After months and months of waiting, NFL Training Camp is finally here!
Every day, the RSJ staff is tracking fantasy football news and highlights from around the league, serving as your lead blockers to fantasy greatness. From viral highlights to familiar coach-speak narratives to season-altering injuries, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some standout fantasy news and notes from training camps around the NFL on Aug. 5.
SAM LAPORTA SET TO HAVE IMMEDIATE ROLE IN LIONS’ OFFENSE
After trading TJ Hockenson to Minnesota last season, the Lions were left fairly thin at the tight end position. Enter Sam LaPorta, Detroit’s second-round selection out of Iowa. LaPorta has reportedly been heavily involved with the Lions’ offense throughout training camp.
Leaving Lions camp. My biggest takeaway: this offense plans on throwing a lot of passes to Sam LaPorta, and he caught everything in his vicinity.
— Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) August 5, 2023
St. Brown, LaPorta, and Gibbs might account for 90% of the targets while Jamo is out.
Lions beat reporters have been excited about LaPorta throughout camp, noting his ability to create separation. LaPorta has also been regularly taking reps with the starters since day one, a very encouraging sign for his role in this offense.
From a fantasy perspective, the TE1 role in Detroit can provide some value. Last season, Detroit tight ends combined for 12 touchdowns, with three different tight ends having multi-touchdown games. As previously mentioned, Hockenson led this group before being traded. In his eight games with the Lions, Hockenson averaged over six targets per game.
While this shouldn’t be the expectation for LaPorta, this shows that there is an opportunity for consistent volume if LaPorta can separate from the other TEs and become the clear TE1. The Detroit offense has the potential to be one of the league’s most high-powered. With the potential to be a significant factor in the offense, LaPorta is worth considering as a late-round flier.
JIMMY GAROPPOLO STRUGGLING TO FIND HIS GROOVE
After being cleared to participate in training camp, new Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has struggled to connect with his receivers.
Don’t sound the alarms but go ahead and locate them.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 5, 2023
Jimmy 1 for 7 with 3 dropped picks in scrimmage to close out practice. https://t.co/fClthomz7E
All reports indicate that Garoppolo has had an up-and-down camp, and this was no different today. Jimmy G has struggled with interceptions throughout the week and truly doesn’t look comfortable.
While Garoppolo isn’t exactly on the radar of fantasy managers in single QB leagues, this still creates concern for the pass catchers within the Raiders’ offense. More specifically, this creates concern for star wideout Davante Adams. While it is still early and Garoppolo still has time to get acclimated in Las Vegas, a struggling QB is devastating for the fantasy production of pass catchers.
Early signs are pointing to an offense that may struggle in 2023. If this is the case, those drafting Adams at the 1-2 turn will find themselves disappointed this season.
OTHER FANTASY NEWS
- Rashid Shaheed leaves practice with a groin injury.
- Trevor Lawrence and Calvin Ridley continue to impress in camp.
- Kenny Pickett and Allen Robinson continue to develop a connection.
- “Everyone is stunned” about Javonte Williams‘ ACL recovery.
- Denver starters including Russell Wilson will start the first preseason game.
- Trey Lance continues to struggle, especially with accuracy.
- Rashod Bateman progressing towards a return to the field.
- Devon Achane is not practicing, although he should be back in a few days.
- Deneric Prince is receiving reps with the Chiefs starting offense.