Tuesday started out with reports that Robert Griffin III would make the start Week 13 against the Colts, but be on a very short leash. That quickly changed by nightfall, however. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Redskins will announce on Wednesday that RGIII has been benched, and Colt McCoy will start in Indianapolis. The writing was on the wall. RGIII has proven to be a horrific fit for coach Jay Gruden’s offense. NFL Films guru Greg Cosell recently stated Griffin “needs to go back to quarterback school.” Just last week, ESPN’s Steve Young said he heard from coaches he trusted — presumably Mike Shanahan — that RGIII doesn’t put the work in off the field and in the classroom. He’s a mess mechanically and with his footwork. Gruden is of the belief that McCoy gives the Redskins the best chance to win right now. RGIII can obviously be dropped in all re-draft formats.
It’s fair to wonder if RGIII’s days in the nation’s capital are over. He’s been benched twice in less than a calendar year and continues to have disagreements with coaches, butting heads with both Shanahan and Gruden. Owner Daniel Snyder had RGIII”s back last year, but Gruden reportedly recently received permission from the higher-ups to bench RGIII. (Coaches should have that power from the start, but this is Snyder we’re talking about.) Schefter reports RGIII remains a part of the Redskins’ long-term plans, but we’re skeptical. Expect the Redskins to dangle him in trade talks over the spring, while looking at the draft for a quarterback of the future.
Editor’s Note: Rotoworld’s partner FanDuel is hosting a one-week $1.75 Million Fantasy Football league for Week 13’s games. It’s only $25 to join and first prize is $175,000. Starts Sunday, November 30th at 1pm ET. Here’s the link.
In Other News…
The Denver Post reports “there’s a chance” Julius Thomas (ankle) will play Week 13 against the Chiefs. Thomas missed Week 12 after spraining his ankle early in the Week 11 loss to the Rams. Thomas admits the ankle is getting better, but his status can’t be taken for granted. Owners need to be making other plans just in case. Jacob Tamme has proven to be a worthless option.
Jordan Cameron returned to practice last Friday but has missed the past four games with a concussion. His 2012 and 2013 seasons were both ended by brain injuries. ESPN Cleveland reports Cameron is trending in the right direction for Week 13. He needs to be added in all formats at an extremely thin tight end position. With Josh Gordon back in the lineup to take defenders deep with him, clearing out the middle of the field, Cameron could flirt with top-end TE1 output down the stretch.
A blast from the past. The Cardinals signed RB Michael Bush on Tuesday. The 30-year-old appeared in 15 games for the Bears last season but got the boot from Chicago last spring after averaging a pitiful 3.4 YPC in two seasons with the team. Bush is no threat to Andre Ellington’s job atop the depth chart, but he could take the goal-line work. Coach Bruce Arians talked Bush up as a “guy who’s gonna pound it in there and close out games for us.” Ellington’s workload has been massive in 2014. Less may equal more for Ellington. He’s still a legit RB1/2.
The Broncos ditched kicker Brandon McManus on Tuesday after he missed yet another field goal this past weekend. Teammates were animated on the sideline after the miss, which was the final nail in McManus’ coffin. Denver inked Connor Barth to replace McManus. Those owners in need of a kicker can grab Barth, who will be kicking in one of the league’s most potent offenses.
Following his Week 12 breakout against the Falcons, Isaiah Crowell is now listed as the No. 1 running back on the Browns’ official depth chart. He and Terrance West will continue to split work, but Crowell has proven to be the far better bet for touchdowns. He’s a legitimate RB2, even in a tough matchup against the Bills this coming Sunday. West is a low-upside RB3. He doesn’t run with the same authority as Crowell.
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Quarterback & Running Back Slants
Reports are coach Rex Ryan plans to go back to Michael Vick as his starting quarterback for Week 13 against the Dolphins, but Ryan says he’s yet to make a decision. Next Monday night’s Jets-Dolphins game should be a real snoozer. … Reggie Bush (ankle) says he’ll be ready for Thanksgiving Day against the Bears. … Frank Gore is on the Week 13 injury report with a knee injury. … The Texans won’t turn to Tom Savage until / unless they’re eliminated from the playoffs. … Marshawn Lynch will “without question” be ready for Thanksgiving Night against the 49ers. … DeMarco Murray isn’t concerned with his current workload. ... Marshawn Lynch (back) was limited Tuesday. He’ll be fine for Thanksgiving night.
Wide Receiver & Tight End Slants
Austin Seferian-Jenkins (back) didn’t practice Tuesday. The Bucs signed two tight ends, including D.J. Williams, suggesting ASJ’s status for Week 13 is in doubt. … The Rams waived WR Damian Williams and promoted TE Justice Cunningham from the practice squad. … Riley Cooper, jokingly or not, blamed his decreased snaps of walk-year WR Jeremy Maclin’s contract situation. Maclin wasn’t amused. In reality, Maclin and Cooper are in completely different stratospheres talent-wise. … Brandon Marshall (ankle) remained limited in Tuesday’s practice. He’ll be fine for Thanksgiving. … Terrance Williams broke his finger Sunday night against the Giants, but is expected to play Week 13. … Kenny Stills played 67.5 percent of the snaps on Monday night. He caught a career-high eight passes on nine targets. … Eli Manning raved about Odell Beckham’s route-running ability. … Jace Amaro is in the league’s concussion protocol. … Calvin Johnson (ankle) got in a limited practice Tuesday.
