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Training Camp Preview: NFC East

Mon Jul 15 11:09am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Prescott in make or break season


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.

Cowboys

The Cowboys are always a team to watch in training camp, mainly because of the high expectations for the team. But this year the expectations could be even higher with Dak Prescott possibly in a make or break year. He will need to play at a high level and produce in the playoffs if he hopes to continue to start and land a big contract with the Cowboys. There will be a lot of pressure on Prescott this season. The Cowboys open camp on July 24 at the Marriott Residence Inn in Oxnard, Calif.

Position battle: The running back spot is the big one for the Cowboys this training camp. This spot is truly up for grabs with Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman battling it out for playing time. Elliott is the favorite to start but will need to show he still has something left in the tank. Dowdle is the big wild card. He is the younger option that showed well at times last year. If he can take a step forward, he could emerge as the lead back in this high-powered offense.

Injury watch: Dak Prescott scared some when he was spotted in a boot recently. He was battling some sort of ankle injury but it was considered minor. He is expected to be just fine for the start of camp. It is something to maybe keep an eye on, though, just to be sure. Ankle injuries can linger.

Eagles

Philadelphia had a great regular season but fizzled towards the end and in the playoffs. This will put more pressure on the team to perform the entire season. There is a ton of talent on this team, especially after adding running back Saquon Barkley to an already high-powered offense. It will be intriguing to see how Barkley is used on the offense, making it one of the big storylines in camp. Barkley and his teammates get things started on July 23 at the NovaCare Complex in Philadelphia.

Position battle: There really isn’t much to decide in Philadelphia but one spot to watch is the backup running back position. Kenneth Gainwell is the returner but he will have rookie Will Shipley to compete with for that job. Shipley is a talented three-down back that has already impressed in his short time in Philadelphia. Gainwell has produced well at times but been a little inconsistent. Starter Saquon Barkley can have some injury issues, so figuring out the back that might end up getting the most work if he were to get hurt could be a big plus for fantasy owners.

Injury watch: Dallas Goedert is not currently injured but injuries have been an issue for him in recent seasons. He has missed games each of the last five seasons. Injuries are always a concern when it comes to Goedert. But if healthy, he can be a big producer at fantasy tight end. Keep an eye on him during training camp to see how he looks and plays.

Giants

New York has a lot of questions once again, mainly offensively. Do they have the right quarterback to lead the team? Who is going to step up at receiver? How will the team replace superstar Saquon Barkley at running back? And lastly, will the offensive line hold up over a full season? All these questions will be closely monitored this training camp, which kicks off July 16 at the Quest Diagnostics Training Facility in East Rutherford, N.J.

Position battle: The Giants are a mess at receiver. They have all sorts of openings. Rookie Malik Nabers might be about the only sure thing out of the group. He is expected to be the No. 1 receiver this season. But after him, you have Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Isaiah McKenzie, Isaiah Hodgins and Allen Robinson vying for playing time. It really is anyone’s guess who might emerge out of that big group of receivers. We should have a better idea after seeing these guys in camp and preseason action.

Injury watch: Starting quarterback Daniel Jones is returning from a torn ACL, suffered in Week 9 last year. This is a major injury to return, so Jones is no sure thing to be ready for Week 1. The good news is his offseason progress has been really good. All signs point towards him being ready for the start of the season. Just make sure he keeps progressing in camp and doesn’t have any setbacks before pulling the trigger on him come draft day.

Commanders

The Commanders have a lot of new this season, including a franchise quarterback and head coach. These two aspects of the team will be the main focus of training camp for Commanders fans to watch. Washington will need to hit on these two if they hope to get the franchise headed in the right direction once again. Washington gets camp started on July 18 at the OrthoVirginia Training Center in Ashburn, Va.

Position battle: The tight end position is up for grabs in Washington this year. The Commanders drafted Ben Sinnott, who is the future at the position, but also signed veteran Zach Ertz. These two will battle it out for the right to start. Ertz has reportedly been a top target in offseason workouts, so he might have the early lead for the job. Either way, the starting tight end could carry good fantasy value in Washington with a rookie quarterback at the helm. The tight end can be a nice safety net for a young player.

Injury watch: Austin Ekleler had an ankle injury last year that caused him to miss three games and be limited in others. Nagging injuries have slowed him in recent years. He isn’t getting any younger and this might be his last chance to play a big role in an offense. Ekekler will need to show he is healthy and still has something left in the tank if he hopes to get consistent playing time.

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
Tyler Conklin Oct 17 9:40pm ET
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin (hip) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. Conklin played through his hip issue last week, but gave a disappointing performance. He finished with one reception on two targets for 10 yards in the loss to the Buffalo Bills. Conklin has put together a few decent weeks, but is normally a non-factor in the offense. His role is likely going to shrink with Davante Adams joining the roster. Conklin is looking like a low-end TE2 if he's able to play against the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend. Otherwise, Jeremy Ruckert could see more snaps, but he won't be on the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 17 9:30pm ET
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (personal) was once again absent during Thursday's practice session. He was back with the organization, but Williams didn't suit up for practice. The assumption is that Williams is sitting out due to impending trade discussions. This comes a few days after quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw Williams under the bus. Williams is off to a slow start with 10 receptions for 145 yards and zero touchdowns through five games. His role on the team is only going to decrease with Davante Adams joining the roster. Williams should draw some interest from around the league ahead of the November 5 trade deadline. Fantasy managers who have Williams rostered should hold him for the moment in case he does still traded to a better situation.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Oct 17 9:20pm ET
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (ankle) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session. That is great news after Rodgers sat out of Wednesday's session. The veteran signal-caller played through an ankle issue during last week's loss to the Buffalo Bills. The fact Rodgers is back to full practice means he should be good to go for the Week 7 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rodgers is showing his age as he has looked lackluster early in the season. He threw for a season-high 294 yards last week, but remains a QB2 for a tough matchup against the Steelers defense.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 17 9:20pm ET
Davante Adams

New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was a full participant in practice on Thursday. This marks back-to-back days that Adams has been able to get through a full practice session. The superstar wideout hasn't played since Week 3 due to a hamstring issue. It appears a trade to the Jets has instantly fixed Adams' hamstring problems. He figures to immediately be a primary target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. He'll be competing for targets with Garrett Wilson, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned about that. Adams should make his team debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. Fantasy managers should put Adams in the WR1 conversation for his first game with the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 17 9:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) practiced in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Richardson has missed the last two weeks due to an oblique injury he suffered in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he's well on his way to taking back the starting gig under center from veteran Joe Flacco, who tossed five touchdowns and one interception in his two starts. Although Richardson looked shaky as a passer in his first four games before the injury, completing only 50.6% of his passes while tossing six interceptions and three touchdowns. The 22-year-old's rushing upside is undeniable, but injuries and his lack of accuracy are major concerns after he played in only four games in his rookie season in 2024. Richardson should be considered a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in fantasy if he returns in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 17 9:00pm ET
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (shoulder) was added to the Week 7 injury report on Thursday and was listed as a non-participant. Pierce could now be very much in danger of missing the upcoming game on Sunday versus the Miami Dolphins. The 24-year-old's practice status on Friday and designation on the final injury report will give us a better idea on his status. Pierce has had two 100-plus-yard games in 2024 and has three touchdowns as well, but he's also had a one-catch game and didn't haul in any of his four targets in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. With quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) expected to return this weekend, Pierce may be even more of a boom/bust flex option for fantasy managers if he plays. If Pierce is inactive, rookie Adonai Mitchell will have added opportunity in the passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 17 8:50pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) upgraded to a full practice session on Thursday after he was listed as a DNP on Wednesday. Pittman missed two practices last week before practicing in full on Friday and playing in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The 27-year-old pass-catcher said after the win over the Titans that his back injury could still land him on Injured Reserve, but the fact that he's back to a full practice on Thursday likely means he'll be available again this Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. However, fantasy managers may want to temper expectations for Pittman after he played a season-low in offensive snaps last week. If not for a jump-ball touchdown, he would have disappointed with only three catches for 35 yards. Outside of a 100-yard game in Week 4, Pittman hasn't gone over 40 receiving yards in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 17 8:40pm ET
Tyler Lockett

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (knee) was added to the team's Week 7 injury report on Thursday after he missed practice with a knee injury. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually never a good thing, so Lockett's status for the Week 7 contest against the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday is firmly up in the air. We'll have a better idea of how serious the 32-year-old's knee injury is based on his status on the final injury report on Friday. If Lockett is unavailable this weekend, second-year wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba will basically become a must-start for fantasy managers in a game that could be a shootout in Atlanta. The emergence of Smith-Njigba has made Lockett more of a volatile, touchdown-dependent WR4/flex in fantasy on a weekly basis. Through six weeks in 2024, Lockett is the WR31 in half-PPR scoring.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 17 8:20pm ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) was limited in Thursday's practice session for the second straight day this week. White has been one of the bigger fantasy disappointments in 2024 for a Raiders offense that has tanked, especially after trading away All-Pro wideout Davante Adams this week. The 25-year-old White has missed the last two games due to his groin injury, which has allowed Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah to take over the backfield. White should get his chances when he returns, but he might have already lost lead-back duties to Abdullah. In four games played, White is averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry and has not found the end zone. Even if White returns to action in Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams, we wouldn't recommend him for starting fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 17 8:10pm ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) sat out of practice for a second straight day this week on Thursday. Head coach Antonio Pierce said on Wednesday that he was hopeful that Meyers would play this Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams despite missing Wednesday's practice, but two straight missed practices isn't a good sign. The 27-year-old will need to at least be limited in practice on Friday to have a shot to suit up in Week 7. It's especially concerning after Meyers missed the Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Raiders are a mess right now after trading All-Pro wideout Davante Adams to the Jets this week. If Meyers misses a second straight game, look for Tre Tucker, DJ Turner and rookie tight end Brock Bowers to lead the team in aerial targets.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Oct 17 8:00pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) was added to the Week 7 injury report after putting in a limited practice on Thursday. Smith-Schuster's status for the Super Bowl rematch against the San Francisco 49ers this Sunday is now firmly up in the air. It's bad news for a Chiefs offense that has already lost receivers Rashee Rice (knee) and Marquise Brown (shoulder) for the entire season. Running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) is also on Injured Reserve. The 27-year-old Smith-Schuster was a hot waiver-wire pickup after the Week 5 win over the New Orleans Saints in which he caught seven of eight targets for 130 yards. Depending on what he's able to do in practice on Friday, Smith-Schuster could be in danger of sitting out this weekend. KC would be forced to turn to Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore behind rookie Xavier Worthy if Smith-Schuster is unavailable.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Oct 17 7:50pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (foot) was listed as limited on Thursday in the team's first practice of the week. White was inactive for the team's Week 6 win over the division-rival New Orleans Saints, which allowed rookie Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker to share the backfield in the blowout victory. Both Irving and Tucker went over 100 scrimmage yards in the impressive performance, which has led to the Buccaneers going to a three-man backfield committee once White is able to return to full health. It's bad news for the 25-year-old White, who has easily been the least efficient of the Bucs' three backs through six weeks of the season. Tampa plans to go with the hot-hand approach, so all is not lost for White, but for now, he's on the outside looking in after missing last week's game due to injury. And with Tampa not playing until Monday against the Ravens, White isn't a recommended fantasy play.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 17 7:40pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Jordan Whittington (shoulder) were both limited in practice for the second straight day on Thursday. Kupp suffered a left high-ankle sprain in Week 2 and hasn't played since, but he's getting closer to making a return and could be active this Sunday in a great matchup against the floundering Las Vegas Raiders. The 31-year-old veteran is most likely to be listed as questionable on Friday, but he still has one more day to impress the coaching and training staff. Head coach Sean McVay said on Wednesday that Kupp was trending in the right direction. Fantasy managers definitely will want to get Kupp back in their starting lineups if he's able to get the green light to play. He was looking like a league-winner before his injury, catching 18 of 27 targets for 147 yards and a touchdown in two games.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 17 7:40pm ET
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was limited in practice for the second straight day of the week on Thursday. Mixon made his return to the field in the Week 6 win over the New England Patriots after missing three games due to an ankle sprain and saw 13 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown while adding two catches for 30 yards and another trip to paydirt. The Texans are most likely giving the 28-year-old some extra rest this week after his return in Week 6. Unless he suffers a setback, fantasy managers should leave Mixon locked into their starting lineups this week for Sunday's game on the road against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mixon has only played in three of six games in his first year in Houston, but he's averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has scored three times.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Oct 17 7:20pm ET
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) is active and will make his 2024 season debut on Thursday night against the visiting Denver Broncos. Miller will be active for the first time all year in his second NFL campaign, but he's likely to operate as the RB3 behind Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams, leaving him completely off the fantasy radar. The 22-year-old third-rounder out of TCU last year has been a bust early in his career and has been injured more often than not. In his rookie season, he appeared in only eight games but was quite productive, going for 156 rushing yards and a touchdown on 41 carries while catching 10 of 11 targets for 117 additional yards. Miller could eventually become the direct backup to Kamara, but he'll need to stay healthy in order to do that.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 17 7:10pm ET
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) has officially been ruled out for Thursday night's contest against the visiting Denver Broncos. Carr will miss his second straight game after suffering a left-oblique strain in the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 33-year-old veteran signal-caller came into this game listed as doubtful, so fantasy managers weren't expecting him to play anyway. We'll have to wait and see if he can return to play in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Rookie QB Spencer Rattler will make his second straight start in Week 7 but will be without receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee). Against a tough Broncos defense, expect the Saints to lean heavily on running back Alvin Kamara and the short passing attack. Rattler will be a low-end QB2, at best, in superflex fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 17 7:10pm ET
Taysom Hill

As expected, New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) is inactive for the Thursday night clash against the Denver Broncos. Hill is dealing with fractured ribs and will miss his third straight game. The 34-year-old veteran do-it-all player was listed as doubtful to play this week. The good news is that Hill was limited in practice all week, so he should have a good shot at returning for the Saints in Week 8 versus the Los Angeles Chargers. With Hill out again, it means more playing time for both Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau, but they'll be TE2 sleeper options, at best, even with receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) out in Week 7. Hill has two rushing touchdowns in three games played in 2024, but it's come on only 16 touches. He's a boom/bust TE2 in fantasy when he's active.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 17 7:00pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), who was limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, said he has "passed every test by a mile" from a medical standpoint. Hockenson's knee is healed, but he has no predictions on when he'll make his 2024 debut. The likeliest targets are in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night or in Week 9 versus the Indianapolis Colts. The 27-year-old is making progress, but the Vikings aren't going to rush him back too soon. Hockenson must be rostered in all fantasy leagues, as he has the potential to be an immediate TE1 contributor when he returns to the field. However, those expecting him to return this Sunday against the division-rival Detroit Lions will most likely be disappointed.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 17 6:50pm ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (wrist) put in a second straight day with a limited practice session this week on Thursday. Samuel was seen shaking his arm during the Week 6 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks last Thursday night, but he played through it and didn't seek treatment during the game. It suggests that he should be just fine to play this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. The 28-year-old pass-catcher had his second 100-yard receiving game last week and caught his first receiving touchdown in the process. If running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) is limited or out, Samuel should see more work out of the backfield as well. He's tracking as a high-end WR2 for fantasy managers, especially if Jauan Jennings (hip) is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Oct 17 6:40pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Michael Wilson (ankle) were both limited in Thursday's practice session. Harrison suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers and put up a goose egg for his fantasy managers. Still needing to clear the league's concussion protocol in order to play on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, Harrison will be a very shaky fantasy option this week. And with Wilson also banged up, Greg Dortch could be a popular streaming option if one or both of Harrison or Wilson are out or limited. Tight end Trey McBride would also have a much higher fantasy ceiling. The next couple days of practice will give us a much better idea of the statuses of Harrison and Wilson for Monday night. Harrison must get clearance from an independent neurologist in order to play against the Bolts.

From RotoBaller