In the aftermath of Jordy Nelson’s season-ending injury the assumption was that Davante Adams would move into the starting lineup and Jeff Janis would be the third man in the receiver rotation. Instead, when the Packers went to a three-receiver set in Tuesday’s practice it was rookie Ty Montgomery and not Janis working with the ones. After being labeled the star of the offseason Janis has struggled during training camp; meanwhile, Montgomery has apparently grasped the playbook quickly and was rewarded with the opportunity. Green Bay’s upcoming third preseason game should reveal more about who’s on the field and what our fantasy expectations for them should be.
With all the hype surrounding Odell Beckham Jr. it’s easy to forget that Victor Cruz is returning to the lineup as well. Or is he? Cruz has been sidelined by a strained calf, and while last week he said he’d “definitely” be back this week he has yet to practice with the team. Giants coach Tom Coughlin expressed his concern to the New York Daily News. “I would like to see him get out there and be able to stay out there,” Coughlin said, adding that he won’t play in the preseason game against the Jets if he’s unable to practice. That would leave Cruz only the exhibition finale if he hoped to shake some rust from missing half of last season.
- Be sure to check out “Targets, Touches & TDs: Pre-Season Week 2.“
After suffering a hamstring strain in the Monday night win over Cincinnati, Mike Evans won’t play again this preseason. Bucs coach Lovie Smith told the Tampa Bay Times that the team will “take every precaution” to make sure Evans is ready to go for the start of the regular season. While Evans will miss out on a few extra practice reps with Jameis Winston, his fantasy value shouldn’t take a significant hit.
We haven’t seen DeSean Jackson at all this preseason, and it’s unlikely we’ll see him at all before the games start to count. Jackson suffered a shoulder injury in early August, and while he’s been back on the practice field he has yet to participate in 11-on-11 work. However, Jackson told the team’s website, “I think I’ll be ready to go. You won’t have to worry about me at all.”
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Spoiler alert for those tuning in to HBO’s Hard Knocks tonight: the Texans have named Brian Hoyer the winner of their quarterback competition. Not that there’s much fantasy upside to either, but at least now those banking on a breakout season from DeAndre Hopkins know who they’re trusting. Mallett, on the other hand, didn’t hide his frustration with the decision, telling Houston reporters he was “angry” and “disappointed”. “I don’t agree with (the decision),” Mallett said. “I’ll do what I have to do to better the team.”
One quarterback who’d be happy with a backup gig is Michael Vick, who is reportedly working out with the Steelers Tuesday. Pittsburgh is in the market for a veteran backup with Bruce Gradkowski suffering a hand injury that will require surgery. With Landry Jones and QB-slash-WR Tyler Murphy the only backup signal callers on the roster, there’s an opening for an experienced clipboard holder behind Ben Roethlisberger.
Finally, the “hot hand” is already starting to rear its ugly head in Denver. Coach Gary Kubiak has been singing the praises of Ronnie Hillman, to the point that it may cut into C.J. Anderson’s touches. “He’s moved himself up,” Kubiak told the team’s official website. “He’s had a really good camp. He deserves more reps and if he keeps playing like that, he’ll continue to get some more.” More reps for Hillman would obviously mean less for Anderson—maybe enough to deny him bellcow status and damage his fantasy prospects as well.
