With the news today being mostly about final roster cuts, most of the players involved have little fantasy relevance, but as always, there are always a few important items to cover.
· Let's start with some good news out of San Francisco, as Deebo Samuel (foot) may be activated from the active/non-football injury list before Week 1. That said, even if he's activated, he may ease back into a full-time role, making him a tricky fantasy option for Week 1, but this certainly means there's a good chance he'll return to his expected role sooner rather than later.
· Over in Los Angeles, Malcolm Brown has been taking first-team RB reps with Cam Akers while Darrell Henderson has been dealing with a hamstring injury. Of course, unless the OL is much improved this year, the rushing attack could sputter as it did last year, and the team did not make moves to upgrade the line in the offseason. Akers is still the most likely RB to command a lead role, but for the short term, Brown could see snaps each week.
· Although it's no surprise based on previous news throughout the preseason, Tua Tagovailoa will serve as the No. 2 QB for the Dolphins to start the season. It's possible, if not probable, that the rookie makes starts this season, but don't draft him with the expectation of that happening right away.
· After some positive buzz in early August, DeAndre Washington was released by the Chiefs, so Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson seemed locked in as the backups to Clyde Edwards-Helaire with Williams currently expected to be first in line for backup touches.
· With the Jacksonville backfield expected to have a level of uncertainty, James Robinson made the final roster, and he'll compete for a role in the offense. At 5'9", 219 with 55th percentile agility and 92nd percentile explosiveness, he could eventually emerge as with a significant snap share. He's someone to take a late flier on in drafts or to monitor on the waiver wire.
· Since fantasy players are using late draft picks on Alshon Jeffery (foot), it should be noted that the Eagles are still trying to trade him. If nothing else, this is far from a vote of confidence as to his role in the offense if and when he returns from his injury. Based on this news, fantasy managers should consider moving him even lower on draft boards.
· Despite being signed by the Patriots last month, Lamar Miller has been released. It's possible he emerges as a depth option somewhere, but for now, his fantasy value is extremely low.
· For those who use kickers in leagues, Rodrigo Blankenship won the kicking job for the Colts. Playing on a team with a strong offense, he could emerge as a weekly lineup option in 12-team leagues.
· Also at kicker, Eddie Pineiro (groin) isn't expected to be available for at least Week 1, and even though the team released Cairo Santos, Santos could be added to the practice squad and fill in if Pineiro misses time. On a potentially low-scoring offense, the Chicago kicker is unlikely to be a top-12 option.
