Amari Cooper

Amari Cooper missed the first day of mandatory minicamp. Coach Stefanski confirming, “It’s not excused,” Stefanski told reporters. “Obviously as you guys know, you really have to focus on the guys that are here. These situations, I understand that they do come up. Cooper is in his final year of his contract and is looking to holdout to work on an extension. Cooper is coming off another stellar year, even with unique quarterback situation, finishing last season with 72 receptions, 1,250 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns.

Amari’s fantasy value is still pretty high in redraft formats, where he has been WR15 in PPR or better in 3 out of the last 5 years. Even with the holdout, don’t be concerned when the season approaches.

The early season injuries continue to roll in as Saturday Browns WR Amari Cooper added his name to the injury report after reaggravating a groin injury. Browns Head Coach Kevin Stafanski told reporters Saturday that Amari Cooper aggravated a groin injury. The team, Stefanski says, will now monitor Cooper in preparation for Week 2’s Monday night contest. Monday at approximately 6:30pm Amari Cooper according to reports will be active for Monday nights game Vs the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Amari Cooper being active after initial reports that he was trending towards missing the game is a little suspicious to say the least. This seems eerily similar to Tee Higgins being “active” last year only to play less than half the game. Could this be a decoy move by Browns HC Kevin Stefanski? Or will Amari be a full go and contribute in what looks like a favorable matchup.

Browns pass catchers not named Amari Cooper should be in line for increased target shares this week. There should not be confidence in Cooper playing with this groin injury. Elijah Moore looked good in a monsoon last week earning the same amount of targets (7) as Cooper and adding 2 rushes. He should be viewed as the number one target for QB Deshaun Watson this week.