Preseason News and Notes: Week 1
Mon Aug 15 10:40am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Pierce makes his case to start
We are going to do a quick recap of the preseason action after each week, giving you the good, bad and ugly (injuries) from all the preseason action. There is a lot to digest each week, but we are here to break it down for you. We will do it each week until the start of the season. There are plenty of position battles happening, making the preseason games intriguing for fantasy owners.
Here is the recap for Week 1. . . . .
The big injury of the week happened to Jets quarterback Zach Wilson. The good news is he didn’t suffer a season-ending injury. There was fear he tore his ACL, but that wasn’t the case. Wilson suffered a partially torn meniscus and bone bruise to his knee. He is going to be out a few weeks but there is a chance he is ready for Week 1. The Jets might bring along their franchise quarterback slowly, though, so don’t be surprised if he misses a few weeks of the regular season. Joe Flacco will be the No. 1 quarterback for the Jets while Wilson is out of action.
Rookie running back Dameon Pierce shined for the Texans. He was clearly the best back for the team, running five times for 49 yards. Pierce has been getting plenty of praise in camp and looks to be the starter in this offense before long. He is a playmaker that can play three downs and do just fine in pass protection. Pierce could make a run at top fantasy rookie this year if he his current play continues.
Falcons rookie receiver Drake London suffered a knee injury in his preseason game. He avoided something too serious, though, and could be out just a short period of time. The Falcons aren’t revealing how much time he is expected to miss just yet, so keep an eye on his player notes for the latest. He could be back practicing in a few days. The sooner he can get back on the field, the better for London.
Falcons rookie running back Tyler Allgeier didn't get a ton of work but ran three times for 25 yards. He averaged an impressive 8.3 yards per carry. He is making a case to start for the Falcons his rookie year and this showing didn’t do anything to dispel that. Allgeier is trending upward right now and could be starting for the Falcons before long.
Rookie Malik Willis showed well in his NFL debut, giving the Titans hope they have found their franchise quarterback. He won’t start this year, but could the Titans starter sooner than later. He was 6-of-11 for 107 yards and ran five times for 38 yards and a touchdown. Willis showed his dual threat ability and made plays down the field throwing the ball. Willis is a very talented player that certainly looks the part of an NFL star.
The Browns gave Deshaun Watson the start in their first preseason game. He had plenty of rust after not playing at all last year. He was just 1-of-5 for seven yards. Watson did not look great. There remains plenty of speculation that his suspension will be lengthened to the entire season, so this might be the only time you see Watson playing in a game this year.
Eagles starting quarterback Jalen Hurts was sharp as the Eagles came out throwing early and often. Hurts was 6-of-6 for 80 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. If this first game was any indication, the Eagles are going to be throwing the ball a lot this year to take advantage of all their weapons in the passing game. Hurts is a very intriguing fantasy option this coming year, having top-five potential at the position.
The Trey Lance era opened in San Francisco and it was impressive. Lance was 4-of-5 for 92 yards and a touchdown. He also ran once for seven yards. Lance is another dual threat at quarterback that seems ready for a breakout season. It was just a preseason game, but things are looking good for Lance this coming year.
Packers rookie receiver Romeo Doubs has turned heads in training camp and carried that over to the preseason. He caught three passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. He led all Packers receivers with seven targets. He is a player to put on your radar right now. Doubs is trending towards earning a starting job and big role in the Packers offense his rookie season.
Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is another rookie making waves in camp and he got some playing time with the first-team offense his first preseason game. This is a pretty good sign that the Chiefs feel comfortable with Pacheco and he could be the No. 2 back behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He is moving up the fantasy rankings while Ronald Jones should be moving down. Jones is fourth or fifth on the depth chart right now and ran four times for just a yard. He could be a player that is cut before the start of the season.
Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold played similar as they battle it out for the right to start in Carolina. Darnold threw a touchdown pass, so maybe he gets a bit of a leg up after one week of action. Mayfield was 4-of-7 for 45 yards. Darnold was 2-of-3 for 16 yards and a touchdown. Mayfield probably remains the heavy favorite to start, but he isn’t going to be handed the job.
Antonio Gibson lost a fumble and found his way to the bench, rushing four times for just two yards. It was not a good performance and cause for some concern. Rookie Brian Robinson looked pretty good with his chances, running six times for 26 yards and a touchdown. He also caught two passes for 15 yards. Gibson is going to need to get his fumbling issues under control if he hopes to keep starting in Washington. Robinson is an intriguing late-round grab right now for fantasy teams.
Geno Smith opened as the starter for Seattle, but was probably outplayed by Drew Lock. Both moved the offense, but Lock had two touchdown passes. Smith was 10-of-15 for 101 yards without a touchdown or a turnover. Smith did run in a score, rushing two times for nine yards and a score. Lock was 11-of-15 for 102 yards and a touchdown without a turnover. This quarterback battle remains very close.
The Steelers are the only team in the NFL with three quarterbacks battling it out to start. All three played pretty well this past week. Rookie Kenny Pickett was the best of the group, though. He was very impressive, going 13-of-15 for 95 yards and two touchdowns without a turnover. Mitchell Trubisky started and made plays, finishing 4-of-7 for 63 yards and a touchdown. Mason Rudolph was first off the bench and was 9-of-15 for 93 yards and a touchdown. Trubisky seems the leader but Pickett’s strong showing was encouraging for his future. He could be moving up the depth chart if he keeps playing well.
Rookie George Pickens might be generating the most buzz of any player this training camp and didn’t disappoint in his first preseason game. He had three receptions for 43 yards and a touchdown. Pickens is drawing rave reviews in camp looked the part of an NFL superstar in this preseason game. Pickens is going to keep moving up draft boards until the start of the season.
So Josh Jacobs started the Raiders first preseason game and that drew all sorts of speculation because the rest of the starters mainly sat that game. What did that mean for Jacobs? Is he not the starter or thought of as highly as the other starters in Las Vegas? Well, Jacobs didn’t play that second preseason game for the Raiders. Maybe everyone needs to pump the breaks on Jacobs playing a much smaller role for the Raiders this year. Las Vegas might rotate backs more than past years in this new offense, but it certainly looks like Jacobs is the starter and likely to be a big part of the offense. Don’t let that first preseason game freak you out about drafting Jacobs this year. He might end up being a great value to fantasy teams as his stock starts to fall.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Free-agent linebacker Bud Dupree has reportedly signed a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. Dupree met with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons in addition to the Chargers. The 31-year-old has played with both the Steelers and Falcons during his career so it appears Dupree was looking for a new home. The veteran linebacker still has something left in the tank. He recorded 6.5 sacks last season with Atlanta. Those 6.5 sacks were the most for Dupree since the 2020 season. His addition should be a solid boost for this defensive unit heading into next season.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos have released wide receiver Phillip Dorsett. The veteran wideout was already a longshot to make the roster. The 31-year-old joined the Broncos last season and failed to make a catch during his two appearances. Dorsett has bounced around quite a bit throughout his time in the league. Dorsett is viewed more as a depth option than an actual impact player on a roster. He could sign elsewhere before the season starts, but his chances of having fantasy value are low.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Albert Wilson has decided to retire from professional football after seven seasons. Wilson joined the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent ahead of the 2014 season. He spent four seasons with the Chiefs, and Wilson achieved a career-high 554 receiving yards during his final season with the team. After that, Wilson joined the Miami Dolphins for the next three seasons. He was fairly lackluster during his time with the Dolphins. He bounced around with the Raiders and Vikings but hasn't seen the field since the 2021 season. Wilson will finish his career with 218 receptions, 2,499 yards, and 12 touchdowns.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice is under investigation in relation to a night club assault,. Dynasty Analysis: An adventurous off-season continues for Rice, who already has a massive legal problem in relation to a street racing incident. This new investigation is looking like it's going to take some time to unravel but it's clear a suspension (and possibly a lengthy one) is coming sooner rather than later. Rice is a hold for now as his value is clearly in flux.
Dynasty | The Cowboys have released wide receiver Martavis Bryant. Dynasty Analysis: Marty B will likely attempt to resume his comeback with another team as Dallas just couldn't hold on to him. Bryant was once a highly regarded dynasty asset but suspensions derailed his career before it could really even get going. Bryant will look to latch on elsewhere but it's hard to see him being a worthwhile dynasty pickup until he makes a final roster.
Dynasty | The Giants have signed wide receiver Allen Robinson. Dynasty Analysis: Robinson had a 102/1,250/6 season for the Bears in 2020 but has fallen off the face of the earth since with just over 1,000 receiving yards and a total of four touchdowns in the three years since, including stops with Chicago, Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. Robinson is a fringe roster candidate at best at this point and while he has a chance to re-emerge in New York, don't hold your breath.
Dynasty | The Cardinals have signed wide receiver Zay Jones. Dynasty Analysis: Jones has had some nice moments over his seven seasons in Buffalo, Las Vegas, and Jacksonville, though he's never posted more than 823 receiving yards or seven touchdowns in any given season. Jones could be viable opposite Marvin Harrison, Jr. if he can beat out Michael Wilson but that's no given. At this point, Jones looks like a roster worthy player but a potential roster clogger at the same time.
Free-agent wide receiver Jarvis Landry spent an hour running around catching passes as a tryout player at the Jacksonville Jaguars' rookie minicamp on Friday. Landry was one of the league's top receivers in the first seven years of his career, making five Pro Bowls with the Dolphins and Browns. He led the NFL in catches in 2017 with 112 and had three 1,000-yard seasons in that span. But Landry only played in 12 games in 2021 with Cleveland due to a knee sprain, and he had a career-low in catches (52) and receiving yards (570). He played in just nine games with the Saints in 2022 due to an ankle injury and sat out in 2023. Landry looked healthy on Friday and was pleased with his workout, but it remains to be seen if the Jags will add him as receiver depth in addition to Christian Kirk, Gabe Davis and first-round rookie Brian Thomas.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels didn't have any "wow" moments during his first rookie minicamp practice, but he still managed to impress fellow rookies and the coaching staff. "He's a stud," third-round receiver Luke McCaffrey said. "I know he's one heck of a quarterback and a lot of fun to play with from a personality standpoint. I've had a blast in these 24 hours with him. He's just fun to be around; he's good energy." Daniels was the No. 2 overall pick in last year's NFL draft and is expected to take over as the team's starter under center right away in Week 1 this fall. The 23-year-old former LSU Tiger is a dual-threat QB with plenty of athleticism, and he could be the most NFL-ready signal-caller of all the rookie QBs not named Caleb Williams. In Year 1, Daniels will be a low-end QB2 in fantasy with considerable upside for his rushing ability.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers rookie first-round wide receiver Xavier Legette, who was taken 32nd overall in this year's NFL draft last month, has had trouble connecting with the team's rookie quarterbacks so far in rookie minicamp practices. Legette has always had the size-speed combination -- his 4.39-second 40-yard dash tied for the sixth-fastest among wideouts at this year's scouting combine -- but he kept hearing that he had to improve as a route-runner as he took part in Senior Bowl practices and the combine. At 6-foot-1, 221 pounds, some questioned Legette's ability to drop his hips and quickly get out of his breaks. Legette has been compared physically to DK Metcalf, who Panthers head coach Dave Canales worked with in Seattle. At the very least, Legette will give second-year QB Bryce Young a speed, big-bodied target deep down the field in 2024, but expecting much more than that might be unwise in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that second-round rookie defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton (foot) has an injury to his left foot -- not the same foot as his college season but the same injury -- and has surgery scheduled for next week. "Not giving any timelines for that," Quinn said. The 21-year-old had surgery in January on his right foot to fix a partial Jones fracture, but now he'll be forced to undergo a similar surgery on his other foot. It's not what you want to hear from a high draft pick as they head into their first NFL offseason. It remains to be seen when Newton will be able to practice with the team. Any missed time in training camp this summer would be a big blow to his development as he looks to carve out a role on the interior of Washington's defensive line in 2024.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears rookie first-round wide receiver Rome Odunze (hamstring) is dealing with hamstring tightness and will sit out of Saturday's rookie minicamp practice. It's likely nothing to worry about in the long run, but it's also not a great start for Odunze as he looks to get going as a top-10 pick in this year's NFL draft. It's something to keep an eye on with the 21-year-old from Washington as we get deeper into the offseason and closer to training camp. The Bears took Odunze at No. 9 overall to give rookie quarterback Caleb Williams more weapons in the passing attack in addition to established veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Odunze was extremely productive in college and is ultra-athletic on the football field, but it's going to be tough for him to produce consistent numbers in Chicago's offense in his rookie season as long as both Moore and Allen stay healthy.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans signed first-round offensive tackle JC Latham to his four-year, fully-guaranteed rookie deal on Friday worth $26.04 million. The deal was confirmed by his agents Drew Rosenhaus, Ryan Matha and Jason Rosenhaus. The contract also includes the standard fifth-year player option for first-round picks. The 21-year-old offensive lineman was taken by the Titans with the seventh overall pick out of Alabama. He will be a huge upgrade for an offensive line that was in need of serious help this offseason and should start from Day 1 in his rookie season, at least at right tackle. The addition of Latham in 2024 should have an immediate positive impact in fantasy for young quarterback Will Levis and the rest of Tennessee's option as they enter their first season without workhorse back Derrick Henry.
From RotoBaller
The Denver Broncos signed rookie quarterback Bo Nix to his rookie deal on Friday, according to a source. As is the case with all first-round selections, Nix will have a fifth-year team option attached to his first NFL contract. Needing to add more competition to their QB room this offseason after getting rid of Russell Wilson, the Broncos reached for Nix, the former Oregon signal-caller, with the 12th overall pick in last month's NFL draft. The Broncos have admitted that Nix could probably benefit from sitting and learning a year, but it's not like Denver already has a veteran starter in place. Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson will all compete for the starting gig in training camp and the preseason. At best, Nix would be a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues if he's starting out of the gates in Week 1 in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Las Vegas Raiders signed veteran Gardner Minshew to a two-year, $25 million contract this offseason, yet 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O'Connell is the early favorite to handle QB1 duties in 2024, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "Aidan's earned the right to go out there and earn the first snap," Pierce said. "What he's done this offseason -- changing his body, his work ethic, being here every day, blocking out the outside noise. He's not worried about anything. I'm excited." O'Connell replaced Jimmy Garoppolo in the middle of last season and threw for 2,219 yards, 12 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. The team went 5-5 during his 10 starts. Although the job sounds like it's his to lose, Minshew will also likely have the chance to battle for the starting role this offseason. The 27-year-old has thrown for 59 touchdowns and 24 interceptions during his five-year career and has looked like at least a mid-level starter at times. Whoever wins the job will get to throw to Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Brock Bowers this year, so either could be a solid QB2 in Superflex formats.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (Achilles) is working his way back from a Week 8 Achilles tear from last season, and reports out of Atlanta suggest he is making great progress. "Kirk is every day improving," Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said. "He's been doing all those things, he's been throwing, he's been out there pretty much full-go. Now, we got him in a limited basis, obviously 'cause he's still in his rehab and his treatment and all those types of things." The 35-year-old signal-caller has not been dropping back behind an offensive line or facing a rush, but he's evidently looked good on his dropbacks and reps with his new wide receiver group. Despite Atlanta selecting Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Cousins remains the clear starter in 2024 as long as he holds up. The four-time Pro Bowler has thrown for at least 4,000 yards seven times in his nine-year career as a starter, while the Falcons have not had a 4,000-yard passer since Matt Ryan in 2020. If Cousins isn't limited by his major injury, he'll remain a fringe QB1 option surrounded by Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Darnell Mooney, and company.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent wide receiver Zay Jones is signing with the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. The 29-year-old went on visits with the Tennessee Titans and Dallas Cowboys this week, but he ultimately landed in a spot where he can compete for targets right away. Jones was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars after they selected LSU wideout Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but there's a real chance his situation is better in Arizona. Rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. is expected to occupy the WR1 role right away, but Jones is almost certainly slated to start in three-wide sets, and he might even beat out Michael Wilson to start in two-wide sets. He and tight end Trey McBride could battle it out to be Kyler Murray's No. 2 option in the passing game. Pencil in Jones as at least a deep league flex option in 2024.
From RotoBaller
The Carolina Panthers released veteran running back Tarik Cohen, who was attempting a comeback from a series of injuries that derailed his time as a Pro Bowl return man with the Chicago Bears. Cohen hasn't played in a regular-season game in the NFL since 2020, and it remains to be seen if he'll latch on with another club this offseason. The 28-year-old was a former fourth-round pick in 2017 by the Bears out of North Carolina A&T. He was never much of a ball-carrier at 5-foot-6, 181 pounds, but he excelled as a returner and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Cohen suffered an ACL tear in Week 3 of 2020 and also tore his Achilles in May of 2022. He spent most of last year on Carolina's practice squad but missed two months with a hamstring injury.
From RotoBaller
When asked who would be calling the team's offensive plays in 2024, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson remained non-committal. "Don't play a game until September. So, we've got some time," Pederson said. Offensive coordinator Press Taylor was responsible for calling most of the team's plays in a disappointing 2023 season, so Pederson is seriously considering taking back those duties in 2024. A lot of the team's offensive struggles in the second half of last year had to do with the fact that quarterback Trevor Lawrence was playing injured, and that they were missing one of their top receivers in Christian Kirk. The Jaguars finished with 339.5 total yards per game (13th in the league) and 22.2 points per game (tied for 13th).
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that wide receiver Gabe Davis (knee) is working through an injury, so the team hasn't been able to see much from him yet after adding him in free agency this offseason. Davis missed the postseason last year with the Buffalo Bills due to a knee injury that he suffered in the Week 18 season finale against the Miami Dolphins, and apparently it's still an issue. While we don't expect the injury to keep him from participating in training camp or being ready for the start of the 2024 season, it's bad news for a player looking to learn a new offense in Jacksonville. The 25-year-old is another strong offensive situation in Jacksonville, but he'll face competition for targets from Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas and tight end Evan Engram, likely making him a boom/bust fantasy option yet again.
From RotoBaller
