Training Camp Preview: NFC South

Wed Jul 2 11:05am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Bucs hope Godwin is ready


This is the first in a series of training camp previews. The previews give you a quick look at each team, going over position battles and injuries to watch in camp. The season is right around the corner.

Saints

The Saints had a disappointing season, finishing 5-12. New Orleans has a lot of new this year, including a new head coach and starting quarterback. This should be the focus of camp, seeing how Kellen Moore tries to get this thing turned around in New Orleans. He has a lot of work to do with the offense, which is supposed to be his specialty. Moore will have his work cut out for him with this unit. New Orleans gets camp started on July 22 at the Ochsner Sports Performance Center in Metairie, La.

Position battle: The Saints are looking for a new starting quarterback for the first time in several seasons. The team drafted Tyler Shough and he should get first shot to start. The Saints won’t throw him in there, though, if he isn’t ready. He will have to earn the job. Spencer Rattler is his biggest competition. He got some work his rookie season and was erratic. Rattler has some talent, though, so you can’t totally count him out. Shough seems likely to earn the job but nothing is 100 percent certain right now. This should be a good battle.

Injury watch: Taysom Hill is returning from a torn ACL, suffered in December. He has a long road back and is likely to miss the start of the season. We should get a better idea of his status during camp, though. Maybe he gets back sooner than later. When healthy, Hill is a big part of the Saints offense, doing a little bit of everything. And with the uncertainty at quarterback this year, Hill has a chance to play an even bigger role if he can come back healthy.

Bucs

The Bucs have high expectations for this season after making a run last year. The offense will be one of the best in football, adding even more weapons to the mix. The big thing to watch might be how to keep all the weapons offensively happy. There is only one ball to go around and the Bucs have a lot of talent looking to make plays. This might be the story of camp, seeing how Baker Mayfield tries to keep everyone happy. Mayfield and his teammates open camp on July 21 at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa, Fla.

Position battle: The Bucs drafted Emeka Egbuka, giving the team another very talented receiver. He should get playing time right away but will have Jalen McMillan to compete with for that No. 3 receiver job. McMillan played really well in that role last year and likely isn’t going to go away easily. And Egbuka might not be as good of a fit for the slot as McMillan, which might hurt his chances for a ton of playing time. This will be one to watch. A lot of fantasy owners are dismissing McMillan after the team drafted Egbuka, but he could still play a role in this offense.

Injury watch: Chris Godwin suffered a terrible ankle injury last year, which required surgery. He was having maybe his best season to date before the injury. Godwin has a long road back but is making good progress and could be ready for the start of the season. The Bucs are hopeful for this to happen, but we should get a good idea after seeing him perform in camp. His stock could go up if he proves to be healthy and ready for the start of the season.

Falcons

The Falcons had some issues at quarterback last year but still were close to making the playoffs, going 8-9. The big thing to watch this camp will be the development of Michael Penix, who will be the starter from day one this season. Penix has a world of talent but can have some accuracy issues. He will need to improve that accuracy if the Falcons hope to improve on last year and make a run at the playoffs. Penix will get things going on July 23 at the IBM Performance Field in Flowery Branch, Ga.

Position battle: This really isn’t a position battle but you have to wonder how Kirk Cousins handles being the No. 2 quarterback in Atlanta. He has been a top starter for years but is now serving a backup role. Cousins could end up getting traded, especially if another team is worried about their quarterback play after the start of camp. This could be a situation to monitor because a move to a new team could mean another chance to start for Cousins.

Injury watch: The Falcons haven’t released a lot of info but Kyle Pitts is dealing with some sort of foot injury this offseason. He has missed offseason workouts and there is speculation he might be slow for some of training camp. Pitts is already trending the wrong way in fantasy circles, so this injury doesn’t help matters for him. You will want to see how he looks in camp before thinking about using a draft pick on him this year.

Panthers

The Panthers had another disappointing season last year but showed progress late in the year. Bryce Young took some big steps forward and showed he could be the franchise quarterback for years to come in Carolina. And the team did well to upgrade the talent around him this offseason, setting him up for more success. So much of the camp will focus on Young and the offense, seeing if they can continue to get better. Carolina starts camp on July 21 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C.

Position battle: The Panthers have some openings at receiver behind new No. 1 receiver Tet McMillan. He is the clear top target for the team but after him, it is a little up in the air. Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, Jalen Coker, Hunter Renfrow, David Moore and Jimmy Horn Jr. all have a chance to get playing time for the Panthers. None of them are sure things and should be given chances in camp and preseason action to help sort out the depth chart.

Injury watch: Jonathan Brooks tore his ACL in Week 14 last year, his second ACL tear. He has a really long road back and has already been ruled out for this coming season. Brooks could be the franchise back for the Panthers, but his injury history really clouds that from happening going forward. His progress from this latest ACL tear will be something to watch. Brooks still has a chance to be a productive NFL player but nothing is certain at this point.

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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Player Notes
Cade Stover Aug 4 7:00am CT
Cade Stover

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

Anthony Richardson Aug 4 6:50am CT
Anthony Richardson

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

Kyle Monangai Aug 4 6:00am CT
Kyle Monangai

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

Alex Highsmith Aug 4 5:20am CT
Alex Highsmith

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

Zach Sieler Aug 4 5:20am CT
Zach Sieler

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

Travis Hunter Aug 4 5:20am CT
Travis Hunter

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

Quez Watkins Aug 4 5:10am CT
Quez Watkins

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

Matthew Stafford Aug 4 5:00am CT
Matthew Stafford

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

Nick Chubb Aug 4 4:50am CT
Nick Chubb

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

Anthony Richardson Aug 3 8:30pm CT
Anthony Richardson

According to Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen, quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones will play in Thursday's preseason matchup with the Ravens. While Steichen didn't reveal who would start the contest, he did indicate that both players would see a "good amount" of action against Baltimore as well as versus Green Bay on August 16. Richardson has had his share of ups and downs throughout training camp. However, he has seemingly improved in several areas. In 15 regular-season appearances, the 2023 No. 4 overall selection threw for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, adding 10 more trips to the end zone on the run. He also completed only 50.6% of his attempts while missing plenty of time. As far as Jones is concerned, after throwing 24 touchdowns as a rookie in 2019, he hasn't been nearly as potent ever since. The next two games will be important for both men, considering it could decide who will be under center come Week 1. Richardson has a higher upside, or at least it seems. Still, both men have a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Callaway Aug 3 7:00pm CT
Marquez Callaway

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers released wide receiver Marquez Callaway on Sunday. The 27-year-old is best known for his time with the New Orleans Saints, where he totaled 83 catches for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns in 42 regular-season games. Since then, he spent time on practice squads for several teams before agreeing to a deal with San Francisco on July 31. However, Callaway now finds himself back on the market. It's safe to assume he'll see some attention from clubs around the National Football League, although his fantasy value can't get any lower. That isn't expected to change anytime soon. In a corresponding move, the 49ers signed wide receiver Robbie Chosen.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Aug 3 6:50pm CT
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (groin) didn't practice on Sunday. The wideout signed a three-year deal with the Bills in March after spending his first four seasons with the Chargers. He appeared in 59 regular-season games in Los Angeles, catching 82 passes for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bills lack depth at the wide receiver position, so Palmer has a legitimate chance to secure a meaningful role with the club throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he'll need to shake off his current ailment. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. With Khalil Shakir (ankle) week-to-week, Elijah Moore and Keon Coleman should get more first-team work in the days ahead, at the very least.

From RotoBaller

Robbie Chosen Aug 3 6:40pm CT
Robbie Chosen

Free-agent wide receiver Robbie Chosen agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers. The 32-year-old began his career with the Jets. He had some quality years in New York, amassing 207 catches for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns in 62 regular-season contests. Since then, Chosen has made stops in Carolina, Arizona, and Miami, although it's safe to say he wasn't nearly as productive. It's unknown how long the relationship between Chosen and the 49ers will last. However, he could find himself on the field in Week 1, especially since the team is dealing with injuries at the wide receiver position. Still, Chosen has a long way to go before earning a spot in fantasy lineups. In a corresponding move, San Francisco released wideout Marquez Callaway.

From RotoBaller

Tahj Brooks Aug 3 6:20pm CT
Tahj Brooks

Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks continues to make waves during training camp, with Chris Roling of USA Today reporting that the rookie "just keeps impressing." The Bengals held their annual night practice at Paycor Stadium in front of fans on Saturday. While there were more than a few standouts, there was no denying that Brooks was one of them after he "ripped off a few big runs." The 23-year-old was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In his final collegiate season at Texas Tech, he amassed 1,505 yards off 286 touches while finding the end zone a total of 18 times. Of course, Chase Brown is expected to get the bulk of the snaps out of the backfield. However, with the team recently releasing Zack Moss, Brooks may find himself getting more work over Samaje Perine, who the team brought back this offseason.. Although that won't make Brooks a starting fantasy option in redraft leagues, he could have increased value as an insurance policy for Chase's managers, assuming he continues to trend in the right direction heading into Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Aug 3 6:10pm CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (hamstring) was absent from practice on Sunday after appearing to injure his hamstring during Saturday's practice at Paycor Stadium in front of fans. The veteran appeared in all 17 regular-season contests for Cincinnati in 2024. While he wasn't consistently productive, he still finished the year with 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns. Gesicki has built a strong relationship with Joe Burrow, who urged the team to re-sign him this offseason, so it's reasonable to assume he could be a little more involved. He should be considered day-to-day. Hopefully, the team releases a positive update regarding his health in the next day or two. If for some reason Gesicki can't get on the field in Week 1, Noah Fant, who has looked good so far since signing with the team on July 31, would be in line for more opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Aug 3 3:20pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice's (knee) suspension from the NFL is "still in the works." While the league's internal process is being resolved, Rice could be available to play from Week 1. He is currently attending training camp and is working his way back from a brutal knee injury he sustained last season. The 25-year-old is facing a possible suspension of six or more games, but the exact length is unclear at this time. RotoBaller currently projects Rice as a borderline WR2, but if his suspension is deferred, his value could easily rise to the WR1 category. Fantasy managers should monitor his situation closely for updates on his status.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Aug 3 3:10pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (undisclosed) was not dressed for practice on Sunday, as he is dealing with an undisclosed injury. While Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not list the injury as more significant than day-to-day, his absence is still a development to monitor. Austin is trying to secure a starting receiving role and develop chemistry with the new Steelers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Austin, who posted a stat line of 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns last season, could be a player to watch in the later rounds of fantasy drafts and comes in as WR84 in the latest RotoBaller rankings.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Aug 3 3:10pm CT
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (groin) did not practice on Sunday while dealing with a groin injury. It was the second consecutive practice that he missed. Pittman Jr. posted a stat line of 69 receptions for 808 yards and three touchdowns last season, while playing through a back fracture. His absence from practice is a concern as he looks to develop chemistry with quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones, who are currently battling for the starting job. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation closely, as the severity and duration of the injury could impact Pittman Jr.'s value heading into the regular season, where RotoBaller currently has him as WR47.

From RotoBaller

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Aug 3 2:50pm CT
KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith continues to turn heads at training camp, following up his impressive preseason debut with another standout performance on Saturday. According to beat reporter Kris Rhim of ESPN, Lambert-Smith caught two deep touchdowns from quarterback Justin Herbert, with one being a 53-yard catch. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman praised the rookie, stating, "He took the practice field to the game." This consistent play follows his strong outing in the Hall of Fame Game, where he led the team with 43 receiving yards on two catches and a touchdown. While Lambert-Smith is currently not a factor in fantasy drafts, his strong camp and early preseason play are worth monitoring as he looks to climb the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Salvon Ahmed Aug 3 2:10pm CT
Salvon Ahmed

Indianapolis Colts running back Salvon Ahmed (leg) suffered a "severe leg injury" and had to be carted off the field from the team's practice on Sunday, according to Colts head coach Shane Steichen. Ahmed was reportedly the victim of an (inadvertent) hip-drop tackle from his teammate, rookie safety Trey Washington. Ahmed did not appear in an NFL game in 2024, but played in 38 games (four starts) between 2020-2023 for the Miami Dolphins. He had been fighting for a depth role in the Colts' backfield with Tyler Goodson, but it sounds as though this injury could potentially end Ahmed's 2025 season.

From RotoBaller