Training Camp Notes
Unlike most days in the preseason, today was a bit on the uneventful side, but of course there are always a few pieces of news that'll impact upcoming fantasy drafts. That said, let's take a look at today's fantasy news.
• The most noteworthy news item of the day comes from Adam Schefter of ESPN, as he reported that Doug Baldwin could miss the entire preseason due to what's being called knee soreness (for now). If there's a silver lining to this cloud, the report went on to say that Baldwin's doctors are confident he'll be ready for the start of the regular season. That said, investing a pick in the top-30 is now sounding risky, especially without specifics of the injury, coupled with a timetable that doesn't seem to correspond with general soreness. Should Baldwin fall in fantasy drafts, the risk would be lessened, but with plenty of talented WRs typically available in the early parts of drafts, it might be wise to go in a different direction.
• In early drafts, Jordan Matthews was becoming a popular sleeper, as he was typically being selected once roughly 150 players were off the board. He'll no longer be a consideration after being placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. With Julian Edelman set to miss the first four games of the season due to his suspension, both Chris Hogan and Rob Gronkowski could see some eye-popping target numbers during Edelman's absence.
• Staying at the wide receiver position, Quincy Enunwa missed practice with an undisclosed injury that's unrelated to the neck condition that caused him to miss the 2017 season. For now, this is just something to keep an eye on to see if it lasts for an extended period of time. Should this turn out to be a minor situation, Enunwa could be a great addition in the late rounds of drafts, as he easily could be the Jets starter at the 'X' WR position, where his size and athleticism make him a potential breakout candidate. He's currently going off the board roughly 160 picks in drafts, so there is little risk involved in targeting him.
• Moving to Washington, Josh Doctson received good news when hearing that his shoulder injury is only an AC joint sprain, which will unlikely cost him much time. Although he's being selected at roughly pick 145, remember that he was inefficient with his many targets from Kirk Cousins last year, and now this deep threat will be seeing passes from the typically-conservative Alex Smith. It also should be noted that the team added Paul Richardson in free agency, so it might be difficult for Doctson to realize a true breakout this year as the team boasts a pair of deep threats on the outside.
• Although he's going undrafted in most leagues, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com is reporting that Brandon LaFell isn't considered a lock to make the Bengals 53-man roster. Currently, the veteran is competing with John Ross, Tyler Boyd and Josh Malone to play along with standout AJ Green. Despite that news, LaFell has always been an excellent blocker and reliable player, and those qualities give him a fair chance to ultimately make the team, but until the situation gains clarity, it's likely best to leave him on the waiver wire.
• And finally, we have a piece of news that's unrelated to a wide receiver. Even though the 49ers paid Jerick McKinnon big money to be the primary running back, don't sleep on Matt Breida. He's been receiving reps with the first-team offense during camp, and based on what he showed last year, he easily could see more rushing attempts then McKinnon, although McKinnon is certain to be the primary receiving back. Breida seems like an excellent upside pick once roughly 150 players have come off the board.
That'll do it for today, and don't forget the Bears and Ravens will face off in the Hall of Fame game Thursday evening!