Training Camp Preview: AFC North
Tue Jul 19 10:30am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Dobbins returns from torn ACL
This is the second 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.
Steelers
The story of the Steelers camp this year will be the quarterback position. There is going to be a new quarterback leading the way for Pittsburgh in 2022. You can expect all eyes to be on this position battle, seeing if the new quarterback can lead the team to the playoffs once again. The good news is the Steelers still have plenty of talent on both sides of the ball and won plenty of games last year despite the quarterback spot struggling some. Pittsburgh holds their training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, Penn.
Position battle: For the first time in a long time, the Steelers will have a new quarterback at the helm. Ben Roethlisberger has finally hung it up. Pittsburgh signed Mitchell Trubisky and drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round of this year’s draft. This duo will battle it out for the right to start. It is like Trubisky’s job to lose right now, but don’t count out the talented rookie. Pickett isn’t going to just hand him the job.
Injury watch: Rookie receiver George Pickens did not play until late his senior season as he recovered from a torn ACL. He did play and looked good, but his knee is still something to watch because he has played very little since returning from the major injury. We would still keep an eye on his health during camp to be sure he is 100 percent going forward. If he is at full strength, Pickens could challenge Chase Claypool to start. He has a world of talent.
Browns
The Browns had high hopes last year but disappointed. The team made a big splash this offseason, making a change at the quarterback spot. Cleveland still remains uncertain at quarterback, though, because of the uncertainty surrounded new quarterback Deshaun Watson. This is likely the story of camp, seeing all eyes on Watson. It could make for some distractions for the entire team. Cleveland gets things going at the Cross Country Mortgage Campus in Berea, Ohio.
Position battle: The Browns have some openings at receiver. Amari Cooper is the new No. 1 receiver, but after him, the depth chart is up in the air. Donovan Peoples-Jones, rookie David Bell, Anthony Schwartz and Jakeem Grant will battle it out for playing time. Peoples-Jones is the favorite to start opposite Cooper, but nothing is set in stone at this point. A strong camp and preseason could change things in a hurry for this unit. Stay tuned.
Injury watch: This isn’t an injury but you can be sure much of camp will be focused on Deshaun Watson and his looming suspension. He is going to be suspended, but the amount of time remains up in the air. Having Watson as their starter puts this offense at a different level, so the team hopes he will not be out too long.
Ravens
The Ravens missed the playoffs last year, causing for a disappointing season. The team had a lot of injury issues, though, which didn’t help their cause last year. So much of this camp will be getting the team healthy and staying healthy. The Ravens certainly have the talent to be one of the best teams in football. Baltimore holds training camp at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owing Mills, Md.
Position battle: This seems to be a common theme many years for the Ravens, but this year is no different. The team has some openings at receiver once again. Rashod Bateman is slotted in as the No. 1 receiver, but after him, things are pretty wide open. Devin Duvernay, James Proche, Jaylon Moore and Tylan Wallace are the top candidates to battle it out for playing time after Bateman. It might just end up being a revolving door at the position, but if someone emerges, they could have some fantasy value.
Injury watch: Starting running back J.K. Dobbins missed all of last year after tearing his ACL the last game of the preseason. He has recovered well from the injury but will be brought along slowly in camp. The Ravens have high hopes for Dobbins to be their franchise back for years to come, so they need him healthy and won’t rush him back before he is ready. All signs point towards him being ready for Week 1, but keep an eye on camp and preseason action to be sure.
Bengals
The Bengals were a surprise last year, making it all the way to the Super Bowl. So you can bet expectations will be very high for this team. The Bengals won’t surprise anyone this year Cincinnati will be one of the favorites to win it all. The big story might be their Super Bowl hangover, making it all the way to the big game but losing. How will this impact them going forward? We will get to see this team in action at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Position battle: The Bengals really have all their starting positions figured out, but one position battle to watch is the backup running back job. Samaje Perine and Chris Evans should battle it out to be the top backup to Joe Mixon. Perine held the spot last year but Evans might be the more talented of the two with more upside. It would not surprise to see Evans emerge and get more playing
Injury watch: Tee Higgins had offseason surgery to repair a torn labrum. He has missed out on offseason programs, but expectations are he should be ready for the start of training camp. He might not be 100 percent for the start of camp, though, so don’t be surprised if he is brought along slowly. The Bengals won’t rush their star receiver back to action if they have any fear he isn’t 100 percent healthy. But either way, Higgins is expected to be ready for Week 1, which is all that really matters to fantasy teams.
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.
- Joint practices allow coaches to hold players out of games
- Packers experimenting on O-line with Bakhtiari, Jenkins out
- Highsmith seeks to make bigger impact on Steelers defense
- Browns' Jakeem Grant suffers Achilles injury in practice
- Marshawn Lynch, ex-NFL, booked on suspicion of DUI in Vegas
- Titans add pair of safeties in Adrian Colbert, Elijah Benton
- Cowboys give Turpin shot at NFL amid backdrop of TCU assault
- Commanders' Rivera fires defensive line coach Sam Mills III
- Broncos sale to Walton group unanimously OKed by NFL owners
- Jets' Saleh: Becton's season likely over after knee injury
- Bears star LB Smith requests trade after breakdown in talks
- Naming rights deal takes Paul Brown name off Cincy stadium
- NFL: Rodgers' use of ayahuasca didn't violate drug policy
- Judon focused on being himself heading into Year 2 with Pats
- Where's Parsons? Opponents will be looking for Cowboys' star
- Gilmore appears to have found right landing spot in Indy
- Falcons G Mayfield returns to practice after injuring back
- Training camp performance raises hopes for Packers defense
- Rhule: Panthers want to avoid 'wrong decision' in QB battle
- Giants practice disrupted by a string of fights
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football High Impact Rookies Worth Drafting
- Fantasy Six Pack: Scout Preseason Games For Fantasy Football
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Tight End Busts
- Fantasy Six Pack: Fantasy Football Contract Year Players
- Fantasy Six Pack: How Fantasy Football Mavericks Win
- Fantasy Six Pack: Dynasty Football Win Now/Win Later Strategy
The Paur Report
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jalen Reagor continues to stack good days at training camp in what has definitely been his most consistent camp as a professional. At the moment, he looks too good to consider releasing, in the opinion of The Athletic's Bo Wulf, although a trade remains on the table. The former first-round pick has been a disappointment through his two NFL seasons, compiling 64 catches (111 targets) for 695 yards and three touchdowns in 28 games (24 starts). The 23-year-old will probably only be fantasy relevant if he's traded to a team that gives him a realistic chance to start. As things stand now in Philly, he's behind the likes of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Quez Watkins and Zach Pascal.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns All-Pro returner and wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. (Achilles) is feared to have torn his Achilles in training camp practice on Tuesday. He will undergo tests to confirm after he was carted off the field on Tuesday. This will be a big blow to Cleveland's special teams unit this year as well as their receiver depth. The 29-year-old speedy wideout was looking for a role on both special teams and as a pass-catcher in his first year with the Browns after catching 11 of his 17 targets for 132 yards and two touchdowns in 2021 with the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. He was a Pro Bowler last year for his work as a returner, handling 23 kickoff returns for 539 yards and 26 punt returns for 309 yards and one touchdown.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Zach Pascal missed the first week-plus of training camp with food poisoning and has been slowly acclimating since, but Monday was his best day by a wide margin. He showcased nice route-running and dominated a portion of seven-on-seven drills with a one-handed catch. Pascal has yet to make much of an impact in team drills, though, and he's still trying to get on the same page as quarterback Jalen Hurts. Unfortunately for Pascal, he's currently fourth on the Eagles depth chart behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Quez Watkins, who had a productive day in team drills on Monday with a couple of nice catches. Pascal can be passed over on draft day in most leagues to begin the 2022 season.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | Browns wide receiver and special teams ace Jakeem Grant was carted off with an apparent leg injury at practice. Dynasty Analysis: This has the looks of a potentially serious injury. Grant was making some headway on the depth chart and figured to be the Browns primary return man as well. If he's indeed lost for the season, it would open up more snaps and targets for the likes of Donovan Peoples-Jones and David Bell. As for Grant, he's already a fringe dynasty player and there would be little reason to keep him should this be a serious injury. Stay tuned.
Cleveland Browns WR Jakeem Grant (leg) was carted off the field after suffering an apparent left leg injury at practice Tuesday, Aug. 9.
From TheHuddle
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley continues to look good in training camp this summer. He looked decisive and quick during training camp practice on Sunday when the team mostly worked on red-zone runs. Head coach Brian Daboll has called Barkley "explosive," and it's been evident on the field as well. Center Jon Feliciano said this version of Barkley is the best he's seen from any RB on any of his teams. The 25-year-old was still rehabbing from an ACL tear last summer and didn't look like the same player in 2021. But he's looking much different in 2022 as he enters the final year of his rookie contract. If your league mates are hesitant to touch Barkley in fantasy drafts, take advantage. He could be a massive value pick as a high-end RB2.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance finished Saturday's training camp practice with a flourish, but it didn't carry over to Sunday. He completed just four of his 12 passes on Sunday, which included a bad interception that was forced during the final period of the day. However, according to receiver Brandon Aiyuk, Lance was not fazed by his performance and talked to teammates about the plays he wanted back and how he could improve going forward. It shows Lance's maturity at a young age, but even though the Niners believe he's their long-term answer at the position, they're unsure how well he'll play in his first full year as the starter in 2022. The 22-year-old will surely have his ups and downs, but his dual-threat abilities give him low-end QB1 upside right away.
From RotoBaller
The Tennessee Titans signed former Cleveland Browns safety Adrian Colbert to an undisclosed one-year deal on Tuesday, according to his agents. Colbert spent the 2021 season with the Browns and New York Jets, but all of his production came in New York. He had 16 tackles (10 solo) in just four games played (three starts) for Gang Green. Originally a seventh-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 out of the University of Miami, Colbert has put up 109 tackles (84 solo), eight passes defensed, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in 39 career games (22 starts) with the 49ers, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Browns and Jets. He'll simply provide defensive back depth in Tennessee if he sticks around.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, free-agent QB EJ Perry (Jaguars) signed an undisclosed contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday, Aug. 9. QB Kyle Sloter was released to make room for him on the roster.
From TheHuddle
New York Jets former first-round offensive tackle Mekhi Becton (knee) suffered an avulsion fracture of his right kneecap in training camp practice on Monday. He'll visit with a surgeon on Wednesday, but Becton will likely miss all of the 2022 season. It's brutal news for the Jets and the 23-year-old, who missed all but one game last year due to an unrelated knee injury. In his absence, George Fant stepped in at left tackle and did a commendable job protecting quarterback Zach Wilson's blind side in his rookie season. Becton had a solid rookie season in 2020, but injuries in back-to-back seasons have quickly turned him into a bust early in his career.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons rookie running back Tyler Allgeier was listed as the team's eighth running back on the first official depth chart of training camp, but not much should be read into it, as head coach Arthur Smith generally puts rookies on the back end of the depth chart at this stage of the preseason. Along with Allgeier, eighth overall pick Drake London was listed fifth at the wideout position behind KhaDarel Hodge, Geronimo Allison, Damiere Byrd and Auden Tate. London has been working with the first-team offense in camp, and it's fair to expect him to play a ton once the regular season begins. Allgeier has a realistic shot to become the No. 2 in his rookie season behind Cordarrelle Patterson and ahead of Damien Williams.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | James Robinson reportedly took first team reps in Jaguars practice on Monday. Dynasty Analysis: Robinson still has a ways to go before being ready for game action, but this is a big step forward after he was only participating in team drills prior to Monday. Travis Etienne's presence is obviously going to eat into Robinson's value, but Robinson and Cam Akers are both proving achilles tears may not be the death knell they used to be. Sitting at RB41, there could be some serious value in Robinson and he looks like a "buy" candidate.
Kansas City Chiefs WR JuJu Smith-Schuster could be the second-most targeted player behind TE Travis Kelce, in the opinion of Arrowhead Pride's Pete Sweeney on Tuesday, Aug. 9. 'Speaking of Smith-Schuster -- Marquez Valdes-Scantling looked like he could be the go-to WR in OTAs, but at training camp, through my looks, it's been Smith-Schuster. I'm now tending to think he'll be the second-most targeted Chiefs pass-catcher behind TE Travis Kelce in 2022.'
Fantasy Spin: With Tyreek Hill gone, Smith-Schuster has a chance to be the top WR for Patrick Mahomes. Given the ambiguous depth chart and the history of success early in his career, Smith-Schuster carries WR2 upside despite being drafted as a WR3.
From TheHuddle
Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski has a plan for quarterback Deshaun Watson and the rest of the team's QBs for the team's preseason opener on Friday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but he hasn't told them yet and won't tell the media. It's unclear if Watson will play. NFL disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson handed down a six-game suspension for Watson, but the NFL has appealed and is seeking a full-season suspension, which could result in the case moving to federal court. It's anyone's guess as to how much he'll play in the preseason, but it doesn't really mean much in the grand scheme of things for fantasy. With at least a six-game ban for Watson in 2022, he's a low-end QB2, at best in upcoming fantasy drafts.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith took all of the first-team repetitions during Sunday's walk-through practice, while Drew Lock worked exclusively with the No. 2 offense as the QB competition appeared to remain status quo. Smith has gotten virtually all of the first-team reps in the first week and a half of training camp, but that could start to change based on Lock's strong showing in Saturday's mock game. Lock was clearly the better QB, while Smith underwhelmed while leading the first-team offense against backups. The Seattle coaching staff hasn't made any judgments on the two QBs since the weekend, but there's a chance that Lock could have his opening to take the starting QB job and run with it for the rest of camp and the preseason. Stay tuned.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs WR Justin Watson is a precise route-runner that the team's quarterbacks - including Patrick Mahomes - love throwing to, according to Peter King of NBC Sports.
From TheHuddle
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Tyrion Davis-Price is listed as the team's No. 4 RB on the first unofficial depth chart of training camp. Second-year back Elijah Mitchell is the starter, with Jeff Wilson Jr. and Trey Sermon directly behind him. Fantasy managers shouldn't read too much into these unofficial depth charts, but it's another reminder that the Niners backfield is very crowded. Davis-Price has looked impressive in training camp and could be involved early in his rookie season, but it's unrealistic to expect him to have a big role given all the other bodies in this backfield. The 21-year-old will be much more attractive in dynasty/keeper setups, and he might be worth a late-round dart throw in deeper leagues.
From RotoBaller
Only twice last year in his rookie season did Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore have more than six targets in a game, and those two games ended up being his best. He caught seven passes for 114 yards and a touchdown over the Vikings and had 11 receptions for 51 yards in late November in a win over the Seahawks. But other than that, he was mostly used in gadget situations. Moore is expected to have a bigger role in 2022, especially with DeAndre Hopkins suspended for the first six games. The 22-year-old second-year wideout is a popular pick to break out for this offense. The Cardinals anticipate using Moore all over the field, even out of the backfield. In an offense that likes to throw the ball around often, Moore is absolutely worth a late-round pick in fantasy drafts for his upside.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel has been practicing with the team at training camp, and his presence outside, in the slot or out of the backfield can create mismatches for the opposing defense. However, the fact that he's being nursed through camp without tackling puts doubt into how he'll get through a full 17-game season. Dyami Brown (leg) missed most of the second week of camp with an apparent leg injury and hasn't shined when he's been on the field. Brown has size and should have a roster spot, but his role appears limited for now, barring an extended absence from Samuel. With rookie Jahan Dotson standing out all offseason and summer, it's hard to envision Samuel being a consistent fantasy producer to begin the 2022 season.
From RotoBaller
