The latest episode of Pro Football Network’s In The Mood for Fantasy Football Podcast shared notable observations from Week 2 of the NFL preseason. Let’s dive into fantasy football news from last week’s slate of preseason action.
To watch this week’s episode of In the Mood for Fantasy Football, tune into the video player above. You can also listen on your favorite podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Travis Etienne’s Lisfranc injury
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Etienne suffered a Lisfranc foot injury, which has ended his season. This is unfortunate news for the rookie running back.
This development positions second-year running back James Robinson to lead the backfield in 2021. The undrafted RB had a breakout season in 2020, finishing as an RB2+ in 86% of his 14 active games in PPR formats. Additionally, he averaged 21.4 opportunities and 101 total yards per game. Robinson’s main competition for touches will be Carlos Hyde.
Adam Trautman suffered a lower-leg injury
Adam Trautman only played five snaps on the Saints’ opening drive before injuring his lower leg. Trautman has been touted as a breakout candidate by many in the industry. The lower-leg injury puts a damper on that coming to fruition.
The stage was set for Trautman to thrive this season in New Orleans, especially with Jared Cook and Josh Hill moving on to other teams. Since 2006, head coach Sean Payton has provided tight ends an average of 8 targets per game. Converted receiver Juwan Johnson and Nick Vannett are the other tight ends on the Saints’ roster.
Zach Wilson continues to impress
Zach Wilson completed 9 of 11 passes for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Jets’ second preseason game last Saturday against the Packers. He looked great going through his progressions, made fast decisions, and displayed his excellent arm strength.
As a reminder, Wilson set the BYU record for completion percentage by connecting on 73.4% of his passes last season. He also threw for nearly 3,692 passing yards, which ranks 16th in school history. He is firmly on the QB2 radar with the offensive weapons the Jets have deployed around him.
Cam Newton’s COVID-19 test misunderstanding
Patriots quarterback Cam Newton won’t be allowed in the team facility until Thursday (August 26) after a COVID-19 test “misunderstanding.”
This news opens the door for rookie Mac Jones to earn the starting job. Last season at Alabama, Jones finished as the school’s all-time single-season passing yardage leader.
It is worth noting that Jones or Newton’s fantasy ceiling is low in the Patriots’ run-heavy offense behind their stout offensive line. New England averaged 31.4 rushing attempts (3rd) and 146.6 rushing yards per game (4th) last season, and this trend is likely to continue in 2021.
DeVonta Smith drops 2 of his first 3 targets
DeVonta Smith caught 2 of 4 targets for 19 yards in the Eagles’ preseason game against the Patriots. You shouldn’t be overly concerned when taking into account Smith’s statistical body of work.
The former Alabama receiver is still expected to open the 2021 season as the Eagles’ No. 1 receiver. The combined career numbers for Philadelphia’s receivers are 181 receptions for 2,135 yards and 14 touchdowns. Therefore, Smith projects to see around 120 targets in 2021.
Jaret Patterson’s excellent preseason continues
Washington running back Jaret Patterson had 16 carries for 71 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals last Friday night. He also caught 3 passes for 25 yards.
The former University of Buffalo running back is the frontrunner to open the season as Antonio Gibson‘s backup. Patterson was the only undrafted free agent that Washington signed this offseason.
At Buffalo, Patterson had three consecutive seasons of 1,000+ rushing yards and 10+ touchdowns. Head coach Ron Rivera has compared Patterson to Darren Sproles and is someone to target late in fantasy drafts.
Pat Freiermuth is developing rapport with Ben Roethlisberger
Pat Freiermuth caught 2 of 3 targets for 19 yards and 2 touchdowns in the Steelers’ third preseason game against the Lions.
The former Penn State star holds the school record for career touchdown receptions by a tight end (16). Freiermuth’s 92 career receptions are tied for 20th all-time at Penn State at the position. He’s being compared to former Steelers tight end Heath Miller.
Freiermuth is a better value right now in dynasty than Kyle Pitts.
Bringing it all together
This is a taste of what Tommy and I discussed in the latest episode of In The Mood for Fantasy Football, a Pro Football Network podcast that keeps you up to date on the latest NFL news and how to adjust your lineups weekly with start/sit, waiver wire, and draft advice.