The Minnesota Vikings have listed Sam Darnold as their starting quarterback on the first unofficial depth chart, with rookie J.J. McCarthy and Nick Mullens tied for the backup spot. While preseason depth charts can be fluid, Darnold's placement as the starter matches the reports from Vikings beat writers throughout the summer. Notably, the chart lists "McCarthy or Nick Mullens" as the primary backups behind Darnold. Darnold has consistently taken first-team reps from the offseason program through the first two weeks of training camp. The Vikings signed Darnold to a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, with $8.75 million guaranteed, indicating their intent to give him the initial opportunity to start despite using their first-round pick on McCarthy. For fantasy purposes, the critical question is how well Darnold connects with Justin Jefferson, which will influence Jefferson's value as a first-round pick. Darnold, meanwhile, is expected to be a low-end QB2 in two-quarterback leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Chase Edmonds (undisclosed) remains sidelined and is nearing two weeks out. After a lackluster performance last year and an offseason marked by injuries, Edmonds' spot on the team is uncertain. He has been struggling with this injury since the early days of training camp and was expected to compete with rookie Bucky Irving and others for backup roles behind starting running back Rachaad White. Edmonds' productivity plummeted last season, as he managed only 176 rushing yards on 49 carries, putting him firmly on the roster bubble. On the plus side, Edmonds and White were the only running backs to see offensive snaps for Tampa Bay over the last ten weeks of the season, including the playoffs. While the backup role for any Tampa Bay running back may not be valuable in fantasy, Rachaad White managers must monitor the situation.

From RotoBaller

Detroit Lions cornerback Emmanuel Moseley (torn pec) has torn his pectoral muscle in practice and will be sidelined indefinitely. This marks the third consecutive season in which Moseley has suffered a major injury. After missing the final 12 games of the 2022 season due to a torn left ACL, he played only one game with the Lions last season because of a torn right ACL. During training camp, Moseley was transitioning from outside cornerback and competing with Amik Robertson and Ifeatu Melifonwu for the primary nickel cornerback spot. At 28 years old, Moseley has recorded four interceptions and 162 tackles in 46 career games, including 33 starts, with the Lions and the San Francisco 49ers. With Moseley out, players like Steven Gilmore, Khalil Dorsey, and Morice Norris Jr. will have the opportunity to step up. The Lions revamped their secondary this offseason by trading for former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Carlton Davis III and by selecting Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. with their top two draft picks. Detroit's struggling secondary led to many high-scoring shootouts and fantasy opportunities for Lions' skill players in 2023; if injuries continue, 2024 may follow a similar pattern.

From RotoBaller

The Washington Commanders have named Jayden Daniels their starting quarterback on the season's initial depth chart, a decision many had widely anticipated. Initially, Daniels and Marcus Mariota split first-team reps, with Mariota often getting the first look. Still, as training camp progressed from July to August, Daniels took the majority of reps. Jeff Driskel is listed third on the depth chart, with undrafted rookie Sam Hartman fourth. On Saturday, Daniels will start the preseason opener against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. He's an intriguing late-round fantasy quarterback pick due to his solid supporting cast and rushing ability, and he stands out as the only FBS player in college football history with over 12,000 passing yards and more than 3,000 rushing yards. The main concern is the uncertainty of his offensive line, particularly at left tackle, where 33-year-old Cornelius Lucas or rookie Brandon Coleman will start. Nonetheless, Daniels offers significant upside as a QB1 option in later drafts, allowing you to prioritize other positions early on.

From RotoBaller

The San Francisco 49ers have the framework of a trade involving wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk with both the Cleveland Browns and the New England Patriots. It's now up to Aiyuk to decide if he will accept either team's contract terms. Earlier on Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the 49ers granted other teams permission to speak to Aiyuk's agent about a contract in the event of a trade. It sounds like the potential for a deal is beginning to gain traction again after it was also reported earlier in the day that the Pittsburgh Steelers were unable to put together a package to acquire Aiyuk. As long as he agrees to the structure of a new contract with either Cleveland or New England, Aiyuk could find himself on the move sooner rather than later. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for the next development in this saga, as it's sure to have a significant impact on the 26-year-old star wideout's fantasy stock in drafts this summer.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said on Monday that he will announce on Wednesday the starters for the team's preseason opener on Sunday against the hosting Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Whether or not rookie first-round quarterback Bo Nix is under center to begin Sunday's game, fantasy managers should still be able to catch their first glimpse of the first-year signal-caller at some point during the contest. Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson will also see some action this summer, but they carry far less upside than Nix does. The pecking order at running back in Denver will also be a storyline to watch, as Javonte Williams figures to get the first opportunity over veteran Samaje Perine as the Broncos' lead back after Payton praised the former earlier at training camp. The workloads of the speedy Jaleel McLaughlin and rookie fifth-rounder Audric Estime will also be worth noting.

From RotoBaller

Free-agent running back Matt Breida signed an undisclosed deal with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday, according to a source. The eight-year NFL veteran rushed for 1,902 yards with the 49ers from 2017 to 2019 in his first three years in the league after he went undrafted out of Georgia Southern. After his time in the Bay Area, Breida hopped around the last four years with the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants. He spent the last two years with the G-Men as backfield depth, carrying the ball 109 times for 371 yards and two touchdowns and adding 37 receptions for 206 yards through the air in 34 games (five starts). The 29-year-old will essentially provide the 49ers with backfield depth behind Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell with rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) out multiple weeks in camp. The Niners also have Jordan Mason, Patrick Taylor and Cody Schrader, so Breida is no lock by any means to make the Week 1 roster.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen was listed as the top backup to Breece Hall on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason on Monday. Allen was not really known for his pass-catching skills at Wisconsin, but he impressed the coaching staff in that regard in spring practices and early in training camp, so he currently has the leg up over fellow rookie Isaiah Davis and former fifth-rounder Israel Abanikanda for the RB2 role to open the 2024 season for the Jets. The 20-year-old fourth-round selection is currently the best handcuff option in deeper fantasy leagues for those that take Hall as their RB1 in fantasy. We'll be keeping a close eye on how Allen performs in the preseason as he looks to retain the RB2 role ahead of Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman suffered an injury to his midsection during Monday's training camp practice. It's unclear exactly what type of injury Bateman suffered, but he was seen walking off the field with a trainer while holding his midsection or ribs. The 24-year-old wasn't able to finish practice and may now be in danger of missing the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Baltimore's coaching staff said all offseason that Bateman was going to have a much bigger role in the passing game in 2024 after he caught only 32 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown in 16 regular-season games a year ago. But Bateman has already dealt with multiple injuries in training camp, and fantasy managers will most likely want to see it before believing it with the former first-rounder.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey (undisclosed) was forced to leave Saturday's training camp practice early due to an undisclosed injury and remained out on Sunday. The Chargers haven't disclosed the specific nature of McConkey's injury after he initially was injured last Thursday in practice before returning on Friday. The 22-year-old second-rounder figures to start out of the slot in three-wide sets right away for the Bolts alongside DJ Chark Jr. and Joshua Palmer now that both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams are out of town. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect a huge target share in his rookie season, but McConkey is worth a late-round flier as a WR4/flex in redraft leagues as an efficient route-runner in an offense with plenty of opportunity at the position. If McConkey's injury turns out to be serious, former first-rounder Quentin Johnston would likely benefit the most.

From RotoBaller

Free-agent RB Matt Breida (Giants) agreed to terms with the San Francisco 49ers Monday, Aug. 5, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

From TheHuddle

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that there's a chance that second-year quarterback Bryce Young won't play in any preseason games. There is value in having Young work with new center Austin Corbett, but the Panthers are still weighing the decision. It seems like an odd decision for a 23-year-old that struggled mightily in his first year in the NFL in 2023. But with veteran backup Andy Dalton (hamstring) already injury, perhaps the Panthers don't want to take any chances, at least this Thursday in their preseason opener versus the New England Patriots. Young should have nowhere to go but up in Year 2, especially after the team added receivers Diontae Johnson via trade and Xavier Legette via the draft. However, he's also learning a new offense, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect Young to be much more than a low-end QB2 with upside in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that his first-team offense will play in the team's second preseason game this Friday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ryans didn't go into detail on how much the starting offense will be on the field, but it's safe to assume quarterback C.J. Stroud and the rest of the offensive skill players will get at least a drive or two against Pittsburgh later this week after they were rested in the Hall of Fame game against the Chicago Bears last Thursday. Stroud was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 after throwing for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions in 15 starts during the regular season. The former first-rounder out of Ohio State is a surefire QB1 heading into his sophomore campaign, especially now that the Texans added receiver Stefon Diggs in the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Free-agent S Justin Simmons (Broncos) has not received a contract offer from the Houston Texans at this point, according to a source.

From TheHuddle

Miami Dolphins LB Jordyn Brooks (undisclosed), LB Anthony Walker (undisclosed) and S Jordan Poyer (undisclosed) are dealing with injuries, but head coach Mike McDaniel indicated the injuries are not considered serious.

From TheHuddle

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard, who received a four-year, $44 million contract before the 2023 season, is off to a promising start in training camp this summer after posting just 23 catches last year. However, Lazard is viewed as a placeholder across from WR1 Garrett Wilson until Mike Williams (knee) is activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Working in Lazard's favor is that he has quarterback Aaron Rodgers' stamp of approval after they worked together in Green Bay. But Lazard isn't on the same level of Williams when both are healthy. The question is whether Williams can be the same player he was before his ACL surgery last fall. If he's not, Lazard could operate as New York's No. 2 option to help Rodgers balance the field. After a terrible 2023 showing, Lazard will be off the fantasy radar in most leagues unless Williams isn't ready for the start of the season.

From RotoBaller

The Tennessee Titans have running backs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears listed as co-starters at the position on their first unofficial depth chart of training camp that was released on Monday. We always caution fantasy managers not to read too much into unofficial depth charts in the preseason, but this doesn't come as a surprise after head coach Brian Callahan said that Pollard and Spears are basically interchangeable in the team's 2024 backfield. Tennessee doesn't have a clear-cut starter at RB heading into their first preseason game, and it could be a pretty near-even timeshare. The 27-year-old Pollard does have a three-down skill set, but he averaged a career-low 4.0 yards per carry as Dallas' RB1 last year in his first opportunity as a true lead back. Pollard should be viewed as the team's lead back for fantasy purposes and is worth drafting as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3, while Spears has RB3 utility in point-per-reception leagues.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith (knee) left practice at training camp on Monday after suffering a knee contusion and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday morning. Smith was carted off the field but may have avoided a serious injury. We won't know for sure until Tuesday, though. Even if the 31-year-old veteran pass-rusher isn't dealing with a serious injury, he's unlikely to play in the team's preseason opener this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. The three-time Pro Bowler re-signed with the Browns this offseason after posting 27 tackles (18 solo), 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss, 20 QB hits and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts in 2023. When healthy, Smith will operate as a situational pass-rusher across from All-Pro Myles Garrett.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph has looked very comfortable and has been remarkably accurate as he battles Malik Willis for the No. 2 QB role behind Will Levis in training camp this summer. Willis has improved and looks more comfortable than he's ever been, but Rudolph hasn't left a crack in the door for Willis to pass him. As of right now, Rudolph looks poised to win the backup role in Tennessee. Unofficially, Rudolph has an 84.2% completion rate during camp practices with just one interception. In his NFL career in 21 games (13 starts) with the Steelers from 2018-2023, Rudolph has completed 291 of 458 passes for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The 29-year-old signal-caller was mostly just a game manager when forced into a starting role in Pittsburgh, although he could have more upside in what is expected to become a pass-happy offense in Tennessee if Levis misses time with injury in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce won't announce a starter at quarterback for the team's preseason opener this Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings but said Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell will each get an opportunity to set themselves apart in the QB competition. "Like I said, both quarterbacks are gonna play a legit quarter. Who goes out first and who goes out second really doesn't matter. [They will] get hopefully an equal amount of snaps and opportunity to showcase," Pierce said. The head coach has allowed O'Connell to get the initial reps throughout the offseason but has equaled out the opportunities with Minshew. Through the opening stages of training camp, neither signal-caller has distanced themselves, despite some speculation that Minshew has the slight edge. By all accounts, it sounds as though the Raiders offense has struggled under both Minshew and O'Connell so far.

From RotoBaller