After months and months of waiting, NFL Training Camp is finally here!
Every day, the RSJ staff tracks fantasy football news and highlights from around the league, serving as your lead blockers to 2023 fantasy football 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 from around the NFL on August 15.
DALVIN COOK TO THE JETS, BREECE HALL RETURNS TO PRACTICE
Yesterday, the Jets and Dalvin Cook finally publicized the worst kept secret in the NFL when the two agreed on a one-year contract worth up to $8.6 million. This could be glorious from a real-life point of view, but it will likely result in a fantasy mess for the 2023 season.
Cook, who some say is cooked, still averaged 4.4 ypc (lowest of his career) after putting up nearly 1,200 yards on the ground and eight rushing touchdowns to go along with 39 receptions last season — while dealing with his ongoing shoulder injury that required off-season surgery. While Cook is about to tip-toe near the running back cliff as he enters his age-28 season, lowering his number of touches should do wonders for his efficiency — which has declined over the past few seasons.
On the flip side, this is a tough pill to swallow for Breece Hall drafters and stans. The rookie’s inaugural season was cut short due to an ACL tear, but his return from the PUP list and rave reviews from his head coach prove there is some early-season optimism for his health. Saleh even said he’s “very confident” that Hall will be ready for Week 1.
“This is still Breece Hall’s team,” tweeted SNYtv’s Connor Hughes. “He’s the Jets bellcow the moment he’s back. Cook isn’t stealing touches from him — he’s spelling and helping him. This also isn’t an indictment on Hall’s health, I’m told. He’s still on schedule.”
Still, this isn’t ideal for either running back, as Hall slipped to RB18 and Cook checks in at RB37 on The Wolf’s updated Fantasy Rankings.
PATRIOTS AND EZEKIEL ELLIOTT AGREE TO A 1-YEAR DEAL
After getting cut by the Cowboys a few months ago, Ezekiel Elliott is back in the league after signing a one-year deal with the Patriots that’s worth up to $6 million. Although Zeke has definitely lost a step, he brings some value to between the tackles, on the goal line, and as a pass blocker.
Per my guy @bostonsportsinf, Elliott scored eight touchdowns on 11 carries inside the two-yard line in 2022. Meanwhile, Rhamondre Stevenson only cashed in one score on six tries inside the two. From a real-life standpoint, that’s great. But, this signing severely caps Stevenson’s fantasy ceiling if Zeke vultures touchdown after touchdown.
Due to his athleticism and reliable hands, Stevenson should still handle the majority of a three-down role. However, Elliott might still have what it takes to handle about 35% or 40% of the touches — which is similar to Stevenson’s split with Damien Harris last season.
Stevenson dropped to RB13, one spot ahead of Travis Etienne, on The Wolf’s updated rankings.
ANTHONY RICHARDSON NAMED COLTS WEEK 1 STARTER
The Colts have named fantasy’s next lethal Konami Code its Week 1 starter after a strong training camp and solid preseason opener. Is Anthony Richardson completely ready to lead this team and be a locked-in starting quarterback? Probably not. But, it’s the right thing to get him acclimated with the first-team offense on a daily basis as Week 1 is just three weeks away.
In his preseason opener, AR-15 completed 7-of-12 throws for 67 yards and a gross interception. But, he showed command of the offense and he will get his legs more involved as he becomes more acclimated to the game — which will make him a fantasy weapon as the most athletic freak in the history of his position. He has a fantasy QB1 finish written all over him.
Let’s hope Richardson fares better than five other Week 1 starting quarterbacks since the Andrew Luck era was cut short.
OTHER FANTASY NOTES
- Mike Gesicki suffered a separated shoulder and is now questionable for Week 1 and potentially beyond; you should’ve already been on Hunter Henry, though
- Twitter darling Justyn Ross left practice early and took the cart up to the locker room
- Sam Howell had a positive performance in today’s joint practice vs the Ravens, completing 12-of-15 passes in 11v11 work
- Prior to the Justyn Ross injury, the Chiefs bumped Richie James Jr. to first-team duty after a strong preseason game
- The Colts elevated rookie Josh Downs to the starting slot receiver over Isaiah McKenzie
- Deshaun Watson and the Browns’ offense held their own against the Eagles’ defense in joint practices
- Ravens rookie WR Zay Flowers is stacking positive days in camp and balled out against the Commanders’ DBs
