Dose: Jags' A-Rob Breaks Foot
Allen Robinson has flown under the radar a bit in this ultra-deep rookie receiver class. It may not be because of his on-field play, but rather the team he plays for. Frankly, casual fans aren’t interested in the 1-9 Jaguars. But they’re truly an entertaining squad to watch with plenty of young talent that should be knocking on the door of respectability as soon as 2015. There may not be a youngster on the roster more talented than Robinson. At 6’3/210, Robinson drew some Demaryius Thomas comparisons coming out of Penn State due to his tackle-shedding skills post-catch and insane leaping ability (42-inch vertical and 10-foot-11 broad jump). He’s also been called the “next Dez Bryant” by some respectable minds across the industry. The sky-high upside is there. And I’m a big believer, as evidenced by this Dynasty trade I pulled off with our very own Evan Silva last week in the Rotoworld Dynasty league. If you don’t know Allen Robinson, you’ll know the name soon.
Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing any more of Robinson this season. He originally hurt his foot in Week 7. Robinson played through it, but it became too much to overcome. It was revealed on Tuesday that Robinson suffered a stress fracture in his foot and is done for the remainder of the year. Foot injuries for receivers (and any position, really) can linger and prove troublesome. Notable players to suffer a stress fracture in their foot are Marvin Jones, Julio Jones, Michael Crabtree, Aaron Dobson, D.J. Hayden, and Manti Te’o. The common theme among all six of those players is that they all experienced setbacks in their road back to the field. Robinson’s Dynasty arrow remains pointing upward, but there’s reason for concern. At least Robinson will have more than enough time to recover. Offseason workouts don’t kick off for another six months, while OTAs and minicamp are seven and eight months away, respectively. Robinson should be 100 percent well before then. In the meantime, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns will get extended looks in three-wide sets over the Jaguars’ final six games. The feeling remains that Robinson will enter 2015 as the favorite for No. 1 duties. He might be a nice buy-low target in Dynasty next spring. But Robinson is going to need Blake Bortles to take a step forward, which there’s no reason to think he won’t.
In Other News…
Patrick Willis had been sidelined by a toe injury since Week 6. On Tuesday, the 49ers sent Willis to injured reserve. Willis needs surgery and revealed he’s been battling the toe for the past few seasons. Maybe the premier inside linebacker in the league, Willis excels in coverage. Opposing tight ends get a boost down the stretch. Larry Donnell, Jordan Reed, Mychal Rivera, and Antonio Gates all have the 49ers left on the schedule.
Arian Foster yanked his groin in Week 9, but the Texans’ Week 10 bye came at the perfect time, as Foster is fully expected to play against the Browns’ bottom-barrel run defense Sunday. We’ll get out first real update on Foster when the Texans are required to provide a practice report on Wednesday.
Jordan Cameron has yet to be cleared from his Week 8 concussion, as he didn’t practice on Tuesday. It’s not a good sign for his potential Week 11 availability. Cameron’s concussion issues have been well-documented. He’s suffered three brain injuries since the 2012 season, and his previous two seasons were ended by concussions. Jim Dray and Gary Barnidge will continue to fill in for as long as Cameron is sidelined.
Adrian Peterson’s status will be decided by November 22 at the latest. Profootballtalk reports Peterson’s expedited grievance hearing will be held on November 17, and the NFL will then have to resolve the matter within five days. All we can do is sit tight and squat on Peterson until we know whether he’ll be available down the stretch. Coach Mike Zimmer has already said the Vikings will welcome back Peterson.
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Quarterback & Running Back Slants
Cam Newton is reportedly dealing with a right foot injury, in addition to his left ankle, though coach Ron Rivera denies Newton is hurt. Anyone who watched Monday night’s game can clearly see Newton isn’t healthy. … Coach Marvin Lewis insists he hasn’t lost faith in Andy Dalton following his Week 10 meltdown. OC Hue Jackson expressed similar thoughts last week. … The Bears worked out free agent RBs Mikel Leshoure, Andre Brown, Brian Leonard, and Tim Hightower. … Ben Tate expressed frustration with his role in the three-man committee in Cleveland’s backfield. … Ryan Tannehill (shoulder, ankle) remained limited in Tuesday’s practice. He’s in no danger of missing Thursday night. … The Cardinals signed QB Ryan Lindley off the Chargers’ practice squad. … Lamar Miller (shoulder) remained limited Tuesday. At less than 100 percent, he’ll be part of a committee Thursday night. … Fred Jackson (groin) practiced in full Tuesday. Look for his role to increase Thursday night. … Coach Ken Whisenhunt blamed the offensive line for Bishop Sankey’s meager output in Week 10. He’ll once again carry the load against the Steelers next Monday night. … The 49ers re-signed No. 3 RB Alfonso Smith. … Ronnie Hillman (foot) is expected to miss 2-3 weeks.
Wide Receiver & Tight End Slants
The Saints activated deep-threat Joe Morgan from his team-imposed suspension. … Free agent Josh Cribbs worked out for the Colts on Tuesday. … Charles Clay (knee) remained limited in Tuesday’s practice. He’s been limited the vast majority of the season. … The Bears waived Santonio Holmes. He posted 8-67-0 across nine games. Holmes’ career may be over at 30. … The Chiefs placed TE Demetrius Harris (foot) on I.R. The 6’7/257 ex-college basketball player with 4.52 wheels remains a player to monitor in deep Dynasty leagues. … Sammy Watkins (groin) practiced in full Tuesday. He’ll be close to 100 percent for Thursday night. … Andrew Hawkins (thigh/knee) didn’t practice Tuesday. Expect him to return for Week 11, however. … Leonard Hankerson is expected to make his season debut Sunday after being activated from PUP last week. … Jerry Jones remains committed to keeping walk-year WR Dez Bryant in Dallas long-term. … Brian Hartline isn’t complaining about his lack of targets. He’s the No. 4 or 5 option in the Dolphins’ pass attack and disgustingly overpaid. He won’t be back at his 2015 salary of $5.9 million. Jarvis Landry is the No. 2 to Mike Wallace’s No. 1.
