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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Rams bringing back DB John Johnson III

Thu Jul 4 2:52pm ET
Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to terms with defensive back John Johnson III, the team announced Thursday.

Johnson, 28, returned to the Rams in 2023 after an initial four-year stint there followed by two seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He played in 17 games last season (eight starts) and made 42 tackles with two interceptions and six pass breakups.

The Rams selected Johnson in the third round of the 2017 draft out of Boston College. He has 392 tackles, 10 interceptions, 38 pass breakups, eight tackles for loss and one forced fumble in 71 career regular-season games (56 starts) for the Rams.

He also has played in seven playoff games (all starts) for Los Angeles and made 42 tackles with one interception.

Johnson signed as a free agent with Cleveland in 2021 and he totaled 162 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and five tackles for loss in 32 games (all starts) from 2021-22.

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Player Notes
J.J. McCarthy Aug 13 12:10pm CT
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) missed training camp practice on Monday with knee soreness, and tests revealed a meniscus issue that will require surgery. As with most meniscus surgeries, there will be a determination made during the procedure to either trip or repair. A trim would mean out for only a few weeks, but a full repair would mean many months on the sidelines. Regardless of which outcome it is for the 21-year-old 12th overall pick in this year's draft, he will not be opening his rookie campaign as Minnesota's starting QB. Instead, that designation will fall to former first-rounder Sam Darnold, who opened training camp listed as the QB1 on the unofficial depth chart. The Vikings hope McCarthy is their future franchise signal-caller, but they were already slow-playing his development, and this injury will push back his timetable.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 13 11:10am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (leg) was carted off the practice field on Tuesday following a kickoff drill, team beat reporter Pat Leonard reported on X. Leonard wrote that the injury looked bad, and Tracy had an air cast put on his leg. This is an unfortunate development for the 2024 fifth-round pick, as he has been making waves in training camp thus far. There will surely be further updates on his status, but if he has to miss time, it could clear an easier path for Eric Gray to occupy the RB2 role behind veteran Devin Singletary. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for updates.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Aug 13 10:23am CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

ESPN reporter Jordan Raanan is reporting rookie RB Tyrone Tracy just went down untouched on a kickoff return. The cart is out and they are putting his leg in an air cast.

Hunter Henry Aug 13 9:40am CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (unspecified) won't practice Tuesday. Head coach Jerod Mayo says he doesn't anticipate it being a long-term injury. The issue reportedly emerged during Sunday's practice, leading to Henry sitting out on Monday and now being set to miss at least one more session. After being rested for the preseason opener, he seems unlikely to play in Thursday's exhibition against the Eagles. However, the Patriots don't appear overly concerned about his availability for Week 1. Henry, who signed a three-year deal with New England in 2021, was a top offseason priority for Eliot Wolf, who secured a new three-year contract for him just before he hit free agency. The deal includes a base salary of $27 million, with a maximum value of $30 million, reflecting the franchise's high regard for him. Over his first three seasons with the Patriots, Henry averaged 44 receptions, 510 receiving yards, and six touchdowns per year. Despite experiencing standout games and periods of inconsistency, his production has been solid, especially considering the turnover in offensive coordinators and inconsistent quarterback play. Additionally, New England's offensive line struggles often required him to stay in as an extra blocker. A two-time Pro Bowler, Austin Hooper appears poised to take over as the primary backup, replacing Mike Gesicki from last season. If Henry returns to full health, he could be a reliable bye-week replacement tight end.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Aug 13 9:20am CT
Malik Nabers

Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (ankle) underwent a complete evaluation for his ankle injury, and head coach Brian Daboll confirmed that he's "good" and the issue is not "long-term." Daboll indicated that while Nabers will miss some practice time, he's not expected to be sidelined for an extended period. Nabers, who has stood out as New York's top receiver this summer, suffered the injury during a drill at Sunday's practice and was absent from Monday's sessionthe first practice he has missed since being selected as the No. 6 pick in the NFL draft out of LSU. During his absence, Veteran Darius Slayton stepped into Nabers' role as the X receiver. Daboll declined to provide a diagnosis, confirming that the tests didn't reveal a serious injury. There seem to be no significant concerns for Week 1. Nabers might be held out of the remaining two preseason games. Still, his rising ADP in recent weeks underscores the importance of his return to full health for fantasy managers hoping to see him reach his potential.

From RotoBaller

Darius Robinson Aug 13 9:10am CT
Darius Robinson

Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon has confidently stated that first-round pick Darius Robinson has a "1,000 percent" chance of earning a starting role. The rookie defensive lineman, selected 27th overall by the Cardinals, made a strong impression in his preseason debut against the New Orleans Saints. Robinson's performance included a tackle and a quarterback pressure in ten snaps during the Cardinals' 16-14 loss on Saturday. His first play saw him tackle running back Alvin Kamara, marking his initial impact on the game. Robinson reflected on this moment, saying, "I'm ready to give my all each day, but it really hit me when I tackled Kamara. It was like, 'Alright, I'm here, ready, and focused.'" While Bilal Nichols and Justin Jones seem to be the leading candidates for the starting defensive end spots, Robinson's high draft position suggests he will be a crucial player for the Cardinals in the future. When he assumes a starting role, it may depend on his continued performance and development.

From RotoBaller

Chase Claypool Aug 13 8:50am CT
Chase Claypool

The Buffalo Bills have placed wide receiver Chase Claypool (toe) on IR, ending his season. Signed to a one-year deal during the offseason, Claypool had previously struggled with the Dolphins and Bears, recording just eight receptions for 77 yards and one touchdown over 12 games. Originally listed as a day-to-day concern, Claypool missed most of training camp due to a toe injury sustained on July 28. Claypool will not play this season unless he secures an injury settlement with the Bills and becomes a free agent. With Claypool sidelined, veteran wide receivers Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling emerge as the top contenders for depth roles in Buffalo's receiving corps.

From RotoBaller

Martavis Bryant Aug 13 8:40am CT
Martavis Bryant

The Washington Commanders have signed veteran wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Bryant, who has not played in an NFL game since 2018, spent time on the Cowboys' practice squad last season following his reinstatement from an indefinite suspension. Known for multiple suspensions due to substance abuse violations, Bryant last saw action in the XFL during its 2023 season. He was a fourth-round pick by the Steelers in 2014 and played three seasons with Pittsburgh before being traded to the Raiders. The Raiders released him after the preseason but re-signed him a few weeks later, completing the final year of his four-year, $2.7 million rookie contract and becoming a free agent in 2019. In his NFL career, Bryant has appeared in 44 games, recording 145 receptions for 2,183 yards and 17 touchdowns. If he can recapture some of his old form, he could provide a significant boost as a big-play receiver for new quarterback Jayden Daniels.

From RotoBaller

Javonte Williams Aug 13 7:47am CT
Javonte Williams

Dynasty | Broncos running back Javonte Williams rushed 4 times for 15 yards and caught 1-of-2 targets for 5 yards in Denver's preseason opener. Dynasty Analysis: Even better, he looked like the clear starter and number one option for Denver. While Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime and possibly even Samaje Perine or Blake Watson nay be pushing him, it's evident Williams is in the lead and has a stranglehold on the position at the moment. Williams looks like a relatively cheap buy in dynasty leagues at the moment.

Robbie Chosen Aug 13 12:13am CT
Robbie Chosen

The San Francisco 49ers officially signed free-agent WR Robbie Chosen (Dolphins) to a one-year contract on Monday, Aug. 12.

From TheHuddle

Davante Adams Aug 12 10:20pm CT
Davante Adams

The Las Vegas Raiders are getting wide receiver Davante Adams (personal) back at training camp this week. The three-time first-team All-Pro left the team in camp in Costa Mesa after six practices this summer -- he missed the final five practices and the preseason opener on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings -- to return to Las Vegas for the birth of his son. "Davante will be here today," head coach Antonio Pierce said on Sunday. "Spoke to him after the game. He's excited. He watched it. He misses his teammates. Glad baby boy is here, healthy." It remains to be seen if the 31-year-old will suit up in the team's second preseason contest this Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys. Adams had a fourth straight 1,000-yard season in his second year in Sin City in 2023, but his 1,144 receiving yards and eight TDs were his fewest in those categories since 2019. He's still a WR1 in fantasy, but he's on the low end of that tier with either Gardner Minshew or Aidan O'Connell running the offense.

From RotoBaller

Carlton Davis Aug 12 9:43pm CT
Carlton Davis

Detroit Lions CB Carlton Davis (undisclosed), LB James Houston (undisclosed), DL Alim McNeill (undisclosed), LB DaRon Gilbert (undisclosed) and S Morice Norris (undisclosed) did not practice on Monday, Aug. 12.

From TheHuddle

Stetson Bennett Aug 12 9:13pm CT
Stetson Bennett

Dynasty | Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett completed 24-of-38 passes for 224 yards with one touchdown and four interceptions in the Rams preseason opener. Dynasty Analysis: Even the most enthusiastic Bennett truthers have to face reality after this one as he's going to have a hard time making the final roster with Jimmy Garoppolo in the fold as well. Bennett simply hasn't progressed quite enough to look like an NFL-level quarterback despite his success in college. It's tough to keep him on taxi squads at this point.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jalen Brooks Aug 12 9:13pm CT
Jalen Brooks

Dynasty | Cowboys wide receiver Jalen Brooks caught two passes for 49 yards in the Cowboys season opener. Dynasty Analysis: Brooks has been pushing Jalen Tolbert all camp and his production came while working mostly with the first unit, which is even better. Brooks may not quite be worth a roster add in shallow leagues but this has quickly become a competition to watch in Dallas.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Isaac Yiadom Aug 12 8:43pm CT
Isaac Yiadom

San Francisco 49ers CB Isaac Yiadom (ankle) is about a week away from returning to practice, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan.

From TheHuddle

Jahmyr Gibbs Aug 12 8:20pm CT
Jahmyr Gibbs

Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (hamstring) suffered a hamstring injury at Monday night's training camp practice, according to a source. We still don't have a firm diagnosis on the severity of Gibbs' hamstring injury, but this could certainly be an injury that puts the 22-year-old second year back's availability for the start of the 2024 regular season in a couple of weeks in question. Especially in PPR fantasy leagues, he entered training camp as a midrange RB1 after a promising first year in the NFL in which he finished as the RB10 in half-PPR setups. However, fantasy managers would be wise to knock Gibbs down a few pegs now on their RB1 rankings, while backfield mate David Montgomery's current Yahoo ADP of 48.9 is surely to go up in the coming days and weeks. Check back a more clear timeline of when Gibbs could get back on the field.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Hamilton Aug 12 8:00pm CT
Kyle Hamilton

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) is dealing with a minor knee sprain and is "good" after getting injured in Sunday's training camp practice. Hamilton might miss a bit of practice time this week as a result, but he appears to have avoided a significant knee injury and should be ready to go to kick off the 2024 regular season on Thursday Night Football against the defending Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs in early September. The 23-year-old former 14th overall pick in 2022 out of Notre Dame will be one of the first defensive backs to come off the board in IDP fantasy leagues after he produced 81 tackles (63 solo), three sacks, 10 tackles for loss, four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 13 pass breakups and a forced fumble in 15 regular-season starts in 2023 to earn All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

From RotoBaller

Arnold Ebiketie Aug 12 7:50pm CT
Arnold Ebiketie

The Atlanta Falcons placed rookie third-round outside linebacker Bralen Trice (knee) on Injured Reserve on Sunday after he tore his ACL in the preseason opener on Friday against the Miami Dolphins, according to sources. Trice had impressed early on in camp and had been running with the first-team defense, which makes his season-ending injury even all the more devastating. His focus will shift to recovering fully in time for the start of the 2025 season. The 23-year-old former Washington Husky would have had a significant role in Atlanta's defense right away in his rookie season, but now he'll have to wait until next year to make an impact. Trice's injury will put more pressure on outside linebackers Arnold Ebiketie and Lorenzo Carter to perform in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Arik Armstead Aug 12 7:43pm CT
Arik Armstead

Jacksonville Jaguars DT Arik Armstead (knee) could be activated from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list at some point next week, according to head coach Doug Pederson.

From TheHuddle