We are just over a month away from the start of the 2023 NFL season and preseason training camps have kicked off across the league.
We’ll keep you up to date on all the latest and most important NFL preseason news, rumors, and storylines across all 32 teams and how it affects fantasy or team outlook.
NFL Preseason & Training Camp News and Notes, 2023:
Broncos News: Jerry Jeudy carted off practice field (August 24)
Jerry Jeudy suffered a hamstring injury that led to him being carted off the practice field on August 24.
Tom Pelissero reported Jeudy will miss multiple weeks, putting him in serious doubt for the season oepner.
With Tim Patrick already out for the season, the Broncos are suddenly thin at receiver.
Courtland Sutton should serve as the No. 1 receiver, and he was good in that role with Jeudy out last year.
Courtland Sutton ran 183 routes last season with Jerry Jeudy off the field.
On those routes…
2.20 Yards/Route
29.7% of the team targets
39.9% of air yards
23.5% target/route rateMarvin Mims is now on the roster, but a lot is breaking in Sutton’s favor to open the year.
— Rich Hribar (@LordReebs) August 24, 2023
As Rich Hribar notes, Marvin Mims is also set to see more work in the early part of the season. He remains a great late-round target in fantasy drafts.
Colts & Dolphins News: Dolphins have made “at least” one offer for Jonathan Taylor (August 24)
Barry Jackson reports the Dolphins have made “at least” one trade offer for disgruntled Colts RB Jonathan Taylor.
Jackson adds that “at least one other team” has made an offer for Taylor.
The Colts have reportedly given Taylor and his agent an August 29 deadline to find a deal, so the running back’s future should be known sooner rather than later.
The Dolphins currently have Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and rookie Devon Achane on the depth chart.
With Zack Moss recovering from a broken arm, the Colts may have to turn to Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull if Taylor is moved or refuses to play Week 1.
Seahawks News: Jamal Adams activated from the PUP list (August 24)
Seahawks S Jamal Adams was activated from the PUP list on August 24.
He was recovering from a torn quad that limited him to one game in 2022.
Since being acquired from the Jets in 2020, Adams has played 25 games total in three seasons with the Seahawks.
Seattle is in position to compete in the down NFC, so anything they get from Adams will be a big boost.
49ers News: Brock Purdy named Week 1 starter (August 23)
Unsurprisingly, Brock Purdy is set to open the season as the 49ers starter after recovering quickly from the elbow injury he suffered in the playoffs.
Somewhat surprisingly, his backup is set to be Sam Darnold and not Trey Lance, for whom the 49ers traded three first-round picks to move up to draft.
Kyle Shanahan said the team is likely to keep Lance, but that could just be a negotiating tactic for a player whose value has been destroyed over the last two years.
The best option for all sides is probably a fresh start.
Titans News: Treylon Burks carted off practice field (August 16)
Treylon Burks was carted off the practice field after seemingly injuring his knee on August 16.
While it looked like a serious injury in the moment, Burks was later diagnosed with an LCL sprain.
Still, that injury will force Burks out for several weeks and could keep him sidelined into the season.
The Titans signed DeAndre Hopkins in July to bolster a receiving corps that lacked talent behind Burks, but now it looks like the Titans could be in the same position they were before adding the veteran receiver, at least early in the season.
Hopkins posted a 64/717/3 line in nine games for the Cardinals last season and finished a respectable 18th in yards per route run among qualifying receivers.
He set a career-low for yards per target, though, and is entering his age-31 season.
Even if Hopkins can carry the passing game as the clear No. 1 receiver, the Titans have serious questions behind him.
As it stands, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Phillips, and Chris Moore are the next receivers up on the depth chart.
Buccaneers News: Russell Gage out for the season (August 16)
Russell Gage will miss the season after suffering a knee injury in practice.
The Bucs are still fine at the top of the depth chart with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but this is a blow to the receiving depth on an offense that has serious questions at quarterback.
This injury could open up playing time for sixth-round rookie Trey Palmer, who made a great catch in the back of the end zone in the preseason opener.
Jets News: Dalvin Cook signs with New York (August 14)
Following a couple of weeks of flirting, Dalvin Cook is now officially a Jet.
That signing is, obviously, not great news for Breece Hall’s fantasy value or a great sign for his recovery from a torn ACL, although he was activated from the PUP the day after Cook signed. Hall will actually start practicing before Cook, who is still recovering from shoulder surgery.
That said, Hall was simply a much more efficient runner than Cook last season.
Cook has seen his yards per carry and EPA per rush fall each of the last two seasons. He ranked 22nd (4.4) and 37th (-0.13) in those marks last year.
The Vikings were not a great run-blocking unit last season, but Next Gen Stats ranked Cook 34th out of 48 running backs in yards over expected per attempt, suggesting he was also part of the problem.
Cook also did not offer much in the passing game last year.
He was 49th among qualifying backs in yards per route run (0.75) while grading out poorly as a blocker according to PFF. Things were about the same in both categories in 2021.
Cook has struggled in the red zone in recent seasons, converting just 8-of-27 carries inside the five over the last two years.
Those last two are important because it opens up the possibility Hall is the preferred option on passing downs and near the goal line, aka the important fantasy touches, even if there is more of a timeshare between the 20s.
Cook signing has to knock down Hall’s fantasy cost — he is a clear pass at current ADP — but there are avenues for the young back to remain a solid fantasy option even with the company, and Cook’s recent play opens the possibility Hall takes on more and more of the work as he gets healthier.
Patriots News: Ezekiel Elliott signs with New England (August 14)
The Patriots flirted with several veteran running backs so far this offseason, so was not a massive surprise when Ezekiel Elliott announced he will be joining the team.
Cut by the Cowboys early in the offseason, Elliott has not been an effective running back over the last several seasons.
Last year, he ranked 38th among all running backs with at least 100 carries in yards per attempt (3.8), 26th in success rate (37.2%), and 39th out of 42 qualifying backs in rate of runs that gained at least 10 yards (7.4%).
He has, however, been successful in short-yardage situations.
Over the last two years, he leads the league with 54 attempts on third or fourth down with three or fewer yards to go.
Elliott converted for a first down 70.4% of the time on those carries, ninth among backs with at least 20 carries in those situations.
He is seventh over the last two years with 37 carries in goal-to-go situations.
He scored a touchdown every 2.18 of those carries, fifth among backs with at least 10 goal-to-go carries in the last two years.
That effectiveness is a concern for the touchdown upside of Rhamondre Stevenson, who handled 55.2% of New England’s goal-to-go carries last season, scoring three touchdowns on 16 attempts.
On the other hand, this signing is great news for Tony Pollard and will end any conversations about Elliott rejoining the Cowboys again this season.
Dallas could still sign another veteran back, but anyone they bring in will not have the same relationship and pull with the coaching staff that Elliott would have.
Packers News: Receiver depth chart comes into focus (August 11)
Both sophomore receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson ran a route on more than 90% of Jordan Love’s dropbacks in the preseason opener.
Rookie Jayden Reed came off the field in 2WR sets but operated as the clear No. 3 receiver.
Also of note was rookie tight end Luke Musgrave‘s involvement as he ran a route on 80% of Love’s dropbacks and was targeted on 25% of his routes.
Broncos News: Greg Dulcich loses snaps to Adam Trautman (August 11)
Greg Dulcich was limited to seven routes with the first-string offense and only two routes on first and second down in the preseason opener.
New head coach Sean Payton brought in Trautman, who may be trusted in early down situations as an elite blocker.
That would limit Dulcich’s snap count and ceiling in fantasy football.
Steelers News: Calvin Austin provides spark in preseason opener (August 11)
Calvin Austin provided the explosive element the Steelers lacked last year in the preseason opener.
The sophomore with 4.32 speed was heavily involved as he was targeted four times and used for two rushes. He scored on a 67-yard reception and averaged 11.5 yards per rush.
For a team that did not score outside the red zone last season, it would be a wise idea to find ways to incorporate the speedster into the game plan.
For fantasy, there will be week-to-week volatility, but Austin provides a solid late-round big play threat in best ball.
Raiders News: Davante Adams goes down in practice, injury reportedly minor (August 11)
The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin reported Davante Adams “got popped” by 49ers LB Oren Burks during practice before limping off the field.
After practice, Josh McDaniels said the injury is not “crazy serious,” and The Athletic’s Tashan Reed reported the issue is considered minor.
It appears as if the Raiders have dodged a bullet, and they are better suited for Adams to miss time this season after bringing in Jakobi Meyers in free agency.
Still, Adams commanded 32.3% of the Raiders’ targets last season and 40.7% of their intended air yards. His health is vital to the success of the passing game.
Vikings News: Kareem Hunt visits the Vikings (August 11)
The Vikings’ main storyline in the first preseason game involved the running backs who will play behind Alexander Mattison.
Ty Chandler led the team with 11 carries and averaged 3.7 yards per carry, but more importantly, he caught four passes on 12 routes. Coach Kevin O’Connell said the back “jumped out” in the game.
DeWayne McBride only ran two routes, which indicates that Chandler has a higher ceiling with his pass-catching ability in terms of fantasy value.
Neither Chandler nor McBride looked like players that need to see time ahead of Mattison, which likely explains why the team invited Kareem Hunt in for a visit on Friday.
Hunt has already visited the Saints and Colts, but he reportedly rebuffed contract offers from both.
Texans News: Tank Dell shines in preseason debut (August 11)
Tank Dell was targeted on 42% of his routes and hauled in five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown.
Of note, Dell was on the field for all five routes with starters Nico Collins and Dalton Schultz. John Metchie came off the field for the one play which utilized two tight ends.
This signals that will likely play in the slot and be limited to 2-WR sets, whereas Dell may have a bigger role if Collins or Robert Woods were to miss time.
The early signal is Metchie will have a role in Week 1, but once Dell earns regular time his fantasy value is potentially higher. Dell is a long play, as he bides his time to earn a full-time role.
Patriots News: Tyquan Thornton slipping down depth chart? (August 11)
Tyquan Thornton hauled in two catches, including a 27-yard reception which made the game highlights.
What didn’t make the film was the fact that sixth-round rookie Demario Douglas ran two routes, which were both in 2-WR sets, and joined the first team offense on the sideline while Thornton continued to play.
Thornton has fallen on the depth chart and will likely see limited action in Week 1 of the regular season, barring some change in circumstances.
The Patriots are likely to remain in the market for a veteran back to complement Rhamondre Stevenson.
Pierre Strong was the best rusher in Week 1 of the preseason for the Patriots and had three receptions on five routes, but it was noteworthy that he ran only a single route on third down compared to J.J. Taylor’s nine.
Ravens News: Rashod Bateman (foot) activated from PUP (August 9)
The Ravens activated Rashod Bateman from the PUP, where he opened camp thanks to the foot injury he has been struggling with since last season.
Entering his third season, Bateman could be primed for a breakout if he can stay on the field, but that has been a concern throughout his career. He has played 18 games total in two seasons.
The Ravens have made mention of a quicker-paced offense with increased passing, something that will benefit Bateman if he is available.
Bateman was also efficient on a limited sample last season, averaging 2.38 yards per route run and 10.2 yards per target.
Of course, he faces more competition for targets this season from Odell Beckham and rookie Zay Flowers, but each of those players has questions of their own.
Raiders News: Zamir White listed as RB1 on Depth Chart (August 8)
Sophomore running back Zamir White is gaining attention as Josh Jacobs continues to hold out and was listed as the lead running back on the Raiders’ initial depth chart release.
White was limited to 17 carries in his rookie season behind Jacobs, but the 4.40 speedster finished with 11 touchdowns in each of his final two seasons at Georgia.
White would handle the bulk of the early down work if Jacobs were to hold out or miss time with an in-season injury.
Saints & Colts News: Kareem Hunt visits New Orleans and Indianapolis (August 8)
Kareem Hunt visited the Saints and the Colts this week, but he left both meetings without a deal.
With Jamaal Williams securing the early down role, the Saints clearly want a veteran back with pass-blocking experience while Alvin Kamara is suspended.
That is bad news for rookie Kendre Miller, who is coming back from a knee injury. Reading between the lines, Miller’s usage is in doubt unless the backfield suffers multiple injuries.
The Colts backfield is more difficult to decipher, and a potential contract muddies the waters even more.
The Jonathan Taylor saga continues, and Zack Moss suffered a broken arm, although Moss will likely be ready for Week 1.
Rookie Evan Hull and Deon Jackson remain. Adding Hunt to the mix would make this backfield even messier than before.
Saints News: Alvin Kamara suspended three games (August 4)
Alvin Kamara resolved the legal issues stemming from a 2022 fight in Las Vegas back in July, opening the door for the league to hand down their punishment.
The NFL did just that on August 4, giving Kamara a three-game suspension.
It is a good outcome for the Saints and Kamara, who realistically could have been looking at a six-game absence.
As it stands, he will miss games against the Titans, Panthers, and Packers before rejoining the team in Week 4 against the Buccaneers.
The Saints prepared for Kamara to miss time, signing Jamaal Williams in free agency and drafting Kendre Miller in the third round. That pair should lead the line while Kamara is out.
As for Kamara, he is coming off back-to-back down seasons.
Over the first four seasons of his career, Kamara averaged 5.0 yards per carry and 6.2 yards per touch.
Over the last two, he has averaged 3.9 yards per carry and 4.8 yards per touch.
He also saw his touches in goal-to-go situations fall to a career-low eight last season, just two more than Taysom Hill, and now has Williams to deal with in the backfield.
The efficiency decline paired with less opportunity near the goal line would mean a lower potential ceiling for Kamara, but with his suspension set at just three games, he looks like a value outside the top 25 running backs in fantasy drafts.
Bengals News: Joe Burrow suffers calf injury (July 27)
Joe Burrow has been sitting out this week after sustaining a calf injury in practice.
Burrow has been spotted with a sleeve on his calf and will likely be limited in the remainder of training camp. He is expected to be ready for Week 1 as he has not been seen wearing a boot or limping.
With the proper recovery, Burrow’s risk of reinjury is considered low, however, the team may be cautious with his mobility early in the season.
As a result, Joe Mixon is a potential player to target as the recipient of more passing volumes if Burrow’s scrambling is limited. Mixon also receives a boost as a potential 3-down workhorse as Trayveon Williams was carted off the field with an ankle injury on Tuesday.
Colts News: Jonathan Taylor requests trade (July 29)
The simmering contract turmoil between Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts reached a full boil when news broke about the running back requesting a trade after the first week of training camp.
Owner Jim Irsay quickly said the team was not trading the running back, but then rumors emerged the Colts were considering putting Taylor on the non-football injury to avoid paying him.
The report said Taylor was complaining about back pain from an injury suffered away from the team, but Taylor responded:
1.) Never had a back pain.
2.) Never reported back pain.
Not sure who “sources” are, but find new ones 🤔
— Jonathan Taylor (@JayT23) July 31, 2023
To make matters worse, the Colts then lost backup Zack Moss to a broken arm that could sideline him into the season.
The added Kenyan Drake following the Moss injury, but that could also be an indication the Colts are considering moving their star back.
It is tough to know what will happen in this situation.
Teams have not been able to find trade partners for running backs this offseason. The Chargers could not move Austin Ekeler before sweetening his deal — they might not have wanted to, to be fair — and the Vikings had to cut Dalvin Cook after they could not find a trade partner.
The Panthers did get a good haul for Christian McCaffrey, but he offers a lot more as a pass catcher than Taylor does.
That said, there seems to be some real animosity between the team and Taylor at this point, so anything can happen.
Rams News: Cooper Kupp leaves practice early (August 1)
Cooper Kupp left practice early on Tuesday due to a hamstring injury.
The Rams are awaiting MRI results but are expected to proceed cautiously with the veteran superstar receiver.
Sean McVay has opted to rest veterans for the entire preseason in the past and it is likely that Kupp will not see game action until Week 1.
It is likely Kupp will be ready to start the season, however, according to several physicians this does increase his risk of reinjury during the season.
Chiefs News: Positive buzz around Kansas City’s receivers (July 26)
The Kansas City Chiefs media team continues to do a great job highlighting training camp catches from the wide receiver group, who all entered camp in the best shape of their life and are standing out.
Outside of Kadarius Toney, who has an outside chance of beginning the season on the IR, the buzz around the wide receivers has been positive.
Considered a weakness by many analysts heading into the season, the Chiefs are doing a great job of hyping Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Justyn Watson, and Richie James. Last year fantasy drafters overvalued the Chiefs wide receivers, and a similar situation could possibly occur this season, as the receivers will likely be rotated play to play.
In large field best ball tournaments this is a difficult group outside of veteran Marquez Valdez Scantling to project playing time for as any one of the other receivers may play limited snaps throughout the season. It is more beneficial to take swings on Chiefs receivers in redraft leagues as this format allows drops and waiver pickups.
Broncos News: Javonte Williams ahead of schedule (July 27)
Broncos camp has been full of storylines as the team looks to rebound from a disappointing season.
On the positive side, Javonte Williams opened camp with minimal limitations. Williams is definitely ahead of schedule, however, with this significant of an injury his snaps will be limited in the opening few weeks of the season along with a dip in efficiency.
Williams has huge upside in the second half of the season for large-field tournaments, but early production will likely be underwhelming.
In other injury news, Tim Patrick will miss a second consecutive season after tearing his Achilles on Monday, and K.J. Hamler was waived as he is dealing with a medical condition.
Hamler will likely be added to the roster once healthy, but the Patrick injury opens the door for rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims to open the season in three-WR sets.
Cowboys News: Ronald Jones suspended two games (July 31)
Ronald Jones was suspended for the first two games of the regular season because of testing positive for PEDs.
Jones’ chances of making the team were already up in the air, and this could reduce the odds the veteran is kept on the 53-man roster.
Until Ezekiel Elliott is signed, there is the potential that the Cowboys and Elliott come to a deal that would return the former fourth overall pick to Dallas.
Regardless of the running back depth chart, Tony Pollard remains a slam dunk pick at any point in the second round of fantasy drafts.
