As NFL training camps heat up and the preseason is well underway, the fantasy football landscape is rapidly evolving. This week brought key developments that could impact your draft strategy and season outlook. From standout performances by rising stars to injuries affecting key players, staying informed is crucial. In this article, I break down the most important fantasy-relevant updates from the latest week of NFL training camp, helping you stay ahead of the competition (August 12-15, 2024).
NFL Training Camp Updates
AFC North
Zack Moss and Chase Brown are competing for the RB1 spot: The Cincinnati Bengals have quite the competition going on. Brown, who was a rookie with the Bengals last year, was decent last year but had a limited opportunity (44 carries for 179 yards). On the other side, Moss had a career year with the Indianapolis Colts, where he ran for 794 yards and scored five touchdowns. Both players have fantasy value, and neither would be expensive to acquire.
AFC East
Chase Claypool injured his toe, ending his season: Claypool injured his toe on July 28, ending his season. The Bills signed Claypool this offseason with the hope that he would add depth to their depleted receiving core, however, they will now have to turn somewhere else to find help (Claypool was released by the team Thursday). One notable player who could step up now is Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Ja’Lynn Polk has been a standout so far in camp: The 37th overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft has arguably been the team’s best receiver so far in training camp, according to Phil Perry of NBC Sports. Polk had 69 receptions for 1,159 yards and 10 total touchdowns last year in college and may definitely be valuable as a late-round draft pick in deeper fantasy leagues.
Jaylen Wright will have a role in the Dolphins’ offense: The fourth-round pick in this past NFL draft has been very impressive in camp and in the first game of the preseason (10 carries, 55 yards, and one touchdown). Although the Dolphins running back room is loaded, Wright figures to have some sort of role, especially if one of Mostert or Achane gets hurt.
AFC West
Marquise Brown is expected to miss 4-6 weeks: Brown (shoulder) is set to miss significant time due to an injury he suffered against Jacksonville in last weekend’s pre-season contest. This now lowers Brown’s draft stock and also, in turn, increases that of Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice.
Zamir White continues to improve his stock: The Las Vegas running back is continuing to stand out so far in camp and is fitting very nicely into new OC Luke Getsy’s scheme (Per Levi Edwards, Raiders.com). White could be a valuable mid-to-late-round draft pick, as he will see a large volume as the Raiders’ RB1.
AFC South
Joe Mixon is back at practice: After being absent for multiple weeks due to a quad injury, Mixon is back and appears to be 100% healthy. Although he is getting up there in age (28), Mixon will serve as the Texans’ RB1 in 2024 and is poised to have another season of quality.
NFC North
J.J. McCarthy has a meniscus injury and will miss the 2024 season: After missing practice on Monday with knee soreness, the club confirmed that McCarthy has a meniscus injury and will need surgery. The last thing the Vikings would want to do is rush McCarthy back into action. We can now expect Sam Darnold to remain as the Vikings quarterback for the foreseeable future.
Jahmyr Gibbs should be fine for the regular season: Gibbs, who hurt his hamstring on Monday, is not seriously injured. Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report says the Gibbs should be ready for Week 1. Fantasy managers who drafted him in the first round should have nothing to worry about.
Jordan Addison is hurt but avoided serious injury: Addison, who was carted off from practice Wednesday, appears to have avoided a serious injury according to HC Kevin O’Connell. The team will likely put out more information early next week, but for now, Addisons’ fantasy value shouldn’t be harmed too much.
NFC East
Malik Nabers’ injury is not serious: Nabers underwent further examination on his ankle that he hurt late last week, and the news came back positive. Giants head coach Brian Daboll said that the injury is not long-term. This should not impact Nabers’ fantasy value much, if at all.
Brandin Cooks is stepping up as WR1 in Lamb’s absence: According to Saad Yousef of The Athletic, Cooks has been Dak Prescott’s favorite target so far during training camp, as CeeDee Lamb has remained off the field due to contract negotiations. If Lamb is held off the field for any reason, Cooks’ fantasy value will skyrocket.
NFC West
Matthew Stafford is dealing with a minor injury: Matthew Stafford left Wednesday’s practice after feeling hamstring tightness and then was absent from Thursday’s walkthrough. Head Coach Sean McVay said that Stafford was removed for precautionary reasons, and will be fine.
NFC South
Xavier Legette returned to practice: After missing several days last week with a foot injury, it appears that Legette is good to go. Legette was the 32nd overall pick in this past NFL draft and could immediately factor into the Panthers’ passing game. He is currently slotted behind Dionte Johnson in unofficial depth charts but has a very high ceiling and could eventually move up to the WR1 spot.
Dionte Johnson suffered a groin injury: Johnson is dealing with a minor groin strain and is considered day-to-day. This injury shouldn’t have much of an impact on Johnson’s fantasy value. He still remains a late-round sleeper pick with lots of upside, as he is set to begin the season as the Panthers WR1.