On a typical Tuesday in preseason, we tend to see quite a bit of generic reports, but that's not the case today- we have a lot of information to look at that could impact the first-five rounds of fantasy drafts.
• After getting injury reports on Andrew Luck from Colts owner Jim Irsay in 2017, Irsay could've won the game show 'To Tell the Truth,' so it's hard to take his comments at face value. That said, Irsay said that Luck's current injury involves a "small little bone" issue, so one way or the other, the original report of a calf injury may not have been totally accurate. Later, GM Chris Ballard chimed in, stating that Luck has a high-ankle issue. Unfortunately, it still doesn't shed light on the severity of the injury and whether it'll cost Luck regular season time. For those drafting soon, I still recommend moving Luck to the bottom of the second tier of QBs on draft boards (or further) until we have more clarity.
• Will we or won't see Antonio Brown when the season starts? Well, the latest report from Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal stated that Brown will be back soon- with the expectation he'll have plenty of practice time to be ready for Week 1. With the drama surrounding Brown both late last season and this preseason, it's tough to gamble on him with a premium pick- and that has nothing to do with his downgrade and potential lack of chemistry with his new QB. The bigger question is whether he'll implode due to other circumstances. I'll let someone else take on that risk in drafts.
• Although he's been sidelined with a foot injury and isn't expected to suit up until the regular season, Julio Jones was running routes at full speed in Tuesday's practice. Assuming he avoids any setbacks, he's well worth a top-12 pick in drafts.
• For now, it doesn't appear to be major, but George Kittle missed Tuesday's practice with calf tightness. For now, there's no reason for concern, but it'll be important to keep an eye on his status, because at his ADP, it would be a huge risk to take him if he's dealing with a tricky injury.
• Fans of Damien Williams have been waiting for some good news, and it looks like that news arrived today when Brooke Pryor of The Kansas City Star reported that he got the majority of first-team reps after taking the first snap in Monday's practice. Yes, there's been chatter about a running back by committee, but that hasn't been something Andy Reid has done a lot of when he has a RB who can execute the offense at a high level. Fortunately, some the risk of drafting Williams has been lessened by him falling into the third round of some drafts. Aside from the risk, in this offense, he provides league-winning upside.
• Great news out of Green Bay, as Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com is reporting that Aaron Jones has returned to team drills as he returns from a hamstring injury. Assuming he can stay healthy throughout the rest of the preseason, he'll have a great chance to post RB1 numbers at an RB2 price tag. Not only is he an athletic marvel, but with Aaron Rodgers as his QB, he'll rarely face stacked boxes.
• Despite being able to practice, NBC Sports Washington is reporting that Derrius Guice (knee) hasn't been cleared for full contact. For a player who's going about after 80 picks in fantasy drafts, this development adds considerable risk to that investment. Still, it's good news that he's been practicing, and should he be cleared, he may be able to quickly take over the starting job, but fantasy owners have to understand there is big risk and big reward with Guice this year, and fantasy owners need to take a clear stance on him.
• Manty fantasy managers are skeptical about how well Emmanuel Sanders will fare as a player in his 30's coming off a late-season Achilles tear. However, after being fully cleared for the entire training camp, Zac Stevens of BSNDenver.com is reporting that Sanders doesn't expect to be on a snap count in Week 1. Again, we have a player with risk, but since Sanders can be acquired at a reasonable draft cost, his upside makes him a player to strongly consider if you're willing to gamble on his health.
• When a player tells the league he took a banned substance, regardless of the reason, don't expect the league office to have sympathy when the player appeals the subsequent suspension. Such is the case with Golden Tate, who previously said he felt he had a good chance of getting his four-game suspension overturned. As expected, the league upheld the decision and the Giants will be without Tate for four games. For a player over 30 joining a new team, but missing a quarter of the season, it might be the best course of action to fade Tate in drafts.
• Over in Baltimore, Marquise Brown returned to practice after missing Monday's session. In an offseason and preseason in which he's rarely been available, as well as being a WR in what projects to be a run-heavy offense, it's tough to recommend drafting Brown unless he's selected very late in deeper leagues. Of course, his dynasty value remains much higher for the Ravens' first round draft choice.
• Going back to the seeing is believing theme from the beginning of this entry- Ben Baby of ESPN.com is reporting that John Ross could return to practice next week after missing the entire training camp with a hamstring injury. Going into his third season, Ross has proven that it's tough to count on him, whether that has to do with health or lack of production- sure he had seven TDs last year, but he did that on 21 catches for 210 yards, which doesn't cut it for weekly fantasy lineups. Aside from a super-late flyer, he's not a recommended fantasy option after missing most of the installation of the team's new offense.