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Free agent S Tashaun Gipson Sr. suspended six games

Tue Jul 2 6:42pm ET
Field Level Media

NFL free agent safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. was suspended six games by the NFL on Tuesday after violating the league's performance-enhancing substance abuse policy.

The suspension will not go into effect until the regular season, if and when Gipson signs with a team. The former Pro Bowler in 2014, while a member of the Cleveland Browns, still can participate in all preseason activities, including games.

In 12 NFL seasons, Gipson has 684 tackles, 33 interceptions and three TDs in 173 games (165 starts) for the Browns (2012-15), Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-18), Houston Texans (2019), Chicago Bears (2020-21) and 49ers after going undrafted out of Wyoming.

The 33-year-old, who reportedly had been considering retirement, started all 33 games he played in over the last two seasons for the 49ers, making 121 tackles with six interceptions.

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Player Notes
Spencer Brown Jul 17 10:40pm CT
Spencer Brown

Buffalo Bills right tackle Spencer Brown (shoulder) said at a youth football camp that he's co-hosting with tight end Dalton Kincaid that he'll be a full-go when training camp starts next week after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Despite having offseason shoulder surgery, Brown managed to start in all 17 regular-season games in 2023 in his third year in the NFL for the first time in his career. He was originally a third-round selection (93rd overall) in the 2021 draft out of Northern Iowa and has started all but three of the 44 games he's appeared in over his three NFL campaigns. The 26-year-old could be eased into training camp practices this summer, but barring a setback with his surgically-repaired shoulder, he should be ready for Week 1 of the regular season as Buffalo's starting right tackle.

From RotoBaller

Dontayvion Wicks Jul 17 8:10pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks recently received high praise from his teammate. During a sit-down with Bleacher Report, Packers quarterback Jordan Love said he believes Wicks is going to have a monster year. The second-year wideout totaled 39 receptions, 581 yards, and four touchdowns during his rookie season. Wicks has shown flashes of big-play ability, but the lack of a true No. 1 receiver does put more stress on Wicks and his teammates. The fact Love is saying these things about Wicks should mean that the young wideout will have an increased role next season. Fantasy managers should monitor this situation heading into camp. Wicks might be a sneaky late round option as fantasy draft season approaches.

From RotoBaller

Eric Kendricks Jul 17 8:10pm CT
Eric Kendricks

The Los Angeles Chargers placed rookie linebacker Junior Colson (illness) on the Non-Football Illness list on Wednesday. The specifics of Colson's illness/injury remain unclear, but it means that he won't be able to take part in on-field workouts for the start of training camp next week. The 21-year-old third-round pick back in April out of Michigan can be activated at any time during camp and could still be ready in plenty of time for the 2024 regular-season opener in September. Still, it's bad news for a young player trying to get up to speed going into his first NFL season. When healthy, Colson was expected to compete for the starting job at middle linebacker for the Bolts with both Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray having moved on in the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Teagan Quitoriano Jul 17 8:00pm CT
Teagan Quitoriano

Houston Texans tight end Teagan Quitoriano (groin, oblique) has made a full recovery from his groin and oblique surgeries and is expected to be active for training camp next week, according to a league source. Quitoriano wasn't placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list, so that just confirms it. He could be eased into practices this summer, but barring a setback, he should be ready to go for the start of the 2024 regular season this fall. The 24-year-old was limited to seven games (five starts) in 2023 in his sophomore campaign due to injuries and was held to just two receptions for 33 yards. While he did have flashes in his rookie season, Quitoriano is a blocking-first tight end for the Texans and shouldn't be on the fantasy radar at all going into the 2024 campaign. In 17 career NFL games, he's been targeted just 16 times.

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Andrew Beck Jul 17 8:00pm CT
Andrew Beck

The Houston Texans placed fullback Andrew Beck (calf), cornerback D'Angelo Ross (undisclosed) and linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (shoulder) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday, meaning they will not be ready to take part in the start of training camp next week. Beck strained his calf earlier this offseason and now won't be able to take part in practices to kick off the summer, but it doesn't necessarily mean he won't be ready for Week 1 of the regular season this fall. With Beck sidelined for the start of camp, Troy Hairston will get more repetitions as the club's fullback. The 28-year-old Beck played in 15 games (12 starts) in his first year with the Texans in 2023 and had 11 receptions for 55 yards and two touchdowns while adding five rushing attempts for three yards and another TD. He is not on the fantasy radar.

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Nico Collins Jul 17 7:50pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins was recently in the running for the league's top wide receivers. This is a well deserved mention after Collins put together a breakout campaign last season. He hauled in 80 receptions for nearly 1,300 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games. This performance earned him a three-year, $72 million extension this offseason. Collins is now one of the highest-paid players at his position. Recently, NFL executives, coaches, and personnel members were surveyed to determine the best wideouts in the league. Collins fell short but was an honorable mention. It's pretty impressive to see Collins up there after one outstanding campaign. It'll be interesting to see if Collins can replicate it with Stefon Diggs competing with him for targets next season.

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Tyler Matakevich Jul 17 7:40pm CT
Tyler Matakevich

The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed linebacker Tyler Matakevich to a one-year deal. The veteran linebacker is a former seventh-round pick of the Steelers. He spent his first four seasons of his career with Pittsburgh. After that, Matakevich headed to the Buffalo Bills for the next four seasons. He recorded 23 tackles during his first season in Buffalo, but never surpassed that total over the next three seasons. Matakevich has been mainly playing on special teams lately. This is a depth signing as Matakevich will likely end up as a third or fourth string linebacker.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Jul 17 7:20pm CT
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (shoulder) is expected to be ready for the beginning of training camp. Collins has been sidelined throughout the spring while he recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. He's coming off a season where he recorded 80 receptions, 1,297 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns in 15 games. It was a breakout campaign that earned him a three-year, $72 million extension in the offseason. The hope is that Collins can build off his 2023 campaign after undergoing successful surgery. However, Collins could lose targets with Stefon Diggs coming to town. Collins will be stuck fighting for targets with Diggs and Tank Dell (ankle) who is making his way back from injury. Despite that, Collins should still be able to hold WR2 value heading into fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Jul 17 7:10pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (pac) has been placed on the physically unable to perform list to begin training camp. Both Kraft and center Zach Tom were placed on the PUP list after suffering torn pectoral muscles. Luckily, head coach Matt LaFleur said he doesn't expect either player to miss much of camp. Kraft will compete with Luke Musgrove for snaps as the starting tight end. The loss of snaps gives Musgrove a sight edge, but it doesn't sound like Kraft will be gone for too long. Musgrove is the favorite to be the starter, but Kraft could be a reliable second option.

From RotoBaller

Derrick Nnadi Jul 17 1:50pm CT
Derrick Nnadi

The Kansas City Chiefs placed defensive end Charles Omenihu (knee), defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi (triceps), offensive guard Joe Thuney (pectoral) and cornerback Jaylen Watson (undisclosed) on the Physically Unable to Perform list on Wednesday. The team also placed defensive end B.J. Thompson (undisclosed) on the Non-Football Injury list and signed free-agent wide receiver Kyle Sheets. Omenihu suffered a torn ACL in the AFC Championship game against the Baltimore Ravens and had surgery on his knee in February, so the 26-year-old will not be ready for the start of the 2024 season. Nnadi was injured in the wild-card win over the Dolphins, and it remains to be seen if he'll be ready for Week 1. Thuney is expected to be ready for Week 1 and will be KC's starting left guard when healthy.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Jul 17 1:40pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

It's highly probable that the Pittsburgh Steelers will label Cordarrelle Patterson as the Joker in his first year with the team. "Running back, kick returner, tackle, tight end I can do it all. Whatever they need me to do," Patterson said last month. The 33-year-old veteran floated from the RB room to the receiver room last year with the Atlanta Falcons under head coach Arthur Smith, who is now Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator. Patterson fully embraced the role in 2023 and was signed by the Steelers just hours after the NFL passed a new kickoff rule. He has returned 273 kicks in his career with an NFL-record nine touchdowns. Patterson was primarily a RB last year in Atlanta but had just 181 rushing yards and no TDs on 50 carries after posting a career-high 695 rushing yards in 2022. Pittsburgh hasn't offered clues on how they plan to use Patterson, but he'll most likely be used on kickoffs and as a depth option for the backfield.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Jul 17 1:30pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs rookie first-round wide receiver Xavier Worthy (hamstring), who suffered a hamstring injury and missed most of the offseason practices, will not start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Worthy is good to go but will be eased back in at practices this summer. He's not going to get a ton of reps early on, but he's healthy, which is big as he tries to establish chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes going into his rookie campaign. It's good news for the 21-year-old speedster, who isn't expected to be eased into the offense in Year 1. And with Rashee Rice likely facing a suspension, Worthy should be starting in three-wide sets right away, which makes him an intriguing late-round flier in fantasy drafts as a WR4/5 in a KC offense that is looking to bounce back after a down year in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Jul 17 1:20pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes hinted that rookie first-round wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who recorded the fastest 40-yard dash in NFL history at this year's combine, won't be eased into the offense in his first year in the league. "There's no easing [him in]," Mahomes said. "He's going to have to be ready to go. We got a lot of competition on this offense." The 21-year-old speedster missed most of offseason practices due to a sore hamstring, so he's going to have to get up to speed quickly in training camp and the preseason as he competes for a starting role in 2024. With Rashee Rice likely to be suspended to open the year, Worthy has a good shot to be a starter in Week 1 alongside Marquise Brown. A receiver this quick and fast in an Andy Reid offense is extremely intriguing, making him worth a look as a WR4/5 this fall in redraft fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Malachi Corley Jul 17 1:20pm CT
Malachi Corley

The New York Jets signed third-round wide receiver Malachi Corley to a four-year, $6.073 million rookie deal on Wednesday that includes a $1.237 million signing bonus. Corley was the 65th overall selection in April's NFL draft after he caught 79 passes for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023 with Western Kentucky. The 22-year-old comes highly touted for his yards-after-the-catch ability but could struggle to find regular playing time out of the slot for the Jets in his rookie season as long as Xavier Gipson stays healthy. However, Corley has drawn comparisons to Deebo Samuel and had 29 touchdowns in his last three seasons in college. If he can overtake Gipson at some point in 2024, he could be a popular waiver-wire pickup in single-year fantasy leagues in an offense led by future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Jul 17 1:10pm CT
Deshaun Watson

At his second annual 7-on-7 high-school showcase through his foundation, Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (shoulder) didn't say whether he expects to be fully cleared for the start of training camp next week, but he did say that there have been no setbacks in his shoulder rehab. "I'm great," Watson said. The 28-year-old played in only six games in 2023 for the second straight year due to a right-shoulder injury that required season-ending surgery. The good news is that he was throwing during minicamp this offseason and is expected to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener, barring a setback this summer. Watson has QB1 potential when healthy, but he missed all of 2021 due to a suspension and has played in only 12 games the last two years due to injury, which makes him a risk/reward QB2 in fantasy in 2024 in what could be a make-or-break season.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Jul 16 11:10pm CT
Bo Nix

The Denver Broncos and guard Quinn Meinerz have agreed to terms on a four-year, $80 million contract extension that includes $45 million guaranteed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. This new deal keeps Meinerz under contract with the Broncos through 2028. Meinerz has blossomed into quite the success story since being selected out of Wisconsin-;Whitewater in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He finished last season with a stellar 88.7 PFF run blocking grade, which represented a career-best. Going forward, he'll be tasked with blocking for a young offensive core that includes Bo Nix, Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Jul 16 9:43pm CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff absorbed a league-high 69 hits while throwing a pass in 2023, according to Pro Football Reference. Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes (65) was the only other quarterback to be hit more than 60 times.

Fantasy Spin: The 69 hits are 16 more than he absorbed in 2022. The Lions arguably upgraded what was already a very good line with the addition of Kevin Zeitler during the offseason, so the number of hits he takes in 2024 should decrease by a decent amount. Goff is generating some early league MVP buzz and has the weapons in place to enjoy his finest season to date if he can stay healthy. He isn't much of a run threat, but Detroit's offense might be so good that he could finish as a top-five fantasy quarterback anyway.

From TheHuddle

Baker Mayfield Jul 16 9:33pm CT
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield finished in a tie with Washington Commanders QB Sam Howell in 2023 for the most batted passes in the league with 20, according to Pro football Reference. Mayfield finished fifth in batted passes with 16 during the 2022 season despite only playing in 12 games.

Fantasy Spin: The 2023 season saw Mayfield make some progress in avoiding batted passes, as he went from one batted pass every 21 attempts to one every 28.3 attempts. The fact that Mayfield is a shorter quarterback (6-foot-1) does not help matters, especially considering he does not throw off his toes like Drew Brees. Mayfield is a difficult projection for fantasy in 2024, as he likely owes a lot of credit for his career turnaround to former offensive coordinator Dave Canales, who left to take the head coaching job with the Carolina Panthers. As such, he should be considered a middling QB2 option in fantasy.

From TheHuddle

Ricky Pearsall Jul 16 8:20pm CT
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (undisclosed) has been placed on the non-football injury list. According to Matt Barrows of The Athletic, the injury is not believed to be serious. The first-round rookie can be activated at any time, so perhaps this was merely a minor procedural move out of Santa Clara, California. During his final season at the University of Florida, Pearsall caught 65 passes for 965 yards and four touchdowns. However, he might not have a major impact with the 49ers right away. After all, he's behind Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey in the pecking order. Nevertheless, Pearsall's talent and the 49ers' strong offense make him an appealing fantasy option, especially in dynasty rookie drafts.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Jul 16 8:20pm CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) is healthy and won't be placed on the PUP list ahead of training camp, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The former first-round pick is recovering from a torn ACL but has progressed nicely and is not expected to have any limitations going forward. Injuries have been an issue for Jones in the past, but he should benefit from a rebuilt offensive line and receiver corps in 2024. Their most notable addition was Malik Nabers, the standout LSU receiver selected sixth overall in April's draft. While it's still too early to label the Giants as contenders or argue that Jones' massive extension was worth it, we can at least find some optimism in the fact that Jones will be a full-go coming out of this offseason. His modest running ability allows him to rank as a low-end QB2 option heading into 2024 fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller