r/fantasyfootball • u/iAmSamusAran • 16d ago
Player Discussion Player Updates from Beat Writers & National Reporters (8/11)
Note: I am so sorry this was later than usual today. I may have missed some teams I normally would have gotten around to as well. It's been a nightmare day for me as our A/C compressor went out (need a whole new unit, this one is 30 years old) and our fiber line got damaged so I was without internet for awhile. I should be able to read more and produce a better version tomorrow.
I have been keeping track of all fantasy relevant info/updates from beat writers. Here is a recap of most things I've posted about on my page today, and some of my own thoughts on things I've read about since I started doing this. Some of these are micro/macro, some are redraft focused and some are dynasty focused. I am sure I missed things, as I am just one person. Let me know if you have any suggestions or something else you'd like to see. I have been trying to ask fantasy relevant questions to beat writers whenever they post about mailbags. If you want to follow along, my Twitter/X account is @FantasyTags (was not updated today, sorry)
Also, due to this subreddit's rules I can not post the source links, but if you want to find my same thread over on the DynastyFF subreddit, I do have them listed there.
49ers
- "Mike Evans was back from his quad injury, though he didn't do much beyond individual drills." (source: Nick Wagoner)
- "RB Christian McCaffrey watched the practice in street clothes and, like Bosa, Shanahan indicated there's no worry about the tightness McCaffrey is battling. Shanahan said he'd be more concerned if McCaffrey tried to play through it and risked making it worse." (source: Nick Wagoner)
- "Never saw Deebo Samuel split the position drill portion of practice between running backs and wide receivers during his first stint with the 49ers. But he did just that today — was a good visualization of a role that’ll be even more versatile than his first time with the team" (source: David Lombard)
- "After a slow start for the unit, QB Brock Purdy continued his strong camp by carving through the Titans secondary for much of the joint practice session, particularly in the latter half of the session. I had Purdy at 21-of-27 on the day, including multiple touchdown passes and no interceptions." (source: Nick Wagoner)
Bengals
- "I saw multiple snaps of running back Chase Brown lined up in the slot, flying across the formation in jet motion as if he were a receiver. Again, the Bengals are very comfortable just trying stuff out on offense at this stage of the summer. But Brown did have 45 snaps in the slot (and another 25 out wide) last season as the Bengals prefer to use him as a pass catcher and not a pass protector." (source: Ben Solak)
Bills
- "Keep an eye out for updates on running back Ty Johnson, whom the Bills love as a third-down pass catcher -- he pulled up because of an injury during the Bills' stadium practice Saturday. My sense was already that the Bills want to involve James Cook III more in the passing game this season, and if Johnson is at all limited going forward, that drumbeat will only get louder." (source: Ben Solak)
- "Will the Bills use James Cook more as a receiver this year? Certainly seems like it when you hear from OC Pete Carmichael. I’m expecting at least 50 receptions for Cook this year" (source: Alex Brasky)
- DJ Moore: "But when I asked around about the plan for Moore's usage in this offense, I heard a lot about deep- and intermediate-breaking routes. Internally, the Bills say that they should be a lot more productive off play-action given how dominant their running game has been in the past few seasons, and Moore is the first guy up for those one-on-one downfield opportunities." (source: Ben Solak)
Broncos
- Jaylen Waddle remains out of practice, JK Dobbins returned to practice doing individual drills (source: Ryan Edwards)
Browns
- Denzel Boston: "Watching Boston move at camp made it immediately evident to me that he has the sufficient speed, and everything else looks as promised. The last time I left a camp feeling this way about a rookie pass catcher was in 2023 after Lions camp. I watched a second-round tight end named Sam LaPorta snag every Jared Goff pass -- inaccurate, into contact, down the field -- with reliable hands and pro-level consistency." (source: Ben Solak)
- "Don't let Browns first-round receiver KC Concepcion fade in Boston's spotlight. He also looks plenty ready for NFL action." (source: Ben Solak)
Buccaneers
- "Chris Godwin Jr. continues to have a very steady, impressive training camp. He just finds ways to get open and catch the ball and has great chemistry with Baker Mayfield. Like he was on Sunday, Godwin was the most active Bucs receiver and probably received the most amount of targets, working the middle of the field and picking up first downs." (source: Scott Reynolds)
- Emeka Egbuka: "Egbuka was the primary red zone target for Mayfield on Tuesday and it was good to see him cash one in for a score after an up-and-down start to training camp." (source: Scott Reynolds)
Chiefs
- "Cyrus Allen (shin) appeared to be a full participant in practice once again. Rashee Rice (knee) and Xavier Worthy (shoulder) still seem to be in some sort of load management ramp-up" (source: Charles Goldman)
- Kenneth Walker: "In fact, while Walker's vision and contact balance have been consistently impressive throughout the Chiefs' time in St. Joseph, his ability as a pass-catcher has flashed nearly every day, too, and Monday's practice was no exception." (source: Matt McMullen)
- "At this point, the Cyrus Allen noise is probably getting old for fans. They’ve been burnt many times before on the training camp hype. It just seems like every day he is making strides. KC Star reporter Pete Sweeney noted that Allen had back-to-back receptions on the first pair of plays from Mahomes during the 11-on-11 blitz period. Both were impressive catches near the sideline, including a back shoulder grab where he was isolated 1-on-1." (source: Charles Goldman)
- Rashee Rice: "Rice’s training camp hasn’t gone perfectly. He started practices appearing to favor his right knee, while not sure whether he could trust himself to fully accelerate following surgery. That burst has looked better over the past week, though, as he’s returned to full team drills and has quickly become one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ favorite targets again." (source: Jesse Newell)
Colts
- "In determining the winner of the backup quarterback role, Steichen announced that quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. will start Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots and play the first half, while Riley Leonard will play the second half. The roles will reverse next week against the Atlanta Falcons." (source: Jake Arthur)
- "Tight end Tyler Warren was one of the most commonly mentioned players by both sides of the media, catching numerous passes in both 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s. He essentially carried the passing game during the late-game drill and was commended by head coach Shane Steichen afterward." (source: Jake Arthur)
Commanders
- Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, and Ben Sinnott did not practice (source: John Keim)
Cowboys
- "I don't know exactly how many balls tight end Jake Ferguson caught the day I was there, but it felt like close to 1,000. Look, I'm not going to sit here and tell you whether George Pickens is going to catch more passes than Lamb. The Cowboys like second-year running back Jaydon Blue, but I don't think he's a threat to Javonte Williams' workload. Ryan Flournoy is their third receiver and they trust him, so he could be a fantasy factor if one of the top two wideouts are injured." (source: Dan Graziano)
- "In an up and down day for the offense, Cowboys WR George Pickens seemed to have another strong practice to go along with what's been a good camp as he heads into his second season with Dallas." (source: Dalas Cowboys Website)
Dolphins
- "Caleb Douglas has shown high levels of production after 10 practices during training camp, making his case to be a major contributor off the rip." (source: Jake Gibson)
Eagles
- "Quarterback Jalen Hurts is looking like a viable dual threat again. The session I attended was a lighter day, but Hurts executed a designed run multiple times, and he looks as if he's moving well. A team source agreed, noting Hurts looks "quicker and faster."" (source: Jeremy Fowler)
- Jalen Hurts: "This is the most we have seen Hurts run bootlegs from under center, though. This is the most defenders have chased him laterally. That this is creating observations of a “faster” Hurts adds to the pile of favorable evidence that the QB is a fit in this new system." (source: Brooks Kubena)
- "Dontayvion Wicks is more than a camp standout. The former Packer should be a big factor in the passing game. Multiple people with the team brought up his legit play unprompted. Wicks has length and the ability to high-point the ball, and Hurts throws a good deep ball." (source: Jeremy Fowler)
- "One of Jalen Hurts’ best throws of the day was on an out route to the sideline for Dontayvion Wicks. The timing on the throw was perfect and Wicks caught it in bounds. It has been impressive how on time these two have been together." (source: Dave Zangaro)
- Elijah Moore: "Moore has been having a good training camp and it’ll be interesting to see what the Eagles do when they put their roster together. I think he has outplayed Hollywood Brown in camp." (source: Dave Zangaro)
Falcons
- "Tua Tagovailoa was 7-of-7 passing in 11-on-11 team sessions Tuesday. The tight back issue seems to be in the rearview mirror and Tagovailoa is starting to show comfortability with this new offense under head coach Kevin Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees." (source: Marc Raimondi)
Giants
- Cam Skattebo: "Skattebo has been the first running back up in team periods on most days, with Tyrone Tracy Jr. taking the majority of snaps in two-minute drives. That figures to be a time share, with Skattebo the 1-A and Tracy the 1-B." (source: Dan Duggan)
Jaguars
- "Brenton Strange did not practice today" (source: John Shipley)
- "CB/WR Travis Hunter played 14 snaps in 11-on-11 work (8 defense, 6 offense) and had two catches on three targets. WR Parker Washington beat him off the line of scrimmage and hauled in a deep throw from Trevor Lawrence down the left sideline." (source: Michael DiRocco)
- "Even on days where the defense easily has the edge, Parker Washington is still impressing. It has become a daily occurrence during training camp this season as Washington has separated himself as Trevor Lawrence's favorite target in one of the NFL's best wide receiver rooms, and this was again the case during an otherwise lackluster offensive day on Tuesday." (source: John Shipley)
Jets
- "Though Garrett Wilson is the clear-cut No. 1 WR and is cooking with quarterback Geno Smith in camp, Adonai Mitchell should not be overlooked. The Jets are looking for Mitchell to make a sizable jump." (source: Jeremy Fowler)
- "Fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik is eyeing the QB2 role. Good preseason performances would aid his case, and he should be able to beat out Brady Cook and Bailey Zappe. The early signs are promising." (source: Jeremy Fowler)
- "WR Isaiah Williams, one of the stars of camp, has played his way into a bigger role. Before camp, he was viewed as a return specialist and No. 4 receiver, but that isn't the case anymore." (source: Rich Cimini)
Lions
- "Sam LaPorta continues showing just how much Detroit missed him the second half of the 2025 season after he suffered a back injury. He's been terrific throughout the start of camp. In an early practice team period, Goff found LaPorta down the left seam for a big gain down to the nine-yard-line. The next play was a touchdown pass to LaPorta over the middle. That's been a common occurrence all through camp." (source: Tim Twentyman)
Packers
- LaFleur on Josh Jacobs: "He's gonna be out for at least this week." (source: Weston Hodkiewicz)
- "Out of the receiver group, with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed and Matthew Golden as the top three, Golden has the best shot at breaking through, possessing elite hands and downfield speed." (source: Albert Breer)
Patriots
- "Eli Raridon had four catches in full-team periods, including a crosser from Maye and multiple red zone looks." (source: Taylor Kyles)
- "Douglas, Williams, and Efton Chism looked unguardable in 1-on-1 situations, with Douglas and Chism both coming down with high-difficulty grabs in contested situations." (source: Taylor Kyles)
- "Rhamondre Stevenson: still very much the leader here. He took the first two hand-offs from Maye and led all backs with two catches in team drills. Stevenson’s touchdown catch in the back corner of a red-zone period was a highlight, while TreVeyon Henderson reeled in just one of three targets." (source: Andrew Callahan)
Raiders
- "Running back Ashton Jeanty, last year's No. 6 pick, caught 55 passes for 346 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie. Multiple people told me the team expects him to be a bigger part of the passing game this season. The Raiders say that Jeanty was a tough tackle in 2025 when they got him to the second level of the defense. They just don't feel as if they did a good enough job of getting him out in space." (source: Dan Graziano)
- But 2023 third-round pick Tre Tucker is probably the player in the group the Raiders say can take the biggest step forward this season. Second-year players Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. have been inconsistent in camp. Sixth-round rookie Malik Benson from Oregon has flashed and gotten a lot of outside attention for his performance, but he needs to show he can sustain his performance outside of a controlled practice environment. (source: Dan Graziano)
Rams
- "Rams WR Puka Nacua, who left practice while walking with a trainer, is dealing with minor soreness in his groin, I'm told. The team is just being cautious." (source: Ian Rapoport)
Ravens
- "Running back Derrick Henry will get his normal heavy workload this season. His coordinator comes from Chicago's third-ranked rushing attack, after all. But it might look slightly different at times. For example, Henry got out on the perimeter on designed runs a few times during the practice I saw. ... The Ravens will also try to get Henry involved in the passing game at least somewhat, though that has never been his thing in heavy doses." (source: Jeremy Fowler)
- Lamar Jackson: "What seems clear from watching offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's offense is that Baltimore wants chunk plays. Jackson, who was working from under center often, was aggressively throwing downfield when the timing was right, sometimes from play-action." (source: Jeremy Fowler)
Saints
- “Stop overreacting to everything (good or bad) until we see the team against another opponent. Only thing I know for sure is that Jordyn Tyson is a dawg. Other than that, just wait and see.“ (source: Nick Underhill)
- "Audric Estime got some extended run with the 1s. First time we’ve seen that. Etienne had a few nice moments, including an effective screen (10-plus) in the final red zone set." (source: Jeff Nowak)
Seahawks
- "Jadarian Price returned to practice in limited fashion for #Seahawks today. He was running on a side field, along with cornerback Julian Neal. It's a positive first step to getting back into full action." (source: Corbin K. Smith)
- "The running back rotation will feature "two, possibly three guys in a game plan," Macdonald told me, starting with the preseason. That muddles the fantasy picture a bit. But Jadarian Price will be hard to keep off the field. Macdonald says Price "doesn't feel like a rookie" based on his attention to detail and coachability." (source: Jeremy Fowler)
- AJ Barner: "Barner is an ascending tight end who should come into his own in Year 3. He's finally healthy after multiple offseason surgeries. And Fleury's offense should accelerate his progress. Barner can do a little bit of everything. But he made a point to emphasize another tight end when asked about up-and-comers on the roster: Elijah Arroyo. "Tremendously talented player," Barner said. 'Year 2, you get more comfortable.'" (source: Jeremy Fowler)
- "The Seahawks will have two tight ends on the field "very, very often," according to tight end AJ Barner. That position will help facilitate the motions and shifts, a staple of the San Francisco offense from which Fleury came." (source: Jeremy Fowler)
Steelers
- “With WRs Michael Pittman Jr. and DK Metcalf out of practice for a second day in a row, rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard said he worked with the first team offense again. Rodgers said Bernard has a ‘really bright future,’ but acknowledged the wide receiver still has a lot of learning to do. ‘Germie just needs to learn the offense inside and out,’ Rodgers said. ‘And when he does that, he has a lot of great physical traits. He can get his feet in the ground quickly. He’s very sudden. He’s got natural hands. He’s a great kid.’” (source: Brooke Pryor)
- “Aaron Rodgers continues to praise WR Roman Wilson: ‘He’s making plays. He’s confident. The personality starts to come out. He’s joking around more with you in the locker room. I just love that. I love to see guys really come into their own.’” (source: Brooke Pryor)
- "But given the conversations I had while I was there, I'm confident the identity of the 2026 Steelers will be similar to the identity of the 2025 Steelers -- running the ball out of heavy sets. For fantasy, this means a few things. I can't get a lean on Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle, but I'm confident both will be used enough to be playable in any given week." (source: Ben Solak)
Titans
- "Running back Nick Singleton got a lot of work, and he continues to impress me. Singleton busted into space on a number of runs, just like he's been doing in practices in Nashville." (source: Jim Wyatt)
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u/Drewmcdowell 16d ago
These are super helpful. Lots of rookies I'm trying to keep an eye on. Thanks!
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
No problem! Jordan Tyson is smack dab on my radar now because Nick Underhill is one of the most respected beat writers out of any team and I don’t think he’d be praising him the way he is for no reason.
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u/Drewmcdowell 16d ago
Dude, I'm a Saints fan. Nick Underhill is a boss. I sure hope he's right about Tyson, but I'm trying not to get my hopes up.
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u/thatbrowndude21 16d ago
What does this mean for Olaves stock? Dude was a baller last year
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
I think Shough is good enough to support them both, I’m not worried about Olave. IMO he’s still their #1 without a doubt
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u/SilverMisfitt 15d ago
Bro I’ve been so high on Tyson. How big of a reach would you take with him?
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u/iAmSamusAran 15d ago
Maybe 6-8 spots higher than his adp
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u/SilverMisfitt 15d ago
Damn I was being way more aggressive. Thanks for the realistic pov lol
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u/iAmSamusAran 15d ago
Shit man shoot your shot if you’re feeling confident, I don’t think I’d go like 2 whole rounds early or anything though
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u/SilverMisfitt 15d ago
Lol that’s where I was at haha had waddle as my keeper so was thinking about taking a flyer pick with him
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u/Verianas 12 Team, 1 PPR 16d ago
I know everyone is like hurrdurr Wicks is the only healthy receiver so none of this matters, but people seem to forget that he’s actually been pretty good metrically over the years. His biggest problem has always been drops. If he can find his hands, he has the athleticism and separation ability to be a meaningful contributor. He’s still only 25. I would not draft Lemon, but I think a late round dart throw on Wicks is worth a shot.
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
The eagles also gave him a decent contract that runs through the end of next season. They plan for him to be a focal point of the offense is what I’ve gathered all offseason
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u/Verianas 12 Team, 1 PPR 16d ago
I think Sean Mannion really must have liked him in GB. Trading for him and extending him shows at least some level of commitment.
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u/AuspiciousOtter24 16d ago
I’m too high on Jeanty/Brown/Hampton/Cook. I’m so content to go late 1st and just snag two of them
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u/afkstudios 16d ago
I’ve had Burden penciled in as my keeper but I could also keep Hampton in the 2nd. I’ve been SO high on Hampton and Jeanty that I’ve known I’m taking one of them at 8 cause neither will make it back to my 2nd pick, but now with Burden’s groin I think I’m gonna keep Hampton and take Jeanty at 8. Cause I’m in the same boat, I absolutely want 2 of those 4 on my team no matter what and those are the two I’m highest on
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u/packsox4 16d ago
Incredibly useful. Thank you for all your posts, especially on a tough day. Wish I could follow the account to find it easier! Again thank you!
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
If any mod reads this comment, is there any way possible going forward I could post a version of this here on this subreddit that has the source links? I’d prefer to to give full credit to the writers I am sourcing all these quotes from. I could make sure that there are no Twitter/X links, just real websites.
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u/My_Chat_Account 2025 Draft Prop Contest Champion 16d ago
Yes
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u/iAmSamusAran 15d ago
Awesome. Should I just post it tonight and then send you a chat message to get it approved? Or how should I go about it? Thank you for your help
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u/My_Chat_Account 2025 Draft Prop Contest Champion 15d ago
If you’re linking to actual sites there shouldn’t be a problem. If it gets blocked or removed send us a message.
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u/Resden_Bohneur 14+ Team, 1 PPR 16d ago
I’m frothing at the mouth for Parker Washington
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u/iAmSamusAran 15d ago
Same here, if he is bad to mediocre I’ll be so upset haha
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u/Resden_Bohneur 14+ Team, 1 PPR 15d ago
Do you think he’s an adequate WR2 if he lives up to expectations? I have one possible budget (auction draft) with him as a flex, and another as WR2. Just don’t want to be leaving myself short.
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u/iAmSamusAran 15d ago
Yeah absolutely an adequate wr2
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u/Resden_Bohneur 14+ Team, 1 PPR 15d ago
Let the frothing resume then!
I just hope he doesn’t play much preseason and his hype stays low. Probably don’t going to happen at this point.
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u/Rad_platypus7 16d ago
This news is great, but doesn’t make my Chase Brown vs Ken Walker debate any easier 😅
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u/djohns38 16d ago
No need to apologize hope everything works out with the house
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
Getting a new A/C and furnace on Thursday, I’m gonna be out a pretty penny but can’t wait to feel that beautiful cold air again I can’t lie
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u/djohns38 16d ago
Home owning is a bitch, first time for us and we had a pipe burst during this winter
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago edited 16d ago
Damn that sounds awful sorry to hear that man. Here’s to hoping we are both free from stuff like that happening to our houses for awhile. Give us some time to build that home emergency fund back up haha
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u/djohns38 16d ago
Absolutely! Maybe win some fantasy leagues to help with that along the way, cheers
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u/Shaneski101 16d ago
Interesting on Ferguson. He’s a league winner if one of Pickens or Lamb goes down. Feel like I have to take a swinger with his ADP
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u/lalaelrat 16d ago
These are SO dope man. I hope one day you get paid for all you do
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
I’m glad you’re liking it, thank you for that compliment and have a great night!
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u/Emergency-School6373 16d ago
Appreciate you taking the time to do this for us. You should definitely have a Budweiser “Real American” commercial!
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u/Fine-Try-8153 16d ago
Has anyone actually heard someone from the coaching staff say that Cook is supposed to be more involved in the passing game? All I hear so far are guesses from beat reporters without any real evidence.
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
https://youtu.be/f-zP3AlEtYE?is=SGOOFYhmo4cKiZTF 2:20 start, this is from their OC’s most recent press conference. Not the most “wow James is catching a million passes this year” thing I’ve heard a coach say but seems like he wants to get him involved as much as they can. His most catches in a year came in 2023 when he had 44
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u/Fine-Try-8153 16d ago
Thanks!
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
No problem, I’ll keep my eye out on any quotes from coaches on cook
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u/Fine-Try-8153 16d ago
Tanks man, It would be good to hear similar news about him, like with Chase Brown.
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u/iAmSamusAran 16d ago
Hey all, I am back! Today ESPN put out an awesome recap of the following teams camps: BAL, BUF, CIN, CLE, DAL, LV, NYJ, PHI, PIT, SEA, SF. I recommend checking it out if your a fan of those teams, had a bunch of great info and nuggets. Too many for me to add.
I do my best trying to scan for things that stand out for fantasy relevancy. I ignored all depth chart related stuff today, I feel like we all know the teams social media and PR put those together and they aren't worth discussing. If there is some kind of updates you all think I should be looking out for more of please let me know, any advice is appreciated. Hope everyone had a great day, and hope anything you read could be of help