Footballguys #98 - 7/26 - Camp Questions You Need To Answer, News And Notes And More

[Grab your FREE Draft Dominator for Mobile Now!]( you want to DOMINATE YOUR fantasy league this year? You'll have over 60 experts in your pocket, helping you to make the best draft picks, when it matters. Don't settle for runner up, this is your year. - Automatically import your league settings - Rankings adapt based on your roster's needs and for sleepers late - Predicts your opponents moves, so you can outsmart them - Mock draft so you're prepared for every scenario - Rate my team reports reviewing each draft - Up to the minute projections, ADP, news, rankings outlooks, depth charts and tags --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Footballguys #98 - 7/26 - Camp Questions You Need To Answer, News And Notes And More Volume 21, #98 -- Friday Night, July 26th, 2019 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email [View in Web Browser]() Howdy {NAME}, Good Saturday do you. We've got a ton of new content for you plus the News and Notes you need. Let's go. J SITE NEWS A. [FREE CONTENT - Key Camp Questions: AFC West]() Our Jason Wood with an overview of the biggest questions facing every AFC West team heading into training camp. B. [Key Camp Questions: NFC West]() Our Jason Wood with an overview of the biggest questions facing every NFC West team heading into training camp. C. [Learning from History: Eric Ebron](=) Our Adam Harstad answers the question: "What can the past tell us about how Eric Ebron's career is likely to turn out?" D. [Coaching Change Analysis: Minnesota Vikings](=) Our Dwain McFarland with a thorough analysis of how Kevin Stefanski and Gary Kubiak will impact the Minnesota Vikings offense including Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, and more. E. [The Footballguys Players Championship (FPC) and the Tight End PPR Bonus Rule]( Our Jeff Pasquino continues his deep dive into the Footballguys Players Championship. In this one, he looks at the tight end PPR bonus scoring rule. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [DAL - Dallas talks with RB Ezekiel Elliott's agent](#1) 2. [OAK - WR Antonio Brown opening camp on NFI list](#2) 3. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley to take part in camp Saturday](#3) 4. [TEN - RB Derrick Henry, WR A.J. Brown leave practice](#4) 5. [MIA - RB Kalen Ballage with ones again](#5) 6. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon holdout could be long](#6) 7. [OAK - RB Josh Jacobs not going to be handed job](#7) 8. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson bulked up](#8) 9. [NYG - WR Kelvin Benjamin to work out](#9) 10. [NYG - WR Sterling Shepard won't need surgery](#10) 11. [NYG - WR Corey Coleman suffers torn ACL](#11) 12. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins activated](#12) 13. [LAC - RB Austin Ekeler running with starters](#13) 14. [CAR - QB Cam Newton a full go](#14) 15. [TB - Huge workload for WR Chris Godwin?](#15) 16. [BAL - RB Mark Ingram an every-down back?](#16) 17. [BAL - Three pass conditioning test](#17) 18. [MIA - S T.J. McDonald activated](#18) 19. [BUF - Jason Croom sidelined](#19) 20. [CIN - Three more on NFI list](#20) 21. [SF - CB Jason Verrett cleared](#21) 22. [CHI - WR Riley Ridley leaves practice early](#22) 23. [HOU - TE Kahale Warring nursing muscle strain](#23) 24. [ARI - DT Robert Nkemdiche reports out of shape](#24) 25. [ATL - WR Calvin Ridley likely to have MRI done](#25) 26. [SF - QB Jimmy Garoppolo to sit preseason opener](#26) 27. [SF - RB Jerick McKinnon begins camp on PUP](#27) 28. [DEN - Optimism for WR DaeSean Hamilton](#28) 29. [MIA - WR Allen Hurns headed to Miami](#29) 30. [DET - New role for TE Isaac Nauta?](#30) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [DAL - Dallas talks with RB Ezekiel Elliott's agent]( Source: ESPNDallas.com - Calvin Watkins Dallas Cowboys RB [Ezekiel Elliott]('s agent talked with the Cowboys Thursday, July 25, about his contract situation, according to a source. Elliott did not report for the start of training camp Friday, July 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Elliott is still unlikely to hold out for long because he needs to show by August 6 to accrue the fourth year that he needs to become a free agent, but we will be monitoring this. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [OAK - WR Antonio Brown opening camp on NFI list]( Source: ESPN.com - Field Yates Oakland Raiders WR [Antonio Brown]( (undisclosed) was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list Friday, July 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The team didn't comment. Chances are this is nothing, but we'll be listening for news out of Oakland. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [LAR - RB Todd Gurley to take part in camp Saturday]() Source: Los Angeles Times - Gary Klein Los Angeles Rams RB [Todd Gurley]( (knee) will be on the field for the start of training camp workouts Saturday, July 27, according to head coach Sean McVay. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is a relief after it wasn't announced that he avoided the PUP. We'll see how much the Rams manage his practice workload as a sign of how much to be worried about his knee and how much his regular season workload will be limited. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [TEN - RB Derrick Henry, WR A.J. Brown leave practice]() Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans RB [Derrick Henry]( (undetermined) and WR A.J. Brown (undetermined) left practice early Friday, July 26, but head coach Mike Vrabel said afterward there's not a lot of concern. '(They're) day to day,' he said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Both injuries are not significant, although Brown needs to have a strong rookie camp to get playing time in a Titans receiver group that also added Adam Humphries this offseason. Henry is the key to the offense and should be put in bubble wrap. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [MIA - RB Kalen Ballage with ones again]() Source: The Miami Herald - Armando Salguero Miami Dolphins RB [Kalen Ballage]( was working with the first-team offense again Friday, July 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] A trend is coming into focus, and it spells out RBBC. Ballage might have the lesser part of it as the back who plays more when the game is close, and he is far less proven than Kenyan Drake with a higher bust risk, but his ADP is sure to rise and Drake's to fall as this news makes the rounds. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [LAC - RB Melvin Gordon holdout could be long](=) Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Los Angeles Chargers RB [Melvin Gordon]('s holdout threatens to extend into the regular season, according to sources. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is basically the read we have all had from the outside looking in. Gordon should be out of the first round and it is understandable to pass on him in the second round, even in the early third. Austin Ekeler is currently going in the seventh round and Justin Jackson is in the high double-digit rounds, but that could change with every passing day that Gordon is absent. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [OAK - RB Josh Jacobs not going to be handed job](=) Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Scott Bair Oakland Raiders RB Josh Jacobs must 'earn his role' and 'prove he can get up time and time again,' according to head coach Jon Gruden. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jacobs wasn't used as a true lead back at Alabama because of quality teammates, but he is set up for that role in Oakland. Gruden ran Cadillac Williams into the ground as a rookie in Tampa, so if Jacobs can earn that role, it will be a big one. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [BAL - QB Lamar Jackson bulked up](=) Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec Baltimore Ravens QB [Lamar Jackson]( told reporters he added seven to 10 pounds of muscle to his frame during the offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson didn't miss time despite a huge workload as a runner last year. That is likely to reduce this year, and the added muscle should help his durability. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [NYG - WR Kelvin Benjamin to work out]( Source: The Bergen Record - Art Stapleton Free-agent WR [Kelvin Benjamin]( (Chiefs) plans to work out for the New York Giants on Saturday, July 27, per a source. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Dave Gettleman knows Benjamin's game, although he isn't at all like Corey Coleman, the receiver they lost in practice. Benjamin would still be a long shot to make the roster and looked like he was disinterested in football the last time we saw him on an NFL field. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [NYG - WR Sterling Shepard won't need surgery]() Source: NJ Advance Media - Matt Lombardo Updating a previous report, New York Giants WR [Sterling Shepard]( (thumb) won't require surgery on his fractured thumb, and Giants head coach Pat Shurmur said Friday, July 26, that he expects Shepard to be able to play in Week 1. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Shepard is still taking part in practice, so he'll be in football shape when the thumb is healed. Don't change his ranking significantly because of this injury. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NYG - WR Corey Coleman suffers torn ACL]( Source: NFL.com - Jeremy Bergman New York Giants WR [Corey Coleman]( (knee) suffered a torn ACL in practice Thursday, July 25, the team announced Friday, July 26. He will likely be lost for the entire 2019 season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Darius Slayton is battling a hamstring injury, but the rookie has a good chance to be the #3 receiver and deep threat if he can get over it. Coleman had gotten some traction on the Giants roster, but will have to go back to square one. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [HOU - WR DeAndre Hopkins activated]() Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans WR [DeAndre Hopkins]( (ankle) was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list Friday, July 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] As expected, Hopkins starting camp on the PUP list was a non-story. He's a strong candidate to be the first wide receiver off of the board. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [LAC - RB Austin Ekeler running with starters]() Source: ESPN.com - Eric D. Williams Los Angeles Chargers RB [Austin Ekeler]( ran with the first-team offense in the first practice Thursday, July 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ekeler will share with Justin Jackson in any games that Melvin Gordon sits out, and he's the more valuable back in PPR leagues, although Jackson's value in a Gordon-less Chargers backfield is closer to Ekeler's than ADP indicates. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [CAR - QB Cam Newton a full go]( Source: Charlotte Observer - Steve Reed Carolina Panthers QB [Cam Newton]( (shoulder) threw without any limitations during practice Thursday, July 25. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Newton's recovery is going well, and unless things change he (like so many other quarterbacks) looks like a value at ADP. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [TB - Huge workload for WR Chris Godwin?]( Source: CBS Sports - Jim Rome Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR [Chris Godwin]( will 'never come off the field,' according to head coach Bruce Arians. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Godwin will have a chance to build on last year's numbers and could be a strong WR2 at a WR3 price. His production was up and down last year, but it could be more consistent while maintaining the same peaks this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [BAL - RB Mark Ingram an every-down back?]( Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec Baltimore Ravens RB [Mark Ingram]( is the 'logical choice' to serve as the third-down back, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Ingram has never had a full season of bell cow work, but the Ravens offense will give him a chance to top his career high in carries if he stays healthy. He can also add a lot as a receiver even though he isn't known for it. His ADP reflects his upside in this situation and downside as a running back turning 30 this year well. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [BAL - Three pass conditioning test](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens OG Jermaine Eluemunor, OT Orlando Brown Jr. and LB Shane Ray passed their conditioning tests Friday, July 26, and were activated from the Active/Non-Football Injury list. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown was a standout rookie starting right tackle for the team last year, after concerns about his conditioning and body composition made him fall in the draft. This is a relief after he failed the conditioning test at the open of camp. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [MIA - S T.J. McDonald activated](=) Source: The Miami Herald - Barry Jackson Miami Dolphins FS T.J. McDonald (undisclosed) was activated from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Friday, July 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That was quick. If the Dolphins defense has a strength, it is the safety position, assuming they keep Reshad Jones. 2018 first-round pick Minkah Fitzpatrick is one of the leaders of the defense along with shutdown corner Xavien Howard. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [BUF - Jason Croom sidelined]() Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Buffalo Bills TE [Jason Croom]( (hamstring) is not participating in practice because of a hamstring injury. The severity of the injury is not known. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Third-round pick Dawson Knox has an even better chance of starting Week 1 if Croom doesn't get over this quickly. Croom is a converted wide receiver who made a few plays last year, but will likely remain a role player. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [CIN - Three more on NFI list]() Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Charean Williams Cincinnati Bengals C Billy Price (undisclosed), LB Noah Dawkins (undisclosed) and LS [Clark Harris]( (undisclosed) were placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list Friday, July 26. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Price was banged up last year after being taken in the first round. A quick return to the field and strong summer is sorely needed after the Bengals lost this year's first round pick Jonah Williams - their projected starting left tackle - to a shoulder injury. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [SF - CB Jason Verrett cleared](=) Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco San Francisco 49ers CB Jason Verrett (Achilles) said he has been medically cleared to participate in practice and is ready to compete for one of the starting cornerback jobs during training camp. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Verrett was a very good corner before he had three season-ending injuries. He could start for the 49ers opposite Richard Sherman if he can last through camp and the preseason. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [CHI - WR Riley Ridley leaves practice early]( Source: ESPN.com - Jeff Dickerson Chicago Bears WR Riley Ridley (hamstring) left practice early Friday, July 26, because of a right hamstring injury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Rookies should be watched the closest, as conditioning is huge in camp if they want to contribute in their rookie year. Ridley was probably going to be the fifth wide receiver at best, so if this is a problem that costs him all of camp, he could go on injured reserve. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [HOU - TE Kahale Warring nursing muscle strain]( Source: Houston Chronicle - Aaron Wilson Houston Texans TE Kahale Warring (undisclosed) opened training camp on the Active/Non-Football Injury list after suffering an undisclosed strained muscle recently, according to head coach Bill O'Brien, who added the team is optimistic Warring won't miss much time. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jordan Thomas is the tight end to target on the Texans roster if you are looking for a late option in deep leagues. Warring is a project, but one with a high ceiling. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 24. [ARI - DT Robert Nkemdiche reports out of shape]( Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Michael David Smith Arizona Cardinals DL Robert Nkemdiche (knee) reportedly showed up to training camp 'not in shape,' according to head coach Kliff Kingsbury. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nkemdiche might not even make the team under this new regime. He is coming back from a torn ACL and may not contribute until mid-season if at all. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 25. [ATL - WR Calvin Ridley likely to have MRI done](=) Source: ESPN.com - Vaughn McClure Updating a previous report, Atlanta Falcons WR [Calvin Ridley]( (hamstring) is expected to undergo a precautionary MRI on his hamstring Friday, July 26. Ridley felt his right hamstring tighten up while finishing a route during individual drills Thursday, Friday 25. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That means it was more than a tweak, but it probably won't be anything that limits his availability for Week 1. It would still be a comfort to see him play by the end of the preseason and return to practice before the end of camp, and we'll have to monitor this early in the season if he doesn't. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 26. [SF - QB Jimmy Garoppolo to sit preseason opener](=) Source: Bay Area News Group - Cam Inman San Francisco 49ers QB [Jimmy Garoppolo]( (knee) will not play in the first game of the preseason as he completes his recovery from surgery on his anterior cruciate ligament, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Even seeing Garoppolo at all in the preseason would be a welcome sight. The 49ers offense should be much improved with him at the helm. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 27. [SF - RB Jerick McKinnon begins camp on PUP](=) Source: San Francisco Chronicle - Eric Branch San Francisco 49ers RB [Jerick McKinnon]( (knee) recently had a 'flare-up' with his surgically repaired knee - according to general manager John Lynch - and was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Friday, July 26. Lynch told reporters his stay on the PUP list is expected to be a short one, however. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] McKinnon might not even make the team if he can't get healthy before the close of camp. This is a longer than usual recovery from an ACL tear with advances in rehab, so McKinnon is officially behind schedule. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 28. [DEN - Optimism for WR DaeSean Hamilton]( Source: NFL Network - James Palmer Updating previous reports, Denver Broncos WR [DaeSean Hamilton]('s (hamstring) injury is believed to be a short-term thing, according to head coach Vic Fangio. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hamilton is still missing key time to develop chemistry with Joe Flacco, while Emmanuel Sanders is ahead of schedule and ready to be the #1. Hamilton gets closer to falling off of typical draft radar with every day he spends on the sidelines. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 29. [MIA - WR Allen Hurns headed to Miami]() Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter Free-agent WR [Allen Hurns]( (Cowboys) signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins Friday, July 26. The deal is worth up to $3 million. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hurns should be the top backup inside and outside at wide receiver and he's back in his hometown. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 30. [DET - New role for TE Isaac Nauta?](=) Source: The Athletic - Chris Burke Detroit Lions TE Isaac Nauta is expected to fill the H-back role this season, according to Chris Burke of The Athletic. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Nauta was lost in the shuffle in the Georgia passing game with so many NFL-bound wide receivers on the field, but he can develop as a third tight end in an offense that will use a lot of multi-tight end sets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of Footballguys. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). 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