Tag: Melvin Gordon

Tests confirm catastrophic knee injury for Broncos RB Javonte Williams

Three major torn ligaments have ended Williams’ season and put the start to 2023 in jeopardy.

Tests revealed Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (knee) tore his anterior cruciate ligament, lateral collateral ligament and posterolateral corner in Sunday’s loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Needless to say, his 2022 season is over.

Catastrophic indeed. Two of four torn knee ligaments is a devastating blow to any player’s future, especially at running back. The most relevant recent comparison with similar ligament tears is New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. He returned to get drafted and star as a Pro Bowler in the NFL, and though one can argue the physicality of playing running back differs from that of cornerback, this isn’t entirely a fantasy death sentence for the second-year rusher. Both positions require tremendous lateral movements skills, and it’s entirely possible Williams never will be the same back again.

Williams’ start to 2023 is in jeopardy at this point, but the immediate focus is on where to turn for help in fantasy football for the remainder of 2022. The obvious place to turn is Williams’ backfield mates, Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone. The former should handle most of the work, including the early-down chores, whereas the latter is a better target in PPR. Boone isn’t likely to have as much value, though, and his utilization figures should pale in comparison to Gordon.

The former Charger is owned in most leagues, yet it remains worthy of your time to take a quick peek. Boone, however, should be universally available and becomes a depth addition of moderate priority.

Given the nature of how important the position is in fantasy, finding valid replacements on the wire will be next to impossible in most competitive formats. With bye weeks a Sunday away, there will be plenty of games in which managers will be forced to plug their nose and field just about any back with a pulse. Be sure to check out our latest Free-Agent Forecast release that covers waiver targets.

Update: Running back Latavius Murray was signed away from the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad. The 32-year-old looked spry in Week 4 action but doesn’t offer much that can’t be found in Gordon, aside from improved ball security. Murray is not a quality receiver, and he’s not a breakaway threat. Add him as a fringe backup, especially if you had handcuffed Gordon to Williams.

Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 5 free-agent forecast

Here are the top waiver wire targets in fantasy football for Week 5.

The first month of fantasy football has just about concluded. Some managers are still searching for their first win, while others remain in the thick of the race. Either way, the waiver wire can be a manager’s best friend.

We’ll be taking a look at the top available players rostered in ESPN leagues, using the 75% 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!

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.

Ex-Broncos CB Chris Harris calls out RB Melvin Gordon after latest fumble

“Idk How bruh got that 25 on he fumble every week,” Chris Harris tweeted.

The fumbles just keep coming for Melvin Gordon.

The Denver Broncos running back has now fumbled in five-straight games dating back to last season. He fumbled on his very first carry against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday and the ball was recovered by the Raiders and returned for a touchdown in a game-changing play.

Broncos fans are understandably upset about Gordon’s latest blunder, which marked his 11th fumble in 35 games with Denver. At least one former player is frustrated, too.

Chris Harris, who wore No. 25 with the Broncos from 2011-2019, doesn’t seem to be happy with Gordon fumbling while wearing his old number.

Former Denver defensive lineman Shelby Harris took a very different approach on Twitter, noting that Gordon is “one of the best backs in the league.” Harris went on to say some fans are “garbage” to react the way they do to player mistakes.

Gordon’s fumbles are certainly a concern, but the Broncos might need to lean on him in the coming weeks if Javonte Williams’ knee injury is serious.

The running back has to do a better job holding onto the ball if he wants to keep his role in Denver’s offense.

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Tunnel Vision of Week 4

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Jared Goff 378-1 4
 Geno Smith 320-49 3
Russell Wilson 237-29 3
Josh Allen 213-70 2
Tom Brady 385 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Josh Jacobs 144 rush
5-31 catch		 2
Austin Ekeler 60 rush
6-49 catch		 3
Rashaad Penny 151 rush
1-6 catch		 2
Miles Sanders 134 rush
2-22 catch		 2
Jamaal Williams 108 rush
1-3 catch		 2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Justin Jefferson 10-147 1
Tyreek Hill 10-160 0
Tee Higgins 7-124 1
DK Metcalf 7-149 0
CeeDee Lamb 6-97 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
T.J. Hockerson 8-179 2
Mo Alie-Cox 6-85 2
Gerald Everett 5-61 1
Zach Ertz 6-47 1
Travis Kelce 9-92 1
Placekickers XP FG
Greg Joseph 1 5
Daniel Carlson 2 4
Brett Maher 1 4
Mike Badgley 0 4
Jason Meyers 6 2
Defense Sack – TO TD
Eagles 3-5 0
Giants 5-3 0
Cardinals 2-3 0
Seahawks 1-2 1
Raiders 3-1 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Daniel Jones (NYG) – Ankle
QB Tyrod Taylor (NYG) – Concussion
QB Mitchell Trubisky (PIT) – “Picketted”
QB Brian Hoyer (NE) – Head
RB Javonte Williams (DEN) – Knee
RB Jonathan Taylor (IND) – Ankle
WR Cephus Quintez (DET) – Foot
WR Treylon Burks (TEN) – Foot
WR Laviska Shenault (CAR) – Hamstring
WR Kenny Golladay (NYG) – Knee
WR Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) – Head
WR Jamison Crowder (BUF) – Ankle
TE Jonnu Smith (NE) – Ankle
TE Cameron Brate (TB) – Concussion

Chasing Ambulances

Giants QB – Both Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor were knocked out of the win over the Bears, but Jones returned to finish the game. The Giants play in London this week, so they won’t be in their normal routine. There are no other quarterbacks on the active roster, so if either (or both) end up missing the London game, they’ll need to activate Davis Webb from the practice squad or look on the free agent market.

QB Brian Hoyer (NE) – He was already replacing Mac Jones (ankle)  and Hoyer left with a possible concussion. That meant that the rookie Bailey Zappe saw his first playing time. It’s too early to know the status of either Jones or Hoyer, but chances are the Patriots will look to add a quarterback at least to their practice squad.

RB Javonte Williams (DEN) –  The Broncos rusher will have an MRI today after being carted from the field with a right knee injury. There is a concern that it is serious and he may miss many weeks. If he is out for any games, Melvin Gordon will become the primary back and Mike Boone would figure in. Gordon lost a fumble in the game and Boone saw three rushes for 20 yards.

RB Jonathan Taylor (IND) – Injured his ankle in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Titans. He limped off and later said he tweaked his ankle. Problem is that the Colts play the Broncos on Thursday and now both teams may be without their best running back.  If Taylor misses time, Nyheim Hines will see expanded use and Deon Jackson is the only other running back on the active roster. Jackson’s only action has been two carries for a net three-yard loss in Week 2. They have D’vonte Price on the practice squad as well. Hines is the only safe bet for more fantasy value.

WR Treylon Burks (TEN) – The rookie was carted from the field and was seen later with a walking cast and crutches. If he misses time, Kyle Phillips should see more work.

WR Kenny Golladay (NYG) – Injured his knee and did not return to the game. The Giants receivers cannot get or remain healthy. The only notable part of their extensive set of injured players is that Saquon Barkley is about the only healthy one. The times they are a’changing.

WR Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) – Was concussed in the win over the Ravens. If he misses any time, the slot would be manned by Jamison Crowder though Khalil Shakir could see some more work. The Bills move their receivers all over the formation, so there’s only minimal fantasy impact from losing the No. 3 wideout. Crowder also hurt his ankle in the game, so it could end up with Shakir seeing the uptick.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

RB Latavius Murray (NO) – The London game served up a double whammy – Alvin Kamara was out, and his fantasy owners that woke up in time could change their starter to his backup, Mark Ingram, which ended up to be the wrong move. The Saints called up Latavius Murray from their practice squad and he ran better (11-57, TD) than did Ingram (10-30). But they are both 32 years old and on the downside of their careers. Success often begets more opportunity. But Kamara is likely to return this week. The Saints host the Seahawks, so there will be opportunities for the backfield.

RB Caleb Huntley (ATL) – The undrafted free agent spent last year on the practice squad but was called up to the active roster and had one carry in Week 2. Cordarrelle Patterson was in and out of the lineup and Huntley was given ten runs that gained 56 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Tyler Allgeier gained 84 yards on his ten carries and Patterson ran for 38 yards on nine rushes with a score but had no receptions. The Falcons went to a three-man committee but the 29 carries were all productive. Allgeier is still the No. 2 back, but Huntley ran well in his first action.

RB Brian Robinson (WAS) – The Commanders’ rookie back is expected to be activated from reserve/NFI list this week, though it is not yet official. He’ll land in a backfield that is getting more crowded. Antonio Gibson has been the primary rusher and J.D. McKissic serves as the third-down back. On Sunday in Dallas, they also used Jonathan Williams for five runs that gained 48 yards. And they weren’t end-of-the-game, mop time runs. He was seeded in the first three quarters. Robinson will likely need time to get into game shape, but he’s a new face for the backfield and should be as talented as any of the other backs. But the Commanders rely on their committee.

TE Mo Alie-Cox (IND) – He led the Colts with six catches for 85 yards and two scores, and yet he totaled just four catches for 44 yards over his first three games combined. And last week, it was the rookie Jelani Woods with two touchdowns. The top tight end in Week 1 was Kylen Granson. Don’t expect Alie-Cox to be turning into an instant fantasy start. Granson caught four passes for 62 yards in that game. Woods gained 33 yards on his lone reception. The Colts had all their passing success with the tight ends versus the Titans.

WR Darnell Mooney (CHI) – He finally showed up with four catches for 94 yards in the Bears’ loss at the Giants. That included a 56-yard catch and run though, and without that catch, he’s back to only 38 yards. The passing yardage (174) was marginally better, but the offense still offers no fantasy relevance when they pass.

QB Zach Wilson (NYJ) – Had his first start of the year and threw for 252 yards and one score with two interceptions. Corey Davis had a season-high five catches for 74 yards and a score but Elijah Moore (3-53) and Garrett Wilson (2-41) didn’t see any boost. Hosting the Jets this week won’t make it any easier.

RB Breece Hall (NYJ) – The Jets rookie rusher was gradually taking more work each week but then jumped to 17 carries for 66 yards and one score, plus two catches for 12 yards as the Jets beat the Steelers. Michael Carter only gained 15 yards on his nine runs and caught the same two passes. Hall is already assuming the primary role.

QB Kenny Pickett – The rookie took over for the second half after Mitchell Trubisky got the hook. Pickett ran for two scores on his six rushes for 15 yards, but he threw 13 passes and none of them hit the ground. Ten went to Steeler receivers and three were intercepted. Notable was fellow rookie George Pickens gaining 102 yards on six carries. The Steelers play in Buffalo next, so Week 5 may not be any prettier.

QB Bailey Zappe (NE) – Brian Hoyer was lost to a concussion, and the seventh-round rookie saw his first NFL action starting at the end of the first quarter. He never rushed and completed 10-of-15 passes for 99 yards and a score to DeVante Parker. The Patriots went to a run-heavy script with 33 total carries, but that may be more the norm while Mac Jones is out. Zappe did help the Pats bring the game into overtime, but there’s no real fantasy value here.

WR Romeo Doubs (GB) – Everyone’s favorite sleeper wideout last summer  showed up in Week 3 with eight catches for 73 yards and a score at the Buccaneers. On Sunday versus the Patriots, he was thrown a team-high eight targets. He also dropped what could have been a winning catch and avoided overtime. But Aaron Rodgers looked for Doubs and Allen Lazard far more than any other receivers.

RB Melvin Gordon (DEN) – With Javonte Williams feared to have a severe knee injury, Gordon is thrust into the No. 2 role by default. Mike Boone is the only other running back on the active roster. Devine Ozigbo is on the practice squad but all represent a significant step down from Williams. Boone has only been a bit player for his four years in Minnesota and Denver but Gordon has fumbled three times this year, including the one that was returned for a 68-yard touchdown for the Raiders. The Broncos have one of the top-ranked schedule strengths for running backs, so there will be some value from this backfield without Williams. Gordon is the first choice, and currently Boone is the only other option.

WR Chris Godwin (TB) – Returned from his hamstring injury and tied with Mike Evans for a team-high ten targets. He caught seven for 59 yards while Julio Jones only managed one catch. Godwin did leave the game after an apparent injury to his mid-section but returned later. His presence was a boost for the Buccaneers’ passing effort and he immediately returned to being the No. 2 passing target.

Huddle player of the week

TE T.J. Hockenson (DET)  –   The Detroit tight end was stuck at sub-40-yard performances through three weeks, but the Lions were without both starting wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark. Hockenson responded with the franchise record for a tight end – eight receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns on his 12 targets.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Jared Goff 378 4 QB Tua Tagovailoa 110 0
RB Caleb Huntley 56 1 RB Javonte Williams 27 0
RB Rex Burkhead 39 1 RB Jonathan Taylor 42 0
WR Jamal Agnew 50 2 WR Jaylen Waddle 39 0
WR Josh Reynolds 81 1 WR Diontae Johnson 11 0
WR George Pickens 102 0 WR Michael Pittman 31 0
TE Mo Alie-Cox 85 2 TE Dalton Schultz nope 0
PK Greg Joseph 1 XP   5 FG PK Will Lutz 2  XP 1 FG
Huddle Fantasy Points = 139 Huddle Fantasy Points = 23

Now get back to work…

Broncos lose to Raiders 32-23, fall to 2-2

The Broncos are now back to .500 following Sunday’s loss to the Raiders.

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The Denver Broncos lost to the Las Vegas Raiders 32-23 on the road in Week 4 and dropped to 2-2 on the year. Las Vegas improved to 1-3 with the win.

Denver took a 7-3 lead over Las Vegas in the first quarter after Russell Wilson threw a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Courtland Sutton.

The Raiders then matched that score with a touchdown of their own, followed by a Broncos field goal. Then in the second quarter, with the game tied 10-10, running back Melvin Gordon fumbled and Las Vegas recovered and returned the ball 68 yards for a touchdown to take a 16-10 lead (the ensuing PAT was unsuccessful).

That marked Gordon’s fourth fumble of the season and his fifth fumble in his last five games dating back to last year. Gordon went into the team’s medical tent after his fumble, but he later returned to the game in the second half. The running back was limited for two days of practice last week with a neck injury and he didn’t get his first rush against the Raiders until late in the second quarter.

After that fumble put the Broncos down 16-10, Wilson led a 75-yard drive that ended with a 20-yard touchdown pass to receiver Jerry Jeudy. That tied the game at 16-16 (Denver’s PAT was blocked).

Las Vegas then kicked a field goal to take a 19-16 lead into halftime.

The Raiders added field goals in the third and fourth quarters to increase their lead to 25-16 with just under 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Wilson then led a six-play, 75-yard drive that ended with the quarterback scoring on a three-yard run that made it 25-23.

Las Vegas then marched down the field and Josh Jacobs scored his second touchdown of the game to make it 32-23 with 2:02 remaining. Denver turned the ball over on downs after that and the Raiders ate up enough clock to seal a win.

Broncos running back Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury early in the second half and was ruled out after being carted from the sideline to the locker room. That left Gordon and Mike Boone as the team’s remaining backs — they combined to rush six times for 28 yards.

Broncos safety P.J. Locke and outside linebacker Aaron Patrick also left the game with concussions and pass rusher Randy Gregory suffered a knee injury in the fourth quarter.

Up next for Denver is a short turnaround before hosting the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday Night Football in Week 5. The Colts are 1-2-1.

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Broncos RB Javonte Williams ruled out vs. Raiders with knee injury

Broncos RB Javonte Williams (knee) is questionable to return to today’s game against the Raiders.

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Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams suffered a knee injury early in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Denver initially said Williams was questionable to return before later ruling him out.

After being helped off the field by trainers, Williams was taken on a cart to the locker room for further evaluation.

Before leaving the game, Williams rushed 10 times for 28 yards and caught one pass. He was replaced on offense by third-string running back Mike Boone.

Williams and Melvin Gordon had a near-even rotation going into Sunday’s game but Gordon didn’t get his first touch in Week 4 until late in the second quarter. Gordon was limited in two days of practice last week with a neck injury and he fumbled on his first carry in Las Vegas (the Raiders recovered the ball and returned it 68 yards for a touchdown).

With Gordon seemingly not at full health, Boone replaced Williams in the first half and gained 20 yards on his first three carries. At the time of this writing, the Broncos are trailing 19-16 in the third quarter.

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Raiders get scoop and score off Melvin Gordon fumble

Melvin Gordon fumbled – again – and the Raiders took it back for a TD

The Las Vegas Raiders had not scored a defensive touchdown since 2019.

Melvin Gordon to the rescue.

The Denver Broncos’ running back committed his fourth fumble of the season in the second quarter on Sunday and it became a scoop and score for Amik Robertson, who returned it 68 yards.

Gordon has had issues holding on to the football and this fumble came on his first touch against the Broncos in this game.

The score gave the Raiders a 16-10 lead after the Daniel Carlson PAT was no good.

The last Raiders defensive TD came on a pick-six against Philip Rivers in Week 10 of the 2019 season. Erik Harris returned a pass 56 yards for a TD against the Bolts that season.

Series History: Wisconsin Badgers vs. Illinois Fighting Illini

The series history between the Wisconsin Badgers and Illinois Fighting Illini:

On Saturday morning, the Wisconsin Badgers will match up against the Illinois Fighting Illini for the 89th time in their collective histories. The Badgers have won 44 games in the series, losing 37 and tying seven.

The last time these teams faced off was last year in Champaign, Ill., where Wisconsin shut out Illinois 24-0. The Badgers dominated the Fighting Illini on the ground with running backs Chez Mellusi and Braelon Allen rushing for over 130 yards and a touchdown each.

The first time they played was in 1895 at Camp Randall Stadium, which ended in a 10-10 tie. Hopefully, this year’s game should be more exciting to watch as former Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema makes his return to Madison, Wis., with the Fighting Illini.

Below are photos from some of the most recent matchups between Wisconsin and Illinois: