has high ankle sprain and will be week to week [Sal Capaccio]

  My take: I was already skeptical of Shakir’s ADP and this injury means he’d have to drop around two rounds before I’d be willing to take him. A high ankle sprain puts his week 1 status in doubt but also is an injury that historically has shown to hurt future fantasy production.

• AJ Brown isn’t practicing due to a hamstring injury [Brooks Kubena]

  My take: Hamstring injuries lead to on average 1.4 games missed in-season, with 82% of players returning within three weeks. This makes his week 1 status unlikely to be impacted however, there is an increased likelihood of reoccurrence this season. I think it’s fair to dock AJ Brown a couple spots in all formats. [Fantasy Points]

• Joe Flacco goes from "presumed favorite to strong favorite” [Adam Levitan]

  My take: Flacco being the week 1 starter is far from a guarantee he’ll keep that job all year but it’s a very positive first step for Cleveland pass catchers. The Cleveland ‘unstackables’ of Jerry Jeudy and David Njoku continue to be some of my favorite values in best ball.

• Keenan Allen visits the Chargers with reports there is mutual interest [Tom Pelissero]

  My take: Not a guarantee but given past quotes, the past history, and the mutual interest, I think it’s more likely than not this reunion happens. I am still a bit unsure what it looks like as McConkey thrives in the slot and putting Keenan Allen outside at this point of his career sounds questionable. But no doubt this would be a major hit to both Tre Harris and Quentin Johnston.

• Jayden Reed played zero WR snaps out wide during the Packers’ Family Night [Justis Mosqueda]

  My take: If Jayden Reed is not playing outside, he is very unlikely to increase his near non-existent role in two WR sets (he played just 33 snaps in 2-WR sets in his first two years in the league). I see Jayden Reed as having high individual game upside given his skill set and YAC but lacking the season-long breakout upside given his limited role.

• Pat Freiermuth is “the unquestioned No. 1 tight end and the heartbeat of this offense” [Mark Kaboly]

  My take: If this is true, Pat Freiermuth should be a clear best ball draft target in the final rounds as the market currently has him as Pittsburgh’s #2 TE behind Jonnu Smith. Before this quote I think he was slightly mispriced and this just reaffirms that belief.

• My concern level on Matthew Stafford and his pass catchers is slowly rising as he remains week-to-week, will miss the upcoming scrimmage vs the Cowboys, and takes a second visit to back specialist Dr. Robert Watkins.

• Tucker Kraft, TJ Hockenson, and Terrance Ferguson all sustained groin injuries. Most impactful to Ferguson given the rookie needing the practice reps. Will continue to monitor and update.

📊 Poll of the Day

Friday’s poll: What do you think is the likelihood Terry McLaurin gets traded?

Not much confidence in a trade which aligns to the Commanders messaging. And include we’re this close to the season starting combined with the large contract McLaurin wants and I agree. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be willing to hold out and miss games. I’m still leaning towards a resolution though if this lingers, it could lead to a slow start for McLaurin.