New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard, who received a four-year, $44 million contract before the 2023 season, is off to a promising start in training camp this summer after posting just 23 catches last year. However, Lazard is viewed as a placeholder across from WR1 Garrett Wilson until Mike Williams (knee) is activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Working in Lazard's favor is that he has quarterback Aaron Rodgers' stamp of approval after they worked together in Green Bay. But Lazard isn't on the same level of Williams when both are healthy. The question is whether Williams can be the same player he was before his ACL surgery last fall. If he's not, Lazard could operate as New York's No. 2 option to help Rodgers balance the field. After a terrible 2023 showing, Lazard will be off the fantasy radar in most leagues unless Williams isn't ready for the start of the season.

From RotoBaller

The Tennessee Titans have running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears listed as co-starters at the position on their first unofficial depth chart of training camp that was released on Monday. We always caution fantasy managers not to read too much into unofficial depth charts in the preseason, but this doesn't come as a surprise after head coach Brian Callahan said that Pollard and Spears are basically interchangeable in the team's 2024 backfield. Tennessee doesn't have a clear-cut starter at RB heading into their first preseason game, and it could be a pretty near-even timeshare. The 27-year-old Pollard does have a three-down skill set, but he averaged a career-low 4.0 yards per carry as Dallas' RB1 last year in his first opportunity as a true lead back. Pollard should be viewed as the team's lead back for fantasy purposes and is worth drafting as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3, while Spears has RB3 utility in point-per-reception leagues.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (knee) left practice at training camp on Monday after suffering a knee contusion and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday morning. Smith was carted off the field but may have avoided a serious injury. We won't know for sure until Tuesday, though. Even if the 31-year-old veteran pass-rusher isn't dealing with a serious injury, he's unlikely to play in the team's preseason opener this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. The three-time Pro Bowler re-signed with the Browns this offseason after posting 27 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 20 QB hits and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts in 2023. When healthy, Smith will operate as a situational pass-rusher across from All-Pro Myles Garrett.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph has looked very comfortable and has been remarkably accurate as he battles Malik Willis for the No. 2 QB role behind Will Levis in training camp this summer. Willis has improved and looks more comfortable than he's ever been, but Rudolph hasn't left a crack in the door for Willis to pass him. As of right now, Rudolph looks poised to win the backup role in Tennessee. Unofficially, Rudolph has an 84.2% completion rate during camp practices with just one interception. In his NFL career in 21 games (13 starts) with the Steelers from 2018-2023, Rudolph has completed 291 of 458 passes for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The 29-year-old signal-caller was mostly just a game manager when forced into a starting role in Pittsburgh, although he could have more upside in what is expected to become a pass-happy offense in Tennessee if Levis misses time with injury in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce won't announce a starter at quarterback for the team's preseason opener this Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings but said Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell will each get an opportunity to set themselves apart in the QB competition. "Like I said, both quarterbacks are gonna play a legit quarter. Who goes out first and who goes out second really doesn't matter. [They will] get hopefully an equal amount of snaps and opportunity to showcase," Pierce said. The head coach has allowed O'Connell to get the initial reps throughout the offseason but has equaled out the opportunities with Minshew. Through the opening stages of training camp, neither signal-caller has distanced themselves, despite some speculation that Minshew has the slight edge. By all accounts, it sounds as though the Raiders offense has struggled under both Minshew and O'Connell so far.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers second-year tight end Tucker Kraft (pectoral) has passed his physical and was removed from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Monday. Kraft will now be eligible to rejoin his teammates at practice in training camp, although it remains to be seen if he'll play in the preseason opener this Saturday against the Cleveland Browns. Now that the 23-year-old is recovered from a pectoral tear that he suffered this offseason, he'll compete for the starting tight end job, primarily with Luke Musgrave. In his rookie campaign last year, Kraft caught 31 of his 40 targets for 355 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (eight starts). Most of his production came when Musgrave missed six games due to injury, so unless that happens again, Kraft will probably be a matchup-based, touchdown-dependent TE2 streamer in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Updating a previous report, there is currently no trade in place for San Francisco 49ers All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to be dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to sources. The 49ers have had discussions in recent days regarding a potential Aiyuk trade with several teams, but as of this point, nothing is finalized. The Steelers have probably the most obvious need at the receiver position, but it doesn't mean they'll actually be able to pull off a trade for the former first-rounder. Heading into the final year of his current deal, the 26-year-old Aiyuk is seeking a long-term contract extension and hasn't received one from the Niners. If he were to be dealt to Pittsburgh, he'd overtake George Pickens as the team's WR1, but it would be a big downgrade in QB situation and overall offense going from San Fran to Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison was charged with two misdemeanors -- driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with .08% blood-alcohol content -- after a west Los Angeles police officer found him asleep at the wheel of a Rolls Royce that was blocking a lane of interstate 105 westbound near Los Angeles International airport last month. Addison has been assigned an Oct. 7 arraignment and plea hearing in LA. He could face an NFL suspension once the legal proceedings are complete, clouding his fantasy value ahead of his second year in the league. The 22-year-old former second-rounder was excellent in his rookie campaign in 2023, catching 70 of 108 targets for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games, taking advantage of Justin Jefferson's injury. Even if Addison faces a short suspension to begin the year, he's worth taking as a WR4/flex option in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns DE Za'Darius Smith (knee) left practice Monday, Aug. 5, because of a knee contusion.

From TheHuddle

Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele was a seventh-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, meaning his path to making the opening-day roster will be challenging. However, Broncos reporter Benjamin Allbright said he is likely ahead of fourth-round rookie Troy Franklin on the depth chart, so he could have a realistic shot. The 26-year-old caught 98 passes for 1,288 yards and eight touchdowns in his final two seasons at Utah, but his solid showing at the 2024 NFL Combine was likely the primary factor in him being drafted. While it would be a nice surprise if he's on the Week 1 roster, he's unlikely to make a fantasy football impact as the potential WR4 or WR5 in an offense led by veteran Jarrett Stidham or rookie Bo Nix.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo is listed ahead of first-round rookie Xavier Legette (foot) on the team's first unofficial depth chart. Mingo struggled in his rookie campaign after being selected in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Ole Miss product caught just 43 of his 85 targets for 418 yards and did not find the end zone. The organization added Legette and veteran wideout Diontae Johnson this offseason, and Adam Thielen remains on the roster, so it's tough to get excited about Mingo's fantasy prospects. That said, wide receivers often take a "Year 2 leap," and he could have more upside than expected if quarterback Bryce Young bounces back from an abysmal rookie campaign. Fantasy managers in traditional 12-team leagues can likely ignore him in drafts, but he could be a noteworthy waiver-wire option if he impresses early in the 2024 season.

From RotoBaller

Jacksonville Jaguars DT Arik Armstead (knee) is not ready to be activated from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list at this time, but the team believes he will be ready for the start of the regular season.

From TheHuddle

New York Jets wide receiver Xavier Gipson is listed ahead of third-round rookie Malachi Corley as a starter on the team's first released depth chart. It's worth noting these depth charts aren't official yet, but team reporter Rich Cimini said Gipson has worked ahead of Corley during training camp. Gipson went undrafted out of Stephen F. Austin last year, but he was active for all 17 of New York's games and caught 21 passes for 229 yards. He also turned in 830 total return yards and one punt return for a touchdown. Star wideout Garrett Wilson figures to be the clear target hog in the New York offense, but Allen Lazard, Gipson, Corley, and Mike Williams (knee) could all make an impact as secondary options for Aaron Rodgers in what should be an improved passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (undisclosed) is reportedly dealing with "tightness" and is considered "day-to-day," according to head coach Zac Taylor. While it's never ideal to miss time or be limited in practice, this should not be much of a concern. The veteran from Penn State has racked up 260 receptions for 2,861 yards and 20 touchdowns through his first 98 games with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Although the Bengals selected Erick All Jr. in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL draft, Gesicki could begin the season as the clear TE1 for quarterback Joe Burrow as All works his way back from a torn ACL and adjusts to the NFL. That said, Gesicki likely has limited upside while competing for targets with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. He is best served as a late-round flier in traditional fantasy leagues and best-ball setups.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (toe) did not participate in the team's joint practice with the New York Giants on Monday, as he is reportedly dealing with a toe injury. However, head coach Dan Campbell said the ailment is not a concern. At this point in the offseason, teams are likely to be extra cautious with their key players, but this should not ding LaPorta's standing ahead of the 2024 fantasy football season. The 2023 second-round pick out of Iowa set the record for the most receptions by a rookie tight end (86) last season and finished the year as the overall TE1. Detroit failed to add significant pass-catching weapons behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown this offseason, so many view LaPorta as the clear TE1 in upcoming fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns LB Jordan Hicks (undisclosed) and LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 5.

From TheHuddle

Carolina Panthers rookie first-round wide receiver Xavier Legette (foot) underwent an MRI on Monday after leaving practice early on Sunday, and tests revealed that he did not suffer a fractured foot. This is great news for the rookie first-rounder out of South Carolina, but he is being labeled "day-to-day" and is not expected to play in the team's preseason opener against the Patriots on Thursday. Legette was dealing with a hamstring issue earlier this offseason, so expect the organization to be cautious with him moving forward. While Legette's size-speed combination makes him an intriguing fantasy football option, Carolina could have one of the worst offenses in the NFL for the second consecutive season, and veteran wideout Diontae Johnson is expected to be the clear No. 1 wide receiver for Bryce Young.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals TE Mike Gesicki (undisclosed) is considered day-to-day because of some tightness, according to head coach Zak Taylor.

From TheHuddle

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker agreed to a four-year, $25.6 million deal that includes $17.8 million guaranteed, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The deal makes him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL in terms of average salary ($6.4 million), passing Baltimore's Justin Tucker ($6 million) and Philadelphia's Jake Elliott ($6 million). The 29-year-old has been a part of all four Chiefs' squads that made it to the Super Bowl, and he has made 32 of his 35 field goal attempts in postseason action. Butker remains one of the best fantasy football and "real life" kickers in the NFL, and he is set to stay in Kansas City long-term.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns LB Za'Darius smith (undisclosed) was carted off the practice field Monday, Aug. 5.

From TheHuddle