This fantasy football update arrives just in time for those fantasy managers looking to settle roster questions. While it may be hard to believe, we are at the door of the opening of the NFL season. It seemed this summer would never end. It felt like football was gone forever, but the season is finally here! Most drafts are finished and all that is left is to finalize those fantasy rosters. We at Belly Up Sports are here to help as always, so let’s get right to it!

Jaguars Place RB Ryquell Armstead on Reserve List

For those fantasy owners following the Jacksonville Jaguars, the biggest recent news was the release of running back Leonard Fournette. There was much speculation after that announcement that Ryquell Armstead could step in and take some of the departed carries for Jacksonville. While that may be true later in the season, his chance will have to wait. It is being reported by multiple sources that Armstead was placed on the Jaguar’s reserve/COVID-19 list.

This is actually the second time that Armstead has landed on this list. The first time was August 2nd and he was activated August 20th. His return is unknown. This couldn’t come at a worse time for Armstead as he was battling four other players for opportunities at the running back position. He really needed to shine after only getting 35 carries for 108 yards and no TDs last season after being a number five draft pick. If you were a fantasy manager that picked up Armstead late in a draft, the only response at present is to place him in the IR spot and pick up another player.

Carson Wentz is Injury Free

It was reported six days ago that Carson Wentz sat out practice with a soft tissue injury. Of course, any time that the words Wentz and injury appear in the same sentence, Eagles fans and fantasy owners alike begin to feel light-headed.

However, it was reported today that Wentz feels much better, the injury is completely behind him, and that he is ready to go in week one. Wentz did play in all 16 games last season, throwing for 4,039 yards with 27 TDs and just seven interceptions. Maybe those injury concerns from years past are in the rear view. For this game against Washington and for the season, those with Wentz as their starter, it is all systems go!

Cowboys Place T La’el Collins on Injured Reserve

While this kind of fantasy football updates doesn’t seem to have much to do with fantasy, rest assured that it does. Offensive tackle La’el Collins was placed on injured reserve, which means that he will be out at least three weeks. Why is that important? The Cowboys have long had one of the best, if not the best, offensive lines in all of football.

But, now they have lost their starting right tackle as he works his way back from a hip injury. Center Travis Frederick retired in the offseason. With their line in flux, perhaps the Dallas offense won’t be firing on all cylinders to start the season. Of course, this will affect Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, and others. If those players are part of a fantasy team, they have to get the start. But it is wise to temper expectations until the Cowboys actually show what they can do on the field.

Kenyan Drake Healthy to Start the Season

There seemed to be a lot of hesitation over draft weekend concerning Kenyan Drake. A lot of people in the fantasy realm still aren’t sold on the running back. In addition, it didn’t help that Drake has been seen in a walking boot in camp. However, according to the Cardinals website, Drake will start against the 49ers this Sunday and his health is not an issue.

Drake will surely be pressed by a stout San Francisco defense. But with no health concerns, Drake should immediately pay dividends on those hardy souls that took him in their fantasy drafts. He showed what he can do against this same defense in week nine of last season, rushing for 110 yards and scoring a touchdown. Additionally, Drake rushed for a combined 303 yards and scored SIX TDs in weeks 15 and 16. Drake is ready to go and so should every fantasy manager that has him on their roster.

Joe Mixon Questionable for Week One

Another running back sliding in the weekend draft, the mystery of Joe Mixon‘s absence has an answer. According to the NFL website, Mixon has missed time due to migraines. There is optimism that Mixon will return soon, but there is nothing definite at this time. Cincinnati doesn’t seem very concerned as they just signed Mixon to a four-year deal.

Mixon is coming off a huge year as he carried the ball 278 times for 1,137 yards and five TDs. He also caught 35 passes for 257 yards and another three TDs. He is expected to team with all-everything rookie quarterback Joe Burrow and help turn around a franchise asleep at the wheel in recent seasons. But first, Mixon has to get on the field. Monitor his progress throughout the week and have an alternative ready if it is needed. The Bengals begin their season against the Chargers Sunday at 3 PM central.

A.J. Brown has an Undisclosed Injury

It is very clear that A.J. Brown is the top wide out for the Tennessee Titans. Of course, the Titans are a run-heavy team. Still, anytime that an opportunity of taking a team’s number one wide receiver presents itself in the fifth round, it is wise to pounce on that player. That sounds great, but to make an impact, the player has to be on the field. Right now, Brown finds himself off it with an undisclosed injury.

It is reported that Brown is stretching with the team on the side. It is never clear what will happen with an unknown injury. As with Mixon, it would be smart to monitor his progress throughout the week. Brown looks to increase his totals from last season as he caught 52 passes for 1,051 yards and eight TDs. His YPC was an uncanny 20.2. He will have a full season of QB Ryan Tannehill to work with. Tennessee opens the season on Monday night against Denver. While that gives Brown extra time to heal, it also leaves a lot fewer options to find a replacement if he can’t go. Have an available roster move just in case.

Thanks for taking the ride with me into this first fantasy football update. Please feel free to make a comment. I welcome any and all input. Of course, there are a ton of players that could be discussed. Let the debate begin! Have a great fantasy football season! Follow me on twitter @kevin62wilsea, and make sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports and Picks for all the latest NFL and sports news!