Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
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.
Jonathan Mingo Listed as Starter
Training camp depth charts are often meaningless, especially when Bijan Robinson is listed as Atlanta’s third-string running back. This is often done in deference to veterans, under the old-school thought of making the rookies “earn” their spot.
So, it certainly is noteworthy when a rookie is placed with the starters on the team’s first depth chart. Such is the case with Carolina second-round rookie wideout Jonathan Mingo.
Mingo has 4.46 speed on a 6-foot-1, 225-pound frame, and hardly has unbeatable competition at the position. He was listed as a starter with veterans DJ Chark and Adam Thielen and has shown an early chemistry with fellow rookie, quarterback Bryce Young.
Kareem Hunt Roulette
We had an early report that Kareem Hunt appeared to be close to signing with the New Orleans Saints, before ESPN’s Dianna Russini provided this update later in the day Tuesday.
Given the status of Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor and the team’s shallow depth chart, it would not be a surprise to see Hunt sign with the Colts. Could this lengthen Taylor’s holdout with Indianapolis? Stay tuned for an update.
Jayden Reed Making Impression
Another rookie wide receiver making an impact is Green Bay second-round pick Jayden Reed. The Michigan State product has already cracked the top three spots on the depth chart and provides 4.45 speed as the lead slot man for the Packers.
With the departure of quarterback Aaron Rodgers now ceding to Jordan Love, the Green Bay target share is very much up for grabs.
Rashod Bateman Update
Baltimore wide receiver Rashod Bateman is currently on the PUP list recovering from a foot injury. The 2021 first-round pick has played just 18 games in two seasons but should be on the verge of a breakout season with new offensive coordinator Todd Monken if he can just get healthy. However, he was seen running on the sidelines for the first time this offseason.
Hopefully, this is a positive sign for the talented Bateman, who is projected to be a big part of this explosive Ravens offense.
Jerome Ford Hamstring Injury
Cleveland running back Jerome Ford suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to miss multiple weeks. His status for Week 1 is uncertain.
This should solidify increased passing game work for four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb, good news for fantasy drafters. With the Browns now thin at the position, could this be a landing spot for one of the veteran free agent running backs?
