Free agent running backs that could make sense for Cardinals

The Cardinals could use an established veteran to back up James Conner. Here are a few players who are a good fit.

The Arizona Cardinals are set at starting running back with James Conner but the depth behind him is uncertain at best. They have veteran Corey Clement, known mostly for his special teams play, second-year pro Keaontay Ingram, Ty’Son Williams and undrafted rookie Emari Demercado.

It would be a surprise if they didn’t add another veteran back at some point this offseason and there are a few players who make sense.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

5 free agent running backs the Browns could still target in free agency

Which veteran options remain at running back?

It came as a surprise for some fans when the Cleveland Browns did not take a running back in a loaded class in the 2023 NFL draft. Currently, the team has just Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford on the depth chart outside of a couple of players that will battle in camp for a possible practice squad spot. Could they turn back to the open market and find one in NFL free agency?

It would seem unlikely that the team doesn’t bring in another player at the position before camp and could likely choose a veteran with experience in the NFL. Here are five of the best remaining running back free agents a couple of months before training camp begins.

Ravens announce inactives for the Wild Card matchup vs. Bengals

The Ravens announce their inactive players for the Wild Card matchup against the Bengals

The Baltimore Ravens are facing the Cincinnati Bengals in back-to-back weeks. Baltimore lost 27-16 in Week 18 to Cincinnati, but this there is much more at stake, as the playoffs have arrived and the two teams will face off on Wild Card Weekend.

Shortly before kickoff, the Ravens announced their inactive players for this Wild Card matchup. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who hasn’t practiced in over a month, is on the list, as well as running back Kenyan Drake,  defensive back Brandon Stephens, cornerback Pepe Williams, wide receiver Binjimen Victor, center Tryston Colon, and tight end Charlie Kolar.  Stephens is still dealing with an illness that kept him from Week 18.

Williams and tight end Kolar become inactive with the returns of Marcus Peters and Mark Andrews. Peters is returning from injury after being out since getting injured in Cleveland against the Browns in Week 14, and Andrews was inactive in Week 18 to rest up for the playoffs.  The Ravens need to have big games from both if they want to come out of Cincinnati with a win.

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Ravens RB Gus Edwards being evaluated for a head injury in Week 18 vs. Bengals

Ravens running back Gus Edwards left Baltimore’s Week 18 game against the Bengals

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The Baltimore Ravens faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. While the team sat out a lot of important players on the offense and defense, they might have lost one more to injury in the first half of the contest in a star offensive player.

Baltimore announced that running back Gus Edwards was being evaluated for a possible head injury. Edwards’s game started out strong with a first down on the first offensive play of the game. If the injury is significant, it might lead to him missing next week’s playoff game.

The shorthanded Ravens could be even more short-handed if Edwards has to miss time. In his absence, running backs Kenyan Drake and Justice Hill should get more opportunities.

Update: Edwards has been ruled out for the remainder of the game

Ravens C Tyler Linderbaum discusses team’s running game success

Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum talks about the success of the running game

Early in the 2022 season, the Baltimore Ravens weren’t having much success running the ball.  It was a running back room composed of Kenyan Drake, Justice Hill, and Mike Davis while J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards worked back into game shape after suffering ACL tears right before the 2021 season.

Since Dobbins and Edwards have returned to the lineup, the running game has put up over 100 yards in each of the last three games. Rookie center Tyler Linderbaum was asked about the offensive line and how the running game has been a success lately, talking about how the offensive line has been coming together and meshing together well.

“Yes, especially this time of year. Being able to run the football, being capable of running the football is important. I think we’re starting to gel together and improve on some things, but the good thing is there is a lot of stuff that we can still get better at, and there are still more yards out there for us to get. So, when the time comes, and they need us to run the ball, I think we have the guys to do it, but it’s just all about going out there and actually working together and doing it.”

If the Ravens can continue to run the ball effectively, they will control the time of possession and help keep the defense fresh.  Those two factors will help them out come playoff time, as the more time they spend on offense, the less the other team will be able to get in rhythm during a game.

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Former Dolphins RB calls out Tua Tagovailoa haters

The quarterback has been converting his doubters this season.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been putting on a show through the first 10 games of the 2022 season.

In his most recent appearance, against the Cleveland Browns, he completed 78.1% of his attempts for 285 yards and three touchdowns.

This caused former Dolphins running back Kenyan Drake to take to social media to defend his former signal-caller.

Drake and Tagovailoa never crossed paths, but with both players spending their collegiate careers at Alabama, there’s obviously some love for the Crimson Tide brotherhood.

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Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 9

Check out these start/sit decisions in Week 9 of fantasy football.

In what will be one of the most difficult weeks for fantasy football managers, the lineup decisions could make or break a matchup.

There’s a lot of fantasy firepower sitting on the bench this week with six teams on a bye, including the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

You also can check out our start and sit bench list for Week 9.

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 9 free-agent forecast

Here is the Week 9 waiver-wire free-agent forecast for fantasy football.

The fantasy football season has essentially passed that halfway mark, and managers will find themselves in another rough week of byes and injuries to work through in Week 9.

Teams on a bye in Week 9 include the Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers.

We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in ESPN leagues, using the 75% rostered mark as the threshold. If you have any questions about prioritizing a certain player over another, don’t be afraid to hit me up on Twitter (@KevinHickey11). Your questions, comments, and roasts are always welcome!

We also will be taking a look at some deeper players to stash and the top streaming options for the upcoming week.

Fantasy football waiver wire recommendations refer to 12-team league formats, unless specifically stated.

Check back for any updates throughout Monday and Tuesday as more injury news becomes available.

Ravens RB Gus Edwards leaves game with hamstring injury in Week 8 vs. Buccaneers

Ravens running back Gus Edwards left the game in Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a hamstring injury

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The Baltimore Ravens were driving early in the fourth quarter with a 17-10 lead.  Running back Gus Edwards who was questionable to play throughout the week due to his knee went down after a 22-yard run.

He stayed down on the ground, but was able to walk off of the field and into the blue medical tent. He didn’t re-enter the game after, likely for precautionary reasons.

Edwards was having a solid game running for 65-yards on 11 carries. His 22-yard run was the longest of his short season so far.

Fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em: Week 7

Here’s a look at some tough starts and sits in fantasy football for Week 7.

As we get closer to the halfway point of the fantasy football season, bye weeks and injuries make start and sit decisions even more vital.

With the Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams all on a bye, there’s a lot of fantasy firepower sitting on the bench this week.

Doing start/sit articles can be a little challenging. The players featured on the list below should not be taken as “must starts” or “must sits.” Instead, these are more suggestions on what we believe managers should do with fringe players heading into the weekend. The choice is ultimately up to the manager.

Just because a player is listed as a “start” doesn’t mean he should be put in the lineup over the secure, bona fide studs. Vice versa for the “sits.” If there’s no better option on the waiver wire or the bench, a manager shouldn’t automatically sit the player. That’s why these can be tricky waters to navigate.

You also can check out our start and sit bench list for Week 7.

Here is a look at some of the tough start and sit decisions in fantasy football for Week 7: