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One of the best and most comprehensive features we do every year is our Footballguys Training Camp Updates. Every week in August, our Bob Henry and his team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's incredible and frankly, probably worth the price of the Footballguys Season Long Pro subscription just by itself. Each edition is almost 40 pages long.
While I encourage you to read every word of every week, I also understand Life Happens. And one of the more valuable services Footballguys can add is saving you time. For this article, I had the idea of taking the comprehensive Training Camp Update and distilling 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 Camp 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 Season Long Pro 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.
Let's get to it.
Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Kyler Murray looked solid in his NFL preseason debut and continues to draw praise from HC Kilff Kingsbury.
- Running backs David Johnson and Chase Edmonds are both locked into all the volume in the running game.
- Wide receiver Andy Isabella is back at practice and ready to make his preseason debut this week.
- Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones rebounded with a strong performance but now has Charles Clay competing as the latter is off of the PUP list.
- Linebacker Jordan Hicks is quickly becoming a leader on the defensive side of the ball.
Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Running backs Ito Smith and Brian Hill split time evenly through the first and second quarter of the preseason game against Miami. They both demonstrated versatility, but Hill was the most powerful against front-seven defenders and sharper at the goal line. Hill once again earned praise from Dan Quinn during the second week of camp.
- Running back Kenjon Barner has been a standout in return duty this month but also made plays as a passing-down specialist in the two-minute drill against Miami.
- Receivers Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley returned to practice on Sunday after earning precautionary rest.
- Receiver Russell Gage is an improved route runner, and he’s consistently winning routes and making plays after the catch. Gage and Olamide Zaccheaus could cut into Justin Hardy's opportunities.
Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Lamar Jackson is progressing as a passer, and head coach John Harbaugh says the team is on the verge of an offensive revolution because of Jackson’s unique skills.
- Running back Mark Ingram was called the most complete back in the NFL by his running backs coach, who included pass-blocking as one of Ingram’s skills.
- The RB2 competition is still open. Justice Hill appears to be the most dynamic, but Gus Edwards has improved his pass-catching. Kenneth Dixon is on the roster bubble but is practicing at a high level.
- Wide receiver Marquise Brown saw his first work 11-on-11 drills on Saturday, August 10. Fellow receiver Miles Boykin isn’t always consistent, but the positives are turning heads. Chris Moore was the most productive in this week’s preseason game and has chemistry with Jackson from offseason training sessions.
- Tight end Mark Andrews is making jaw-dropping plays in practices and showing incredible rapport with Jackson in the red zone.
Buffalo Bills Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Josh Allen is still dealing with accuracy issues but looked comfortable and showed signs of progress in a win over the Colts.
- LeSean McCoy remains the starting running back but it’s likely the Bills will employ a committee approach at the position this year.
- Devin Singletary is listed as the third-string running back but is drawing raves in camp and could force his way into a bigger role.
- Wide receiver Zay Jones was targeted 5 times on 11 throws from Josh Allen, but errant throws held him back.
- Cornerback E.J. Gaines was placed on injured reserve, leading the team to sign Captain Munnerlyn.
Carolina Panthers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- The contest between Kyle Allen and Will Grier for the backup quarterback spot is still very much up in the air.
- Wide receiver Curtis Samuel continues to wow coaches, teammates, and onlookers alike.
- With running back Jordan Scarlett injured, Reggie Bonnafon and Elijah Holyfield are battling for the third roster spot.
- Tight end Ian Thomas is establishing himself as a reliable red-zone threat but left the game with a rib injury.
- Defensive end Brian Burns is showcasing his speed and explosiveness, while the team continues to be cautious with star linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Chicago Bears Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- The Bears rested most of their starters in the preseason opener against the Panthers, as the team tries to keep everybody healthy for the regular season.
- Rookie running back David Montgomery had an impressive showing as he picked up 46 yards on 6 touches, including an impressive 7-yard touchdown run.
- Wide receiver Anthony Miller suffered an ankle injury in practice over the weekend, but initial reports said it wasn’t serious and he’ll be ready for the regular season.
- Tight end Adam Shaheen returned to practice and looked great while Trey Burton seems close to returning as well.
- All indications thus far are that the defense will remain elite following a coordinator change, but they haven’t been fully tested in a game situation yet.
Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- QB Andy Dalton and WR Tyler Boyd look set to pick up right where they left off last season.
- Trayveon Williams has been very good, giving the Bengals a third running back they are confident in behind Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard.
- Running back Rodney Anderson has been removed from the Non-Football Injury list, which is a good sign he is progressing well in his recovery from a torn ACL.
- Wide receiver Josh Malone will open the season as a starter until A.J. Green returns.
- Wide receiver John Ross remains out with a minor hamstring injury.
Cleveland Browns Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Baker Mayfield has been putting zip on accurate passes in practices.
- Running back Duke Johnson was traded to the Texans, making Dontrell Hilliard the primary backup to Nick Chubb while Kareem Hunt serves his suspension.
- HC Freddie Kitchens has been publicly praising RB Nick Chubb which is notable as that's not normally Kitchens' style.
- Wide receivers Odell Beckham and Jarvis Landry have returned to practice after undisclosed illness and injury situations.
- Wide receiver Antonio Callaway is being outperformed by both Derrick Willies and Jaelen Strong to this point.
- The tight end group is banged up right now with David Njoku appearing to hurt his hamstring in practice and both Seth DeValve and Demetrius Harris recovering from concussions.
Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Dak Prescott has been up-and-down in camp, but that’s not atypical for him. He looked sharp in his one drive of the preseason tilt against the 49ers.
- Rookie RB Tony Pollard got the start in place of Ezekiel Elliott, and both Prescott and Jerry Jones were effusive in their praise for him this week.
- WR Amari Cooper continues to nurse a sore heel, and Michael Gallup has looked nearly unstoppable as a vertical threat in his absence.
- TE Jason Witten is locked in as the starter and looks no different than he did two seasons ago before leaving for the broadcast booth.
- The Cowboys defense has a chance to make a fantasy impact, as a youth movement in recent years has paid off with young, impact players at every level.
Denver Broncos Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Rookie quarterback Drew Lock has been uneven in practices but improved majorly from his first preseason game to his second.
- RBs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman have the Broncos’ ground game locked down, though Theo Riddick’s fractured shoulder leaves them vulnerable on passing downs.
- Starting wide receivers Emmanuel Sanders and Courtland Sutton clashed and had to be separated last week, though Sanders insists there’s no issue there.
- WR DaeSean Hamilton is back at full practice and looks poised to cement the No. 3 job.
- Rookie tight end Noah Fant has dazzled with his speed and athleticism and should carve out a role quickly – provided he gets his conditioning under control.
Detroit Lions Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Matthew Stafford had a rough start to this week’s joint practices with the Patriots as he struggled in the first practice, but he caught fire in the second practice and performed at a high level.
- Quarterback Tom Savage was leading the competition for the backup job but he sustained a concussion in the Lions preseason game on Thursday night and is in the concussion protocol.
- The Lions starting receiver trio of Marvin Jones, Kenny Golladay, and Danny Amendola all look capable of making big plays for this offense.
- Jermaine Kearse suffered a gruesome lower leg injury on Thursday night and is out for the season, and the injury opens the door to several receivers in the mix for the No. 4 job.
- Tight end T.J. Hockenson continues his excellent play during practices, and he is emerging as one of Stafford’s go-to targets in the red zone.
Green Bay Packers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- RB Aaron Jones has returned to practice, calling his hamstring woes “just tightness” and insisting his new diet/workout regimen will increase durability.
- Rookie running back Dexter Williams has been uneven in camp, but erupted in the preseason opener and could push Jamaal Williams for the No. 2 role.
- Wide receiver Equanimeous St. Brown has fallen to at least No. 4 on the depth chart – and with last weekend’s injury, could also slip below the surging Jake Kumerow.
- Undrafted rookie receiver Darrius Shepherd continues to turn heads, both as a receiver and a punt returner, and even Aaron Rodgers singled him out for praise last week.
- TE Jimmy Graham is fired up and sounds anxious to "shut a lot of people up" who've criticized him.
- In his second Packers camp, tight end Robert Tonyan looks firmly ahead of rookie Jace Sternberger for rotational snaps.
Houston Texans Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Backup quarterback AJ McCarron broke the thumb on his throwing hand. In his absence, Joe Webb will be the top backup.
- Running back Duke Johnson was acquired for a mid-round draft pick. He will share touches with Lamar Miller. Bill O’Brien insists Johnson is more than just a third-down back.
- WR DeAndre Hopkins has been dominant in practice.
- WR Keke Coutee injured his ankle in the preseason opener. While the injury isn’t considered severe, it could impact his availability for Week 1.
- There is little clarity as to how the snaps will breakdown at tight end. A committee approach is increasingly likely.
- Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney is planning to sign his franchise tender and join the team immediately following the third preseason game.
Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Andrew Luck appears no closer to returning from his lower leg injury and worry is mounting. It seems at this point, he's questionable at best for Week 1.
- The Colts claimed running back DOnta Foreman off waivers from Houston. Foreman is being eased into practice and will battle Jordan Wilkins and Jonathan Williams for early-down backup duties behind Marlon Mack.
- Chester Rogers would be the team’s starting slot receiver if the season opened today but rookie Parris Campbell can still make his case now that he’s set to return from a hamstring injury.
- Last year’s training camp standout, wide receiver Deon Cain, looks fully recovered from ACL surgery and had Reich gushing after Saturday’s practice. Don’t forget his name in case Devin Funchess gets injured or is ineffective.
- Tight end Jack Doyle is over his minor oblique strain but now Eric Ebron has missed time with a vague foot/ankle injury. It doesn’t sound overly serious but is worth monitoring.
- Defensive end Jabaal Sheard underwent a knee procedure, putting his Week 1 status in doubt.
Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Nick Foles has great chemistry with his receiving core in Westbrook, Chark, Conley, and Cole.
- Running back Leonard Fournette is looking committed and showing flashes in the passing game. He's been more involved as a receiver.
- Wide receiver Marqise Lee remains on the PUP list with no set timetable to be cleared.
- Wide receiver Chris Conley and quarterback Nick Foles have a great connection with each other.
- Tight end Geoff Swaim has plenty of opportunities to grab the starting role with Josh Oliver set back with a severe hamstring injury.
Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- RB Damien Williams was announced in July as the starter but missed a lot of early camp, and coach Andy Reid has hinted about a committee. Although some feel it'll be mostly Williams. It's a developing situation.
- RBs Carlos Hyde and rookie Darwin Thompson will rotate liberally into the backfield, and Thompson looked particularly explosive in the preseason opener.
- WR Tyreek Hill’s early quad bruise has proven minor, as he’s back at practice without limitation.
- Rookie WR Mecole Hardman has dazzled onlookers with his speed and athleticism, and he’s building a strong timing connection with Patrick Mahomes.
- Rookie safety Juan Thornhill has been a takeaway machine in practices; he looks ready to contribute splash plays with or without a starting job.
Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- RB Melvin Gordon’s holdout continued through the second week of training camp with no end in sight. Duke Johnson going to Houston took the Texans off the board for potential trading partners.
- RB Austin Ekeler is listed on the initial depth chart as the starter and started the first preseason game while Justin Jackson also worked with the first team.
- WR Mike Williams continues to have a strong camp, including a fine high point catch along the sideline in the first preseason game.
- QB Philip Rivers and WR Keenan Allen were held out of the first preseason game to protect their health for the regular season, while Mike Williams and TE Hunter Henry both played two series of the game.
Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- The Rams starting offense was held out of the first preseason game, continuing last year’s offseason trend where the starting offense did not play in the preseason.
- WR Cooper Kupp continues to have positive indications during his return from last season’s ACL tear.
- RB Todd Gurley has been getting positive practice reports while getting consistent veteran rest days throughout camp.
- QB Jared Goff has had a strong training camp with consistent reports about his improved conditioning and ability to throw better on the move.
Miami Dolphins Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to lead the quarterback competition, but the race looks to have tightened up.
- Quarterback Josh Rosen has bounced back from a rough start to camp. He was inconsistent but there were definitely bright spots in his two-quarters of action in the preseason opener.
- Running back Kenyan Drake started the game last week and played the entire first series while Kalen Ballage played the whole second series with the starting unit. This was looking like a committee but on August 14, Drake was in a walking boot at practice. Stay tuned.
- The hype surrounding rookie wide receiver Preston Williams will only grow after a spectacular performance in the preseason opener.
- WR Preston Williams and QB Josh Rosen have formed a nice connection. Assuming the Dolphins aren’t contenders, we could see a lot of this duo late in the season.
Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Kirk Cousins looked sharp while delivering a perfect opening drive for the preseason game. Cousins and his skillset seem to fit well into offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski's system.
- Running back Alexander Mattison looked the part in his NFL debut scoring a receiving touchdown and collecting 30 yards on the ground.
- Rookie wide receiver Olabisi Johnson is making a push for a starting role and delivered with a pair of catches for 35 yards and a touchdown.
- Tight end Kyle Rudolph continues to work well with Kirk Cousins as the two get in a full offseason together.
New England Patriots Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- QB Brian Hoyer is the clear backup. But rookie QB Jarrett Stidham, an intriguing prospect to be Tom Brady’s heir, has drawn praise from both the team and the media alike.
- RB Sony Michel continues to see expanded work in the passing game; it looks like a foregone conclusion he’ll improve on last season’s eight receptions.
- Rookie power back Damien Harris hasn’t seen much practice time with the first team, and for whatever reason, he didn’t get into the Lions game at all.
- Undrafted rookie WR Jakobi Meyers capped a fantastic week of practice with a huge preseason opener, and he’s likely not far from clinching a roster spot.
- The tight end room is crowded, and presumed Week One starter Matt LaCosse has been particularly streaky thus far.
New Orleans Saints Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- While the Saints love QB Taysom Hill and his Tim Tebow-like versatility, Teddy Bridgewater remains locked-in as the backup and heir apparent to Drew Brees.
- RB Latavius Murray has returned to full practice, and his presence will keep lead guy Alvin Kamara on a Sean Payton-imposed “pitch count.”
- Michael Thomas and Ted Ginn are the unquestioned starting receivers, but a host of youngsters are vying for the next three or four slots.
- TE Jared Cook continues to get open and make plays down the seams, establishing a strong rapport with Drew Brees.
New York Giants Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones passed his first test with flying colors, but the coaches insist Eli Manning is entrenched.
- The receiving corps lacks star power, particularly while Golden Tate misses four games on suspension.
- RB Saquon Barkley is a one-man wrecking crew, and the Giants run game lives or dies with him.
- Tight end Evan Engram has been so good he’s getting the Saquon Barkley treatment as a healthy scratch against the Jets.
- Placekicker Aldrick Rosas may not be a household name, but he was a top-10 fantasy kicker in 2018 and has both incredible accuracy and a booming leg.
New York Jets Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- RB LeVeon Bell was rested for the first game. All seems relatively good and quiet there.
- The Jets don’t have a replacement for TE Chris Herndon during his suspension, but former Rugby player Valentine Holmes has been excellent this week and could be used as an H-Back.
- Adam Gase’s first game as the Jets head coach showed how much he loves slot receivers, and bodes well for Jamison Crowder in this offense.
- Kicker Chandler Catanzaro retired this week and the Jets pulled in Taylor Bertolet, who has never kicked in a regular-season NFL game.
- RB Ty Montgomery implied this week that he will be lining up as both a receiver and running back, saying "I feel like a true hybrid in this offense." He could see the field a lot despite the presence of LeVeon Bell.
Oakland Raiders Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- WR Antonio Brown’s returned to camp after losing his appeal to keep using his old helmet and at least publicly sounds optimistic. Most seem to feel his foot injury does not appear to be serious.
- HC Jon Gruden was asked if expects Antonio Brown to play in Week 1? Gruden answered, "Oh yeah. Yep."
- Running back Josh Jacobs is already listed as the starter on the depth chart, and his lack of preseason touches leads many to believe the Raiders are keeping him fresh for a heavy workload in the regular season.
- Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow is the real deal and should be the starter in the slot.
- The hype for tight end Darren Waller hype continues to grow, and it may be justified given how dominant he has been in practice.
Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz is in the best shape of his career and has been taking chances throughout camp leading to a lot of turnovers but also big-time vertical gains.
- While it’s logical to assume a running back committee, given the position’s depth, rookie Miles Sanders has progressed quickly and is starting to distance himself from Jordan Howard on a play-by-play basis. Sanders is the only back on the roster with No. 1 fantasy upside; it’s just a question of whether the coaches give him the opportunity.
- There’s no true No. 1 receiver as DeSean Jackson looks like he’s sipped the fountain of youth, while neither Alshon Jeffery nor Nelson Agholor has taken a step backward. Wentz is going to throw to the open man, and all three will have their moments.
- No. 2 tight end Dallas Goedert hurt his calf and will miss the remainder of the preseason but is expected to be back for Week One.
- The defense is dangerously thin at linebacker, particularly if the front office decides L.J. Fort isn’t worth as much as the fourth-round draft pick they’ll get next year if they release him.
Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is using all of his weapons in camp practices so far. Despite key personnel losses, many in Pittsburgh are excited about the offense. Not sure we buy it, but Paul Ziese of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says this “could be the best Steelers offense of the Roethlisberger era.”
- RB James Conner is being handled with care so far in camp as the team wants to manage his wear and tear. Jaylen Samuels continues to show his versatility as a pass-catcher, and Benny Snell has more long runs in camp practices than any other back on the team.
- Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is embracing his role as a leader despite his young age and is ready to take on the No. 1 receiver role.
- Behind Smith-Schuster, Donte Moncrief is the clear No. 2 wide receiver. But James Washington and Diontae Johnson are impressing, which could lead to many three-receiver sets during the season.
- Tight end Vance McDonald is primed for a big season due to a lack of depth at the position and the targets available in the offense with key personnel departures. McDonald’s biggest obstacle is health, as he has never played a full season.
San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- The wide receiving corps for the 49ers is in flux, with Dante Pettis struggling to establish himself as a lead wide receiver.
- WR Trent Taylor broke his foot and needed surgery to insert a screw, but is expected back early in the season.
- RB Jerick McKinnon returned from the PUP list, but experienced soreness in his knee and is receiving plasma injections into his knee to try and assist in his rehabilitation.
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo has been inconsistent in training camp in his return from an ACL tear last season.
Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Rookie WR Jazz Ferguson has had a tremendous August, not just impressing his coaches with his ability, but with his commitment by dropping over ten pounds heading into camp.
- RB Chris Carson has seen plenty of receptions in camp, reinforcing the expectation that he will be very involved in the passing game this season.
- The defense rebounded Sunday, but the Seahawks are concerned with how discordant the team looked on the opening drive Thursday and need more focus from them.
- After a great Thursday, QB Paxton Lynch came back down to earth during Sunday’s practice and still has a lot to do to pass Geno Smith.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Running back Ronald Jones appears bigger, stronger and is getting better between the tackles, but Peyton Barber still appears more patient and refined in similar situations. This will be a committee but with Jones the most volatile asset of the pair because Dare Ogunbowale may earn the nickel role as a receiving back.
- Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds believes WR Breshad Perriman’s rapport with Jameis Winston in the vertical game is better than what Winston ever had with DeSean Jackson.
- Defensive tackle Vita Vea sprained his LCL during practice and will miss 6-8 weeks while undergoing non-surgical rehabilitation.
- Linebacker Lavonte David had surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee but he should return in time for the regular-season opener.
- Outside linebacker Noah Spence is having strong training camp and preseason.
Tennessee Titans Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Quarterback Marcus Mariota may be operating an offense that is primarily 11 personnel (1 RB with 1 TE). That would be a change from last year.
- Running back Derrick Henry remains sidelined with a calf injury, so Dion Lewis took his first-team reps in practice.
- Wide receiver Corey Davis was back after suffering a minor injury in an earlier practice but did not participate in the preseason game.
- Wide receiver Tajae Sharpe is currently beating out Taywan Taylor to be a starter in three-wide receiver sets.
- Tight end Delanie Walker got in some work in the preseason game, which signals the team has no concerns about his health status.
Washington Redskins Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report
- Washington is no closer to naming a starting quarterback after Dwayne Haskins struggled in his debut against the Browns.
- Derrius Guice, Adrian Peterson, and Chris Thompson have the top three running back roles locked up, but it remains unclear whether Guice or Peterson will have the lead role on first and second downs.
- The receiving corps lacks stars unless you count new slot receiver Trey Quinn – who lacks athleticism but is consistent and sure-handed.
- TE Jordan Reed made it through another week healthy and looked like the team’s only elite skill player in the process.
- WR Josh Doctson is not guaranteed a roster spot, much less the No. 1 receiver role.
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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