Cobb Lands on Short-Term I.R
On Sunday, Randall Cobb exited Green Bay’s tilt against the Ravens with what was classified as a “right knee injury.” We learned on Monday that Cobb actually suffered a leg injury in which he fractured his fibula. There were varying reports on how much time the slot receiver was expected to miss, ranging from “two games” to “6-8 weeks.” The latter proved to be the more accurate assessment.
The Packers stashed Cobb on short-term injured reserve on Tuesday. Cobb won’t be eligible to practice for six weeks and can’t return to game action until Week 15 at the earliest. There’s no guarantee he’ll even be 100 percent recovered by then, rendering him nearly useless in re-draft leagues. Cobb was on pace to accumulate over 1,600 yards from scrimmage and score eight touchdowns before getting hurt.
Cobb can now safely be dropped outside of keeper and dynasty leagues. Look for Jarrett Boykin to replace him in three-wide sets, teaming up with Jordy Nelson and James Jones. Jermichael Finley even said that he expects to play more wide receiver than tight end for the remainder of the season. Finley has often worked out of the slot in the past with some success. He should have little trouble with the transition, and it’s obviously a boon to his already-high fantasy stock as a TE1. The Packers promoted both wide receiver Myles White and tight end Jake Stoneburner from the practice squad Tuesday. If the Packers make the playoffs, Cobb should be back to full health. His 2014 status is unaffected.
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News Nugget #2
The Falcons have been ultra-quiet on Steven Jackson’s (hamstring) status the past few weeks. Coach Mike Smith avoided the topic Monday. On Tuesday, Jackson did not participate in practice and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution described Jackson’s chances of playing against the Bucs on Sunday as “not good.” It’s not a surprise that the 30-year-old needs extra time to recover.
The originally reported timetable when Jackson was injured in Week 2 against the Rams was 2-4 weeks. He’s already beyond that, obviously. We advise that Jackson owners still hold onto the aging back simply because he has a favorable fantasy playoffs schedule with the Redskins and 49ers involved in Weeks 15 and 16. In the meantime, look for Jacquizz Rodgers to handle much of the load while Jason Snelling works in during goal-line and short-yardage situations. Snelling sustained a concussion in Week 5 but is fully expected to play this week against Tampa Bay.
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News Nugget #3
Following his dazzling effort against the Bucs in place of Michael Vick (hamstring) last Sunday, Nick Foles took all of the first-team reps in Tuesday’s practice. Matt Barkley worked with the second team while Vick pulled up the rear with the third-stringers.
Vick hinted on Tuesday that he’s still not close to 100 percent. Offensive coordinator essentially seconded that notion and said the Eagles will wait until Vick is healthy before naming a Week 7 starter. All signs point to Foles getting the call against the division rival Cowboys in what has the makings to be a potential shootout. Foles is a legitimate back-end QB1 this week. Vick doesn’t have a timetable for his return and isn’t guaranteed to get his job back even when he works his way back to full health. Vick is still worth stashing on the bench in all formats. He was a top-five fantasy quarterback before the injury.
Quarterback/Running Back Quick Slants
FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reports the Vikings are “seriously considering” starting Josh Freeman against the Giants on Monday night. Why wouldn’t they be considering it? Matt Cassel was brutal against the Panthers. … There was some confusion surrounding Marshawn Lynch on Tuesday. The Seahawks originally listed him on the injury report with an ankle issue. They corrected it. Lynch is still battling a hip “injury.” There’s nothing to see here. He’s going to play Thursday. … The Giants waived/injured Da’Rel Scott (hamstring). He’ll revert to injured reserve if he clears waivers. … The Jets placed Mike Goodson (torn MCL and ACL) on season-ending injured reserve. Chris Ivory is expected to see his workload rise. … Owner/G.M. Jerry Jones confirmed that DeMarco Murray (sprained MCL) will “probably” miss Week 7. Rookie Joseph Randle is expected to carry the load in Murray’s absence. … David Wilson (neck) is expected to miss another 3-4 weeks. We wouldn’t expect him to return anytime ahead of Week 10. The Giants have a Week 9 bye.
Wide Receiver/Tight End Quick Slants
Larry Fitzgerald (hamstring) remained limited on Tuesday but is fully expected to play Thursday night. … The Patriots have yet to update Danny Amendola’s status. It’s believed that he was concussed last Sunday. … Roddy White (hamstring, ankle) did not practice Tuesday and was spotted “hobbling around” the locker room. … The Broncos promote Tavarres King from the practice squad. The Packers tried to sign him to the active roster in the wake of Randall Cobb’s injury. … Coach Gus Bradley confirmed that Justin Blackmon (groin/hamstring) is expected to play this week. … Cecil Shorts has been diagnosed with a sprained sternoclavicular joint. He’s reportedly sore but has a chance of suiting up against the Chargers this week. … The Jets placed Clyde Gates (shoulder) on injured reserve, ending his season. Gang Green signed Josh Cribbs and Greg Salas. Coach Jason Garrett admitted he wasn’t impressed with Miles Austin’s Week 6 performance. Austin had zero catches on four targets in his first game back from his latest hamstring pull. … Zach Miller (hamstring) was upgraded to full participation in Tuesday’s practice. He’s going to play Thursday night. … Zach Ertz is now listed as a co-starter on the Eagles’ depth chart with Brent Celek. … NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport adamantly confirmed the Falcons have no plans to trade Tony Gonzalez ahead of the October 29 trade deadline.
