Here are the key news and notes from Monday:
Slimmed-down Lacy a "more explosive" runner
It was only based on one preseason game's worth of work, but Packers RB Eddie Lacy felt "more explosive" after his much talked-about offseason weight loss, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. Lacy carried six times for 24 yards Friday against the Browns, and by an unofficial count, more than half of those yards came after contact.
Fantasy Impact: Despite a 2015 that saw Lacy record career lows in yards and touchdowns, he's still looked at as a top-25 draft pick in 2016. Injuries have never been a concern, but he lost the confidence of the coaching staff last season in averaging just 12.47 rush attempts per game. Offensive coordinator Edgar Bennett praised Lacy's ability to break tackles, so it appears he won't be entering the season in the doghouse.
Raiders want Latavius Murray to have more carries
Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle reports Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said Monday the team plans for Murray to finish 2016 with even more carries than he saw in 2015. Murray racked up 307 touches in 2016, including 266 rushing attempts which ranked third in the NFL.
Fantasy Impact: This is a reasonable prediction for Murray as it would mean the Raiders would hold more leads in the coming season. Fifth-round pick DeAndre Washington was expected to cut into Murray's workload this season, with his role primarily coming in the passing game. Murray would be a bargain in the fifth-round if the Raiders do make their expected improvements.
Panthers Artis-Payne prepared to contribute in sophomore season
After carrying just 45 times in a seven-game rookie season, ESPN's David Newton says that RB Cameron Artis-Payne is ready to handle a bigger role in 2016. Newton cites Panthers coaches believe Artis-Payne's pass protection ability has improved, and they'd like to reduce starter Jonathan Stewart's workload. Carolina ranked only behind Buffalo in total rushing yards in 2015, with Stewart and QB Cam Newton leading the way.
Fantasy Impact: Stewart has played 13 games in each of the last two seasons, and hasn't suited up for all 16 since 2011, so it appears that a Panthers handcuff is likely to see action at some point. Mike Tolbert and Fozzy Whittaker are also in the mix, but Newton notes that Artis-Payne is the best fit to fill an every-down role. With a FantasyPros ADP of 68 among RBs, Artis-Payne is being largely ignored, but should make for a worthy late-round flier.
Dorial Green-Beckham looming as a bust?
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey called WR Dorial Green-Beckham's preseason performance "inconsistent," according to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com. It has been reported before that the second-year receiver is low on the depth chart, and Saturday's effort doesn't appear to have opened the coaching staff's eyes.
Fantasy Impact: Green-Beckham's FantasyPros ADP of 48 among wide receivers is higher than any other Titan, but he's looking like a prime bust candidate if he can't secure a starting role heading into 2016. TE Delanie Walker remains easily the safest option in the Tennessee passing game.
Jesse James could be Steelers' No.1 TE by default
The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Mark Kaboly reports that with Ladarius Green sidelined, the Steelers "may have no choice but to go with" second-year TE Jesse James as the No.1 option as the position. Green officially remains on the PUP list as he recovers from January ankle surgery, though there are rumors his absence is related to recurring headaches. James featured in eight games as a rookie, catching eight passes for 56 yards and a TD.
Fantasy Impact: The Pittsburgh offense couldn't be more desirable for a pass-catcher, and with veteran Heath Miller retiring in the offseason, there's certainly a hole to be filled at TE whether it's done by Green or James. James was never a huge receiving threat in three years at Penn State, but would carry a lot of value should Green remain sidelined into the season. Green's health is worth monitoring, not just for his own draft stock, but for James'.
