And So It Begins...

The Los Angeles Chargers have announced that quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) has been diagnosed with an injury to the plantar fascia in his right foot following Wednesday's practice at training camp. Doctors have recommended approximately two weeks in a boot for Herbert, which will be followed by a graduated return-to-play protocol, with the expectation being that he will be ready for the start of the regular season. Herbert's fantasy stock was already down heading into the 2024 season after the Chargers let most of their supporting cast go during the offseason, and this development should drive down his late-round ADP even further. He still has time to be ready by September, but he'll be working against the clock by the time he's ready to resume practicing. 2019 fifth-rounder Easton Stick is the next man up at quarterback on LA's depth chart, which would hurt the appeal of the entire offense if he were to be under center for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins tight end coach Jon Embree says that Jonnu Smith and Durham Smythe have a rotation every other day at training camp. The Dolphins signed Smith this offseason as a potential upgrade over Smythe, who failed to carve out a meaningful role in Miami's prolific passing attack behind target hogs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Smith, on the other hand, was quietly productive as the No. 2 tight end behind Kyle Pitts for the Atlanta Falcons a year ago, registering a career-high 50 catches on 69 targets for 582 yards. The 28-year-old also put up the seventh-most yards per target (8.4) and yards per catch (11.6) at the position, so he'll try to beat out veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. as star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's No. 3 target as a TE2 option in the closing rounds of 2024 fantasy drafts this summer.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby (ankle) suffered an ankle injury during practice and had to be carted off the field. Fortunately, preliminary X-rays showed no fractures, relieving Diaby and the team. An MRI is scheduled later in the day to assess the full extent of the injury. Diaby, selected by the Buccaneers in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Louisville, had a strong rookie season, starting in seven of 17 games and recording 38 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, and a team-leading 7.5 sacks. The Buccaneers expect Diaby to start opposite Joe Tryon-Shoyinka as an outside linebacker. The Buccaneers also used their second-round pick on former Alabama pass rusher Chris Braswell and signed veteran Randy Gregory, though Gregory has yet to report for camp. Such an injury would significantly weaken the Buccaneers' defense, likely leading to more high-scoring games for Tampa Bay. This situation could enhance the fantasy value of playmakers like Rachaad White, Mike Evans, and Chris Godwin.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill told reporters at Thursday's training camp that he is optimistic that he'll get a new contract done. Hill signed a four-year, $120 million contract extension with Miami back during the 2022 offseason, so he won't be an unrestricted free agent until 2027. The Dolphins just inked star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a long-term extension, however, while Pro Bowl wideout Jaylen Waddle also bagged a three-year, $84.75-million contract extension with the Dolphins this offseason, so Hill wants his next payday as well. The 30-year-old All-Pro is a consensus top-five selection in fantasy drafts this summer, after compiling a league-leading 1,799 receiving yards through 16 games in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns running back D'Onta Foreman (neck) sustained a concerning injury during a kickoff drill, suffering a direct hit to the head that led to neck pain. The situation became alarming as he was immobilized and transported by ambulance, then airlifted to a medical center in Roanoke, Virginia, for further evaluation. Fortunately, Foreman retained movement in all his extremities. The 28-year-old is expected to be released from the hospital on Thursday afternoon as his X-rays and CT scans came back negative. The 28-year-old, who joined the Browns in March after a stint with the Chicago Bears, had his most successful season in 2022 with the Carolina Panthers, rushing for 914 yards and five touchdowns. The Browns signed Foreman to bolster their running back depth alongside Nick Chubb (knee) and Jerome Ford, which is especially important, with Chubb recovering from a season-ending knee injury. If Foreman is sidelined, Ford could become a valuable RB2, particularly early in the season, as Chubb recovers.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots outside linebacker Matthew Judon returned to practice on Thursday after a productive meeting with head coach Jerod Mayo. This was after Judon wasn't dressed to participate as the Patriots began their first full-pads practice of training camp on Monday, leading to a heated confrontation with Mayo. He was also absent the following day but rejoined the team as a full participant in Thursday's non-full-pads practice, following a team rest day on Wednesday. The dispute arose because Judon is looking for a new contract before the season begins. He is currently set to earn $6.5 million in the final year of the four-year, $56 million deal he signed in March 2021, but he feels this does not reflect his actual value. Complicating matters, Judon, who turns 32 in August, missed 13 games last season due to a torn biceps. With Judon, the Patriot's defense/special teams can fill in with the right match-up; without him, they are a defense to target wanting to play against.

From RotoBaller

The Cleveland Browns say that X-rays and CT scans on running back D'Onta Foreman (neck) are negative, and he will be released from the hospital this afternoon and return to the team. It's very encouraging news after Foreman was immobilized following "a direct blow to the head that resulted in neck pain" before getting transported to the hospital to undergo further evaluation. The team previously added that Foreman had movement in all his extremities before he was airlifted from Thursday's practice. From a fantasy perspective, the 28-year-old veteran journeyman stands as Cleveland's No. 2 back behind Jerome Ford at the moment with starter Nick Chubb (knee) and satellite back Nyheim Hines (knee) not currently practicing. The Browns are certainly going to be cautious and likely ease Foreman back into action after such a scary incident.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets running back and kick returner Tarik Cohen has announced his retirement. Despite having a promising training camp and expressing optimism about his return, Cohen has decided to step away from the game. Known for his standout performance as an All-Pro returner with the Bears in 2018, Cohen's career was significantly impacted by injuries. His last NFL game was in 2020 after he suffered a severe leg injury and torn knee ligaments. Cohen also endured an Achilles' tear in the spring of 2022. Though he hoped the new kickoff rules would help him secure a spot on the 53-man roster, something changed his decision. Drafted by the Bears in the fourth round in 2017 from North Carolina A&T, Cohen finished his career with 2,676 scrimmage yards, 14 touchdowns, 985 punt return yards (including one touchdown), and 628 kickoff return yards. He spent most of his NFL career with the Bears, with a brief stint on the Carolina Panthers practice squad last season.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) isn't practicing on Thursday due to a groin injury. No word on the severity of Jacobs' issue, but it's fair to believe the Packers are simply monitoring the reps of their key offseason acquisition. Jacobs has nine days if he wants to be available for Green Bay's preseason opener on Aug. 10 against the hosting Cleveland Browns, but he may not be active if healthy, anyway. The 26-year-old Pro Bowl tailback remains safe to draft along the RB1/2 borderline in the second or third round of fantasy leagues this summer, after leading his position in percentage of total carries and targets (84.9%) across 13 appearances with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. Jacobs' void in the backfield leaves veteran AJ Dillon and rookie third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd as the temporary top two backs at training camp.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (leg) is "very close" to practicing, head coach Kevin Stefanski told reports at Thursday's training camp. Jeudy is going through individual drills at Thursday's session, with the hope being that he'll be able to resume all activities and overcome a leg injury in the very near future. The 25-year-old former first-round pick out of Alabama is trying to revive his career in 2024 with star quarterback Deshaun Watson and the Browns, after posting 8.7 PPR fantasy points per game over 16 contests with the Denver Broncos in 2023. Although Jeudy begins the year as Cleveland's No. 3 target behind star wideout Amari Cooper and tight end David Njoku, he could eventually become one of Watson's preferred deep threats and can be drafted in the later rounds as a post-hype sleeper WR4/5 choice this summer.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs agreed to a four-year, $140 million contract extension that includes $88 million guaranteed to remain with the organization long-term. The former No. 13 overall pick out of Iowa was the team's first NFL Draft selection after adding quarterback Tom Brady ahead of the 2020 campaign, and he proved to be a significant factor in the run to Super Bowl LV. Overall, the 25-year-old has earned three Pro Bowl nods and has been named to two All-Pro teams. He will now become the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL based on total contract value.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers was an undrafted free-agent signing out of San Diego State last offseason, and according to Nick Wojton of the Bills Wire, he could be trending toward making the team's 53-man roster this season. "With a need for wide receivers, it was always likely that the "training camp darling" in 2024 was going to be a receiver. It is and it's Shavers," Wojton wrote. "[He] has made plays, leading to him getting reps with the first-team offense. He could be securing a roster spot already and Shavers is a name to watch when the preseason rolls around." The 24-year-old began his collegiate career at Alabama, meaning he was once viewed as a top talent and high-school recruit. While the odds are likely against him to make a fantasy impact in 2024, the Bills have just one receiver on the roster who has caught a pass from Josh Allen in a regular-season game (Khalil Shakir). If Shavers makes the opening roster, he can be viewed as a deep dynasty league stash, and his opportunities should be monitored early in the new campaign.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds signed a two-year, $9 million contract to join the organization this offseason, and given the lack of high-end receiving weapons on the roster, he should play a significant role in 2024. The former Los Angeles Ram, Tennessee Titan, and Detroit Lion has impressed so far during his first training camp with the team. "Look the guy that jumped out was Josh Reynolds." head coach Sean Payton said "He had three or four catches that were something else." Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright projects Reynolds to start alongside Courland Sutton and Marvin Mims Jr. in three wide receiver sets, but his upside could be limited catching passing from veteran Jarrett Stidham or rookie Bo Nix. Reynolds has never eclipsed the 650-yard mark despite playing in great offenses in L.A. and Detroit, so he should be viewed as nothing more than a late-round flier in deeper fantasy football setups.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions wide receiver Daurice Fountain has played in just eight games since entering the NFL in 2018 as a fifth-round pick out of North Iowa. He has just two receptions for 23 yards on his resume. However, the 28-year-old got first-team reps last week while third-year wideout Jameson Williams was out of action, and he made the most of his opportunities. "Fountain was one of the standouts of June's minicamp and the lanky wideout has kept the momentum into July," Jeff Risdon of the Lions Wire wrote. "When Jameson Williams wasn't practicing on Friday, Fountain stepped into some of Jamo's first-team reps and played well. His blocking and attention to detail on his routes both received audible praise from WR coach Antwan Randle El." Risdon noted that Fountain didn't have a great day on the first day of pads, but this is still noteworthy considering Fountain is largely unknown. While it would be a surprise if he's on the fantasy football radar in 2024, the team is thin at wide receiver behind superstar Amon-Ra St. Brown and the unproven Williams. He's not worth drafting in leagues of all shapes and sizes right now, but he is worth monitoring as training camp progresses.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III has hit the ground running since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The former Doak Walker Award winner has racked up 1,955 yards rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns in his first 30 pro contents. Heading into Year 3, he has reportedly impressed the new Seattle staff in training camp. "Kenneth Walker III was the star of Monday's practice, the first one in full pads, and it reflected the sort of spring and summer he's had," NFL Insider Albert Breer wrote. "To the new staff, he looks like the kind of back you can play on all three downs, and build a running game around. And Zach Charbonnet gives the team some depth behind him." Walker has been a productive fantasy running back, but if he can command a higher opportunity share ahead of Charbonnet, he could enter the next tier. It's tough to know what to expect from the Seahawks' offense in 2024, but it sounds like Walker will remain the clear RB1, and his speed and explosiveness give him the ability to produce spike weeks.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings running back Kene Nwangwu has seen more reps this summer than in years past, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Lewis said he remains the third back on the depth chart behind Ty Chander, but this development is still noteworthy considering Nwangwu has just 27 career carries across 37 games. The speedster has been primarily used as a special teamer early in his career, but he could now have a path toward touches if the injury bug hits the Minnesota running back room. For now, he can be ignored in traditional fantasy setups, but there are deep leagues where almost all backup and third-string running backs are rostered. He should be on the fantasy radar in those formats as a deep handcuff stash. His 4.37 speed could give him a chance to produce spike weeks if he's given any opportunities in the backfield during the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Seattle Seahawks QB Geno Smith (hip, knee) did not practice Wednesday, July 31, to rest some soreness in his hip and knee.

From TheHuddle

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott threw nine touchdown passes during 7-on-7 and team drills at practice Wednesday, July 31, and he has yet to throw an interception through two padded sessions.

Fantasy Spin: While there has been plenty of talk about whether Prescott is worthy of a big contract extension, there is no denying his ability to put up quality numbers. He should be a reliable QB1 again this season.

From TheHuddle

Dynasty | The Dolphins have signed wide receiver Willie Snead. Dynasty Analysis: If you thought Snead had already retired or left the league, you're not alone. Remembered fondly for a nice little stint in New Orleans, Snead bounced around a bunch of practice squads before playing the last two years in San Francisco. He'll provide some depth for Miami should he make the team but this roster is loaded and it would take some kind of miracle for Snead to be relevant in a dynasty league any time soon. It's a fun story to follow but little else.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

The trio of Los Angeles Chargers Receivers Ladd McConkey, Joshua Palmer, and DJ Chark have emerged to become the main receivers working in 11 personnel for the team through six training camp practices. McConkey has "flashed" in the slot for the Chargers, stringing together multiple quality outings so far in camp. Palmer looks to be the top receiver for the Chargers after ascending to the top of the depth chart following the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. The fantasy buzz hasn't been the greatest at times for the Los Angeles Chargers, as they are expected to run the ball more with the addition of head coach Jim Harbaugh and former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. However, McConkey and Palmer are the two Chargers' receivers with the highest fantasy draft capital, going off in drafts in the middle rounds. With Justin Herbert throwing the ball, both McConkey and Palmer are WR3 candidates with upside.

From RotoBaller