This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
Welcome to another edition of Training Camp Notes. There are two preseason games Thursday with Washington taking on New England and Philadelphia facing the Steelers. While many starters will play very little or rest entirely, both matchups should provide a window into the position battles going on with each respective team. In the meantime, let's get to Thursday's news.
• Dak Prescott will have an MRI on his strained shoulder Monday, though this isn't indicative of a setback and is rather just a regular checkup. The Cowboys continue to play it safe with their $160-million man, and they have said they don't think he needs to play in the preseason to be ready for Week 1. Don't be alarmed if this turns out to be the case. The 28-year-old continues to progress through his rehab and said he would be ready to play if there was a game that counted this Sunday.
• While on the subject of MRIs, Jets rookie Elijah Moore needs one on his quad, which forced him out of practice early Thursday. The second-round pick has had an impressive camp thus far while competing in a crowded Jets receiving corps, so any absence lessens the likelihood he'll make an early season fantasy impact.
• We found out why Allen Robinson missed Wednesday's practice. He's dealing with a minor hamstring injury but was already back as a limited participant Thursday. This probably means the Bears star sits out of Saturday's preseason game, but it shouldn't affect his value as long as he avoids setbacks.
• James Conner joined several teammates on the COVID list after coming into close contact with the virus, meaning he's almost certainly out for Friday's preseason game against Dallas. Of greater concern is that he is a cancer survivor, so he is at greater risk of complications if he indeed contracts the illness.
• The news for Ravens first-round rookie Rashod Bateman keeps getting worse. He limped away from Tuesday's practice and is now scheduled for groin surgery, which will keep him out until "sometime in September" per coach John Harbaugh. However, that time frame seems optimistic, and it may keep Bateman from making much of a fantasy impact in the first half of the season. With Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin each nursing reportedly minor hamstring injuries, expect 2020 third-rounder Devin Duvernay to see extra opportunities.
• Nyheim Hines left practice for Thursday due to a leg injury. He also missed time with a hip problem earlier in camp. There has been no word on the severity of the leg injury, but this probably means he'll miss Sunday's exhibition against Carolina. An extended absence could give Jonathan Taylor extra volume, especially in the passing game.
• In a bit of good injury news, Darrel Williams returned to practice after missing a short time with a knee injury. As the Chiefs' No. 2 running back, the 26-year-old likely won't be relevant in most leagues as long as Clyde Edwards-Helaire remains healthy.
• With most of the league participating in preseason games this weekend, some teams have announced which of their starters will play. Most starters will only play a series or two. Here's much of what we know so far:
IN: Tom Brady (assuming the weather cooperates), Patrick Mahomes, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Trevor Lawrence (possibly starting), Zach Wilson, Andy Dalton
OUT: Justin Herbert (won't play at all in preseason), Daniel Jones
