Training Camp Notes: Backfields In Motion

Written by

Erik Siegrist

Published on August 22, 2016

while Ezekiel Elliott gets back up to speed for the Cowboys and prepares for his possible preseason debut Thursday, the depth chart behind him is starting to get crowded. Alfred Morris has looked revitalized in a Dallas uniform, sixth round pick Darius Jackson has flashed his speed through the first two exhibition games and passing down specialist Lance Danbar (knee) also began taking part in individual drills Monday. If Dunbar is ready for Week 1, and at this point it seems as though he will be, it's hard to see how there's room on the roster (much less many touches) for last year's team rushing leader Darren McFadden, who's still sidelined with an elbow injury

staying in the NFC East, Matt Jones' shoulder injury is starting to make him look iffy for Week 1 and he'll be held out of Washington's final two preseason games. That leaves the team's backfield wide open, as nominal number two RB Chris Thompson seems better-suited for a change of pace role. The main candidates to take a lead role if Jones isn't ready to go are seventh round pick Keith Marshall, undrafted rookie Rob Kelley and second-year undrafted rookie Mack Brown. Of the three, Marshall's the most interesting from a fantasy perspective given his top-end speed, but even if Jones does end up missing the opener his absence should be a short one. Marshall could be a Week 1 sleeper, but he's not yet much more than that
Washington did get some good news Monday as Jordan Reed (thumb) appears ready to suit up in Friday's preseason game. Reed has yet to play a full 16-game schedule in his career but after his huge performance last year, he's the clear number two tight end on the board behind Gronk, so having him healthy for Week 1 will be crucial if he wants to live up to his ADP hype
last week's shocking Dorial Green-Beckham trade left a hole in the Titans' depth chart at wide receiver, but so far veteran Kendall Wright (hamstring) hasn't been healthy enough to take advantage and he's unlikely to suit up this weekend. His numbers have dropped precipitously since his 1079-yard season in 2013 and he's best suited for the slot anyway, so even if he does recover in time for Week 1 he may not see a big bump in snaps or targets with DGB in Philly. If you're looking for Marcus Mariota's next favorite receiving option, former Dolphim WR Rishard Matthews or rookie Tajae Sharpe are better bets
J.J. Watt's recovery from back surgery seems to be going well and at this point it looks like he might be ready for the Texans' opener. Houston spent a lot of money this offseason upgrading their offense but if Watt isn't 100 percent, it may not matter. Keep a close eye on his progress before you splurge on him in IDP leagues
lastly, Karlos Williams cleared waivers after being cut loose by the Bills and is now a free agent. Apparently being dropped by your existing team for not showing any real desire to be a football player and facing a four-game suspension hurts your job prospects. Who knew? He should eventually latch on somewhere and could surprise as he did last year once he gets back on the field, but at this point becoming a poor man's LeGarrette Blount might be the best Williams can hope for