Guest of the League
Best Ball SCOUT 226
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Roger Goodell: NFL to fight Sunday Ticket ruling; open to private equity ownership

Thu Jul 11 4:19pm ET
Field Level Media

Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL plan a renewed fight in a court ruling over the league Sunday Ticket plan that could result in a damages toll over $14 billion.

Goodell underscored the path to further litigation the NFL plans to take in response to the class-action verdict from a Los Angeles jury ordering payment from the NFL of $4.7 billion in damages to the residential class and another $96 million to the commercial class, siding against the league on accusations the NFL violated antitrust laws by making out-of-market Sunday afternoon games available for distribution through the "Sunday Ticket" subscription.

Damages triple under federal antitrust laws, meaning the ruling could cost the NFL nearly a full year of reported profits: $14.39 billion.

"We obviously disagree with the jury verdict. It's a long process and we're aware of that. But we feel very strongly about our position, our policies, particularly on media," Goodell told CNBC in an interview Thursday at the Sun Valley Conference. "We make our sport available to the broadest possible audience. Sunday Ticket is just a complementary product. We're committed to following the litigation all the way and making sure that we get this right."

Goodell was asked if he took notice of the NBA media rights deal, which reportedly jumped nearly $50 billion to $76 billion with primetime games available seven nights per week at the end of the NFL regular season.

"Probably a lot of people in the NFL think they're underpaid. But, we have great relationships with our networks," Goodell said.

He also opened the door to private equity ownership in the NFL's 32 franchises, furthering a discussion he admitted took place in 2023 at the height of the PGA-LIV Golf controversy and financing from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Based on "tremendous interest" Goodell said the NFL believes allowing private equity ownership could "make sense in a limited fashion."

"We believe that this could make sense for us in a limited fashion, probably no more than 10 percent of a team," he said.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Top 3 Breakouts

Player Notes
J.J. McCarthy Aug 15 9:24pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Dynasty | Vikings quarterback JJ McCarthy underwent surgery for a torn meniscus and is out for the season. Dynasty Analysis: There was hope his injury was a partial tear that could be trimmed but that wasn't the case and a full repair was needed. It's not catastrophic as McCarthy wasn't the presumed starter but his chance of starting later in the year are now gone. Sam Darnold will have a golden opportunity moving forward as the starter, though Minnesota could also kick the tires on some veteran options. McCarthy will likely fall a couple of spots in rookie drafts as a result.

Tanner McKee Aug 15 9:20pm CT
Tanner McKee

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Tanner McKee completed 15 of 19 passes for 140 yards and lost a total of four yards on four carries during the team's 14-13 win over the New England Patriots. Kenny Pickett was again the starter in this game but had another uninspiring performance while being sacked three times. The starters were rested again this week in favor of the second string, but McKee maximized his minutes this week as he pushes to make the roster as the emergency quarterback. For what it's worth, the 24-year-old was given reps with the second-team offense this past week and has been pushing Pickett for the No. 2 spot, but it is still seen as the No. 3 on the depth chart heading into the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Aug 15 9:20pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) was seen in the blue medical tent early Thursday during practice due to knee soreness. According to Nick Harris of the team's site, it is "not expected to be a major concern moving forward." With star wideout CeeDee Lamb missing time due to a contract holdout, the Cowboys' offense has been leaning on Cooks early and often in practice. While this does not appear to be a long-term issue, it is worth mentioning that Jalen Tolbert is the third wide receiver on Dallas' depth chart, and it's quite the falloff after that. If the eleventh-year wideout's knee does not improve quickly, expect the Cowboys to seek veteran help at the position. Cooks is Yahoo!'s WR59 in ADP and could be a nice value in an offense that should funnel targets to him, Lamb, and Jake Ferguson.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Aug 15 9:10pm CT
Kenny Pickett

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 11 of 13 passes for 67 yards and added two carries for six yards during the team's second preseason game against the New England Patriots. The former first-round pick started the game with a quick three-and-out but led the offense down the field for a field goal on the second drive. Pickett was sacked three times on his second-to-last drive and was taken out at the start of the second half for Tanner McKee. The 26-year-old is averaging 6.2 yards per completion through two starts and has done little to impress, although he has played with no starting receiver thus far. McKee had a solid night and was getting more second-team reps this past week in practice, but there is little doubt that Pickett will head into the regular season as the No. 2 behind Jalen Hurts. Pickett will play against the Minnesota Vikings next Saturday, but may not get the start if the starters see action for the first time this preseason.

From RotoBaller

John Ross Aug 15 9:03pm CT
John Ross

Updating a previous report, Philadelphia Eagles WR John Ross (concussion) suffered a concussion during the preseason game against the New England Patriots Thursday, Aug. 15.

From TheHuddle

David Njoku Aug 15 9:00pm CT
David Njoku

Despite participating fully in one-on-one drills, Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (undisclosed) reportedly took just one snap during team drills at Thursday's practice. On one rep in particular, Njoku caught a touchdown but got up slowly and was seen walking gingerly away from the end zone. No clarity has been given on what or how severe the injury is, though Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski noted the veteran tight end is "sore." Fortunately, Cleveland's starters are not slated to suit up this weekend when the Browns face off against the Minnesota Vikings. Therefore, Njoku will have nine days to work back to health before a potential appearance during their preseason finale with the Seahawks on Aug. 24.

From RotoBaller

Jakeem Grant Aug 15 8:40pm CT
Jakeem Grant

The Atlanta Falcons placed kick returner/wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (hamstring) on injured reserve Thursday. Atlanta signed Grant to a one-year contract last Saturday, and he was expected to compete for a role as a return specialist. He injured his hamstring this week at practice, and it's unclear how much time he will miss. However, Grant could play again this year if he is able to reach an injury settlement with the team. The 2016 sixth-round pick was set to experience his first action this season since 2021 after suffering back-to-back season-ending injuries the previous two preseasons (Achilles, knee). With him and Rondale Moore on IR, Atlanta is expected to seek more depth behind Avery Williams to compete for kick returner duties.

From RotoBaller

Chris Evans Aug 15 8:20pm CT
Chris Evans

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Evans (knee) will miss the entirety of the 2024 season after suffering a torn patellar tendon at Thursday's practice. Evans was the fourth running back on Cincinnati's preseason depth chart. While he only received three touches last season, it had been reported that the fourth-year pro was having a solid camp. Evans figured to play a more significant role in the Bengals' offense with the departure of Joe Mixon this offseason, but he will shortly begin his long road to recovery. This will be the first time since 2017 that Mixon isn't projected to lead the Cincinnati backfield in touches. At this point, Zack Moss and Chase Brown figure to form some sort of committee, with third-string Trayveon Williams sprinkling in when necessary. The point-scoring capabilities of the Bengals' offense makes this backfield one to monitor.

From RotoBaller

Matt Milano Aug 15 8:13pm CT
Matt Milano

Buffalo Bills LB Dorian Williams is expected to start at outside linebacker while LB Matt Milano (biceps) is sidelined.

From TheHuddle

John Ross Aug 15 7:53pm CT
John Ross

Philadelphia Eagles WR John Ross (head) left the preseason game early Thursday, Aug. 15, and is being evaluated for a concussion.

From TheHuddle

Brandin Cooks Aug 15 7:33pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks (knee) left practice early Thursday, Aug. 15, because of knee soreness.

From TheHuddle

Chase Claypool Aug 15 6:10pm CT
Chase Claypool

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) has been released by the organization. This news doesn't come as a huge surprise after Claypool was placed on season-ending Injured Reserve earlier this week due to a toe injury. The 26-year-old put together two solid seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers to begin his career. Since then, Claypool has struggled to find much success and is fighting to stick on a 53-man roster. The former second-round pick will look to catch on elsewhere once he gets healthy next year. He's completely off the fantasy radar in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Aug 15 5:53pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) likely will play in the preseason game Saturday, Aug. 17, as long as he does not suffer a setback before the game, according to head coach Mike Tomlin.

From TheHuddle

Amari Cooper Aug 15 5:43pm CT
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns WR Amari Cooper (undisclosed) left practice Thursday, Aug. 15, because of soreness, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Fantasy Spin: Cooper probably will rest for a few days but does not appear to be dealing with anything serious. He should be a big part of the passing game this season and can be a No. 3 receiver in most fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Nate Wiggins Aug 15 5:40pm CT
Nate Wiggins

Baltimore Ravens rookie first-round defensive back Nate Wiggins (shoulder) returned to the practice field on Thursday. This is good news after Wiggins suffered a shoulder injury during the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. The organization was concerned about the injury, but further testing determined there was no serious damage to his shoulder. That being said, Wiggins is expected to be fine going forward. The Ravens expect big things for Wiggins after they selected him in the first-round of this year's draft. He's likely to play a significant role on defense this upcoming season.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Aug 15 5:40pm CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is entering the final year of his contract with the organization. The two sides have reportedly had good conversation about a long term extension. The good news for Cowboys fans is that Prescott appears willing to play through the final year of his deal. The same cannot be said about fellow teammate CeeDee Lamb who is currently holding out for an extension. If the Cowboys extend Prescott it should lower his 2024 cap hit, which as a result should give the organization more money to get a deal done with Lamb. It's unlikely that the organization wants these issues to roll over into the regular season, so we'll see if anything happens over the next few weeks.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 15 5:20pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) appears to be in good shape after his incident a few days ago. The rookie back was carted off the field during Tuesday's practice due to an ankle injury. Now, Tracy was seen running and cutting on the field with the training staff on Thursday. This is an odd turn of events, but it sounds like Tracy has avoided a serious injury. There seems to be a good chance of Tracy getting back on the practice field next week. Fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates.

From RotoBaller

Zach Ertz Aug 15 5:20pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz was not seen at practice and won't be available for the upcoming preseason matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Fantasy managers don't need to worry as his absence isn't injury related. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Ertz is fine and is away from the team for personal reasons. Quinn hinted that the Ertz family is expecting a baby, so if that's true then congratulations to them. In his place, Ben Sinnott and John Bates figure to split up a majority of the snaps at tight end on Saturday. Neither player is on the fantasy radar heading into draft season.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Aug 15 5:13pm CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (hamstring) is expected to participate in practice next week, according to head coach Sean McVay.

Fantasy Spin: Stafford probably will be eased back into practice so the team can make sure he is ready for Week 1. He probably will be a No. 2 quarterback in the majority of fantasy leagues this season.

From TheHuddle

Andy Reid Aug 15 4:33pm CT
Andy Reid

Kansas City Chiefs OT Jawaan Taylor (shoulder) will not play in the upcoming preseason game but will be fine moving forward, according to head coach Andy Reid.

From TheHuddle