The Colts have been making major investments in their receiving corps this offseason, signing Andre Johnson in free agency and drafting Phillip Dorsett in the first round of this year's draft. These additions won't mean a diminished role for incumbent T.Y. Hilton, however, as evidenced by the $65-million contract the Colts rewarded Hilton with on Thursday. Hilton's five-year pact comes on the heels of twin $70-million contracts signed by Demaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant. Over the past two seasons, Hilton's 124 receptions, 2,248 yards and 12 touchdowns don't come close to Bryant's 181 catches, 2,553 yards and 29 touchdowns or Thomas' 203 receptions, 3,049 yards and 25 touchdowns - but his contract reflects what Indianapolis thinks of him. Hilton has one thing Bryant and Thomas don't have, however, a young, up-and-coming quarterback throwing him the ball. As Andrew Luck evolves from being a great quarterback to being an elite quarterback, expect Hilton to be a primary beneficiary.
- With his team about to kickoff the preseason on Thursday, Detroit running back Joique Bell remained on the physically unable to perform list with knee and Achilles injuries. Bell has been a revelation in limited snaps over the past two seasons, tallying 15 rushing touchdowns to go with 87 total receptions. Still, if and when Bell returns to full strength, he may be looking at a reduced workload. The Lions made Ameer Abdullah their second-round pick this offseason and the coaching staff thinks highly enough of Theo Riddick to place him atop the depth chart in Bell's absence. Don't forget, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi was groomed in New Orleans - where a stable of backs were favored over one workhorse. With Bell having failed to average four yards per carry in either of the past two seasons, don't be surprised if Abdullah and Riddick get opportunities to provide some pop to Detroit's offense.
- While Tom Brady got some work in during Thursday's preseason matchup against Green Bay, he was without two of his favorite targets - Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell - who sat with injuries. Brady is coming off a season in which he ranked in the top 10 in the league in passing yards and the top five in touchdown passes. With his possible suspension, it will be interesting to see what kind of investment owners put into Brady come draft time and whether any games he will miss will impact the stock of players such as Edelman and LaFell.
- Originally brought to Houston to be a third-down back, Chris Polk reportedly may see his role expanded in the aftermath of Arian Foster's groin injury. Alfred Blue is still atop the depth chart and head coach Bill O'Brien has stated that he's satisfied with the Texans' stable of backs. Still, while Polk averaged just 3.7 yards per carry in 2014, Blue managed a measly 3.1 yards per carry. Polk also scored four touchdowns in a third of the amount of carries it took Blue to score two. Blue has impressed Houston's coaching staff and may see his numbers improve with experience. If he doesn't, expect Polk or rookie Kenny Hilliard to get their chance to shine.
- Titans tight end Delanie Walker is being held out of Friday's preseason opener against Atlanta after suffering a laceration on his thumb last week. Walker practiced a bit this week, so he should be ready to go come the regular season. Walker's 890 receiving yards ranked fourth among tight ends last season. With rookie quarterback Marcus Mariota potentially in need of a security blanket, Walker could enjoy a nice encore season.
- Andre Ellington will suit up for the Arizona Cardinals for Saturday's scrimmage. After averaging 5.5 yards per carry in 2013, Ellington was a break-out candidate last season, but saw his yards per carry drop down to 3.3. In fairness to Ellington, defenses were free to stack eight and nine defenders in the box last season as the Cardinals rode a quarterback carousel from hell. With Carson Palmer back under center, Ellington should see some more breathing room to kick his elite speed into high gear.
- Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant warmed up before Thursday's preseason opener, but did not play. Bryant is nursing a hamstring injury and was held out as a precaution. It's worth noting that Demaryius Thomas, who, like Bryant, held out this offseason while waiting for his payday, is likely to sit in Denver's preseason opener as he works back into football shape. Yes, Bryant is dealing with a minor injury, but him sitting the preseason opener shouldn't be of any concern to the Cowboys or potential fantasy owners. Expect Bryant to continue reeling in touchdown catches come September.
- Rookie running back T.J. Yeldon won't play in the Jaguars' preseason opener as he deals with a sprained finger. Denard Robinson led the Jaguars in rushing last season with just 582 yards. Then-rookie quarterback Blake Bortles was second. After being taken in the second-round of this year's draft, Yeldon is already atop the depth chart alongside Robinson. Yeldon scored 37 rushing touchdowns in three seasons at Alabama and, with the likes of Toby Gerhart and Bernard Pierce behind him, he can expect a big share of touchdown opportunities in the future.