Dose: Ingram Diversifies
Mark Ingram had his first ever receiving touchdown as an NFL player in the Saints’ preseason game against the Titans and looked good in the process as he took it to the house while making two defenders miss on his 23-yard touchdown reception. Now that Darren Sproles is gone they are starting to ask Ingram to do a little more and so far he’s been up to the task. In college he was used in the passing game for close to two receptions per game and he prides himself on his versatility, even though he hasn't been asked to be that versatile in the spread out Saints' offense.
In an interview with ESPN’s Mike Triplett, Ingram said, “I want to be involved in the pass game, run game, picking up pass pro. I want to be the most versatile player I can be," he said. "The majority of the time, if you just watch the film, most of the teams think when I'm in the game it's either gonna be a run or play-action or something like that. But ... we had Sproles, Pierre, a lot of receiving targets. I'm just trying to welcome that role and prove that I can do it.”
So far he’s put together two very good preseason games and should have a bigger role this season now that he's healthy and Sproles is in Philadelphia. At his current ADP of 132 overall and as the 43rd running back off the board, he has a ton of value.
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Montee Ball was able to return to practice on Tuesday. He was just in non-contact drills, but it’s a great sign that he’s able to get out there so soon after his appendectomy. Even if he’s unable to participate in preseason games he will at the very least be able to stay in shape and on top of the regular season game plan.
Malcom Floyd has been getting plenty of praise in camp and the Union-Tribune called him the camp’s “runaway MVP.” The Chargers look to slow games down with the run and Keenan Allen is the go-to receiver there, so Floyd’s upside is capped, but he is always a red zone threat and should hold value in deeper leagues.
The Browns and coach Mike Pettine had planned on choosing a starting quarterback before their third preseason game, but the incredibly poor play by both Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel on Monday night has put that decision on the shelf for the time being. With both playing poorly the odds are in the veteran Hoyer’s favor at the moment.
The Giants’ rookie wide receiver Odell Beckham reinjured his hamstring and beat reporter Jordan Raanan says it’s “not looking good” for him to start the season. It's too bad because Beckham seems like a great fit for Ben McAdoo's quick hitting offense. With almost no training camp and what looks like no preseason games, Beckham has fallen off the redraft radar.
The Cardinals activated Tyrann Mathieu from the PUP list on Tuesday. He may not be able to go Week 1, but his activation means they expect him to play before Week 6. After losing so many key players on defense this is welcome news for the Cardinals.
Marcel Reece was injured in Sunday’s practice and considered “out indefinitely” because the Raiders have been extremely secretive with injury news, but he was back at practice on Tuesday! So all is well. Reece has had fantasy value in the past, but the Raiders have a lot of bodies at running back right now. He’s not on the fantasy radar at the moment, but as the season grinds he’s often the player left standing.
Draftnik darling Isaiah Crowell has seen a total of two carries this preseason and looks to be on the outside looking in for a roster spot. It’s looking more and more likely that Crowell just isn’t going to hook on with a team, but he could still be picked up by a running back hungry team if he is released. I'm not giving up on him in dynasty just yet, but the odds are stacking up against him.
Injury Quick Slants
Cowboys defensive end and second round pick Demarcus Lawrence remains on crutches and is expected to miss the first 3-6 games of the season with a broken foot. . . . The shoulder injury Jeremy Hill suffered Saturday night doesn’t seem to be an issue after he practiced on Tuesday. . . . Rams left tackle Jake Long (knee) was a full participant in Tuesday's practice and should be ready to go for their next preseason game. . . . Cowboys’ defensive tackle Henry Melton remains sidelined after a groin injury a week ago. He should be ready for Week 1, but this is yet another concern for the Cowboys’ decimated defense. . . . 49ers right tackle Anthony Davis (shoulder surgery) has resumed practicing, and will be ready for Week 1. This was expected, but is still excellent news for the 49ers already stacked offensive line. . . . Both Andre Johnson and Arian Foster “increased their activity” according to the Houston Chronicle and look like they’ll be ready to play against Denver on Saturday. . . . The Packers waived tight end Colt Lyerla who has a torn MCL and PCL in his right knee. . . . Sammy Watkins was able to practice on a limited basis on Tuesday and seems to have avoided a serious rib injury.
