This article is part of our Depth Chart Watch series.
New young quarterbacks take the reins in Dallas and Denver! A guy you've never heard of could lead Redskins rushers in Week 1 touches! Half the Dolphins' receivers got hurt at practice Monday! Come with me if you want your fantasy team to live as we cover these big stories and more in our latest look at the NFL's ever-ongoing job battles.
QUARTERBACK
Dallas Cowboys
As you may have heard, Tony Romo has a back fracture that's going to keep him out for a good chunk of the season, making fourth-round rookie and preseason darling Dak Prescott the Cowboys' starter for at least six weeks. Indeed, Prescott has the best QB numbers in this year's exhibition action, having completed 39 of 50 passes for 454 yards, five touchdowns (plus two rushing scores) and no interceptions. With his high-upside supporting cast, the Mississippi State product should be widely drafted as a No. 2 fantasy quarterback.
Denver Broncos
In a bit of a surprising move, second-year man Trevor Siemian beat out Mark Sanchez and Paxton Lynch for the privilege of throwing to the Broncos' two star receivers. He's set to take the reins in the Super Bowl rematch against Carolina in Week 1 – a tough circumstance for anyone making his first NFL start. There's likely no job security here until Siemian shows he deserves it in regular-season action. By the way, Lynch is expected to play the entire fourth preseason game, perhaps giving him an opportunity to step in front of
New young quarterbacks take the reins in Dallas and Denver! A guy you've never heard of could lead Redskins rushers in Week 1 touches! Half the Dolphins' receivers got hurt at practice Monday! Come with me if you want your fantasy team to live as we cover these big stories and more in our latest look at the NFL's ever-ongoing job battles.
QUARTERBACK
Dallas Cowboys
As you may have heard, Tony Romo has a back fracture that's going to keep him out for a good chunk of the season, making fourth-round rookie and preseason darling Dak Prescott the Cowboys' starter for at least six weeks. Indeed, Prescott has the best QB numbers in this year's exhibition action, having completed 39 of 50 passes for 454 yards, five touchdowns (plus two rushing scores) and no interceptions. With his high-upside supporting cast, the Mississippi State product should be widely drafted as a No. 2 fantasy quarterback.
Denver Broncos
In a bit of a surprising move, second-year man Trevor Siemian beat out Mark Sanchez and Paxton Lynch for the privilege of throwing to the Broncos' two star receivers. He's set to take the reins in the Super Bowl rematch against Carolina in Week 1 – a tough circumstance for anyone making his first NFL start. There's likely no job security here until Siemian shows he deserves it in regular-season action. By the way, Lynch is expected to play the entire fourth preseason game, perhaps giving him an opportunity to step in front of Sanchez for the No. 2 job.
San Francisco 49ers
Chip Kelly claims the competition remains open, so Colin Kaepernick will probably see significant run in Thursday's preseason game as he attempts to cut into Blaine Gabbert's lead for the starting role. Gabbert has been the favorite throughout camp, but it's telling that he hasn't done anything well enough to be definitively named the No. 1. Still, I feel like I'd be remiss not to mention that Kaepernick is widely earning a reputation for sitting.
RUNNING BACK
Carolina Panthers
Cameron Artis-Payne clearly passed Fozzy Whittaker on the depth chart, making him a strongly intriguing add/handcuff for those who don't believe in the ongoing health of Jonathan Stewart (which should be everyone, right?).
Miami Dolphins
The battle between Jay Ajayi and Arian Foster continues, with Foster continually making inroads on Ajayi's once-presumed starting role. The 30-year-old has certainly shown flashes, while Ajayi hasn't looked the part of a rusher who's seven years younger than his main competition. At this point, I anticipate a 60-40 timeshare in Foster's favor as long as he can stay healthy.
Philadelphia Eagles
Kenjon Barner turned only six carries into 39 yards Saturday, continuing his push for the No. 2 RB role in Philly. Darren Sproles will still get his in passing situations regardless, but Barner has entrenched himself as Ryan Mathews' early down backup.
Seattle Seahawks
Christine Michael is (narrowly) the NFL's leading preseason rusher through three weeks, a level of performance that's earned him a timeshare with Thomas Rawls, whose recovery from an ankle injury opened the door. The two will mix in on early downs in a currently unspecified ratio while C.J. Prosise takes the field for passing situations.
Washington Redskins
There's quite a mess in progress here. Matt Jones (shoulder) has reportedly been coming along well, but remains questionable for Week 1. Keith Marshall (elbow) is out for at least three weeks and could land on IR. Chris Thompson (shoulder/knee) is banged up and has always been expected to serve as a receiving-oriented back in the first place. That leaves Rob Kelley, a hard-charging undrafted rusher with strong blocking ability who's actually healthy. While the Redskins plan to give Mack Brown a big rushing load in the preseason finale as he fights for a roster spot, Kelley's locked into the No. 3 role – and if Jones isn't ready for Week 1, Kelley could be quite the under-the-radar starting RB.
WIDE RECEIVER
Cincinnati Bengals
Brandon LaFell (hand) got back for Sunday's preseason game and caught one pass while seeing a bit of extra time on the field as the Bengals try to evaluate whether he should indeed start over rookie Tyler Boyd. The veteran may have the upper hand by a notch for now, but Boyd remains hot on his tail.
Houston Texans
Rookie Will Fuller is still struggling with big drops here and there, but he's putting up strong preseason stat lines anyway, including three catches for 67 yards and a score Sunday. It looks like he's locked himself into the No. 2 role across from DeAndre Hopkins, with Braxton Miller the third-stringer and Jaelen Strong fourth. This sea change to a young receiving corps might ultimately push Cecil Shorts off the roster altogether.
Miami Dolphins
Kenny Stills left Monday's practice early with an apparent back injury, while DeVante Parker also left with a hamstring ailment. The severity of those issues is unclear, but anything serious would probably mean a serious bump in playing time for rookie Leonte Carroo. Look out for news on this front during the week.
New Orleans Saints
Michael Thomas has unofficially officially taken over as the No. 3 receiver in New Orleans, playing behind Brandin Cooks and Willie Snead; fantasy owners should take notice, considering the high-volume nature of this passing game. Brandon Coleman might not even end up making the roster.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles said goodbye to Rueben Randle and Chris Givens before either player had a chance to make a regular-season appearance in green, cutting both over the weekend. That locks Dorial Green-Beckham in as the No. 3 receiver and adds a tiny bit of appeal to the likes of Josh Huff and Paul Turner, who could ultimately carve out noteworthy roles if Nelson Agholor isn't getting it done (which seems quite possible) or Jordan Matthews' knee injury lingers (which seems unlikely).
TIGHT END
Baltimore Ravens
Ben Watson, acquired in the offseason to become the Ravens' starting tight end, tore his Achilles on the very first snap of Saturday's preseason game and is out for the year. At age 36, an injury this serious could be the end of his career, too. Now we're back to the familiar mess of Crockett Gillmore, Dennis Pitta (finger) and Maxx Williams (undisclosed), a trio that offers fairly little fantasy appeal.
Detroit Lions
Eric Ebron (ankle) is still trying to work his way toward Week 1 availability, but hasn't been practicing and remains questionable; if he's not around, Cole Wick will take starting duties for at least one game. He offers some short-term upside if that indeed transpires.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Austin Seferian-Jenkins started in Week 3 of preseason, so he continues making progress on regaining the No. 1 role from Cameron Brate. But the truth is, the Bucs are probably going to run a lot of two-TE sets, so both will have some sort of value. I still give ASJ the edge, though, as he's a more talented receiver.
