Here's a look at the happenings in the NFL from Friday:
- Most of use woke up to or learned mid-morning that Aldon Smith had been arrested…again. This time there is a trifecta of charges: DUI, hit and run and vandalism. This was Smith's FIFTH time he has been arrested. While it is a sad situation, I have no sympathy for a millionaire who has been given multiple chances to right the ship and still hasn't. Apparently the 49ers feel the same was as they wasted no time and released him hours later in the afternoon. The fantasy takeaway from all of this is that the San Francisco defense has gone from a defense to fear to one you'll be able to pick on week in and week out.
- It looks as if Eddie Royal will be the biggest beneficiary of Kevin White injury as Royal is expected to see increased reps in camp. This will likely carry over in the first few games of the season increasing Royal's value. It's worth noting that Royal had a 91-catch, 980 receiving yard season as a rookie with Cutler back when they played together for the Broncos. Royal should provide some decent PPR value as a No.3 wide receiver while White is out.
- LeGarrette Blount left practice with a knee injury but the severity of it is unknown. The Patriots can take it easy with Blount to start the season especially considering he's suspended for the first game. Jonas Gray is the likely candidate to handle the bulk of the carries Week 1 although when it comes to running backs and Bill Belichick anything is possible.
- Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman are both expected to miss at least two weeks with hamstring injuries. Whoever returns the fastest might have the inside track to the starting gig while the Smith brothers – Antone and Jerome will get plenty of reps during the preseason.
- Jeff Fisher said that Todd Gurley is unlikely to play during the preseason. There's been no indication when Gurley will be ready to see game action although he could be ready for Week 1. Should that scenario play out, expect the Rams to ease Gurley into the offense while Tre Mason handles the bulk of the carries. Mason left practice early Thursday with tightness in his hamstring although it's not believed to be serious.
- Fred Jackson suffered a hamstring injury during practice. While there's been no definitive report on the severity of the injury and an initial timetable of two weeks was mentioned. If the injury is deemed to be more severe than that, Bryce Brown would be the likely player to spell LeSean McCoy to start the season.
- Nick Foles signed a multi-year extension with the Rams. The extension keeps him signed through 2017 and shows the organization has some faith in their new signal caller. Foles is still just a couple of seasons removed from a 27:2 TD:INT rate along with a 9.1 YPA. A lot of his success this season will depend on the productivity of his young receiving corps.