Fantasy Football News & Views
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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Steelers | Justin Layne activated Tue Aug 11, 10:34 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers CB Justin Layne was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Aug. 11. CB Breon Borders was released.
Link to story Steelers | John Houston released Fri Aug 7, 11:08 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers LB John Houston was released Friday, Aug. 7.
Link to story Steelers | James Washington activated Fri Aug 7, 11:03 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR James Washington was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Aug. 7.
| Footballguys view: Washington will be working on building chemistry with Ben Roethlisberger after the two barely played together last year. Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool will be his main competition for snaps at outside receiver with Juju Smith-Schuster in the slot. |
James Washington player page
Steelers | Ben Roethlisberger details injury Tue Aug 4, 11:53 AM
Updating previous reports, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) said he tore three flexor tendons off the bone, and he's attempting to come back from a surgery he believes no quarterback has ever come back from. It wasn't Tommy John surgery, but it was somewhat similar and equally serious.
| Footballguys view: It's a serious injury that Roethlisberger is coming back from...at age 38. Who knows what Roethlisberger has left in the tank but after most of 2019 off (only 2 games played) he could look better than some expect. Roethlisberger will be on a rep count in training camp to help keep him fresh for the regular season. |
Ben Roethlisberger player page
Steelers | Big Ben encouraged Tue Aug 4, 11:47 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) said his arm feels really good Tuesday, Aug. 4, after throwing the previous day. He said he has been throwing more than usual this offseason, but he'll still be on a pitch count in training camp.
| Footballguys view: Steelers fans and Fantasy GMs should be encouraged too. A healthy Roethlisberger means good things for the passing game and assets like WR JuJu Smith-Schuster. He's a QB2 with QB1 upside in 2020 with a current ADP of QB16 (11.10) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Ben Roethlisberger player page
Steelers | Ben Roethlisberger takes part in practice Mon Aug 3, 07:35 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) threw passes during practice Monday, Aug. 3.
Link to storyBen Roethlisberger player page
Steelers | Arrion Springs activated, waived Mon Aug 3, 04:46 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers CB Arrion Springs was waived Monday, Aug. 3, after he was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Link to story Steelers | James Washington on COVID list Sun Aug 2, 01:49 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR James Washington was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday, Aug. 2.
| Footballguys view: The COVID-19 list is designated for players who test positive for the virus or have been in contact with someone who has the virus. Washington started 10 games in 2019 and looked good in his breakout year. He was the team's leader in receiving yards with 735 yards on 44 catches. With WR JuJu Smith-Schuster returning healthy, Washington could see a dip in his production. |
James Washington player page
Steelers | Jaylen Samuels placed on COVID list Sun Aug 2, 01:41 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Jaylen Samuels was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Sunday, Aug. 2.
| Footballguys view: The COVID-19 list is designated for players who test positive for the virus or have been in contact with someone who has the virus. Samuels is a jack-of-all-trades at the running back position and was no.2 on the Steelers last year with 47 receptions. If used properly, Samuels can be more efficient as a runner and make more plays as a receiver. The Steelers added Anthony McFarland (Maryland) in the 2020 NFL draft and the rookie could cut into Samuels role behind starter James Conner. |
Jaylen Samuels player page
Steelers | Eight players waived Sun Aug 2, 01:32 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers QB J.T. Barrett, RB Ralph Webb, WR Quadree Henderson, C Christian Montano, LB Christian Kuntz, LB Dewayne Hendrix, S Tyree Kinnel and DE Josiah Coatney were waived Sunday, Aug. 2.
Link to story Steelers | Curtis Riley lands with Pittsburgh Thu Jul 30, 05:01 PM
Free-agent S Curtis Riley (Raiders) signed an undisclosed contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday, July 30, according to a source.
Link to story Steelers | Chase Claypool worked out with QB Thu Jul 30, 01:32 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool said he was able to catch some passes from QB Ben Roethlisberger this offseason.
| Footballguys view: Good news for the rookie here, and Fantasy GMs in dynasty leagues are certainly intrigued by the Notre Dame wideout. Claypool is a size/speed/strength prospect who lacks polish to his game. He does attack the ball in the air and uses his catch radius to snare passes that others couldn't. Claypool will work on special teams and as a reserve receiver for the Steelers in 2020. |
Ben Roethlisberger player page
Steelers | Justin Layne on COVID list Wed Jul 29, 04:04 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers CB Justin Layne was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday, July 29.
Link to story Steelers | Wendell Smallwood joins Pittsburgh Tue Jul 28, 04:01 PM
Free-agent RB Wendell Smallwood (Washington Football Team) signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers Tuesday, July 27. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
| Footballguys view: The Steelers already have a jam-packed RB corps with James Conner, Benny Snell Jr., Jaylen Samuels, Anthony McFarland Jr., Kerrith Whyte Jr., and Trey Edmunds. Smallwood has a versatile skill set and some playing experience, so we'll see if that helps him win a spot on the 53-man roster near the end of the bench. |
Wendell Smallwood player page
Steelers | James Conner expected to play Tue Jul 28, 12:27 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers RB James Conner is expected to play in 2020, according to a source, despite being a cancer survivor. New England Patriots OT Marcus Cannon chose to opt out as a fellow cancer survivor, spurring questions about Conner's intentions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Conner is four years cancer-free and in phenomenal shape, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
| Footballguys view: As a cancer survivor, Conner would be considered 'high risk' and could get that increased stipend of $350,000 compared to others who are considered 'voluntary' and get $150,000 as a stipend. Conner is the top back in the Steelers room and his three-down skill set make him a mid-range RB2 for Fantasy GMs. He has a current ADP of RB16 (3.04) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
James Conner player page
Steelers | Arrion Springs placed on COVID-19 list Mon Jul 27, 04:31 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers DB Arrion Springs was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, July 27.
Link to story Steelers | Antoine Brooks Jr. under contract Fri Jul 24, 04:01 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers sixth-round draft choice S Antoine Brooks Jr. signed a four-year contract with the Steelers Friday, July 24. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to story Steelers | Chase Claypool signs contract Fri Jul 24, 01:38 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool has signed his rookie contract, the team announced Friday, July 24. Terms of the deal were not immediately available.
| Footballguys view: Claypool will likely play as many snaps on special teams as he does on offense this year with the Steelers set at outside wide receiver thanks to Diontae Johnson and James Washington. |
Steelers | Kevin Dotson, Carlos Davis sign Fri Jul 24, 12:38 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers draft picks OG Kevin Dotson and DT Carlos Davis on Friday, July 24, signed their rookie contracts.
Link to story Steelers | Anthony McFarland signs rookie contract Wed Jul 22, 04:36 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers fourth-round draft choice RB Anthony McFarland signed a four-year contract with the Steelers Tuesday, July 21. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: McFarland's game is all about speed. He's a big play just waiting to happen and will work as a change-of-pace back behind James Conner this year. McFarland's dynasty value is greater than he re-draft value at this point. |
Steelers | JuJu Smith-Schuster a sure thing on deep balls Tue Jul 21, 07:42 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster has been targeted 45 times on throws 20-plus downfield in his NFL career and doesn't have a single dropped pass, according to Pro Football Focus.
| Footballguys view: Smith-Schuster needs to be a sure thing when it comes to being off the injury report. We'll see if he can stay healthy and produce at the expected levels with a healthy QB Ben Roethlisberger tossing him the rock. Smith-Schuster has talent but did not look good last year and only made it through 12 games, finishing as the no.63 fantasy receiver. If healthy, Smith-Schuster could get back to WR2 levels for Fantasy GMs. |
JuJu Smith-Schuster player page
Steelers | Dax Raymond officially signs Tue Jul 21, 05:29 PM
Updating a previous story, Pittsburgh Steelers TE Dax Raymond officially signed an undisclosed deal Tuesday, July 21.
Link to storyDax Raymond player page
Steelers | Christian Scotland-Williamson clears waivers Tue Jul 21, 05:27 PM
Updating a previous story, Pittsburgh Steelers TE Christian Scotland-Williamson cleared waivers Tuesday, July 21, and is officially a free agent.
Link to story Steelers | Alex Highsmith strikes rookie deal Tue Jul 21, 04:26 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers third-round pick LB Alex Highsmith signed his four-year rookie contract Tuesday, July 21. Financial terms of the deal were undisclosed.
| Footballguys view: Stop what you're doing and Google search Highsmith's 'spin-chop' move as a pass-rusher. It's unique but effective and you've never seen anything like it. Highsmith was seen as one of the 'sleeper' pass-rushing prospects in this draft class and the Steelers were happy to scoop him up in the third round. Highsmith could see the field as a rookie as a part-time player with a job of only getting after the quarterback. |
Steelers | Dax Raymond joining Steelers Mon Jul 20, 06:47 PM
Free-agent TE Dax Raymond (Bears) agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday, July 20, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyDax Raymond player page
Steelers | Christian Scotland-Williams let go Mon Jul 20, 05:12 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Christian Scotland-Williamson was waived Monday, July 20.
Link to story Steelers | Pittsburgh promotes two assistants Tue Jul 14, 10:18 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers coaching assistants Blaine Stewart and Denzel Martin were recently promoted to assistant receivers coach and assistant outside linebackers coach, respectively.
| Footballguys view: Martin has recently earned a spot as Special Teams Coach for the East squad at the Shrine Game. Stewart took over some of the wide receivers coach duties when Darryl Drake died last year and almost got the West Virginia receivers coach job. He was also on the Shrine Game staff working with the West quarterbacks. Both are rising stars and will certainly see promotions in upcoming years, either with the Steelers or elsewhere. |
Steelers | Ben Roethlisberger not throwing deep Sat Jul 11, 11:04 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger has the lowest NFL's air yards percentage over the last two seasons at 46 percent, according to Pro Football Focus.
| Footballguys view: Roethlisberger benefited from his receiver run after catch ability and that shouldn't change this year. As long as his arm is sound, he could be a top 10 fantasy quarterback again this year. We'll be watching to see how his chemistry is with Diontae Johnson after he barely played with the breakout rookie last year. Juju Smith-Schuster could dominate targets for the Steelers if Roethlisberger relies on the receiver he is most familiar with, by a large margin. |
Ben Roethlisberger player page
Steelers | James Lockhart may make team Mon Jul 6, 05:31 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Lockhart may have a chance to make the final roster if he performs well during training camp because the team does not have many outside linebackers on the roster.
Link to story Steelers | Leo Lewis could make team Sat Jul 4, 05:52 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Leo Lewis has a chance to make the final roster if he can play well at inside linebacker during training camp and is willing to play on special teams.
Link to story Steelers | Stefen Wisniewski may be a top backup Wed Jul 1, 05:36 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers OG Stefen Wisniewski likely will be the backup at center and guard if he does not win a starting job during training camp.
Link to story Steelers | Anthony McFarland to have offensive role Wed Jul 1, 05:34 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Anthony McFarland is expected to be a change-of-pack back for the Steelers this upcoming season.
| Footballguys view: McFarland reminds some in the scouting community of Broncos RB Phillip Lindsay. The rookie from Maryland has speed and can make a big play happen from anywhere on the field. We'll see how he fits in behind James Conner in 2020. The Steelers have a jam-packed backfield and McFarland's role may not have much fantasy relevance. |
Steelers | JuJu Smith-Schuster may be used in slot more Wed Jul 1, 05:26 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR JuJu Smith-Schuster may be lined up in the slot more often this upcoming season because of the addition of WR Chase Claypool, in the opinion of ESPN.com's Brooke Pryor.
| Footballguys view: Smith-Schuster had a down season in 2019 and is looking to bounce back this season...in what could be his final year with the Steelers. With QB Ben Roethlisberger back and healthy, we could see that bounce-back season from Smith-Schuster. He has a current ADP of WR12 (3.10) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
JuJu Smith-Schuster player page
Steelers | Anthony Johnson may be PS option Wed Jul 1, 04:57 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Anthony Johnson likely will be a strong candidate for the practice squad if he does make the final roster.
| Footballguys view: Johnson came into the league as an undrafted free agent out of Buffalo in 2019. In two years with the Bulls (JUCO transfer) he caught 133 passes for 2,367 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. The Buccaneers initially picked him up but he didn't stick with the team and spent most of his rookie season on the Chargers practice squad. At the beginning of 2020 the Steelers signed Johnson to a futures contract. He didn't test well in the pre-draft process, but Johnson can play out wide or in the slot where he has natural hands and a good feel after the catch. |
Anthony Johnson player page
Steelers | Alex Highsmith may have solid role Sun Jun 28, 03:50 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Alex Highsmith has a chance to receive a solid amount of defensive snaps this upcoming season since the team does not have a lot of depth at outside linebacker.
| Footballguys view: Everyone needs to Google Highsmith's spin chop right now. It's a thing of beauty, even though it looks kind of odd. Highsmith uses his flying spin chop move...and a variety of other moves...to get after the passer. He should work in a part-time role for the Steelers in 2020 with the one goal of getting to the quarterback as often as possible. |
Steelers | Dewayne Hendrix could be PS candidate Sun Jun 28, 03:30 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers DE Dewayne Hendrix likely will face an uphill battle to make the final roster but could be a practice squad option.
Link to story Steelers | Isaiah Buggs, Carlos Davis may see snaps Sat Jun 27, 05:34 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers DE Isaiah Buggs and DT Carlos Davis have a chance to earn more snaps this upcoming season which would allow the team to rest the starting linemen during games.
Link to story Steelers | Ulysees Gilbert may be top backup at ILB Fri Jun 26, 08:01 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Ulysees Gilbert III is in line to be the primary backup at both inside linebacker positions if he performs well during training camp. He is also expected to have a role on special teams.
Link to story Steelers | Three to compete for No. 3 TE job Fri Jun 26, 07:28 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers TEs Zach Gentry, Kevin Rader and Christian Scotland-Williamson will compete for the No. 3 tight end job during training camp.
| Footballguys view: Gentry might be the favorite for the no.3 spot behind Eric Ebron and Vance McDonald. A fifth-round pick out of Michigan in the 2019 NFL draft, Gentry was a converted quarterback who is still learning the nuances of the position. He does have a big frame and can box out smaller defenders, but he's not going to pull away from coverage and has some concentration problems that lead to double-clutching catches. We'll watch this battle unfold in training camp. |
Zach Gentry player page
Steelers | Diontae Johnson cleared for drills Wed Jun 24, 11:01 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Diontae Johnson (hernia) has resumed running and working out.
| Footballguys view: Good news for the second-year pro here. Johnson sustained a groin injury in Week 2 but was able to play through the injury. He's a WR4 with upside for Fantasy GMs, and we're excited to see what kind of chemistry he can build with QB Ben Roethlisberger. |
Diontae Johnson player page
Steelers | Tyson Alualu the favorite to start at NT Tue Jun 23, 08:06 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers DL Tyson Alualu will be given the first opportunity to claim the starting job at nose tackle ahead of Daniel McCullers this summer, according to comments made by head coach Mike Tomlin.'Tyson is a veteran football player that has been here, knows how to play the game. He and Dan will start, but (Alualu will) probably take the first snap based on the things I have talked about based on current circumstances. We'll go from there. We'll have a hard-core plan but be light on our feet and ready to adjust based on what it is that we see,' Tomlin told reporters.
Link to storyTyson Alualu player page
Daniel McCullers player page
Steelers | Offensive line taking shape? Tue Jun 23, 04:20 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers OT Matt Feiler will begin training camp at left guard, according to head coach Mike Tomlin Tuesday, June 23. OLs Zach Banner and Chukwuma Okorafor will compete for the right tackle spot, but they could move depending on whether they're better at RT than Stefen Wisniewski is at LG.
| Footballguys view: The Steelers lost BJ Finney to Seattle in free agency this offseason, so Feiler will compete with Wisniewski to replace the retiring Ramon Foster at left guard. Banner and Okorafor are both viable options at right tackle and if Feiler is their best option at left guard, it gives the team the option of using Wisniewski as depth instead of relying on him as a starter. The Steelers offensive line has some settling to do in camp, but they are flexible and should have quality depth. |
Steelers | Ben Roethlisberger's progress pleasing team staff Tue Jun 23, 03:13 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (elbow) has impressed coaches and doctors with his progress from last year's season-ending injury, according to head coach Mike Tomlin Tuesday, June 23. 'He's comfortable and pleased where he is,' Tomlin said. 'Some people who had the opportunity to work with him are impressed and pleased where he is. The medical experts are comfortable where he is and his readiness for 2020.'
| Footballguys view: Roethlisberger's elbow is the key to the Steelers offense this year. If it's sound, then James Conner and Juju Smith-Schuster will be good value picks, and probably at least one other Steelers passcatcher, and of course Roethlisberger himself. Hopefully we will get to see Roethlisberger play once in the preseason, but it's not assured, especially if it's shortened. |
Ben Roethlisberger player page
Steelers | Kevin Dotson may not be starting option Mon Jun 22, 04:42 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers OG Kevin Dotson may not be a top candidate for the left guard job during training camp since he did not have any on-field practices this offseason because of the shutdown.
Link to story Steelers | Christian DiLauro unlikely to make team Sun Jun 21, 04:45 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers OT Christian DiLauro likely will not make the final roster but could be a candidate for the practice squad.
Link to story Steelers | Benny Snell worked for his yards Sat Jun 20, 11:16 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Benny Snell's 1.2 yards before contact were tied for the fewest in the NFL in 2019, but he was tied for fifth with 2.8 yards after contact.
| Footballguys view: This is an indictment of the line and a sign that Snell might have more to his game this year with a quarterback that will force defenses to honor the pass, but he is still not an essential hold in dynasty leagues with the addition of Anthony McFarland in the fourth round of the draft. |
Benny Snell player page
Steelers | Several may compete for one spot Fri Jun 19, 05:14 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WRs Amara Darboh, Deon Cain, Saeed Blacknall, Anthony Johnson and Quadree Henderson may compete for one roster spot during training camp.
| Footballguys view: Cain has the highest ceiling after being claimed from the Colts last year. Darboh went in the third round of 2017 draft. Blacknall played in the XFL and has an intriguing size/speed combination. Johnson was highly productive in college but didn't stick with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent last year. Henderson has the most value on special teams. If you're going to roster one in your dynasty league, make it Cain. |
Amara Darboh player page
Deon Cain player page
Anthony Johnson player page
Steelers | Cam Heyward patient on contract Fri Jun 19, 10:38 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers DE Cameron Heyward said he's remaining patient in his quest for a new contract. The team has yet to sign any of their rookies, and Heyward is understanding of that in the COVID-19 crisis.
| Footballguys view: Heyward is going to get a huge contract, one the Steelers might not be able to provide with no cap room and a lot of players with expiring contracts on the roster. He will lose Javon Hargrave this year but get back Stephon Tuitt and should be considered an everyweek start in IDP leagues. |
Cameron Heyward player page
Steelers | Josiah Coatney may be PS option Wed Jun 17, 06:37 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers DT Josiah Coatney probably will not make the final roster but could be a practice squad option.
Link to story Steelers | Deon Cain's spot uncertain Wed Jun 17, 05:59 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Deon Cain has a chance to make the final roster but his spot on the team is not guaranteed.
| Footballguys view: A sixth-round pick out of Clemson in the 2018 NFL draft (Colts), Cain is a player we've been monitoring in deep dynasty formats. He's got good speed down the field and a large catch radius. The Steelers picked him up after the Colts waived him in 2019. The wide receiver position is jam-packed in Pittsburgh, so we'll see if Cain can stand out. |
Deon Cain player page
