Insider Josina Anderson reports that the Raiders are "open to restarting talks with RB Josh Jacobs, with the hopes of getting him to rejoin the team, which still remains the goal for the organization." RB Saquon Barkley's one-year deal with the Giants should help lay some groundwork for an agreement between Jacobs and the Raiders. We're still not projecting him to sit out any regular-season games.
Regarding Seahawks RBs Ken Walker (groin) and Zach Charbonnet (shoulder), ESPN's Dan Graziano writes, "I don't get the sense that the Seahawks are overly concerned about either of these injuries bleeding into the regular season at this point." That reads more like an educated guess than a report. But it's encouraging as we wait for more details on both injured RBs. We'll keep you updated on the situation.
The Bucs see "star potential" in RB Rachaad White, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes. "Not only will he get a heavy workload rushing, but the Bucs have been expanding his route tree, believing he can inflict damage as a receiver," Fowler adds. We have little doubt that White can excel as a receiver. He looked like the best pass-catching RB in the 2022 draft class and then caught 50 balls as a rookie. The bigger question is whether White can get it done on the ground after an underwhelming 2022 in that department. But it sounds like the Bucs plan on giving him every chance to prove himself. White sits well ahead of ADP in our fantasy football rankings.
The Raiders released TE O.J. Howard. Once an exciting fantasy prospect, Howard's dynasty value is on life support. He's totaled just 24 catches in two seasons since tearing his Achilles. We'll see if the 28-year-old latches on elsewhere before Week 1. The Raiders move forward with Michael Mayer and Austin Hooper as their top two TEs.
Bengals RB Trayveon Williams suffered a "mild ankle sprain" in Tuesday's practice, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Williams is expected to be sidelined "a couple of weeks." It's relatively good news after Williams was carted off with what sounded like a more serious injury. He should be available come Week 1, but the missed time will hurt his chances of beating out rookie Chase Brown for the Bengals' No. 2 RB job.
Per NFL Network's James Palmer, Broncos RB Javonte Williams "hasn't been limited in any capacity so far in camp" as he returns from a torn ACL and LCL suffered in Week 4 of last season. Palmer also adds that despite being given an off day tomorrow, Williams plans to dress in full pads and engage in conditioning on the side. It's only the beginning of August, but to see a player returning from a multi-ligament injury being given the green light is just about the best news possible. Williams, who we have lower down in our current RB rankings, is starting to put together a case for being a riser up draft boards. We'll be cautiously optimistic for now. There's still a lot of time between now and Week 1 of the regular season. Hopefully, Williams doesn't press himself too hard and risk a setback. Check back for further updates on the third-year RB.
Dolphins RB Jeff Wilson returned to practice after a two-day absence. He suited up with a compression sleeve on his right leg, per beat reporter Daniel Oyefusi. Miami surely has a plan to keep the 27-year-old fresh for Week 1. With the potential for 200+ touches, Wilson remains an intriguing late-round pick.
"It's been clear early in training camp that Justin Fields has a strengthened trust in Chase Claypool. Feeding him the football, even in tight coverage, and they're connecting." That tweet comes from Chris Emma, a reporter for 670 The Score in Chicago. There's never been much question about Claypool's talent. It's been preparation and attitude. Fields spoke earlier this offseason, though, about Claypool showing improvement on that front. Of course, the big remaining question for fantasy is passing volume. The Bears ranked way behind the rest of the league in pass share in 2022. But they traded for Claypool and then paid even more for D.J. Moore. They clearly plan to pass more. How much more? We probably won't know until the season starts. Claypool will have a tough time being relevant for weekly redraft lineups. But he's interesting in the very late rounds of best ball drafts. See where all the Bears' wideouts sit in our WR rankings.
Jets HC Robert Saleh told reporters Tuesday that WR Garrett Wilson (ankle) had a "good workout" and is expected to return to practice Saturday, according to Eric Allen of Jets 360 Productions. Wilson sustained a low-ankle sprain last Thursday. Assuming he does get back to practice less than 10 days after -- and still in early August -- we're not downgrading the young WR for the ankle issue. See where Wilson sits in our 2023 WR rankings.
Texans TE Dalton Schultz missed his second straight practice on Tuesday. HC DeMeco Ryans recently downplayed the injury, but we’ll see when Schultz returns to practice.
Eagles RB Rashaad Penny said he’s currently tipping the scales at 231 pounds, seven pounds under his playing weight in Seattle. Per beat writer Chris Franklin, Penny wants to get close to his college playing weight of 220. “This is a fresh start for me,” Penny said. “Playing with an offense like this, I get to unleash something that a lot of people probably have never seen me do. I have the chance for more big plays and more catches, being a part of this offense and taking pride in what they do here.” Penny’s big-play talent makes him a worthwhile mid-round target.
The Broncos waived WR K.J. Hamler with a non-football illness designation. Hamler announced that he's been diagnosed with pericarditis, a mild heart irritation. “I’ve got a great treatment plan with medicine and am taking a quick break to get this all taken care of so I can get back to doing what I love," Hamler said. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that Hamler is expected to miss "weeks, not months" and that the Broncos would eventually like to bring him back. We'll keep you updated on Hamler's status, but he's off the fantasy radar for now.
Saints RB Kendre Miller has "flashed consistently throughout the early phases of camp in all areas of the game," insider Nick Underhill writes. Miller has been especially impressive in the passing game, which will be a key area if RB Alvin Kamara gets suspended. Highlight Miller's name as a high-upside bench stash in your fantasy drafts.
Broncos WR Tim Patrick suffered a "complete tear" of his left Achilles in Monday's practice, insider Mike Klis reports. It's the second straight year Patrick has suffered a season-ending injury in August, following last year's torn ACL. Patrick was battling with rookie Marvin Mims for Denver's No. 3 WR job this season. This injury gives Mims a clear runway to that job -- and officially puts him on our 2023 sleeper radar.
The Colts activated rookie TE Will Mallory from the PUP list on Monday. He missed time because of a foot injury, one that popped up at rookie minicamp. The 24-year-old is a dynasty long-shot.
The Athletic's Joseph Person writes that Panthers HC Frank Reich is installing a "tight end-friendly offense that features the position prominently in the passing attack." That's particularly good news for TE Hayden Hurst, who signed a hefty three-year, $21.75 million deal with Carolina in free agency. “I love it," Hurst said of Reich's offense. "This is the opportunity that I’ve always asked for. I prepared this offseason like the ball’s gonna come my way a lot. So I’m in the best shape of my life.” TE26 in ADP, Hurst is one of the best values at the position in fantasy drafts.
The NFL has suspended Cowboys RB Ronald Jones for the first two regular-season games for violating the PED policy. That's no big news for fantasy football drafts, but his absence won't help Jones' case for working ahead of Malik Davis or Deuce Vaughn. It might even factor into whether he makes the regular-season roster. Of course, if he hasn't appealed yet, Jones could point to totaling just 92 yards over a full season with the Chiefs as evidence that he didn't enhance a thing.
Pro Football Network's Adam Caplan says based on the early practices of training camp, new Eagles RB D'Andre Swift "will easily be the Eagles' most targeted running back." That's been the assumption of most people, of course, since Philadelphia acquired the former Lion in the middle of the NFL Draft. This semi-confirmation is worth noting, though, for anyone wondering if Kenneth Gainwell might fight off Swift in that area. Caplan adds that "most of the passes Swift caught last week appeared to be designed pass plays to him." That would help Swift's receiving volume in an offense that sported the league's second-fewest RB receptions last year. Of course, it's also worth noting that Caplan didn't talk about Swift being the all-around touch leader for the Eagles. We've preferred Rashaad Penny at ADP so far and consider him much more of a fantasy football sleeper than Swift. See how all Philly backs stack up in our RB rankings.
Broncos rookie WR Marvin Mims returned to practice on Monday. He had dealt with a hamstring issue. If Tim Patrick’s leg injury is serious, Mims will become a staple in Denver’s 3-WR sets.
Saints RB Alvin Kamara plans to meet with Commissioner Roger Goodell regarding a potential suspension. "I think Alvin really wants to get out ahead of this and have a chance to visit with Roger and kind of give him his side of the story," HC Dennis Allen said. "And look, at the end of the day, I think part of it is 'let's get some resolution with where we're at and move forward.' I think Alvin is looking forward to putting this behind him and focusing in on what he has to do to be the best he can for our team this season.” Kamara no longer faces felony charges following a recent plea agreement. Still, the veteran RB could earn a short suspension from the league.
Update: ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the meeting will take place Wednesday.
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