FFToolbox - Cowboys lock up RB Ryan Williams for two years plus 4 more

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Cowboys lock up RB Ryan Williams for two years
Saints TE Jimmy Graham says he will not undergo shoulder surgery
The final Seahawks-Patriots injury report: Not a lot to see here
Bears keep WRs coach Mike Groh in Chicago
2015 Team Outlook: Baltimore Orioles

Cowboys lock up RB Ryan Williams for two years

Posted: 30 Jan 2015 09:58 PM PST

At least one running back in Dallas is under contract. While DeMarco Murray's future may be up in the air, former practice-squad RB Ryan Williams has signed a two-year deal with America's Team. Selected in the second round of the 2011 draft by Arizona, Williams will receive a $240,000 signing bonus and a yearly salary of $750,000 from the Cowboys. Williams had a lot of heat coming out of Virginia Tech, but his career came to a screeching halt after rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee on his first run of a 2011 preseason game. FANTASY ANALYSIS: An explosive runner with great vision, Williams has a ton of potential. However, he has a history of putting the ball on the carpet and being carted off the field. Still, at only 24 years old, Williams' capacity for growth remains bountiful. His promotion from the Cowboys' practice squad may not mean much for Murray or RB Joseph Randle, but it could negatively affect RB Lance Dunbar's future with the team. It's unlikely that the Cowboys will spend $1.575 million to tender Dunbar, which means Williams could have a chance to compete with Randle for touches. Depending on how the Dallas backfield shakes out, Williams has an opportunity to steal all sorts of thunder.

Saints TE Jimmy Graham says he will not undergo shoulder surgery

Posted: 30 Jan 2015 07:50 PM PST

Saints tight end Jimmy Graham had kept the possibility of offseason shoulder surgery open. He first wanted to see how he felt during the Pro Bowl. Apparently, Graham felt pretty darn good in last Sunday's game, because he said during a Friday radio interview that he has chosen rest and rehab over surgery. "I'm just going to do rehab, strengthen the area,quot; Graham said. "That's what's best -- not having to take six months off and try to heal up with a surgery, but now have those six months to work on all things I need to to try and hopefully get to a place like (the Super Bowl) next year." Graham's right shoulder sprain was admittedly a problem for the majority of the season. He initially suffered his injury in Week 5, missed one game before returning and finished the year with his lowest yardage total since 2010. In his final five contests, he tallied just one touchdown and averaged fewer than 50 yards per game. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Still, 889 yards and 10 touchdowns is great production from a tight end. It's just not what owners who spent a first- or second-round pick on Graham last summer paid for. He should be ready for a full offseason program. Let's just hope this decision doesn't backfire the next time Graham takes a hard shot to that balky joint. Rob Gronkowski has overtaken Graham for tight end superiority in fantasy, but the Saint should not be far behind the Pat. If he stays healthy in 2015, you know big numbers will follow.

The final Seahawks-Patriots injury report: Not a lot to see here

Posted: 30 Jan 2015 07:13 PM PST

The Patriots and Seahawks will head into Super Bowl XLIX pretty healthy. Or at least as healthy as you'd expect two teams to be after playing 18 NFL games. The Patriots have the only player in the matchup listed as questionable -- center Bryan Stork. He was a limited participant in practice all week. He didn't play in the AFC Championship game because of a right knee injury. Six other Patriots are listed as probable, including quarterback Tom Brady. He has dealt with a bit of a cold bug. Seattle's final injury report consists of six players, all of whom are listed as probable. That group includes cornerback Richard Sherman -- who has torn ligaments in his left elbow -- and safety Earl Thomas, who dislocated his shoulder during the NFC Championship game. Safety Kam Chancellor popped up on the injury report today after leaving practice late with a wrap over his left knee. However, again, he is officially probable. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Everyone is curious to see how Sherman and Thomas will look and if the Pats try to test them early. The Seahawks can't afford to have those two and Chancellor restrained by injury. Getting Stork back should help New England establish its ground game. He has started 12 games this season.

Bears keep WRs coach Mike Groh in Chicago

Posted: 30 Jan 2015 01:44 PM PST

Former NFL QB Mike Groh will continue to oversee the Bears' wide receivers in 2015. After more than 10 years of college coaching experience, Groh became Chicago's receivers coach in February of 2013. Under Groh, Alshon Jeffery has blossomed, breaking 1,000 receiving yards in back-to-back seasons. Star wideout Brandon Marshall has also continued to produce on the elite level but hit a plateau this year after falling victim to injury. FANTASY ANALYSIS: Groh's contract extension is noteworthy because it suggests that the new regime would want to keep Marshall in the Windy City. After a down year and a public falling out with QB Jay Cutler, rumors have been swirling that the Bears' new front office and coaching staff might want to release Marshall and free up some money. The veteran wideout and his WRs coach appear to have a solid relationship as Marshall has spoken openly about his fondness for Groh. I expect the 2015 Bears to run more, which could affect Marshall's numbers. If enough fantasy owners feel burned, Marshall could end up as a value pick in drafts this coming fall.