The Cleveland Browns have signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to their practice squad. Freeman, a seven-year veteran, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in August and now joins the Browns. A third-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 2018, he has also played for the Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, and Los Angeles Rams. Last season, Freeman appeared in 14 games with the Rams, accumulating 319 yards and two touchdowns. With Nick Chubb and Nyheim Hines sidelined, the Browns have been thin at running back, and as of Tuesday, Pierre Strong Jr. is listed as "week to week" with a hamstring injury. Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman have been handling the majority of the carries. Freeman must establish a significant role before fantasy managers consider adding him to their rosters. He could have an opportunity to contribute as soon as this Sunday against the Giants.
Royce Freeman Rushes Eight Times In Final Preseason Game
Dallas Cowboys running back Royce Freeman ran the ball eight times in the Cowboys preseason finale, gaining 35 yards. He was targeted once in the passing game, making a catch for a seven yard gain. Freeman's usage in the preseason essentially locked up his role as the third running back on the depth chart, behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle. Freeman would need injuries ahead of him in order to develop real fantasy relevance, but he's worth keeping an eye on just in case.
Royce Freeman Leads The Cowboys In Carries In Preseason Win
Dallas Cowboys running back Royce Freeman led the team in carries in a preseason win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Freeman ran the ball seven times, gaining 32 yards with a long play of eight yards. He wasn't targeted in the passing game. Freeman tied with quarterback Trey Lance for the team lead in carries with seven, with several other backs getting five running plays each. Freeman is third at best on the depth chart for the Cowboys, behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, but there certainly could be a role for him if injuries were to pop up.
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that veteran running back Royce Freeman has "really impressed" early on in training camp. The Cowboys were surprised Freeman was available when they signed him to a one-year deal in April. It's a testament to Freeman so far this summer, but it probably speaks more so to how bad Dallas' backfield depth is after Tony Pollard left in free agency this summer. The 28-year-old is currently expected to complement veteran Ezekiel Elliott, with Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis battling it out for RB3 duties to begin the year. Freeman is a poor man's Elliott -- a bulky between-the-tackles runner -- and he's unlikely to see much volume in Dallas in 2024 unless injuries decimate an already thin backfield. A lot can happen between now and Week 1 with Dallas' RB situation. Freeman is likely to be left to the waiver wire to begin the year in most fantasy leagues.
Veteran running back Royce Freeman signed with the Dallas Cowboys this offseason, joining one of the worst running back rooms in the NFL. Tony Pollard left for the Tennessee Titans this offseason, and the organization brought back long-time running back Ezekiel Elliott. It has been assumed that Elliott and Rico Dowdle will split time in the Dallas backfield, but Freeman has reportedly impressed this offseason. "He's a great 2-3 combination in terms of what he can do as a backup," Cowboys executive Stephen Jones said. "He's a big, thick guy. And he's a hell of a special teams player as well. He'll be a good addition and great complement to (Ezekiel Elliott). And then we'll let these young guys between (Rico Dowdle and Malik Davis) and those guys battle it out." Freeman, who has handled touches for four teams through his first six NFL seasons, has rushed 471 times for 1,792 yards and 10 touchdowns in 79 career games. If he's involved in the Dallas offense in any capacity, he will be well worth stashing in deeper fantasy football setups.
The Dallas Cowboys signed free-agent running back Royce Freeman to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, according to a source. The former third-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2018 out of Oregon spent last year with the Los Angeles Rams and had 77 carries for 319 yards and two rushing touchdowns in 14 regular-season games (zero starts) while adding a 13-yard catch on two targets. Even with Tony Pollard departing via Tennessee in free agency this offseason, it might be tough for Freeman to make a huge impact in Dallas' backfield in 2024 alongside the likes of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis. The Cowboys could also add more competition at the position via the upcoming draft. At best, Freeman could be a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex option in fantasy in 2024.
Los Angeles Rams running back Royce Freeman has an opportunity to lead the backfield with Kyren Williams being rested. Freeman was given an increased role when Williams went on injured reserve earlier this season and impressed. The 27-year-old has carried the ball 73 times for 317 yards and two touchdowns on the ground this season. He beat out Darrell Henderson Jr. and has proven to be the best pure runner when Williams is out. Facing the San Francisco 49ers in Week 18, consider Freeman as a cheap DFS dart throw and RB4 in fantasy leagues.
Los Angeles Rams running back Royce Freeman rushed just one time for no yards and did not see a target in the Week 13 win over the Cleveland Browns. It was a disappointing development for fantasy managers who utilized him as a deep-league flex play. After his usage on Sunday, he can no longer be trusted in fantasy lineups. That said, he remains a bench stash in case Kyren Williams has to miss any time down the stretch. Darrell Henderson is on the team's practice squad, so Freeman looks to have beat him out. It's worth noting Ronnie Rivers (knee) could return from Injured Reserve soon.
Los Angeles Rams running back Royce Freeman will be the clear RB2 behind Kyren Williams going forward. Williams was activated from Injured Reserve and taken off the injury report ahead of the team's Week 12 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Freeman outplayed Darrell Henderson Jr. and was much more efficient while the two split the backfield. Considering Williams could be eased into the offense, Freeman has an opportunity to continue that production. The 27-year-old should be stashed in leagues and has every-week starter potential if Williams misses any more time this season.
Los Angeles Rams running back Royce Freeman was the clear base-down back in the team's 17-16 win against the Seattle Seahawks. Freeman carried the ball 17 times for 73 yards, leading the team in rushing yards for the fourth straight game. He has been more efficient than Darrell Henderson Jr. on the ground by a wide margin since the injury of Kyren Williams (ankle). While Freeman has produced with the carries he has gotten, Henderson is the team's pass-down back. Factoring in that Williams has a good chance to return in their Week 12 matchup with the Arizona Cardinals, Freeman is a low-end RB4 at best but should now be considered over Henderson.
Royce Freeman
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Browns
