Mon Jul 15 11:09am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Prescott in make or break season
This is the first in a series of training camp previews. The previews give you a quick look at each team, going over position battles and injuries to watch in camp. The season is right around the corner.
Cowboys
The Cowboys are always a team to watch in training camp, mainly because of the high expectations for the team. But this year the expectations could be even higher with Dak Prescott possibly in a make or break year. He will need to play at a high level and produce in the playoffs if he hopes to continue to start and land a big contract with the Cowboys. There will be a lot of pressure on Prescott this season. The Cowboys open camp on July 24 at the Marriott Residence Inn in Oxnard, Calif.
Position battle: The running back spot is the big one for the Cowboys this training camp. This spot is truly up for grabs with Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman battling it out for playing time. Elliott is the favorite to start but will need to show he still has something left in the tank. Dowdle is the big wild card. He is the younger option that showed well at times last year. If he can take a step forward, he could emerge as the lead back in this high-powered offense.
Injury watch: Dak Prescott scared some when he was spotted in a boot recently. He was battling some sort of ankle injury but it was considered minor. He is expected to be just fine for the start of camp. It is something to maybe keep an eye on, though, just to be sure. Ankle injuries can linger.
Eagles
Philadelphia had a great regular season but fizzled towards the end and in the playoffs. This will put more pressure on the team to perform the entire season. There is a ton of talent on this team, especially after adding running back Saquon Barkley to an already high-powered offense. It will be intriguing to see how Barkley is used on the offense, making it one of the big storylines in camp. Barkley and his teammates get things started on July 23 at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia.
Position battle: There really isn’t much to decide in Philadelphia but one spot to watch is the backup running back position. Kenneth Gainwell is the returner but he will have rookie Will Shipley to compete with for that job. Shipley is a talented three-down back that has already impressed in his short time in Philadelphia. Gainwell has produced well at times but been a little inconsistent. Starter Saquon Barkley can have some injury issues, so figuring out the back that might end up getting the most work if he were to get hurt could be a big plus for fantasy owners.
Injury watch: Dallas Goedert is not currently injured but injuries have been an issue for him in recent seasons. He has missed games each of the last five seasons. Injuries are always a concern when it comes to Goedert. But if healthy, he can be a big producer at fantasy tight end. Keep an eye on him during training camp to see how he looks and plays.
Giants
New York has a lot of questions once again, mainly offensively. Do they have the right quarterback to lead the team? Who is going to step up at receiver? How will the team replace superstar Saquon Barkley at running back? And lastly, will the offensive line hold up over a full season? All these questions will be closely monitored this training camp, which kicks off July 16 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Facility in East Rutherford, N.J.
Position battle: The Giants are a mess at receiver. They have all sorts of openings. Rookie Malik Nabers might be about the only sure thing out of the group. He is expected to be the No. 1 receiver this season. But after him, you have Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah McKenzie, Isaiah Hodgins and Allen Robinson vying for playing time. It really is anyone’s guess who might emerge out of that big group of receivers. We should have a better idea after seeing these guys in camp and preseason action.
Injury watch: Starting quarterback Daniel Jones is returning from a torn ACL, suffered in Week 9 last year. This is a major injury to return, so Jones is no sure thing to be ready for Week 1. The good news is his offseason progress has been really good. All signs point towards him being ready for the start of the season. Just make sure he keeps progressing in camp and doesn’t have any setbacks before pulling the trigger on him come draft day.
Commanders
The Commanders have a lot of new this season, including a franchise quarterback and head coach. These two aspects of the team will be the main focus of training camp for Commanders fans to watch. Washington will need to hit on these two if they hope to get the franchise headed in the right direction once again. Washington gets camp started on July 18 at the OrthoVirginia Training Center in Ashburn, Va.
Position battle: The tight end position is up for grabs in Washington this year. The Commanders drafted Ben Sinnott, who is the future at the position, but also signed veteran Zach Ertz. These two will battle it out for the right to start. Ertz has reportedly been a top target in offseason workouts, so he might have the early lead for the job. Either way, the starting tight end could carry good fantasy value in Washington with a rookie quarterback at the helm. The tight end can be a nice safety net for a young player.
Injury watch: Austin Ekleler had an ankle injury last year that caused him to miss three games and be limited in others. Nagging injuries have slowed him in recent years. He isn’t getting any younger and this might be his last chance to play a big role in an offense. Ekekler will need to show he is healthy and still has something left in the tank if he hopes to get consistent playing time.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune will start the team's preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, indicating that he has a lead over Desmond Ridder for the backup QB spot behind Kyler Murray. Ridder was dealt to the Cardinals in March in exchange for wide receiver Rondale Moore, but he's fighting for a roster spot if the team does not keep three quarterbacks. Tune, a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, threw for 62 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in one start last year. Fantasy managers in Superflex or two-QB leagues should monitor the backup competitions around the league, as any QB2 could become a starter and enter the fantasy football radar if injuries take place.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks has been drawing positive reviews this offseason, and his success has continued into training camp. According to Calvin Watkins of Dallas News, Brooks has been "outstanding." Brooks was selected in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of South Carolina and played in seven games as a rookie, collecting six receptions for 64 yards. Following the departure of Michael Gallup, the team's WR3 role is open behind CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks. If Brooks beats out Jalen Tolbert, he will be worth rostering in deep fantasy football leagues. For now, he's at least an interesting late-round dart throw in best ball formats.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams has not been at training camp this offseason, and he remains away from the team just a few weeks away from the season-opening game against the New York Jets. Williams is seeking a revised contract, and Kyle Shanahan is hopeful the two sides will strike an agreement soon. "I've had some contact with him. It's been good talking to him," Shanahan said. "We're negotiating hard. Hopefully, it's getting close." The 31-year-old is an 11-time Pro Bowler and has been named a first-team All-Pro in each of the last three seasons. The 49ers offense would likely take a hit if the future Hall of Famer isn't on the field, so surely, the organization will do everything possible to get him on the field in Week 1.
From RotoBaller
The Washington Commanders are releasing kicker Riley Patterson following the trade for former Cleveland Browns kicker Cade York, according to John Keim of ESPN. Patterson has spent time with six NFL organizations since going undrafted out of Memphis in 2021. He's seen regular-season action with the Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Cleveland Browns, and has made 59 of his 67 field goal attempts through the first 39 contests of his career. Patterson's 88.1% career field goal percentage is above the league's average, so it would not be surprising if he lands another opportunity this season.
From RotoBaller
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are releasing defensive end/outside linebacker Randy Gregory after he never reported to training camp this offseason. The 31-year-old fully repaid his $1.3 million roster bonus before his release. Gregory, a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, has appeared in 60 games for the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, and San Francisco 49ers and has compiled 106 tackles, 22 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles. The Nebraska product has been somewhat productive during his six-year NFL career, but he's been tough to depend on lately.
From RotoBaller
The Cleveland Browns are trading kicker Cade York to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a conditional seventh-round pick, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The Commanders have reportedly struggled with the kicker position during camp, so York is being brought in to help alleviate that issue. York was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of LSU, and he went 24-of-32 on field goal tries during his rookie campaign. The Browns released him following his rookie season, and he spent time with the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants before ultimately landing with the Browns again this offseason. The Commanders released Riley Patterson in a corresponding move, so York should have a clear path to starting placekicking duties.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons All-Pro cornerback A.J. Terrell agreed to a four-year, $81 million contract extension that includes $65.8 million guaranteed, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The No. 16 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson has racked up 247 tackles, one sack, four forced fumbles, four interceptions, and 43 passes defended in his first 61 pro games. He was named a second-team All-Pro in 2021. Terrell now becomes the second-highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, and the Falcons lock down a key defensive piece to go along with Pro Bowl safeties Jessie Bates III and Justin Simmons.
New England Patriots kicker Joey Slye appears to have won the competition with Chad Ryland for starting kicking duties to begin the 2024 regular season. Slye hit all four of his kicks at training camp practice on Wednesday from 33,41,47 and 50 yards out. Meanwhile, Ryland hit his 33-yarder and then missed his next three kicks. For most of camp, Slye was clearly the better kicker from distance, but now he's proving to be better from intermediate range as well. Two of Ryland's misses weren't close, and his third miss was a doink off the right upright. It remains to be seen if Ryland or another kicker is kept around on the practice squad as a second option if Slye struggles early on in 2024. The 28-year-old Slye has a strong leg but has made just 82.3% of his 32 field-goal attempts in five NFL seasons and will be kicking for an offense that could have a rookie QB starting as early as Week 1.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (hip) made his return to training camp practice on Wednesday after sitting out last weekend's preseason game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday with hip soreness. In addition to Mason, the Niners also got Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) back at practice this week, leaving just Christian McCaffrey (calf) sitting out. McCaffrey has been working out on side fields and remains on track to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener, so the 25-year-old Mason will be competing with Mitchell for the RB2 role in the final two weeks of camp. It's unclear how many RBs the Niners will carry on the initial 53-man roster, but Mason's special teams contributions could be the deciding factor. The power runner has averaged 5.6 yards per carry in his two NFL seasons but is mostly just a dynasty/keeper stash until he has a more clear role.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed on Wednesday that quarterback Aidan O'Connell won't play in the preseason finale on Friday against the San Francisco 49ers. The Raiders named Gardner Minshew II as their starting QB earlier this week, and the Raiders will hold both Minshew and O'Connell out of action this weekend, with Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman set to split the reps under center. The 25-year-old O'Connell will enter his second NFL season as the backup to Minshew, but if Minshew struggles early on, don't be surprised if Pierce gives O'Connell a shot. He went 5-5 as the starter in 2023 after the team moved on from Jimmy Garoppolo, throwing 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Ultimately, experience won out for Pierce, with Minshew having 37 career NFL starts under his belt. For now, O'Connell is merely a QB3/4 bench stash in superflex fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (stinger) is being held out of practice due to a stinger that Dillon suffered toward the end of last season. Per Matt LaFleur, Dillon being held out of practice is for precautionary reasons. With Dillon being held out and backfield mate MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) nursing an injury of his own, the Green Bay backfield has been hit hard with the injury bug. Dillon averaged just 3.4 yards per attempt in his worst season as a pro, with 613 rushing yards on 178 attempts. The role for Dillon is up in the air with Lloyd's injury and Josh Jacobs coming in to be the top running back for the Packers. It's a thin bet to expect Dillon to have a fantasy-friendly role in 2024 outside of injury, so keep him undrafted in fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
The Philadelphia Eagles released veteran tight end C.J. Uzomah on Wednesday. The Eagles signed Uzomah to a one-year pact in April and with the competition in camp, felt it necessary to cut the journeyman loose to free agency. Uzomah spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets after eight seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Playing sparingly for the Jets last season, Uzomah managed just eight receptions on 12 targets for 58 yards and a touchdown grab. The Eagles' depth chart at tight end comprises Dallas Goedert, Albert Okwuegbunam, and Grant Calcaterra.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Tyquan Thornton has been a part of the top unit of wide receivers with Demario Douglas and Ja'Lynn Polk during practices. It's quite a leap for Thornton as he's shown out with so much wide receiver competition via the NFL Draft and in free agency. While K.J. Osborn and Kendrick Bourne will be a part of the wide receiver rotation, the third-year receiver Thornton has made a big splash following a disappointing sophomore season where he brought in just 13 receptions for 91 yards. While Thornton is somebody we're not drafting in fantasy football leagues, if he continues to surprise, we should take notice of the former 2022 second-rounder.
From RotoBaller
Alex Barth reports that New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker seems to have fallen out of the top receiver rotation for the Patriots. Selected in the fourth round of this past April's NFL Draft, Baker isn't making plays as regularly as he was at the start of training camp. Barth reports that "based on his practice reps, it doesn't look like he'll have a big role in the offense once the season starts." Given the shaky depth of the Patriots' receiver room, it looked like Baker could work his way into the regular rotation, but it's not looking that way now. Baker looks like he's on the outside looking in for regular work heading into Week 1, so you can leave him undrafted in seasonal fantasy formats. If an injury strikes, Baker could be somebody to watch.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye took a big step on Wednesday as he took his reps with the projected starting offense during padded practices and competitive drills at training camp. In any of the first 17 practices, Maye took zero reps with that projected starting unit. Maye did not throw a pass with that unit, but getting on the field with that grouping was the next step for his development. While it's looking more likely that veteran signal-caller Jacoby Brissett will begin the season as the Patriots' starting quarterback, the third-overall pick Maye should eventually take over at some point in 2024. For fantasy circles, Maye offers plenty of mobility and a strong arm, so he should be considered on the waiver wire once he's tabbed to start this season for New England.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Saints running back Kendre Miller's roster spot seems to be in doubt. Dynasty Analysis: Miller has been unable to practice most of camp and Head Coach Dennis Allen has repeatedly made comments about him being tough to evaluate when he's hurt. While it seems early for the Saints to give up on Miller, it's clear New Orleans is losing patience with their young running back and his roster spot certainly doesn't seem to be guaranteed at the moment. This is a story to watch as the Saints have precious little depth behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams.
Dynasty | Jerry Jones said Trey Lance has earned a roster spot. Dynasty Analysis: Lance has been solid in the preseason completing 40-of-64 passes for 339 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, while adding 78 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown in two contests. He may not win the backup job over Cooper Rush but Jones is "guaranteeing" he makes the final roster. He may still be a trade target out there for a QB-needy team at some point in the season so dynasty owners should keep him on their short list if he isn't already rostered.
Dynasty | The Denver Broncos have named Bo Nix their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: As expected. The Broncos promoted a "competition" between Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson but Nix was the heavy favorite after Denver jettisoned Russell Wilson. Sean Payton clearly has all his eggs in the Nix basket, so he was going to do all he could to make this a reality. Nix helped him out by having a solid preseason and looking like he has veteran poise already. Nix will be a QB2 to start but he's certainly in position for early success.
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said he doesn't think wide receiver Rashid Shaheed's (toe, foot) injury will keep him out for an extended period of time, and he's not dealing with turf toe. Shaheed's injury caused him to miss the second preseason game last weekend against the San Francisco 49ers. While the 25-year-old might not be able to play in the preseason finale this Sunday versus the Tennessee Titans, Allen's comments on Wednesday at least make it sound like he'll have a chance to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in two weeks. The former undrafted free agent from Weber State entered last year as the team's WR3 behind Chris Olave and Michael Thomas, but his involvement in the offense didn't really increase all that much after Thomas' season-ending ankle injury. Shaheed is still probably more useful to the Saints as an All-Pro kick returner, but he could also have a bigger role in the offense in 2024, making him a more palatable boom/bust WR4/5 wideout.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers WR Trent Taylor (undisclosed) and WR Danny Gray (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Aug. 21.
From TheHuddle