Guest of the League
RTFFC Red 1
RTFFC Classic $250 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Free agent S Tashaun Gipson intends to play again despite suspension

Mon Jul 8 3:09pm ET
Field Level Media

NFL free agent safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. blamed a supplement for his recent suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing substance abuse policy and says it will not hold him back from playing a 13th season, according to a statement he released Monday.

Gipson was suspended six games by the NFL last Tuesday after violating the league's performance-enhancing substance abuse policy.

"During this offseason I took a supplement one time, which I thought to be completely safe and well within any of the NFL's policies," Gipson said in Monday's statement. "It was in no way related to performance, training, or gaining an advantage of any kind at any time."

Gipson expressed respect for the game and his fellow players, while saying he will not appeal the decision.

"The NFL's policy on performance enhancing substances is clear, and I take full responsibility for anything I put into my body. It is with great disappointment that I accept this suspension, and I do so knowing that I have never even attempted to cheat the game. I look forward to returning for my 13th NFL season and helping a team compete for a championship."

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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

The Invitational Live Stream

Player Notes
River Cracraft Aug 19 12:10pm CT
River Cracraft

Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft (upper-body) is sidelined with an upper-body injury and is expected to miss some time in the regular season. Cracraft had a strong summer in his third season with Miami and seemed likely to start as the third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, especially with Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) still on the PUP list. However, Cracraft's injury raises the possibility that he could be placed on injured reserve when the Dolphins finalize their 53-man roster. By August 27, the Dolphins will have three options for handling Cracraft: keep him on the 53-man roster until he recovers, initially include him on the roster and then place him on IR on August 28, or put him on IR immediately, which would count as one of the two IR moves allowed on cutdown day under new NFL rules. This situation simplifies the roster decisions and opens up a spot for Erik Ezukanma, who had an impressive preseason debut against Washington. If the Dolphins keep six wide receivers, Ezukanma could join Hill, Waddle, Beckham, Braxton Berrios, and rookie Malik Washington, who will secure a spot on the roster. With these receiver injuries, Hill and Waddle will likely see even more targets, boosting Hill's value as the top overall pick in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Max Duggan Aug 19 11:50am CT
Max Duggan

The Los Angeles Chargers are parting ways with quarterback Max Duggan. Following Justin Herbert's (plantar fascia) diagnosis of a plantar fascia injury in his right foot on August 1, the Chargers now have two healthy quarterbacks on their roster: Easton Stick and Luis Perez. Duggan was drafted by Los Angeles in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the prior regime before Jim Harbaugh took over as head coach on January 24. Throughout his rookie year, Duggan alternated between the practice squad and the active roster but did not see any regular-season action. He spent all four years at TCU and ended up third on the school's all-time passing list. Duggan was a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy after his standout 2022 season, where he threw for 3,698 yards and 32 touchdowns over 15 games and led the Horned Frogs to the College Football Playoff National Championship, though they lost to Georgia. In the preseason opener, Duggan was 4-of-7 for 41 yards but did not play in the Chargers' game against the Rams on Saturday. With Herbert's injury potentially affecting his performance throughout the season, the diminishing quarterback options for the Chargers are becoming a significant concern.

From RotoBaller

Anthony McFarland Jr. Aug 19 11:30am CT
Anthony McFarland Jr.

The Miami Dolphins have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Anthony McFarland Jr. following an injury to Chris Brooks (concussion), who has entered concussion protocol after Saturday's game against the Washington Commanders. The Dolphins struggle for healthy running back depth beyond Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. They even had a wide receiver filling in at running back for much of the second half, with Jaylen Wright (undisclosed) also held out due to injury. McFarland, 26, joins Miami, hoping to finally establish himself in the NFL. Drafted by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft from the University of Maryland, McFarland was known for his speed and agility. His rookie season was his most productive, with 33 carries for 113 yards and six receptions for 54 yards. However, his subsequent seasons were marred by injuries, limiting his production and keeping him on injured reserve for significant time. McFarland's tenure with the Steelers included a stint on injured reserve at the start of the 2021 season and another knee injury that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season. Now, with the Dolphins, McFarland can prove himself again.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pratt Aug 19 11:30am CT
Michael Pratt

Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Sean Clifford was outplayed by third-stringer Michael Pratt during Sunday's preseason game. Clifford finished 6/10 for 43 yards and an interception. Pratt fared slightly better going 10/16 for 52 yards. The Packers could not get anything going on offense without their starters. The offense did not score and the team scored two points as a whole. The quarterbacks combined for a yards-per-completion average of 3.7. Clifford was the Packers' backup quarterback in 2023. He recorded one completion for 37 yards in two games played. The Packers drafted Pratt in the seventh-round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Both players had solid performances during the first week of the preseason. As such, it remains to be seen who will ultimately win the backup job.

From RotoBaller

Bo Melton Aug 19 11:10am CT
Bo Melton

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton recorded two receptions for 10 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Broncos. The Packers quarterbacks threw for a total of 95 yards with a 3.7 yards per completion average. Sunday's game was a game to forget for the Packers offense. Melton played a legitimate role for the team in 2023. Once he was activated to the active roster in November, Melton recorded 16 grabs for 218 yards and a touchdown in only five games played. Melton may be fighting for a roster spot with the Packers despite playing in both playoff games in 2023. Melton is currently listed as the Packers' No. 5 wide receiver.

From RotoBaller

Colt McCoy Aug 19 11:00am CT
Colt McCoy

Former NFL quarterback Colt McCoy has announced his retirement and will join NBC Sports for its Big Ten college football coverage. McCoy, a two-time Heisman Trophy finalist during his college career at Texas, set an NCAA Division I record with 45 career wins as a four-year starter from 2006 to 2009. He led the Longhorns to the BCS National Championship game in 2010, capping off a perfect 12-0 regular season with a Big 12 title. Drafted in the third round by the Cleveland Browns in 2010, McCoy amassed an 11-25 record over his 36 NFL starts. His final NFL stint was with the Arizona Cardinals in 2023, where he played in two preseason games before being released due to elbow issues. Over his career, McCoy also played for the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers, and Cleveland Browns, finishing with 7,975 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 32 interceptions in 56 games.

From RotoBaller

Malik Heath Aug 19 11:00am CT
Malik Heath

Green Bay Packers second-year wide receiver Malik Heath had another solid preseason outing with three catches for 22 yards. Heath now has five catches for 44 yards this preseason. Heath is buried on the depth chart and is likely fighting for a roster spot as a special-teamer. He recorded 15 grabs for 125 yards and a touchdown during his rookie season with the Packers in 2023. Heath is a big-bodied wide receiver who could provide solid depth behind the Packers' main wide receivers should he make the team. His familiarity with the team could give him a solid chance at a roster spot when final cuts arrive.

From RotoBaller

Emanuel Wilson Aug 19 10:50am CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers No. 4 running back Emanuel Wilson continues to receive a substantial workload during the preseason. Wilson finished Sunday's game against the Broncos with 13 carries for 41 yards and one reception for 11 yards. The Packers could not get much going on offense and primarily played their backups. However, with No. 3 Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) still out, Wilson continues to receive chances to show his skillset and show he belongs on the roster. The second-year back finished his rookie season with 14 carries for 85 yards a season ago with the Packers.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Aug 19 10:40am CT
Bo Nix

According to a report, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix is poised to be named the team's starter soon. Nix has delivered impressive performances in his first two preseason games, completing 23 of 30 passes for 205 yards, two touchdowns, a 76.7% completion rate, and a standout 116.7 QB rating. Despite his strong showing, head coach Sean Payton has yet to name him the Week 1 starter officially. "Listen, he's played well," Payton said Sunday. "I'm not announcing any starting quarterback tonight. I'll let you guys know when the time comes, but I thought he played well." While Payton may be hesitant to make a formal announcement, it's clear to Broncos faithful that Nix's poise, control, and confidence make him the likely choice. Although Nix may not have significant fantasy value himself, his performance boosts the Broncos' offense and optimism for the team's skill players.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Aug 19 10:10am CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill played early on in Sunday's preseason loss to San Francisco, lining up all over the field per usual. Hill plunged in a goal-line touchdown early while lining up as a running back. He carried the ball five times for 21 yards on the night with Alvin Kamara (back) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) absent, showing he could once again be a factor in fantasy football in 2024. Hill's last shot at preseason action will come Sunday against Tennessee.

From RotoBaller

Jamaal Williams Aug 19 10:00am CT
Jamaal Williams

New Orleans Saints' veteran running back Jamaal Williams drew the start in Week 2's preseason loss against the San Francisco 49ers with Alvin Kamara (back) and Kendre Miller (hamstring) sitting out. Williams rushed five times for 32 yards, breaking off a long run of 15 yards. He also caught his lone target for a two-yard gain. After a disappointing season in 2023, Williams will look to bounce back in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's new system. He remains a late-round flier and will likely go undrafted in most fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

James Robinson Aug 19 10:00am CT
James Robinson

New Orleans Saints' running back James Robinson was active in Sunday's preseason loss as he fights for a roster spot. The veteran journeyman carried the ball five times for 27 yards and caught two passes for 12 yards. He also saw some work on special teams as a return man. Robinson has been unable to stick on a roster ever since he was traded from Jacksonville in 2022, and it will be an uphill climb for him to make the Saints' 53-man roster unless he impresses on special teams.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Aug 19 10:00am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints' receiver Chris Olave started in the preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers, drawing targets early on from quarterback Derek Carr. On four targets, Olave caught three balls for 26 yards. The third-year professional appears set for a massive target share this season as evidenced through the first two preseason games along with the lack of talent around him. While his ceiling this season is only as high as Klint Kubiak can take the New Orleans offense, Olave should have a safe floor week-to-week.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Aug 19 9:50am CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints' quarterback Derek Carr started the Week 2 preseason game and ended up playing a little over a quarter. Carr orchestrated a touchdown drive early in the second quarter that was capped off with a Taysom Hill rushing touchdown. The veteran completed seven of nine passing attempts for 47 yards on the day. New Orleans' preseason finale will be next Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, and it remains unclear as to whether the starters will suit up for a third straight week or not.

From RotoBaller

Jake Haener Aug 19 9:50am CT
Jake Haener

New Orleans Saints' quarterback Jake Haener led the team in passing with just 76 yards in Sunday night's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Haener completed 7-of-13 passes and also scrambled once for two yards. The second-year quarterback closed the game out a week after playing ahead of rookie Spencer Rattler. The two appear to be entrenched in a battle for the backup quarterback job, with neither player taking a clear lead thus far.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Aug 19 9:50am CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints' rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler had a tough outing in Sunday night's preseason loss to the San Francisco 49ers. The 23-year-old completed 4-of-8 passing attempts for 27 yards while scrambling three times for five yards. Rattler did set up a 52-yard field goal for kicker Blake Grupe in the third quarter, but those were the only points he initiated in the loss. He was the second quarterback in the game behind Derek Carr, a positive development after he played behind Jake Haener last week. The two will continue to fight for the backup job in Week 3's preseason finale against Tennessee.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Aug 19 9:10am CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (undisclosed) didn't play in the team's second preseason contest against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday and he remained out of practice as well. Head coach Jerod Mayo was asked if there was any cause for concern for a banged-up tight end room and he said, "I would say these aren't extended recoveries for these guys. They'll be ready to go relatively early in the season." Henry, along with backups Austin Hooper (undisclosed) and Mitchell Wilcox (calf) are all listed as questionable right now. In terms of fantasy relevance, Henry has the most potential out of this group, so if he's ready by the beginning of the season, he should serve as a solid streaming option at tight end.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Aug 19 8:50am CT
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (oblique) did not suit up for the preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. He was confirmed to be dealing with an oblique injury of sorts, but it's not believed to be any major injury. Jennings is only expected to miss a little time, but it's not clear how much time they expect that to be. He's been impressing in training camp so far and looks to be the leader in the position battle to get the WR3 role. In his three seasons with the 49ers so far, Jennings has caught 78 of his 127 targets for 963 yards and seven touchdowns. He's also averaging 7.6 yards per target and 21.4 yards per game. He may even see his opportunities jump depending on what happens with Brandon Aiyuk.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Aug 19 8:40am CT
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (hip) didn't play in the team's preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Afterward, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that Mason was dealing with hip soreness, so they went in the direction of being cautious. The 25-year-old has been making a lot of waves in training camp so far and could be playing his way into a bigger backup role. Missing this game doesn't seem to move him back in the depth chart, but Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell are quite entrenched in the top two spots at running back. Mason's health will be something to monitor during the new week of practice.

From RotoBaller

Marshon Lattimore Aug 19 8:20am CT
Marshon Lattimore

New Orleans Saints defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (knee) suffered a knee injury in the team's preseason contest against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. The good news is that head coach Dennis Allen said that they think they avoided anything major. The exact injury to his knee hasn't been confirmed just yet, but it seems like he'll at least sit out of practice for a bit to make sure everything is healed. The Alabama product was the team's second-round pick in this year's NFL Draft and he's projected to get a good bit of work behind Marshon Lattimore to start the season as long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks.

From RotoBaller