Fantasy Football News

According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Crabtree has already undergone surgery on his torn Achilles tendon.

Impacts: Details will continue to trickle in with regards to the severity of Crabtree's Achilles tendon tear and the estimated timetable for his return, but either way, his injury will have a major impact on the 49ers' plans for the coming season. At first glance, the team's acquisition of Anquan Boldin takes on added importance, with the likes of A.J. Jenkins potentially in line for added opportunities, as well as TE Vernon Davis and WR Quinton Patton.

According to Mike Garafolo of USA Today, Crabtree will reportedly require surgery after suffering a torn Achilles during the 49ers' OTAs.

Impacts: Meanwhile, ESPN's Adam Schefter notes that Crabtree is undergoing additional tests to confirm the injury. We'll await verification of the report, but assuming Crabtree's Achilles is torn as feared, then he would be in line to miss most, if not all, of the coming season. While the 49ers could seek veteran help in the wake of this development, young receivers A.J. Jenkins and Quinton Patton could well be called upon to help fill the void.

Woodson agreed to a one-year contract with the Raiders on Tuesday, FOX Sports' Jay Glazer reports.

Impacts: Woodson will return to the team that drafted him with the fourth pick in the 1998 draft. He appeared in just seven regular season games for the Packers last season, but did return for the club's two playoff games. Woodson figures to start opposite Tyvon Branch if he makes it through training camp healthy.

Owner Robert Kraft indicated that he has received positive reports from doctors regarding Gronkowski's left forearm surgery, ESPN.com reports. "I'm not a medical person and things change day to day, but we were told that it was as good a report that we could have hoped for," Kraft said Tuesday.

Impacts: Now that doctors believe that a lingering infection in Gronkowski's forearm has cleared, back surgery could be on tap for the tight end in the coming weeks. As a result, Gronkowski's status for the regular season opener could possibly be affected, but Kraft remains hopeful on that front. Assuming no setbacks with his forearm, Gronkowski's next key step will be an evaluation next month to determine whether or not he needs to undergo the back procedure. Once that situation is clarified, Gronkowski's prognosis for training camp and beyond will hopefully become easier to gauge.

Romo will be out three weeks after undergoing minor surgery to remove a cyst from his back, the Dallas Morning News reports. "If this was the regular season and I had to play next week, I could," Romo said.

Impacts: He'll miss this week's OTAs, but should be fine for the start of training camp. If first-round draft pick Travis Frederick can help stabilize the middle of the Cowboys' offensive line, Romo could deliver some very big numbers this season.

Gronkowski, whose forearm procedure Monday reportedly went well, plans to see a doctor in about 3-4 weeks to decide whether or not to have back surgery, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Impacts: While Gronkowski's potential back surgery is viewed as minor, it's been a lengthy offseason grind health-wise for the tight end. Still, with good news Monday regarding his arm issue, Gronkowski can now focus on his rehab from the procedure, while also addressing with his back woes.

With the infection in Gronkowski's forearm reportedly gone, doctors were able to replace the plate in the tight end's arm with a new one on Monday, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports.

Impacts: Given that the new plate is now in his arm, the 10-11 week recovery clock is now ticking, which puts training camp within reach for Gronkowski, barring any setbacks or complications. With his arm problem finally addressed, Gronkowski's back issue can now be tackled, ideally concurrently with his recovery from Monday's procedure.

Though Moreno (knee) was present at Monday's OTAs, he has not yet been cleared to take live reps, the Denver Post reports.

Impacts: Moreno is still bouncing back from a knee injury that he sustained in the playoffs last season, but on the plus side, the report notes that he seems to be running well. With Willis McGahee and Moreno not participating, Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball saw added reps at Monday's OTA session.

Coach Greg Schiano indicated that Freeman was sharp at Monday's OTAs, while displaying very good command and focus.

Impacts: Moreover, Schiano noted that Freeman has a better grasp on the Bucs' offense after a year in the current scheme, while adding that he doesn't think Freeman is bothered by talk of competition for his job. "He knows this is his team," said Schiano. There had been whispers that rookie Mike Glennon might be in the mix to overtake Freeman, but while Schiano will no doubt encourage a competitive preseason atmosphere, the QB job remains Freeman's to lose.

Brady feels good about his mechanics after working with former major league pitcher Tom House this offseason, NESN.com reports. "Going into my 14th year, I have never had more confidence in how I am throwing the football," Brady noted. "I've never felt better throwing the football."

Impacts: Despite all of his success, Brady is known as a hard worker, who is always trying to stay sharp and improve his craft. Prior to working with House, he was tutored for years by the late Tom Martinez. With no known injury concerns as the 2013 season approaches, and obvious confidence in his mechanics, Brady's biggest challenge in the coming months will be adjusting to a re-tooled wideout corps that now features Danny Amendola, who essentially replaced slot machine Wes Welker, as well as the likes of rookies Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce, who are looking to make an impact on the outside. Meanwhile, veterans Julian Edelman, Donald Jones, Michael Jenkins and Lavelle Hawkins will also jostle for positioning on the team's WR depth chart.

Gronkowski is slated to undergo a fourth procedure on his left forearm Monday, the Boston Herald reports.

Impacts: Gronkowski, who also may need back surgery this offseason, must first have his arm issue addressed, with Monday's procedure slated to determine whether or not the infection in his arm has completely cleared up. If so, the next step would entail replacing the plate currently in his forearm with a new one. Once that happens, the tight end is looking at a 10-11 week recovery period. In any case, things will need to proceed smoothly (with both his arm and back) going forward in order for Gronkowski to be ready to go come Week 1, with his prognosis on that front hopefully on tap to become a little clearer in the coming days.

Irvin has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing substance policy, the Everett Herald reports.

Impacts: Irvin admitted he took a banned substance without medical exemption and will not appeal the suspension. The Seahawks will miss his pass-rushing for the first month of the season, as Irvin recorded eight sacks in 2012, setting a franchise rookie record.

Gronkowski underwent an MRI on his back and may require surgery to correct a disc issue.

Impacts: Gronkowski is already dealing with complications from arm surgery, and he is undergoing a fourth surgery on his arm next week. Gronkowski is scheduled to meet with a spine specialist following the procedure to determine whether or not surgery will be required on his back. In 2009, he underwent surgery to "shave down" a disc in his back, but the present issue is not believed to be related.

Webb has been moved to wide receiver from quarterback for the Vikings, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Impacts: Webb played wide receiver his sophomore year at Alabama-Birmingham and began his pro career at receiver before being moved back to quarterback. It's not clear if he'll get much playing time as he'll be down on the depth chart, but it's possible the Vikings could design several plays for him since he's got impressive speed (4.44 in the 40-yard dash) and would be a threat for trick plays since he can throw. He'll also offer a quandary for many fantasy leagues since his position eligibility between QB and WR may be uncertain.

Williams has restructured his contract with the Panthers, ESPN.com reports.

Impacts: Players tweak their deals fairly often, but in the case of Williams, it is notable since there had been whispers that his previous contract could lead to the Panthers potentially dangling him in trade talks. His restructuring frees up $3.2 million in salary cap space this year, while also lowering his future cap hits. In any case, the move ensures that Williams will stick around in Carolina to share the team's backfield with Jonathan Stewart and fullback Mike Tolbert.

Coach Doug Marrone says that the injury keeping Johnson sidelined is a strained back, BuffaloBills.com reports.

Impacts: Considering he suffered the injury last month during a team workout and it doesn't sound like some chronic thing, that seems a little more positive. We'll feel more comfortable, however, if Johnson is able to jump in with the new coaching scheme at some point ahead of July training camp.

Green proclaimed himself 100 percent recovered from his knee injury Tuesday, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Impacts: Green appeared in 12 games for the Packers last season and even started four, but he also mentioned Tuesday that he was never fully healthy in 2012, which likely played a factor in him averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. A healthy Green will get a chance to compete for carries during training camp, but he will have to beat out several players, including Eddie Lacy and DuJuan Harris, to carve out a significant role.

Though Jones-Drew (foot) didn't practice as the Jags' organized team activities opened Monday, he noted that he ran 30 yards at three-quarters speed during the workout, Florida Times-Union reports. "That was exciting," Jones-Drew said. "Lately, it's been one day on, a day off, two days on, a day off — it's part of the process. I'm closer than I think. I just want to take my time and make sure we do it the right way."

Impacts: To that end, as Jones-Drew proceeds cautiously in his recovery from his foot injury, the running back is aiming to amp up his training in the month leading into the start of training camp, which begins the last week of July.

Though Michael Vick opened up with the Eagles' first-team offense at the first day of the team's organized team activities on Monday, Foles took a significant number of snaps as well, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports.

Impacts: Meanwhile, neither Matt Barkley nor Dennis Dixon took first-team snaps, with the snap distribution between Vick and Foles estimated at 50/50 by coach Chip Kelly. It would still be an upset if Foles were to win the Eagles' starting QB job over Vick, but as Kelly noted Monday, "it's May 13 and we've got a long ways to go before we ever set a depth chart or do anything like that."

Jones has agreed to a one-year contract with Philadelphia, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Impacts: Jones enters training camp at least third on the depth chart behind LeSean McCoy and Bryce Brown along with Chris Polk and Miguel Maysonet. However, we'll have to see how his role develops this summer.

Jones-Drew (foot) is making progress, Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida Times-Union reports.

Impacts: Jones-Drew is not expected to be back to full health for a couple more weeks, but was able to run at three-quarter speed for a bit Monday, so he appears to be on track to return at least by the beginning of June.

Hoyer was released by Arizona on Monday, Sirius Radio's Adam Caplan reports.

Impacts: Carson Palmer's acquisition during the offseason left Hoyer's status in some doubt. The Cardinals were actively attempting to trade Hoyer leading up to the draft, but those inquiries apparently led nowhere. Consequently, Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley will remain the two reserve QBs on the Cardinals, with Hoyer searching for yet another opportunity.

Massaquoi could be a beneficiary of Justin Blackmon's four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Impacts: While Massaquoi is coming off a modest 17-reception, 254-yard 2012 season (nine games), he now has a real shot to carve out a role early on in Jacksonville with Blackmon set to miss the first four games of the season. Cecil Shorts will go forward as the undisputed No. 1 with Massaquoi, Jordan Shipley and 2012 draft pick Ace Sanders all competing for No. 2 and 3 roles.

Blackmon has been suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy, John Oehser of Jaguars.com reports.

Impacts: Blackmon will be allowed to take part in training camp and preseason action, but he will not play in Weeks 1-4 due to his suspension. The Jaguars are rather thin at the receiver position, and Blackmon's suspension means Jordan Shipley or Mohamed Massaquoi will likely open the season as the starter opposite Cecil Shorts. Blackmon will be eligible to return to the team Sep. 30, and unless the Jaguars decide to penalize him further, he will make his debut Week 5 against the Rams.

Blackmon will be suspended for the first four games of the 2013 season, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Impacts: The reason for Blackmon's suspension was not included with the report, but it looks like Blackmon will sit out the first four games of his sophomore campaign. Expect an update on Blackmon's status as more details become available.

The Jets have released Tebow, ESPN New York reports.

Impacts: The move seemed inevitable after the Jets made fellow QB Geno Smith a second-round pick in the recent NFL draft. In his one-year stint with the Jets, Tebow attempted only eight passes and rushed the ball 32 times for 102 yards. He'll presumably pass through waivers and once he does, Tebow will be able to seek out a situation/organization where his skill set can be an asset.

The Jets may consider releasing Sanchez following the team's selection of quarterback Geno Smith on Friday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Impacts: After the Jets took Smith in the second round (39th overall) of the draft Friday, some are speculating that Sanchez could be on his way out of New York. Coach Rex Ryan didn't exactly give Sanchez a strong endorsement as the No. 1 guy last month, saying that Sanchez would take the first snaps in minicamp because "somebody has to take it."

Rodgers and the Packers agreed to a five-year, $110 million contract extension Friday, according to the Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Impacts: The deal will make Rodgers the highest paid player in NFL history. Fantasy owners should expect a big 2013 from Rodgers, who has led the league in passer rating each of the last two years.

Revis (knee) has been traded by the Jets to the Bucs for a 2013 first-rounder (13th overall), plus a conditional 2014 fourth or third-round pick.

Impacts: Moreover, Revis and the Bucs have also agreed on a new six-year $96 million extension that includes no guaranteed money. It's an aggressive move by the Bucs to upgrade their secondary, as the team evidently feels very confident about the health of the star cornerback, who is coming off an ACL injury, by making him the highest paid defensive back in NFL history.

Hernandez's recovery from a minor scope on his shoulder will last approximately four months, ESPN Boston reports.

Impacts: Hernandez will definitely miss OTAs and mandatory minicamps over the next few months, which could place him on the PUP list to begin training camp. However, he is expected to be fully healthy by the time the regular season kicks off.

Revis, who has reached an agreement in principle with the Buccaneers, has been granted permission by the Jets to travel to Tampa Bay for a physical, Yahoo! Sports reports.

Impacts: The Jets and Bucs have apparently come to terms on a trade, which is contingent upon Revis passing a physical. Since a recent MRI revealed that his surgically-repaired left knee is ahead of schedule in its recovery, it only seems a matter of time before the deal is completed in earnest. Revis should officially be a Buccaneer by Monday morning.

The shoulder surgery that Hernandez had about two weeks ago is being referred to as a minor scope, the Boston Globe reports.

Impacts: The report confirms that Hernandez will be ready for the start of training camp in July, barring any setbacks, which is good news for the Patriots, with Rob Gronkowski still dealing with issues related to his surgically-repaired forearm.

Hernandez, who underwent shoulder surgery earlier this offseason, will likely miss the Patriots' OTAs along with mini-camp, the team's official site reports.

Impacts: On the plus side, the report indicates that Hernandez should be ready to return in time for training camp, so in the long term this doesn't look like a major issue, but for the time being, neither of the Patriots' top two tight ends are in commission, with Rob Gronkowski still dealing with issues with his forearm.

The Steelers have matched the Patriots' offer sheet for Sanders, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Impacts: Sanders will thus remain with the Steelers on a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Now that he's back in the fold, look for him to replace Mike Wallace in the team's starting lineup this coming season, opposite Antonio Brown. Assuming he earns that assignment, then Sanders should have no problem improving on his 2012 numbers (44 catches for 626 yards with a touchdown) this coming season.

Winfield agreed in principle to a one-year deal with the Seahawks on Friday, NFL Network's Albert Breer reports.

Impacts: The addition of Winfield only further bolsters a Seattle secondary that already features Pro Bowl-caliber players at all four starting spots. The aging Winfield should settle into a nickel role and remain a proficient tackler in what's shaping up to be the league's premier defensive unit.

Jennings (shoulder) claimed to agree to contract terms with Oakland on Wednesday, NFL.com reports.

Impacts: Jennings will be a serious consideration to earn the top backup role behind Darren McFadden, though the Raiders might add help through the draft. Jennings dealt with knee and concussion troubles in 2012, though, running for a remarkably bad 2.8 yards per carry while he was at it.

Welker is working out with Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker this week at Duke University, the Denver Post reports.

Impacts: Thomas and Decker worked out with Manning at Duke last offseason in preparation for the 2012 season and both had career years. Manning throws there in the offseason because his former college offensive coordinator, David Cutcliffe, is now head coach at Duke (he also happened to be Eli Manning's head coach at Mississippi). There is no questioning that Welker can make Manning a better fantasy player but it's tough to see Welker excel as much as he did in New England thanks to the presence of Thomas and Decker.

The Raiders are expected to sign Wallace, NFL.com reports.

Impacts: If the deal happens, as expected, then Wallace would be in line to jostle with Terrelle Pryor for slotting behind Matt Flynn on the Raiders' QB depth chart.

The offer sheet Sanders signed with New England is a one-year deal for $2.5 million, the Boston Globe reports.

Impacts: The Steelers have five days to match the offer, but if they don't, then they'll receive a third-round draft pick (91st overall) from the Patriots as compensation.