We're less than 48 hours from our first weekend of preseason action, but before the games kick off, we continue to have a constant flow of news and reports that can make an impact on your fantasy draft boards.
• We start out in Oakland with a report from Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal , that suggest the Raiders are gathering information on Antonio Brown's foot issue, which has caused him to miss all but one practice this preseason. When Brown visited a specialist, his foot was "heavily blistered with skin falling off." It's unclear what impact this may have on Brown, but for those drafting before a clear timeline is given for his return to full health, fantasy owners may be wise to take a player they have similarly ranked, but in full health. It also can't be understated that even though he's been an elite WR for years, he's learning a new offense and working with a new QB, so this potentially could lower his fantasy ceiling.
• With plenty of time left in the preseason, Jerick McKinnon has been removed from the PUP list and will be eased into practices, as he finishes his recovery from an ACL tear he suffered in the 2018 preseason. As the cheapest fantasy option in the 49ers' backfield, McKinnon is also the most physically talented, as he has elite speed and agility. Also, Kyle Shanahan brought him in with a clear plan to make him a major weapon before the RB was injured. Even though he's never been a strong fantasy player, being in Shanahan's system would take full advantage of his speed. Should he have a healthy preseason, I'm targeting him as an RB5 in as many drafts as I can.
• Updating an item from earlier in camp, Sterling Shepard is set to undergo another X-ray on his broken thumb. Should this injury progress as expected, he'll be ready for Week 1, and he's actually been able to do some practice work with the injury, especially since his injury isn't keeping him from running and cutting. There's no reason that Shepard can't finish the season as a WR3, even with potentially poor QB play.
• Since he missed his rookie season due to a torn ACL, fantasy owners would really like to see how Derrius Guice looks in a preseason game. But there's yet to be a decision as to whether he'll play in the preseason opener, so that opportunity to see him may be placed on hold. Regardless, as he recovers from a preseason hamstring injury, we should see him on the field at some point this preseason. For now, it'll require to take a leap of faith to draft him at an ADP that is roughly around pick 80.
• It seems as if just about everyone is excited to see the Cardinals' Air Raid offense, and part of that excitement includes the fastest player on the team, Andy Isabella. After missing some practice time with a knee injury, he returned to practice Tuesday, and although we won't know if he'll be one of the four WRs to start in this offense, we'll at least get to see him during some of the preseason to see how his chemistry is with Kyler Murray. Until the last two spots on this depth chart are settled, spending a valuable draft pick on Isabella is quite risky.
• Not that this is big news, as it's been the assumption for months, but Alexander Mattison is listed as Dalvin Cook's direct backup on the Vikings' depth chart. With Cook's injury history, Mattison wouldn't need much to happen to be thrust into a starting role in what's expected to be a run-heavy offense. Although he would likely be in a committee of some type, he's still a player to consider in the later rounds of drafts.
• Hopefully, this ends up being minor, but Quincy Enunwa left Tuesday's practice with a possible groin injury and he's set to have tests on it. The injury occurred after he pulled up when trying to catch a deep pass. Sure, Enunwa is far from a household name in fantasy football, but when he's on the field and healthy, which has been a rarity, he's been a productive WR who's capable of performing as a WR3. Should he be able to get back to practice soon, he could be a great dart throw after 200 picks are off the board, as he possesses excellent speed and run after the catch ability.
• After being touted as the clear starter for the Dolphins a couple weeks ago, Ryan Fitzpatrick buzz died down over the past week when Josh Rosen was talked up. At least for the preseason opener, Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post is reporting that Fitzpatrick will be the starting QB. Of course, the Miami QB could be a revolving door all season, but we've learned over the year that when Fitzpatrick gets hot, he can carry a fantasy team, so if he can win this competition, he's worth a late-round flier in superflex or two-QB leagues.
• We know the drill- rookie tight ends don't usually have much of an impact for fantasy football. And even though that may be the case with Irv Smith, he's really just a super-sized receiver, and the Minneapolis Star Tribune has reported that he's lining up all over the field, including slot receiver and fullback. Yes, Kyle Rudolph will be pretty much a full-time player, especially since he should be the superior blocker, but it'll be important to watch the preseason games to see how often Smith is used with the starting offense. For now, it'd be tough to select him in redraft leagues, but he could work his way into TE2 territory if he can get regular targets.
• Sticking with rookie TEs, but this one is trending in the wrong direction- The Bills' official website is reporting that Dawson Knox continues to miss time with a hamstring injury and there's no timetable for his return. Unfortunately, he's missing out on an opportunity while Tyler Kroft recovers from a broken foot, and this likely dooms his potential for being a player to pick in fantasy drafts.
That's all for today, but there'll be another edition of this blog tomorrow!