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Beat writer Zac Jackson was the first to articulate the shortcomings of the Cleveland Browns' passing game, calling it "completely unimpressive" so far in training camp. Jackson wrote, "Anything that involves Deshaun Watson remaining in the pocket has been an adventure, and not since early in camp have we seen a string of consecutive completions in any 11-on-11 period." He later pointed out that Watson struggles with accuracy and consistency on passes more than 10 yards down the field. Cleveland has invested their near future into Watson and will now have to make the most of his shortcomings. On the positive side, he still shows a willingness to scamper, which will buoy fantasy scores. Let’s remember that Watson struggled in 2022, showing rust from a lengthy time away from the field. With veterans Amari Cooper and David Njoku and newcomers Elijah Moore and Cedric Tillman, the Browns have adequate weapons for the veteran passer. This may be a run-oriented offense until forced to throw.
The Josh Jacobs holdout has opened the door for second-year back Zamir White to have an opportunity to shine. The longer Jacobs is away from the Raiders, the more entrenched White will become as Jacobs' backup. There is little behind him on the depth chart. White is a physical runner who has looked good in limited action. He could be the 2024 Raiders starting running back if Jacobs departs. So, dynasty managers should use Jacobs reporting to camp as a chance to trade for White.
It was long expected but still a surprise when Dalvin Cook signed his one-year deal with the New York Jets. Cook’s flirtation with the Jets amped up when quarterback Aaron Rodgers took a pay cut, seemingly to open up salary cap room for Cook. Cook gives New York a potent one-two punch at the position with Breece Hall. Hall practiced this past week and looks on track for the season opener. Ace beat reporter Rich Cimini wrote of Hall’s knee, "Hall said his knee is sound, although he also said he still experiences occasional knee soreness and still wonders whether he can make certain cuts." While this is great for his 2023 prospects, a young player with knee soreness is something we will continue to monitor.
It was a week of veteran running back signings for the AFC East as the New England Patriots signed Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year contract. Most onlookers expected New England to add a power back as Damien Harris is now in Buffalo, and there was little behind Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson is a solid multi-purpose back who struggles in short-yardage situations, Elliott’s specialty. Sure, the ex-Cowboy is not what he once was, but he is still a powerful runner between the tackles.
Many dynasty managers have stashed Malik Davis deep on their rosters as he was thought to be Tony Pollard’s backup. However, beat writer Jon Machota projected Davis off the 53-man roster. He has Pollard, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn as the only three running backs on the roster once camp breaks. Vaughn’s emergence has solidified his spot on the team. Yes, there is still ample time for Davis to make the team, but dynasty managers should adjust course if betting on Davis.
Fans and fantasy managers held their collective breath as we watched the grainy video of Tennessee Titans receiver Treylon Burks going down in practice early last week. Well, good news emerged as the injury was determined to "only" be a sprained LCL. He will miss a few weeks but should be back early in the season.
Jameson Williams is beginning to test the patience of dynasty managers. After missing most of his 2022 rookie season recovering from an ACL injury, he was suspended the first six games of the season for violating the NFL’s gambling policy last season. Williams has displayed both potential and rawness in the preseason, winning routes and dropping passes. He played a whopping 51 snaps in Detroit’s first preseason game, catching just two of his six targets for 18 yards. It will take time for him to develop. But, the hamstring injury suffered a week ago will inhibit that growth as he will be sidelined for the remainder of the preseason. These are valuable practice reps and game snaps that he will miss. It is also noteworthy that the Lions extended the contract for receiver Kalif Raymond. While known primarily as a returner, there are rumblings that Raymond is outplaying Marvin Jones and Josh Reynolds, which could lead to an expanded role until Williams rejoins the team. The additions of rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta will give quarterback Jared Goff explosive weapons. Dynasty managers would be wise not to depend on any receiver outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown, as Goff will spread the ball around.
Beat reporter Mark Kaboly is deeply plugged into the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kaboly wrote last week that Calvin Austin "probably had the most eye-opening camp of (any Pittsburgh receiver)." He elaborated, "To his credit, Austin took a potential bit role and has expanded it into a place where OC Matt Canada has to be thinking about using him more … It has come from more than the slot." Austin missed his rookie season due to injury but is lighting up training camp and preseason. His emergence may push Allen Robinson to the bench as each plays the slot. The Steelers offense was void of speed last year, and Austin’s will be used in a variety of ways.
Carolina Panthers beat writer Sheena Quick has been locked into the Panthers and has had the scoop on many injuries. So, it was notable when she tweeted, "Per source, Terrace Marshall Jris expected to miss a few weeks after having a full scan performed on his back." She was the first to report that Marshall would miss extended time with the back injury sustained in last Tuesday’s practice. Marshall is missing valuable time as he looks to get on the field. The Carolina offense was not sharp Friday night, but it was obvious that Adam Thielen, D.J. Chark, and Jonathan Mingo were cemented into the starting lineup. So, missing "a few weeks" could push the talented receiver further away from a starting role.
While he was not considered a fantasy starter, it was sad to see receiver Russell Gage go down with a knee injury in last week’s scrimmage against the New York Jets. It was a non-contact injury, which is rarely good. He will now miss the 2023 season after taking a pay cut to remain in Tampa. Rookie Trey Palmer should emerge into the third receiver role. Palmer has shined in training camp. On Gage’s injury, David J. Chao tweeted, "Worse than ACL. Patella tendon rupture. Tough recovery." This could be a career-ender for Gage.
Veteran tight end Zach Ertz made a remarkable recovery from his torn ACL and MCL suffered in Week 10 last year and has been cleared to practice. He is on track to start in the opener. Ertz was still playing at a high-level pre-injury and has a shot to be a solid fantasy starter in 2023. With quarterback Kyler Murray out with his own knee injury, it is possible that Arizona chooses to get younger by trading Ertz in an effort to give Trey McBride more game action. The Cardinals should have two of the top picks – theirs and Houston’s – and could look to go with a youth movement. This is a team void of young talent.
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