Edwards "very close"

Ravens RB Gus Edwards (knee) wrote on Instagram Thursday that he's "doing great and very close" in his return from last year's torn ACL. Edwards is out for at least the first 4 weeks on the PUP list, but it sounds like there's a chance he's ready come Week 5. For now, we're still only stashing him in fantasy leagues with an IR spot.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Chargers have agreed to a two-year deal with former Ravens RB Gus Edwards. There are several interesting points here: 1) The quick signing points to the Chargers specifically targeting Edwards. 2) New Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh should be fairly familiar with Edwards, who has played all his NFL seasons to date under HC John Harbaugh. 3) There's plenty of available opportunity. There's been no indication the Chargers plan to bring back Austin Ekeler (though we'll see) to what was one of the league's worst backfields in 2023. Harbaugh and new OC Greg Roman, meanwhile, bring run-heavy backgrounds. You shouldn't get excited about Edwards. But he makes plenty of sense later in best ball drafts. Just beware of him flying up the ADP board in the wake of this signing. Check our best ball rankings to see where Edwards lands.

RB Gus Edwards' contract with the Ravens voided on Monday, setting him up to hit free agency next month. Edwards led Ravens RBs and set career highs last year with 198 carries, 810 yards, and 13 TDs. His 4.1 yards per carry was a career low, although Edwards still ranked a respectable 20th out of 49 qualifying RBs in NFL Next Gen Stats' Rush Yards Over Expected Per Attempt. Edwards turns 29 in April and offers next to nothing in the passing game. But he's still capable of helping as a between-the-tackles and short-yardage back. We'll see where he lands in free agency. The Ravens' RB depth chart, meanwhile, is topped by a couple of guys recovering from serious injuries in J.K. Dobbins and Keaton Mitchell. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported recently that Baltimore could target a RB "with pedigree" in free agency. Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Tony Pollard, and D'Andre Swift highlight the free-agent RB class.

Ravens RB Gus Edwards led the team with 11 carries in Sunday's loss to the Browns. He managed just 24 yards -- his lowest total all season -- but scored for the fourth straight game. That last stat has been key to Edwards' fantasy value (and his risk). The biggest positive from Sunday was Edwards reclaiming the backfield rush lead after resting through the second half of blowout win in Week 9. His 11 attempts vs. Cleveland more than doubled the combined total (5) of Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill. The schedule looks merely decent the next weeks, before a Week 13 bye. And Baltimore has no strongly positive rushing matchups the rest of the way. That could give Edwards some sell potential, but don't be afraid to just hold him for the TD upside if you can't get a good return.

Ravens RB Gus Edwards rewarded you with a pair of TDs if you started him Sunday against the Seahawks. But he totaled just 5 touches in the lopsided victory. Edwards sat tied with RBs Keaton Mitchell and Justice Hill at 4 carries when the first half ended. He then ran for 42 yards on the first play of the second half but never touched the ball again after that. There's been no indication Edwards got hurt in the game. Baltimore kicked a FG at the end of that drive to go up 20-3. So perhaps the Ravens simply chose to rest him after that. Edwards missed Wednesday's practice with a toe issue before putting in full workouts the next two days. His second-half inactivity against Seattle allowed both Hill (13) and Mitchell (9) to finish the game with more carries. We'll watch for any revelation of backfield plans going forward. No Baltimore RB looks attractive for a Week 10 matchup with the Browns. But Edwards should remain helpful to fantasy lineups beyond that.

Ravens RB Gus Edwards (toe) is not listed on the final Week 9 injury report. He put in full practices on Thursday and Friday and should be ready for his usual role in this weekend’s game vs. the Seahawks.