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NFL sets meetings with private equity groups

Mon Aug 12 6:54pm ET
Field Level Media

The NFL will meet with private equity firms this week as it considers changing its policy about institutional funds being able to own teams, Sportico reported Monday.

The league will conduct one meeting with Arctos Partners and another with a group featuring Blackstone, Carlyle, CVC and Dynasty Equity, the report said. The list of firms also reportedly interested in NFL ownership includes Apollo, Ares and Sixth Street.

The NFL is the only major North American sports league that prohibits private equity ownership in a franchise. The NBA, NHL, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer all limit their teams to selling no more than 30 percent of equity to a fund.

Sportico reported that the NFL is looking at 10 percent as a potential cap.

The most recent NFL team to be sold was the Washington Commanders, a record-breaking $6.05 billion transaction. With team valuations on the rise, private equity could be an alternative avenue for franchise sales in the future.

The NFL formed a committee last year to explore changing its rules governing ownership, with Clark Hunt (Kansas City Chiefs), Jimmy Haslam (Cleveland Browns), Arthur Blank (Atlanta Falcons), Greg Penner (Denver Broncos) and Robert Kraft (New England Patriots) serving on the committee.

Commissioner Roger Goodell said in March that they were "very close to sort of outlining an approach," with "a lot of work to do to take that approach into reality."

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Player Notes
Jerry Jeudy Aug 12 6:10pm CT
Jerry Jeudy

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (undisclosed) was not participating in team drills at practice on Monday. Jeudy was acquired by the Browns in March and signed a three-year $58 million contract extension. Jeudy projects to be the Browns' No. 2 wide receiver behind Amari Cooper. With David Njoku also in the fold for targets, Jeudy could wind up as the third target on the team. With Deshaun Watson struggling over the past couple of seasons, the fantasy value of Jeudy is unknown. Jeudy finished 2023 with 758 receiving yards and two touchdowns. It was a down season for the former first-round pick who seemed to be ascending after a career year with the Denver Broncos in 2022. Ultimately, the Broncos grew tired of waiting for the breakout and shipped Jeudy to Cleveland. Jeudy is an afterthought in fantasy drafts at the moment. If he can recapture any of his 2022 magic then he will be an excellent value in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Aug 12 5:50pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will play in the Browns' final preseason game on August 24th. Live game reps will help Watson get back into a groove as he is coming off of shoulder surgery performed in November of 2023. Watson has struggled during his Browns tenure. He has only played in twelve of a possible 34 games due to injury and suspension. He only managed to throw for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns with a completion percentage of 61.4% in six games in 2023. Fantasy managers will be eager to see how Watson fares in the preseason to gauge how well he may be able to support pass catchers such as Jerry Jeudy, Amari Cooper, and David Njoku.

From RotoBaller

Zack Moss Aug 12 5:40pm CT
Zack Moss

Cincinnati Bengals running back Zack Moss (illness) returned to practice Monday. He was spotted working with the first-team offense upon his return. Moss has been competing with Chase Brown for the No. 1 running back spot on the roster. Moss is coming off a career year with the Indianapolis Colts in which he ran for 794 yards and five touchdowns in relief of Jonathan Taylor. The Bengals signed the 26-year-old to a two-year deal in March to replace Joe Mixon. However, Brown has generated a lot of buzz this offseason. It remains to be seen how the Bengals will deploy their running backs in 2024. Neither player is expensive to acquire in fantasy drafts and both may be worth a shot.

From RotoBaller

Robbie Chosen Aug 12 5:20pm CT
Robbie Chosen

The San Francisco 49ers officially signed wide receiver Robbie Chosen to a one-year deal on Monday. Chosen has been signed amidst the intense trade speculation surrounding star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Chosen spent part of the 2023 season with the Miami Dolphins. He recorded four receptions for 126 yards and one touchdown. His best season came in 2020 when he recorded over 1,000 receiving yards with the Carolina Panthers. With Deebo Samuel Sr., Juan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall on the roster in addition to Aiyuk, Chosen figures to simply be a solid depth piece in this offense.

From RotoBaller

Hendon Hooker Aug 12 4:10pm CT
Hendon Hooker

Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker (head) is in concussion protocol, and head coach Dan Campbell said the 26-year-old is unlikely to return to practice until at least Friday. Hooker, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, played in his first preseason game on Thursday after missing his entire rookie campaign following a torn ACL in his final collegiate season. He completed five of his nine passing attempts for 36 yards and led the team with 34 rushing yards before getting banged up against the New York Giants. While he should have plenty of time to be ready for Week 1, missing practice time as he tries to beat out Nate Sudfeld for the QB2 role behind Jared Goff is far from ideal. The team signed veteran quarterback Jake Fromm on Monday, which could be a sign that Hooker won't play this weekend against the Kansas City Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Aug 12 3:50pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk has been impressive this offseason, and Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston said he's arguably been the team's best receiver during training camp. "Demario Douglas is the Patriots receiver who finds himself open more consistently than any other. But in terms of availability and on-field dependability, there's no Patriots pass-catcher who has been more consistent than Polk," Perry wrote. Polk was the No. 37 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after posting 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and 10 total touchdowns while competing with star pass-catchers Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan for targets in 2023. He could establish himself as the clear WR1 in New England, giving him at least flex appeal in deep formats. However, there's a chance none of the Patriots' pass-catchers have a ton of upside with veteran Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye under center. That said, the Washington product's ADP is outside the top 200 overall picks, so he's worth a late-round dart throw for deep-league fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Aug 12 3:40pm CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones reportedly struggled with arm strength and deep passes early in training camp, but Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports that he has "shaken off the rust" and is no longer underthrowing passes down the field. "[He] uncorked a beautiful deep ball to Jalin Hyatt for a long touchdown today. They also hooked up for a short TD pass on a slant when Nick McCloud seemed to expect help inside that didn't come," Duggan wrote on X. While this is a promising note, it's tough to buy in on Jones in 2024 after his lost 2023 season. The 27-year-old is coming off a torn ACL, which could limit his rushing upside this season. First-round wideout Malik Nabers (ankle) is also banged up, and although he should be ready to go for Week 1, his ankle injury could slow down his development at least a little bit. All that said, Jones currently carries an ADP around the QB31 spot, so he can be picked as a late-round flier in deep Superflex formats. He's practically free in drafts, so it won't hurt fantasy managers if he busts in his sixth NFL campaign.

From RotoBaller

Jake Fromm Aug 12 3:30pm CT
Jake Fromm

The Detroit Lions signed free-agent quarterback Jake Fromm on Monday, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. This move comes just days after backup quarterback Hendon Hooker (head) entered concussion protocol. Head coach Dan Campbell said he doesn't expect Hooker back until later this week. Fromm, a 2020 fifth-round pick out of Georgia, has spent time with the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and Washington Commanders. He's played in just three regular-season games and completed under 50% of his passes for 210 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. He now joins a quarterback room with Hooker, Jared Goff, and Nate Sudfeld. It would be a surprise if he sticks around and makes the Week 1 53-man roster.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Aug 12 3:20pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey has gotten plenty of positive attention during his first NFL training camp, and head coach Jim Harbaugh went as far to as his route running is "elite." The second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft appears to be establishing himself as a clear starter for the Bolts, and he could play his way into the No. 1 wide receiver role ahead of Joshua Palmer. The 22-year-old didn't have the most impressive counting stats at Georgia, but he played in a run-heavy offense that often had the lead and competed with Brock Bowers, George Pickens, and Jermaine Burton, among others for targets. His 14.2 yards per reception and 16.6 yards per carry in college and his 4.39 40-yard dash time at the 2024 NFL Combine suggest he could be an efficient play-maker for Justin Herbert right away. Although the Chargers are expected to deploy a run-heavy offensive attack, McConkey could be a weekly WR3 or flex option if he earns the target-hog role in L.A.

From RotoBaller

Jerod Mayo Aug 12 3:10pm CT
Jerod Mayo

According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, multiple teams have inquired about a potential trade for New England Patriots edge rusher Matthew Judon. The organization offered the 31-year-old a new contract this offseason, but he declined. Judon collected 28 sacks through his first two seasons with the Patriots in 2021 and 2022, but the four-time Pro Bowler played in just four games last season and racked up four sacks before suffering a season-ending bicep injury. Although there is no indication that New England wants to trade him, it could be a possibility as the team enters a full rebuild under new head coach Jerod Mayo.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Aug 12 2:00pm CT
Haason Reddick

New York Jets All-Pro pass-rusher Haason Reddick, who is holding out still at training camp, has informed the team that he wants to be traded, according to multiple sources. Reddick has yet to play for the Jets after being acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in a trade back in March. The 29-year-old pass-rusher has a year left on his current deal and will want a contract extension from any interested team that is willing to trade for him. The former 13th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2017 out of Temple has made the Pro Bowl each of the last two years while playing for the Eagles and racked up 64 solo tackles, 27 sacks, 24 tackles for loss, 49 QB hits, four pass breakups, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries over 34 starts in that span. Regardless of where he's playing in 2024, Reddick should be on the IDP fantasy radar, at least as a bench stash.

From RotoBaller

Jaret Patterson Aug 12 1:00pm CT
Jaret Patterson

Los Angels Chargers running back Jaret Patterson has impressed the coaching staff and appears to have grasped the RB3 role right now, which has led The Athletic's Daniel Popper to list rookie sixth-rounder Kimani Vidal as the first RB off the active roster when the regular season starts. Patterson has gotten the most reps with the first team in training camp practices among the four backs competing behind Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. He was also the first RB in the game in the preseason opener on Saturday, ahead of both Isaiah Spiller and Elijah Dotson. Vidal was in uniform for warmups but did not dress for the game. Spiller is on the first-team punt unit and has familiarity with special teams coordinator Ryan Ficken. Vidal has also been dealing with an injury and missed four full days of practice earlier this month.

From RotoBaller

Drew Lock Aug 12 12:40pm CT
Drew Lock

When asked how confident he is that he'll be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September, New York Giants quarterback Drew Lock (hip, oblique) said, "100 percent confident." Lock said he's already throwing again after being pulled from the team's preseason opener last Thursday night against the Detroit Lions due to a bone contusion in his hip and a strained oblique. The 27-year-old will not need surgery, but he'll almost certainly sit out of the second preseason game this Saturday versus the Houston Texans. Starter Daniel Jones is expected to make his preseason debut, and third-stringer Tommy Devito should once again see extensive work. With Jones expected to be a full-go to kick off the regular season, Lock will be off the fantasy radar in all leagues as the backup in the Big Apple.

From RotoBaller

Rashod Bateman Aug 12 12:40pm CT
Rashod Bateman

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (undisclosed) returned to training camp practice on Monday after suffering a minor injury to his midsection during practice a week ago when he fell on a football. The 24-year-old was held out of the preseason opener on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles as a precaution but is now back with the rest of the team and should get some reps in this Saturday in the second preseason contest. The Ravens have said all offseason that they expect Bateman to take on a bigger role in 2024 after he caught just 32 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown in 16 regular-season games a year ago. At best, he'll be the No. 3 passing-game target behind Zay Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team leagues are going to want to see Bateman prove it before picking him up off the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Aug 12 12:30pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury in the team's preseason opener on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, but the injury isn't viewed as serious, and Lloyd should be fine for the start of the regular season in early September. However, hamstring injuries can be tricky, so the Packers will be cautious with him. It's good news that Lloyd should be ready for Week 1, but his latest injury pretty much ensures that he'll open his rookie season in the NFL as the RB3 for the Packers behind starter Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon. The 23-year-old was the team's fourth RB to get a touch on Saturday behind Jacobs, Dillon and Emanuel Wilson. There's a good chance he'll be held out of the second preseason game this Sunday in Denver against the Broncos. When healthy, Lloyd has a real opportunity to surpass Dillon as Green Bay's RB2 in 2024 because of his explosiveness.

From RotoBaller

Jaelan Phillips Aug 12 12:20pm CT
Jaelan Phillips

The Miami Dolphins activated linebacker Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday. Phillips will be able to return to the practice field at training camp after suffering a torn Achilles around nine months ago. It remains to be seen if he'll be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but even if he is, there's a good chance he'll be eased into a full workload. The 25-year-old former 18th overall pick in 2021 was in the midst of a breaking season last year before getting hurt, posting 43 tackles (28 solo), 6.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, 11 QB hits and his first career interception in eight games played in his third year in the league. Phillips will go undrafted in IDP fantasy leagues, but he could quickly become a waiver-wire pickup if he picks up where he left off once he's a full-go.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Aug 12 12:20pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) didn't require surgery after injuring his left shoulder in the preseason opener on Saturday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to head coach Andy Reid. Brown was released from a hospital on Sunday morning and has returned to Kansas City. Specifically, the 27-year-old wideout injured the sternoclavicular joint in his shoulder and will miss some time, which could very well jeopardize his availability to kick off his first year in KC in a Thursday night battle against the Baltimore Ravens. Tyreek Hill had a similar injury back in 2019 and was forced to miss four regular-season games. With Rashee Rice potentially opening the season serving a suspension, the Chiefs' receiving corps could be lacking, with rookie Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney benefitting.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Aug 12 12:10pm CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers rookie first-round wide receiver Xavier Legette (foot) returned to training camp practice on Monday after missing several days with a foot injury. In addition to missing some valuable practice time at the end of last week, Legette was also forced to sit out of the preseason opener last Thursday against the New England Patriots. It remains to be seen if the 23-year-old will play in the second preseason contest this Saturday against the New York Jets. The good news is that he's now back on the field as he tries to get up to speed for his first NFL campaign in 2024. Carolina's offense should have nowhere to go but up after last year's struggles, but with the addition of Diontae Johnson and the presence of veteran Adam Thielen, Legette could have trouble being anything more than an occasional big-play threat for fantasy managers in his rookie season.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Aug 12 12:10pm CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (undisclosed) won't come off the Physically Unable to Perform list this week and is considered week-to-week with an undisclosed ailment. It was originally believed that Beckham would be fine to play for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September, but that sentiment is now changing since he's still on the PUP list as we head into the second week of the preseason. When healthy, the 31-year-old pass-catcher is expected to serve as the team's WR4 behind Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Braxton Berrios. OBJ failed to stand out with 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season games for Baltimore in a receiving corps that had much more opportunity than his current situation in Miami. Beckham is currently being drafted in just 2% of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Montgomery Aug 12 9:50am CT
D.J. Montgomery

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver D.J. Montgomery reeled in two of his four targets for 45 yards in the team's loss on Sunday, leading all Colts' pass-catchers. Montgomery saw increased playing time as the Colts' starters and second-stringers played sparingly in the first half, allowing some players deeper on the depth chart to get some reps. Montgomery will continue to fight for a spot on the 53-man roster and is off the radar from a fantasy perspective.

From RotoBaller