Ikem Ekwonu placed on PUP list

That is unfortunate. Underhill had previously reported that Rechsteiner was a standout at the Saints’ mandatory minicamp. Perhaps they will keep him around as a practice squad player.

Doubs was absent yesterday as well. Reiss believes that Doubs’ injury “likely isn’t anything serious,” but notes Doubs “appeared slightly hobbled in recent days.” On Saturday, Patriots on CLNS reporter Tyler Kyles reported that Doubs “may have tweaked his ankle.” We are not overly concerned about this. It would be nice to see him return soon, though.

Sutton did not practice at all over the past two days. He participated in a walkthrough and individual drills today, but sat out team drills. Broncos coach Sean Payton says he is not dealing with an injury, and Sutton said the protocol was set in place due to the fatigue that set in late last year. It sounds like this really is all part of a management plan for the 30-year-old veteran. He warrants FLEX treatment, entering his new role as the Broncos’ WR2.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the contract could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed. The deal averages $22.5 million per year, resetting the running back market. The Lions’ bell cow back enters his age-24 season firmly in play for fantasy football’s overall RB1 spot.

Stroud is currently eligible for a contract extension, and Breer believes Stroud is conducting himself “with a seriousness that underlies the big year he has in front of him.” Citing good health and a growing relationship with OC Nick Caley, Breer adds that Stroud has also taken “more command of the offense” this summer. The Texans might not need Stroud to be a prolific passer every week, given their elite defense, but it sounds like Stroud is taking the necessary steps to deliver more reliable results when called upon. Hopefully, he indeed rises to the occasion when the regular season arrives.

Positive reports on Higgins continue rolling in. Per Breer, Higgins “looks like a refined receiver who now knows how to use his body.” He believes Higgins and WR1 Nico Collins can “create a real matchup problem for defenses with their collective size.” He makes no mention of last year’s WR2, Xavier Hutchinson. Higgins appears to have locked up the gig. He warrants WR4/FLEX treatment in drafts.

The good news is that Miller was not listed with a knee injury after suffering a season-ending ACL tear in Week 7 last year. The bad news is that he evidently has a new injury, and the Saints have a fairly deep running back room right now. RBs Devin Neal, Audric Estime, Ty Chandler and CJ Donaldson are all vying for roster spots. Per Underhill, Neal is taking advantage of the extra reps. He could have the inside track to the RB3 role right now.

Per Underhill, Brown’s “momentum is undeniable,” and “it would be a surprise if Brown doesn’t play himself into a role on offense.” It sounds like making the final roster is a box that’s already been checked for the sixth-round rookie. He notably took reps with QB Tyler Shough on Thursday. Although Brown could have a very tough time becoming fantasy-relevant in re-draft formats, he is a player to know for dynasty purposes.

This is another step in the right direction, although Duggan adds that there was a “slight scare” when S Tyler Nubin got a little too close for comfort on a swing pass to Nabers today. Both players are reportedly “fine,” but Nubin might want to reduce his enthusiasm moving forward. Duggan believes Nabers could join “live team periods” next week, giving us a benchmark to check in on. Stay tuned.

ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reports that Flowers appeared to be “pretty seriously injured” after suffering a right leg injury. Backup S Gervarrius Owens also suffered an injury. Backup defensive backs typically do not warrant monitoring, but the Bears are currently without starting S Coby Bryant (knee) and slot CB Kyler Gordon (calf). The Bears’ secondary depth is thinning.