Training Camp Preview: NFC West
Thu Jul 10 2:30pm ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Walker could be huge if healthy
This is the fourth 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.
49ers
The 49ers were a big disappointment last year after several great years of success. They had all sorts of injury issues, though, especially offensively. If that unit can stay healthy, a nice rebound season could be in store for San Francisco. Much of camp should be focused on Christian McCaffrey, who might be the best overall player in the game when healthy. So the 49ers will need him on the field for a full season if the team hopes to get back to big things once again. McCaffrey and his teammates get camp started July 15 at the SAP Performance Facility in Santa Clara, Calif.
Position battle: The 49ers don’t have a lot to sort out at their major positions but they do have a kicker battle on their hands. Jake Moody just hasn’t been great since becoming the 49ers kicker. He has been up and down. The 49ers brought in veteran Greg Joseph for competition for Moody. These two will battle out for the right to be the No. 1 kicker for the 49ers.
Injury watch: Brandon Aiyuk is returning from a major knee injury, tearing both his ACL and MCL. He is making good progress, though. He was hurt in October of last year, so he has been recovering for a bit now. There is a small chance he is ready for Week 1 but likely will be out a few weeks of the season before returning. This is an injury to watch because Aiyuk is now the clear top receiver in a good offense with Deebo Samuel gone. He can make a fantasy impact when healthy.
Rams
The Rams just win games, making the playoffs once again last season. The big change this offseason was at receiver, seeing them switch out Cooper Kupp for Davante Adams. This should be an upgrade because of Kupp’s injury issues the last few seasons, but it also could cause some tension with Adams used to being the top receiver in an offense. He has Puka Nacua now to compete with for targets. And Nacua is the top dog in this offense. It will be interesting to see how Adams handles that. It might be the storyline of camp for the Rams. The Rams start camp July 22 at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.
Position battle: The Rams have a battle on their hands at tight end for the first time in a long time. Tyler Higbee has been the starter for a long time in Los Angeles, but the Rams brought in some competition for him this year, drafting Terrance Ferguson. He is a talented pass catcher than can stretch the field in a hurry. If Ferguson hopes to start, he will need to improve his work as a blocker. If that happens, he could unseat Higbee sooner than later.
Injury watch: Tight end Tyler Higbee was slow to recover from surgery on his knee and shoulder last offseason, which forced him to miss all but three games. He seems healthy for this year but is 32 years old and battled some injury issues in recent years. His health will be something to watch during camp. If he looks slowed at all, it could really hurt his chances to be the No. 1 tight end in Los Angeles.
Seahawks
The Seahawks made a lot of big changes offensively this offseason. This should be the story of camp. Seattle is without longtime receivers Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. Jaxon Smith-Njigba takes over as the new No. 1 and Cooper Kupp was brought in to start alongside him. And the Seahawks also made a change at quarterback, bringing in Sam Darnold to be their starter. There is a lot of new offensively in Seattle, making it the storyline to watch. The offense and the rest of the team get it going July 15 at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Wash.
Position battle: The Seahawks are another team that addressed the tight end position during the draft, picking Elijah Arroyo in the second round. He should compete with Noah Fant immediately for the starting job in Seattle. Fant is the well established veteran but is pretty ho-hum at this stage of his career. If Arroyo can give the offense a spark, he will get a chance to start over Fant. But like many young tight ends, Arroyo will need to improve his blocking if he hopes to get the starter’s job.
Injury watch: Kenneth Walker suffered an ankle injury this offseason and has been limited in offseason practices. The Seahawks say it is minor but you have to be somewhat concerned based on his injury history. Walker always seems to be dealing with some sort of injury. You will want to make sure this ankle injury isn’t still lingering as training camp opens. He doesn’t need to be going into the season hurt.
Cardinals
The Cardinals missed out on the playoffs last season but had a respectable 8-9 record. The big story of camp might be the connection between Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr., who didn’t seem to be on the same page last year. This led to a disappointing season for Harrison in year one. He could end up being a great buy-low candidate for this year, though, if things start to click between Murray and Harrison. We will get to see these two in action starting July 22 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Position battle: The Cardinals lack some top options at receiver behind Marvin Harrison Jr. He is the clear No. 1 but after that, there are a host of players looking to move up the depth chart and get consistent targets for the Cardinals. Michael Wilson started last year but he wasn’t overly impressive with his workload. He will need to show something in camp and preseason action if he hopes to continue to start. After him, you have Greg Dortch, Zay Jones and Xavier Weaver vying for playing time.
Injury watch: James Conner suffered a knee injury late last season and missed the final game. It seems the injury was pretty minor, though, and he should be a full go for training camp. Conner is 30 years old and has a ton of carries under his belt, so his health will be something to watch before the start of the season. You just never know with a back at this stage of his career.
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.
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- Aaron Rodgers passes Brett Favre on all-time TD list
- Texans' Derek Stingley Jr. departs game vs. Jaguars after rib injury
- 49ers downgrade Brock Purdy, Jauan Jennings to out vs. Cardinals
- Eagles RT Lane Johnson (neck) injured vs. Rams
- Commanders LG Brandon Coleman benched, inactive vs. Raiders
- Packers TE Tucker Kraft active; Browns RT Jack Conklin inactive
- WR Xavier Gipson now cut by both New York teams in two weeks
- Broncos LB Dre Greenlaw (thigh) on short-term IR
- Ravens star DT Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) ruled out vs. Lions
- Bears CB Jaylon Johnson (groin) headed to IR
- Browns' Andre Szmyt cleared to kick vs. Packers
- Colts CB Charvarius Ward, TE Tyler Warren to play vs. Titans
- Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (shoulder) ruled out vs. Giants
- Falcons release kicker Younghoe Koo, turn to Parker Romo
- 49ers expect to start Mac Jones again with Brock Purdy questionable
- Giants LT Andrew Thomas hopes to return vs. Chiefs
- Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. 'good' to go vs. Texans
- Browns K Andre Szmyt injures calf in practice
- Bengals QB Joe Burrow recovering from toe surgery
- Dolphins expect TE Darren Waller to return in Week 4
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The Paur Report
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (foot) has officially been ruled out for his team's Week 3 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Charbonnet is the team's leader in rush attempts (27) heading into Week 3. His absence should mean a significant increase in workload for Seattle running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker III has a touchdown and 125 rushing yards so far this season, 105 of which came in Week 2 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Charbonnet officially inactive, Walker III is a must-start fantasy running back in Week 3.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith is a healthy scratch for his team's Week 3 matchup with the Denver Broncos, per The Athletic's Daniel Popper. Lambert-Smith has not recorded an NFL catch and saw just one target across the Chargers' first two games of 2025. He's currently buried on the Chargers depth chart at wide receiver behind Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis, and fellow rookie Tre' Harris. Lambert-Smith should remain off the radar of fantasy managers in redraft leagues.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (head) is being evaluated for a head injury and is questionable to return to his team's Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Mayer had one target in the game before getting injured. If he is unable to return, it could mean an increase in snaps for star Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers. Third-string Raiders tight end Ian Thomas could also step into Mayer's role, particularly as an in-line blocker.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) has a ligament sprain that prevented him from playing Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders, according to FOX's Jay Glazer. The sophomore quarterback is able to move forward, but the injury has hampered his ability to move side-to-side, according to Glazer. In the meantime, Washington will start veteran backup Marcus Mariota while Daniels recovers.
From RotoBaller
The San Francisco 49ers officially ruled out quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) from playing in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Iowa State product was initially feared to be out for upwards of a month, but made a late push to return earlier than expected. In any case, the 49ers will exercise caution and keep Purdy out for at least another week. Mac Jones will earn another start in his absence.
From RotoBaller
With wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) injured, the San Francisco 49ers likely will turn to new addition Kendrick Bourne as a starter, coach Kyle Shanahan said. The 49ers also will be playing without tight end George Kittle (hamstring) and quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) in the game, giving Bourne some streaming appeal for managers who are in a bind without Jennings. In most formats, however, managers should likely look elsewhere for a starting wide receiver.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) has officially undergone surgery and is hopeful to make a return around mid-December, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. For now, Cincinnati will turn to backup Jake Browning in Burrow's absence and hope to stay afloat in time to make a run at the NFL playoffs. Burrow's injury was a tough one for fantasy managers, who drafted the QB to be an every-week starter and didn't even get two full games. A return could happen within fantasy playoffs, but managers are going to have to lean on their bench or a trade in the meantime.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (illness) is expected to play Sunday against the New Orleans Saints, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The star receiver was added to the injury report due to the ailment and is listed as questionable, but Schefter reported that the team wanted to see how he felt, hence the late addition. Now that it seems like Smith-Njigba will play, fantasy managers can rest assured that a WR1 candidate can be locked into starting lineups.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson (elbow) will be active for the first time this season when his team visits the Titans in Week 3. Goodson is expected to compete with DJ Giddens for work behind Jonathan Taylor, although Taylor played 93% of the team's snaps in Week 2 and will stay the focal point of the offense. Goodson could work his way into a meaningful role as a deep-league flier or a handcuff to Taylor if he can pass up Giddens, who got some work in Week 1 in a lopsided win, but didn't get a touch in Week 2 against the Broncos. Keep an eye on how any work is divided between the backups, or if Taylor just features full-time.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson will not play in Week 3 against the Vikings, after being listed as a healthy inactive. Hudson has yet to play an offensive snap for the Bengals this season although he was active each week. Instead of Hudson, tight end Cam Grandy will be active, and since he's more of a blocking specialist, that could mean the Bengals are planning to go more run-heavy if the game script allows against the Vikings. Hudson and Grandy are well off the fantasy football radar, but the switch in inactives could indicate a big workload is coming for Chase Brown.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns wide receiver DeAndre Carter (concussion) and kicker Andre Szmyt (calf) are both active and ready to go for Week 3's matchup against the Packers. Carter had to leave last week's game with a concussion, and Szmyt popped up on the injury report on Friday with a calf injury. He underwent an MRI, but everything looked good, so he's available as an emergency option at the position if needed. Carter has not played an offensive snap yet for the Browns, but he is an important special teams contributor, and he should be back in that role on Sunday after clearing the concussion protocol.
From RotoBaller
Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Berrios missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury but was able to return to practice this past week. He and Christian Kirk (hamstring) are ready to join the young Texans' receiving options behind Nico Collins, but Berrios won't make his Texans debut in Week 3, since he was listed as inactive. Rookie Jaylin Noel will continue to do work as a return specialist with Berrios inactive, while Kirk will work as the primary slot option with Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, and rookie Jayden Higgins all ahead of Berrios on the depth chart for now.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Kalel Mullings (ankle) and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed (back) are active in Week 3 against the Colts. Mullings was limited in practice this past week and listed as questionable. He originally injured his ankle in Week 1's loss to the Broncos and was inactive in Week 2 against the Colts. The rookie running back didn't get a touch in Week 1 and seems to be mainly a special teams contributor at this point in his career. Sneed missed practice this week with a back injury, but he'll be able to play as well, which is especially important since the team's second CB, Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (ankle), is not active, leaving a rotation at the corner spot opposite Sneed against the Colts. The Titans' banged-up corners could improve the matchup for Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs as the Colts look to move to 3-0 on the season.
From RotoBaller
According to Tracy Wolfson of CBS, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is targeting a return in Week 7 following their week 6. Wolfson noted that McCarthy was not placed on IR and should be in the mix to return following their Week 6 bye. Managers should continue to monitor his status, as it appears the second-year QB is not expected to miss an extended period. While he remains sidelined, NFL journeyman Carson Wentz is slated to serve as Minnesota's QB1. During his first two games of his NFL career, McCarthy struggled to find much consistency as he went 24-for-41 with just 301 yards and a modest 2:3 TD:INT. However, since he missed his entire rookie season due to a meniscus tear, he may see some growing pains. Wentz carries QB2 value with upside in all formats for the time being, as he could find success throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison when he returns from suspension next week.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson is a healthy scratch. Parkinson carried a questionable tag following Friday's practice after logging three straight limited sessions. However, the 26-year-old was able to turn the corner. Parkinson was unable to play in Week 2 but operated as the team's No. 2 tight end in the season opener. In this contest, Parkinson caught both of his targets for -6 yards. This afternoon, managers should expect Parkinson to return to a reserve role as Tyler Higbee should see the majority of the snaps as the lead tight end.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (hamstring) is listed as inactive for Sunday's contest against the Atlanta Falcons. Legette was listed as a limited participant throughout the team's practices this week but was unable to progress enough to suit up. Managers should continue to monitor his status as the team prepares for their Week 4 contest against the New England Patriots. Through the first two games of the season, Legette has been given a lead role in the offense but has been unable to find much success. Legette has been targeted 15 times but has only been able to catch four of them for a mere eight yards. With Legette missing this contest, fantasy managers should expect rookie wideout Tetaiora McMillan and veteran wideout Hunter Renfrow to lead the offense.
From RotoBaller
The Houston Texans have declared RB Dameon Pierce, OT Blake Fisher, WR Braxton Berrios, LB Darrell Taylor, TE Brenden Bates, RB British Brooks and QB Graham Mertz inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
The Minnesota Vikings have declared QB J.J. McCarthy, QB Desmond Ridder, WR Tim X. Jones, DT Elijah Williams, TE Nick Vannett, C Ryan Kelly and OT Justin Skule inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert (knee) is active for Week 3's game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Fantasy Spin: After missing Week 2's game versus the Kansas City Chiefs, Goedert was able to participate in two limited practice sessions and one full session during the week before being removed from the injury report Friday, Sept. 19. He should see a handful of targets this afternoon and can be viewed as a low-end TE1 option in most fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
The Cleveland Browns have declared CB Damontae Kazee, RB Raheim Sanders, OT Jack Conklin, QB Shedeur Sanders, CB Cameron Mitchell, DT Michael Hall Jr. and OG Zak Zinter inactive for Week 3.
From TheHuddle
