Daily Dose: Fred Jackson Cut

Jeff Brubach looks at fantasy news from around the NFL, led by the release of veteran running back Fred Jackson

Fred Jackson has been a solid fantasy contributor over the years, often turning very affordable ADP’s into profit for fantasy owners. Jackson has also been a rock for the Buffalo Bills over the last eight seasons, but Monday marked the end of Jackson’s run with the organization as he received news of his release. We may see Fred Jackson back on the field as the regular season begins, however, as rumors of NFL teams potentially being interested in the services of the 34-year-old have already surfaced. If Jackson does not find a home prior to Week 1, he will be on speed dial for teams that sustain early-season injuries to starting running backs. This roster move also shows that the Bills are confident in the progression of LeSean McCoy's hamstring injury, as well as the ability of the running backs behind McCoy on the Buffalo depth chart.

Let's check in on other fantasy-relevant news from a busy Monday around the NFL...

In Other News…

The Washington Redskins organization and coach Jay Gruden officially put a stamp on the awkward handling of their top 2012 draft pick, benching Robert Griffin III and announcing that Kirk Cousins will not only start in Week 1, but will be the starter for all of 2015. The turn from Griffin to Cousins, who has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns in his NFL career, is not a shock considering the seemingly unending turmoil in the Washington organization surrounding the once hopeful young quarterback. RGIII will now marinate on the bench while waiting for his release or to be traded to another team. As for Cousins, he can safely be left off the fantasy draft radar outside of leagues that allow quarterback use in flex spots.

2QB fantasy leagues and the DFS world got a nice spark on Monday when Tyrod Taylor was announced as the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. Taylor offers far more potential than Matt Cassel or E.J. Manuel, and could bulldoze his way into redraft fantasy consideration if he puts his wheels to good use. This development out of Buffalo also may mean the end of Matt Cassel or E.J. Manuel as Bills quarterbacks, as Ian Rapoport expects one of the newly crowned backups to be cut after the announcement of Taylor as the starter.

Philip Rivers told the San Diego Union-Tribune that the Chargers will go with a committee at the running back position this season. The presence of passing-down specialist Danny Woodhead was always going to be an issue for Gordon, as the rookie was expected to make room for Woodhead on third downs. This quote from Rivers further cements the fact that both Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead will be solid fantasy options, but their dependence on weekly game script situations will prove frustrating for owners.

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton is in the league’s concussion protocol following Indianapolis’ latest preseason game. This is not good news for the speedy wide receiver, but with no concrete information available regarding his Week 1 status, Hilton should still be looked at as a solid early round pick in upcoming drafts. Stay tuned to Rotoworld for more information on Andrew Luck’s top target.

The NFL swung the gavel on Monday and announced that WR Martavis Bryant’s four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy will be upheld. Fantasy owners would be wise to use this news as an opportunity to acquire Bryant at a much cheaper price and lock up a receiver who could turn fantasy leagues upside down upon his return. Bryant's performance against the Bills on Saturday is just the latest display of the insane skill this youngster possesses. Don't be afraid to pull the trigger in the middle rounds of your draft.

Jacksonville tight end Julius Thomas (finger) will be out longer than originally anticipated after the Jaguars found out their new acquisition needs surgery on his broken right hand. It now looks as if Week 4 will be the debut of Thomas in Jacksonville, which will further suppress the ADP of the former Peyton Manning target. Thomas will still be a solid red-zone outlet for Blake Bortles but his fantasy stock has never been lower. If you're a believer, now would be an ideal time to buy.

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Quick Slants

The Trent Richardson era in Oakland came to an end on Monday, as the Raiders waived the running back who was the toast of fantasy football early in his career. Richardson’s non-stop parade of disappointment will now move through free agency as he awaits another shot from an NFL team. … WR DeVante Parker (foot) is back at practice and the Dolphins are “quietly hopeful” he will be ready for Week 1 game action, according to the Miami Herald. Fantasy owners should be checking in on this rookie as the late rounds of drafts get underway. … Rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota is growing fond of WR Kendall Wright, according to the Titans’ official website. Wright has the potential to provide significant fantasy draft profit if Mariota is even remotely respectable in the pocket this season. … WR Devin Funchess has a mountain of targets ahead of him this season, but is having trouble staying healthy as he aggravated his hamstring injury on Monday. Funchess is still a solid fantasy pick at the moment but he will need to stay on the field in order to capitalize on the absence of Kelvin Benjamin. … RB Joique Bell (knee, Achilles’) was activated from the active/PUP list on Monday, which will hopefully accelerate his preseason work in hopes of fending off rookies Ameer Abdullah and Zach Zenner. … 2014 fantasy bust Montee Ball looks to be in hot water in Denver as preseason cuts approach. The Denver Post thinks Ball's roster spot could be in trouble with Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson both capable of backing up C.J. Anderson. … The Tim Wright NFL tour is making another stop, this time in Detroit. The Lions traded K Kyle Brindza to Tampa Bay in order to acquire Wright, who will be in a tight end log jam in with the Lions. … WR Denarius Moore was released by Cincinnati on Monday. … With Pittsburgh kickers currently cursed, Josh Scobee will be wearing extra knee braces after he was acquired by the Steelers for a sixth-round draft pick to fill in for the injured Shaun Suisham and Garrett Hartley. … Mike Pettine announced on Monday that Cleveland’s fourth preseason game is not “make or break” for WR Terrelle Pryor, which is good news for the roster chances of the former quarterback as he transitions to wide receiver. … Jacksonville WR Marqise Lee (hamstring) was criticized by OC Greg Olson for missing too much practice time. Lee has plenty of competition for targets in Jacksonville and could use a quick return to the practice field. … Seattle sent WR Kevin Norwood packing on Monday, as the Carolina Panthers sent a conditional seventh-round pick to the Seahawks for the services of the lightly used receiver.