NFL Training Camp News and Rumors for 2023
As the 2023 NFL Training Camps are in full swing across the league, there is no better time than now to dive into the latest updates when it comes to your favorite teams and fantasy football players. We’ll keep you well informed about the most recent developments in the NFL, including news, rumors, and significant storylines that might have an impact on both the fantasy football landscape and the NFL as a whole. Stay tuned to get ahead of the game and dominate your fantasy football drafts in 2023.
Updated: July 30th, 2023
Breece Hall Could Return In A Few Weeks
Beat writer Zack Rosenblatt is reporting Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh has expressed his expectation that Breece Hall will return from his knee injury in a couple of weeks. It’s worth noting that this statement was made on a day when Dalvin Cook was present at the Jets’ training camp. The Jets have been actively pursuing Cook, and they currently appear to be the primary contender for signing the veteran running back.
Regarding Hall’s recovery from a torn ACL suffered last season, Saleh stated that he is progressing rapidly. However, it remains uncertain whether he will be ready to play by Week 1, despite Hall’s own insistence that he will be ready.
If Hall does return to the field, his fantasy value as an asset could be affected significantly if the Jets do end up signing Dalvin Cook. Cook’s presence could impact Hall’s workload and opportunities in the backfield, making him a riskier fantasy draft option. Fantasy managers should closely monitor updates on Hall’s health and the team’s plans for the running back situation before making decisions in their drafts.
If the Jets elect not to sign Cook, Hall could explode as a top-five running back in PPR fantasy football in 2023 as long as he avoids the injury bug for a second straight year. However, if Cook is indeed signed, then our fantasy football rankings will be adjusted accordingly.
Dalvin Cook To The Jets A Reality
According to The Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Mike Williams is experiencing a change in his usage under the new Offensive Coordinator Kellen Moore. Williams is reportedly “moving around a lot more” in the offense, including playing in the slot and other inside alignments. In the past two seasons, Williams saw just 13.4 percent of his snaps in the slot, which was the third-lowest rate among wide receivers with at least 100 catches during that period.
While it is essential to keep Keenan Allen as the primary option in the middle, incorporating more varied and unpredictable deployment of the Chargers’ wideouts could create more mismatches and benefit the entire receiving corps. The intelligent usage of the receivers is expected to improve under the guidance of Moore.
This shift in Williams’ role could be an exciting development for fantasy managers, as it could lead to increased opportunities and potentially more production from him in the upcoming season. The Chargers’ offense, with OC Kellen Moore at the helm, is poised to utilize its receiving weapons more creatively and efficiently.
With Moore calling the shots, look for the Chargers’ offense to be more explosive with the downfield pass while veering from the normal check-down play to Austin Ekeler we’ve grown accustomed to seeing with the former regime.
Jameson Williams Close To A Return
According to The Athletic’s Colton Pouncy, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams, who had been dealing with an unspecified leg injury, is expected to participate in practice on Sunday. Pouncy referred to the practice as “light.” However, it remains to be seen if Williams will be able to continue practicing on Monday, as that decision has not been determined yet.
This development is positive news for Williams, especially considering that he missed a significant portion of the previous season while recovering from a torn ACL. Despite the encouraging progress, Williams still has a six-game suspension to serve for violating the NFL’s gambling rules.
For fantasy managers who are willing to spare a roster spot, Williams could be considered as a late-round flier due to his potential upside once he is available to play. However, it’s important to keep a close eye on his progress and the team’s plans for him before making any roster decisions. Williams has not gotten his NFL career off to a good start, which opens up a window to buy him in dynasty leagues. As of late, Williams is a name that has been falling in our dynasty fantasy football rankings.
Garrett Wilson Dealing With Ankle Sprain
Beat writer Zack Rosenblatt is reporting that New York Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh has revealed that Garrett Wilson, the wide receiver, is currently managing a low-ankle sprain. The injury was initially confirmed by Saleh following a practice session on Thursday. With the specific injury identified, the focus now shifts to the timeframe for Wilson’s return to the field.
Saleh didn’t seem overly concerned about Wilson’s injury last week, expressing confidence that he will be alright. Based on the coach’s statement and assessment of the situation, it is presumed that this is a minor issue at worst, and Wilson’s absence from the field should be relatively short-lived. However, it’s essential for the team to monitor his progress and recovery closely to ensure a safe return to play.
Wilson is being drafted at his ceiling. However, with Aaron Rodgers now under center, there is no reason why the reigning offensive rookie of the year can not cash in on his current price point. All things considered, Wilson has top-five upside in PPR leagues this season.
Dalvin Cook To The Jets A Reality
During an appearance on Good Morning Football, free agent RB Dalvin Cook openly stated that he believes there is a high probability of him signing with the New York Jets. During his appearance on Good Morning Football, Cook made this direct statement. He did mention that he is taking things one step at a time, but the Jets seem to be the clear frontrunners to acquire the four-time Pro Bowl running back. Cook is scheduled to visit the Jets this weekend.
Subsequently, there was a report about the New England Patriots attempting to schedule a meeting with Cook after the Jets’ announcement. This indicates that Cook is in demand among NFL teams.
Given that Breece Hall, the Jets’ second-year running back, is still recovering from a torn ACL, Cook could serve as a suitable replacement until Hall is fully healed. It’s possible that Cook might take a backseat to Hall once the latter returns to full health, but both backs are likely to be involved in the team’s running back rotation.
For now, Breece Hall’s fantasy draft position carries some risk due to his injury, but it could become more appealing once more information about Cook’s potential signing and Hall’s recovery timeline becomes clearer. While Cook helps the Jets get closer to a Super Bowl, he will be a thorn in the side of Hall fantasy managers. Furthermore, the Jets backfield overall would morph into a fantasy conundrum if the team ultimately signs Cook.
Cook is expected to take a physical with the team after observing practice on Sunday.
Anthony Richardson To Start In Week 1
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, there is an expectation that Anthony Richardson could start for the Colts in Week 1. However, there are still doubts about Richardson’s readiness for the professional level. Gardner Minshew, who has experience in head coach Shane Steichen’s system, could potentially see some starts while Richardson continues to develop, as suggested by Colts owner Jim Irsay.
Graziano believes that even if Richardson needs some refinement as a passer, his strong rushing ability will make him the Colts’ best option from the beginning. Richardson’s performance as a runner at Florida, where he ran for 713 yards and nine touchdowns last year, could make him a valuable pick in redraft leagues, especially if uncertainty about his Week 1 status keeps his Average Draft Position (ADP) lower than it might otherwise be.
Fantasy managers should closely monitor the situation and Richardson’s development in the preseason, as his rushing potential could provide significant fantasy value if he ends up being the starter for the Colts in Week 1.
Of the rookie quarterbacks, Richardson has the highest ceiling in fantasy football due to his high rushing upside. If you are going to take a rookie passer to lead a fantasy team in 1QB format, Richardson is your guy.
Alexander Mattison Praised By OC
The Minneapolis Star Tribune is reporting Vikings Offensive Coordinator Wes Phillips has expressed confidence in Alexander Mattison’s abilities, stating that he is comfortable using him on all three downs. Phillips believes that Mattison has proven his productivity whenever he has had opportunities in the past. He praised Mattison’s versatility in the running game, pass protection, and receiving skills, highlighting his route-running ability.
While Mattison has received high praise from the coaching staff, the Minneapolis Star Tribune anticipates that other running backs like Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu, and DeWayne McBride will also have opportunities. The Vikings have openly discussed their desire for a more efficient run game, suggesting that it’s unlikely Mattison will handle a workload similar to Dalvin Cook’s.
Considering the potential shared workload and the team’s objectives for the running game, Mattison’s fantasy value should be in the RB18-24 range in summer fantasy drafts. While he has demonstrated his talent and can be productive, fantasy managers should approach his draft position with cautious optimism due to the potential for a committee approach in the Vikings’ backfield.
At his current price point, Mattison is viewed as fools gold to FF Faceoff’s Anthony Cervino. While three-down backs are hard to come by around the fifth or sixth round of fantasy drafts, the Vikings could very well also use players like Chander in the offense. Chandler is more explosive with his big pop speed and could be had for free in your draft.
Joe Burrow Dealing With A Strained Calf
ESPN’s Dianna Russini has confirmed that Joe Burrow has been diagnosed with a strained calf. This aligns with the initial statement from Bengals coach Zac Taylor, and the information is corroborated by sources within the Bengals organization. The team is confident that the injury is not related to his Achilles, which is a positive development.
While Burrow may need to undergo further tests to assess the extent of the injury, it seems that the worst-case scenario of an Achilles injury has been ruled out. However, it is still crucial to keep an eye on any updates in the next 24 hours to get a clearer picture of his status and potential availability moving forward.
Burrow is a locked and loaded QB1 in fantasy football regardless of whether or not he plays in the preseason. Look for Burrow’s trajectory to keep going in the right direction with his loaded offense in Cincy. Barring any setbacks, reports are suggesting that Burrow should be fine dor the season opener.
Javonte Williams Is Good To Go For Camp
Per beat writer Mike Klis, RB Javonte Williams, who was recovering from an ACL injury, has been given clearance for contact but remains uncertain about his participation in the preseason. Williams stated that the decision lies with the coaches, indicating his willingness to play if given the opportunity. However, it is highly unlikely that the Broncos would push him to play in the preseason, given the nature of his injury and the importance of preserving his health for the regular season.
Although Williams has been consistently positive in his statements, some caution is still warranted. The Broncos’ approach to managing player injuries can be ambiguous, and it’s challenging to get definitive answers from the team. However, the fact that Williams has avoided being placed on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list is an encouraging sign, suggesting that he is making good progress in his recovery.
As the start of the regular season approaches, it appears that Williams is trending towards being available for Week 1. Fantasy managers should monitor updates closely and proceed with a level of cautious optimism about his potential availability for the start of the season.
Williams’ ADP is in the tank due to concerns over his complicated knee injury while fantasy managers appear to be coveting RB Samaje Perine in the interim. While Perine seems like the wiser choice, this is Williams’ backfield to lose when healthy.
It is also important to note that HC Sean Payton likes to use multiple running backs dating back to his days with Mark Ingram, Alvin Kamara, and the Saints. Both Williams and Perine could be weekly starters in fantasy.
Jalen Ramsey Suffers Knee Injury
According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Jalen Ramsey suffered an apparent knee injury during a practice session and had to be carted off the field. The injury occurred while he was covering Tyreek Hill, and Ramsey was seen clutching at his left knee as he came up hobbling. The team’s training staff assessed Ramsey on the sideline before he was taken off the field on a cart.
Ramsey, who was acquired by the Dolphins in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams earlier in the offseason, remains one of the top cornerbacks in the league.
This injury is certainly concerning, and it will be essential to closely monitor updates about his condition in the coming days. The extent of the injury and its potential impact on his availability for the upcoming season will be crucial information for fantasy managers and NFL fans alike.
With Ramsey sidelined until December “if all goes well,” the Dolphins signed veteran CB Eli Apple.
Rashee Rice Impressing In Camp
According to The Athletic’s Nate Taylor, Chiefs rookie wide receiver Rashee Rice has been leading all receivers in first-team reps during training camp. While it’s important to remember that we are still in the early stages of training camp, this news is certainly exciting for Rice, who was drafted by the Chiefs with the 55th overall pick in this year’s draft. His high draft capital could translate to early playing time if he performs well during camp.
Last year, fantasy managers had high hopes for Skyy Moore, but he didn’t live up to expectations. However, Rice has the potential to restore faith in rookie wide receivers with a productive performance in his first NFL season.
Currently, Rice can be acquired at a very low cost in fantasy drafts, but if more positive reports like this continue to emerge throughout training camp, his Average Draft Position (ADP) could skyrocket. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his progress during camp as he could prove to be a hidden gem in fantasy leagues this year.
With KadariusToney on the mend, players like Rice and Justyn Ross have an opportunity to work with the first team unit, build a rapport with Patrick Mahomes and turn heads at camp. Both Rice and Ross are worthy of fantasy consideration as long as they keep playing well.
Ravens, J.K. Dobbins In A “Complicated” Situation
Per beat writer Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens coach John Harbaugh has acknowledged that the J.K. Dobbins situation is “complicated,” but the team is actively working to address it. The unexpected move of placing Dobbins on the PUP list at the beginning of training camp was surprising, especially since there were no prior indications of him being injured. However, it’s worth noting that Dobbins was absent from minicamp due to a contract-related issue.
Now entering his fourth season and seeking a new deal, Dobbins seems to be handling the situation by “holding in.” He was present at the start of training camp but did not participate. When asked about the situation, Coach Harbaugh deferred to Dobbins, saying it’s a matter for the running back to address, stating, “that’s a J.K. Question.”
Given the limited leverage Dobbins has in this situation, it’s challenging to imagine a scenario where he misses significant time. Nonetheless, it’s important for fantasy managers to closely monitor the situation, as any developments could have an impact on his playing status and fantasy value moving forward.
Dobbins burned fantasy managers who drafted him last season due to his inconsistent play due to his lingering injury. However, that is more on the Ravens than Dobbins since it is the team’s responsibility to manage its players’ injuries with greater care. But when Dobbins was on the field and healthy last season, he was ultra-productive and efficient. Dobbins has RB1 upside if he plays a full 17-game season in Baltimore’s new-look offense.
Bryce Young Named QB1
NFL Insider Ari Meirov is reporting that it has been confirmed by Panthers coach Frank Reich that Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick, will be the team’s starting quarterback. This decision comes as no surprise, and it is reassuring to know that Andy Dalton won’t be considered for the starting role in Week 1.
Young has begun training camp on a positive note, displaying his skills with impressive deep passes to D.J. Chark and rookie Jonathan Mingo. Meanwhile, TE Hayden Hurst is also expected to be a focal point of the Panthers’ passing attack. While it’s reasonable to temper expectations for a rookie quarterback in terms of fantasy production, Young is considered highly NFL-ready, which bodes well for his potential as a QB2 with some fantasy relevance in the 2023 season.
It may be shocking that Young is going to open the season as the starter since the team also brought in sturdy veteran Andy Dalton, but if Reich feels like the rookie is ready, then it may be best to have him learn on the fly while getting acclimated to the speed of the game at the pro level.
Young should not be relied upon as a fantasy starting quarterback in leagues where you only need one starter.
Kyler Murry Opens Camp On The PUP
NFL reporter Aaron Wilson is reporting that the Arizona Cardinals have placed their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a knee injury. Joining him on the PUP list are Zach Ertz and B.J. Ojulari. All three players have the potential to be activated from the list at any point during training camp.
Murray’s inclusion on the PUP list doesn’t come as a surprise, given that he is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in Week 14 of the previous season. As of now, it appears unlikely that he will be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season, forcing the Cardinals to make a crucial decision once training camp concludes.
If they decide to keep him on the PUP list to start the season, he will be required to miss at least four games. On the other hand, if they activate Murray, they will need to utilize a roster spot until he is fully prepared to play. While Murray is a quarterback with immense potential and upside in fantasy football, it becomes challenging to justify holding onto him with the possibility of zero production to start the year. In fantasy drafts, it might be more reasonable to consider him in the final rounds, depending on how the situation unfolds.
Depending on the fantasy injury analyst you follow, the range of outcomes when it comes to Murray’s return to the field varies. But he should be back well in time for the back half of the NFL season, which means fantasy playoffs.
If you handcuff your QB1, Murray is a fine stash as he could return in time to put up points when it matters most. This is especially true for best ball formats.
Cole Kmet, Bears Agree To Contract Extension
Chicago Bears have signed tight end Cole Kmet to an impressive four-year contract extension worth $50 million. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, a significant portion of the deal, amounting to $32.8 million, is guaranteed. Despite Kmet recording just 50 receptions during the 2022 season, which was his third year with the Bears, the team highly values his blocking abilities. This means he is expected to receive ample playing time in the upcoming 2023 season.
However, Kmet’s role in the team’s pass-catching hierarchy, coupled with the Bears’ run-first offensive approach, suggests that his fantasy value in 12-team formats will be limited to a streaming tight end option at best. Additionally, there’s a possibility that Robert Tonyan, another tight end on the team, might impact Kmet’s involvement in route running this season.
Kmet may have gotten paid and has a built-in rapport with QB Justin Fields, but he still must contend with Tonyan, D.J. Moore, and Darnell Mooney for targets, which could limit his overall fantasy ceiling. Draft Kmet with tempered expectations.
Rashaad Penny Gets First Snaps With First Team Offense
Philadelphia Eagles beat writer Eliot Shorr-Parks is reporting that during the team’s initial day of training camp, Rashaad Penny had the opportunity to work with the first-team offense. Fully recovered from a broken leg, Penny got the chance to showcase his skills, surpassing fellow running backs D’Andre Swift and Kenneth Gainwell for that particular day.
However, despite his potential, Penny’s redraft Average Draft Position (ADP) has been lower due to the likelihood of a shared backfield in Philadelphia and ongoing concerns about his previous injuries. Nevertheless, with an impressive career average of 5.8 yards per carry, Penny offers an enticing upside as a fantasy option within the Eagles’ offense, which heavily emphasized the running game when leading in the 2022 season.
It’s worth noting that Penny might not see much involvement in the team’s passing attack, but his ground game productivity makes him an appealing prospect for fantasy owners seeking a strong rushing option.
We could be looking down the barrel at a two-headed monster backfield with Penny and D’Andre Swift. However, considering Penny’s erratic injury history, Swift’s ceiling is higher, especially considering his explosive pass-catching prowess.
Colts Place Jonathan Taylor on the PUP To Open Camp
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Indianapolis Colts have decided to place running back Jonathan Taylor on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to an ankle injury. However, there’s flexibility as he can be activated from the PUP list at any point. During the offseason, Taylor underwent a procedure called “arthroscopic debridement” to address a lingering ankle injury that affected him in the previous year (2022).
It is anticipated that he will be activated soon in the coming days. In the meantime, Taylor is regarded as a prominent running back and has the potential to finish the season as a high-end RB1 under the guidance of Shane Steichen’s offensive system.
However, with the running back situation around the NFL when it comes to their contracts waning, Taylor is a name to watch in the news cycle since he recently asked for a trade. All of a sudden, Taylor, who setback fantasy managers who drafted him last season, could once again be a pick that buries fantasy teams in 2023.
Justin Herbert Gets Paid
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Los Angeles Chargers have secured their quarterback, Justin Herbert, with a substantial five-year contract extension worth $262.5 million, running through 2029. This deal solidifies Herbert’s future with the team and surpasses the total value of Lamar Jackson‘s contract, which he signed earlier in the offseason.
The extension allows Herbert to concentrate on giving his best performance yet in the upcoming season. Remarkably, in his first three seasons in the NFL, he has already thrown for more passing yards (14,089) than any other player in history. With the Chargers, Herbert will be supported by a new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, and will gain an additional offensive weapon in Quentin Johnston to complement the existing talents of Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams.
After leading the Chargers to the playoffs for the first time in his career, Herbert is determined to improve on his QB15 fantasy ranking in a PPG basis.
With a new offensive coordinator, a new young wideout, and his 2022 arsenal of weapons returning healthy, Herbert is viewed as a bounceback candidate in the fantasy football space. His ceiling is sky-high. The next anticipated quarterback contract to be finalized is likely that of Joe Burrow.
Josh Jacobs Does Not Report To Training Camp
According to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, Raiders RB Josh Jacobs has not shown up for training camp. This news follows a recent report stating that Jacobs was seen boarding a flight departing from Las Vegas. Apparently, Jacobs is currently not willing to play under the $10.1 million franchise tag that the Raiders assigned to him earlier this offseason. As the reigning rushing champion, he is holding out until a new contract agreement is reached. While there is a possibility that Jacobs might eventually join the team and play under the tag as the season approaches, at this point, all we can do is speculate.
During Jacobs’ absence, it may be worth considering second-year running back Zamir White as a late-round option in redraft and best ball leagues for the 2023 season.
White was a name to watch last offseason, but Jacobs ended up dominating the team’s backfield. It will once again be a time to monitor Jacobs’ situation with the team. Meanwhile, you can target White as a handcuff just in case the relationship between the Radiers and Jacobs goes further south.
For the latest fantasy football news, check out our Fantasy Football News Tracker.
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