Washington Commanders running backs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. are both are listed as starters on the team's initial preseason depth chart. There's not much of a surprise here, as the Commanders will likely ride one back or the other based on game scripts this fall. Robinson projects as Washington's early-down and goal-line back with plenty of touchdown upside after finding the end zone nine times in 15 games last year, whereas Ekeler is set to be utilized mostly on third downs and obvious passing situations after tallying 74 targets with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. There's a real chance this ends up being an even split for touches amongst the two, with Robinson being the preferred option in standard fantasy leagues and Ekeler the priority in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer appears in position to be the team's No. 1 target to begin 2024. After that on the depth chart, it appears to be an open competition between former first-rounder Quentin Johnston, rookie second-rounder Ladd McConkey, and veteran deep threat DJ Chark. Palmer is a bit of a WR4/5 sleeper pick in fantasy drafts this summer; he produced a solid 9.5 yards per target over 61 targets and 15.3 yards per reception across 38 catches for the Chargers in 2023. In LA's wide open receiving corps and with the most experience in this offense of the bunch, the 24-year-old former third-round pick out of Tennessee figures to be quarterback Justin Herbert's (foot) favorite target during the early going of the season.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered a pretty strong suggestion on Wednesday at training camp that we won't see quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in action versus the visiting Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium on Friday night. Fresh off bagging a long-term deal with the Dolphins during camp, Tagovailoa appears poised to sit out Miami's preseason opener. In his likely absence, Mike White and Skylar Thompson should soak up the available snaps on Friday against Jacksonville. Tagovailoa was a first-time Pro Bowler a season ago, leading the NFL in passing yards (4,624) and registering career-high figures in completion rate (69.3%) and touchdown passes (29) with 14 interceptions over 17 starts. The 26-year-old star signal-caller is safe to draft this summer as a low-end QB1 starter without much rushing upside in the later rounds after the top-tier options are off the board.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said at Wednesday's practice that each quarterback will get a quarter of action against the hosting Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday at EverBank Stadium. That means Patrick Mahomes will appear in the first quarter, Carson Wentz will get the second quarter, and so on. Mahomes is unlikely to see more than a drive or two of play on Saturday, but Reid has been known for having his star and veteran players active in some capacity during exhibition games in the past. With an improved supporting cast around him following a career-low 4.5% touchdown rate and 7.0 yards per attempt over 16 starts for the Chiefs last year, Mahomes looks like a clear positive regression candidate among top-tier fantasy QB1 picks for 2024. Kansas City ran the second-most team pass plays per game (37.4) last season.

From RotoBaller

The New York Giants have tons of opportunity at the tight end position this year after Darren Waller's retirement. They are looking to fill the void left by Waller with some combination of Daniel Bellinger, Lawrence Cager (hamstring) and rookie Theo Johnson. Bellinger is likely to be the starter, but Cager or Johnson are likely to be the team's primary pass-catching tight end. Cager started out training camp strong, and head coach Brian Daboll called him one of the standouts in the spring, but a hamstring injury has limited him recently. Johnson has returned after starting camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list with a hip problem. ESPN's Jordan Raanan says it's anyone's job to win this summer. None of the trio of TE options in New York are particularly attractive from a fantasy perspective, but Johnson probably has the most upside if he has a big enough role.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) did not practice at training camp on Wednesday. It's been over a week now since Claypool was last on the field at camp due to his toe injury. For a declining receiver that was already battling for a roster spot this summer, all of his missed practice time is really bad news. It's a shame, too, as Buffalo has plenty of opportunity at the receiver position in 2024 with Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, their top two receivers a year ago, no longer in town. The 26-year-old former second-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2020 out of Notre Dame is going to need to get back on the field soon to have any shot at winning a 53-man roster spot to begin the regular season. Since going for 860 receiving yards in 2021 in his second season, Claypool has struggled to find a role in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. entered training camp on the roster bubble, although many expect the third-year wideout to be the team's starting kick returner in 2024. In an effort to be more versatile to the team, Jones agreed to spend this week of practice as a running back. He's spent most of camp to this point with the second-team offense while DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, rookie Rome Odunze and Tyler Scott take first-team reps. The 27-year-old's route-running has been erratic in his first two years in the NFL, so switching to RB is the team's creative attempt to unlock his big-play ability. Jones' return abilities on special teams will likely be enough to earn him a spot on the 53-man roster for the regular season, but fantasy managers in deeper leagues shouldn't be expecting much else in what is now a stacked receiver corps in Chicago.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf) was held out of training camp practice on Wednesday due to a calf injury. The Packers haven't given any indication that Reed's calf injury is a long-term ailment, but it's worth noting after he also missed the start of training camp due to a toe injury. Even if his calf injury isn't serious, there's a good chance he'll be held out of this weekend's preseason opener as a precaution. The 24-year-old second-year pass-catcher turned heads with eight touchdowns on 64 receptions and 793 yards in 16 games (13 starts) in his rookie season last year. Reed showed he has a nose for the end zone and plenty of big-play ability through the air and on the ground, but volume could be a question as long as both Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs stay healthy. Heading into Year 2 in 2024, fantasy managers should consider Reed more of a touchdown-dependent WR3/flex.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that wide receiver Greg Dortch is going to have "a big year." "He speaks softly and carries a big stick," Gannon said. With Rondale Moore no longer in town, Dortch has been working with the first-team offense in training camp this summer after being a backup receiver each of the last two seasons. The 26-year-old slot receiver has had his moments as an injury replacement, though, especially in 2022, when he had a career season with 52 receptions on 64 targets for 467 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games (four starts). The former undrafted free agent has injury concerns himself because of his small 5-foot-7, 175-pound stature, but he could be a sleeper candidate worth looking into, especially with quarterback Kyler Murray fully healthy to begin the 2024 campaign.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Rondale Moore (leg) was carted off during training camp practice on Wednesday, and doctors put an air cast on his right leg, which is never a good sign. It's unclear how the injury happened, but it appears that Moore might be set to miss significant time with a serious injury. Making matters even worse, the 24-year-old's injury was of the non-contact variety, which makes it even more likely that he might have suffered a potential season-ending injury. The former second-round pick in 2021 was trying to carve out a role as receiver depth in Atlanta in his first year with the team behind Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III. If Moore indeed suffered a significant injury, it will only cement McCloud's status as the team's starting slot receiver to open the year.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has thrown just one preseason pass in his NFL career, but FOX Sports' Greg Auman expects that to change in the team's preseason opener this Saturday against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. "I'm excited for it," said Burrow, who's now healthy after suffering a wrist injury last November that ended his 2023 season. "I'm excited to get these reps and have these reps to get better right now." Head coach Zac Taylor understands there are injury risks with playing starters in the preseason, but he also recognizes the advantages of giving them real time in a huddle against an opponent. If Burrow does see preseason action this weekend, it probably won't be for more than an offensive series or two. And as long as the 27-year-old former first overall pick doesn't have a setback with his surgically repaired wrist in the preseason, he will be a prime bounce-back candidate in fantasy as a midrange QB1.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain during training camp practice on Wednesday, according to a source. The outlook right now is that Downs could miss about a month, but the Colts are sorting it all out. It's a tough break for Downs, who had been a popular breakout candidate in fantasy leading up to Wednesday's injury after catching 68 of his 98 targets for 771 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games (nine starts) in his first NFL season in 2023. We don't know for sure how much time the 22-year-old might miss to open the 2024 regular season, but this news surely puts a dent into his draft stock. With Downs now sidelined, both Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell will have more opportunities to make noise in Indy's passing game. While Pierce has looked more consistent in camp, Mitchell is a higher-ceiling, big-play option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills RB Ty Johnson (hamstring), WR Chase Claypool (toe), OT Travis Clayton (shoulder), S Mike Edwards (hamstring), S Cole Bishop (shoulder), DT DaQuan Jones (undisclosed), LB Nicholas Morrow (core/groin) and LB Edefuan Ulofoshio (ribs) are out of practice Wednesday, Aug. 7.

From TheHuddle

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III caught just 19 passes in three collegiate seasons at Wake Forest and Michigan State, and many questioned his ability as a receiver when he entered the NFL. He's hauled in 56 passes for 424 yards and one touchdown through his first 30 pro games, but he could be more involved in that area this season based on comments from offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. "I think he gets better every single day," Grubb said. "I think the sky's the limit for him. I think he's a really, really talented, powerful back that's a true three-tool guy. He's electric out of the backfield as a pass-catcher." Walker's fantasy value took a hit last year after the team selected Zach Charbonnet in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. However, a new staff is in place, and Walker has reportedly had a great training camp. Charbonnet will likely be involved in the offense, but all signs point toward Walker remaining the clear RB1 for the Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) has reportedly been dealing with a minor injury this week, which has held him out of practice. Head coach Mike McDaniel said several players are dealing with minor bumps and bruises, but nothing is major. While it's never ideal for a training camp injury to pop up, Waddle's status should not be a concern until further notice. The former first-round pick out of Alabama has averaged 83.6 receptions, 1,128 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns through his first three years with the organization. Miami signed him to a three-year, $87.75 million deal this offseason, so he should continue to produce alongside Tyreek Hill for at least the next few seasons. Waddle had his worst fantasy finish last season after posting two WR1 campaigns to begin his career, but he might be a bargain at his cost around the WR15 slot in preseason fantasy drafts. He's in one of the best offenses in the NFL, and he'd have top-five upside at the position if the aging Hill had to miss any time during the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields will start against the Houston Texans in Friday's preseason contest, and the first-team offense will get "a couple series," according to head coach Mike Tomlin. Veteran Russell Wilson (calf) is dealing with a calf injury and won't suit up, so this is a perfect opportunity for Fields to show what he can do after a mostly disappointing three-year career with the Chicago Bears. The former first-round pick out of Ohio State flashed as a runner with Chicago, but his 60.3% completion percentage and 40 passing touchdowns to 30 interceptions in 40 career games left a lot to be desired. Wilson is still likely to start in Week 1 of the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons, but Fields could be promoted to the QB1 job by midseason if Wilson continues to regress.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Kenny Pickett was dealt to the organization following two underwhelming seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The former first-round pick out of Pittsburgh University threw for just 4,474 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions in 25 starts to begin his career. The Eagles didn't give up much to acquire him, but he is reportedly still competing with Tanner McKee (a 2023 sixth-round pick) for the backup job behind Jalen Hurts. Both signal-callers are getting second-team reps, so this is a situation worth monitoring in superflex and two-QB leagues. Although Hurts has stayed mostly healthy during his pro career, his dual-threat style leaves him more susceptible to injury. If Hurts had to miss any time, Pickett or McKee would become a must-roster option in those formats, and either could have short-term upside given the high-end pass-catchers on the Philadelphia roster.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings wide receivers Jalen Nailor and Brandon Powell were listed as co-starters in the No. 3 role on the team's first unofficial depth chart. The wideout spot behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison is open following the departure of K.J. Osborn, and the pair of pass-catchers are the prime candidates to fill that gap. Nailor, a sixth-round pick out of Michigan State in 2022, has tallied 12 receptions for 208 yards and one touchdown through his first 21 NFL games. Powell, an undrafted free agent in 2018, has hauled in 76 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns in 55 games with the Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams, and Vikings. It will be interesting to see who comes out of the camp battle victorious, but neither is likely to have much fantasy value in an offense led by Sam Darnold or rookie J.J. McCarthy. However, one of the two wideouts could have deep-league value early in the season if Addison is suspended following his misdemeanor DUI charge, especially since tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is likely to miss the start of the regular season.

From RotoBaller

Veteran free-agent and former All-Pro safety Justin Simmons is set to meet with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter. The 30-year-old has been patient this offseason after being released by the Denver Broncos following an eight-year career with the organization that included four All-Pro selections and two Pro Bowl nods. His 30 interceptions since entering the league in 2016 lead all players. The Saints have shown a willingness to sign aging players to generous deals, and if he lands in the Big Easy, he'll team up with fellow former All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu.

From RotoBaller

On their first unofficial depth chart released in the preseason, the Indianapolis Colts listed rookie wide receiver Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce as co-starters at the No. 3 wideout position behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. It doesn't come as much of a surprise after Mitchell and Pierce have been rotating reps with the first-team offense so far in training camp. Pierce has been more consistent, although the 21-year-old Mitchell has had his share of impressive moments. Preseason action should help settle the battle before the start of the 2024 regular season. Even if Pierce opens the year as the WR3 for Indy, Mitchell's impressive physical attributes should make him a candidate to overtake Pierce by season's end if he can stay healthy. Mitchell is the higher-ceiling, late-round sleeper to target in deeper fantasy leagues this fall.

From RotoBaller