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“Jordy Nelson (ACL) declared himself game ready at Packers OTAs. Jordy will be held out of 11-on-11s until training camp, but he’s been catching passes from Aaron Rodgers and looks to be all systems go.”
“If there was a game on Sunday, I’m playing,” Nelson said.
The Packers’ No. 1 receiver is apparently ready to go, and so should fantasy owners around the world. Jordy Nelson is one of the best receivers in the league and Aaron Rodgers will be licking his chops to get his guy back. The offense struggled last year in his absence, but Nelson’s return should also help Randall Cobb who can work the slot again and not have to worry about being blanketed in coverage. Rodgers loves to feed Nelson, don’t let his past injury keep you from picking him this season.
“According to CSN New England, ‘sources have expressed confidence’ that Julian Edelman (foot surgery) will be ready for training camp. Edelman does seem highly likely to be ready for Week 1, but his fantasy prospects carry more risk than usual entering the season.”
This is interesting news for Patriots fans as Julian Edelman’s foot is once again the topic of discussion. He’s been seen in a walking boot and had surgery on his foot done in April. As the report states, Dez Bryant had his in January and was just cleared. That’s five months, so if my math is correct, Edelman’s timeline would be September to be fully cleared. This report claims that Edelman will be ready for training camp so hopefully this has some merit and we see Jules back on the field sooner rather than later. If it’s a problem that lingers, it could impact Edelman’s short term fantasy value in the early weeks.
“Jets won’t sign Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year, $12 million deal”
Manish Mehta, New York Daily News
Coming off yesterday’s reports where it appeared the Jets were going to resign Ryan Fitzpatrick, today appears to be a different case. Apparently the team might be ready to move on sooner as opposed to later, which would be a disaster to the Jets offense. Brandon Marshall, Eric Decker and Matt Forte would all take huge hits without the reliable quarterback under center. Classic Jets move just letting a quality quarterback get away.
“According to the New Orleans Advocate, second-round WR Michael Thomas ‘is going to be to asked to fill a lot of the things that Marques Colston used to do’ in the Saints’ offense.”
–Nick Underhill, New Orleans Advocate
He might be making some preseason buzz down in the Bayou, but when CJay and I see the name Mike Thomas the first thing that comes to mind is #Shhh. Filling in for the departure of Marques Colston would be huge for Thomas, as the former was a touchdown machine in his early years with the Saints. Thomas has the size to try and replicate that success on the outside while Brandin Cooks works underneath. Thomas will be a solid late round flyer in the pass happy Saints offense.
“Bruce Ellington is working as the 49ers’ first-team slot receiver at OTAs.”
–Matt Barrows, The Sacramento Bee
Here’s some news for a deeper sleeper pick you might be looking for. Bruce Ellington working the first team slot position for the 49ers under Chip Kelly. Slot receivers tend to perform very well under Kelly, most notably the work Jordan Matthews turned out in Philadelphia. Ellington may not have quite the talent Matthews does, but if you are in the late rounds looking for some names that have potential, keep an eye on Ellington.
Not strictly fantasy:
- Jacksonville Jaguars extended Allen Hurns with a four-year deal today worth $40 million dollars
- Carson Wentz might be coming further along than anticipated. Hissy fit Sam Bradford might be in trouble
- Sammy Watkins is looking to return in time for camp from a foot injury
- Gary “Big Game” Barnidge underwent sports hernia surgery today
