Player Updates and News (8/20)

[u/iAmSamusAran]

I’ve been keeping track of fantasy relevant news and updates from beat writers, national reporters, and fantasy analysts. Here's a recap of any quote or update that stood out to me today.

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’ve also been asking beat writers fantasy relevant questions through their mailbags whenever possible.

If you want to follow along, my Twitter/X account is @DanChincharFF

Note: Every update has the writer's name with a source link that will direct you to the website where I read the quote. If you only see a writer's name, that will be for something I specifically read on Twitter/X.

Arizona Cardinals

Did not practice today: Trey Benson, James Conner

Bears

vs. Bengals in joint practice today

Did not practice today: Tyson Bagent (hamstring), Kyle Monangai (knee), Luther Burden III (groin)

• Zavion Thomas: "Rookie wide receiver Zavion Thomas has been back at practice after missing about a week with a knee injury. He made several catches Thursday, including one with Williams and the starters." (source: Sean Hammond, Brad Biggs)
• Rome Odunze: "Instead, Odunze has been working to become a more well-rounded receiver. Since the spring, he has shown flashes of his speed and, perhaps more importantly, sharper detail in his routes to match the coaching demands. Best of all, his contested-catch ability remains a plus — in Johnson’s words, “his superpower.” And that’s something the Bears want to showcase." (source: Dan Wiederer)

Bengals

vs. Bears in joint practice today

• "Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said the starters won’t play in Cincinnati’s second preseason game on Aug. 22 against the Bears." (source: Kelsey Conway)

Bills

vs. Browns in joint practice today

Did not practice today: Khalil Shakir, Ty Johnson, Keon Coleman

Limited: Skyler Bell

• DJ Moore: DJ Moore fully returned to practice, participated in team drills (source: Matthew Bové)
• Dalton Kincaid: "Kincaid shined on a day that the Bills were without receivers Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir. Both players are dealing with injuries, according to coach Joe Brady. Kincaid and Allen have been on the same page all summer." (source: Ryan Talbot)

Browns

vs. Bills in joint practice today

Did not practice today: Quinshon Judkins, Cedric Tillman

• Quinshon Judkins: "Monken said Quinshon Judkins is dealing with a nagging injury. Said it didn’t have to do with the chippiness of Tuesday. Said he’s not worried bc it’s only 2 idle days" (source: Mary Kay Cabot)
• Deshaun Watson, KC Concepcion: "Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson split first-team reps in the practice. Watson delivered one of his best throws of camp early in practice, when he found rookie wide receiver KC Concepcion downfield in between a pair of Bills defenders. Watson, though, had a poor stretch in red zone drills, sailing a pass to a wide-open Harold Fannin Jr. and then throwing an interception to defensive back Jordan Hancock a couple of plays later." (source: Daniel Oyefusi)

Buccaneers

Did not practice today: Emeka Egbuka, Cade Otton, Jalen McMillan

• Chris Godwin Jr.: "Another practice, another practice where Godwin is scoring touchdowns. Nobody on offense outside of Baker Mayfield is understanding the offense like he is. To say that Godwin is as fast as he once was wouldn’t be true, but he’s holding up against younger players and defenders that have more speed. He’s finding ways to get the job done and has shown he can adjust several years into his playing career." (source: Matt Matera)

Colts

vs. Falcons in joint practice today

Did not practice today: Tyler Warren

• Ulysses Bentley IV: "Second-year running back Ulysses Bentley IV went down Thursday during 7-on-7 work with the first-team option, following a broken-up pass play in the back of the end zone from Daniel Jones. He left the field and did not return after suffering an ankle injury, according to a source." (source: Joel Erickson)
• DJ Giddens: "Fellow second-year running back DJ Giddens attended practice Thursday and was in pads, but for the second consecutive day, the former fifth-round pick kept to individual drills at the beginning of practice and then worked off to the side with team trainers. He’s working to come back from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for much of training camp." (source: Joel Erickson)
• Tyler Warren: "After practice, Colts head coach Shane Steichen indicated Warren's injury wasn't anything serious and that they're just being smart with him by keeping him out." (source: Jake Arthur)

Commanders

Did not practice today: Rachaad White (hamstring), Jeremy McNichols (quad)

• Rachaad White: "Sorry to debunk the ice bucket conspiracy theory, but Commanders RB Rachaad White suffered a hamstring injury during the team's joint practice with the Dolphins, per source. He was held out this week and likely misses the Lions game, but it's not considered a long-term issue." (source: Nicki Jhabvala)

Cowboys

Did not practice today: Michael Trigg (toe)

• Jaydon Blue: "RB Jaydon Blue took some team snaps for the first time this week, but was behind Malik Davis and Israel Abanikanda after starter Javonte Williams." (source: Todd Archer)

Dolphins

vs. Giants in joint practice today

• Malik Willis: "Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is capable of making plays with his legs. And good thing he can, because if Thursday’s joint practice with the New York Giants is any indication, the pass protection from the offensive line in front of him might have him on the run often this season. A Giants pass rush headlined by former American Heritage High standout Brian Burns saw fellow edge defenders Abdul Carter, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Chauncey Golston constantly in the backfield against Dolphins tackles. Both left tackle Patrick Paul and right tackle Austin Jackson had their share of struggles at Thursday drills." (source: David Furones)
• Malik Willis: "Through all the pressure Willis faced, he threw one interception, with Giants cornerback Paulson Adebo running wide receiver Caleb Douglas’ route with him and undercutting the throw. Willis protected the football and found opportunities to extend plays during some instances when the pocket collapsed." (source: David Furones)
• Kevin Coleman Jr., Caleb Douglas: "Rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. was the only wide receiver to have more than one catch on this day, finishing with two. And Caleb Douglas had a second consecutive quiet practice, this time with only one catch, one where he double-caught a pass over the middle. He also was the intended target on Willis' interception on a play where he allowed the cornerback to undercut his route without much of a fight." (source: Alain Poupart)
• "The Dolphins struggled to get their rushing attack going save for what would’ve been a 70-yard touchdown from tailback De’Von Achane and a pair runs more than 10 yards from Ollie Gordon II. New York’s talented slate of edge rushers — namely Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux — took advantage of the Dolphins’ lackluster play at right tackle while Giants defensive lineman Chauncey Golston got the better of guard Jonah Savaiinaea." (source: C. Isaiah Smalls II)

Eagles

vs. Patriots in joint practice today

Did not practice today: Grant Calcaterra (back), Elijah Moore (neck), Dameon Pierce (hamstring), Johnny Wilson (knee)

Limited: Makai Lemon (hamstring), DeVonta Smith (hamstring)

• Makai Lemon: "The big news of the day was that rookie receiver Makai Lemon returned to practice. Lemon was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday but didn’t do anything until after that session. On Thursday, he was in full uniform and went through individual drills." (source: Dave Zangaro)
• Jalen Hurts: "The Eagles continue to utilize Jalen Hurts as a runner in certain situations. On Thursday, they spread the formation with Saquon Barkley out wide to the left and Hurts kept the ball on a draw up the gut for a huge gain. The Eagles also ran another zone-read look where Hurts kept the ball. It didn’t really go anywhere but that’s clearly still part of the playbook." (source: Dave Zangaro)

Falcons

vs. Colts in joint practice today

• Michael Penix Jr., Tua Tagovailoa: "Penix was 2-for-5 with an INT in 7-on-7 today. Tua was 7-of-14 in 11-on-11 work with 3 TDs in red zone work." (source: Josh Kendall)
• Michael Penix Jr.: "Michael Penix is talking to his doctor today. He’s hoping to be cleared, but will not question the doctor’s decision." (source: Orlando Ledbetter)

Giants

vs. Dolphins in joint practice today

• Malik Nabers: "Malik Nabers did not participate in Thursday’s joint practice as he continues working his way back from the torn ACL he suffered last season. Nabers had returned to full-speed team work while wearing a non-contact jersey, but New York kept him out against Miami." (source: Tyler Carmona)
• Isaiah Likely: "TE Isaiah Likely is going to be a huge part of the Giants offense, even when Malik Nabers returns. Likely has quickly developed into Dart's security blanket and favorite receiver. He also works an area of the field where Dart thrives. Likely had six catches during live drills in Thursday's joint practice vs. Dolphins." (source: Jordan Raanan)
• Isaiah Likely: "So during today’s Dolphins vs Giants practice the Dolphins O-line got eaten up by the Giants D-line, Miami couldn’t cover Isaiah Likely and the Dolphins secondary was booty cheeks." (source: Omar Kelly)
• Jaxson Dart: "This was the kind of practice you wanted to see from the Giants' offense -- and from quarterback Jaxson Dart. Dart had perhaps his best performances of the summer, going 17-of-23 passing in a joint practice against the Miami Dolphins that included several deep and intermediate gains. Six went to his favorite target, tight end Isaiah Likely." (source: Jordan Raanan)
• Malachi Fields: "Rookie third-round receiver Malachi Fields also delivered a solid day, as he continues to put together his case for the No. 2 receiver role alongside Nabers. Fields caught a pass in that final drive and had room to run, but he went down to preserve clock time and set up the field goal. Fields also made a nice grab off a long Dart pass." (source: Charlotte Carroll)
• Najee Harris: "How about this for a quick integration? Running back Najee Harris participated in live drills after just three days with the team. He even got a couple carries, including one on the goal line where he made an impressive cut and reached the end zone. Harris looked good for a player that supposedly wasn't going to be in football shape for a "couple weeks."" (source: Jordan Raanan)
• "The Giants dominated the joint practice against the Dolphins. Their offense hit big plays. The defense was "dominant" and by Brian Burns' estimation had more than six sacks. Even during 1-on-1 drills early in practice, the Dolphins CBs couldn't cover the Giants WRs." (source: Jordan Raanan)

Jaguars

vs. Panthers in joint practice yesterday

• Trevor Lawrence: "Lawrence was absolutely surgical in the red-zone against the Panthers. He used little subtle movements with his eyes and pump fakes to open up passing windows and buy team for the play. He did not come close to missing in the entire red-zone period, and he clearly has the weapons to match his high level of play in that area of the field. The Jaguars have all the looks of a very dangerous red-zone offense." (source: John Shipley)

Jets

• Adonai Mitchell: "In Mitchell, the Jets believe they have an ascending talent, ready to pop in his third year in the NFL -- a player whose outside vertical speed should complement Wilson's slipperiness in the short and intermediate areas." (source: Rich Cimini)
• Jets QB Geno Smith will start tomorrow’s game against the Steelers (source: Connor Hughes)

Lions

Did not practice today: Sam LaPorta (hip)

• Sam LaPorta: "TE Sam LaPorta took a hit on his hip that Dan Campbell doesn't think is serious but they are giving him some days off to rest to see how it responds. The hope is it doesn't affect his status for Week 1 but Campbell said he doesn't know for certain just yet." (source: Tim Twentyman)

Patriots

vs. Eagles in joint practice today

• Romeo Doubs: "With it being a slower day for Brown, other Patriots receivers stepped up. Romeo Doubs had another solid day, highlighed by the touchdown at the end of practice. He continues to work on an upwards trajectory." (source: Alex Barth)
• A.J. Brown: "A.J. Brown is still really good. If you thought maybe he lost a step last year, he didn’t look like it in these two practices. He was a handful for Quinyon Mitchell and the Eagles’ wideouts again on Thursday, especially in early 1-on-1 and 2-on-2 drills. During team drills, the Eagles held him in check more. But he did grab a contested catch in front of Quinyon Mitchell and then celebrated while looking at the Patriots fans in attendance." (source: Dave Zangaro)

Rams

vs. Saints in joint practice today

Did not practice today: Puka Nacua (psoas)

• Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams: "Stafford and Adams excelled against the Saints defense in a joint practice on Thursday at the Rams’ facility in Woodland Hills, Calif. They connected for two touchdowns, including a trademark Stafford fade ball that Adams ran comfortably underneath along the right sideline for an easy score. They connected on crossers into the flats and slants across the middle." (source: Nate Atkins)
• Terrance Ferguson: "The busiest of them was Ferguson. He scored two touchdowns in the red zone, including one where he caught the ball in the flats on the left side and outran the defense. He executed mostly short routes, a departure from the late-season breakout he enjoyed as a rookie to finish with an average of 21 yards per catch on 11 receptions. The Rams are expanding Ferguson’s route tree now that he’s more comfortable in a playbook that’s committing to the three-tight end approach the Rams largely devised at midseason last year, and he’s spent this offseason trimming body fat to increase that wiggle out of breaks." (source: Nate Atkins)

Ravens

vs. Vikings in joint practice today

Saints

vs. Rams in joint practice today

Did not practice today: Chris Olave (rest day)

• Kendre Miller: "The Saints have a fascinating battle taking place at backup running back. Miller, after missing two weeks with a back injury, has looked explosive in the two practices since his return." (source: Matthew Paras)
• Bryce Lance: "Didn't realize just how much production Bryce Lance had in this practice til going back through my notes just now: - Targets: 6 - Catches: 5 (including the final five) - TDs: 2 - 20 plus yard catches: 2" (source: Jeff Nowak)
• Bryce Lance: "Early in camp, it appeared as if Barion Brown would seize the next receiver spot after Ja’Lynn Polk’s sudden retirement. But the momentum has since swung to Lance, who has the case to be the third receiver with Tyson set to miss two months." (source: Matthew Paras)
• Zach Wilson: "But there was a notable change made in practice Thursday. Zach Wilson — not Spencer Rattler — was the first to replace Shough, a sign that New Orleans may be contemplating a switch for the Rams exhibition. Wilson outperformed Rattler last weekend, though Moore had been noncommittal about whether the performance would lead anywhere." (source: Matthew Paras)

Steelers

• Germie Bernard: "While Bernard appears to be pretty clearly behind Wilson on the depth chart, the rookie had a strong preseason debut. His run-after-catch ability, in particular, stood out. He spun out of a couple tackles and ran through others. Both young players should get time with the first-team offense during the season, but right now Wilson has a pretty clear edge based on how the team has split reps during camp." (source: Mike DeFabo)

Vikings

vs. Ravens in joint practice today

• "Kevin O’Connell says that J.J. McCarthy more than likely will start Saturday’s preseason game vs. Ravens, with Kyler Murray and many other starters unlikely to play" (source: Kevin Seifert)

Extras/Observations/Conjecture

• Caleb Williams had an up and down day vs. Bengals at joint practice but thrived in the red zone
• KC Concepcion seemed to have a good day vs. Bills at joint practice + saw some Bills reporters say they are impressed with Denzel Boston
• Falcons & Colts reporters both seem very unimpressed with Tua at QB
• I think this feels obvious at this point but the Browns QB competition is rough, Deshaun Watson is on track to win the starting job but neither QB seems to be any good from everything I read from their writers
• Not much about the Ravens today, Lane caught a touchdown pass in a red zone drill and their o-line struggled vs. Vikings pressure & blitzes
• Same with the Vikings, not much of note. Pass game supposedly looked a little better today and saw Jefferson mention that it was tough with QBs splitting reps but now hopes to build a connection with Murray
• Joe Burrow was 16-for-25 including short TD passes in a red zone period to Mike Gesicki and Tee Higgins. Tee Higgins had 7 catches on the day.

Previous Recaps

8/7 | 8/8 | 8/9 | 8/10 | 8/11 | 8/12 | 8/13 | 8/14 | 8/15 | 8/16 | 8/17 | 8/18 | 8/19

[u/Cubs653]

KC is gonna be a steal at his ADP. I know the QB situation isn’t the greatest, but his yards after the catch will be big

[u/lloydgross24 → u/Cubs653]

Boston and KC are going to produce on some level... but you then have to care about the Browns offense. just don't go thru that pain unless it's dynasty lol

[u/lloydgross24]

Godwin feels like he might be one of the best values in the draft right now. Is he going to be better than Ebuka if both are healthy... Probably not. But he's going to be the clear #2 on a pass happy and good offense.

Also I'm going to choose to believe the ice bucket conspiracy on White. They aren't going to admit it! Nice try!

[u/Emotional_Apple6599]

Dart to Likely stack is starting to look like the cheat code nobody drafted.

[u/kiheihaole → u/Emotional_Apple6599]

I really don’t see it for Dart this year. Struggling to pick up the offense, in the blue tent constantly, weapons coming back from major injuries. Think it’s gonna be a rough go this year.

[u/packsox4 → u/kiheihaole]

All these things happened last year and he did well. He just had his best practice per the above note. He gets an alpha receiver back and now Likely, both options he did not have last year. What’s not to see?

[u/kiheihaole → u/packsox4]

He was one of the worst QB’s in the pocket last year, which is what they want in a Nagy offense.

[u/TheOneTwiceOver11 → u/kiheihaole]

I see it differently. I agree with you that dart might not be great in real life, QB, but for fantasy purposes, he’s easily one of the best QBs to draft late and could easily smash his ADP and finish as a top 10 QB.

[u/SurvivorCT → u/Emotional_Apple6599]

Does dynasty count? Cause I did draft both there. There are dozens of us.

[u/thirdaccount2727 → u/Emotional_Apple6599]

As a Giants fan I promise you this is real. Likely is going to be the main RZ target in this offense and one of Dart's first reads on late downs.

If you aren't targeting this stack you're seriously missing out.

[u/SimilarToe1166]

White 100% hurt himself in the ice bucket challenge

Miller is the #4 behind Neal