This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
We now have a full week of preseason action in the books. That gets us another week closer to Week 1. Let's take a look at today's news and notes.
Injury Notes
- J.K. Dobbins (undisclosed) was activated from the PUP list, and he participated in Monday's practice. Whether his absence was injury- or contract-related, it appears that he's ready to prepare for Week 1. The third-year RB is expected to be the Ravens' lead RB. He's usually drafted around the top-20 RBs. Should he come through with a season of full health, Dobbins could easily outperform his ADP.
- Panthers' free-agent addition Miles Sanders (groin) did not practice Monday. He's been out since suffering the injury on August 9. With about a month until the regular season, hopefully there is enough time for Sanders to heal up. For those drafting before he returns to action, this is at least something to be aware of. For those who are risk averse, it may be worth drafting a similar option who's currently healthy.
- Jonathan Taylor remains on the active/PUP list. However, after an extended absence due to rehabbing his ankle, the fourth-year RB reported to the Colts' facility on Monday. Unless he actually begins practicing, it appears that Taylor may still be missing practice due to displeasure with his contract.
- Saints' third-round draft choice Kendre Miller was diagnosed with a minor knee sprain. The injury is expected to keep him sidelined for a week or two. Miller also missed time earlier in the offseason, so it may be difficult for him to push Jamaal Williams for a lead role while Alvin Kamara serves his three-game suspension to start the season. That said, assuming Miller heals up, he should be in line to be part of the Week 1 backfield rotation.
- After injuring his knee in Week 10 last year, Zach Ertz is expected to come off the PUP list this week. Although Ertz has been a great player for a long time, his fantasy value may be on the decline. In 2022, Ertz benefitted from DeAndre Hopkins' suspension, specifically during Weeks 3-6, when he averaged nine targets. However, he only posted more than 50 yards twice before his season-ending injury. Ertz also recorded a fifth-percentile yards after the catch rate. At age 32 and coming off a serious injury, don't be surprised if Trey McBride cuts into the target volume Ertz had in the past.
Job Battles
- Ezekiel Elliott is expected to sign a one-year deal with the Patriots that's worth up to $6 million. It seems that New England was looking to bring in a veteran RB all offseason, and now they landed one. With Bill Belichick as the coach, it's difficult to assume anything. Maybe Rhamondre Stevenson's role remains unchanged. It's also possible that after Stevenson fumbled six times (two of those were lost) over the last two seasons, that Belichick may have other plans for his backfield. It seems clear that Elliott is no longer the player he once was, but making assumptions about this backfield may be dangerous. One thing seems likely- this isn't the best news for Stevenson, but it also may not be the worst.
- Despite injuring his ribs in Friday's preseason game, Elijah Moore is expected to serve in a variety of roles in the Browns offense. Coach Kevin Stefanski said that Moore will run the ball, catch the ball, and there's no shortage of plays for his new WR. During the last six games of his 2021 rookie season, Moore averaged five catches, 76 yards and scored five TDs. If he is unlocked in Cleveland, Moore could significantly outperform his ADP, which is usually around pick 90.
