22 teams reported for training camp today, and over the next few days, all 32 teams will be preparing for their first preseason games. As usual, there are plenty of reports regarding injuries and player usage, so let's get right to it.
• Continuing a string of positive reports that have occurred over the last couple months, Zak Keefer of The Indianapolis Star is reporting that Andrew Luck is expected to play in the Colts preseason opener. At this point, it seems fairly safe to assume that the veteran QB will be a full go for the regular season, but he still presents significant risk as it's unclear as to how he'll hold up when taking hits to the shoulder. He's currently being selected around the 110th pick in fantasy drafts, and that seems to take into account the risk that could come with the reward of a top-3 QB.
• Another piece of good news comes from Andrew Krammer of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, who reports that Dalvin Cook went through Wednesday's walk-through practice without a brace on his surgically-repaired left knee. Despite being less than 10 months removed from his injury, he appears to be in great shape during camp, and he could be one of the top RBs this season, as he has the potential to play on all three downs. He'll also benefit from playing on a team that could have many leads, which could result in him getting plenty of second-half carries to grind out the clock. I'd recommend considering him in fantasy drafts once the top-six RBs are off the board.
• Of course, it wouldn't be a day of fantasy news without a bit of negative news. ESPN.com is reporting that Robby Anderson is still having his case reviewed by the NFL under its personal-conduct policy. During a span of nine months, Anderson was arrested twice, and although nearly all of the charges were dropped, he did plead no contest to one count of reckless driving. Although he'll report to training camp Thursday, we'll have to wait for the league to decide whether he'll be allowed to play in Week 1.
Moving to Cleveland, there have been a few pieces of news coming out of Brown's camp:
• The team's official site quoted head coach Hue Jackson repeating his off-season claim that Tyrod Taylor is expected to be the Browns starting QB. Despite Jackson's claims, should Baker Mayfield prove to be a dominant force throughout the month of August, it'll be difficult for the team to keep the top overall pick of the 2018 draft for very long. However, there are plenty of scenarios in which Taylor would be able to maintain his grip on the starting role. Due to the potential of the team switching QBs during the season, it's difficult to endorse drafting either one of them in standard-sized fantasy leagues.
• Also, Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Jarvis Landry was lined up as an outside receiver in two-receiver formations before moving into the slot in three-wide sets in June minicamp. Should that usage continue as expected, Landry will certainly see a hefty snap count each week, which will be necessary for him to pay off on his current ADP, which is roughly the 55th pick in drafts.
• Completing the trifecta of Browns' news, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal is reporting that general manager John Dorsey said the team has discussed signing Dez Bryant. Although Bryant hasn't generated much buzz since being released in mid-April, he's still just 29-years-old, and will certainly have a chip on his shoulder to prove that he's still a force to be reckoned with. It seems to be a matter of if, not when, Bryant signs, but it certainly would help his cause to play across the formation from Josh Gordon, who certainly would command the most significant defensive attention while Bryant could potentially see easier coverage. Of course, this is nothing but a rumor for now, but those drafting early could get a steal by selecting Bryant roughly 120 picks into average drafts- again, assuming he signs with a team.
Now, onto some injury news:
• After missing the last six games of the season with a torn Achilles tendon, D'Onta Foreman, as expected, will begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle. However, head coach Bill O'Brien is hopeful that Foreman will be available at some point during camp, but there's plenty of question as to whether he'll be ready for the start of the season, or possibly end up on the PUP list, which would force him to miss the first six games of the season. This is potentially a significant fantasy situation, as much of Foreman's and Lamar Miller's value are directly tied to this injury situation. This will definitely be an injury to monitor throughout training camp.
• Although it was reported that Rishard Matthews was dealing with a minor, yet undisclosed, injury, it's now two months later and he's not fully recovered. Jason Wolf of The Tennessean is reporting that Matthews could be available in a limited capacity for the start of training camp, and he's yet to be placed on the PUP list. For now, this can't be considered significant news, but it's something to consider for those drafting in the next week or so. Otherwise, the situation should have much more clarity over the next few weeks.
• Over in Carolina, Curtis Samuel continues to have trouble staying healthy. Joe Person of The Charlotte Observer states that the receiver aggravated his surgically-repaired ankle this summer, and will begin training camp on the non-football injury list. He finds himself on a suddenly-crowded depth chart, and unless he can get on the field and play well, he could find himself struggling to see significant snaps during the regular season.
That'll do it for today.