Training Camp Preview: NFC East
Mon Jul 25 11:37am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Gallup could be slowed early
This is the fifth in a series of training camp previews. The previews give you a quick look at each team, going over position battles and injuries to watch in camp. The season is right around the corner.
Eagles
The Eagles made some moves this offseason, hoping to bring their team to a new level. The big move was adding receiver A.J. Brown, giving Jalen Hurts an elite receiver on his side. This should be a huge boost to the offense. Expectations are going to be very high for the Eagles. The big thing to watch this camp will be the development of Hurts. Philadelphia needs Hurts to up his game if they hope to improve and make a run at the Super Bowl. Hurts and his teammates train at the Philadelphia Eagles NovaCare Training Complex in Philadelphia, Pa.
Position battle: Miles Sanders is fully expected to start, but the Eagles aren’t going to just hand him the job. He has been up and down in a starting role and the Eagles have never fully committed to him as their No. 1 back. So he will get some competition from Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott for work. Hopefully, Sanders can separate himself from the competition, but this hasn’t happened to date. It is a situation to watch.
Injury watch: Miles Sanders has missed time because of injury each of the past two seasons, missing nine games during that stretch. He has yet to prove he can withstand a full season as a three-down back in the NFL. Sanders needs to shed that label if he hopes to start and play a big role in the Eagles offense this season.
Giants
The Giants made a lot of moves this offseason, most notably adding coach Brian Daboll. He is considered a great offensive mind, so the Giants hope he can transform an offense that struggled last year. Much of the focus for camp watchers should be how Daboll impacts players on that side of the ball, especially guys like Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley and Kenny Golladay. We will get to see all the Giants in action at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center at East Rutherford, N.J.
Position battle: The Giants have a lot of receivers, looking to grab playing time this year. It really is up in the air, especially if you consider the team has a new coaching staff. They are going to play the guys that catch their eye and deserve the work. Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson are all candidates to earn significant playing time this year. And whoever starts should have some fantasy value in an offense that has a chance to be much improved.
Injury watch: Sterling Shepard is returning from a torn Achilles’ tendon suffered in Week 15 last season. He has a long road back but is holding out some hope he might be ready for Week 1. That might be a little wishful thinking, but there is a chance. He also could miss some games to start the year because of the injury. This is an injury situation to watch during training camp. HIs status is up in the air for the start of the season.
Cowboys
There are always high expectations for the Cowboys and this year will be no different. Dallas has a lot of talent on both sides of the ball and an owner that can be impatient. This could be a make or break year for the coaching staff. They will need to get the Cowboys performing in a hurry if they hope to make a long run in the playoffs this year. Dallas trains at the Marriott Residence Inn in Oxnard, Calif.
Position battle: Michael Gallup is not expected to be ready for the start of the season, leaving an opening for the other starting job opposite CeeDee Lamb. The two top candidates for that job are James Washington and Jalen Tolbert. There is a lot of buzz for Tolbert right now, but he is going to need to keep making plays and showing well in camp. Washington is an established veteran with past starting experience, so don’t discount him to start over Tolbert. This isn’t a given right now.
Injury watch: Michael Gallup is trying to return from a torn ACL. He is holding out hope to be ready for Week 1, but nothing is set for him right now. Gallup has a real chance to miss a few games to start the year as he recovers from his serious knee injury. We should get a better idea of his injury status during camp and preseason action, though. If Gallup is out there practicing and looking good, don’t count him out to be ready for Week 1.
Washington
Washington had a lot of turmoil with their day to day operations once again, so hopefully this doesn’t the team on the field. It hasn’t in the past, but you never know. The team has a new quarterback once again, hoping to have solved that problem that has plagued the team in recent years. Carson Wentz now gets to take over and try to establish himself as the franchise quarterback. He should be the big talk of camp, trying to bring more consistency to the offense. Washington has training camp at The Park in Ashburn, Va.
Position battle: Terry McLaurin is the No. 1 receiver and top target for Washington, but the other starter is up for grabs. Curtis Samuel was a big addition to this roster last season but couldn’t stay healthy. The Commanders drafted Jahan Dotson this season, adding more talent to the receiver room. Dotson should have a good chance to start from day one, but Samuel has a track record and the coaching staff likes him. Samuel could keep that starting job if he proves to be healthy and is making plays on the field.
Injury watch: Starting tight end Logan Thomas tore both his ACL and MCL last season. He has made good progress from the injury, though, and could be ready for Week 1. But there seems a better chance that Thomas will miss some time early in the year. He has a long history of injury, so the Commanders won’t rush him back unless he is fully healthy.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Fantasy managers that drafted Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams knew they were going to have to be patient early on. Williams tore multiple ligaments in his knee in Week 4 of 2022, so the Broncos were going to ease him in to begin the 2023 season. He played in 45% of the offensive snaps the first two weeks before playing 42% of the snaps in a 50-point loss to the Dolphins in Week 3. The good news: The 23-year-old has seen double-digit carries in all three games as the lead back. The bad news: Williams has yet to score and is averaging 7.3 half-PPR points in those games. However, he has an excellent opportunity to find the end zone for the first time this year in Week 4 against a Chicago Bears defense that's allowing the second-most half-PPR points per game (32.2) to RBs. Williams has clear RB2 upside in what should be his best showing of the young season.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kadarius Toney (toe) remained limited in Thursday's practice. That's two limited sessions this week for Toney, who was held to one catch on two snaps in Week 3's blowout win over the Chicago Bears. The 24-year-old has 11 targets on just 30 routes run this year, which insinuates that Toney isn't having much issue creating separation. But even if he ends up being active again in Week 4 against the New York Jets, Toney cannot be trusted in any fantasy lineups with 35 yards across three games. The former first-round pick remains a luxury bench stash for fantasy managers who can afford the backend roster spot. Rashee Rice, who emerged with five catches (seven targets) for 59 yards last Sunday, might be pinging the radar as a possible deep-league FLEX choice if Toney cannot go.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown caught five of his seven targets for 56 yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 win over the Green Bay Packers. It wasn't a nuclear target or reception game for the third-year wideout, but he ultimately delivered for fantasy managers with the end zone trip. When the Lions are forced into pass-happier game scripts, he has high-end WR1 upside in all matchups. Continue to start him with confidence.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught four of his five targets for 56 yards in the Thursday Night Football win over the Green Bay Packers. It wasn't a massive boom performance for the rookie tight end, but it should keep fantasy managers in PPR leagues afloat ahead of the full Week 4 slate. LaPorta has seen at least five targets in all of his contests, which is more than can be said about a large chunk of the available tight ends on the waiver wire. He is a must-start in all matchups after being the fantasy TE2 through the first three weeks of the season.
From RotoBaller
All signs are pointing to Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson having a third straight strong game for fantasy managers in an excellent matchup in Week 4 on the road in Chicago against the 0-3 Bears. Not only has Wilson had back-to-back 300-yard games, but he's thrown six touchdowns to only two interceptions through the first three weeks of 2023 under new head coach Sean Payton. He's the QB9 in fantasy heading into this Sunday's game against a Bears defense that is allowing the third-most passing yards per game (285.7) and the fifth-most fantasy points per game (25.6) to signal-callers. And as long as the Broncos defense continues to let opposing teams score at will, the Broncos will probably need to keep pushing the ball down the field through the air with Wilson's arm. Russ is absolutely on the QB1 streaming radar this week.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 19 of his 28 passing attempts for 210 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the Thursday Night Football victory over the Green Bay Packers. Goff needs a massive yardage total or multiple touchdowns to pay dividends for fantasy managers since he has limited rushing upside, so it was a letdown fantasy performance. However, the team relied on David Montgomery (34 touches) and held a lead for the entire game. When the Lions' are in more pass-happy game scripts, Goff will be back in QB1 contention.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed eight times for 40 yards and caught four of his five targets for 11 yards in the win over the Green Bay Packers. With David Montgomery active, he was once again relegated to a limited workload. The talented rookie running back is becoming a frustrating fantasy asset after failing to deliver a respectable fantasy outing through four weeks. His role could grow later in the season, but for now, he should be viewed as a shaky flex play with some PPR upside.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery was questionable to face the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. The 26-year-old suited up, and he delivered a big-time performance for fantasy managers who rolled the dice on him. He rushed 32 times for 121 yards and three touchdowns and caught two passes for 20 yards in the win. He continues to be the clear lead back for Detroit and is a must-start fantasy option moving forward, regardless of matchup.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Green Bay Packers rookie tight end Luke Musgrave (concussion) will not return on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions after being evaluated for a concussion. Before injuring his head in the second quarter, Musgrave caught his only target for one yard. It's a tough break for any fantasy managers that started the 23-year-old in Week 4. With Musgrave now out the rest of the way Thursday night, rookie Tucker Kraft, who has two catches for five yards, should have a bigger role as the Packers look to make a major comeback. The good news for Musgrave is that he'll have extra time recover from his head injury before the team's next game in Week 5 on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 9.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions rookie defensive back Brian Branch (ankle) is questionable to return to the Thursday night game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers due to an ankle injury he suffered in the third quarter. Branch walked off the field very gingerly and had to be carted to the locker room, so it looked like his night was done. However, he came back out shortly afterwards and was seen having his ankle taped on the sideline. With the Lions up big in the second half, it seems unlikely that the talented 21-year-old will return to the contest. If he doesn't make it back, Brandon Joseph will see more playing time the rest of the way against the Packers. Branch could be questionable to play in Week 5 at home against the Carolina Panthers, although he'll have extra time to heal up before that game.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts was able to have some success during last week's loss to the Detroit Lions. The young tight end hauled in five of his nine targets for 41 yards in the loss. Pitts still has yet to top 45 yards in any game this season, but maybe he'll do it in Week 4. He does have a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars defense this week. Clearly, the Falcons are trying to get Pitts more involved in the offense. He'll be a borderline TE1 for the upcoming Week 4 matchup.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London is off to a slow beginning to the season. The young wideout has only 98 yards on 15 targets through the first three games. It's not all his fault as the Falcons offense as failed to move the ball successfully through the air. That being said, London is looking like a risky fantasy option right now. He'll head into a decent matchup versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Fantasy managers should consider London as a low-end WR3 for this matchup.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers rookie tight end Luke Musgrave (concussion) is heading to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion. The young tight end was banged up during the first half of Thursday's Week 4 matchup versus the Detroit Lions. It's uncertain at the moment if Musgrave will be able to return to the contest. That would be a shame considering the rookie tight end was coming off his best game of his career. The Packers will likely have to ask fellow tight end Josiah Deguara to pick up the slack in the absence of Musgrave.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier came out of the gate quick with a strong performance during the season opener. Since then, Allgeier has slowed down with only 60 yards on 23 carries over his last two games. That good news is, Allgeier appears to have a weekly role in this backfield. However, Bijan Robinson might continue to pull away as the lead back. That means, Allgeier might not have much fantasy value for long, assuming he doesn't pick up his performance. He won't be an ideal fantasy option for the Week 4 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Allgeier should be considered a RB4 for this game.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was bottled up for the first time during the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions. The rookie back was held to 33 yards on 10 attempts, while hauling in four receptions for an additional 27 yards in Week 3. It could've been a bigger game for Robinson, but the Falcons had to abandon the run in the second half of the game. Fantasy managers should expect Robinson to rebound versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. He should be considered a RB1 as the Falcons will continue to lean on the rookie back.
From RotoBaller
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder had a tough time finding any success during the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions. The second-year quarterback continues to make too many mistakes under center. Ridder took seven sacks last week, while overthrowing his wide receivers on countless occasions. It's hard to imagine him having much more success against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. Right now, Ridder can be avoided in most standard leagues. He does have potential, so he's worth holding in dynasty leagues, but he hasn't put it all together yet.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (Achilles) was unable to suit up for Thursday's practice session. Higbee has now missed back-to-back practices as he continues to deal with a lingering Achilles issue. This is not good news ahead of Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. There's still a chance that Higbee plays, so Friday's practice session will go a long way to determining his status. Otherwise, Brycen Hopkins and Davis Allen would likely split up the reps at tight end, assuming Higbee is unable to go.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Will Dissly (shoulder) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Dissly was able to get out on the practice field after head coach Pete Carroll said he was going to be sidelined. Dissly continues to deal with a lingering shoulder issue that he suffered during Week 2. The fact Dissly was able to practice gives some hope that he could play Monday night versus the New York Giants. Otherwise, Noah Fant and Cody Parkinson would likely split up the reps at tight end.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (ribs) did not take part in the team's first practice of the week on Thursday. Metcalf took a hard shot to his ribs in Week 2 in the overtime win over the Detroit Lions, but he was able to suit up in the Week 3 win over the Carolina Panthers. The 25-year-old saw fewer snaps last Sunday, but he remained productive with six catches for 112 yards. Metcalf will likely be rested for a few days before returning to practice on Saturday and playing on Monday night on the road in New York against the Giants. He's still one of the most physical pass-catchers in football and will continue to be a top target for quarterback Geno Smith in Seattle's passing game. As long as Metcalf is active, he's a must-start in fantasy lineups.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) had arthroscopic left-knee surgery on Wednesday and was placed on Injured Reserve on Thursday, according to sources. Another surgery is planned for Bakhtiari in the coming weeks, which will be aimed at allowing him to play at full strength next year. Bakhtiari will miss at least the next four games, but his return this season is now uncertain. The 31-year-old probably won't be back in 2023, which is a big loss on inexperienced quarterback Jordan Love's blind side. The Packers are missing a few other key offensive-line regulars on Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. Rasheed Walker will start at left tackle moving forward for Green Bay.
From RotoBaller
