The Cleveland Browns re-signed wide receiver/kick returner James Proche II to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Proche, a former sixth-round selection by the Baltimore Ravens in 2020 out of SMU, didn't catch any of his five targets in 10 regular-season games (one start) in 2023 in his first year with the Browns. He did, however, return 22 points for 197 yards and one kickoff for a gain of 19 yards last year. The 27-year-old has a grand total of 25 career receptions on 45 targets for 278 yards and no touchdowns in 53 games (one start) in his four NFL seasons, so he's not going to be a factor suddenly on offense for Cleveland in 2024. Proche will, however, give the Browns another option to return kicks on special teams yet again.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver James Proche II could be on the roster bubble at training camp this summer with the team seemingly having five receiver spots accounted for with Rashod Bateman, Odell Beckham Jr., rookie Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor and Devin Duvernay. Proche made plenty of catches during last week's mandatory minicamp, but consistency and big plays mostly eluded him. Even with a shallow receiving corps decimated by injuries last year, the 26-year-old failed to carve out a considerable role in the passing game and finished with just eight catches on 17 targets for 62 yards in 15 games (zero starts). Proche is miles from the fantasy radar entering training camp this summer.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver James Proche II had an elevated role in the Monday night win over the New Orleans Saints, but he caught just two of two targets for 22 yards to finish second in receiving behind rookie tight end Isaiah Likely. Quarterback Lamar Jackson spread the ball around, completing passes to 10 different players, so no Ravens pass-catcher had more than two receptions in this contest. Likely led the team with five targets. Rashod Bateman (foot) is out for the year, and No. 1 tight end Mark Andrews (knee, shoulder) was also inactive, but it still didn't do much for the rest of the team's pass-catchers in fantasy. Proche should still have a role the rest of the season with Bateman done, but it's really hard to rely on any Ravens receivers in this run-heavy offense.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver James Proche II (groin), who was questionable for Week 3 against the New England Patriots, will not play. Proche will miss his second straight game after also being inactive in the Week 2 loss to the Miami Dolphins. In the season opener, the 26-year-old pass-catcher played just five offensive snaps and wasn't targeted at all. He remains well off the fantasy radar for now. Tylan Wallace and Demarcus Robinson will vie for No. 3 duties yet again this Sunday behind Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver James Proche (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. After playing just five snaps in Baltimore's season opener, the third-year receiver was held out of Week 2 with a groin injury. He failed to suit up for practice on Thursday and Friday last week, so him practicing in any capacity to start this week is a good sign. The 26-year-old is currently listed as the No. 4 wideout on the Ravens' depth chart. Without any other Baltimore receivers missing from their upcoming matchup against the New England Patriots, Proche is unlikely to make an impact for fantasy football.
James Proche II, Ronnie Stanley Out Against Dolphins
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver James Proche II (groin) and offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle) have both been ruled out for the Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins. Meanwhile, cornerback Marcus Peters (knee) is active. Both Proche and Stanley were doubtful to play this Sunday. With Proche out, expect Tylan Wallace to be the team's No. 4 receiver against Miami behind Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay and Demarcus Robinson. Stanley is working his way back from season-ending ankle surgery last year and has yet to play in 2022. Ja'Wuan James started on quarterback Lamar Jackson's blind side in Week 1, but he tore his Achilles in the season opener and is out for the year. Patrick Mekari will now start at left tackle in Week 2. It could be an issue for the Ravens offense on Sunday.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told the media that wide receiver James Proche is dealing with a soft tissue injury. The ailment held him out of Thursday's preseason opener and could force him to miss up to two weeks of action. It's a frustrating setback for the wide receiver considering how impressive he has looked during training camp. Even though he'll miss time, Proche remains clear favorite for the No. 3 role behind Rashod Bateman and Devin Duvernay. He caught 16 passes for 202 yards last season and should see a significant increase in opportunities in 2022.
James Proche II Playing Lights-Out In Training Camp
Baltimore Ravens third-year wide receiver James Proche II has been standing out at training camp this summer. He's made a few plays in just about every practice so far and he's working pretty much every area of the field. Proche's precise route-running has made him a nightmare to cover on one-on-one drills. The former sixth-rounder in 2020 had a good camp last year as well, but his performance this summer is reassuring for a team that traded No. 1 receiver Marquise Brown this offseason. The 25-year-old is arriving early and staying late, and he's seeing more chances with Devin Duvernay (thigh) sidelined. Proche was targeted just 20 times in 14 games last year while catching 16 of them for 202 yards. If he's healthy, there's no reason why he shouldn't see more chances in 2022.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver James Proche II continually stood out during offseason practices. It's happened before with Proche and it hasn't translated to game days, partly because the Ravens haven't given him much of an opportunity. But The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec thinks he'll get a bigger opportunity this year and wouldn't be surprised if he emerges as a reliable target for quarterback Lamar Jackson. The 25-year-old has good hands and has a toughness and confidence about him that suggests he's ready to become a bigger contributor. Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, Proche and Tylan Wallace are entrenched as the top-four receivers for Baltimore, but Proche has a chance to win the No. 2 job in training camp if he continues to impress.
Baltimore Ravens wide receivers Miles Boykin and James Proche II could be on the roster bubble during training camp. Marquise Brown, Sammy Watkins and rookie Rashod Bateman are easily the team's three best receivers, and Devin Duvernay's and rookie Tylan Wallace's spots are also secure. Boykin and Proche have performed reasonably well in offseason practices, but they are the two biggest question marks. Proche is more consistent than Boykin, but Boykin makes more big plays, and his physicality and blocking ability set him apart in an otherwise small receiving group. Both contribute on special teams, but the coaching staff will need to decide if they want to keep seven pass-catchers. Obviously, both Boykin and Proche can be ignored for fantasy purposes in this run-heavy offense.
