This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
Well, this is officially the last Sunday before the regular season begins, but we're certainly not at a loss for fantasy news to cover.
· After hope was expressed that Mike Williams (shoulder) would be ready for Week 1, Daniel Popper of The Athletic is reporting that the Chargers may be without him for most of September. In the short term, Jalen Guyton and Joe Reed could take snaps in Williams' absence, but the biggest fantasy beneficiaries will likely be Keenan Allen and Hunter Henry, who both could see elevated target counts until Williams returns to action.
· Adrian Peterson didn't take long to find a new job after Washington let him go- he inked a one-year deal with the Lions, and the fact he signed before Week 2, means his salary is guaranteed for the season. It would seem that if they sought him out, they plan to use him, but it's difficult to see him getting more than 10-15 carries a week with little work as a receiver, so targeting him as a flex option is reasonable. However, if D'Andre Swift emerges as a star, that could push Peterson to the side quickly. Also, it's most likely that Kerryon Johnson is the player who loses quite a bit of his upside with Peterson on the team.
· Updating a story from yesterday's Training Camp Notes, Deebo Samuel (foot) was officially activated from the active/non-football injury list, but even though he could be available in Week 1, he may be eased into action, making him a risky fantasy option for now.
· It's certainly been a busy week in the Jacksonville backfield, and for now, Chris Thompson is expected to have a pass-catching role in the committee, which is no surprise, as he's well-versed in Jay Gruden's offense. That said, coach Doug Marrone said the backfield approach would be situation and matchup-based, so Devine Ozigbo and James Robinson will see early-season touches as well. And let's not forget Ryquell Armstead, who's unlikely to play in Week 1 due to being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, but he could be available soon. Overall, it may require a crystal ball to figure out which Jacksonville RB to use in fantasy lineups each week.
· Potentially adding to the backfield situation (or mess) in Jacksonville, Devonta Freeman is expected to visit the team. Although Freeman's best days are likely behind him, should he agree to a deal with the team, potential volume could put him on the fantasy radar, making him a player to consider late in drafts when the remaining RBs are uninspiring.
· As expected, Rashad Penny (knee) will start the season on the reserve/PUP list, and he cannot begin practicing until Week 6. In leagues that have ample IR spots, why not take a chance to roster and stash him to see how he looks as the season progresses?
· Looking for a kicker? Stephen Gostkowski won the starting job with the Titans and playing on an offense that could frequently stall out on drives in the red zone, he could see a healthy number of field-goal attempts, making him an option in 12-team leagues.
· For those in IDP leagues, Jadeveon Clowney landed in Tennessee, and with his ability to defend against the run along with his pass-rushing chops, he goes back to being a solid target in leagues that use him as a defensive lineman. However, he may not be ready to play in Week 1, so if he's needed right away, the wavier wire may be the place to find him next week.
