The Baltimore Ravens released kicker John Hoyland on Saturday, leaving rookie Tyler Loop as the lone kicker on the roster. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Loop is "kicking well enough to win the job." A sixth-round pick out of Arizona, Loop made 83.8% of his field goals and 98.4% of his extra-point attempts in 50 career college games. The 24-year-old is poised to fill the shoes of longtime Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, who was released this offseason amidst multiple allegations of sexual misconduct after 13 years with the team. Baltimore could always bring in a veteran kicker later in the summer, so Loop will still need to perform throughout the preseason to hold the job.

From RotoBaller

The Atlanta Falcons will not play quarterbacks Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins in the team's first preseason game on Friday against the Detroit Lions, according to head coach Raheem Morris. Easton Stick and Emory Jones are the quarterbacks on Atlanta's depth chart behind their top two guys, so they will presumably split snaps against Detroit. Penix Jr. is expected to enter the season as the starter for Atlanta after taking over for Cousins in Week 16 of 2024. The veteran Cousins had been the subject of some trade speculation during the offseason, but it appears Atlanta is planning to keep him in place as the backup. In 14 games last year, the 36-year-old completed 66.9% of his passes for 3,508 yards, throwing 18 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. There's not much that Cousins needs to prove in preseason action at this point in his career.

From RotoBaller

Through two weeks of training camp practices, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller has been the team's wide receiver to stand out the most behind D.K. Metcalf. According to SI's Noah Strackbein, he has outperformed both Roman Wilson and Robert Woods. Calvin Austin III (undisclosed) has missed the last two practices, and the gap between Miller and the rest of the supporting cast has been even more evident. The Steelers' offense as a whole has reportedly struggled throughout camp, with Strackbein reporting that the defense has had the decided edge in nine of the team's first 10 practices. Sunday's practice focused on goal-line work, where the offense scored only twice in their 12 opportunities. Outside of Metcalf, the Steelers' passing game can be avoided except in deep leagues.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Rookie wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith posted two catches for 43 yards and a touchdown in the Hall of Fane preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: Preseason results mean less than ever, but this is somewhat notable after Lambert-Smith has reportedly been fantastic in practice. The Chargers are still looking for wide receiver and help and are apparently in the mix for Keenan Allen. Still, Lambert-Smith belongs on deep dynasty rookie draft lists as a late round target with some apparent upside.

Los Angeles Rams safety Kam Curl (ankle) is week-to-week with an ankle injury after being stepped on during Tuesday's practice. As a precaution, he was carted off the field, but head coach Sean McVay says the team is "really fortunate" that the injury is not as serious as originally feared. With the Rams slated to play their first preseason game next Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys, it remains to be seen how much action McVay plans to give his starters before the regular season. However, it's safe to assume Curl will be held out of the game. When healthy, Curl should be viewed as nothing more than a deep flier in IDP leagues, as he saw his tackle numbers drop precipitously after moving from the Commanders to the Rams last season, and he once more projects to play away from the box.

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins "is in position to be the 49ers' no. 3 or 4 wide receiver," according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Barrows writes that Watkins' teammates "keep praising his maturity and mental sharpness." The 49ers are currently working with a battered receiving corps, as Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is expected to miss the start of the season, and Jauan Jennings (calf) has missed most of training camp. 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is in line to lead the group as things currently stand, and it sounds as though Watkins is starting to separate himself from a group that also contains veterans Demarcus Robinson and Russell Gage. A fourth-round pick out of Ole Miss, Watkins averaged 18.5 yards per reception and scored nine touchdowns in his final collegiate season. Particularly if Jennings ends up missing regular-season time, Watkins is an under-the-radar name to keep an eye on for fantasy.

From RotoBaller

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has "overwhelmingly relied on short, quick passes or checkdowns" in training camp practices, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. DeFabo writes that quarterback Aaron Rodgers "hasn't been able to unlock" wide receiver DK Metcalf's ability to stretch the field vertically. It's early in camp, but this could be a continuation of Rodgers' difficulties as a downfield passer from 2024. In 17 games for the New York Jets, he completed just 35.4% of his passes of 20-plus air yards. Pittsburgh acquired Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason and is relying on him to anchor their wide receiver corps. In 15 games last season for Seattle, Metcalf recorded 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns. He's averaged at least 15 yards per reception in four of his six NFL seasons, so making plays downfield is a big part of Metcalf's game. Metcalf profiles as a low-end WR2 for fantasy who should dominate targets in the Steelers' offense, but these early struggles with Rodgers are something to monitor going forward.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker will get the start in the team's second preseason game on Friday against the Atlanta Falcons. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that Hooker will play the first half and veteran Kyle Allen will take over for the second half. That order is a reversal of how the Lions deployed their quarterbacks for their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hooker and Allen are competing for the backup job in Detroit behind Jared Goff. Both players struggled in their first taste of preseason action against the Chargers on Thursday. Hooker was three-for-six through the air for 18 yards and an interception, while Allen went 9-for-14 for 71 yards and two picks. A third-round pick in 2023, Hooker has been unable to secure the Lions QB2 role to this point in his career. He'll need to play much better throughout the remainder of the preseason to earn the job heading into 2025.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover has received praise from the front office throughout training camp. According to Cole Thompson of the Texas Wire, general manager Nick Caserio mentioned that Stover was the "most improved player of the entire offseason." The 25-year-old joined the Texans in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. During his rookie campaign, Stover had a limited role as he caught just 15 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. However, during each of the final two games of the season (Week 18 and their Wild Card matchup), Stover logged 36 offensive snaps in each game, which were the highest marks of his debut season. In the playoff game, Stover caught a season-high four passes as well. Stover is a name to continue to monitor as he could surpass Brevin Jordan as the No. 2 tight end behind presumed starter Dalton Schultz.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones are expected to play a "good amount" during Thursday's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. However, head coach Shane Steichen has yet to declare who will get the starting nod in this contest. Throughout training camp, both quarterbacks have been given opportunities with the first-team and will likely continue to fight for the starting job over the next few weeks. Steichen noted that whoever does start during Thursday's game is not expected to have a large workload in their second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. The Colts drafted Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida. While he has flashed high upside at times, his inconsistency as a passer could push him to the No. 2 role. The Colts signed Jones in the offseason to a one-year deal after his six-year tenure with the Giants. Whoever wins the starting job could be an intriguing No. 2 quarterback in superflex leagues given their rushing upside.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has begun to earn the trust of the coaching staff. Head coach Ben Johnson said, "I'm very pleased with where he's at. I think he's a guy we're gonna be able to trust this fall," when discussing Monangai's development during training camp. The Bears selected Monangai in the seventh round (233rd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Rutgers. During his final two seasons with the Scarlet Knights, Monangai averaged 1,270.5 yards per season and scored 22 total touchdowns. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Monangai's progression as he could find a role in the Chicago backfield. Last season, D'Andre Swift saw most of the opportunities but was very ineffective, posting a modest 3.8 YPC, which was the lowest mark of his career. For now, Monangai sits as the No. 3 option behind Swift and Roschon Johnson on the depth chart, but could be worth a late-round selection if he continues to gain traction.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) suffered a groin injury in practice on Sunday. The 27-year-old had a similar groin injury last season, forcing him to play in only 11 games. Highsmith has been a stalwart on the Steelers' defense since 2020, compiling 35.5 sacks over his career. If Highsmith is forced to miss the start of the season, it would be a blow to the Steelers' defense, which was a top-five fantasy DST in 2024. Fantasy managers should monitor his status closely as his absence could impact the Steelers' defensive fantasy production.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $67.75 million, with $44 million guaranteed on Sunday. The deal makes Sieler, who had two years remaining on his previous contract, the Dolphins' highest-paid defensive player. Sieler, a former seventh-round pick out of Division II Ferris State, has been a major success story, recording double-digit sacks in each of the last two seasons. He was also named the Dolphins' team MVP in 2024. As a team captain, he has been a key part of the Dolphins' defensive line, and this new deal solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the defense.

From RotoBaller

Jacksonville Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter spent all 20 of his snaps on offense at Sunday's training camp practice. The rookie, who has been a subject of offseason debate regarding his split between wide receiver and defensive back, made an impressive leaping touchdown catch over cornerback Jourdan Lewis in red zone work. However, Hunter had a pass bounce off his hands two plays later. RotoBaller projects Hunter to be the WR34 this season with a stat line of 77 catches, 914 yards, and six touchdowns. This notable development is a situation to monitor, as a full-time offensive role would make him a high-upside fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Quez Watkins (undisclosed) has been placed on injured reserve. The 27-year-old left Friday's practice with an injury and did not return. Watkins, who began his career in 2020 with the Eagles, compiled a stat line of 98 receptions, 1,249 yards, and six touchdowns over four seasons, with his 2021 season being his most productive. His placement on IR is not expected to have any fantasy relevance, as he was far down the depth chart and looking to secure a roster spot on his new team. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals signed wide receiver Nate McCollum.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) will not participate in a jog-through and will focus on static throwing, treadmill running, and core exercises on Monday, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay. "It's static throwing," said McVay about Stafford's workout on Monday. The 37-year-old has been sidelined from training camp due to back soreness, which McVay says is a precaution. His absence from team activities raises concerns because it disrupts his ability to develop chemistry with his pass catchers, especially new wide receiver Davante Adams. Last season, Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Fantasy managers should closely watch his back issue, as it could affect his availability and performance at the start of the season.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (knee) is drawing concern at training camp as the "burst needed to get through to the second and third level of the defense is nowhere to be found," according to Cole Thompson of the Texas Wire. The 29-year-old is two seasons removed from a devastating knee injury and is coming off a season-ending broken foot that he suffered in Week 15 last year. Chubb, who is entering his eighth season, signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Houston and was set to take on a larger role with the uncertain availability of running back Joe Mixon (foot). Mixon is considered week-to-week due to a foot injury. While Chubb may have been a sneaky late-round fantasy flyer given Mixon's situation, he will have to show signs of his old self before he can be considered a reliable fantasy option this season.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin (ankle) continues to ramp up his activity, as he took part in 7-on-7 periods Sunday, Aug. 3, for the first time since suffering an ankle injury.

From TheHuddle

Arizona Cardinals RB James Conner indicated Saturday, Aug. 2, that he and RB Trey Benson will both be seeing a lot of time in the backfield this season. 'It's the situation we are in and we can't shy away from it,' Conner said. 'We've got to talk about it and understand what's expected. We want to be the best rushing team in football. We need that from (Benson). And the rest of the backs. We can't shy away from those conversations.'

Fantasy Spin: Conner just signed an extension, and he is coming off a giant season with a career-high 1,094 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and he had his second straight 1,000-yard campaign. He also caught 47 balls for 414 yards with another score, his most catches since 2019 with the Steelers. Fantasy managers will still want to target Conner as a RB2 in all formats, but be ready to scoop up Benson as a handcuff, as well.

From TheHuddle

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford (back) will not participate in the jog-through practice Monday, Aug. 4, but he will do a workout on his own, head coach Sean McVay said. 'It's static throwing. It's some of the unloaded running on the treadmill. Sometimes it might even be walking. Cardio and core,' McVay said.

Fantasy Spin: The Rams feel Stafford will be ready for Week 1, but they're taking it really slow with the aging and brittle veteran. Stafford is still viewed as more of a low-end QB2 in most leagues, but you can certainly do worse with your primary fantasy backup and bye-week replacement.

From TheHuddle