Our 2023 NFL Training Camp News articles are intended to be a one-stop shop for the most important news from around the NFL during training camp. I’ll post a new Market Report every week during August to help our subscribers keep the pulse of what’s happening in the fantasy marketplace. I’ll update this article on a daily basis during the week so make sure to check back for the latest training camp buzz.
This article will focus mostly on news, beat reports, and injuries coming out of team practices. Be sure to check out our Preseason Reviews once the games start for key takeaways on player performances and playing time implications from preseason action.
ADP in this article is based on our ADP tool’s PPR setting, which pulls from NFFC drafts over the last 14 days.
EARLY CAMP MOVERS
This is our first Training Camp Market Report but here’s the cliff notes version of the risers and fallers from the early part of camp.
Upgrades
Baltimore Ravens Offense — OC Todd Monken’s new offense is practicing at a blistering pace, routinely breaking the huddle with as much as 25 seconds left on the play clock. The Ravens’ offense has the potential to squeeze off more plays if they remain an efficient unit with a more pass-heavy attack after the Ravens finished 18th in play per game (62.1) and 26th in seconds per play (30.2).
Miami Dolphins Offense — Miami’s biggest off-season acquisition, Jalen Ramsey, suffered a torn meniscus that will keep out a few months after surgery. It's a huge blow to Miami’s pass defense and it could have the Dolphins playing in higher-scoring contests than they would have with Ramsey in the lineup.
Justin Herbert (QB, LAC) — Herbert and the Chargers agreed to terms on a five-year, $262.5 million contract with $219 million guaranteed through 2020. The Chargers opened up training camp throwing deep plenty in the first few practices under new OC Kellen Moore.
Matthew Stafford (QB, LAR) — Stafford opened training camp with a full throwing regimen for the first time in his Rams’ career. He dealt with throwing-elbow issues to open camp last season and his season ended prematurely with a concussion and a spinal cord contusion. Stafford said, “I feel a lot better physically. I feel really healthy compared to where I was at this point last year, so that’s fun for me.”
Bryce Young (QB, Car) — HC Frank Reich named Young, the NFL’s 2023 first overall pick, the team’s starting quarterback. He’s struggled at times in camp, throwing an interception in four straight practices as of Aug. 3.
Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, LV) — Jimmy G passed a physical and avoided the PUP list after previously failing a physical at the time of his signing in March— he had off-season foot surgery at the end of the 2023 season.
Isiah Pacheco and Deneric Prince (RBs, KC) — Pacheco avoided the PUP list after sitting out OTAs because of a pair of off-season surgeries to his labrum and hand. He hasn’t been cleared for full practice just yet, which has opened the door for UDFA Prince to operate as the starter with Clyde Edwards-Helaire also missing practice for an illness. Prince has impressed as a receiver and ESPN’s Adam Teicher wrote that it’s clear Prince will make the roster with his role yet to be determined. NFL Network’s James Palmer reported that Pacheco’s shoulder is holding him back and he could be cleared for contact by Aug. 20.
Cole Kmet (TE, Chi) — Kmet and the Bears agreed to terms on a four-year, $50 million contract with $32.8 million guaranteed. The Bears also signed blocking TE Marcedes Lewis as a depth piece behind Kmet.
Trey McBride (TE, Ari) — Zach Ertz opened training camp on the PUP list after tearing his ACL and MCL in November last year. He said he wants to be activated in the next couple of weeks but added that he has “a lot of work to be done” to be ready for the season opener. McBride will get more time with the first-team offense while Ertz is sidelined, and the Cardinals could hold Ertz out early in the season. The rebuilding Cardinals could look to move Ertz before the trade deadline, which would give their second-year TE a chance to be fantasy-relevant in a receiving corps with limited weapons.
Downgrades
Kyler Murray (QB, Ari) — Murray opened training camp on the PUP list and remains without a timetable as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered in mid-December. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Murray stays on the list and misses at least the first four games of the season to give him an extra month to recover. The Cardinals also have little incentive to win in 2023 as they are not quietly building for 2024 and beyond.
Josh Jacobs (RB, LV) — Jacobs didn’t report for the start of training camp, which was expected since he’s not currently under contract with the Raiders. The two sides failed to reach terms on a long-term contract, and he’s yet to sign his franchise tag.
Wan’Dale Robinson (WR, NYG) — Robinson and Sterling Shepard opened training camp on the PUP list as they continue to recover from torn ACLs last season. The Giants activated Shepard from the list on July 30, who suffered his injury last September — Robinson tore his ACL in November. The Giants have an abundance of slot WRs, especially after signing Cole Beasley to open camp, so it wouldn’t be surprising if Robinson remains on the list and misses four games to open the season.
Zach Ertz (TE, Ari) — Ertz opened training camp on the PUP list after tearing his ACL and MCL in November last year. He said he wants to be activated in the next couple of weeks but added that he has “a lot of work to be done” to prepare for the season opener.
Watch List
Dalvin Cook (RB, FA) — Cook remains unsigned heading into August, but that could change soon as he appears to be on the precipice of signing a deal, most likely with the Jets. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported that there’s been talk “in league circles” that Cook could face a suspension as he faces domestic violence charges from 2021. He allegedly offered $1 million to settle the case before the trial goes to trial next year. His suspension may not be handed down until the trial is complete in 2024, but the pending case could limit him to a one-year deal with whatever team he eventually signs with.
Garrett Wilson (WR, NYJ) — Wilson left a July 27 practice early for a low-ankle sprain. HC Robert Saleh said his star second-year WR should be fine, but it’s still an issue to monitor moving forward. Saleh said Wilson is expected to return to practice on Aug. 5.
Kyle Pitts (TE, Atl) — Pitts avoided the PUP list to open training camp and he said he’s “pretty close” to his peak form after the team’s first practice session. In his first action, he wore a brace that covered his right knee as a precautionary move after sitting out OTAs.
Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki (TEs, NE) — Gesicki is off to a quiet start in his first training camp with the Patriots, failing to catch a pass in the first three practices — Tyquan Thornton and Kendrick Bourne also had goose eggs. Henry has been Mac Jones’ early favorite weapon with 7 catches on 10 targets (24% target share with Mac) while JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker have been the top options at WR. Henry said he showed up to camp lighter than last season.
UPGRADES
Players whom we’re feeling more optimistic about based on training camp reports and injury news.
Quarterbacks
Aaron Rodgers (NYJ) — Rodgers, who is under contract through 2025, acknowledged to the media that “this is going to be a few years partnership” when asked about his future with the Jets. He recently took a $35 million pay cut to help the Jets chase a championship, and this is yet another sign that Rodgers is motivated to have a big season to stick to his old team. (Added 8/2)
Anthony Richardson (Ind) — Richardson underwent surgery to correct his nasal septum, which forced him to miss practice on July 31. He returned to practice the next day and took all 18 snaps with the starters, and Colts reporter Kevin Bowen said it was his “roughest day” in the first week of practices, completing 4-of-9 passes with the first-team offense. Still, it’s an extremely positive sign that Shane Steichen gave him all of the snap with the starters a day after missing practice. Richardson also said he’s gained 8-10 pounds in muscle as the 21-year-old’s body continues to grow, which puts him at 248-250 pounds. Richardson is going to take his lumps as a rookie but he presents elite rushing upside, which gives him legit low-end QB1 upside at a mid-QB2 ADP (126, QB17). (Added 8/2)
Brock Purdy (SF) — Purdy has been cleared to practice off and will throw two out of every three days to start training camp. He underwent throwing-elbow surgery on March 10 and is on track to be ready for the season opener against the Steelers on Sept. 10. GM John Lynch stated this spring that Purdy is the “leader in the clubhouse” for the starting job but added that the job will be “open for competition.” Purdy took all 21 snaps with the starting offense in his first practice on July 27. QB coach Brian Griese said Purdy is throwing about 110 passes on days he practices with “minimal soreness” after throwing sessions. Purdy remains on pace to quarterback one of the NFL’s best offenses, and he’s a back-end QB2 target after throwing for multiple TDs in his first seven NFL starts. (Updated 8/4)
Running Backs
Saquon Barkley (NYG) — Barkley and the Giants agreed to terms on a one-year, $11 million contract after previously failing to come to terms on a long-term contract. He’ll have the chance to earn more than he would’ve on the franchise tag, but the franchise could tag him in future seasons. Barkley’s deal means he’ll avoid a holdout and will be ready for Week 1. His ADP (18.3, RB5) could creep into the late first round by early September, especially with the drama unfolding around Jonathan Taylor and the Colts. (Added 7/31)
Alexander Mattison (RB, Min) — Mattison is headed toward a big role after the Vikings signed him to a two-year, $7 million deal before later releasing Dalvin Cook this off-season. Vikings OC Wes Phillips praised Mattison’s three-down ability at training camp, “[It's] the consistency of who he is every day, what he's put on tape every opportunity he's gotten: his multifaceted run game, pass protection, and then his hands in the pass game — his route-running ability. I think we're going to see a lot of good things, and maybe people didn't realize how good a player Alex Mattison really is.” Mattison averaged 19.5/79.5 rushing per game with three rushing TDs and 3.8/36.0 receiving per game with two receiving TDs in his six career contests as a bell-cow back. The Vikings could be a bit thin behind him, as well, with Ty Chandler failing to impress and Kene Nwangu missing practice time. Kevin O’Connell has also said seventh-round pick DeWayne McBride has a “tall task” learning the offense quickly. Mattison’s ADP (66, RB22) hasn’t gotten out of control as many expected, and he’s a fine target as an RB2 option in the sixth round. (Updated 8/3)
Javonte Williams (Den) — Williams, who tore his ACL, PCL, and LCL last October, avoided the PUP list to start training camp and has been cleared for contact. He hasn’t been limited during camp and HC Sean Payton said Williams will see some preseason action. The Broncos could still hold Williams out to open the season if he has any sort of setback, and they’ll likely limit his work in the first month of the season, but his chances of being ready for Week 1 keep improving. Williams appears to be well ahead of schedule from his major knee injury, and his ADP (62, RB20) is quickly rising in early August. (Updated 8/4)
Rachaad White (TB) — ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported from Buccaneers camp that the Buccaneers coaching staff sees “star potential” in White as a “smooth do-it-all option.” Fowler noted that Chase Edmonds and Ke’Shawn Vaughn will be in the mix as complementary options, but it’s primarily White’s show as both a runner and receiver. New OC Dave Canales has expanded White’s route tree, which White initially told our John Hansen back in early June. Tampa Bay’s offense could be among the league’s worst but White appears headed toward a huge, three-down role with little competition, which makes him a strong value at his ADP (68, RB24). (Added 8/2)
James Cook (Buf) — Nyheim Hines suffered a season-ending knee injury when he was struck by a Jet Ski before the start of training camp. The injury leaves Cook as Buffalo’s clear top option in passing situations, with primary runners Damien Harris and Latavius Murray currently behind him on the depth chart. OC Ken Dorsey did say that Cook is versatile enough to be a “three-down back,” which would boost his fantasy value. The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia called him “far-and-away” the top back at camp who seems destined for “at least over half of the offensive snaps.” Cook is intriguing at his reasonable ADP (83, RB30), but his upside is capped since Harris and/or Murray will likely handle goal-line carries and Josh Allen led the Bills with 52.2% of Buffalo’s inside the 5-yard line carries (per Fantasy Points Data). (Updated 8/2)
Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson (Was) — Gibson told the Washington media that, as of right now, he’s going to play the role previously held by J.D. McKissic as the team’s third-down and hurry-up back. Gibson has 36+ receptions in each of his first three seasons, and McKissic finished his Washington career with 150/1159/4 receiving in 35 games. In our Town Hall series, Adam Caplan told us in May that the Commanders would use Gibson in the passing-game role with Robinson operating as the lead runner. Gibson played primarily as a slot WR coming out of Memphis, and he finished fifth in threat rate (targets on passing play snaps) at 26.1% among 37 RBs who ran 150+ routes last season (per Fantasy Points Data). Gibson has flashed at times in his first three seasons, and he’s looking for a big campaign in the final year of his rookie contract.
Robinson said he never felt right during his rookie season after being shot twice in the lower body and missing the first four games of 2022. He said he’s been working on being more versatile in his second camp, working on his route running and ball skills as a receiver. His efforts have been noticed by ESPN’s John Keim, who wrote that B-Rob has “increased his value” with his improved route-running and “terrific hands” in camp. Gibson isn’t in the best situation to rack up a ton of catches with essentially a rookie QB in Sam Howell, but his talent is still worth betting on at his ADP (94, RB32). I prefer Robinson a little more at his ADP (102, RB34) with his slightly bigger role in an offense that wants to skew toward the run. (Updated 8/3)
Jamaal Williams and Kendre Miller (NO) — Alvin Kamara met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Aug. 2 regarding his potential suspension for his involvement in a fight outside of a Las Vegas nightclub in 2022. He recently reached a plea agreement to reduce his felony charge in the fight to a misdemeanor while paying $105,000 for medical bills. Kamara is doing everything he can to reduce his potential suspension, but he’s still likely to face anywhere from a 2-6 game suspension — Ian Rapoport expects Kamara to be suspended. It seems likely that a resolution on his status will finally be reached by the start of the season. Williams (110 ADP, RB39) and Miller (144, RB48) are looking at larger roles for potentially the first month of the season (Ten, @Car, @GB, TB), which makes them ideal targets for those who hold off on drafting RBs early in drafts. (Updated 8/3)
Tank Bigsby (Jax) — Jacksonville’s third-round pick Bigsby has been an “unstoppable force” on inside zone and inside gap runs, per Jags writer Jordan de Lugo. His “hulking size” has also made him a force down by the goal line in early practices. Etienne handled just 44.8% of the team’s carries inside the 5-yard line and converted just 2-of-10 attempts for touchdowns from that range. He’s also been making waves as a receiver early in camp, as well. Bigsby is a real threat to steal goal-line snaps and potentially other work, which makes him an ADP target (139, RB45) late in drafts. (Added 8/3)
Chase Brown (Cin) — Fifth-year RB Trayveon Williams suffered a “mild ankle sprain” that will keep him out for a few weeks. Williams could lose some ground in his battle for the backup job behind Joe Mixon with rookie Brown and Chris Evans. His injury could also force the Bengals to take a longer look at the free-agent market since they currently have one of the weakest RB depth charts. Brown has been one of my favorite late-round RB darts on Underdog (203 ADP, RB63), and his chances of grabbing a role early in the season will improve with Williams sidelined. Mixon played poorly enough at the end of last season to find himself in a timeshare with Samaje Perine in the postseason, which gives Brown an outside chance of grabbing an even bigger role if Mixon’s play continues to decline in his seventh season. (Added 8/2)
Wide Receivers
Calvin Ridley (Jax) — Ridley is having an impressive return to the football field from all accounts, including from HC Doug Pederson. Via NFL Network’s Sara Walsh, Pederson singled out Ridley as the camp’s standout through the first week saying, “The way that this guy practices, the speed at which he goes is a completely different level.” The hype is steadily building for Ridley despite deep competition for targets from Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, and Zay Jones. You’ll need to be more aggressive drafting him in the future as his current fourth-round ADP (38, WR20) is unlikely to hold for much longer. Ridley picked up a toe injury on Aug. 2 and he proceeded to drop four passes in the next practice. The team said his toe issue was related to the cleats he had been wearing so he’ll make a switch moving forward. (Updated 8/3)
Mike Williams (LAC) — The Athletic’s Daniel Popper’s biggest takeaway from Kellen Moore’s first few offensive practices is that Williams is moving around a lot more than in past years, including more slot and inside alignments. Williams ran just 67 of his 432 routes (15.5%) from the slot in 2022, drawing just 10 targets and averaging .85 YPRR compared to 81 targets and 2.30 YPRR as an outside receiver. Popper said the early returns for Williams’ inside work have been “impressive,” and it’s a good sign that Moore is trying to create new opportunities for Williams even if his best work comes on the perimeter. The Chargers also opened up training camp throwing deep plenty in the first few practices under new OC Kellen Moore. I’m warmed to drafting Williams at his reasonable ADP (61, WR28), especially if you’re selecting Justin Herbert at his fourth-round ADP. (Added 7/31)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Sea) — ESPN’s Dan Graziano called Smith-Njigba the star of Seahawks camp so far, and D.K. Metcalf believes he’s going to be an “exceptional player.” Metcalf expounded more, “He looks like he’s already been here for two, three years with the way he runs his routes and the way he’s picked up the offense…how he tracks balls and how he runs his routes, everything.” Graziano believes the Seahawks have real plans for JSN right away and that it’s not safe to assume that he’ll be the #3 WR behind Metcalf and Lockett. I’ve been underweight on JSN in Underdog drafts where he's going two rounds earlier (62 ADP, WR32), but I’m much more interested in him at his redraft price (85, WR37). (Added 8/2)
Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, and Richie James (KC) — It took just one practice for Kadarius Toney to end up on the sidelines with an injury after tweaking his knee in a punt drill, which was the same knee he had a clean-up surgery on earlier this off-season. He needed yet another clean-up surgery on his injured knee on July 25, which was his third procedure since the 2022 off-season. He’ll be in a race to be ready for the NFL’s season-opening game on Sept. 7, and he’s at risk of aggravating his injury and needing more extensive surgery in the future. Toney is loaded with talent but his career has yet to take off because he can’t stay available for long stretches of time. It wouldn’t be surprising if Andy Reid uses Toney in a part-time role to try to keep him available for as long as possible on a team with Super Bowl ambitions. Moore and Rice each have a golden opportunity for additional training camp reps with Patrick Mahomes, and they’re in a position to earn more of the 654 routes and the 135 targets left behind by JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman. The Athletic’s Nate Taylor noted on July 27 that Rice saw the most first-team reps after Toney’s injury. The veteran James could also sneak in under the radar if Kansas City’s young WRs aren’t ready for primetime — he’s posted an impressive 95/1258/7 receiving on 794 career routes. Kansas City’s WR depth chart is one of the top camp battles to monitor this August, but don’t be surprised if the Chiefs use a WR committee. (Added 7/31)
Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham (Bal) — Rashod Bateman missed the first two days of training camp before reporting and landing on the PUP list. It’s an ominous start to his 2023 after suffering a Lisfranc injury last season and being shut down in OTAs for a cortisone shot in his healing foot. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reported the pecking order at WR remains uncertain early in camp, but he believes Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham are solidifying themselves as the top two WRs with Bateman out of the lineup. Flowers is off to a strong start at camp and improves with each new practice. Flowers (107, WR49) and OBJ (123, WR54) have been my targets in this WR corps this summer at their reasonable ADPs. (Added 8/2)
Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims (Den) — Tim Patrick suffered a torn Achilles in a July 31 practice, which marks the second straight year he suffered a season-ending leg injury in training camp. He lost his 2022 season to a torn ACL in his right knee before tearing his left Achilles this year. Patrick previously posted 50+ catches, 730+ receiving yards, and 5+ TDs in 2019-20 before his devastating leg injuries the last two summers. Denver’s deep WR depth chart is already being tested with K.J. Hamler also waived with an NFI designation — he could be resigned at a later date — and Sutton and Mims are the biggest beneficiaries. Sutton should be locked into 2-WR sets with Jerry Jeudy, and rookie Marvin Mims is solidly the team’s #3 WR ahead of K.J. Hamler and Marquez Callaway among others. Greg Dulcich should also be featured more in the passing game with Parick’s size (6’4”, 212 pounds) taken out of the offense. (Added 8/1)
Jalin Hyatt (NYG) — New York’s third-round pick is making big plays daily at Giants camp, including a pair of long scores on post patterns while working with Daniel Jones and the first-team offense on Aug. 3. Parris Campbell (knee) did miss practice to open up some opportunities for the rookie, which he took advantage of. Hyatt opened camp making big plays with Tyrod Taylor and the second-team offense, which earned him more opportunities with the starters. He’s taken advantage of those opportunities with HC Brian Daboll praising his “long speed and short-space quickness.” Hyatt is in a tough spot to emerge as a consistent fantasy option in a deep receiving corps, but he’s worth a look late in best ball drafts (189 ADP, WR80) because of his game-breaking ability. (Added 8/4)
Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid (Buf) — Kincaid has “looked the part” in his first training camp, per The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia. He’s worked heavily with Josh Allen and the first-team offense to open camp with Buscaglia noting his ability to find soft spots against zone coverage while being a “chore to deal with” against man coverage. Rookie TEs have a checkered history of fantasy production but Kincaid is going to be used primarily as a WR with Dawson Knox doing most of the dirty work as the team’s inline option. GM Brandon Beane said on NFL Network’s Inside Training Camp that the plan is to play Kincaid and Knox together and they’ll use more 12 personnel than they ever have since arriving in 2017. Kincaid still needs to show he’s a handful to cover once the pads come on this week, and his ADP (145, TE16) is sure to rise if he has a strong preseason performance or two. (Added 7/31)
Sam LaPorta (TE, Det) — LaPorta, Detroit’s 35th overall pick, is working with the first-team offense to open training camp. OC Ben Johnson said the rookie earned the promotion, “You saw in the springtime, he got minimal work with the first team, and he’s earned the right now to be in that first team huddle with Jared (Goff) and that offensive line.” The Lions waived reserve Shane Zylstra after he suffered a “serious” knee injury in a July 31 practice. The Athletic reported that LaPorta is “always with the starters”, is passing every test, and is the most talented TE on the roster. LaPorta has an outside chance to emerge as the #2 receiver early in the season with Jameson Williams sidelined, and he’s worth a late-round look (167 ADP, TE19) as a mid-TE2 in best ball and TE-premium leagues. (Updated 8/4)
Luke Musgrave (GB) — HC Matt LaFleur told Tom Pelissero Musgrave was the fastest player on offense during a day of practice this week, beating every wide receiver in their daily charting. LaFleur went on to call his second-round TE an “exciting young prospect” who has a lot of potential, and The Athletic reported that Musgrave has been a problem for Packers defenders in drills. Rookie TEs typically struggle for consistent production, especially ones that are as raw as Musgrave, but the Packers are clearly excited about his potential and he’ll have opportunities to get on the field in a thin depth chart. He’s worth a flier pick as a TE3 in best ball drafts just in case he can quickly earn targets in a wide-open receiving corps, and I won’t be surprised if he pops for a big play or two in the preseason. (Added 8/4)
DOWNGRADES
Players whom we’re feeling less optimistic about based on training camp reports and injury news.
Quarterbacks
None of note.
Running Backs
Breece Hall (RB, NYJ) — Hall opened training camp on the PUP list as he continues to recover from his torn ACL. The Jets “remain optimistic” that Hall will be ready for Week 1, but HC Robert Saleh said his return is still a couple of weeks away. Saleh noted earlier in camp that his second-year RB hit 23 mph running on the side at practice — cutting is a more important indicator in ACL recovery. Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight have handled the majority of first-team snaps in his absence with rookie Israel Abanikanda working with the reserves. The Jets have emerged as the front-runners for Dalvin Cook’s services, which incentivizes New York to take a slower approach with Hall. For the second straight year, OC Nathaniel Hackett will be able to take away work from his talented second-year back to give to a past-his-prime veteran back. The Jets have been sniffing around RBs all off-season and it’s best to take a hands-off approach with Hall until his ADP (43, RB14) falls by at least two rounds. (Added 7/31)
Travis Etienne (Jax) — Jacksonville’s third-round pick Tank Bigsby has been an “unstoppable force” on inside zone and inside gap runs, per Jags writer Jordan de Lugo. His “hulking size” has also made him a force down by the goal line in early practices. Etienne handled just 44.8% of the team’s carries inside the 5-yard line and converted just 2-of-10 attempts for touchdowns from that range. Etienne has been trending in the wrong direction since Jacksonville selected Bigsby and he’s shaping up to be overvalued at his ADP (41, RB13) if he loses goal-line duties to go along with his limited passing-game contributions. (Added 8/3)
Alvin Kamara (NO) — Kamara met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Aug. 2 regarding his potential suspension for his involvement in a fight outside of a Las Vegas nightclub in 2022. He recently reached a plea agreement to reduce his felony charge in the fight to a misdemeanor while paying $105,000 for medical bills. Kamara is doing everything he can to reduce his potential suspension, but he’s still likely to face anywhere from a 2-6 game suspension — Ian Rapoport expects Kamara to be suspended. It seems likely that a resolution on his status will finally be reached by the start of the season. (Updated 8/3)
J.K. Dobbins (Bal) — Dobbins opened training camp on the PUP list after battling knee injuries the last two years and sitting out OTAs with a “hamstring injury.” He’s also in search of a new contract as he enters the final year of his rookie deal, which is likely related to his absence to start camp. HC John Harbaugh said Dobbins’ status was a question for his fourth-year back and described the situation as “complicated” on July 26. Harbaugh met with Dobbins on Aug. 1 and acknowledged that there will be a point when his absence becomes a concern. Dobbins doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on in contract negotiations, with just 226 carries in 23 career games entering the final year of his rookie contract. The Ravens didn’t waste any time finding an additional RB by signing Melvin Gordon on the same day he was placed on the PUP. Baltimore’s RB depth chart remains uninspiring with Gus Edwards and Justice Hill currently the top two backs, but Dobbins is already costing himself playing time early in the season by missing time in OTAs and training camp with Todd Monken installing a completely new offense. I wanted to be in on Dobbins but I can’t justify it at his current ADP (61, RB18) as he actively sabotages his value. (Updated 8/3)
Zack Moss (Ind) — Moss’ stay at the top of the RB depth chart while Jonathan Taylor holds out for a trade or a new contract didn’t last long. Moss broke his arm in practice on July 31, which will keep him out for 4-6 weeks and has him in a race to be ready for the start of the season. His injury leaves Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull as the top RBs currently in camp. (Added 8/1)
Ronald Jones (Dal) and Ezekiel Elliott (FA) — Jones has been suspended for two games for violating the NFL’s policy on PEDs. RoJo was the easiest fade in fantasy drafts last summer, totaling just 17/70/1 rushing in six appearances for the Chiefs. He’s in jeopardy of being released despite facing little competition for the #2 from the likes of Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn, and Rico Dowdle behind Tony Pollard. Owner Jerry Jones seemed open to the idea of reuniting with Ezekiel Elliott, but HC Mike McCarthy shot down the idea later on Aug. 1. McCarthy said, “We’re not just going to hit a bump and give up on the path. We want to see these young guys. We want to see them play in games.” (Updated 8/2)
Wide Receivers
Kadarius Toney (KC) — It took just one practice for Toney to end up on the sidelines with an injury after tweaking his knee in a punt drill, which was the same knee he had a clean-up surgery on earlier this off-season. He needed yet another clean-up surgery on his injured knee on July 25, which was his third procedure since the 2022 off-season. He’ll be in a race to be ready for the NFL’s season-opening game on Sept. 7, and he’s at risk of aggravating his injury and needing a more extensive surgery in the future. It wouldn’t be surprising if Andy Reid uses him in a part-time role to try to keep him available for as long as possible on a team with Super Bowl ambitions. Toney is loaded with talent but his career has yet to take off because he can’t stay available for long stretches of time. His ADP (73.5) has begun to plummet and it’s looking like he won’t realize his fantasy ceiling for a third straight season to open his career. (Added 7/31)
Rashod Bateman (WR, Bal) — Bateman missed the first two days of training camp before reporting and landing on the PUP list. It’s an ominous start to his 2023 after suffering a Lisfranc injury last season and being shut down in OTAs for a cortisone shot in his healing foot. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reported the pecking order at WR remains uncertain early in camp, but he believes Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham are solidifying themselves as the top two WRs with Bateman out of the lineup. Bateman has been overvalued this summer and his falling ADP (116, WR51) is finally starting to get in line with where he should be drafted. (Updated 8/2)
Tim Patrick (Den) — Patrick suffered a torn Achilles in a July 31 practice, which marks the second straight year he suffered a season-ending leg injury in training camp. He lost his 2022 season to a torn ACL in his right knee before tearing his left Achilles this year. Patrick previously posted 50+ catches, 730+ receiving yards, and 5+ TDs in 2019-20 before his devastating leg injuries the last two summers. (Added 8/1)
Tight Ends
Juwan Johnson (TE, NO) — The Saints stunningly signed Jimmy Graham to a one-year deal after he spent 2022 out of football. He posted just 13/156/3 receiving on 105 routes in 14 games with the Bears in 2021, but he garnered 6 end-zone targets despite his limited role after scoring eight times for Chicago in 2020 (per Fantasy Points Data). Graham is far from guaranteed to make the roster but, if he does, he’s likely to be involved at the goal line. The Saints’ skill players get a minor downgrade since Graham could vulture touchdowns, especially Johnson, who tied Chris Olave with a team-best 5 end-zone targets. Johnson is still a TE2 target at his ADP (156, TE17) but he continues to lose momentum after the team signed Foster Moreau earlier this summer. (Added 7/31)
WATCH LIST
Players who we’re not ready to upgrade or downgrade but whose situations demand monitoring based on training camp reports and injury news.
Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow (Cin) — Burrow left a July 27 practice early with a calf strain, which was the best-case scenario since video of the injury made it look like it could’ve been a more serious Achilles injury. HC Zac Taylor said Burrow would be out for “several weeks” but declined to answer when asked if his injury would affect his Week 1 status. The Bengals will take their time with Burrow for the next couple of weeks, given he is the next quarterback in line to get a fat new contract. It’s an issue to keep an eye on in the early part of the season but his injury shouldn’t affect his ADP too much in the coming weeks. (Added 7/31)
Running Backs
Jonathan Taylor (RB, Ind) — Taylor surprisingly opened training camp on the PUP list after undergoing an “arthroscopic debridement” surgery to his right ankle in January. He called the procedure a clean-up, and he targeted a return in training camp at the time of his surgery. Owner Jim Irsay then ignited a fire in his star RB, who has been seeking a contract extension as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. He posted on July 26 that running backs don’t have a leg to stand on to change the depressed running back market under the current CBA. He then said on July 27 that they haven’t made an official contract offer to Taylor. The two sides met to clear the air on July 29, but Taylor left the meeting and announced a trade request publicly — he reportedly requested the trade days earlier per ESPN’s Stephen Holder. In that same ESPN article, Taylor’s “bitterness” toward the franchise originated with the team’s handling of his ankle injury last season and continued when the team requested to assess him in advance of training camp.
The Colts were reportedly considering placing JT on the NFI list for a “back injury,” and Taylor promptly shot down “the injury” on Twitter. It seems unlikely that the Colts will trade Taylor for what would likely be pennies on the dollar, and Irsay has too much pride to give in and lose this battle. Taylor is avoiding fines in training camp since he’s on the PUP list, but he’ll need to play at some point if he wants the final season of his rookie contract to accrue and if he wants to get paid. This standoff has escalated quickly, with more twists and turns likely to come before a resolution is reached before the season. I’m backing off Taylor a bit at his current ADP (16.2, RB5) just in case his holdout lasts into the early part of the season, but there’s an outside chance his situation improves via trade. Indy’s RB depth is already being tested after top backup Zack Moss broke his arm in practice on July 31, which leaves Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull as the top RBs currently in camp. (Updated July 31)
Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet (RB, Sea) — Both Walker and Charbonnet are missing time for injuries early in training camp, with Walker dealing with a groin issue and Charbonnet battling a shoulder injury. HC Pete Carroll confirmed that KWIII is dealing with a week-to-week injury and Charbonnet already returned to practice on Aug. 3. Charbonnet will get some first-team reps while Walker is sidelined and he’ll have the opportunity to dig into Walker’s role at the top of the depth chart. Walker missed about a month’s time last season for a hernia procedure, which elevates my concern about his groin issue. (Updated 8/4)
Rashaad Penny and D’Andre Swift (RBs, Phi) — Penny received the first carry with the first-team offense to open training camp, ahead of Swift and Kenneth Gainwell. It’s a positive first step for Penny, who is healthy from last season’s broken leg. He’s ready to be Philadelphia’s lead runner, but the Eagles are fully expected to use a backfield committee. Penny said he hopes to play this season at his college weight of 225 pounds — he’s already down to 230 pounds — after playing in the 235-237 pound range in Seattle. Five different RBs have seen first-team reps (Boston Scott and Trey Sermon, as well) in early practices, and Swift has been seeing most of his work in the passing game. Gainwell is setting up to be a change-of-pace option for both backs so the early roles in this backfield committee have been split as expected. (Updated 8/3)
Wide Receivers
Cooper Kupp (LAR) — Kupp left an Aug. 1 practice early with a hamstring injury, which is the last thing the Rams wanted to see after he played in just nine games in 2022 because of an ankle injury. The only things keeping Kupp from being drafted ahead of Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase are his age (he turned 30 years old in June) and durability concerns (he also missed half of 2018 for a torn ACL). His latest injury could cause him to slide down draftboards (6 ADP, WR4) by a few spots as his durability concerns will intensify. His connection with Matthew Stafford is undeniable, and he’ll challenge for his third consecutive WR1 finish in FPG as long as he and his quarterback can stay healthy. OC Mike LaFleur gave a positive update on Kupp, calling him day-to-day with his hamstring injury. (Updated 8/4)
Jameson Williams (Det) — HC Dan Campbell said the plan is to “douse” Williams with a ton of game reps in the preseason. The second-year WR played just 78 snaps last season after tearing his ACL in January of 2022 and he’ll miss the first six of this season for violating the league’s gambling policy. We’ll finally get to see more of what Williams can do on the field, and the statement is notable for preseason DFS players. (Added 8/2)
Tight Ends
None of note.
