Training Camp Notes: July 29

Training Camp Notes: July 29

This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.

Quarterback news dominated the NFL landscape Thursday, though other positions certainly had their own little nuggets. We'll jump right in, starting in New Orleans.

Taysom Hill started camp with the first-team offense, while Jameis Winston took second-team reps. Nevertheless, coach Sean Payton said afterward that both will rotate with the first team as they compete for the starting gig. The choice has ramifications for the whole Saints offense.  Winston is the better downfield passer and looked sharp with his deep balls on the first day of practice, while Hill didn't attempt a pass of more than eight yards. Granted, it's only one day of camp, but it illustrates how the Saints' offensive weapons are likely to be affected utilized once the regular season gets underway.

Deshaun Watson continued working with the second team as he attempts to get up to speed with his Houston teammates after missing the offseason program. Tyrod Taylor again was the first-team signal-caller. Fantasy managers might prefer having a known commodity in Taylor running the offense over the riskier though more talented Watson, given the latter's trade demands and ongoing legal troubles.

• After Dak Prescott was diagnosed with a strained shoulder Wednesday, it only made sense he wouldn't do much the following day, even though the strain doesn't appear to be serious. The 28-year-old won't throw for a few days but will still do footwork drills and conditioning in the meantime.

• Following a turbulent offseason, Aaron Rodgers agreed to a reworked deal with the Packers  through 2022. His previous contract had an extra year on it, ending in 2023. The news should temporarily ease fantasy managers' minds as it pertains to Green Bay's weapons for the next couple seasons. Additionally, the Packers acquired Randall Cobb from the Texans, apparently per Rodgers' request. While the improved quarterback situation helps Cobb, he is now 30 and did not top 653 yards or four touchdowns in any of his final three seasons in Green Bay, the last of which was 2018. His arrival likely won't affect Davante Adams but certainly could tamper expectations for Allen Lazard, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and 2021 third-rounder Amari Rodgers.              

• In Washington, Ryan Fitzpatrick won't automatically be handed the reins to the offense. He'll have to beat out journeyman Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen, who is still working his way back from a broken ankle suffered last October. Fitzpatrick likely will win the job, but fantasy managers will want to keep tabs on the situation as he has played himself out of jobs before.

Cam Newton worked ahead of first-round pick Mac Jones through two days of Patriots camp, though the competition is reportedly even thus far in terms of performance. Given Newton's experience with New England and in the league, he probably has the edge to start the season, but he struggled in 2020 and never really looked right, so Jones will be lurking if those problems continue.

Zach Wilson, whom the Jets took second overall in this year's draft, finally agreed to terms on his rookie deal. He immediately slots in as the starter for New York and can now get to work.

• Finally, we're done with the quarterbacks and are on to the receivers. DeAndre Hopkins missed practice with a minor "thing," according to coach Kliff Kingsbury, who would not elaborate. The 29-year-old should be back on the field soon, though.

A.J. Brown is recovering from offseason surgeries on both knees but is looking good so far as he made a number of catches in practice Thursday, including going over Janoris Jenkins in the end zone for a touchdown. Brown looks like he'll be ready for Week 1 when he should take the field opposite Julio Jones in the new-look Titans offense.

Odell Beckham was held out of practice Thursday as part of his regular rehab plan as he returns from ACL surgery last November. This isn't cause for alarm as it was pre-planned. Beckham remains ahead of schedule in his recovery and still hopes to be ready for the Browns' opener.

• We'll finish with the best tight end in the league. Travis Kelce left the day's events early because of back and hip tightness, but this was precautionary, as we're "talking about practice," and the Chiefs have no need to push their star tight end this early.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Phillips
David Phillips is originally from Austin, Texas. He has been playing fantasy sports for close to 30 years and won the 60-team RotoWire Vegas staff fantasy football league in 2020. His favorite teams are all from the Dallas area, with the possible exception of the San Antonio Spurs.
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