Cooper has 2nd straight big game

After posting a 9-101-1 line in Week 2, Browns WR Amari Cooper racked up 7 catches on 11 targets for 101 yards and a TD in Thursday night's win over the Steelers. Cooper was creating big separation all night, scoring on a slant from 11 yards out and tallying 3 grabs of 18+ yards. After garnering 17.6% of Browns targets in the opener, Cooper has registered big 37.0% and 35.5% target shares the past 2 outings. If he stays anywhere near that level, he'll be an every-week fantasy starter -- even in a run-leaning Cleveland offense.

Browns WR Amari Cooper came alive for 9 catches, 101 yards and 1 score vs. the Jets. His 10 targets led the team and represented a huge 37% share. He also saw a whopping 68% of Cleveland’s air yards. His lone score came on a busted zone coverage in the end zone. Overall, it was nice to see a more accurate Jacoby Brissett utilizing Cooper in the short to intermediate ranges. The former Cowboy should be treated as a WR3 for now.

Browns WR Amari Cooper returned to practice on Wednesday. He tweaked his right ankle on Monday, but it looks like a non-issue going forward.

Browns WR Amari Cooper hurt his right ankle late in Monday's practice. HC Kevin Stefanski had no update afterward. "I haven't gotten the full report," he said, per Cleveland.com. "I'll update you guys tomorrow." Cooper did remain out with the team (not participating) for the end of practice. We'll watch for the update.

The Cowboys traded WR Amari Cooper and a 6th-round pick to the Browns in exchange for 5th- and 6th-round picks. The compensation is minimal because Cleveland is taking on all of Cooper's $20 million cap hits over the next 3 seasons. The Cowboys were reportedly set to release Cooper if they couldn't find a trade partner. Dallas is believed to be the frontrunners to re-sign WRs Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson, who would join CeeDee Lamb as the team's top 3 WRs. In Cleveland, meanwhile, Cooper should establish himself as the #1 WR. Exactly how big a target share he garners will depend on whether the Browns bring back WR Jarvis Landry and/or add more to the WR room. But a run-first offense and questionable QB play puts a damper on Cooper's 2022 fantasy outlook.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cowboys are “likely” to release WR Amari Cooper. It's a matter of money, as the veteran is scheduled to count $22 million against Dallas' salary cap. (If cut, he’ll carry a figure of only ~$6 million.) Coming off an inconsistent year 2, CeeDee Lamb would project as the big winner here. Note that Michael Gallup, Cedrick Wilson and Dalton Schultz are all impending free agents.

Update: According to multiple reports, the Cowboys will try to trade Cooper but are expected to release him if that doesn't work out. Multiple reports also have the team planning to try for a long-term deal with Gallup.