Fantasy Football 2023: Training Camp Roundup (8/25)

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 2023 NFL regular season.

Today, let’s review the major news from Thursday. 

Jerry Jeudy Injures Hamstring

Jerry Jeudy pulled up limp Thursday, grabbing his hamstring during a run. He was surrounded by teammates, visibly concerned, and carted off the field. The severity of the injury is to be determined but will likely sideline Jeudy for a few weeks. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said he believes second-round rookie Marvin Mims can step up in Jeudy’s absence, continuing to impress in training camp. Sean Payton said Mims will play a lot in their final preseason game.

Sean Tucker Splits First-Team Reps

Undrafted free agent RB Sean Tucker split first-team reps with Rachaad White for the Bucs Thursday, taking over as the RB2 while Chase Edmonds remains out with an undisclosed injury. Tucker’s medical concerns hurt his draft stock, but no longer seem to be an issue for the rookie running back who may have a significant role in Tampa as the primary handcuff. In his final season at Syracuse, Tucker handled a career-high 246 carries for 1,496 rushing yards, and 12 touchdowns. He also showed prowess as a pass catcher, logging 36 receptions for 248 yards, and two scores through the air.

Cardinals’ Active in Trade Market

The Cardinals sent a 2024 fourth-round pick to Cleveland in exchange for quarterback Joshua Dobbs and a 2024 seventh-round pick. Dobbs started the last two games for the Titans last season, throwing for 411 yards and two touchdowns in Weeks 17-18. He joins Colt McCoy and Clayton Tune to compete for the QB1 job while Kyler Murray is sidelined. Per Pro Football Network, there’s a chance Murray will not play at all in the 2023 season. Arizona has continued to stockpile future draft capital, trading hybrid linebacker/safety Isaiah Simmons and offensive tackle Josh Jones for a fifth- and seventh-round pick in next year’s draft in separate trades

Kenny Pickett Perfect in Preseason

Kenny Pickett continued to impress in the preseason, completing all four of his passes for a perfect 100% completion percentage, and 86 yards. He threw a 35-yard dime to George Pickens for the play of the night, setting up Najee Harris for a go-ahead rushing touchdown.

The Steelers have scored on five of their drives led by Pickett, who recorded a perfect 158.3 passer rating. Jaylen Warren continued to work with the first-team offense, taking Harris off the field who played no more than two consecutive snaps. Rookie tight end, Darnell Washington, played four snaps with the starters, but only in 12-personal. Pat Freiermuth posted a 100% snap share on the first drive, playing 11 of 11 snaps with Pickett.

Colts Rookies Impress

No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson put on a highlight reel against the Eagles’ backups, showcasing his otherworldly athleticism. No quarterback in the 2023 class was better at avoiding pressure or making plays on the ground than Richardson, which was on full display Thursday.

He only completed 6-of-17 passes for a 35.29% completion rate but kept the chains moving with his feet, leading the team with 38 rushing yards. Third-round rookie Josh Downs started with the first-team offense, playing 100% of snaps in 11 personnel. Measuring in at 5-foot-9, 171-pound at the combine, Downs’s stature was never an issue in college, leading the ACC in receptions in 2021 and 2022, posting 1,000-plus receiving yards and 8-plus touchdowns in each of his last two seasons with the Tarheels. Deon Jackson played every snap with the starters in the first two drives, punching in a three-yard rushing touchdown. Day three rookie Evan Hull didn’t play until the third drive, which also resulted in a rushing score. The Colts’ backfield is a murky situation pending on the status of Jonathan Taylor, similar to Philadelphia on the other side who have reportedly offered a trade for the All-Pro running back. Rashaad Penny got the night off with the starters, seemingly passing Trey Sermon on the depth chart, who was active, and likely a cut candidate.