🏈 Can we talk about Mike Evans?

La'El Collins, Baltimore RBs, and Carson Wentz.

Sep 11, 2021

Good Morning and welcome back to another edition of the Morning Huddle. Eddie, Resident Cowboy fan here, and boy is life better when you know your football team is good.

That being said…

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet

My understanding is La’El Collins was suspended for missing drug tests. Essentially, failure to appear.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet

#Cowboys OT La’El Collins has been suspended 5 games without pay for Violation of NFL Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse.

La’El Collins is suspended for the next 5 Cowboys games for not showing up to scheduled drug tests. After not playing at all in 2020, this is not what Cowboy fans (or fantasy owners of Cowboys players) want to hear.

The positive is that the Cowboys have a favorable schedule over the next several weeks, so Dak and Zeke should be fine. As I predicted last week, this is a perfect opportunity to buy low on Zeke after an expected bad game vs a top rush defense.

Baltimore Stock Piling Running Backs

Like toilet paper in March 2020, Baltimore is grabbing as many RBs as they can get their hands on.

As if Devonta Freeman and Le’Veon Bell weren’t enough (they weren’t), the Ravens signed Saints cast-off Latavius Murray. John Harbaugh already is talking Murray up, saying he is a great fit for their offense.

I agree with Harbaugh, and while Murray is not a must-add by any means, he will likely see the majority of the backfield work out of the three running backs. Murray is worth an add if available in your league. Don’t forget that he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and 7.7 yards per catch last season.

Vincent Perricone @VPerricone92

@KingJosiah54 Latavius Murray and Le’Veon Bell fighting over who should get more carries

Ja’Marr Chase Update

Everyone’s getting paid these days

Nyheim Hines agrees to three-year contract extension with Colts, becomes top-10 highest-paid back, per report - CBSSports.com

Nyheim Hines secured the bag. The Colts signed Hines to a 3-year extension worth $18.6M, with $12M guaranteed. This deal makes him a top 10 highest-paid RB in the NFL, significant for a backup: this further proves that he is going to be very involved, limiting the “bell-cow” role Jonathan Taylor owners pray for.

While some fantasy owners disagree, I’d rather my star running backs not see 100% of the work and not get run into the ground. Especially given the rate at which running backs are dropping lately - plus, it’s a 17 game season this year.

In case you needed more excuses to fade Mike Evans

JJ Zachariason @LateRoundQB

Target shares among the trio of Buccaneers wide receivers last night: Mike Evans - 13.0% Antonio Brown - 15.2% Chris Godwin - 30.4%

While these numbers will fluctuate, and Mike Evans will see greater volume, he remains the most boom/bust of all the Bucs receivers due to his lack of slot work.

Evans also went up against an underrated CB in Trevon Diggs, while AB and Godwin had much easier matchups. Can’t blame Tom Brady for targeting the open WRs.

Next Gen Stats @NextGenStats

Trevon Diggs shadowed Mike Evans, aligning across from him on 39 of his 47 routes (83%). Diggs allowed just 1 reception for 10 yards on 3 targets, and aligned in press coverage on over half of his routes vs Evans (51% press). #DALvsTB | #DallasCowboys

Mike Evans will rebound. He played 94% of the snaps, compared to just 64% for Antonio Brown. I still don’t love Evans, so I wouldn’t “buy low” - but don’t sell either.

Playing Sunday = Will They or Won’t They?

Austin Ekeler was practicing Friday and is “expected to play” but is still questionable with a hamstring injury. If Ekeler can’t go, the Chargers will go with the same committee of running backs that underwhelmed last season; they aren’t worth mentioning.

Kevin Nash Jim GIF - Kevin Nash Jim Fake Leg - Discover & Share GIFs

Saquon Barkley was limited in practice Friday and is questionable for Week 1. He is more likely to sit than Ekeler, but I expect Barkley plays on a snap count. Either way, I would look for other options (unless Joe Judge announces Saquon is a full-go).

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. #13 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates for the fans during the fourth quarter against the New York Giants at FirstEnergy Stadium on August 22, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Giants 17-13.

Browns Coach Kevin Stefanski said he will let the world know 90 minutes before the game if Odell Beckham will play in Week 1.

While the reports of his progress have been glowing, he still has yet to be tackled or take contact since rehabbing the knee. This is somewhat concerning since contact is kinda important in football. Even if Odell plays, I don’t see a full workload.

Quick Hits

Trey Lance was removed from the injury report and is available to play Week 1. Will we see some special Lance packages on Sunday? I’d bet on it.
Courtland Sutton will play week 1 against the Giants. This was up in the air since he tore his ACL Week 2 last year. I wouldn’t be thrilled starting any Broncos Week 1 until we get more clarity on their roles in the offense.
Tre’Quan Smith was placed on IR with a hamstring injury. This makes Marquez Callaway the unequivocal Saints WR1. Kamara may get 80 targets in Week 1.
D’Andre Swift was taken off the injury list and will play in Week 1. Also glad he didn’t murder anyone - crazy how a ridiculous rumor gains traction.
Jamison Crowder is officially out due to Covid protocols and Keelan Cole is questionable, leaving Corey Davis and Elijah Moore as the WR1 and 2 for the Jets Week 1: Both should see MASSIVE volume.
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