Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (personal) was excused from Sunday's training camp practice for personal reasons. It's unknown how long Cook might be away from the team, but it's nothing that is going to affect his fantasy value heading into the 2024 season. The 24-year-old former second-round selection (63rd overall) in the 2022 NFL draft out of Georgia took on a much larger role in his sophomore season in 2023 and earned his first Pro Bowl nod, carrying the ball 237 times for 1,122 yards and just two touchdowns. He added 44 receptions on 54 targets for 445 additional yards and four touchdowns through the air. Cook heads into his third year in the league as Buffalo's unquestioned lead back. He does not thrive between the tackles and will probably never have a high TD ceiling with quarterback Josh Allen vulturing goal-line carries. Cook is more attractive in PPR formats and is listed as RotoBaller's No. 15 fantasy RB.

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Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring) is being held out of training camp practices due to hamstring tightness. It doesn't appear to be a serious injury for Tremble, but the Panthers are being cautious early in camp. As long as the 24-year-old tight end doesn't suffer a setback with his hamstring when he returns to the field, he should be fine for the start of the 2024 regular season. The former third-round pick in 2021 out of Notre Dame set a new career-high in receptions (23) and receiving yards (194) on 32 targets while scoring three touchdowns in 16 games (eight starts) for the second straight year. Carolina's offense was dreadful in 2023 under rookie quarterback Bryce Young, but even if they show improvement in 2024, Tremble is unlikely to be very attractive in fantasy as he competes for targets with rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas.

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The New York Jets signed quarterback Adrian Martinez and cornerback Kendall Sheffield on Saturday and released cornerback Nehemiah Shelton and quarterback Ben Bryant in corresponding moves. Martinez went undrafted out of Kansas State and was waived by the Detroit Lions back in late August of last year. The 24-year-old has yet to appear in an NFL game and will now look to make some noise as QB depth for the Jets this summer in training camp and the preseason. Martinez will be a long shot to make the active roster out of camp, but there's a chance he could stick around on the practice squad if he impresses. Behind Aaron Rodgers at the position, the Jets now have Martinez, Tyrod Taylor and rookies Jordan Travis and Andrew Peasley.

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New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) remained sidelined at training camp practice on Saturday after injuring his hamstring in the first practice of the summer on Wednesday. It remains to be seen when Miller will be able to get back on the field, but it's certainly a bad start for the 22-year-old former third-round pick last year after he managed to play in just eight games in his rookie season in 2023. If Miller cannot figure out a way to stay healthy, he may not stick around in New Orleans for very long. As of right now, he's not on the fantasy radar in redraft leagues with both Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams ahead of him on the RB depth chart. Miller averaged only 3.8 yards per carry on his 41 rushing attempts last year for 156 yards and one touchdown.

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New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (undisclosed), who opened training camp on the Non-Football Injured list with an undisclosed ailment, was at practice on Sunday and upped his level of participation. It means that Gibson has been cleared from the NFI list, and he'll now look to highlight his pass-catching ability as he tries to earn a role in the backfield in his first year with the Patriots. Rhamondre Stevenson is the clear lead back in New England heading into the 2024 campaign, but the 26-year-old Gibson should be his primary complement in the backfield, mainly in third-down situations. The Pats figure to rely heavily on their RBs, whether it's Jacoby Brissett or rookie Drake Maye under center, making Gibson worth a late-round flier in deeper PPR fantasy leagues.

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Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy is not focused too much on trying to win the starting job in his first NFL season. "The process is the progress," McCarthy said. The 10th overall pick in April's draft mostly has worked behind presumptive starter Sam Darnold in the first three practices of training camp. "My ultimate goal is to get the most out of every single day. When the time comes [to start], it comes. I'm just training every single day so that when that time does come, I'm going to be ready," McCarthy said. The 21-year-old Michigan product said he can now call plays in the huddle without stumbling through the verbiage. It sounds like McCarthy is getting more comfortable already, but the Vikings have made it clear they will treat his development with patience above all else, and conventional wisdom around the team suggests that Darnold will open as the starter.

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New York Giants rookie tight end Theo Johnson (hip), who should have plenty of opportunity in his first year in the NFL given the retirement of Darren Waller, passed his physical and was activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list on Sunday. The 23-year-old fourth-rounder will now get going as he tries to learn the offense heading into his first year in the NFL. Fantasy managers in single-year formats shouldn't expect much from Johnson right away, especially with quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) coming off an ACL tear, but he's not a bad dynasty/keeper stash. Johnson will be competing with Daniel Bellinger as the team's top pass-catching tight end in 2024. The Penn State alum didn't put up production that raised eyebrows in college, but he could be a red-zone asset right away because of his 6-foot-6, 259-pound frame.

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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (knee) has had a slow start to training camp practice on Sunday and completed only two of his six pass attempts. Jones was underthrowing the deep ball, which has been a thing for him early this summer. ESPN's Jordan Raanan thinks it's something to monitor as camp progresses as Jones comes off his ACL injury from last season. It's still very early in camp, but so far, the 27-year-old former sixth overall pick in 2019 out of Duke looks rusty. He's heading into a make-or-break year in 2024 after playing in just six games in 2023 before tearing his ACL. Jones had a career year in 2022 but still managed to throw only 15 touchdown passes in 16 starts. Coming off a torn ACL, Jones is going to need to prove himself in an offense that still has a lot of question marks. In fantasy, treat him as a low-end QB2 with minimal upside.

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New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson's chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has already been evident during the early days of training camp. Rodgers acknowledged that Wilson still has some minor details to work through but praised the third-year wideout for his athleticism. "He's just so dynamic because he can go from zero to full speed so quickly, and he can look like he's just kind of like gliding out there because he's moving so fast. It's a gift." Wilson has already amassed 178 receptions on 315 targets through his first two seasons as a Jet. It seemed likely the Ohio State product would break out in 2023, but that was before Rodgers' (Achilles) season came to a screeching halt after just four plays. There remains some risk here as we have yet to see Rodgers and Wilson make a significant on-field connection, but his upside as the primary target in New York's offense is astronomical. The former Buckeye is the WR8 in NFFC ADP (12th overall) and presents as one of the higher-risk, higher-upside players at the top of fantasy drafts.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was sidelined for the third straight day Friday as a calf strain still hampers him. While Wilson did not participate, he was seen working with the wideouts post-practice. This is an encouraging sign for him, and the Steelers are likely just playing it safe with their new signal caller. While the former Denver Bronco has yet to have the success he did early on in his Seahawk days, he did have a minor bounce-back season in 2023. The Wisconsin product scored 30 fantasy points more in 2023 than in 2022, and he currently finds himself with his best cast of weapons since his departure from Seattle. He's in the QB30 range in drafts and has some sleeper appeal in best-ball and 2QB formats.

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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan reported that Saturday brought no news on the team's star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's current hold-in. Shanahan also stated there was no update on Trent Williams' holdout. Aiyuk requested a trade earlier this month and is lobbying his team for a new deal. He reported to training camp on time but is not practicing until his contract situation is resolved. The fifth-year wideout was integral to the 49ers' run last season as he enjoyed his full-on breakout. It is possible that Aiyuk will be traded according to his request, but San Francisco has drawn these situations out in the past, and he likely plays this year in 49ers red. Regardless of where he plays, the Arizona State product has cemented himself as an upper-echelon receiver for fantasy. He's currently the WR16 in NFFC ADP (29th overall), and that's a good spot for him in drafts despite the hold-in.

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Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (foot) was spotted limping during practice on Saturday after getting his foot stepped on. However, according to head coach DeMeco Ryans, it isn't a concern. The 22-year-old had a stellar first season in the league. In 15 games, he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and five picks, adding 167 yards and three scores off 39 carries. Without question, expectations for Stroud are high entering the 2024-25 campaign, and he could be an even bigger fantasy asset if he becomes more accurate. There will likely be an update on Stroud's condition soon. Fortunately, it doesn't sound like it's anything fantasy managers need to be concerned about.

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According to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (leg) is "close" to practicing. The wideout was recently spotted working on the side at training camp. However, there hasn't been much clarity surrounding the exact nature of the ailment other than it being labeled as a "minor injury." Jeudy, who was traded to Cleveland from Denver, agreed to a three-year, $58 million contract extension in March. In his four seasons with the Broncos, he amassed 211 catches for 3,053 yards and 11 touchdowns. Although Jeudy has shown flashes of promise over the years, fantasy managers have mostly been disappointed with his production. At any rate, he needs to get on the field with his new team soon. If not, Jeudy's fantasy value will drop even more.

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According to Dallas Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb was sent a new contract offer on Friday. It appears things are moving in a promising direction, with Jones acknowledging that conversations between both parties have been positive. Lamb is entering the final year of his rookie deal and hasn't reported to training camp. But with Lamb coming off a 135-catch, 1,749-yard, 12-touchdown season, it is in the Cowboys' best interest to get him to sign on the dotted line as soon as possible. With that said, the wideout's fantasy value won't take a hit unless this situation extends for at least a few more weeks.

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is participating in training camp despite being on an expiring contract. "Yes," owner Jerry Jones said when asked if Prescott could be at his best while also playing on the final year of his current agreement. "That implies that he won't get a new deal, and that's not the case. Those things can change everyday. It can happen." With Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa landing new contracts, the focus will shift to Prescott and the Cowboys. While this situation has been ongoing for quite some time, it appears both sides are willing to work to get something done as soon as possible. The signal-caller finished last season by throwing for 4,516 yards, 36 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. As a result, Prescott is expected to remain a top fantasy performer, regardless of his contract situation.

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Detroit Lions kicker Michael Badgley (hamstring) was officially placed on injured reserve. While the team has already acknowledged his injury was season-ending, the latest marks an official end to his 2024-25 campaign. The 26-year-old has played for the Chargers, Titans, Colts, Bears, and Lions since 2018. He's made 98 of his 119 kicks while also missing just seven of his 175 extra-point tries. Although Badgley isn't the best fantasy kicker, he's undoubtedly a better option than others. But now he's heading for surgery, with the Lions anticipated to quickly move to fill the position.

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The Dolphins signed free-agent linebacker Curtis Bolton on Saturday. Since entering the NFL, he has appeared in 28 games for the Lions and Raiders, totaling just 16 tackles. However, the move doesn't mean much from a fantasy standpoint outside of the team waiving quarterback Gavin Hardison to make the deal happen. This brings Miami down to three quarterbacks, including Tua Tagovailoa, who just agreed to a four-year, $212 million contract extension.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce stated how "taxing" last season was from a physical standpoint. However, he appears committed to getting himself in better shape heading into the 2024-25 campaign. "I've had more snaps than a lot of guys if not everybody in the NFL over the past five, six years" said Kelce during an interview. "I'm very prideful of that, but I know it has taken a toll on my body. So, it's just making sure that my body's getting that rest and that ability to train harder and be able to withstand an entire 17-to-20-game season." Undeniably, Kelce is the best tight end in the National Football League. But, his production declined in 2023-24, finishing with 93 catches for 984 yards and five touchdowns. Managers still plan on making him the first tight end taken in nearly all fantasy drafts. Yet, if Kelce has another subpar season, that will change in the years ahead.

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Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons has been an imposing defensive presence over the years. However, it appears Parsons could be more dominant than ever, with Mike Zimmer taking over as the team's defensive coordinator. "Without getting into specifics, the way Mike Zimmer and that defensive staff are using him is going to be a really good challenge for us," said head coach Mike McCarthy. "He looks good. Just playing a couple of different positions, but yeah, I'm impressed with him." Parsons has enjoyed how things have gone so far under Zimmer and plans to be "all over" during the 2024-25 campaign. The 2021 No. 12 overall pick has been a menace for offensive linemen since entering the National Football League. In 50 games, he has totaled 213 tackles, adding 40.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. Parsons has been instrumental to the success of Cowboys defense. Yet, the 25-year-old could make the unit even more productive for fantasy managers this season if things work out as advertised.

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has been a top fantasy wideout for years. However, according to quarterback Geno Smith, Metcalf has "another level" and plans to "unlock" it this season. "That's my job to keep pushing him and that's his job to keep coming and bringing it every single day," Smith said. "I'm just trying to push him and hopefully I can be the quarterback that he needs to unlock that." It's a new era in Seattle, with the Seahawks hiring former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald. The team also brought in Ryan Grubb from the University of Washington to serve as the new offensive coordinator. But despite the changes, Smith and Metcalf already have an established rapport, so it seems the duo is more motivated than ever to dominate opposing defenses during the 2024-25 campaign. Without question, Metcalf has all the tools necessary to remain an elite fantasy producer, considering he's gone for over 1,000 receiving yards in three of his five seasons in the National Football League while totaling 43 touchdowns during that span.

From RotoBaller