Training Camp Notes: Aug. 11

Training Camp Notes: Aug. 11

This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.

Injury news continues to pour in as we head toward out first full slate of preseason games this weekend.

  • The Ravens have had an uneven start to training camp due to injuries to a number of skill position players. The latest player to suffer an injury was Rashod Bateman, who is week to week due to a groin injury. The team is already without Marquise Brown, so its pass-catching group is currently without two key members. With an extended absence on tap, Bateman could have his impact on fantasy teams delayed.
  • There's positive news regarding Carson Wentz, as he seems to be trending toward a potential Week 1 return. The real test has yet to come, as he has not  started his rehab. If his hypothetical return occurs, he should be a boost to the team's offense overall, particularly for pass catchers and Jonathan Taylor.
  • Dak Prescott continues to trend in the right direction. One day after throwing about 30 passes, news has emerged that Prescott is aiming to make his preseason debut Aug. 21.
  • Also from Dallas, Amari Cooper believes he'll be able to practice within the next few weeks. He was removed from the PUP list Tuesday, so he has already made substantial progress towards a return.
  • Dalton Schultz injured an ankle in Wednesday's practice. The injury isn't expected to be serious, though the health of both Dallas tight ends is now in question as Blake Jarwin attempts to return from a torn ACL.
  • Both DeAndre Hopkins and Allen Robinson were held out of Wednesday's practice. The issues appear to be minor and were likely a precaution.
  • T.J. Hockenson also falls into the "likely nothing to worry about but keep an eye on it" category. The injury has not yet been disclosed, but the coaching staff doesn't appear concerned.
  • There was a lot of news out of New York on Wednesday, with notes coming from each of the three teams. Kenny Golladay was spotted at practice once again for the Giants, this time doing straight-line running at half speed. Although that's not thrilling news, it indicates his recovery is progressing with the hope that his hamstring injury won't cost him any regular-season games.
  • Meanwhile, Denzel Mims is getting on track. Although reports weren't positive regarding his play throughout the offseason, it was revealed the he dealt with a severe case of food poisoning and lost 20 pounds this summer. He's now returning to form and has gotten some looks with the Jets' first team offense after playing exclusively with backups earlier in training camp.
  • Next up on the New York circuit is Zack Moss, who exited the Bills' practice Tuesday with a hamstring injury and was held out Wednesday. After undergoing ankle surgery early in the offseason, Moss has had a tough time staying healthy in his second professional season. If the absence turns out to be lengthy, Devin Singletary should take on additional work, as could Matt Breida and Antonio Williams.
  • Will Fuller remained out due to a foot injury, continuing his string of absences. The Dolphins continues to deny it's a serious injury, but the longer the absence extends the more difficult that is to believe.
  • Tre'Quan Smith is in a similar position to Fuller, as he's now been sidelined for more than a week with an undisclosed injury. His health should be monitored closely, as he could serve as the Saints' top wideout to begin the season in the absence of Michael Thomas.
  • Andy Isabella returned to reserve/COVID-19 list Wednesday. This is already his second stint on the list during training camp. Although there isn't reason to believe he'll be out for an exceptionally long time, it also isn't helping him earn a consistent role in the Cardinals' offense — something he's failed to do in his first two seasons as a pro.
  • Both Tim Patrick and Diontae Spencer returned to practice for the Broncos. They figure to serve as depth pieces among the wide receivers, though Patrick has shown the ability to excel when given opportunity.
  • Jalen Hurd returned to practice after a one-day absence. He could compete to be the third wide receiver — though behind George Kittle in terms of commanding targets — behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel.
  • David Njoku completed individual drills Wednesday, one day after suffering a shoulder injury. He's buried on the Browns tight end depth chart, which will make it difficult for him to earn consistent targets.

Now let's get to some news about potential roles and depth chart alignments.

  • Both Mark Ingram and Phillip Lindsay were listed as co-starters on the Texans' initial running back depth chart. That leaves David Johnson as the third-string back. This likely will devolve into a committee/hot hand backfield, though it's worth keeping in mind the current pecking order.
  • Also in Houston, Deshaun Watson was listed as the fourth-string quarterback with Tyrod Taylor as the starter. Watson's situation isn't becoming any clearer, except to suggest that he isn't likely to suit up for the Texans anytime soon. Meanwhile, Taylor has proven to be a successful game manager quarterback, though he's struggled in his extended looks lately and isn't going to do much of anything to lift the mediocre talent surrounding him.
  • Last in regards to the Texans, newly acquired wideout Anthony Miller was listed as a starter, as was Chris Conley. Conley's position in particular is worth noting, as Keke Coutee was listed behind him. The Texans lack a target hog among their pass-catchers, so anyone who can establish a role could provide modest production.
  • Michael Gallup has been getting work from the slot in Dallas training camp. He seems happy with the potential change in role, as he is eager to shed the label as a receiver capable of serving only as a deep threat. Both CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper are expected to handle more targets, though working out of the slot could bring positive matchups for Gallup.
  • Rams coach Sean McVay noted that both rookie backs Xavier Jones and Jake Funk have impressed in training camp. He said both are a part of the team's running back plans. This could be coach speak, though it's also worth monitoring their usage and productivity in preseason games.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Marcus
Dan started covering fantasy sports in 2015, joining Rotowire in 2018. In addition to Rotowire, Dan has written for Baseball HQ and Rotoballer.
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