WR Danny Amendola was at least partly familiar with the Patriots' offense before even signing with his new team.  He spent 2011 in St. Louis with Josh McDaniels, who's now the OC in New England.  "When Josh was in St. Louis, I got to know [the plays] pretty good," Amendola said. "It's a little more intricate out here, and it's something to grasp. I'm learning every day."  The jump start on the playbook can only help Amendola as he looks to settle in with QB Tom Brady and the Pats.  He's being counted on to play a significant role as the team's slot receiver.

So the Patriots lost WR Wes Welker. No big deal. Just go out and get a younger version. New England has agreed to a 5-year pact with former Rams WR Danny Amendola. Adam Schefter reports that the Pats began talking to Amendola during the 3-day negotiating window before free agency. The smallish slot man brings a near-identical skill set but might be even better at this stage. He's a bit bigger than Welker and produced one of the league's lowest drop rates last year: 3.13% of catchable balls, according to Pro Football Focus. Amendola gets a huge fantasy boost with the move. QB Tom Brady probably won't take long to fall for his new target.

Rams WR Danny Amendola might just reach free agency after all. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says St. Louis isn't willing to go beyond the price it has in mind for Amendola. That stance is expected to leave him unsigned when the market opens. Rapoport said he sees at least 5 teams likely to look into the slot WR. New England is an obvious possibility, especially if it doesn't re-sign WR Wes Welker before the start of free agency.

Rams GM Les Snead says he won't use the franchise tag on WR Danny Amendola. While the team wants Amendola back, they're looking to sign him to a long-term deal, rather than the 1-year, $10.5 million franchise contract. But the decision not to tag him means Amendola will more than likely test the free-agent market. We could see the Patriots making a run at him if they decide to let WR Wes Welker walk.

Returning from a 2-game absence, Rams WR Danny Amendola went for 6 catches, 58 yards, and a score against the Vikings.  He also reeled in a 2-point conversion.  “The foot felt pretty good for the most part,” Amendola said. “I got it warmed up early, and it just felt pretty good.”  He led the team with 12 targets and appeared to play a full slate of snaps.  Amendola will pretty much be a must-start in fantasy for this weekend's game against Tampa Bay's league-worst pass defense.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) is active for today's game against the Vikings. He put in a full practice on Friday and was listed as probable, so it looks like he's close to 100%. There's still some risk here, but Amendola should be in PPR lineups as a WR2. He's a WR3 in non-PPR formats.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) graduated to a full practice on Friday.  He's been listed as probable for this weekend's game against the Vikings.  It looks like Amendola is ready to resume his normal duties.  That puts him on the WR3 radar in a plus matchup.  We just updated our Week 15 projections for Rams WRs.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) put in a limited practice on Wednesday.  He was limited on both Thursday and Friday last week before sitting out Sunday's game.  Amendola seems to have a better chance of playing this weekend, but unless he shows substantial signs of progress (like a full practice), he'll be an extremely risky fantasy option.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) is inactive for today's game against the Bills.  He was tested out in pregame warmups but deemed unable to play.  His absence will mean another busy afternoon for WR Chris Givens, who's an intriguing WR3 in fantasy.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) put in his 2nd straight limited practice on Friday. He's listed as questionable and will be a game-time decision for this weekend's tilt with the Bills. Amendola clearly isn't at 100% though. And after catching just 1 pass in his last game, we find it tough to trust Amendola as a fantasy option this week. He's better off on your bench.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) returned to a limited practice on Thursday.  It was his first official workout since mid-November.  Amendola has a good chance of playing against the Bills this weekend, but he'll be tough to trust in fantasy.  He was active a couple weeks ago but played just 9 snaps.  And he was in a walking boot just a few days ago.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) was listed as a non-participant in Wednesday's practice, but he did take part in some individual drills off to the side.  It's obviously a step in the right direction.  Still, Amendola will need to display considerably more progress over the next few days if he's to be a trusted fantasy option for Week 14.  We'll have another update this afternoon.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) was unable to practice on Wednesday.  At this point, owners should assume he'll miss this weekend's game against the Bills.  Chris Givens would then serve as St. Louis' #1 WR.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) is inactive for today's game against the 49ers.  It's a smart move by St. Louis to let their best WR rest up and get back to 100%.  Chris Givens and Brandon Gibson will likely start out wide for the Rams.  Givens has WR3 sleeper appeal.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) was unable to practice all week and is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the 49ers. He'll be a game-time decision but can't be trusted in fantasy. Amendola missed practice all last week, was active on Sunday, and then played just 9 snaps. Leave him on the bench.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) did not practice on Wednesday.  Although he was active last Sunday after missing practice all week, Amendola played only 9 snaps and saw 1 target.  If he's unable to practice on Thursday or Friday, he'll need to be on fantasy benches this weekend.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (heel) was surprisingly active for this past Sunday's game after sitting out practice all week.  But he was clearly hobbled, and ended up playing just 7 snaps.  Amendola avoided a setback, though, and appears to be moving in the right direction.  “He's a little sore, but he's got a chance to get back on the practice field,” HC Jeff Fisher said Monday. “He's healing, but it's going to take time until he gets back to 100 percent.”  We'll keep a close eye on Amendola's practice participation this week.  He'll likely settle in as a risk/reward WR3 for Week 13.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (foot) is active for today's game against the Cardinals.  It's a major surprise after he didn't practice all week and was listed as doubtful.  Amendola was also in a walking boot for most of the week.  It's unclear what kind of role he'll play today, so he should be considered an extremely risky fantasy option.

Rams WR Danny Amendola (foot) is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.  It's a bit surprising considering he returned to last week's game after suffering the injury.  But the foot must has swelled and stiffened on him afterwards.  The team still hasn't provided details on the exact nature of the injury.  Chris Givens and Brandon Gibson figure to serve as St. Louis' top 2 WRs this weekend, but both guys are just low-end WR3s in fantasy.