Tue Jul 16 3:23pm ET
Field Level Media
Turnarounds are a thing of the past for the Houston Texans.
That's the message from second-year head coach DeMeco Ryans as the AFC South champions race into training camp as the first of the NFL's 32 teams to report for the start of formal preparations for the 2024 season.
Ryans' first season in Houston couldn't have gone much better.
Houston went three seasons without a playoff appearance, spanning three coaches, 38 losses and almost 1,500 days, before Ryans and rookies C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. altered the direction the Texans with a division title and wild-card playoff win over the Cleveland Browns.
Ryans wasn't content with the breakthrough.
Houston kept adding with aggressive moves from the front office to follow up general manager Nick Caserio's swings -- and big hits -- that helped land quarterback Stroud and defensive end Anderson with back-to-back picks in the 2023 draft. The Texans acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills and signed former Vikings edge rusher Danielle Hunter as the headline moves designed to help Houston keep its arrow pointing upward.
Houston's early report date is the byproduct of being featured in the annual preseason kickoff game in Canton, the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 1. The Texans face the Chicago Bears, whose veterans report Friday.
A former linebacker at Alabama and with the Texans, Ryans said he still gets first-day-of-school vibes when camp starts.
"To start back from ground zero, I love that," Ryans said. "Going back to our Day 1 fundamentals, installs, and seeing guys truly grow and seeing how far we can get before the Hall of Fame Game, see our young players get better and compete against each other. That's what I enjoy most."
Ryans said he helped counter some of the hyperbole in Houston this offseason by sharing a few statistical facts and self-witnessed realities of the NFL.
He said he told player, "I know we won some games, but guys, look, we had 10 games within one score, and these games were down to the wire and we had to find a way at the end.' That doesn't change. That's the NFL."
--Here are three training camp questions for the Texans:
1. Will there be enough targets to go around with the addition of WR Stefon Diggs?
Diggs was traded out of Buffalo because of a beefy contract -- which Houston restructured to allow Diggs to enter free agency in 2025 -- and a bristly personality that former quarterback Josh Allen dismissed as competitiveness.
Diggs was targeted 160 times last season (and 154 in 2022) but still wanted the ball more when it mattered. Nico Collins was the No. 1 target in Houston last season and led the team with 109 targets.
Stroud was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year because he was insanely accurate and efficient. He threw only five interceptions (three came in one game) by not forcing the ball and gaining early mastery of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik's system. A vocal veteran demanding the ball isn't a concern for Ryans, he insists, but will Stroud respond otherwise in the heat of the battle?
2. Is there a star on the roster deserving of more attention?
Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. began to live up to the billing as a blue-chip talent last season and only seems to be hindered by durability questions. When he's on the field, he's an elite playmaker. Note his December production, when Stingley was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month with 19 tackles, nine passes denied, three interceptions and a tackle for loss. Working against receivers Collins, Diggs and Tank Dell on a daily basis shouldn't hold him back.
3. C.J. Stroud was sacked multiple times in 10 of his 15 games played as a rookie. Can this become worrisome for the Texans?
Stroud missed two games with a concussion last season, but following a dreadful start for the offensive line, the Texans were better than average in pass protection. Stroud was sacked 11 times in his first two NFL games and that was well before the Texans turned to a heavier dose of play-action. Adding Diggs as a reliable slot option and increased usage of tight ends all helped calm the heat in the pocket.
Remember, Slowik came with Ryans from the San Francisco 49ers and his approach won't be entirely predictable. But he does want to lean more heavily on power, and give the ball to the running back, to keep defenses guessing.
When teams went hyper-aggressive last season, Stroud won consistently.
See the wild-card playoff victory over the Browns, when Stroud was 5-for-5 against the blitz for 126 yards and a touchdown for a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
Kansas City Chiefs tight ends Noah Gray and Jared Wiley "can be interchangeable within the offense as the second tight end in some formations," according to Nate Taylor of The Athletic. Gray had an impressive campaign in 2023, and although Wiley hasn't necessarily stood out in his first training camp, it sounds like the coaching staff trusts him enough to get on the field over Gray at times. Of course, the exact depth chart doesn't matter much for fantasy football purposes since Travis Kelce is the clear-cut alpha tight end and remains the only Chiefs tight end worth rostering in redraft leagues. Even if Kelce misses time in 2024, the fact that Gray and Wiley are interchangeable would make it difficult to trust either in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Nate Taylor of The Athletic projects that Kansas City Chiefs rookie Carson Steele will make the initial 53-man roster as a depth running back or primary fullback. The Chiefs seem to have hit the jackpot with Steele, an undrafted free agent whose physicality is nearly unparalleled at the running back position. Kansas City still lists him as a fullback, but he never played there at UCLA. Furthermore, Taylor projects the Chiefs to release all running backs not named Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, meaning Steele would function as the de facto RB3 in Kansas City. Regardless of the exact depth chart dynamic, Chiefs fans and fantasy football managers alike have to be very excited about what they've seen from Steele this preseason. He's an intriguing speculative addition in dynasty formats.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (shoulder) exited Sunday's preseason finale after taking a sack. He finished his day having completed two of four passes for 19 yards through the air. Drake Maye replaced Brissett and played the remainder of the first half. The Patriots are one of the few NFL teams still holding a competition for their starting quarterback job, and it remains to be seen whether Brissett's injury and Maye's extra reps Sunday could swing the pendulum in the rookie's favor. Regardless of who wins the job coming out of training camp, neither quarterback will have much appeal in redraft fantasy leagues.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos are expected to carry backup quarterbacks Zach Wilson and Jarrett Stidham on their initial 53-man roster, according to comments from head coach Sean Payton following Sunday's preseason finale. In discussing the quarterback room of Wilson, Stidham, and rookie Bo Nix, Payton said, "I see the three of them making it." Nix has already been declared the Broncos' starter, and it sounds like both Wilson and Stidham will keep their jobs, too. It's unclear which signal-caller will be given the backup designation and which quarterback will serve as the emergency third-stringer on gameday, though it's worth noting that Stidham appeared to have the edge on Wilson prior to Sunday's preseason contest. Regardless of the exact depth chart, Nix is the only Broncos quarterback worth considering for a roster spot in fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints receiver A.T. Perry hauled in two receptions for 67 yards in Sunday's preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. The second-year receiver flashed as a deep threat as a rookie and continued his impressive run of big plays this preseason. He projects as a starter in three-receiver sets with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed and is an intriguing late-round stash.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints receiver Equanimeous St. Brown had an impressive preseason showing in Sunday's loss to the Tennessee Titans as he fights for a spot on the initial 53-man roster. St. Brown hauled in three catches for 40 yards and a score in the loss, including an impressive over-the-shoulder touchdown grab from rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler. The seventh-year pro hopes to make the roster over the likes of Cedrick Wilson, Bub Means, and Mason Tipton.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson started in Sunday's preseason finale, marking his first preseason action of the year after opening training camp on the PUP list. The veteran tight end was one of the lone Saints starters to suit up for the game, and his action was short-lived as he was just targeted once. Nonetheless, it was encouraging to see Johnson on the field after missing a significant portion of training camp. He will be ready to roll in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener started in Sunday's 30-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans. The second-year pro completed 8-of-17 passes for 87 yards while also gaining six yards on a scramble. Haener was outplayed by rookie Spencer Rattler in a pivotal game for the backup quarterback job. The backup will likely be named this week with roster cutdown day on Tuesday. Haener finished the preseason with 270 passing yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler was impressive in the team's final preseason game. Rattler completed 7-of-13 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown while also scrambling twice for 13 yards. The 23-year-old had two highlight-reel passes, showcasing the ability to be a future NFL starter. It remains to be seen if he has won the backup job over second-year quarterback Jake Haener, although he outplayed his competition on Sunday. Rattler remains an intriguing dynasty league stash, given that incumbent quarterback Derek Carr appears to be on a short leash along with head coach Dennis Allen.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) is set to return to practice on Monday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. This is great news considering Pearsall has been sidelined throughout the preseason due to a lingering shoulder issue. However, there is still plenty of time for Pearsall to get ready to play before the season opener. The saga of Brandon Aiyuk is still ongoing, which makes Pearsall's value difficult to determine. He's unlikely to have great fantasy value right away, but is worth a look in deep leagues. Pearsall has a bright future, so he's worth the investment in dynasty formats or keeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) is uncertain to be available for the season opener, according to head coach Shane Steichen. Downs has been sidelined since he suffered a high-ankle sprain in early August. The 23-year-old appears to be making progress, but he still has more work to do before being ready to play. The absence of Downs is a blow to this offense considering he registered 68 receptions for 772 yards in 17 games last season. If he misses time, Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell would both see a boost in targets and fantasy value early in the season.
From RotoBaller
Denver Broncos defensive back Damarri Mathis (ankle) was removed early during Sunday's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals. Mathis had to be carted off the field after suffering what looked to be a bad ankle injury during Sunday's game. The assumption is that the Broncos will have Mathis undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. At the moment, it's uncertain if Mathis will be ready to play in the regular season opener. That being said, Riley Moss would likely be the next man up to start alongside Patrick Surtain, assuming Mathis misses time. The absence of Mathis would certainly be a hit to the Broncos secondary.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints kicker Charlie Smyth (groin) didn't suit up during Sunday's preseason contest against the Tennessee Titans. The rookie kicker has been dealing with an ongoing groin issue since Friday. Head coach Dennis Allen said that the team wanted to play it safe and hold Smyth out of this game. In his absence, Blake Grupe handled the kicking duties during the preseason finale. He connected on both his field goal attempts and made all three of his extra point attempts as well. It remains to be seen which kicker the team decides to ride with into the regular season. Grupe is probably the favorite after making 30-of-37 field goal attempts and all 40 extra point attempts during his rookie season with the Saints in 2023.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Damiere Byrd has been released by the organization on Sunday. The veteran latched onto the Bills in August after being cut by the Washington Commanders. Byrd spent most of his 2023 campaign on the practice squad with the Atlanta Falcons. He caught his lone pass of the preseason for 20 yards during Saturday's game. His best year came with the New England Patriots in 2020 when he caught 47 passes for 604 yards and one touchdown in 16 games. Since then, Byrd hasn't done anything noteworthy, so now he'll look to catch on elsewhere as depth.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Dolphins have released quarterback Mike White. Dynasty Analysis: White was signed to a two-year contract worth $8 million last season but has seemingly lost the backup job to Skylar Thompson this off-season. He had some nice moments with the Jets in the past but obviously didn't do enough to comfort the Dolphins in the event Tua Tagovailoa was to get injured again. He'll hit the free agent pool and likely resurface as a backup somewhere but the shine is clearly off White and he doesn't belong on dynasty rosters at the moment.
Dynasty | The Dolphins have released quarterback Mike White, paving the way for Skylar Thompson to be the backup quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: This is interesting as White was signed to a two-year contract worth $8 million last season. Thompson outplayed him in training camp and Miami obviously feels better about Thompson under center should Tua Tagovailoa suffer an injury or miss time. Thompson isn't an option in conventional dynasty leagues but would be worth a look in very deep 2QB formats.
Dynasty | The Jaguars have released wide receiver Denzel Mims. Dynasty Analysis: The former Jets second round pick was trying to carve out a roster spot but it wasn't meant to be in Jacksonville. Still just 25, Mims could latch on elsewhere but this is a bad sign for his career. After failing to impress with the Jets over three seasons and in short time with the Lions and Steelers as well, Mims is looking for his fourth team in less than a year. He's well off the dynasty radar at this point and has no business on a dynasty roster.
Dynasty | Browns wide receiver Jamari Thrash caught 4-of-6 targets for 73 yards and a touchdown in Cleveland's final preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: This was a much needed sign of hope for anyone who drafted Thrash late in initial dynasty rookie drafts as we hadn't heard much from him this off-season. Unfortunately, it may be a little too late as the Browns could have their depth chart relatively settled. If Thrash can crack the final roster, he's a good candidate for a deep league roster spot.
Dynasty | Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker completed 12-of-20 passes for 114 yards with a touchdown and an interception, adding 93 rushing yards in the Lions final preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: Hooker really hasn't been impressive this off-season after missing all of 2023 rehabbing his injury. At this point, it looks like he's lost the backup job to Nate Sudfeld and his roster spot is in jeopardy. Hooker's status will be one to watch in the coming weeks as he'd likely latch on somewhere but getting released would be a bad sign for his future dynasty prospects.
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't concerned about the health of quarterback Deshaun Watson (arm). He didn't suit up for the team's preseason finale versus the Seattle Seahawks. However, Stefanski downplayed any speculation regarding Watson's "arm soreness," stating he feels "great" about the signal-caller's health. In addition, Stefanski expects Watson to participate fully in upcoming practices, although he's already comfortable with the amount of work his quarterback has put in this offseason. While the coach isn't concerned, the same can't be said for fantasy managers, considering Watson's limited time on the field in the last few seasons. But the Browns open the season in a few weeks against the Cowboys, so many questions will get answered.
From RotoBaller