Quick Hits
Buffalo Bills
Isaiah McKenzie – there’s been a steady drumbeat of positive news for Isaiah McKenzie in camp this year as he continues to solidify himself as the starting slot WR in Buffalo.
“Josh Allen was asked to give a player he felt really stepped up in training camp. His answer: WR Isaiah McKenzie. Referenced his ‘ownership’ of knowing the offense and what each other is thinking, on top of the speed and skillset we’ve seen over the last few years”
https://twitter.com/SalSports/status/1557753007378415617
Buffalo Bills
Jamison Crowder – he has turned some heads this camp as Crowder has been recovering from an early camp injury, but it sounds like this battle for the starting slot position isn’t quite over yet.
“There’s nothing really ‘sexy’ about him. But Jamison Crowder is just a really solid wide receiver. The more I watch him, the more I like his route running, hands and just overall game.”
https://twitter.com/danfetes/status/1557739237164093441
Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa – there’s been a lot of speculation about Tua and his deep ball and if he can feed his two star wide receivers but so far Tua is looking sharper as training camp is progressing.
“Through indys and 1v1s, Tua looks as sharp as we’ve seen him this camp. He just ripped a perimeter throw from the far hash with zip and pristine timing to Trent Sherfield.”
https://twitter.com/WingfieldNFL/status/1557734599370739712
Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill – Hill goes from Patrick Mahomes to Tua so we will see if the talent dropoff at the QB position will have an impact on his fantasy value this year but so far it seems like he’s still as electric as ever.
“Tyreek is putting on a show. They throw him a screen, he hits the juke stick and leaves a man on the dirt and throws up the peace sign as the fans are going absolutely bonkers”
https://twitter.com/WingfieldNFL/status/1557740297085280256
“Tyreek Hill had a career-high 111 catches last season. He may break this with the Dolphins this season based on practice usage observation.”
https://twitter.com/schadjoe/status/1557740486705971200
“Cheetah with 1-handed snag of Tua pass over middle. Would’ve been a touchdown.”
https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Bulls/status/1557739655189401601
“The buzz you hear among the media about Tyreek Hill is something I’ve never heard in almost 30 years of following this team. A Tampa reporter walks by shaking his head just sayin, ‘wow, 10 is something.’”
https://twitter.com/WingfieldNFL/status/1557735717849030658
Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Waddle – Waddle burned some Bucs CBs today in their joint practice.
“Every rep from Jaylen Waddle in that period resulted in a catch and the DB just stopping as Waddle finished it running into the end zone. Could not cover him.”
https://twitter.com/WingfieldNFL/status/1557735259797458944
“Jaylen Waddle generates a ton of separation in a 1v1 rep vs Carlton Davis. This after Tyreek draws a DPI. Finally, Ced Wilson catches a seed from Tua with tight coverage from James Dean.”
https://twitter.com/WingfieldNFL/status/1557734132163026950
Dallas Cowboys
Tony Pollard – this is good news for those who are in on a rise in the usage of Tony Pollard
“Cowboys want to get Tony Pollard more involved. That’s not just lip service. Offensive assistant Kyle Valero is his private tutor, developing him as a slot receiver to get him and Ezekiel Elliott on the field more at same time. ‘Whatever they ask from me.’”
https://twitter.com/GehlkenNFL/status/1557718830973128705
Miami Dolphins
Chase Edmonds – Edmonds has gotten a lot of praise for his explosive rushing and catching ability in camp. This is a ambiguous backfield but Edmonds could be a value at his ADP this year.
“‘What has become clear, through 10 days of training camp, is that Chase Edmonds looks poised to become the Dolphins’ lead running back.’ Edmonds is still an underrated pick even at his current ADP which has risen ~20 spots in the past month.”
https://twitter.com/ConnorAllenNFL/status/1557703319195455490
New Orleans Saints
Michael Thomas – it seems like Michael Thomas is getting more and more praise everyday in camp since he’s returned from this ankle injury that has kept him off the field for the past year plus.
“Mike Thomas just went up in the air, caught a pass on Roby, and got his toes down before being pushed out of bounds. Two officials here called it a catch. I don’t want to say he’s back, but he’s doing the kind of things a guy who is back would do.”
https://twitter.com/nick_underhill/status/1557388964629286916
Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown – this is good news for the sophomore WR as he hopes to pick up where he left off last year.
“What Jared Goff told me about #Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is a huge endorsement for his second season: ‘I’m looking for him when things break down, and I’m looking for him when we need a play. Right now, he’s that guy.’”
https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1557374839010230273
Las Vegas Raiders
Darren Waller – there is some concern that Adams will come in and take targets away from Waller and while that may be true, he could be more efficient with the targets he does get this year.
“If anyone thinks that Darren Waller is going to see *less* pure coverage players because there are more receiving options on this team, I have disappointing news. Not that it’s gonna matter, because the man is a dawg.”
https://twitter.com/DianteLeeFB/status/1557562630025334784
Buffalo Bills
Devin Singletary – Zack Moss is still kicking around and the Bills did draft pass catching specialist James Cook this year, but Singletary figures to lead this running back by committee to at least start the year.
“Singletary had one of the most explosive plays of the day when he busted a run through the right side… It’s been a quiet camp for Singletary but he’s made a few big time runs & looks ready to go. The run went for about 40 yards and he had DBs chasing him down by the end of it”
https://twitter.com/32BeatWriters/status/1557806474960801792
Denver Broncos
Courtland Sutton – there’s been a steady drumbeat that Russ’ new favorite downfield threat could be Sutton in this offense and that is starting to be confirmed by the beat reporters.
https://twitter.com/AllbrightNFL/status/1557803650818314242
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1557792645618884609
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Rookies
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco – the drumbeat is getting louder for 7th round rookie RB Isiah Pacheco to not just make the team but potentially have a role this year in the KC backfield. What is even more interesting here is that Ronald Jones could be a potential cut or trade candidate at this point.
“Chiefs’ long drive period in today’s look — CEH, Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco all reps with first team. Derrick Gore with the second team. Ronald Jones with the third team.”
https://twitter.com/pgsween/status/1557758708385546240
“Chiefs RB room projection: “Running backs (3): Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon, Isiah Pacheco
OUT: Ronald Jones”
https://twitter.com/32BeatWriters/status/1557563488616185858
Detroit Lions
Jameson Williams – Williams likely to miss the first 2 months of the season?
“The Lions have said Jameson Williams won’t participate in training camp at all. He won’t play in September, even October might be optimistic.”
https://twitter.com/kmeinke/status/1557737287055978497
Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker – Walker will be competing with Penny for carries this year but it sounds like the explosive rookie back is looking good early and often in camp.
“Ken Walker is right on track and at least hasn’t been pigeonholed as a grinder yet. Excited for his preseason work. He was sooo good last year. On Underdog, he’s sandwiched between James Cook & Dameon Pierce. Neither touched him in stats or draft status.”
https://twitter.com/HaydenWinks/status/1557732492932632576
“Rashaad Penny is the #Seahawks RB1. But rookie Ken Waker is right on his heels. So not only is Rashaad fending off the young buck, he’s out to prove that his 1-month run as the league’s best RB was no fluke. ‘I can’t wait to actually take off this year.’”
https://twitter.com/MikeDugar/status/1557729589887406080
New England Patriots
Tyquan Thornton – Thornton’s impressive camp could have veteran WR Nelson Agholor on the outside looking in.
“One source believes Nelson Agholor will wind up being the odd-man out in the #Patriots WR room. A source on a WR-needy team said they wouldn’t take on his $9M salary in a trade. Behind the scenes, Agholor has impressed this offseason. It’s a complicated situation.”
https://twitter.com/DougKyed/status/1557719149853478913
Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens – the Pickens hype train has left the station and is only gaining more momentum with each passing day.
“George Pickens has been one of the best WRs that I’ve seen as a rookie.”
https://twitter.com/PatMcAfeeShow/status/1557428842054094848
Tennessee Titans
Kyle Phillips – Phillips has gotten steady praise in camp for his route running abilities and he has a good shot to get some run in the slot for this revamped WR core this year for the Tennessee Titians.
“’We haven’t quite figured out a way to cover him yet.’ Phillips is very quick out of the slot and is earning some first-team looks with his play. Tennessee wants him to be a little quicker with his decision-making, but that will come.”
https://twitter.com/32BeatWriters/status/1557567017288433664
Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaylen Warren – the #2 running back spot seems to be open in camp still and the rookie has looked good recently. Mike Tomlin has taken notice.
“Another nice run for Warren, and Tomlin yells for him to get off the field. That, in this case, is a good thing. Tomlin’s satisfied with Jaylen Warren.”
https://twitter.com/JRown32/status/1557805341508882433
Jaylen Warren rips off a nice run up the middle in 11 on 11. His stock continues to rise.
https://twitter.com/JRown32/status/1557804206194671618
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Quick hitters
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tom Brady – it doesn’t sound like anything serious for the veteran QB Tom Brady.
“‘He’ll come back even more focused. It’s the least of our concerns,’ Bucs GM Jason Licht says of Tom Brady taking 10 days away from the team as part of “pre-planned” arrangement set before camp started.”
https://twitter.com/gregauman/status/1557766983134990337
“Bucs’ HC Todd Bowles told reporters that Tom Brady will be away from the team to deal with a personal matter until after Tampa’s Aug. 20 pressson game vs. the Titans.”
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1557755182418726922
Chicago Bears
Justin Fields – Fields is learning a new offense and has most of his starting WR’s injured at the moment so take this with a grain of salt but fantasy managers hope his rushing ability and the new coaching staff will lead to more rushing yards this year.
“The volume of tuck-and-run from Bears QB Justin Fields during training camp is, at the very least, notable. Many, many reasons for the disjointed offensive rhythm. But this is going to take significant time and effort to remedy.”
https://twitter.com/danwiederer/status/1557762601848901638
“Looks like that’s it for practice. Fields and the offense started really strong and things were clicking. As practice wore on, the defense caught up at all levels, getting more pressure and breaking up passes.”
https://twitter.com/BrendanSugrue/status/1557763863860371459
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mitch Trubisky – this isn’t a huge surprise as Mitch has been getting most of the 1st string reps in camp so far.
“Mike Tomlin says Mitch Trubisky will start Saturday’s preseason opener against the Seahawks. Also says the first team will play the 1st quarter, second team will play the 2nd and 3rd quarters, third team will play the 4th quarter.”
https://twitter.com/ChrisHalicke/status/1557754107716374531
Najee Harris last week on a #Steelers offense with Mitchell Trubisky: “We haven’t even put in some of the QB scheme runs — because he can run. I’m excited about all of that.”
https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1557741039859175424
Indianapolis Colts
Matt Ryan
“Per Coach Reich – Matt Ryan will play in the first quarter.”
https://twitter.com/Colts/status/1557739729013317632
New England Patriots
James White – White has been a productive pass catching weapon of the Patriots backfield for years now so it will be interesting who steps up in his absence.
“Patriots RB James White has announced his retirement from the NFL.”
https://twitter.com/ezlazar/status/1557744166356099072
New England Patriots
“This likely isn’t everyone, but here is a general snapshot close to what I’d expect the Patriots’ lineups to be tonight in the preseason opener.”
https://twitter.com/MikeReiss/status/1557731186486550529
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ke’Shawn Vaughn – he’s not dead yet! With Tampa Bay selecting Rachaad White this year in the NFL draft, I’m sure some have written off Ke’Shawn Vaughn but maybe there is some hope that he can carve out a role for himself.
“Ke’Shawn Vaughn second man up for Bucs RB rotation.”
https://twitter.com/RosterWatch/status/1557378411018043392
Denver Broncos
Russell Wilson – I don’t necessarily think Russ plays as long as Tom Brady but it sounds like his body still is feeling good. He also cooked the Cowboys in their joint practice today.
“Broncos QB Russell Wilson mentioned playing another 10-12 NFL seasons. ‘I feel amazing. I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I feel strong. I feel fast. I feel comfortable. No fear. I feel like a winner.’”
https://twitter.com/WerderEdESPN/status/1557825380425375751
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Injury News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Russell Gage
“I’m told it’s a leg injury for Russell Gage. No specifics beyond that.”
https://twitter.com/JennaLaineESPN/status/1557758444601577476
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chris Godwin – Godwin got the bag this offseason so while this is good news with him avoiding the PUP, we still aren’t sure when we will see Godwin back on the field this year.
“So while we wait to find out what’s up with Brady, check out this highly encouraging clip of Chris Godwin.”
https://twitter.com/TBTimes_Bulls/status/1557732255421779972
Washington Commanders
JD McKissic
“Training camp Day 14: JD McKissic returns to practice after a two-day absence.”
https://twitter.com/Matthew_Paras/status/1557732089063419905
Miami Dolphins
Adam Shaheen – not much fantasy news here but this could open up a little more playing time for second year TE Brevin Jordan on the Texans.
“TE Adam Shaheen was given a failed physical designation by the Texans, which means the trade is off and he will return to the Dolphins. He was flagged for a preexisting knee condition. He hadn’t missed any Dolphins practice during training camp.”
https://twitter.com/CameronWolfe/status/1557806217677922304
Denver Broncos
Melvin Gordon
“Asked Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett to expound on RB Melvin Gordon III’s foot injury after Thursday’s practice and Hackett said: ‘He’s just got a foot contusion right now … we didn’t know what was going on, we just wanted to make sure we were good. Just a contusion.’’’