Our 2025 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 daily throughout the week, so be sure to check back for the latest training camp news.
This article will primarily focus on news, beat reports, and injuries emerging from team practices. Be sure to check out Graham Barfield’s Preseason Game Reviews for key takeaways on player performances and playing time implications from preseason action.
CATCH UP ON PREVIOUS TRAINING CAMP MARKET REPORTS
2025 NFL Training Camp News: Week of Aug. 18
2025 NFL Training Camp News: Week of Aug. 11
2025 NFL Training Camp News: Week of Aug. 4
2025 NFL Training Camp News: Week of July 28
ADP in this article is based on our ADP tool’s PPR setting, which pulls from Sleeper drafts over the last 14 days.
Notable Skill Player Movement from Cutdown Week
QUARTERBACKS
Kenny Pickett (LV via Cle), Sam Howell (Phi via Min), Carson Wentz (signed by Min), Kyle Trask (cut by TB), Mike White (cut by Buf), Taylor Heinicke (cut by LAC), Jake Haener (cut by NO), Dorian Thompson-Robinson (cut by Phi), Easton Stick (cut by Atl), Tommy DeVito (NE, cut by NYG), Desmond Ridder (cut by Cin), Hendon Hooker (Det PS, cut by Det), Clayton Tune (cut by Ari), Brett Rypien (Cin PS, cut by Min), Sam Ehlinger (Den PS, cut by Den) Kyle McCord (cut by PHI), Bailey Zappe (Cle PS, cut by KC), Will Grier (Dal PS, cut by Dal), Trevor Siemian (Ten PS, cut by Ten), Sean Clifford (cut by GB), Kyle McCord (cut by Phi), Cam Miller (cut by LV)
RUNNING BACKS
Rocket Sanders (CLE, cut by LAC), Audric Estime (Phi PS, cut by Den), Cam Akers (cut by NO), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC PS, cut by NO), Michael Carter (Ari PS, cut by Ari), Carson Steele (KC PS, cut by KC), Damien Martinez (cut by Sea), Sincere McCormick (cut by LV), Pierre Strong (cut by Cle), Kimani Vidal (cut by LAC), D’Ernest Johnson (cut by Bal), Israel Abanikanda (cut by GB), Blake Watson (cut by Den), Deuce Vaughn (cut by Dal), Nyheim Hines (cut by LAC), Jeff Wilson (Mia PS, cut by SF), Khalil Herbert (Ind PS, cut by Ind) Royce Freeman (cut by Chi), Raheem Blackshear (cut by Car), Trey Sermon (cut by Pit), DeeJay Dallas (Car PS, cut by Ari), Mike Boone (cut by Mia), Frank Gore Jr. (cut by Buf), Trayveon Williams (Cle PS, cut by Cle), Myles Gaskin (cut by Bal)
WIDE RECEIVERS
Adam Thielen (Min via Car), Tim Patrick (Jax via Det), Kendrick Bourne (cut by NE), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (SF PS, cut by Sea), Russell Gage (SF PS, cut by SF), Devin Duvernay (Chi), Diontae Johnson (cut by Cle), Malachi Corley (Cle PS, cut by NYJ), Hunter Renfrow (cut by Car), Robert Woods (cut by Pit), Mecole Hardman (GB PS, cut by GB), K.J. Osborn (cut by Was), Javon Baker (cut by NE), Isaiah Hodgins (cut by SF), Xavier Restrepo (Ten PS, cut by Ten), Brenden Rice (cut by LAC), Trey Palmer (NO, cut by TB), Tommy Mellott (cut by LV), Robbie Chosen (cut by SF) Michael Gallup (cut by Was), K.J. Hamler (cut by Buf), Tyler Scott (Ind PS, cut by Chi), Marquez Callaway (cut by LV), Phillip Dorsett (cut by LV), Laviska Shenault (cut by Buf), Ainias Smith (cut by Phi), Jalen Reagor (cut by LAC), DeAndre Carter (cut by Cle), Lil’Jordan Humphrey (cut by NYG), Erik Ezukanma (cut by Mia), A.T. Perry (cut by Den), Simi Fehoko (cut by Ari), Terrace Marshall (Phi PS, cut by Phi), Laquon Treadwell (cut by Ind)
TIGHT ENDS
Greg Dulcich (Mia PS, cut by NYG), Jelani Woods (NYJ, cut by Ind), Josh Whyle (cut by Ten), Pharaoh Brown (cut by Mia), Harrison Bryant (Hou PS, cut by Hou), Albert Okwuegbunam (cut by LV), Robert Tonyan (cut by KC)
UPGRADES
Players I’m feeling more optimistic about based on training camp reports and injury news.
Quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy (Min) — The Vikings added another weapon for McCarthy entering his first season as a starter, trading for Adam Thielen on Aug. 27. Thielen played a season under Kevin O’Connell in 2022, and he worked with a group of players that included McCarthy the last two summers. Thielen continues to play at a high level entering his age-35 season. He ranked 27th in A.S.S. (.101) among 180 receivers who ran 200+ routes last season, and he averaged a strong 2.10 YPRR and .21 TPRR. Minnesota’s WR depth was going to be tested early in the season with Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games and Jalen Nailor looking at an absence for a hand injury. Thielen is likely to start across from Justin Jefferson early in the season before sliding into the #3 WR role once Addison is eligible to return in Week 4. We’re embracing McCarthy’s wide range of outcomes just in case he hits his ceiling, which would put him in the second tier of fantasy QBs. (Added Aug. 27)
Joe Flacco (Cle) — Flacco went from presumed favorite to strong favorite to the Week 1 starter in the span of a few weeks in training camp. Kenny Pickett was the top competitor for the gig, and he’s no longer on the roster after the Browns traded him to the Raiders for a fifth-round pick. Rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders will likely see playing opportunities in the second half of the season, but Flacco will have a longer leash as the starter to begin the season than he would have had if Pickett remained on the roster. Kevin Stefanski announced that Gabriel would be the backup to Flacco to open the season. I’ve been hoping Flacco would win the job out of training camp to give this passing game more fantasy juice, at least to start the season before Gabriel eventually takes over. He’s thrown for 250+ yards in 13-of-16 starts since 2022, which gives Jerry Jeudy, David Njoku, and Cedric Tillman a chance to be productive at depressed ADPs. (Added Aug. 26)
Spencer Rattler (NO) — Second-round pick Tyler Shough started the summer as the favorite to be the Week 1 starter, but Rattler passed him in training camp and officially won the job on Aug. 26. Rattler started New Orleans’ preseason opener, followed by Shough, and Rattler continued to see the most work with the starting offense in the final weeks of camp. The Saints are going to be one of the league’s worst teams, and Shough will get his opportunity to start at some point, but Rattler will get the first crack to lead Kellen Moore’s new offense. (Added Aug. 26)
Running Backs
Tony Pollard (Ten) — Tyjae Spears suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason opener, and the injury landed him on the injured reserve, which will keep him out for at least the first four games of the season. Spears was spotted in a safety boot and using a scooter on Aug. 22, which indicated he was not close to a return. Pollard out-snapped Spears 11 to 3 with the first-team offense in the preseason opener before Spears injured his ankle playing with the backups. Pollard posted an 86.6% snap share, a 68.8% carry share, a 60.5% route share, and 15.9 FPG in the four contests Spears missed in the middle of last season. Pollard has been a strong value at his ADP (74, RB27) this summer, and you’ll need to be more aggressive to select him in your remaining drafts. (Updated Aug. 26)
Javonte Williams (Dal) — The Athletic’s Jon Machota projected Williams to be the Week 1 starter, with Jaydon Blue, Miles Sanders, and FB Hunter Luepke joining him on the opening day roster. Machota wrote that the Cowboys could go with five backs on the active roster, but he has Sanders edging out Phil Mafah for the final spot. The Cowboys sent Mafah to the injured reserve with a shoulder injury, which will keep him out for at least the first four weeks.
Blue left their final preseason game with a low-ankle sprain, but he’s not expected to miss extended time for the injury. Dallas’ backfield could be a fantasy landmine all season long, and I prefer swinging for the upside with Blue (141 ADP, RB43) or taking a late flier on Sanders (246, RB69) in deeper formats. (Added Aug. 25)
Ollie Gordon (Mia) — Mike McDaniel called Jaylen Wright week-to-week with a left leg injury earlier this week, and he was spotted wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg to watch the preseason finale. McDaniel said on Aug. 28 that Wright had surgery and could be back in “Septemberish,” which came on the same day the Dolphins added Jeff Wilson to the practice squad. Wright was viewed as the favorite to be the #2 RB behind De’Von Achane heading into training camp. He was falling behind Alexander Mattison before the veteran RB suffered a season-ending neck injury. Sixth-round rookie Gordon has quickly gained ground on Wright and may overtake him for good with Wright slated to miss multiple weeks for his injury. The Dolphins passed on making a move for a running back, which is a strong indication they believe in Gordon as the #2 RB behind Achane. (Updated Aug. 28)
Wide Receivers
Rashee Rice (KC) — NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that Rice is accepting and will serve a six-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He’ll serve his suspension at the start of the season, which will make him eligible to return in Week 7 against the Raiders. The NFL and NFLPA previously failed to reach an agreement on a suspension, but the two sides agreed before the start of the season. Pelissero reported that the NFL initially proposed a 10-to-12 game ban, which received pushback from Rice’s camp. I feel much better about drafting Rice with his suspension set to start at the beginning of the season, when fantasy teams are closer to full strength without injuries and bye weeks crippling teams. It also gives him a little extra time to make sure he’s back to full health from last year’s LCL tear. Rice will now be available for the fantasy playoffs, which once again makes him a potential league-winning player at his ADP (49, WR21). Don’t be afraid to swing for the fences with Rice for the second straight year, even with a suspension looming. Just be sure to draft a WR or two later in the draft who can give you solid replacement production for the first month of the season before Rice returns to the lineup. (Added Aug 27)
Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette (Car) — The Vikings and Panthers finally agreed to a deal to bring Adam Thielen back to Minnesota after a week of trade talks. The Panthers sent Thielen, a 2026 seventh-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Vikings in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Thielen continued to play at a high level at 34 years old last season. He soaked up a 77% route share and an 18.7% target share on his way to leading the Panthers in receiving yards (615) despite missing seven games. Thielen’s departure clears the way for McMillan, the eighth overall pick, to be the no-doubt #1 target starting in Week 1. McMillan is a potential league-winning player since he has low-end WR1 upside if Bryce Young continues to ascend in his third season. Coker is the biggest winner from the trade. GM Dan Morgan said he’ll step into the big slot receiver role previously occupied by Thielen. Coker averaged 1.83 YPRR with 22.8% of Carolina’s receiving yards in his 11 games as a UDFA last season. Legette turned in just 1.26 YPRR with 15.3% of Carolina’s receiving yards in 16 games as a first-round pick. I prefer selecting Coker ahead of Legette as a dart throw, but both players are worth an investment late in drafts, especially if McMillan gets off to a slower start than expected. (Updated Aug. 29)
Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka (TB) — Todd Bowles told reporters that Cade Otton is dealing with a second leg injury that could impact his availability for the season opener against the Falcons. He previously dealt with a hamstring injury early in training camp. Otton had a path to an increased role early in the season with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) set to miss games. Instead, it’s looking like even more volume could be funneled toward Evans and Egbuka in the first month of the season (@Atl, @Hou, NYJ, Phi). (Added Aug. 27)
Terry McLaurin (Was) — The Commanders and McLaurin came to terms on a three-year extension worth over $96 million (per Jordan Schultz), which includes a $30 million signing bonus. The two sides have been locked in a contract dispute since the start of training camp. There’s always concern for a slow start or even worse, an injury, because of his lack of activity in training camp, but McLaurin has a little less than two weeks to be ready for the season opener against the Giants. McLaurin scored 13 touchdowns after failing to top 5 TDs in each of his last four seasons, and he did it on the fewest targets (117) he’s seen in that span. He’s priced near his ceiling (42 ADP, WR18) unless he sees a significant uptick in his usage to nullify his incoming touchdown regression. (Added Aug. 25)
Tory Horton (Sea) — The Seahawks released Marquez Valdes-Scantling, which clears the way for Horton to grab the #3 WR role behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp. The Seahawks were so impressed by Horton this summer that they were willing to eat the $3 million in guaranteed money they handed MVS this off-season. Horton fell in the draft because of a knee injury in his final season at Colorado State, which forced him to miss spring workouts, but he quickly climbed Seattle’s depth chart. ESPN’s Brady Henderson wrote that Horton was consistently making plays while MVS was off to a quiet start after making plays for Klint Kubiak in New Orleans last season — JSN also called Horton “a baller.” Horton is a player to target late in deeper formats (237 ADP, WR78), and he’ll be a player to scoop off the waiver wire if Kupp falls off a cliff this season. (Added Aug. 27)
Isaac Teslaa (Det) — The Lions officially cleared the way for Teslaa to grab a bigger role by trading Tim Patrick to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick. The Lions gave up a pair of third-round picks to select the electric TeSlaa with the 70th overall pick, and they decided to recoup some of that draft capital after a torrid preseason that saw him score 3 TDs. He had a quiet final two seasons at Arkansas, but he checked in at 6’4”, 214 pounds at the combine, impressing in the broad jump (10’9”) and vertical jump (39.5”) — he posted a 94.0 SPORQ score. Teslaa will battle Kalif Raymond for snaps and targets behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Teslaa is a player to target late in deeper formats (230 ADP, WR77), and he’ll be a player to scoop off the waiver wire if there’s an injury ahead of him in this passing attack. (Added Aug. 27)
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce (KC) — Kelce has had a big week, and he’s looking for one last big season. Kelce told his teammates and close confidants that “I can’t go out like that” after Kansas City’s loss to the Eagles in the Super Bowl, after an up-and-down season for Kelce (per ESPN’s Nate Taylor). He did quite a bit of traveling last off-season, following his superstar girlfriend Taylor Swift on tour, but he appears to be locked in for what could be his 13th and final season at 36 years old. Kelce trained in Florida this off-season, focusing on the speed, agility, and quickness that he’s felt he lost over the years. He’s coming off a disappointing TE7 finish (12.3 FPG) because of 11-year lows in receiving yards (823) and TDs (3). Kelce’s bad luck — he was the TE4 in expected FPG (14.0) — and his slimmed-down figure could be signs that a bounce-back campaign could be in the cards. His biggest fantasy concern is the return of Rashee Rice in the middle of the field and the continued rise of Xavier Worthy entering his second season. Kelce will take on a bigger role in the middle of the field, while Rice likely serves a 4-to-8 game suspension in the middle of the season. Kelce’s best days are behind him, but he’ll go down as a value at the position if he has a little better luck in the touchdown department. (Added Aug. 26)
Isaiah Likely (Bal) — Likely (foot) avoided opening the season on the injured reserve, which means he’s eligible to play at any time. He was initially given a six-week recovery timeline after he suffered a small foot fracture in a July 29 practice. John Harbaugh previously said there’s a chance he could be ready for Baltimore’s Sept. 7 opener against the Bills, and GM Eric DeCosta said on Aug. 27 that he’s expected to return in the early part of the season. Likely’s ADP (172, TE19) has fallen by three rounds since he initially suffered his injury, and he’s off the redraft radar in all but deeper formats and TE-premium leagues. Mark Andrews posted 6/68/1 receiving on an 87% snap share against the Bengals in his lone game without Likely last season. (Added Aug. 27)
DOWNGRADES
Players I’m feeling less optimistic about based on training camp reports and injury news.
Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold (Sea) — Mike Macdonald told the media that Jalen Milroe will get regular work with the starting offense during practices this season because the offense will have a weekly package of plays. Milroe ran a 4.37 40-time at his pro day and has elite rushing ability for the position, and the Seahawks plan on getting a few touches each week. The Seahawks ran the Tush Push in the preseason, and his involvement in the offense will take opportunities away from Darnold, Kenneth Walker, and Zach Charbonnet, potentially scoring plays in the red zone. There’s also an outside shot that Milroe starts games late in the year if Seattle’s season goes downhill with Darnold at the helm. Milroe is a true dual-threat quarterback, and he’ll be a must-add off the waiver wire if he makes any starts since his rushing ability gives him low-end QB1 potential. Darnold is off the radar in all but 2-QB/Superflex drafts, and he’s a low-end option in those formats. (Added Aug. 26)
Running Backs
Joe Mixon (Hou) — The Texans placed Mixon on the reserve NFI list, which means he’ll miss at least the first four games of the season. It’s concerning that Mixon still hasn’t practiced in any capacity since sitting out spring workouts for what was deemed a minor injury at the time. GM Nick Caserio told reporters on Aug. 27 that Mixon will be re-evaluated after four weeks, which is an indication he’s not particularly close to even practicing. Mixon has dealt with multiple ankle injuries throughout his career, including last year. He sustained an ankle injury on a hip-drop tackle early last season, and he also played through an ankle injury in the postseason. The Texans signed Nick Chubb to a one-year, $2.5 million deal on June 10 as an insurance policy for Mixon. The Texans also drafted Woody Marks in the fourth round to significantly beef up a backfield that already included Dameon Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale. Mixon is a player to avoid in fantasy drafts, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he doesn’t play this season. (Updated Aug. 27)
Tyjae Spears (Ten) — Spears suffered a high ankle sprain in the preseason opener, and the injury landed him on the injured reserve, which will keep him out for at least the first four games of the season. He was spotted in a safety boot and using a scooter on Aug. 22, which indicated he was not close to a return. Tony Pollard out-snapped Spears 11 to 3 with the first-team offense in the preseason opener before Spears injured his ankle playing with the backups. Pollard posted an 86.6% snap share, a 68.8% carry share, a 60.5% route share, and 15.9 FPG in the four contests Spears missed in the middle of last season. Feel free to pass on Spears (154, RB45) in your remaining drafts. (Updated Aug. 26)
Brian Robinson and Isaac Guerendo (SF) — Jordan Schultz reported that the Commanders were shopping Robinson as he enters the final season of his rookie contract. Robinson’s time in Washington officially came to an end on Aug. 22 when the 49ers sent a sixth-round pick to acquire Robinson from the Commanders. Kyle Shanahan confirmed that Robinson will be the #2 RB behind Christian McCaffrey, but he’s lost significant fantasy juice for 2025. He fell to the RB68 in our projections around the likes of Kyle Monangai and Sean Tucker. He’s strictly a late-round fantasy pick as a potential handcuff, and even that is flimsy considering Guerendo could factor in with him if CMC missed time.
The 49ers found themselves in desperate need of RB depth because of a cluster of injuries at the position. Guerendo suffered a shoulder injury in early August that caused him to miss two weeks of practice before returning to practice on Aug. 19. The 49ers placed Patrick Taylor on the injured reserve for a shoulder injury on the same day, and they placed Ameer Abdullah (ribs) on injured reserve earlier in August. Fifth-round pick Jordan James has been out of action after undergoing surgery to repair a broken finger, which could keep him out into the regular season. UDFA Corey Kiner had been making some noise, but suffered a high-ankle sprain, which will keep him out for multiple weeks. They signed Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Jeff Wilson to bolster their depth at the position, but ultimately went outside the organization to find help from the Commanders. Guerendo is no longer on the redraft radar after San Francisco acquired Robinson. (Added Aug. 25)
Jaylen Wright (Mia) — Mike McDaniel called Wright week-to-week with a left leg injury earlier this week, and he was spotted wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg to watch the preseason finale. McDaniel then said on Aug. 28 that Wright had surgery and could be back in “Septemberish,” which came on the same day the Dolphins added Jeff Wilson to the practice squad. Wright was viewed as the favorite to be the #2 RB behind De’Von Achane heading into training camp. He was falling behind Alexander Mattison before the veteran RB suffered a season-ending neck injury. Sixth-round rookie Ollie Gordon has quickly gained ground on Wright and may overtake him for good with Wright slated to miss multiple weeks for his injury. The Dolphins passed on making a move for a running back, which is a strong indication they believe in Gordon as the #2 RB behind Achane. Wright is no longer worth consideration in any draft format. (Updated Aug. 28)
MarShawn Lloyd (GB) — Lloyd simply can’t catch a break. He missed all but one game as a rookie because of injuries, and he’ll miss at least four games after the Packers placed him on the IR for a hamstring injury he suffered in the second preseason game. Lloyd had just returned to practice after suffering a groin injury early in training camp. Lloyd could have some fantasy moments later in the season, but he’s missed so much time to begin his career that it’s difficult to see the coaching staff playing him in many high-leverage situations once he returns to the lineup. (Added Aug. 27)
Wide Receivers
Jayden Reed (GB) — Reed was spotted wearing a walking boot on his left foot for Green Bay’s preseason opener after injuring his foot earlier in the week. He started training camp on the NFI list for a toe injury, but Matt LaFleur said his most recent injury isn’t related to his toe injury. Reed returned to practice on Aug. 27 but told the media he’s still feeling pain when he plants his foot and cuts during routes. ESPN Wisconsin’s Jason Wilde reported that Reed is dealing with a Jones fracture, which often requires surgery and a couple of months of recovery. LaFleur said they hope to have Reed back for the start of the season, but he could “potentially” miss Week 1. We initially targeted Reed to start the summer, but we backed off because of his foot injury, which has the potential to hinder him or knock him out of action if he’s unable to play through it. He was also having issues getting reps in two-WR sets behind first-round pick Matthew Golden and Romeo Doubs. (Added Aug. 28)
Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson (Min) — Thielen reunited with the Vikings after Minnesota acquired the veteran WR, a 2026 seventh-round pick, and a 2027 fifth-round pick from the Panthers in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Thielen played a season under Kevin O’Connell in 2022, and he worked with a group of players that included J.J. McCarthy the last two summers. Thielen continues to play at a high level entering his age-35 season. He ranked 27th in A.S.S. (.101) among 180 receivers who ran 200+ routes last season, and he averaged a strong 2.10 YPRR and .21 TPRR. Minnesota’s WR depth was going to be tested early in the season with Jordan Addison suspended for the first three games and Jalen Nailor looking at an absence for a hand injury. Thielen is likely to start across from Justin Jefferson early in the season before sliding into the #3 WR role once Addison is eligible to return in Week 4. Thielen should have an active role in this passing attack before Addison returns to the lineup. Jefferson, Hockenson, Addison, and Thielen will each see their opportunities tick slightly down once Minnesota’s passing attack is at full strength. (Added Aug. 27)
Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk (SF) — San Francisco’s receiving corps is in shambles heading into the season. Jennings continues to sit out practices for a calf injury, including on Aug. 25, and there’s plenty of speculation that his contract situation is the primary reason he’s missed most of training camp. HC Kyle Shanahan said on Aug. 24 that he expects Jennings to be ready for the season opener, but he cautioned that “you never know with calves.” GM John Lynch said on Aug. 27 that he’s “hopeful but not sure on Week 1” for Jennings. The 49ers officially placed Aiyuk (ACL/MCL) on the PUP list, which will cost him at least the first four games. Kyle Shanahan previously told the media the rough estimate for Aiyuk’s return is around Week 6, but he could return sooner or later. Jacob Cowing also landed on the injured reserve for a hamstring injury, which will cost him four games. Jennings is a boom-or-bust pick at his ADP (102, WR46) since he has a path to be the #1 WR in a potential top-10 offense. He also carries significant downside because of his ongoing calf and contract situations. Aiyuk is a player to avoid (135, WR52) unless you’re willing to burn an IR spot for an extended amount of time. (Updated Aug. 27)
Tight Ends
Cade Otton (TB) — Todd Bowles told reporters that Otton is dealing with a second leg injury that could impact his availability for the season opener against the Falcons. He previously dealt with a hamstring injury early in training camp. Otton had a path to an increased role early in the season with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) set to miss games. Instead, it’s looking like even more volume could be funneled toward Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka in the first month of the season (@Atl, @Hou, NYJ, Phi). (Added Aug. 27)
WATCH LIST
Players I’m not ready to upgrade or downgrade, but whose situations demand monitoring based on training camp reports and injury news.
Quarterbacks
Michael Penix (Atl) — Atlanta’s offensive tackle depth will be tested this season after the Falcons lost a pair of tackles to injuries. The Falcons placed RT Kaleb McGary on the injured reserve without a designation to return, and swing tackle Storm Norton will miss 6-8 weeks after undergoing ankle surgery. Scott DiBenedetto ranked the Falcons as the 12th-best offensive line before Atlanta’s cluster of injuries. Elijah Wilkinson replaced McGary in practice last week, who last started games for the Cardinals in 2023, and they acquired Michael Jerrell from the Seahawks for a conditional seventh-round pick. It’s a small concern for Bijan and this rushing game, and a slightly bigger concern for Penix and the passing game since the right side of the offensive line protects his blindside. (Added Aug. 27)
Running Backs
Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris (LAC) — The Chargers activated Harris (eye) from the NFI list, which makes him eligible to play right away. HC Jim Harbaugh left the door open that he’s ready for the season opener, saying there’s a “possiblity” he’s ready to play, and he practiced for the first time on Aug. 27. Harris still has a lot of work to do to get on the field, but it’s the first positive development since he suffered the injury. It’s a sign that the Chargers expect him to be healthy and in shape enough to play at some point in September. The Chargers aren’t just going to hand over a bell-cow role to Hampton to start the season, but his path to heavy volume is clear while Harris is out of the lineup. Hampton has high-end upside and is a potential league-winning player if he takes over this backfield, which could happen earlier than expected since he has a significant lead over Harris heading into the season. (Updated Aug. 28)
Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, and Woody Marks (Hou) — The Texans placed Joe Mixon on the reserve NFI list, which means he’ll miss at least the first four games of the season. It’s concerning that Mixon still hasn’t practiced in any capacity since sitting out spring workouts for what was deemed a minor injury at the time. Mixon has dealt with multiple ankle injuries throughout his career, including last year. He sustained an ankle injury on a hip-drop tackle early last season, and he also played through an ankle injury in the postseason. The Texans signed Chubb to a one-year, $2.5 million deal on June 10 as an insurance policy for Mixon. The Texans also drafted Marks in the fourth round to significantly beef up a backfield that already included Pierce and Dare Ogunbowale. Mixon is a player to avoid in fantasy drafts, and it wouldn’t be shocking if he doesn’t play this season. Chubb is the top candidate to work as the lead back, but I’m also passing on Chubb in drafts after he ranked 45th in YPC (3.27), 43rd in explosive run rate (2%), and last in YACO/ATT (1.96) among 46 RBs who logged 100+ carries last season. I’d take my chances with Marks as a late-round pick to see if he eventually emerges as the best option, but there’s a good chance Houston’s backfield is an ugly, ineffective committee to start the season. (Added Aug. 25)
Wide Receivers
Jakobi Meyers and Amari Cooper (LV) — NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Meyers has requested to be traded after attempting to negotiate a new contract with the Raiders. The two sides could not come to terms on a new deal, and the Raiders have no intentions of trading him. Meyers signed with the Raiders back in 2023 after starting his career in New England, and he’s entering the final year of a three-year, $33 million contract. He’s earned a pay raise based on his play the last two seasons, as he’s currently sandwiched between Darius Slayton ($12M AAV) and Tutu Atwell ($10M AAV) in average annual salary. Meyers has participated in practices throughout training camp, which is a sign he knows he doesn’t have much leverage. ESPN’s Adam Schefter said the Raiders aren’t shopping Meyers. On the same day Meyers’ trade request became public, the Raiders signed Cooper to a one-year deal. Cooper is coming off his worst campaign since entering the league a decade ago as an Oakland Raider in 2015. He got off to a disappointing start with Deshaun Watson taking the entire Browns offense under, before finding himself stuck in a WR rotation in Buffalo. (Updated Aug. 26)
Josh Downs (Ind) — Shane Steichen said he’s optimistic Downs (hamstring) will return to practice next week before their season-opening game against the Dolphins. He then returned to practice on Aug. 27. Downs has a solid chance to be ready for the season opener in a friendly matchup against Miami’s weak defense, but his status should be monitored next week. He initially suffered his hamstring injury on Aug. 14. Downs is a player to target in the back half of your draft, especially with his ADP (120, WR48) falling the last couple of weeks since suffering his injury. (Updated Aug. 28)
Khalil Shakir (Buf) — Shakir was week-to-week after suffering a high ankle sprain during an Aug. 1 practice. His availability for the season opener was uncertain, as he had only a little more than a month to recover. Sean McDermott compared the injury to the high ankle injury Shakir suffered in Week 4 last season, which caused him to miss one game. He posted just 2/19 receiving in his first game back before posting 6+ catches and 50+ yards in five consecutive games in Weeks 7-11. He returned to practice on Aug. 27, which would suggest he’ll be ready to play against the Ravens in the season opener, barring a setback. The Bills will be extra cautious with him, especially given how high ankle injuries can linger. Shakir will see his ADP (96, WR43) dip a bit over the next couple of weeks, and Elijah Moore will get extra reps out of the slot during his absence. (Added Aug. 28)
Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan (TB) — Godwin (knee) and Tristan Wirfs (knee) both passed their physicals and avoided the PUP list to start the season. GM Jason Licht said the plan is to ramp Godwin up for an October debut, which would be Week 5 or later. He underwent a “minor” surgery to “clean out” his ankle in the spring, which landed him on the PUP to open camp. The Buccaneers placed McMillan on the injured reserve for a severely sprained neck, which he suffered when he landed awkwardly in Tampa Bay’s second preseason game. Beat reporter Rick Stroud wrote last week that McMillan could be out past Tampa Bay’s Week 9 bye, which is a major blow to a Tampa Bay WR room that could be without Godwin for at least the first month of the season. McMillan should be left for the waiver wire in redraft formats, and Godwin is a risky pick (100 ADP, WR45) since he could get off to a slow start. (Updated Aug. 29)
Darnell Mooney (Chi) — Mooney suffered a shoulder injury diving for a sideline pass on July 24, and the team announced at the time that he’ll be out for several weeks. He attended Falcons practice on July 26 without a shoulder brace, which was a positive sign that his injury wasn’t too bad. It’s unclear if Mooney’s injury is related to the shoulder injury he suffered late last season, which forced him to sit out the season finale. Mooney returned to practice for the first time on Aug. 28, which is a good sign he’ll be ready for the season opener. Mooney missed out on practice reps with Michael Penix, who is entering his first season as the full-time starter, but he’s remained a strong value at his falling ADP (135, WR53). (Added Aug. 28)
Tight Ends
None of note.
