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New Orleans Saints linebacker Pete Werner signed a three-year contract extension on Thursday that is worth over $25 million, including $17.5 million guaranteed, according to sources. The deal ties Werner to the Saints through the 2027 season. Werner suffered a shoulder injury early in training camp, but it's unlikely to be a serious ailment. The 26-year-old linebacker earned his extension by posting a career-high 93 tackles (60 solo), half a sack, four tackles for loss, one interception and two fumble recoveries in 16 regular-season starts in 2023 in his third year in the league. The former second-round selection by the Saints in 2021 out of Ohio State will open his fourth year in the NFL as a starter for New Orleans, but he isn't really on the IDP fantasy radar for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf) has returned to the practice field at training camp on Thursday after he was held out of practice on Wednesday with a minor calf injury. Reed also missed the early part of camp due to an injury, but he's fine now and should be 100 percent for the start of the 2024 regular season, barring any other injury setbacks in camp or the preseason. The 24-year-old is the team's starting slot receiver but could have a tough time replicating his impressive rookie season in which he scored 10 total touchdowns (eight receiving, two rushing) in 16 games. Reed's production was helped by the fact that Christian Watson missed time due to injury. He's a big part of Green Bay's offense moving forward, but as long as Watson and Romeo Doubs are healthy, fantasy managers should be concerned about target volume for Reed.

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The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran free-agent wide receiver Robbie Chosen to an undisclosed deal on Thursday, according to his agents. The receiver formerly known as Robbie/Robby Anderson had multiple offers from teams but chose a team with an immediate need at the position. The Niners are on the verge of trading away star wideout Brandon Aiyuk because of his unhappiness that the team hasn't given him a long-term contract extension. In addition to Aiyuk's expected departure, rookie first-rounder Ricky Pearsall aggravated a shoulder injury this week in training camp practice, so the team is in need of depth at the position. Even if Aiyuk is traded, as expected, Chosen will likely be battling for a roster spot behind Deebo Samuel Sr., Jauan Jennings, Pearsall, rookie Jacob Cowing and Ronnie Bell.

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New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh said that wide receiver Mike Williams (knee) is "a lot further ahead than anticipated" after the team activated him off the Physically Unable to Perform list at training camp on Wednesday. When Williams was asked how realistic it is for him to play in the Week 1 regular-season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, he said: "I guess we've got to see." The 29-year-old is still recovering from a torn left ACL that he suffered in Week 3 of last year with the Chargers, and he won't take part in team drills at camp for another week or two. He's up in the air for the start of the regular season, and even if he's active, it seems likely that the Jets will ease him into a full workload, which will make the big-bodied downfield threat even more of a risky boom/bust option for fantasy lineups. But when he's 100%, he'll be the No. 2 wideout behind Garrett Wilson in New York.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen will play about a quarter in the preseason opener Saturday, Aug. 10.

Fantasy Spin: Allen was the QB1 last season.. He's still an elite option in drafts, but his stock could take a hit with the questions around him at receiver.

From TheHuddle

Minnesota Vikings rookie outside linebacker Dallas Turner is listed behind edge rushers Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel on the team's first unofficial depth chart. The veteran defenders were brought in during free agency after strong seasons with the Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins, respectively. Greenard posted a career-high 12.5 sacks in 15 games last season, while Van Ginkel posted a career-high six sacks. Turner, who was projected by many to be a top-10 selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, slipped to the No. 17 slot after posting 32.5 tackles for loss and 22.5 sacks in three seasons at Alabama. He figures to play a significant role as a rookie, but he might work behind the veteran duo for the first half of the season or beyond.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott announced that quarterback Josh Allen will start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Chicago Bears, and he will play about a quarter. The 28-year-old could benefit from some preseason action given the turnover to his pass-catching group. With Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis out of town, Allen will need to work quickly to develop chemistry with newcomers Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, among others. Buffalo could get out to a slow start offensively until the new faces get comfortable, but these reps before the regular season could help speed the process along. Once again, Allen is the consensus QB1 in 2024 fantasy football drafts. Even if his passing numbers take a hit, his rushing upside insulates him as an elite fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings signed a two-year, $15.39 million contract extension this offseason to remain with the organization despite a lack of strong production since entering the league as a seventh-round pick in 2020. The Tennessee product has had to compete with Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey for targets and has collected a modest 78 receptions for 963 yards and seven touchdowns through his first 45 regular season games. However, with first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) continuing to battle injuries and star wideout Brandon Aiyuk in the thick of trade rumors, Jennings has had his best camp as a pro, according to team reporter John Chapman. This is a great time to stand out in camp, as Jennings could play a significant pass-catching role if Aiyuk is traded and Pearsall is brought along slowly. Jennings threw for and caught a touchdown in Super Bowl LVIII, so the team likely has plenty of trust in him. While it's too early to say he'll definitely be a contributor, he's worth taking a late-round flier on in deep fantasy leagues and best ball drafts.

From RotoBaller

New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry struggled early in the training camp, but according to team reporter Jeff Nowak, he's been "coming on strong lately" ahead of the team's first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday. The sixth-round pick in last year's draft had a decent start to his career considering his draft position, catching 12 passes for 246 yards and four touchdowns. The Wake Forest product has a chance to play significant snaps in 2024 following the departure of longtime Saint Michael Thomas. Perry has a strong college production profile and above-average athleticism, so he could have some fantasy value in Derek Carr's offense. For now, he's likely the WR3 behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. It would be a surprise if he's a consistent producer, but his long frame could make him a top target in the red zone. His best value is as a late-round flier in best ball formats.

From RotoBaller

Following an up-and-down 2023 season, veteran quarterback Joshua Dobbs signed a one-year, $2.25 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers this offseason. The 2017 fourth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers out of Tennessee saw the most action of his career last season, playing in 13 games with the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings. Overall, he threw for 2,464 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions and ran for 421 yards and six scores on the ground. He is listed alongside Brandon Allen in the QB2 role on the team's first unofficial depth chart, and the position battle is worth monitoring in two-QB and Superflex leagues. If Dobbs wins the job, he should be stashed in deep versions of those formats, as he would likely have at least QB2 fantasy value if Brock Purdy had to miss any time. Dobbs has fantasy-friendly rushing upside, and he'd get to throw to a loaded skill group in the Bay.

From RotoBaller

Veteran free-agent safety Tracy Walker is finalizing a deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. The 2018 third-round pick out of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette spent the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Detroit Lions. He racked up 398 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, three interceptions, and 23 passes defended in his first 79 pro games. With Talanoa Hufanga coming off a major ACL injury, this move provides depth to the San Francisco secondary. Walker may not begin the season as a starter, but the experienced veteran should see playing time and contribute to what has been one of the best defenses over the last few years.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert has stood out for his production during training camp, per ESPN's Tim McManus, who notes that both Goedert and TE Grant Calcaterra had touchdowns during practice Wednesday, Aug. 7, and that new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore's scheme is conducive to a lot of opportunities for tight ends.

Fantasy Spin: Goedert has been bit by the injury bug in recent years, but if he can stay healthy and involved he has the talent to be a midrange TE1.

From TheHuddle

Miami Dolphins rookie sixth-round wide receiver Malik Washington has been turning heads with his play at training camp this summer. Washington is listed as fifth on the team's unofficial preseason depth chart, but that could change quickly. He posted back-to-back strong practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. The 23-year-old from Virginia slipped to the sixth round because he's only 5-foot-8, but he's also fast and has a knack for breaking tackles. Miami's top receivers are Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Braxton Berrios, Odell Beckham Jr. and River Cracraft. If they keep a sixth receiver, it will likely be Washington, Erik Ezukanma or Braylon Sanders. Along with the other wideouts on the bubble, Friday night's preseason opener against the Atlanta Falcons will be huge for them. Washington projects to be a slot receiver in the NFL but for now is just one to watch in dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry won't play in the preseason, according to sources. The next time we will see him will be in the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football in a rematch of last year's AFC Championship contest. The Ravens will also hold quarterback Lamar Jackson out of their preseason opener this Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles, although Jackson and some of the other starters on offense are expected to play later in the preseason. King Henry has a lot of wear on his tires after seeing 300-plus carries in three of the last five seasons, so it makes sense for the Ravens to hold their veteran RB1 back until games actually count. The 30-year-old almost certainly won't have as much rushing volume as he did in Tennessee, making him more touchdown-dependent as a midrange RB1 in fantasy in a better offense.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) took a hit to his left knee on the last play of training camp practice on Wednesday and stayed face down on the grass while teammates took a knee around him. Watson eventually got up and walked gingerly under his own power, giving two thumbs up to a camera on the sideline. "It's a little sore, but it's just a bruise, so nothing that's going to stop me from doing anything," Watson said. Depending on how he feels later in the week, the Packers could hold Watson out of the preseason opener on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns as a precaution, but it looks like he avoided a serious injury. The 25-year-old has plenty of big-play ability, but durability issues and questions about target volume make him more of a boom/bust WR4/flex in fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Arizona Cardinals running back Emari Demercado (shoulder) was spotted after Wednesday's training camp practice wearing a brace covering his right shoulder and going across his torso. James Conner is Arizona's clear lead back entering the 2024 season, but Demercado so far has been working with the first-team offense as his primary complement in the Cardinals' backfield. It's unclear if the 25-year-old's shoulder injury is serious enough to keep him out of practices moving forward, but if it is, it could give both Michael Carter and rookie Trey Benson opportunities to unseat Demercado as the RB2 in the desert. Demercado had 58 rushing attempts for 58 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games in his first NFL season in 2023 after going undrafted out of TCU. He could open the year as the No. 2 RB, but Benson has a fairly good shot at surpassing on the depth chart sooner than later.

From RotoBaller

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher had some glowing words about the two-headed backfield of Zack Moss and Chase Brown after practice on Wednesday, saying he's "super pleased with both." Pitcher complemented Moss being a consummate pro and being where he needs to be on every single play, regardless of what has been asked of him. As for Brown, Pitcher said, "Chase is the young, budding talent that we all expected him to be, who adds an explosive element to our rushing attack, and catching the ball out of the backfield." Both backs are worthy of high-end RB3 status in fantasy, with Moss perhaps having the early-season edge. Brown has been a fast riser in training camp and could surpass the veteran Moss during the season. We may see one or both during the Bengals' opening preseason matchup at home against the Buccaneers on Saturday night.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle has had a very good training camp to this point and could be the leader in rushing for the team this season, per The Athletic's Jon Machota and his latest 53-man roster projection. The Cowboys recently signed Royce Freeman (groin), who left camp on Monday with a groin injury with an unclear timeline for a return. Dowdle provides a bit of juice into the Cowboys' backfield, and along with the returning Ezekiel Elliott, should provide a solid one-two combination of backs in an elite offense this season. While Elliott is the current clubhouse leader for the highest number of touches among Dallas running backs, Dowdle may win out in efficiency this season. This Sunday's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams should help to paint a clearer picture for fantasy managers, but draft Dowdle as an upside RB4 in drafts in the meantime.

From RotoBaller

Chicago Bears OT Darnell Wright (undisclosed), DT Andrew Billings (undisclosed) and CB Terell Smith (undisclosed) left practice early Wednesday, Aug. 7.

From TheHuddle

Indianapolis Colts DE Genard Avery (leg) left practice early Wednesday, Aug. 7, because of an apparent leg injury.

From TheHuddle