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 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.
UPGRADES
Players I’m feeling more optimistic about based on training camp reports and injury news.
Quarterbacks
Trevor Lawrence (Jax) — Liam Coen told ESPN’s Dan Graziano that the team has been “working the heck out progression drills” because the book on Lawrence has been that he struggles when the defense takes away his first read. Lawrence has led the league in first-read throw rate in each of the last three seasons, sitting between 75% and 77.3% in those campaigns. Coen wants Lawrence to get comfortable running more when his reads are taken away, much like how Baker Mayfield ran more under Coen last season. Mayfield more than doubled his career-best rushing mark with 378 yards, averaging 2.5 scrambles per game. Lawrence averaged 1.3 scrambles per game last season, turning in a career-low 11.9 rushing YPG. He isn’t prolific enough of a runner to elevate into the elite tier at the position. Still, an additional scramble or two per game would elevate his fantasy floor to give him a chance to finish as a top-12 QB. (Added Aug. 4)
Joe Flacco (Cle) — The Athletic’s Zac Jackson wrote that “Flacco has gone from presumed favorite to strong favorite” since the start of training camp. Kenny Pickett is the top competitor for the gig, and he’s been limited by a hamstring injury since July 26, which opened the door for Flacco to perform well in more first-team reps. FanDuel sportsbook has moved Flacco to a -215 favorite to be the Week 1 starter, well ahead of Pickett (+340), Dillon Gabriel (+600), and Shedeur Sanders (+2000). The Browns listed Flacco as the starter on their first unofficial depth chart. He’s also the only QB who has remained healthy in the early part of training camp, which is why they signed Tyler Huntley on Aug. 4 to be a camp arm. I’m hoping Flacco wins the job out of training camp to give this passing game more fantasy juice, at least to start the season before the younger quarterbacks eventually take over. (Updated Aug. 5)
Running Backs
Kyren Williams (LAR) — Williams and the Rams agreed to terms on a three-year, $33 million extension, which includes $23 million guaranteed (per Adam Schefter). The Rams had more leverage to let Williams play out the final year of his contract by selecting Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter in the last two drafts, but the organization showed how much they value Williams by getting a deal done before the start of the season. McVay has a long history of featuring his backs in bell-cow roles, and Williams finished with the highest snap share (86.4%) at the position on his way to finishing as the RB9 (17.2 FPG). I prefer Chase Brown in the early- to mid-third round, but Williams is a fine backup plan at the position, especially since they’re fully committed to him at the top of the depth chart. (Added Aug. 5)
Braelon Allen (NYJ) — Allen is having a strong training camp for the second straight summer, and The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt wrote that he looks “bigger, faster, and stronger.” The Athletic staff wrote a headline that the Jets RB room “might be more 1A-1B than 1-2.” There’s a better chance for Allen to remain a factor next to Breece Hall this year with the Jets taking on a more run-heavy approach with the offense switching from Aaron Rodgers to Justin Fields at quarterback. Aaron Glenn and new playcaller Tanner Engstrand came from a Lions offense that featured a lightning-and-thunder combo with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Rosenblatt wrote that Glenn has emphasized this won’t be a one-back offense, and Isaiah Davis is likely to make this backfield a three-headed monster. Rosenblatt also noted that Hall needs to do a better job of attacking the hole on wide-zone runs, and Allen said he’s familiar with the new offense because it was similar to what he ran at Wisconsin. Allen is worth a look at his ADP (185, RB55) since he could have a role next to Hall, but he’s not the best handcuff since Davis would likely jump into Hall’s role if he missed time. (Added Aug. 5)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Was) — Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick, turned heads at Commanders practices this spring, and he’s continued to take advantage of his opportunities in training camp. The Athletic’s Nick Jhabvala wrote that he’s made a name for himself with his “powerful runs, quick cuts, and vision behind the line of scrimmage.” She added that he’s put veterans Brian Robinson, Austin Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Chris Rodriguez on notice. ESPN’s Dan Graziano added to the growing chorus, noting that he’s the only RB under contract beyond 2025 for those in dynasty leagues. Croskey-Merritt is a player to keep in mind at the end of deeper drafts, just in case he can earn a big role in potentially one of the league’s better offenses. (Added Aug. 4)
Wide Receivers
Travis Hunter (Jax) — The Jaguars notably listed Hunter as a starting WR and as a second-string CB on their first unofficial depth chart. HC Liam Coen also estimated that Hunter could play 80% of their offensive snaps, which would put him in the 80-85% route share. Brian Thomas finished with exactly an 80% snap share last season, which resulted in an 82.8% route share. Hunter is going to be one of the hardest players to project until the Jags actually play games and we see what their plan for him truly is. He’ll ideally have at least a 70% route share to feel comfortable starting him as a WR3, and he could have WR2 upside if he sees at least an 80% route share. (Added Aug. 5)
Emeka Egbuka (TB) — Chris Godwin’s availability for Week 1 is up in the air after he underwent a “minor” surgery to “clean out” his ankle in the spring, which landed him on the PUP to open camp. GM Jason Licht said on Aug. 5 that Godwin is advancing through the protocols, but no decision has been made about whether he’ll start the season on the PUP. ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote that the Bucs aren’t counting out Godwin for the season opener, but they believe there’s a chance he could miss a couple of games at the start of the season. Egbuka and second-year Jalen McMillan are receiving extra reps in training camp and potentially early in the season, which will give them chances to establish themselves next to or ahead of Godwin. Mike Evans has the best opportunity to maintain his role as the clear X receiver. At the same time, Godwin could find himself in a rotation with Egbuka and McMillan in the other two spots in 11 personnel. Egbuka could get the chance to establish a bigger role right out of the gates, and he’s a player to target in fantasy drafts. (Update Aug. 5)
Tight Ends
None of note.
DOWNGRADES
Players I’m feeling less optimistic about based on training camp reports and injury news.
Quarterbacks
Justin Fields (NYJ) — Fields gave Jets fans and his fantasy owners a scare when he was carted off the field for a leg injury on July 24. He suffered a relatively minor injury, dislocating a toe, and he returned to practice on July 28. Fields has had a rough go of it since returning from his injury, including a three-practice stretch in early August in which he completed 15/43 passes (34.9%) with 2 INTs. HC Aaron Glenn shrugged off the passing game’s struggles because it’s still early in training camp, and Fields said he’d like to play in the preseason to get some reps in the new offense. Fields finished fourth in FP/DB at .62 last season behind only the overall QB1 Lamar Jackson (.81), the QB5 Jalen Hurts (.74), and the QB2 Josh Allen (.72). Fields is on the radar as a high-end QB2 because of his rushing ability, and he’s being drafted as more of a mid-QB2 (137, QB17). (Added Aug. 5)
Running Backs
Breece Hall (NYJ) — Allen is having a strong training camp for the second straight summer, and The Athletic’s Zack Rosenblatt wrote that he looks “bigger, faster, and stronger.” The Athletic staff wrote a headline that the Jets RB room “might be more 1A-1B than 1-2.” There’s a better chance for him to remain a factor next to Breece Hall this year with the Jets taking on a more run-heavy approach with the offense switching from Aaron Rodgers to Justin Fields at quarterback. Aaron Glenn and new playcaller Tanner Engstrand came from a Lions offense that featured a lightning-and-thunder combo with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Rosenblatt wrote that Glenn has emphasized this won’t be a one-back offense, and Isaiah Davis is likely to make this backfield a three-headed monster. Rosenblatt also noted that Hall needs to do a better job of attacking the hole on wide-zone runs, and Allen said he’s familiar with the new offense because it was similar to what he ran at Wisconsin. I’m fading Hall at his ADP (33, RB13), and I prefer backs like Omarion Hampton and Kenneth Walker, who are being selected after him. (Added Aug. 5)
James Cook (Buf) — Cook is taking his contract dispute to the hold-in level after repeatedly telling the media he missed an Aug. 3 practice for “business.” He skipped voluntary workouts this spring as he enters the final year of his rookie contract, but he reported for mandatory minicamp and the start of training camp. He’s currently set to make $5.7 million in 2025 and is seeking a contract extension before he hits free agency next year. He’s seeking an annual average salary of $15 million per year, which would tie him with Derrick Henry as the third-highest paid RB behind Saquon Barkley ($20.6M) and Christian McCaffrey ($19M) in AAV. Kyren Williams signed a three-year, $33 million extension, which includes $23 million guaranteed, and his deal could help Cook and the Bills get their deal across the finish line. Cook is looking to cash in after finishing as the RB11 (16.7 FPG), but he’ll have to lower his asking price after leading a three-man committee with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson. Cook is the top candidate for touchdown regression despite playing in one of the league’s best offenses, and he’s overvalued at his current ADP (36, RB14). (Updated Aug. 5)
Najee Harris (LAC) — Harris suffered what his agent called a “superficial” eye injury during a fireworks accident in early July, but the injury is worse than that after the Chargers placed him on the NFI list. Jim Harbaugh said on July 22 that he doesn’t know if Harris will be back for training camp, adding that the team is “praying for healing.” GM Joe Hortiz wouldn’t put a timetable on Harris’ return, adding that he’s doing better every day and that it’s still early in camp. Harris is starting to walk laps around the field during practice, and Harbaugh said on Aug. 4 that there’s still no timeline for Harris’ return to practice. Omarion Hampton is the far superior talent and far more explosive than Harris, and he now has the early leg up on winning the job right out of the gates by running with the first-team offense while Harris heals. We’re also praying for the best for Harris, but there’s no reason to use a fantasy pick on him with his playing future uncertain. (Added Aug. 5)
Nick Chubb (Hou) — Chubb has reportedly gotten off to a slow start in training camp, and Cole Thompson of the Texans Wire wrote that Chubb has no burst at the second and third level of the defense. The Texans signed Chubb as insurance for Joe Mixon, who is missing multiple weeks of training camp because of a lingering foot injury. Chubb 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’m passing on both Mixon (51, RB19) and Chubb (143, RB45) this summer, and I’m taking my chances with fourth-round pick Woody Marks late in my drafts. The Texans also activated Dameon Pierce from the PUP list, who will try to get in the mix in this backfield. (Updated Aug 5)
Wide Receivers
Jordan Addison (Min) — ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Vikings are bracing for a three-game suspension for Addison, who pleaded guilty to a lesser charge to resolve a 2024 DUI citation. Minnesota’s projection is based on the league's recent precedent for three-game suspensions for DUI-related offenses. His suspension will likely come at the start of the season before bye weeks kick in, which will make it easier to survive his absence. Addison is a boom-or-bust weekly WR3 who has WR2 upside if J.J. McCarthy is an upgrade over Sam Darnold. Make sure to draft a WR or two later in the draft who can give you solid replacement production for the first couple of weeks of the season before Addison returns to the lineup. (Added Aug. 4)
Khalil Shakir (Buf) — Shakir is week to week after suffering a high ankle sprain during an Aug. 1 practice. His availability for the season opener is up in the air as he has a little more than a month to heal. 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. The Bills will be extra cautious with Shakir, especially given how high ankle injuries can linger. Shakir will see his ADP (83, WR39) 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. 4)
Chris Godwin (TB) — Godwin’s availability for Week 1 is up in the air after he underwent a “minor” surgery to “clean out” his ankle in the spring, which landed him on the PUP to open camp. GM Jason Licht said on Aug. 5 that Godwin is advancing through the protocols, but no decision has been made about whether he’ll start the season on the PUP. ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote that the Bucs aren’t counting out Godwin for the season opener, but they believe there’s a chance he could miss a couple of games at the start of the season. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka and second-year Jalen McMillan are receiving extra reps in training camp and potentially early in the season, which will give them chances to establish themselves next to or ahead of Godwin. Mike Evans has the best opportunity to maintain his role as the clear X receiver. At the same time, Godwin could find himself in a rotation with Egbuka and McMillan in the other two spots in 11 personnel. Godwin is too risky a pick (78 ADP, WR36) since he could get off to a slow start this season, which could give their younger receivers a chance to establish bigger roles. (Updated Aug. 5)
Tight Ends
Mason Taylor (NYJ) — Taylor, New York’s second-round pick, suffered a high ankle sprain, which will keep him out of practice and preseason action for at least the next week. Taylor’s availability for the season opener against the Steelers is up in the air as he has a little more than a month to heal. The Jets will be extra cautious with Taylor, especially given how high ankle injuries can linger, which means he’s going to miss out on some valuable practice reps. He’s built a lead over Jeremy Ruckert and Stone Smartt to be the lead TE, but the Jets could use more of a committee at the position to open the season. Taylor is still a player to target at the end of deeper, TE-premium drafts, but his injury will make it more difficult to have an impactful rookie campaign. (Added Aug. 5)
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
Matthew Stafford (LAR) — Stafford has yet to practice in training camp because of back soreness, but he’s progressed enough to do an individual workout on Aug. 4. HC Sean McVay told the media that they’ll ease him back into football in the “near future.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said it sounds more like of a “maintenance issue,” and they feel like he would play if there were a game today. Stafford has a little more than a month to get ready for the season opener against the Texans, but his slow recovery is a bit concerning if the 37-year-old’s back injury were to flare up during the season. (Updated Aug. 5)
Running Backs
Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears (Ten) — ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was told by people in Tennessee that Spears will see an uptick in work behind Pollard. An equal division of labor never materialized in Pollard’s first season with the Titans. Pollard easily paced Spears in snap share (69%>42%), carry share (62%>29%), and route share (47%>36%) in one of the NFL’s worst offenses. Pollard posted career-highs in carries (260) and rushing yards (1079), and saw the largest designed carry share of his career at 66.4%. Spears reached double-digit carries just once in games with Pollard last season, and he averaged .5 fewer YPC than Pollard’s 4.2 YPC despite Pollard’s heavier workload. Pollard has reached 39+ receptions in four straight seasons, and he’ll need to hold off Spears to maximize his fantasy potential. (Added Aug. 4)
Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James (SF) — Guerendo suffered a shoulder injury that will cause him to miss “a few weeks,” per Kyle Shanahan. His availability for Week 1 is up in the air with the season a little over a month away. Fifth-round pick Jordan James will get more reps behind Christian McCaffrey for the time being after he missed a few days of practice, and he’ll get some first-team reps when Shanahan gives CMC time off in camp. Guerendo will most likely be back for the season opener, but James will have the chance to close the gap for the valuable #2 role behind CMC. (Added Aug. 5)
Wide Receivers
None of note.
Tight Ends
None of note.
