Dose: A.D. All Done For 2014
“All Day” appears to be “All Done” for 2014. Oh, how quickly things have changed for Adrian Peterson. Over the weekend, it was reported that Peterson would be back on the field with the Vikings sooner rather than later, and maybe even as soon as Week 12. On Monday, his grievance hearing was held before arbitrator Shyam Das. Tuesday, Das ruled the NFL may keep Peterson saddled on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. Prior to announcing that decision, the NFL ended Peterson’s season itself by simply suspending him for the remainder of 2014. Peterson plans to appeal his suspension, but the ruling that the league can keep him on the Exempt List makes it a moot point. He’s not going to play this season.
Those stashing Peterson in hopes of having him for a fantasy playoffs run can safely cut bait. Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata will continue to carry the load for the Vikings the season’s final six weeks. Good news for McKinnon owners. As for Peterson, there’s a good chance he’s played his final snap for the Vikings. He has no guaranteed money left on his contract. There’s no chance Minnesota will keep him around at his $15.4 million 2015 cap number when it can save $13 million by cutting him. Peterson will turn 30 next March. The hard truth here is that if this were any non-superstar player, their career would be over. Peterson, however, may get another chance if a team feels it can take on the public relations wildfire that would come from signing Peterson.
In Other News…
After complaining last week about his role in the Browns’ backfield and then rushing for minus-nine yards on two carries in Week 11, Ben Tate was waived by Cleveland on Tuesday. He was averaging just 2.15 YPC the past six weeks and 3.1 on the season after inking a two-year, $6.2 million deal in March. Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West had vastly outperformed their veteran backfield mate. Crowell sits atop the depth chart now for the Browns and is a must-own in all formats. Tate is still just 26 and should draw plenty of interest either on waivers or shortly after clearing waivers. The Colts make a ton of sense as a landing spot after they lost Ahmad Bradshaw to a broken leg last Sunday night. However, there’s a report that a team ahead of the Colts (21st) in the waiver order will claim Tate. The Ravens (19th) and Dolphins (20th) make some sense. Tate played for current Ravens OC Gary Kubiak and QBs coach Rick Dennison in Houston the previous four seasons.
LeGarrette Blount rushed for zero yards on five carries in Week 10, and then didn’t touch the ball on Monday night against the Titans. He stormed off the field before the game was even over. It’s also been reported that the Steelers had grown tired of Blount’s antics and believed he was having a bad influence on Le’Veon Bell. On Tuesday, the Steelers released Blount. The 2014 free-agent running back class has been a disaster. Blount revived his career in New England in 2013, but may not get another chance. He’s had various character issues since coming out of Oregon.
Brandin Cooks broke his thumb in Week 11. He was slapped with a 4-6 week timetable for recovery. With the 4-6 Saints still very much alive for a playoff spot in the NFC South, it was a surprise to see them send Cooks to season-ending injured reserve Tuesday. His rookie season ends with a 53-550-3 receiving line. Still just 21 years old, Cooks’ long-term arrow is pointing straight up. In the short-term, look for the Saints to lean more on Marques Colston and Kenny Stills behind Jimmy Graham. They should also get pass-catching RB Pierre Thomas back from a multi-week shoulder injury.
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Quarterback & Running Back Slants
Derek Carr has been limited in practice this week due to a quad issue. He’ll be fine for Thursday night against the Chiefs. … Coach Ken Whisenhunt praised Bishop Sankey’s running in Monday night’s loss. How about giving him more carries then? … ESPN Boston expects the Patriots to use a different offensive approach in Week 12 against the Lions than they used against the Colts, suggesting it could be Shane Vereen who benefits most this week. Owners banking on Jonas Gray as a surefire RB1 after a four-touchdown outburst need to temper expectations. … The Panthers activated Mike Tolbert (leg) off I.R./recall. … DeMarco Murray feels “recharger” coming out of the bye. He’s ready to roll for the fantasy playoffs. … The Colts are said to have no interest in free agent Ray Rice. … Trent Richardson is expected to take on an expanded role in the Colts’ backfield. Dan Herron is currently the No. 2. … Stevan Ridley had surgery to repair his torn ACL and MCL on Tuesday.
Wide Receiver & Tight End Slants
Cardinals rookie TE Troy Niklas needs ankle surgery after suffering his second high-ankle sprain of the season in Week 11. He was sent to I.R. on Tuesday. … Donnie Avery returned to practice Tuesday, getting in a limited session. He’s off the fantasy map. Anthony Fasano (knee) remained limited Tuesday. … ESPN Colts reporter Mike Wells expects Dwayne Allen (ankle) to miss Week 12. … The Titans are hopeful Delanie Walker (concussion) will be cleared for Week 12. … The Panthers cut Jason Avant. He’s a good locker room guy, but isn’t good at football. … The Colts signed WR/KR Josh Cribbs. … Coach Mike Zimmer suggested it “may take a while” before Cordarrelle Patterson will be a good football player. … Jordan Reed’s latest injury is to his right hamstring. He battled the left hammy earlier this season. … Allen Hurns will replace Allen Robinson (foot, I.R.) in the starting lineup. Marqise Lee will be the No. 3. … Julius Thomas (ankle) is not in a walking boot or walking with a limp.
