Preseason Insights: What You Need To Know This Week

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One of the best and most comprehensive features we do every year is our Preseason Updates Landing Page.. Every week this month, our Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.

While I encourage you to read every word on every team every week, I also understand that "Life Happens." One of the more valuable services Footballguys can offer is saving you time.

For this article, I had the idea of taking the full August Updates and asking our team writers to distill it down into 80 proof shots of the Need-to-Know material. Some teams will have more news than others because that's how it works in real life. Much of it will be from the August Updates, some of it will be my takes, but all of it will hopefully be useful to you. And make sure to jump on our Premium Subscription to continue seeing this type of stuff all year long. And if this feature is helpful to you, shoot me an email at bryant@footballguys.com and let me know.

Plus a new addition for this year. For each team, I've included a link to our Depth Charts and also to the Full Camp Report. If you like these bullets and want more detail, check out the Full Camp Report for each team.

Let's get to it.

Arizona Cardinals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• WR Greg Dortch continues to impress and make plays as he seeks to earn a meaningful role in the offense.
• RB Trey Benson is getting acclimated to the offense and is narrowing the competition for the RB2 role.
• TE Tip Reiman continues to get work with the first-team offense and is getting acclimated to the passing offense.
• DL Darius Robinson did not play in the preseason game, which indicates he will have an important role for the defense.
• OLB Xavier Thomas continues to make plays in the games and is looking to help boost the pass rush need.

Atlanta Falcons | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Kirk Cousins is leading a wide-open passing attack, and the offense has been described as "night and day" different from 2023.
• RB Tyler Allgeier is having a great training camp and is a regular part of the starting offense.
• WR Drake London has elevated his game as the go-to piece of the passing attack.
• Cousins, London, WR Darnell Mooney, and TE Kyle Pitts are holding extra passing sessions after practice.

Baltimore Ravens | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Lamar Jackson has looked smooth and is taking even more ownership of the offense in his second season under OC Todd Monken.
• RB Derrick Henry has been a great culture fit with the Ravens and is poised to handle a massive workload.
• WR Zay Flowers ended training camp on a high note with a highlight-filled practice full of explosive plays.
• TE Isaiah Likely is one of Baltimore's best offensive players and is forcing his way onto the field despite the presence of Mark Andrews at the top of the depth chart. 

Buffalo Bills | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• The Bills decided to protect QB Josh Allen and kept him out of Saturday night's preseason win over the Steelers. 
• James Cook remains the featured RB, but rookie Ray Davis looked great against Pittsburgh and should spell him at times. 
• The top 4 receivers are set, but depth behind them is lacking after Chase Claypool was released and Marquez Valdes-Scantling suffered a neck injury.
• DE Greg Rousseau posted 2.5 sacks on just 7 pass rush snaps against the Steelers and could be headed for a huge year.
• All-Pro LB Matt Milano suffered a torn biceps in practice this week and will be out indefinitely.

Carolina Panthers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Bryce Young is expanding his passing tree, incorporating more deep balls than we've seen at camp.
• RB Chuba Hubbard avoided a knee injury and will lead this backfield when the season starts.
• It is increasingly clear that WR Diontae Johnson will lead this team in targets, and it might not be close.
• The starting tight ends are still working back from injury and rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders is not ready to start, meaning this group doesn't seem relevant for fantasy purposes.
• The Panther defense was last in the league for takeaways last season, so improving that has been a focus of camp.

Chicago Bears | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Caleb Williams had his best week of practice, and his work ethic has been contagious.
• Rookie WR Rome Odunze has had a tremendous start to camp and will be heavily involved in the offensive game plan.
• Velus Jones Jr. is moving from wide receiver to running back but will still be involved on special teams.
• Despite the young offense getting most of the attention, this team's strength is still very clearly on the defensive side of the ball.

Cincinnati Bengals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• RB Zack Moss and RB Chase Brown continue to split first-team reps and seem set to be a committee to some extent.
• RB Chris Evans suffered a season-ending leg injury.
• WR Ja'Marr Chase continues to hold out.
• QB Joe Burrow predicted a committee approach at WR3, dampening the sleeper appeal of WR3 favorite Andrei Iosivas. 
• TE Erick All Jr. is ahead of pace in his ACL recovery. 

Cleveland Browns | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Deshaun Watson has been cleared for full contact practices, though he did not play in the game against the Vikings this week.
• RB D'Onta Foreman returned to practice this week and scored a touchdown in the game.
• Watson is spreading the ball around, but it seems clear WR Amari Cooper, WR Jerry Jeudy, and TE David Njoku will lead the team in targets.
• The defense is dealing with several injuries but hopes to be at full strength by Week 1.

Dallas Cowboys | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Dak Prescott is taking his contract impasse in stride, looks sharp, and is ready for Week 1. 
• RBs Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle will be the 1-2 punch, but how they plan on divvying up the touches remains to be seen. 
• WR CeeDee Lamb continues his holdout, although he and Cowboys ownership publicly acknowledge progress on a contract extension. 
• WR Brandin Cooks seems to be in line for a renaissance season. 
• TE Jake Ferguson has his sights set on being the top tight end in the NFL, which may be hyperbole, but it speaks to his confidence and role. 

Denver Broncos | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• Rookie QB Bo Nix continues to impress with smart, turnover-free play that offers more upside than his journeyman teammates.
• Depending on whom you ask, RB Javonte Williams could be the runaway lead back or a fringe-cut candidate.
• Courtland Sutton is the clear No. 1 WR, but a pair of dynamic rookies – and returning possession man Tim Patrick – should provide support.
• Nix's penchant for safer, underneath targets bodes well for TE Adam Trautman, who caught several check-downs Sunday night.

Detroit Lions | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• RB Jahmyr Gibbs suffered a hamstring injury, but the team reportedly feels optimistic. Keep an eye out, though, as Gibbs dealt with a hamstring injury last year. 
• WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is looking even better than in past years.
• Head coach Dan Campbell is frustrated that nobody has stepped forward for the WR3 job.
• Four of the Lions' top five CBs are injured.

Green Bay Packers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Jordan Love is still working to fine-tune his deep throws.
• RB AJ Dillon looks safe as the No. 2 behind Josh Jacobs, but it's possible the team could move on cheaply at final cuts.
• The team's top four WRs, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and former sleeper Dontayvion Wicks, are excited about starting games aggressively.
• TEs Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft are healthy and ready to produce more than we've come to expect from the position.

Houston Texans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• RB Dameon Pierce seems likely to lose the No. 2 role to Cam Akers if he continues to struggle next week.
• The connection between QB C.J. Stroud and WR Stefon Diggs is heating up.
• WR John Metchie III is expected to make the team after a breakout performance against the Giants.
• Rookie CB Kamari Lassiter had a strong debut against the Giants, returning from an ankle injury.

Indianapolis Colts | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• The Colts OC noted “optimistic upside” about how QB Anthony Richardson would perform once fully unleashed in the regular season.
• RB Trey Sermon is the top backup, but he is dealing with a hamstring injury of unknown severity.
• In Sermon's absence, RB Evan Hull moved up behind Jonathan Taylor.
• WR Josh Downs should return from his high-ankle sprain sometime in the first few weeks of the season.
• WR Adonai Mitchell has impressed while filling Downs' spot in the slot, but it remains unclear where he would fit in once Downs returns.

Jacksonville Jaguars | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Trevor Lawrence got the week off but has had one of the best training camps.
• QB Mac Jones seems to have won the QB2 job.
• RB Tank Bigsby is the locked-in RB2 and has improved as a runner.
• WR Brian Thomas Jr. continues to impress.
• TEs Evan Engram and Luke Farrell seem to have their roles locked in.
• The goal is still to rotate the defensive ends to generate consistent pressure and keep guys healthy.

Kansas City Chiefs | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• RBs Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are locked atop the RB depth chart, with Deneric Prince right behind.
• WRs Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy dominated the first-team offense's usage in their brief appearances.
• WR Skyy Moore may have proven his value as a kick returner, but he's yet to make the slightest dent on offense.
• WR Kadarius Toney remains a walking miscue and looks buried behind Mecole Hardman for gadget snaps.
• QB Patrick Mahomes II and TE Travis Kelce continue their "buddy movie" vibes, with Mahomes completing a behind-the-back pass to Kelce in the preseason game when Mahomes said he was mad at Kelce for running the wrong route.

Las Vegas Raiders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Gardner Minshew II was officially named the starter for the season opener.
• RB Zamir White played into the third quarter of a Week 2 preseason game, which is unusual for a projected starter.
• RB Dylan Laube got an extended run with the starters, primarily as a third-down back.
• WR Davante Adams seems to have had a better connection with QB Aidan O'Connell than with Minshew.
• TE Brock Bowers was held out of preseason action with a sore foot but is expected to return to practice Tuesday. 

Los Angeles Chargers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Justin Herbert shed his walking boot and is still on track to play in Week 1 vs. the Raiders.
• RBs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are the first team backs; Dobbins is feeling great and is reportedly ready to showcase ‘College' J.K. Dobbins. 
• OC Greg Roman on the battle between Edwards and Dobbins: "To be decided. Right now, it's a competition…" 
• WR Joshua Palmer was blunt, saying the offense is still growing and trying to get the ‘nuts and bolts' together.
• WR Quentin Johnston has made positive progress in his development, and the team is excited about his future.
• TE Hayden Hurst has been out since a big hit against the Seahawks. Currently, Will Dissly and Stone Smartt are projected to lead the TE room.

Los Angeles Rams | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Matthew Stafford left practice with what the team described as a “tight hamstring,” but minimal long-term concern exists.
• RBs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum are rotating with the first team and gave Dallas trouble in joint practice sessions.
• WR Puka Nacua has remained out of practice, but Jordan Whittington and Tyler Johnson continue to have strong camps in his place.
• WR Demarcus Robinson has continued his strong connection with Matthew Stafford.
• TE Colby Parkinson will be the primary tight end in a one-tight-end look.

Miami Dolphins | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Tua Tagovailoa threw the team's only touchdown in his lone drive of the game. 
• RB Jaylen Wright continues to impress coaches and teammates in practice, though he picked up an undisclosed injury.
• WR Jaylen Waddle has still not practiced this preseason, along with the team's newest number three receiver, Odell Beckham Jr.
• TE Jonnu Smith is beginning to separate from Durham Smythe for the team's starting tight end.
• The Dolphins' defense, specifically the defensive line and secondary units, has shined. 

Minnesota Vikings | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB J.J. McCarthy will miss the 2024 season after meniscus surgery.
• Now starting QB Sam Darnold has the confidence of Kevin O'Connell and Justin Jefferson.
• WR Jordan Addison's ankle injury won't force him to miss significant time.
• CB Stephon Gilmore was signed to help an injured secondary.
• LB Blake Cashman's finger surgery is minor, and he'll return soon.

New England Patriots | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• Rookie QB Drake Maye still has a chance to win the starting job from Jacoby Brissett.
• RBs Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson should dominate the backfield, but neither has shown dynamism in the preseason.
• The receiving corps remains packed with veteran slot men, but the team loves what it's seeing from rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker.
• WR Tyquan Thornton, once an early pick of Bill Belichick's, may be on the roster bubble.
• TE Austin Hooper's injury could open the door for rookie Jaheim Bell to carve out a role.

New Orleans Saints | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• RB Alvin Kamara's recent absence looks like a minor back tweak – not a contract holdout.
• Top WR Chris Olave played just enough in this preseason to reinforce that he's the Saints' offensive engine.
• Big-bodied WR A.T. Perry has been wildly up and down throughout camp, and his heavy preseason usage isn't a good sign.
• TE Foster Moreau should carry the workload if starter Juwan Johnson can't return for Week 1.

New York Giants | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Daniel Jones' return from last year's season-ending injury did not go well, as the veteran threw two interceptions, including a pick-6, while coming an inch away from a third. 
• RB Devin Singletary is set for a heavy workload, and his volume could offset a drop-off in his per-touch efficiency.
• WR Malik Nabers returned from an ankle injury and was quickly the Giants' most dynamic offensive weapon. 
• WRs Darius Slayton and Jalin Hyatt continue sharing snaps on the outside, but the coaches will likely designate one of them as the starter before the season gets underway.
• TE Theo Johnson is already playing enough to think he could be the team’s starter early in the season if not Week 1.

New York Jets | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Aaron Rodgers may not play in the team's preseason finale, but he feels “ready to go” for the regular season.
• WR Garrett Wilson's budding chemistry with Rodgers was the most apparent development at camp this week.
• After his strongest week of practice, RB Isaiah Davis rotated more evenly with RB Braelon Allen in the Jets preseason win over the Panthers.
• SNY's Connor Hughes believes TE Tyler Conklin is poised for a big season.
• DE Haason Reddick's holdout entered its fourth week while DEs Will McDonald IV and Takk McKinley took advantage of increased reps Reddick's absence.

Philadelphia Eagles | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Jalen Hurts is having an encouraging camp, having gone 14 days of practice without throwing an interception. 
• QB Kenny Pickett is not doing enough to justify the No. 2 role, leaving No. 3 Tanner McKee firmly in final roster consideration. 
• RBs Saquon Barkley, Kenneth Gainwell, and Will Shipley are locked in atop the depth chart. 
• WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were quiet this week but have collectively been the best players in camp. 
• The team is solid at the top but needs higher-quality depth at tight end and wide receiver. 

Pittsburgh Steelers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Russell Wilson led five scoreless preseason game drives littered with check-down throws and shaky pocket presence.
• QB Justin Fields was hot and cold, failing to take advantage of the opening Wilson's poor play created in the QB competition.
• RB Jaylen Warren suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to miss "multiple" weeks with the season opener in question.
• All the details of a potential trade for WR Brandon Aiyuk have reportedly been worked out, and the ball is in his court.
• WR George Pickens has been making spectacular grabs daily. 

San Francisco 49ers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• WR Brandon Aiyuk and the team still have no agreement, and his future remains uncertain. 
• All-Pro OT Trent Williams remains unsigned, which is an even bigger issue. The 49ers lost both games he missed last season.
• QB Joshua Dobbs led three drives on Sunday night, all ending in points.
• Head coach Kyle Shanahan delegated play calling to Klay Kubiak as his brother, OC Klint Kubiak, did the same for the Saints.
• WR Ricky Pearsall didn't play against New Orleans due to his re-aggravated shoulder injury, although he should return to practice this week.

Seattle Seahawks | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Geno Smith shared his frustrations over his contract situation on social media this week, but there are no indications that it will impact his availability for the regular season. 
• QB Sam Howell had an impressive performance against the Titans, unlike how he's looked for most of training camp. 
• RBs Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet are the unit's undeniable 1-2 punch and are being kept out of harm's way until Week 1. 
• WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is building rapport with Geno Smith, but neither Tyler Lockett nor DK Metcalf is going away. 
• TE Noah Fant should have a significant role once he returns from his minor injury.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Baker Mayfield struggled early in joint practice with the Jaguars. 
• QB John Wolford suffered a rib injury during the preseason game. 
• TE Payne Durham is day-to-day with a knee injury. 
• WR Rakim Jarrett is sidelined with an undisclosed injury.
• Rookie WR Kameron Johnson received high praise from Baker Mayfield. 

Tennessee Titans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Will Levis struggled in the preseason when facing a tougher defense.
• WR Calvin Ridley also struggled when going against Seattle.
• RBs Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears continue to show impressive skill sets.
• TEs Chigoziem Okonkwo and Josh Whyle were listed as co-starters on the most recent tight end depth chart.
• The defense may make some serious noise.

Washington Commanders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

• QB Jayden Daniels had another inspiring preseason performance but also made a huge mistake that aligns with critics' biggest worry: his inability to avoid contact. He'll start Week 1.
• RBs Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr appear set for a full-on committee.
• WR Terry McLaurin is the unquestioned top target and could see a big target share.
• WR Jahan Dotson is struggling to cement the No. 2 role, with Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown firmly in the mix.
• TE Zach Ertz hasn't been on the field much in key situations, but the team remains committed to him as their starter. 

And that's that for this week. Let me know if you found this type of thing useful by shooting an email to bryant@footballguys.com. And keep up with me on Twitter by clicking the follow button below.

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