Preseason News and Notes: Week 2

Mon Aug 18 10:50am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Dart continues to really impress

Another preseason week is in the books and there is a lot to digest. But don’t worry, we are here to help and make it easy for you. So here is the latest fallout from the happenings of this past week. . . . .

The Seahawks new running game is looking fantastic. Kenneth Walker was held out of this week’s game as a precaution because of an injury, giving Zach Charbonnet the start. Charbonnet rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown on just five carries. He is a must handcuff for any Walker owners, considering his huge potential in a starting role for the Seahawks. And whoever is starting, Seattle could have one of the top rush offenses in football.

Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is expected to miss some time this preseason after sustaining a soft-tissue injury to his lower body. He was held out of this week’s preseason game and has been out of practice the last few days. This is a bit of a concerning injury but head coach Mike McDaniel downplayed it and said he expects Achane to be ready for Week 1.

Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson continues to turn heads in the preseason. He wasn’t in there long this week but ran four times for 20 yards and a touchdown. He also returned a kick for 26 yards and was targeted once in the passing game. Henderson is shooting up draft boards right now and looks to be a huge fantasy factor in year one with his electric play.

Another Patriots rookie is turning heads. Wide receiver Efton Chism caught all six of his targets for 71 yards and a touchdown during Saturday's game. He was an undrafted player but getting plenty of buzz in camp. He is playing his way into a roster spot and could earn a regular role in the receiver rotation if he keeps up his current play.

Chargers receiver Quentin Johnston suffered a scary injury this weekend, taking a big hit after a missed pass. He was motionless on the ground after the hit. He was diagnosed with a concussion and is likely going to miss some time. He was competing for a depth role at receiver for the Chargers, so this setback doesn’t bode well for him to earn a lot of playing time early in the year. He could get passed up by some other options.

The Giants have to be happy with what they are seeing from rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. He continues to look really good, bringing speculation that he could even find his way into the starting lineup this year. Dart was 14-of-16 for 137 yards and scored two touchdowns. Dart looks like the real deal for the Giants, finally finding their franchise quarterback.

Steelers rocking running back Kaleb Johnson looked better this week, rushing 11 times for 50 yards. He also caught a pass for nine yards. He is in the mix to split carries with Jaylen Warren but got off to a bit of a slow start in camp and preseason action, causing concern for him to play a big role in the Steelers offense early in the season. Johnson still carries some fantasy concerns but his was a step in the right direction this week.

It is looking more and more like rookie back Jarquez Hunter will be the top backup for the Rams. He is looking good, rushing 15 times for 55 yards. Hunter has played a big role each of his first two preseason games and produced with his chances. He should be the handcuff to grab for Kyren Williams owners.

Rams quarterback Stetson Bennett continues to take big steps forward this year. He had a great game, going 28-of-40 for 324 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Bennett looks like a different quarterback this season. He might not be the top backup for the Rams with Jimmy Garoppolo around but seems to at least be the future of the team. The Rams might have found a gem in Bennett.

Lions rookie receiver Isaac TeSlaa continues to make a strong case to be the No. 3 receiver for the Lions. He had four catches for 41 yards and a touchdown this week. TeSlaa is having a great camp and looks to be a big part of the Lions offense in year one. He could be worth a late-round grab for fantasy owners in this explosive offense.

The Jets starters struggled, especially quarterback Justin Fields. He was just 1-of-5 for four yards before leaving the game. Fields has been up and down all camp. He is going to be a wild card for fantasy teams. You just don’t know what you will get from him in this offense. New York does look to be really run-heavy, though, with a West Coast passing attack (short, quick throws).

Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel got his chance to start and played decent, going 13-of-18 for 143 yards and an interception. Gabriel also lost a fumble, giving him two turnovers in the game. Gabriel showed some promise at times, though, so he should still be in the mix for the starter’s job in Cleveland. You still have to think veteran Joe Flacco is the favorite for the job at this point.

Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson might have jumped to the lead in the race to start in Indy. He didn’t start in this one but probably outplayed Daniel Jones. Richardson was 6-of-11 for 73 yards and led the Colts on a long-touchdown drive. Jones was 7-of-11 for 101 yards and was unable to lead the Colts on any scoring drives.

Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon is another rookie turning some heads. He is making a push to be the top backup for the Dolphins. He ran 10 times for 50 yards and caught two passes for nine yards. Gordon is taking advantage of his playing time. And with Achane battling an injury already, Gordon’s fantasy stock is starting to rise.

The Panthers first-team offense struggled this week. Bryce Young was just 0-of-2 and the first-team offense failed to put up any points. It was an uninspiring performance for an offense with high expectations. It is a little concerning seeing Young struggle some this preseason after his strong finish to last year. Young remains an intriguing QB2 this year but is far from a sure thing at this point.

Denver got some great play from rookie receiver Pat Bryant. He had four receptions for 70 yards. It would not surprise to see Bryant emerge as the No. 2 receiver for the Broncos this season, especially if he keeps playing like this.

Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty showed why the team made him their franchise back in this year’s draft. He was much better than his first preseason game. He had seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown. He showed his great power in the game, running over a defender during one of his runs. Jeanty is going to be a big problem in the NFL.

The Saints gave rookie quarterback Tyler Shough the start but he didn’t do a whole lot. He was 9-of-12 for just 66 yards. Spencer Rattler was much better, finishing 18-of-24 for 199 yards and a touchdown with an interception. He moved the offense much better than Shough. It is looking more and more like Rattler is the clear favorite to start in New Orleans to open this season.

San Francisco gave many of their starters playing time in their game this week and receiver Ricky Pearsall looked great. He wasn’t out there long but was the clear favorite target of Brock Purdy. Pearsall had three receptions for 42 yards on four targets. He has a chance to take a big step forward in year two.

The Bears offense was really clicking this week. It sure looks like quarterback Caleb Williams is starting to really figure this offense out. He was 6-of-10 for 107 yards and a touchdown. There was a lot of panic for Williams early in camp and preseason but this game should give fantasy owners hope going forward. He could have a huge second season with new head coach Ben Johnson running the show.

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.

Preseason News and Notes: Week 2

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