Football is back!
Training camps are in full swing, and the preseason kicked off Thursday with the Browns beating the Jets, 21-16. There wasn’t much to decipher from that game from a fantasy standpoint, but camp reports can certainly affect a player’s value -- positively or negatively. With that said, let’s take a look at some of the biggest news items of the week and how they can impact your fantasy drafts.
Cooper Kupp dealing with injured hamstring
Kupp is dealing with a bum hamstring and could be out for a few weeks, according to reports. However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday that Rams OC Mike LaFleur said Kupp is "day to day," and that he'll "be back in the right time."
Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports
The one concern for Kupp has been injuries, as he missed a good portion of last year with an injured ankle and is now dealing with a bum hammy. I still have him ranked third at wideout, behind Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase, but I could see moving Tyreek Hill ahead of him, too, if you have any Kupp concerns.
In Kupp’s absence, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek, Tutu Atwell, rookie Puka Nacua and Demarcus Robinson will see more reps. Nacua, who has been running as the Rams’ No. 3 wideout, could be worth a late flier in larger leagues.
Jonathan Taylor’s status remains in question
Taylor has been placed on the active/PUP list due to an injured ankle, making his status for the start of the season a major issue. He’s also unhappy with his current contract situation, which has been in the news, and other reports suggest he hurt his back while working out on his own. Taylor denies this report.
Regardless, this situation has become enough of a mess that it’s causing concern in fantasy circles. If Taylor and the Colts remain combative and the team is unwilling to trade him, this standoff could last a while. The problem for Taylor is that if he misses enough regular-season games it could affect his unrestricted free-agent status for 2024. ADP data on NFFC (National Fantasy Football Championships) and Fantasy Calculator have not shown a decline for Taylor yet, but he’s a risk.
In fact, I’ve moved Taylor down to eighth at running back and wouldn’t draft him in the first round. Heck, I might pass on him in the first half of the second, too. The Colts backfield could be a problem, as backup Zack Moss is injured too.
As it stands, Deon Jackson, Jake Funk and rookie Evan Hull are the top options for coach Shane Steichen. Taylor’s story is obviously one that needs to be monitored, but for now it’s tough to consider him a first-rounder in most redrafts.
