Baltimore Ravens

A growing rapport is developing between Baltimore Ravensthird-year tight end Isaiah Likely and quarterback Lamar Jackson. A fourth-round pick out of Coastal Carolina in 2022, Likely has been making waves over the last few days as Sunday's star of practice, along with numerous connections on Monday with Jackson. After Monday's practice, offensive coordinator Todd Monken stated, "We expect him to have a great year." Likely saw more time in 2023 when top tight end Mark Andrews was injured with a broken fibula, but with a quarterback who loves throwing to tight ends, Likely could see an uptick in work even with Andrews healthy. While Likely is a deeper-league pick in fantasy drafts, his involvement in the offense should be monitored if he sees more time on the field in 2024.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is dealing with a mild groin strain and is considered day-to-day, head coach Dave Canales told reporters at Wednesday's practice during training camp. Soft-tissue injuries always have a chance to linger, but it would likely be an overreaction at this point to significantly alter Johnson's standing in fantasy rankings based on this development. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to return to practice ahead of Saturday's preseason game against the visiting New York Jets. Without very much competition surrounding him in Carolina's receiving corps, Johnson figures to be the focal point of the Panthers' passing game in 2024 as quarterback Bryce Young's top target. The 27-year-old veteran wideout is a WR3 with WR2 upside in the second half of fantasy drafts this summer.

The Baltimore Ravens announced on Wednesday that tight end Mark Andrews was involved in a car accident while driving to the team's facilities. Andrews was evaluated by the medical staff and did not sustain any apparent injuries. He later joined the team for their morning meetings. Andrews was originally scheduled for a non-practice day on Wednesday and is expected to return to the field in the coming days. "I appreciate everyone's thoughts and well wishes. This is a great reminder about the importance of wearing seatbelts and remaining alert while driving a car," Andrews said in a statement. The 28-year-old's 2023 season ended early in Week 11 due to a lower-leg injury, but he's healthy now and will once again be one of quarterback Lamar Jackson's top targets in one of the most explosive offenses in football. Treat him as a top-five fantasy TE.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (undisclosed) returned to training camp practice on Monday after suffering a minor injury to his midsection during practice a week ago when he fell on a football. The 24-year-old was held out of the preseason opener on Friday against the Philadelphia Eagles as a precaution but is now back with the rest of the team and should get some reps in this Saturday in the second preseason contest. The Ravens have said all offseason that they expect Bateman to take on a bigger role in 2024 after he caught just 32 passes for 367 yards and one touchdown in 16 regular-season games a year ago. At best, he'll be the No. 3 passing-game target behind Zay Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews. Fantasy managers in standard 12-team leagues are going to want to see Bateman prove it before picking him up off the waiver wire.

Baltimore Ravens running back Rasheen Ali (undisclosed) sustained a stinger partway through Friday's preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Brian Wacker of the Baltimore Sun. As a result, he was absent from practice on Sunday. Ali rushed a whopping 10 times in the contest but was held to just 26 yards on the ground. He should make the 53-man roster with Keaton Mitchell (knee) on the PUP list, but he'll need a strong camp and start to the season in order to gain a firm hold on his role within the Ravens' offense. For the time being, he fills a depth spot and can be avoided in most redraft leagues.