Training Camp Preview: NFC East

Mon Jul 25 11:37am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

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 [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
J.K. Dobbins Mar 28 10:00am CT
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) is scheduled to visit with the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The former Baltimore Raven suffered a torn Achilles early in the 2023 campaign, but he was cleared for football activities this week, so he will likely start drawing more interest on the free-agent market. Originally a second-round pick by Baltimore in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Dobbins posted 805 rushing yards and nine scores on just 134 attempts (6.0 YPC) as a rookie, but he missed the entire 2021 campaign with a torn ACL. He averaged 5.7 yards per carry in 2022 and saw his 2023 season end after just eight rushing attempts with an Achilles injury. Given his injury woes early in his career, it's fair to be concerned about his future production. Regardless of his landing spot, he's likely to be eased into action, meaning his fantasy upside is capped early in 2024.

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Geno Smith Mar 27 7:10pm CT
Geno Smith

The Seattle Seahawks are looking to make some additions to their offensive line this offseason. Recently, Seahawks general manager John Schneider said the team has a lot to figure out on the o-line. This team is without left guard Damien Lewis and right guard Phil Haynes who both left for free agency. Possibly, the Seahawks use the 16th overall pick in the draft to add some offensive line. It appears Seattle is still looking to compete next season with Geno Smith slated to be under center. Most of the Seahawks offensive weapons are back, but this team could be in serious trouble if they don't patch up their o-line soon.

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Nate Sudfeld Mar 27 7:00pm CT
Nate Sudfeld

The Detroit Lions have re-signed quarterback Nate Sudfeld on Wednesday. The 30-year-old served as the backup to Jared Goff during the 2022 season. He was slated to compete with Teddy Bridgewater, but he has retired this offseason. That being said, Sudfeld figures to compete with Hendon Hooker for the backup job in Detroit next season. The former sixth-round pick has played in six games since debuting in 2017. Sudfeld won't offer any fantasy value heading into next season.

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Malik Nabers Mar 27 3:50pm CT
Malik Nabers

Former LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers impressed at the University's Pro Day on Wednesday, running an unofficial 4.35 40-yard dash and excelling in both the vertical jump (42") and broad jump (10'9"). The 20-year-old is coming off a spectacular junior campaign consisting of catching 89 passes for 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns. His excellent athletic testing numbers certainly won't hurt his draft stock, and many analysts believe he could be taken ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr. in the 2024 NFL Draft next month. Nabers has visited or will visit with the Arizona Cardinals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, New York Jets, and New York Giants this week.

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Jadeveon Clowney Mar 27 3:30pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Free-agent edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is signing a two-year, $24 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, and it was one of the best campaigns of his career. He tied a career-high with 9.5 sacks and did not miss a game for the first time since 2017. The 31-year-old still has plenty of ability, but his surroundings in Carolina won't be as strong as they were with the Ravens. The South Carolina native is now closer to home, and he'll look to help the struggling franchise accelerate its rebuild in 2024.

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Jalyn Holmes Mar 27 2:20pm CT
Jalyn Holmes

The New York Jets re-signed defensive end Jalyn Holmes to an undisclosed deal on Wednesday. The Minnesota Vikings originally took Holmes with their fourth-round selection (102nd overall) in 2018 out of Ohio State. He spent the first three years of his career in Minnesota before one-year stops with the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears and Jets each of the last three seasons. In just five games in New York in 2023, the 28-year-old pass-rusher had five tackles (three solo) and one sack. Holmes' first defensive snaps for the Jets last year didn't come until the regular season finale. He will be competing for a depth role once again on the team's defensive line in training camp this summer.

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Neville Hewitt Mar 27 2:10pm CT
Neville Hewitt

The Houston Texans and free-agent linebacker Neville Hewitt, who led the league in 2023 in special teams tackles, reached an agreement on an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source. In 16 regular-season games (zero starts) last year in his third year with the Texans, Hewitt had 14 tackles (eight solo). The 30-year-old was a standout on special teams but played just four defensive snaps and is unlikely to be a big part of Houston's defense again in 2024. In his nine-year NFL career with the Texans, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, Hewitt has recorded a total of 440 tackles (284 solo), 7.5 sacks, 22 tackles for loss, 19 QB hits, three interceptions, 13 passes defended, two forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 129 games (44 starts).

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Sam Franklin Mar 27 2:10pm CT
Sam Franklin

The Carolina Panthers re-signed safety and special teams ace Sam Franklin on an undisclosed one-year deal on Wednesday, according to a source. Franklin, a former undrafted free agent out of Temple, began his NFL career in 2020 with the Panthers and has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the organization. The 28-year-old defensive back had a career-high 30 tackles (20 solo) and an interception returned for a touchdown in 17 games (four starts) in his fourth year in Carolina in 2023. Franklin played 310 snaps on special teams and will likely continue in that role in his fifth year with the team in 2024. In his four NFL campaigns, Franklin has just 97 tackles (69 solo), one sack, the interception returned for a score, five passes defended and a force fumble in 64 games (nine starts).

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Jayden Daniels Mar 27 2:00pm CT
Jayden Daniels

The Las Vegas Raiders may be targeting a quarterback that can escape the pocket and pick up chunk gains with his legs in the upcoming NFL draft. When asked what type of QB gives opposing defenses the most problems from his experience as a former linebacker, head coach Anthony Pierce said, "A damn runner." The Raiders are scheduled to meet with LSU QB and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels on Wednesday after his pro-day workout. Daniels threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns for the Tigers last year and also ran for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. In order to snag Daniels, the Raiders will likely have to move up from 13th overall in the first round, and the team has expressed the willingness to do what it takes to make that happen. Pierce recruited Daniels out of Southern California five years ago to play at Arizona State, so he's very familiar with him.

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Talanoa Hufanga Mar 27 2:00pm CT
Talanoa Hufanga

The San Francisco 49ers expect safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) to return from his ACL injury "sometime in training camp" this summer, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The head coach also sounded optimistic about Hufanga's ability to return to 100 percent of his old self. The Niners would like to add a safety, but they told recent visitor Julian Blackmon that a new addition wouldn't necessarily be guaranteed a starting spot in 2024. Hufanga probably won't be ready to go for Day 1 of training camp as he works his way back from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 11 of 2023. The 24-year-old defensive back is one of the rising young options at his position in IDP fantasy leagues when healthy. Hufanga had 52 tackles and three interceptions last year before suffering his season-ending injury.

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Tank Bigsby Mar 27 1:50pm CT
Tank Bigsby

It's clear that the Jacksonville Jaguars want to keep lead running back Travis Etienne Jr. fresh for the entire season in 2024. In the final six games in 2023, the Jaguars averaged just 79 yards per game on the ground. They finished 23rd overall with 96.8 yards per game on the ground. In an effort to keep Etienne fresher, part of the team's plan in the run game is getting second-year back Tank Bigsby more involved. He played just 141 snaps in his rookie season, carrying the ball 50 times for 132 yards and two touchdowns. A couple of fluky turnovers ensured he didn't see much more time down the stretch. "We have to get Tank going, the bottom line. He is too good, that's why we drafted him. I think early he had some 'what is that' type plays for whatever reason right or wrong. Again, in and out of the lineup," said head coach Doug Pederson.

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Josh Reynolds Mar 27 1:40pm CT
Josh Reynolds

Former Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds signed a two-year deal worth up to $14 million with the Denver Broncos on Wednesday, according to a source. The Broncos have been one of the most quiet teams in free agency this year, with Reynolds being their biggest addition by far. The 29-year-old will help replace Jerry Jeudy, who was traded to the Cleveland Browns. Reynolds caught 40 of his 64 targets last year in Detroit for 608 yards and five touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Courtland Sutton will remain Denver's unquestioned No. 1 wideout, but Reynolds has a chance to be their No. 2 if he can beat out Tim Patrick (Achilles) and Marvin Mims Jr. in training camp. With either quarterback Jarrett Stidham or a rookie running the Broncos' offense in 2024, there won't be much fantasy upside for Reynolds in his new home.

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Cordarrelle Patterson Mar 27 2:13am CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Dynasty | The Steelers have signed utility player Cordarrelle Patterson. Dynasty Analysis: A lightning rod in dynasty leagues seemingly for his entire career, Patterson lands with the Steelers hours after the NFL adopted new kickoff return rules. It's going to be interesting to see just how Pittsburgh employs him as he can obviously return kicks but also help out at running back or receiver. In the end, it's hard to see much value from Patterson, especially in dynasty leagues. However, he's certainly a player to monitor as his role becomes more and more clear.

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Uchenna Nwosu Mar 26 10:20pm CT
Uchenna Nwosu

Seattle Seahawks president of football operations John Schneider said that both offensive tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) and linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (pectoral) are on track to be ready for the start of the 2024 season. Schneider is unsure if safety Jerrick Reed II (knee) will be ready, but he did say that Reed's rehab has gone well. Lucas, 25, had knee surgery at the end of last season, but he should be ready to go as the team's right tackle later this fall. Nwosu, 27, suffered a torn pectoral muscle in 2023 that limited him to six games. Getting the former second-round pick in 2018 out of USC back will be big news for Seattle's pass rush in 2024, as Nwosu picked up career-highs in combined tackles (66), sacks (9.5), tackles for loss (12) and QB hits (26) in 17 starts in 2022 in his first year in Seattle.

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Mazi Smith Mar 26 10:10pm CT
Mazi Smith

Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Mazi Smith (shoulder) carried a four- to six-month timetable after having shoulder surgery shortly after last season, but he is expected to be ready for training camp this summer. As long as Smith doesn't encounter any setbacks as he rehabs his shoulder this offseason, the 22-year-old should be ready for training camp at the end of the July and for the start of the 2024 season. After being taken 26th overall in the first round last year out of Michigan, Smith played in all 17 regular-season games (three starts) and recorded only 13 tackles (nine solo) and one sack in a depth role. He could carve out a bigger role on the interior of Dallas' defensive line in Year 2, but Smith isn't going to be on the fantasy radar in IDP leagues.

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Luke Schoonmaker Mar 26 10:00pm CT
Luke Schoonmaker

Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (shoulder) had shoulder surgery recently but is "all systems go" for training camp this summer, according to a person familiar with the situation. Schoonmaker played in all 17 regular-season games in his rookie season in 2023 after being taken in the second round out of Michigan, but he didn't do much behind Jake Ferguson, catching only eight of 15 targets for 65 yards and two touchdowns. However, his shoulder injury may have been partially to blame. The 25-year-old could have a bigger role in his sophomore campaign in Dallas, but as long as Ferguson stays healthy, it's hard to envision Schoonmaker being very attractive for fantasy managers on a weekly basis. As long as Ferguson is healthy, Schoonmaker will be a blocker over a receiver.

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Christian Watson Mar 26 9:50pm CT
Christian Watson

The Green Bay Packers feel that they have a better grasp of where wide receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) stands after he underwent a body scan at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this offseason with the hope of preventing future flare-ups. Watson has battled hamstring injuries in both of his two seasons in the NFL, with the 6-foot-4, 208-pounder missing eight games in 2023, playing just 446 offensive snaps. It hasn't just been hamstring injuries for the 24-year-old, and he's played in only 23 games in his first two seasons to quickly develop an injury-prone label. But when healthy, he's caught 69 of 119 targets for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns, adding two rushing scores. There's intriguing upside given the nature of Green Bay's improving offense under quarterback Jordan Love, but Watson's durability makes him a risk/reward fantasy selection heading into his third year.

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Amon-Ra St. Brown Mar 26 8:10pm CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

The Detroit Lions and star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown have been discussing a contract extension that would likely make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. St. Brown's agent and Detroit brass met last month at the NFL scouting combine to begin negotiations as it appears that both sides are motivated to get something worked out. St. Brown is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and will play at an absolute bargain price of $3.366 million in 2024. The team is making it a priority to get St. Brown and quarterback Jared Goff extended this offseason after they came just one win short of making it to the Super Bowl.

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Jared Goff Mar 26 8:00pm CT
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and the team have been discussing a contract extension this offseason. Goff's representatives and the Detroit brass have been having ongoing contract discussions this offseason as the team looks to keep him in town for the foreseeable future. A Goff extension could make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league if and when it gets done. Goff has just one year left on the four-year extension that he signed while still a member of the Los Angeles Rams. The Lions are also looking to extend star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown as the team looks to keep their offensive core together moving forward.

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J.K. Dobbins Mar 26 7:50pm CT
J.K. Dobbins

Free-agent running back J.K. Dobbins (Achilles) has been cleared for football activities, according to Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Dobbins tore his Achilles tendon early in the 2023 season but reportedly looks "outstanding" as he continues his rehab efforts. The veteran running back is expected to be making visits to NFL teams soon as he looks to latch on with another team after the Baltimore Ravens let him leave as a free-agent. Dobbins' days as a lead back might be over but he could still form part of a backfield committee moving forward.

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