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Colts GM: QB Anthony Richardson 'full go' for camp

Wed Jun 26 1:37pm ET
Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts say quarterback Anthony Richardson remains a "full go" for training camp despite shoulder soreness the second-year player experienced earlier this month.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard said the team is not concerned about the shoulder fatigue Richardson felt at the end of organized team activities and minicamp.

Richardson, 22, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in 2023 after suffering an AC joint sprain in Week 5.

"He'll be full go," Ballard said on the GM Shuffle podcast. "He was full go all the way up until the last day of OTAs, and we had two heavy throwing sessions the two days before, and so we backed off a little on the last day."

Richardson was a full participant throughout OTAs and Day 1 of minicamp. He left Day 2 of minicamp early and sat out the final day.

Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, completed 59.5 percent of his passes for 577 yards, three touchdowns and one interception over four starts to begin his career. He also picked up 136 yards and four touchdowns on the ground.

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This Week in the TFC (7-2)

Player Notes
Audric Estime Jul 12 10:06pm CT
Audric Estime

Denver Broncos rookie fifth-round running back Audric Estime (knee) missed most of the offseason program after undergoing a minor scope of his knee, but he's expected to be "full-go" for the starting of training camp in a few weeks, according to head coach Sean Payton. In limited action in front of the media this offseason, Estime looked the part of a RB who can bring more short-yardage toughness to Denver's backfield, but it remains to be seen if he can supplant Javonte Williams as an every-down option in 2024. The 20-year-old from Notre Dame is probably a long shot to become the team's lead back, at least earlier in his rookie season, but he could take over goal-line duties fairly quickly, which could make him worth a late-round flier in deep fantasy leagues as a handcuff for Williams.

James Conner Jul 12 8:33pm CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner said his career-high 1,040 rushing yards last year are his floor for the 2024 season. 'Definitely got a lot of work to put in but that's the floor, not the ceiling.'

Fantasy Spin: Conner topped 1,000 yards on the ground despite missing the final four games with a knee injury. He enters this season as the lead back in Arizona, and while he isn't the most explosive option at the position, he should have the volume to finish as a reliable RB2.

From TheHuddle

Jordan Love Jul 12 7:30pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is still waiting for a new contract. In the meantime, the signal-caller took the opportunity to display his improved footwork during a training event on Thursday. Love's offseason throwing coach, Steve Calhoun, indicated that was an area that needed to be addressed during the offseason, considering he has had issues staying off his back foot during throws. Love had a rough start to the 2023-24 campaign. Yet, he turned things around to finish the year by throwing for 4,159 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, adding four scores on the run. Without question, his fantasy stock is higher than ever, although it remains to be seen if the extra work this offseason will improve his accuracy.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Jul 12 7:10pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams remains with the organization. However, as has been the norm over the last few seasons, trade rumors are starting to surface. While many teams would love to acquire Adams' talents, it appears the Jets are a team to watch, especially after Aaron Rodgers stated he couldn't wait to play with his longtime wideout "again." Rodgers isn't alone in his desire to see Adams in New York. Speaking at his youth football camp, Garrett Wilson embraced the idea. "I see that. I'm excited. I'm with all of it," said Wilson. "Anyone we can get into the facility to help this team win games, I'm with it, and he's one of those." Adams is adamant he wants to stay in Vegas. But a reunion between Rodgers and Adams could do wonders for their fantasy potential, so managers will continue to monitor the situation closely.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Jul 12 6:43pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen has taken on a more vocal role as the leader of the team following the departure of several key veterans this offseason, Bills LT Dion Dawkins told The Herd on Wednesday, July 10. 'Josh is one of those guys that will do what it takes at that moment,' Dawkins said. 'He's definitely a barker when that time comes. I've actually seen the bark a lot more this OTAs where he's been very, very verbal, because our team is different. It's different. We've got some young dudes that, when they come in, they see a little bit of success, and they can change, so Josh is doing exactly what he should.'

From TheHuddle

Dalvin Cook Jul 12 5:13pm CT
Dalvin Cook

Dynasty | Running back Dalvin Cook remains unsigned. Dynasty Analysis: Cook spent time with the Jets and Ravens last year but didn't make an impact for either team. This was pretty unforeseen as he was coming off a solid 2022 featuring his fourth straight 1,000-yard season with Minnesota. It seems Father Time may have caught up with Cook but it still seems unlikely he doesn't find a new home somewhere. Teams like the Bengals, Browns, Broncos. Raiders, Cowboys, Giants, and Commanders all have varying needs at the position and could have interest in the coming weeks and months. At this point, Cook looks like a roster clogger in dynasty leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Julio Jones Jul 12 5:13pm CT
Julio Jones

Dynasty | Wide receiver Julio Jones remains unsigned. Dynasty Analysis: Jones has spent time with the Titans, Bucs and Eagles the past three seasons but has just 66 catches for less than 800 yards and six total touchdowns over that span. This is an obvious drop in production from a player who once had a season with a 136/1,871/8 line. Jones will try to latch on somewhere as a depth player but it's hard to see him ever making a real fantasy impact again. Sadly, he belongs on waiver wires at this point in his career.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Amari Cooper Jul 12 4:13pm CT
Amari Cooper

Cleveland Browns WR Amari Cooper led all qualified pass-catchers with 13.6 yards before the catch per reception in 2023, according to Pro Football Reference. His 979 yards before the catch for the season was good for fourth.

Fantasy Spin: Both marks were easily Cooper's best since at least 2018. Cooper is more than just a deep threat, but head coach Kevin Stefanski appears to prefer using him more on deeper routes than his previous coaches - such as Jon Gruden and Mike McCarthy - did. The 30-year-old enters this training camp with a contract issue, but he should be expected to serve as the Browns' clear top receiver for at least one more year, making him a solid fantasy WR2 in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Jaylen Wright Jul 12 3:50pm CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright was selected in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft following an impressive junior season at Tennessee that saw him rush for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on a 7.4 yards-per-carry clip. Some believed Wright could have been a Day 2 selection following his 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL combine, but the Dolphins traded up in Round 4 to add him to a dynamic running back room. While Wright's workload could be limited behind Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane in Year 1, the rookie is excited about his new offense. "Just the way that they like to create space for the running backs, space for everybody," Wright said. "They got the receivers to spread everybody out to make the defenses drop back in coverages and stuff like that. That just makes it better for the running backs. Just the system and everything we do, I feel like it's perfect for me." Miami could implement a three-headed monster in the backfield of Mike McDaniel's offense, but for now, Wright should be viewed mainly as an injury stash in the case of a Mostert or Achane injury. If either player has to miss time, Wright could be an immediate flex option.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Jul 12 3:40pm CT
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence will be without last year's top wideout Calvin Ridley in 2024, but the former No. 1 overall pick believes he has a strong group of pass-catchers to work with. "We have a really dynamic group of pass catchers," Lawrence said, "We have some great tight ends. You talk about Evan (Engram), obviously, had a great year last year. He's really great with the ball in his hands. He does a lot of things to help us -- a good blocker too." He also shouted out second-year tight end Brenton Strange and wide receivers Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis, Devin Duvernay, and Brian Thomas Jr. While Ridley's departure leaves room for more uncertainty, the team could have an underrated skill group if Thomas and Davis exceed expectations in Duval County. Lawrence is generally drafted around the QB16 spot in preseason drafts, and he has enough upside to finish as a low-end QB1 in his fourth NFL campaign.

From RotoBaller

Justin Simmons Jul 12 3:30pm CT
Justin Simmons

Veteran free-agent safety Justin Simmons remains unsigned following his release by the Denver Broncos on March 7. Free agency has been open for roughly four months, but the four-time All-Pro selection is still waiting for the right fit, and he is remaining patient. "Who knows? I could sign tomorrow, I could sign two weeks into camp, I could sign the first game of the season. You just never know how these things go," Simmons said. "So, it's caused me to slow down and give up control because it's not in my control." The 2016 third-round pick out of Boston College has collected 603 tackles, 4.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, 30 interceptions (most since 2016), and 64 pass deflections in 118 games. While the 30-year-old likely isn't in his prime anymore, he can contribute to a win-now team.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Jul 12 3:20pm CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has been one of the most underrated ball carriers in fantasy football over the last few years. The former Pittsburgh Steeler remained productive in his age-28 season last year, rushing 208 times for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns and catching 27 passes for 165 yards and two touchdowns. He finished as the RB18 in PPR formats despite missing four games due to injury. Heading into 2024, Conner expects more of the same. "That's the floor," Conner said (speaking of a 1,000-yard rushing season), "I want that to be the lowest I rush for in my career going forward." While Arizona selected Florida State running back Trey Benson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Conner is expected to maintain his workhorse role, at least early in the season. The Cardinals have an ascending offense, so Conner could be a tremendous value pick at RB25 cost in preseason drafts. That said, Conner has never played a full season, so be sure to stash high-upside backs behind him if you roster him.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Jul 12 3:10pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is widely regarded as one of the best players in the NFL, and he is the current face of the Bills organization. Heading into 2024, he'll be counted on more as a leader following the departures of Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre'Davious White, among others. Left tackle Dion Dawkins said he is taking that next step. "Josh is one of those guys that will do what it takes at that moment," Dawkins said. "He's definitely a barker when that time comes. I've actually seen the bark a lot more this OTAs where he's been very, very verbal, because our team is different. It's different. We've got some young dudes that, when they come in, they see a little bit of success, and they can change, so Josh is doing exactly what he should." Allen, who has finished as the overall fantasy QB1 in three of the last four seasons, could struggle early in the season while he builds chemistry with his new supporting cast, but his rushing upside insulates his value as a high-end QB1 again in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jamal Adams Jul 12 1:33pm CT
Jamal Adams

Tennessee Titans S Jamal Adams told the The Official Titans Podcast that he does not know what his role will be with the team yet. To that end, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport openly wondered on 'The Insiders' on Thursday, July 12, if the Titans signed Adams to keep him at safety or move him to linebacker - a move the Seattle Seahawks reportedly discussed during the spring.

From TheHuddle

Ja'Lynn Polk Jul 12 1:13pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

Dynasty | Patriots rookie Ja'Lynn Polk has reportedly had a fantastic off-season thus far. Dynasty Analysis: Everyone looks good playing in shorts during the Spring but this report is notable because of the realistic fact the Patriots have one of the worst skill position groups in the NFL. Polk was overshadowed at Washington by fellow rookie Rome Odunze but it's clear he has the eyes of the New England coaching staff and looks like a solid bargain in the second round of late rookie drafts.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Sam LaPorta Jul 12 1:13pm CT
Sam LaPorta

Dynasty | Lions rookie Sam LaPorta is drawing rave reviews from rival executives. Dynasty Analysis: After an 86/889/10 rookie season, LaPorta is being touted as the overall TE1 in dynasty leagues by many. It's hard to blame anyone for that line of thinking as the 23-year old looked like a dominant weapon for much of last season. While there's a chance of a step back with anyone this young, LaPorta looks like a premier dynasty asset and nearly untouchable via trade. If you hit on LaPorta in last year's rookie draft, congratulations.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Deshaun Watson Jul 12 1:13pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Dynasty | Deshaun Watson's re-emergence is being doubted by many in the media. Dynasty Analysis: The latest report casting a shadow of doubt on Watson comes from former NFL wide receiver James Jones. The report indicates Jones (as so many others have recently) believes Watson's best days are behind him. It's hard to argue as Watson has simply not looked like an elite-level player ever since joining Cleveland on what now looks like a ridiculous contract that's paying him $230 million in guaranteed money. This will be a make or break year for Watson, who is reportedly healthy and ready to go. At this point, he's an upside QB2 but not someone to build around in a dynasty league.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Van Jefferson Jul 12 12:30pm CT
Van Jefferson

After signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency this offseason, he is in pole position to start the 2024 season as the No. 2 wideout behind George Pickens. Jefferson showed flashes of being able to handle that role in 2021 with 50 catches and 802 yards with the Los Angeles Rams, but he hasn't done much since then, which is concerning. The 27-year-old also didn't really stand out at all during offseason workouts, so he'll need to show more in training camp and the preseason to stick as the No. 2 as he competes mainly with Calvin Austin III and third-round rookie Roman Wilson. In 17 games (nine starts) with the Rams and Atlanta Falcons in 2023, Jefferson had just 20 receptions on 43 targets for 209 yards and no touchdowns. Even if he does win the WR2 job to open the year, Jefferson can probably be left to the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Jul 12 12:20pm CT
Justin Fields

The Athletic's Mark Kaboly doesn't think that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is going to beat out Russell Wilson or replace him in 2024 unless Wilson implodes, which is difficult to imagine happening. Kaboly also thinks Fields is playing /practicing for 2025 and down the road. He still has to work on his fundamentals, but the talent remains undeniable, especially his legs and his arm strength. The Chicago Bears' future first-round pick can be the Steelers' future franchise signal-caller, even if he doesn't play a down this season. The 25-year-old's rushing ability is top-notch, but his accuracy is going to need to improve at some point if he wants another chance as a starter in the NFL after Wilson's days are done in Pittsburgh. Unless Wilson tanks or gets hurt, Fields won't be on the fantasy radar in single-QB leagues in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Jul 12 12:10pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots rookie second-round wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk really impressed in offseason workouts and has a realistic chance to become the team's No. 1 wideout to open the 2024 campaign if Kendrick Bourne (knee) needs more time to recover from his ACL tear in 2023. Polk was the No. 37 overall pick in April's NFL draft not because of his speed or his size, but because he's reliable. The former Washington Husky blocks well and always knows where to be to help out his quarterback. The 22-year-old slowly started working with the offensive starters in OTAs and was a steady, reliable target in minicamp. Because of Bourne's injury and the lack of overall depth on the Patriots' WR depth chart, Polk has a real opportunity to early lots of early targets in training camp and to start his rookie season. He's probably not going to be drafted in standard 12-team redraft leagues, but Polk is a name to keep an eye on this summer.

From RotoBaller