As we go into our last quiet weekend before finally having a full slate of preseason games, let's look at what fantasy impact we can mine from today's news.
• There's definitely good news about Todd Gurley today, as Vincent Bonsignore of The Athletic reports that the Rams' RB has looked healthy on the days he's participated in practice. With three practice sessions in the books for Gurley, which have been built around planned rest days, the RB was consistently explosive during practice. Sure, there's a great deal of risk with Gurley, especially since he's unlikely to see the monster workloads he's seen in the past, but for a second-round draft cost (his ADP is currently RB12), a risk-taking fantasy owner could get a good return on that investment.
• After the Raiders invested heavily in Antonio Brown, he missed his second-consecutive practice with an undisclosed injury. Although it's probably not a big deal, the veteran is missing an opportunity to build chemistry with Derek Carr, but as long as Brown can get back soon, he still should be worth drafting as a top-10 WR.
• Staying in Oakland, Vic Tafur of The Athletic stated that Josh Jacobs has shown great hands during the early stages of camp. Since the Raiders invested a first-round pick on Jacobs, it would be a shock if he wasn't the opening-day starter, but the fact he's showing well in the passing game gives us reason to hope that he'll see significant work on passing downs. Should he earn that role as well, potential volume would make him worth a pick as a top-20 RB in drafts.
• Also in the AFC West, Damien Williams missed today's practice due to the hamstring injury he suffered Sunday, but it's likely not an issue in terms of him being the Week 1 starter, as long as he can get back on the field within the next couple weeks. He's typically being drafted around RB13, and for those who are predicting a big season from him, this injury could keep his ADP from going up.
• While the Cardinals try to install their version of the Air Raid offense, they've had to do so without rookie Andy Isabella who missed today's practice after leaving yesterday's session with (what Kliff Kinsbury called) a minor knee injury. Hopefully, he's able to return soon, but if he misses extended time, that could impact his potential chemistry with Kyler Murray. Isabella is currently being drafted just outside the top-60 WRs in average drafts, and if he gets back on the field soon, he does offer potential upside in what should be a high-octane passing attack.
• When a speedy WR has a hamstring injury, that's not what fantasy owners want to hear, and it's an even bigger deal when that receiver is John Ross, who remains day-to-day with his current injury. If he gets on the field, it certainly could help his case in terms of being a reliable option for Andy Dalton, especially early in the season while A.J. Green misses time with his ankle injury. Otherwise, it may be another year to avoid him in drafts.
• Moving over to Jacksonville, Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com is reporting that Josh Oliver suffered a significant hamstring injury, which easily could result in him missing multiple weeks. It's tough enough for a rookie TE to contribute much fantasy value, and the missed time that Oliver is looking at will likely slow his development. Other than selecting him near the end of a deep league with TE-premium scoring, he's not looking like a strong fantasy option this season.
That's all for today, but before we know it, fantasy draft season will be in full swing!