2025 NFL Training Camp is underway and fantasy football managers are already obsessing over every snap, injury report, and viral highlight from some unnamed rookie.
Whether you’re chasing deep sleepers or just trying to decode coach-speak, we’ve got you covered.
In today’s daily training camp wrap-up, we’re breaking down the biggest fantasy football news, key injuries to monitor, and standout moments that are making waves across the league. It’s everything you need to stay ahead of your league, without spending hours scrolling X to get your fantasy football fix.
2025 NFL TRAINING CAMP NEWS (7/25)
BEAT: “WOULD NOT BE SURPRISED” IF JACORY CROSKEY-MERRITT EARNED RB1 SNAPS
Don’t look now, but one of RSJ’s favorite pre-draft sleepers (back in April, yawn) is already making some noise in Washington.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the explosive seventh-round rookie, is turning heads early in Commanders training camp. While the team hasn’t even suited up in pads yet, Commanders insider Chris Russell said he “would not be surprised” if Croskey-Merritt earned RB1 snaps at some point during the season. That’s a big statement, and one that both fantasy and best ball managers should take seriously.
At 24, he’s on the older side, but the wear and tear isn’t. With a career-high of 189 touches, he’s fresher than most backs his age. His 4.41 forty and 41.5″ vert show serious explosion, and he backed that up with a record-setting -7.29 yds/sec² max deceleration at the Shrine Bowl. Translation? His stop-start ability is elite, and the tape gives Shady McCoy flashbacks.
Opportunity is half the battle, and this backfield could be wide open by midseason. Brian Robinson has been steady but unspectacular for a bit, while Austin Ekeler, now 30, looks to be more of a third-down specialist than a lead back. If you play dynasty, both are in contract years. Just sayin’. If Croskey-Merritt continues to stack good days, especially once the pads come on, there’s a real shot he carves out a bigger role sooner than expected.
He’s still just a deep-league stash or late-round dart throw for now. But if the rookie buzz keeps building, don’t be shocked if Croskey-Merritt turns into a legit fantasy riser by the end of August. Keep your ears perked and your Underdog Best Ball queue updated.
TANK BIGSBY TURNING HEADS AT CAMP, EYEING RB1 JOB
It might be time to circle back on Tank Bigsby.
The third-year Jaguars running back has been the most impressive back on the field during early training camp sessions, outshining both Travis Etienne and rookie Bhayshul Tuten.
Jags beat writer John Shipley said it best: “If there was one running back who stood out throughout the practice, it was Tank Bigsby.” That’s particularly notable since Bigsby is known more for his physicality and bruising style, typically showing out once the pads come on. But even in helmets and shorts, Bigsby is flashing, and the Jaguars coaching staff has reportedly been vocal in their praise.
This isn’t just offseason fluff, either. Bigsby quietly produced in 2024 when given the chance. He finished the season averaging 4.6 yards per carry (13th-best in the NFL) and ranked third in average yards after contact, per PFF. Despite ranking just 28th in total carries, Bigsby finished 13th in missed tackles forced and 11th in PFF’s breakaway run rate, which tracks how often a back rips off a gain of 15+ yards. That’s top-notch efficiency for a back in a part-time role.
Now, entering his third season, the former Auburn star looks like a more confident and explosive runner, and is already gaining momentum in a backfield that’s far from locked in. Etienne still profiles as the RB1, but he faded down the stretch last season and has struggled with consistency. Tuten has track star juice (and he’s one of The Wolf’s favorite best ball targets), but is still learning the ropes. If Bigsby continues stacking strong practices, a full-blown committee (or even a lead role) could be in the cards.
He’s still flying under the radar in most 2025 fantasy football drafts, but that may not last long. Bigsby is making all the right moves early, and he has the underlying metrics to back up the hype. If you’re hunting for a late-round breakout or a high-upside stash, keep Tank in mind.
OTHER FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS & NOTES:
- Justin Fields (toe) returned to practice after being carted off yesterday. Whew.
- Darnell Mooney will miss “most” of training camp with a shoulder injury, per Zach Klein. Ray-Ray McCloud now has some sneaky Best Ball value if it lingers.
- Packers rookie WR Savion Williams will miss some time due to a concussion.
- Rashid Shaheed added 10 pounds in the offseason, going from 180 to 190 to hold up better against contact.
- With Rashee Rice pending a suspension, keep an eye on Chiefs rookie WR Jalen Royals, who is stacking quality days on the first-team.
- Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin are leading the Steelers’ 3-WR sets alongside DK Metcalf.
- Browns QBs coach Bill Musgrave said Kenny Pickett’s first two practices of training camp have been “stellar.”
