Fantasy Football 2024: Training Camp Roundup (8/2)

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 from Thursday into Friday.

Justin Herbert Week-to-Week with Plantar Fascia Injury

The Chargers had a rough day at practice Thursday, as Herbert, Gus Edwards and Ladd McConkey were all sidelined. There’s no word on why Edwards or McConkey missed practice, but Herbert steals the headline here. The Charges say the quarterback will be in a boot for two weeks, then he’ll gradually work his way back. The team expects him to be ready to play by Week 1, but this is an injury that could linger throughout the entire season. Herbert was already falling down draft boards with the departure of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler and Gerald Everett. This should be a run-first team, and Herbert can run, but there are concerns he may be limited throughout the 2024 season. As for my guy Ladd, let’s hope Herbert returns soon because Easton Stick would not be good for the rookie’s game.

DeAndre Hopkins Sidelined 4-6 Weeks Due to Knee Strain

Hopkins suffered a knee injury during practice Thursday, which could cost him to miss a game or two. We have five weeks before Week 1, so it is still possible Hopkins could be ready to go when the Titans open up the season in Chicago. He’s been a great value in the middle rounds of drafts and the offense in Tennessee is appealing for fantasy purposes after upgrading significantly in the offseason. Calvin Ridley was also a good value, but you can expect him to rise up draft boards now. Hopkins will be worth your time because he’ll slip a round or two with this news. If you could get him as your WR4 or even WR5, I’d consider that a win. I’ve been all over the Tennessee stack in best ball, and I still like it.

Groin Injury Keeps Josh Jacobs Out of Practice

Jacobs wasn’t able to suit up in practice, which doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it’s certainly something to monitor. Jacobs missed the first week of OTAs due to a hamstring strain, and he missed time last year during the season. Don’t expect to see Jacobs rushed back to practice. MarShawn Lloyd returned to practice this week, and he’ll compete with AJ Dillion for RB2 status on the Packers.

Geno Smith Will Undergo Imaging for Training Camp Injuries

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald wouldn’t say what was bothering Smith, but reports suggest a knee and hip injury will keep him off the field for the time being. Sam Howell will take valuable first team reps in the meantime under Ryan Grubb’s new offense.

D’Onta Foreman’s X-Rays and CT Scans Come Back Negative

Foreman suffered a neck injury after taking a helmet-to-helmet shot in practice Thursday. He was taken to the hospital for precautionary reasons. He had movement in all of his extremities and will be released from the hospital. There’s no word on when Foreman will return to the football field. Should he be ready for Week 1, he could carve out a goal-line role with the Browns until Nick Chubb returns to the lineup.

Yaya Diaby Sidelined 4-6 Weeks Due to High Ankle Sprain

This is for you IDP players out there because Diaby had a fantastic rookie season last year. The good news here is that X-rays were negative, and this won’t be a season-ending injury.