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With Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor taking a personal day at organized team activities on Thursday, it allowed for more running back reps for Trey Sermon, Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull. Both Sermon and Goodson broke off a couple big runs. Behind Taylor this year, the backup RB roles and reps are very much in the air among Sermon, Goodson and Hull now that Zack Moss is in Cincinnati. The 23-year-old Goodson is probably considered the biggest long shot to earn the No. 2 role this year behind Taylor, but the fact that he's being given reps with the first-team offense in OTAs means he has an early shot. The former undrafted free agent out of Iowa saw his first 13 carries in six games (one start) last year and gained 87 yards on the ground. He also added six receptions for an additional 34 yards.
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When New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton returned to voluntary organized team activities this week, fellow wideout Isaiah Hodgins appeared to be the odd man out. Slayton didn't miss a beat in his return to the field, either, catching a crossing route from quarterback Daniel Jones in a 7-on-7 period and also catching two passes from backup Drew Lock. Hodgins had a quiet practice on Thursday after being the leading first-team receiver last week. Slot receiver Wan'Dale Robinson continues to be moved around the field. After the Giants took LSU wideout Malik Nabers in the first round of this year's NFL draft, Hodgins' stock immediately took a hit. In addition to Robinson, Jalin Hyatt also figures to have a bigger role in the offense in 2024.
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Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams reportedly had plenty of expected rookie struggles at last week's OTAs, but Zach Pearson of Bear Report said he had one of his best showings during Friday's seven-on-seven period. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of USC completed 13 of his 14 passing attempts and threw a touchdown to DJ Moore. Needless to say, it's not a good idea to overvalue reports from practices with no live rushers on defense, but any sign of growth is encouraging. While rookie quarterbacks usually struggle in real life and fantasy football, Williams arguably has the best supporting cast any No. 1 overall pick has ever had. With pass-catchers like Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, D'Andre Swift, Cole Kmet, and Gerald Everett surrounding him, he could post low-end QB1 numbers in Year 1.
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New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda did not get any reps with the first-team or second-team offense during Friday's OTAs, according to Jets reporter Brandyn Pokrass. Pokrass said he is falling down the depth chart and could be a cut or trade candidate this offseason. Following Abanikanda's 1431-yard, 20-touchdown rushing season in 2022 at Pittsburgh, he was selected by New York in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he rushed just six times for 22 yards and caught six passes for 11 yards. After New York drafted Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen (fourth round) and South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis (fifth round) in April's draft, the writing was on the wall for the 21-year-old speedster. Fantasy managers in deep dynasty leagues can consider continuing to stash Abanikanda, but he's unlikely to make an impact in 2024.
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New York Jets running back Tarik Cohen has not played in an NFL game since the 2020 regular season, but the 28-year-old signed with the organization on May 29 in hopes of keeping his career alive. According to Jets reporter Brandyn Pokrass, Cohen looks shifty and explosive, and he's already running with the first-team offense. It's worth noting Breece Hall (undisclosed) is working in the rehab area at OTAs, but it's still a surprise for Cohen to be involved this early in the process. The former fourth-round pick out of North Carolina A&T spent four seasons with the Chicago Bears from 2017 to 2020 and racked up 1,101 rushing yards, 209 receptions, 1,575 receiving yards, and 16 total touchdowns in 51 games. He has since suffered a fractured tibial plateau, torn ACL, and torn Achilles. It would be a surprise if he makes noise in fantasy football this year, but if he makes the roster, he could have a small role behind Hall and fourth-round rookie Braelon Allen.
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