Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens will rest quarterback Lamar Jackson in the preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday. It's been the routine for Jackson, though, as he's one of six QBs who have not played game snaps in the last two preseasons and then started in Week 1. "We have done well over the years doing that because we practice well," head coach John Harbaugh said. "It comes down to practice. Practice is what makes it." Since Harbaugh became the Ravens coach in 2008, he has never played his starters for any great length of time in preseason games. Jackson won his second MVP award in 2023 and didn't play in the preseason last year, so fantasy managers considering drafting him as a top-five fantasy signal-caller shouldn't be worried that he'll come out rusty in Week 1 of the 2024 regular season against the defending Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that wide receiver Diontae Johnson (illness) was held out of Thursday's training camp practice due to an illness. The Panthers are still hoping that Johnson will be feeling good enough to suit up on Saturday against the Buffalo Bills in the preseason finale after not playing at all in the first two preseason contests. Johnson has dealt with several minor injuries in his first camp with the Panthers this summer but should be fully healthy for the start of the 2024 regular season. Carolina acquired the 28-year-old from the Pittsburgh Steelers, hoping he can be a spark to improve the offense drastically in quarterback Bryce Young's second season. Efficiency and volume have been problems for Johnson in the past, but he should see enough volume with his new squad (if healthy) in 2024 to be in play as a weekly WR3/flex in fantasy.

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry joined the team this offseason following an eight-year career with the Tennessee Titans that saw him rack up 9,502 rushing yards and 90 rushing touchdowns. King Henry posted a 2,000-yard rushing season in 2020, and although he has seemingly regressed since then, he's still been productive considering his offensive circumstances in Tennessee. Now in Baltimore, he's set to play with arguably the best rushing quarterback of all time, and Henry says the fit has been perfect. "I'm comfortable now. I'm right at home," he said, "Training camp was good. We got a lot better; [we're] still getting better, but I'm comfortable and right at home." While Henry's efficiency has declined, he could improve on his 4.2 yards-per-carry from last year since defenses have to respect Lamar Jackson in the rushing attack. He'll also run behind Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard, something Henry is excited about. As always, Henry will be more effective in standard and half-PPR formats than in PPR, and he could contend to lead the NFL in touchdowns if he stays healthy. He's reasonably priced around the RB9 spot in 2024 redraft leagues.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle, foot) went down at training camp practice on Tuesday with an apparent ankle/foot injury and was seen walking with a limp. It comes just as Johnson returned to the practice field after missing less than a week with a minor groin injury. It's not great news for the big offseason acquisition, but we'll have to wait for more word on the severity of Johnson's ankle/foot injury. When healthy, the 28-year-old former Pittsburgh Steeler has been one of second-year quarterback Bryce Young's favorite targets in training camp. The former third-rounder had his first 1,000-yard season in 2021 in Pittsburgh but has regressed since and even went without a touchdown in all of 2022. Carolina's offense figures to be better in 2024, and Johnson should be Young's top target when healthy, giving him WR3/flex value. Check back for more updates on Johnson's condition.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Russell Gage (undisclosed) was signed midway through training camp and jumped in immediately to find the end zone in his first practice. However, he suffered an undisclosed injury shortly thereafter and has only appeared on a side field while working with a trainer since. Time is running out for Gage to get healthy to make a case he belongs on the 53-man roster. Meanwhile, receiver Devontez Walker (rib) played just six offensive snaps in the second preseason game against the Falcons, and head coach John Harbaugh said afterward he's still dealing with a rib injury. The fourth-round rookie hasn't had many moments in practice during camp, has had few opportunities in games and has battled physical issues. It's highly unlikely Baltimore would outright cut a fourth-round selection, but Walker is running out of time to prove he warrants a game-day role when the regular season kicks off in two weeks.