The Packers have placed WR Sammy Watkins on the active/non-football injury list (NFI). No word yet on a potential timetable, but it’s certainly noteworthy for a player with Watkins’ injury history. We’ll supply an update when we know more.
The Cardinals on Tuesday placed WR Marquise Brown on the non-football injury list with a hamstring injury. That designation -- as opposed to the PUP list -- means Brown didn't sustain the injury during a team activity. Arizona can still activate Brown whenever he's ready, though. We'll assume for now it's not a serious issue.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the Buccaneers are signing WR Julio Jones to a 1-year deal. He joins a WR corps that added Russell Gage on a 3-year deal in free agency and is not putting Chris Godwin on the PUP to open training camp. We'll see about Godwin's status through camp and preseason. We'll also see how the team plans to sort out a crowded WR depth chart. The Jones signing is clearly bad news for the 2022 outlooks on players such as Tyler Johnson, Cyril Grayson, Jaelon Darden, Breshad Perriman and Scotty Miller.
Bucs WR Chris Godwin has been cleared to practice at training camp. He surprisingly avoids the PUP list despite being only ~7 months out from ACL surgery. While he won’t be a full practice participant, look for Godwin’s WR32 ADP to rise immediately. Also note: Tampa Bay just added Julio Jones on a 1-year deal.
NFL insider Albert Breer writes that the Bills view RB James Cook as “more than just a passing-down back.” Per Breer, the Bills see similarities between James and brother Dalvin. A smooth mover with strong hands, the Georgia product could quickly work his way into the RB2 (PPR) conversation. For now, he’s best drafted as an RB3/FLEX.
After observing training camp, NFL insider Albert Breer writes that Bills WR Gabe Davis is “up in the mid-220s” and looks “bigger and leaner.” Davis was listed at 216 at the Combine; 210 on NFL.com. Breer adds that Davis has “really earned Josh Allen’s trust” — something the QB has talked about this offseason. The 3rd-year WR remains a clear breakout candidate.
Bills WR Khalil Shakir has been an early standout in training camp, with multiple beat writers praising his play. Shakir has "looked sharp," Sal Capaccio wrote. "The rookie wideout was all over the field on Monday, catching passes at all different levels and spots." It's been assumed that Jamison Crowder and Isaiah McKenzie are competing for the starting slot receiver job, but don't count out Shakir.
49ers WR Deebo Samuel reported for the start of training camp on Tuesday. He reportedly requested a trade earlier this offseason, but the team has said all along that it has no plans on moving him. "We've had productive and substantive talks [about a new contract]," GM John Lynch said. "Don't want to get people excited that we're imminent because we're not there yet. .... Deebo's here today and we're excited to move forward with him on this team. We're focused on getting something done." Until we get a new contract or trade, there's still some added risk on Samuel's fantasy outlook. But it seems to be a good bet that he'll play for the 49ers this year.
The Saints have signed veteran RB Malcolm Brown. The former Ram and Dolphin spent last year in Miami, posting 33 carries for 125 yards and 1 score (7 games). He figures to slot in no higher than RB3 behind Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Even if Kamara is suspended for 4-6 games, Brown can be left alone in fantasy drafts.
If there was any remaining doubt as to who will be the 49ers' starting QB this season, HC Kyle Shanahan put that to rest on Tuesday. "We have moved on to Trey Lance," Shanahan said. "This is Trey's team." QB Jimmy Garoppolo remains on the roster as he recovers from shoulder surgery, but the 'Niners are hoping to trade Garoppolo "as soon as we can," Shanahan added. Lance remains mostly an unknown as a passer. But he's in a favorable scheme with strong weapons. Throw in his high-end rushing upside and he's an attractive target at his QB13 ADP.
The Dolphins signed WR Mohamed Sanu to a 1-year deal. Sanu turns 33 next month, but he’s likely getting a look partly because of his familiarity with HC Mike McDaniel. (They spent 2021 together in San Francisco.) Of course, Sanu’s play has fallen off a cliff, with the veteran notching just 32 catches over the past 2 seasons. He's a roster long-shot.
Seahawks RB Chris Carson is retiring from the NFL, per insider Ian Rapoport. According to Rapoport, Seattle will officially release him with a failed physical designation. It’s not a surprise, as Carson’s been sidelined with a neck injury since Week 4 of last season. His career ends with 769 carries for 3,502 yards and 24 TDs. Seattle moves forward with a 1-2 punch of Rashaad Penny and Kenneth Walker.
Ravens HC John Harbaugh admitted that RB Gus Edwards (ACL) is in question for Week 1. Edwards was recently placed on the PUP list, and his return to practice isn’t imminent. He’s not someone we’re looking to buy the dip on in fantasy drafts.
Bengals QB Joe Burrow will miss "some practice time" after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. We'll see how long Burrow is sidelined, but the missed practice reps aren't a huge deal considering he's returning to the same offense with the same top 3 WRs. Consider Burrow's fantasy stock unaffected.
Patriots HC Bill Belichick likes the progress he's seen from 2nd-year QB Mac Jones this offseason. "He's made tremendous strides," Belichick said Tuesday. "He did a great job last year, but he's starting from a much, much higher point this year from where he started last year. His offseason work has been significant, and I think everyone recognizes how well he prepares and how much further along he was than a year ago. ... And we have a much better feel for what he can do, what his strengths are, and how to try to play into those. He's self-aware, too. He knows what he does well. We want to try to feature those." Jones finished just 30th among QBs in fantasy points per game last year -- largely because he averaged just 30.6 pass attempts per game. Jones posted a 67.6% completion rate and 7.3 yards per attempt, though, and ranked 11th among 31 qualifiers in Pro Football Focus' passing grades. His lack of rushing ability caps the fantasy ceiling. But if the Patriots open up the passing game in 2022, Jones could certainly jump into mid-range QB2 territory.
The Athletic's Daniel Popper expects a "big jump" from Chargers WR Josh Palmer this season. He's coming off a 33-353-4 line as a rookie last year, with 3 of those 4 scores coming over the final 5 games. "On top of solid hands and sharp route-running, Palmer has an outstanding work ethic," Popper writes. "He is regularly the last player on the practice field. He throws with [QB Justin] Herbert after practice more than any other receiver on the roster." Palmer is the favorite for #3 WR duties in Los Angeles this year -- although he'll probably need a Keenan Allen or Mike Williams injury to find reliable weekly fantasy production.
Josh Kendall of The Athletic believe’s there’a “scenario in which RB Tyler Allgeier becomes Atlanta’s starting RB” in 2022. Kendall points out the rookie’s “physical style,” one that was unmistakable on tape. With hybrid Cordarrelle Patterson and Damien Williams as top competition, it certainly wouldn’t surprise us if Allgeier eventually sees starter-level work. We’ll be tracking all of the action closely as training camps begin to open league-wide.
It was a tough spring for Titans WR Treylon Burks, who missed a bunch of time in OTAs and minicamp with asthma and/or conditioning issues. But ESPN's Dianna Russini hears that the rookie has turned things around recently. "Everything I've heard since [the spring] has been awesome," Russini said on The Athletic Football Show podcast. "I've heard he's in shape, I've heard he's lost weight, I've heard there's been so much growth already." We'll keep a close eye on Burks in training camp and preseason action, but it sounds like we can start to put these conditioning concerns to rest. The rookie still boasts plenty of fantasy upside -- and his ADP has sunk into the 9th round.
The Ravens on Monday reached a deal with RB Corey Clement. Baltimore is opening training camp with J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards on the PUP list, as both work back from summer 2021 ACL tears. We'll see whether Clement can actually compete for a regular-season roster spot.
The Chiefs on Monday placed WR Justyn Ross on IR. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Ross will miss the entire season. The rookie recently had foot surgery, so it makes sense for the team to shut down the 7th-rounder. Assuming his recovery and rehab go well, Ross still sports long-term upside. This lost 1st season might help to bring down his price in dynasty leagues.
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