Fantasy Football 2024: Training Camp Roundup (8/6)

Training camps provide our first look into NFL players and teams as we prepare for the upcoming fantasy football season. Information will now begin to flood our social media timelines, leaving us to determine the subsequent fantasy impact. It’s a matter of knowing which information matters, and which should be ignored.

So each day in this space, we’ll take a trip through the top news and takeaways around the league’s training camps to offer up what fantasy managers need to know as we head through draft season and into the 2024 NFL regular season.

Today, let’s review the major news as we move from Monday into Tuesday.

Brandon Aiyuk Saga?

In the latest NFL soap opera, it was reported late Monday that the 49ers had a structural deal in place to trade wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk to the Browns or Patriots.

BREAKING: The 49ers have the framework of a Brandon Aiyuk trade with both the Browns and the Patriots, a source told @MaioccoNBCS.

Now it's up to Aiyuk to decide if he will accept either team's contract terms https://t.co/8DIfq9rQMV

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 6, 2024

The problem? Aiyuk has a strong preference to play for the Steelers or Commanders, but those teams haven’t been able to agree to San Francisco’s trade demands. The latest report by Adam Schefter has Aiyuk being given permission to talk directly with other teams.

The San Francisco 49ers are now willing to listen to trade offers for Brandon Aiyuk and have given the star wide receiver permission to negotiate a contract with other teams.

Story via @MikeReiss:https://t.co/WBkRSS7GAJ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2024

Daniel Jones Earning Respect

Giants quarterback Daniel Jones played well in their scrimmage against the Lions, connecting on several passes including this deep play to rookie wideout Malik Nabers.

Here is the long catch down the sideline from Daniel Jones to Malik Nabers. Ref ruled incomplete.

I’m looking at this in the sun, but it looks like both feet tap, no?#Giants pic.twitter.com/LlYS3ItdaG

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 5, 2024

Jones also jumped in a fight to defend his teammates, earning praise from his offensive linemen. He was quoted after practice as feeling good about his progress and maintaining his confidence that he is one of the “best quarterbacks in the league.”

Raiders Starting Quarterback Still Unknown

The Las Vegas quarterback battle between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew continues to be muddled. Both players will see action in Saturday’s first preseason game against Minnesota.

Pierce didn't reveal who'll take the first snaps, but he said expects both Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell to play "a legit quarter" in the #Raiders' preseason opener against the Vikings on Saturday.

— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) August 5, 2024

Zack Moss Cincinnati RB1?

Chase Brown has grabbed all the headlines during Cincinnati training camp, receiving praise from both his coaches and teammates for his second-year improvement. However, it was veteran Zack Moss who was still listed ahead of Brown on the Bengals depth chart Monday morning.

Some quick thoughts on the #Bengals' first depth chart of the season⬇️https://t.co/p1FaDIMCiJ

— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 5, 2024

Rashod Bateman Impressing

Fantasy drafters are understandably nervous to believe in fourth-year wideout Rashod Bateman, who has disappointed in each of his first three NFL seasons. Since being selected as a first-round pick in 2021, he has posted a grand total of 93 receptions across 34 games. Bateman continues to make highlight plays in practice and is drawing consistent praise from teammates.

Some quick thoughts on the #Bengals' first depth chart of the season⬇️https://t.co/p1FaDIMCiJ

— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 5, 2024

Death, Taxes, James Conner

Veteran James Conner is the clear lead running back for Arizona, separating himself from third-round rookie rusher Trey Benson. Per Josh Weinfuss of ESPN, Conner put on a show for the fans at the Cardinals’ annual red and white practice, showcasing a variety of impressive moves.