Tue Jul 9 9:01pm ET
Field Level Media
NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans, sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl, which has left more than 2 million residents without power and caused deaths in Texas and Louisiana.
The hurricane, which made landfall on Monday as a Category 1 with winds whipping over 80 mph, left roads covered in debris and caused flood damage.
NRG Stadium has holes in its retractable roof, with aerial photographs showing at least three panels missing.
"Like many of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast region, NRG Park sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl, including to the roof of NRG Stadium," NRG Park CEO and executive director Ryan M. Walsh said in a statement on Tuesday. "(Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation) officials are collaborating with state, county and city officials to assist with recovery efforts throughout the region. ...
"While we assist with these efforts, we are also assessing the extent of damages to NRG Park facilities. We look forward to seeing our neighbors at NRG Park soon as we return to normal operations."
The Texans, who start training camp on July 18, have two road games on their preseason schedule before facing the New York Giants on Aug. 17 at NRG Stadium. Houston's home opener for the regular season is Sept. 15 against the Chicago Bears.
The Houston Astros' home baseball stadium, Minute Maid Park, did not sustain serious damage from Hurricane Beryl, with Tuesday night's home game against the Miami Marlins remaining as scheduled.
The Texans had to postpone their home opener against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 season after Hurricane Ike, a Category 2 storm, damaged the stadium and led to repairs for five sections of the roof.
There have been concerns about Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin's stationary preseason usage in Kliff Kingsbury's offense, but ESPN's John Keim doesn't think it should be a big talking point since the Commanders aren't going to show everything they plan to do in preseason contests. Keim doesn't think McLaurin will be stationary on the outside once the regular season begins, and McLaurin has even said himself that he's playing more of the slot this year. It especially makes sense for Washington to move the 28-year-old pass-catcher around because they are looking for other wideouts to step up behind him so far in training camp and the preseason. McLaurin had a fourth straight 1,000-yard season in 2023 but also posted career-lows in yards per catch (12.7) and yards per target (7.6). If his target share improves, McLaurin could be a steal as a WR3/flex in 12-team leagues, but he'll also be working with a rookie QB.
From RotoBaller
The Dallas Cowboys are signing veteran defensive tackle Linval Joseph, who played with the Buffalo Bills last season. In his return to defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer's system, Joseph will receive $2.5 million guaranteed, potentially earning up to $4 million. Now entering his 15th NFL season, Joseph has previously played for the New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Buffalo Bills. A two-time Pro Bowler from East Carolina, Joseph won a Super Bowl with the 2011 Giants as a starting defensive tackle. Last season, he recorded 12 tackles and one sack in seven games with Buffalo, joining the team as a free agent in early November. This move is part of the Cowboys' effort to strengthen their defensive line during training camp, joining new additions like Jordan Phillips, Carl Lawson, and Al-Quadin Muhammad. The Cowboys' ability to build a formidable line around All-Pro Micah Parsons could make their defense a strong option in fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) remains in the concussion protocol more than a week after sustaining the injury during an August 12 practice. Ward has yet to return to practice, and Coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed on Wednesday that he was diagnosed with a concussion. This marks Ward's fifth documented concussion since being drafted by the Browns in 2018. Last season, Ward played 13 games, recording 34 tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and 11 defended passes. Recovery from a concussion involves rest and time, with no specific treatment to hasten healing. While Ward is sidelined, expect Cameron Mitchell and Tony Brown to see increased roles with the Browns' first-team defense. The Cleveland Browns defense is highly regarded for 2024 and could be a valuable late-round fantasy pick, though losing Ward would be a significant setback.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Press Taylor is enthusiastic about rookie first-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr.'s progress, stating, "You can see his development and the player he's becoming. He's already showing more than we saw before, and he's still far from reaching his peak, even two weeks or 18 weeks from now." This is promising news, especially given earlier reports that Thomas was lagging in camp. The Jaguars traded down from No. 17 to No. 23 in the 2024 NFL draft to select Thomas, making him the fourth receiver off the board and initiating a receiver surge in the final 10 picks of the first round. Thomas had a standout college career, catching 28 passes for 359 yards and two touchdowns in 2021, followed by 31 catches for 361 yards and five touchdowns in 2022, and then a breakout 2023 season with 68 catches for 1,177 yards and 17 touchdowns. While Thomas may not be the safest weekly option compared to others, he's a strong pick if you're looking for a potential WR4 or WR5 to develop into a significant contributor later in the season.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell (foot) left practice with a potential foot injury. Sewell was hurt on the third play after the Lions returned from a simulated halftime. He briefly sat on the ground following a block on a Jared Goff incompletion and was attended to by trainers before limping to the sideline, where they examined his left foot after he removed his shoe and sock. A few plays later, Sewell hobbled to the locker room with the help of a trainer. Sewell, who has started 50 of 51 games over the past three seasons at both tackle positions, has played every offensive snap in the last two years, made two consecutive Pro Bowls, and signed a four-year, $112 million extension this offseason, making him the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL. If Sewell is sidelined for an extended period, it would significantly impact Detroit's offense, especially their strong running game with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, as Sewell is one of the league's top run-blockers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen is concerned about Kendre Miller's (hamstring) availability. Allen noted, "All I can go off of is what I've been able to evaluate, and frankly, since we drafted him, there hasn't been much new information other than what I saw on college tape because he hasn't been available." The 2023 third-round pick has struggled with knee, hamstring, and ankle issues as a rookie and is still sidelined by a new hamstring injury after leaving the first training camp practice early. Allen added, "He's talented, but I'm unsure if he can grasp the system because I haven't seen him on the field." With Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams likely starting the season as the top running backs and Miller sidelined, the No. 3 spot will be filled by either Jordan Mims, James Robinson, or a new addition after cuts.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) participated in team drills on Wednesday, marking his most complete practice in over a week, though his reps were still limited. Head coach Dennis Allen expressed confidence in the team's running back depth, stating, "I think we've got guys that can play in the NFL, so that's not a concern of mine." Despite missing four games last seasonthree due to suspensionKamara finished second among running backs in receptions (75) and targets (86). He averaged 89.2 scrimmage yards per game, scored six touchdowns, and caught a career-high 87.2% of his targets. Apart from concerns about age and potential injury, Kamara is poised to be a solid RB2 in drafts, particularly in PPR leagues, if he remains healthy leading up to the season.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson (ankle) and rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu (knee) will not suit up for the preseason finale on Saturday against the Detroit Lions. Wilson sprained his ankle almost three weeks ago and will end up not playing at all in the preseason. Fautanu sprained his knee in the preseason opener but said on Tuesday that he expects to be physically ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener, where he's likely to start at right tackle. Wilson, a 23-year-old third-round pick, has lost plenty of important developmental time this summer heading into his first year in the NFL, but he could still have a substantial role eventually given Pittsburgh's lack of receiving depth behind George Pickens. For now, though, fantasy managers in standard 12-team leagues can probably avoid him on draft day.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running backs Elijah Mitchell (hamstring), Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) and Patrick Taylor Jr. (undisclosed) have all returned to training camp practices in the last two days. The only Niners running back out of practice still is starter Christian McCaffrey (calf), but he's been doing heavy work on the side. Mitchell will now try to hold off Jordan Mason for the RB2 role in San Fran. Although McCaffrey will end up missing the entire preseason, the 49ers aren't worried that he'll miss the start of the regular season. The 26-year-old former sixth-rounder in 2021 out of Louisiana would become a weekly fantasy option if CMC were to miss extended time, but Mitchell has battled injury issues of his own in his three years in the NFL and has played in a total of 27 games (12 starts) since entering the league. Guerendo is behind in his development heading into his rookie year, but he, too, could be a threat to Mitchell's spot on the depth chart eventually in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (arm) was removed from practice early on Wednesday due to "general arm soreness," according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The Browns' head coach, Kevin Stefanski, later said that this was a precautionary move and that he's "not overly concerned." Watson has missed most of the last few NFL seasons due to injuries and issues off the field, but he was a fantasy superstar back in 2020 with the Houston Texans, throwing for a league-high 4,823 yards and a career-high 33 touchdowns. The Browns organization and fantasy managers alike now hope that the 28-year-old can regain that form and have a productive season as the team's QB1, but until that happens, he's best drafted as a QB2 with upside.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Keene (knee) tore his ACL in Saturday's preseason game against the New York Giants and will be out for the entire 2024 season. He was placed on injured reserve. This is a tough blow for the former third-round pick, projected to make Houston's Week 1 roster. Keene will now hopefully go through a successful rehab and compete once again for a roster spot in 2025. This doesn't change too much about the Texans' current TE situation, as Dalton Schultz remains the team's No.1 option at that position.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Pierre Strong Jr. (ribs) went into an ambulance on Wednesday after individual drills. It was then later reported by Cleveland's head coach Kevin Stefanski that Strong suffered a rib injury. There are no more details yet. However, it's a good sign that Strong was able to walk off the field himself. Either way, the 25-year-old is listed as the fourth running back on the Browns' unofficial depth chart, behind Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman, and Nick Chubb (knee) when he returns. Strong is not slated to have a huge fantasy impact in 2024, but if he is healthy, monitor his number of touches compared to the rest of Cleveland's running backs.
From RotoBaller
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.
According to Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, quarterback Trey Lance will be on the 53-man roster to start the season. Lance, selected third overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the San Fransisco 49ers, has had a rough start to his career and entered training camp as the Cowboys' QB3. However, Lance has had a good training camp and has been impressive so far in the preseason. In two games, he has completed 40-for-64 (62.5%) of his pass attempts for 339 passing yards, 78 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns. Lance is currently battling Cooper Rush to be the backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott. If he keeps up his improved performance, he may enter Week 1 as Dallas' second-string quarterback.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks (undisclosed) left practice early on Wednesday after landing hard. As he was leaving with a trainer, he held his back/hip area but was still walking on his own. Burks, a former first-round pick back in 2022, has yet to play an entire season in the NFL, having only played 11 games in both of his first two seasons (due to head and knee injuries). Still, while he has played, he has been moderately productive, having caught 49 passes for 665 yards (13.6 Y/R) in his 22 career games. Even if Burks avoids a severe injury, he is mainly a dynasty league or deep-league stash for now.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson says most of the team's starters will play in the preseason finale on Saturday against the hosting Detroit Lions at Ford Field. It's become a compelling storyline out of Steelers training camp as to whether Wilson or Justin Fields will be the Week 1 starter against the Atlanta Falcons, and Saturday's final exhibition outing will mark the last chance for the two signal-callers to make their case for the QB1 job. Pittsburgh's offense under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is set to be one of the NFL's run-heaviest units no matter who's under center in 2024, and while Wilson, 35, offers the attack a veteran stabilizing presence, Fields scored the fifth-most fantasy points per dropback (0.58) among qualifiers last year and would certainly be the more appealing fantasy play of the two if he gets the nod.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (undisclosed) is back practicing on Wednesday in training camp. Cooper left last Thursday's practice with soreness, but he's back on the field for the Browns on Wednesday after only participating in walkthroughs in Tuesday's session. The 30-year-old fantasy stalwart is back on track toward making an appearance in Saturday's preseason finale against the hosting Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. After collecting the third-most yards per reception (17.4) among qualifiers at his position last year, Cooper is primed to act as quarterback Deshaun Watson's alpha target and a steady WR2 option for fantasy managers once again in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton has named rookie quarterback Bo Nix the starter for the regular-season opener on Sept. 8 against the hosting Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. After shining by completing eight of his nine passes for 80 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's preseason win over the Green Bay Packers, Nix has forced the hand of the coaching staff to thrust him right under center for Week 1. The 24-year-old Oregon standout was the No. 12 overall pick in the NFL Draft, and while he's more of a QB2 for fantasy purposes to begin the year, Nix's presence will certainly offer Denver's offense far more upside over Jarrett Stidham or Zach Wilson. There should be plenty of ups and downs for Nix in Year 1, but the Broncos' offense becomes more exciting all around with this decision.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (foot) was back at practice on Monday, which is a good sign, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes this injury may linger into the regular season. Herbert is recovering from a plantar fascia problem in his right foot, and there's a chance his mobility will be limited until he's fully healed from the issue at some point later this year. On top of that, the 26-year-old star signal-caller missed nearly three weeks worth of valuable reps in training camp as he acclimates to new head coach Jim Harbaugh's offensive scheme. After seeing most of his previous top targets from last season depart this offseason, Herbert is trending down for fantasy purposes and heading into 2024 as a borderline QB1/2.
From RotoBaller