This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
Monday was a big news day after teams got back into practice following Week 1 of preseason. We'll go position by position.
There was (mostly) good news regarding a number fantasy relevant running backs.
- Aaron Jones returned to practice after missing some practice last week and the Packers' first preseason game. There didn't seem to be much concern from the team regarding his status, and this seemingly confirms there's little to worry about at this time.
- David Montgomery didn't practice in full Monday, though he took part in individual drills. He exited the Bears' first preseason game after just one carry and was labeled as dealing with general soreness. He does not yet have a timeline to return, though if he continues to trend positively he should be ready for the regular season.
- Although not in line in with Montgomery and Jones from a fantasy perspective, Zack Moss returned to team drills in Buffalo. He's lining up to play in the team's second preseason game, though that has not yet been made official. Moss will assuredly split reps with Devin Singletary, come the regular season, but he should still have enough time to prove worthy of the primary role.
- James Conner was removed from the COVID-19 list after being a high-risk close contact. However, he's also reportedly been slowed by a toe injury throughout training camp so he's not in the clear yet. Chase Edmonds and others such as Eno Benjamin should benefit in the Cardinals' backfield if Conner remains slowed.
- While D'Andre Swift has yet to re-appear at practice, he's nearing a return. The projection is that he could handle some reps by the time of the team's third preseason game. With his groin injury seemingly under control, the biggest question now facing Swift is his potential workload as compared to Jamaal Williams.
- Latavius Murray is apparently being pushed by Devonta Freeman for the backup running back job in New Orleans. Both backs got significant work in the preseason opener, but neither was impressive. Even so, whoever wins the job could have some appeal because despite his greatness, Alvin Kamara is not a prototypical workhorse back.
There was also plenty of good news surrounding high-profile wide receivers, though it wasn't all good.
- Mike Williams remains sidelined with a hip flexor. He exited last Wednesday's practice with the injury and now will remain sidelined for this entire week. Although the hip issue is new, Williams has been sidelined by back issues in the past, so this will be worth monitoring. Josh Palmer has the pedigree and some strong training camp reviews, so his stock could continue to rise with Williams sidelined.
- Amari Cooper practiced in pads for the first time since being activated from the PUP list last week. He still participated on only an individual basis, though he continues to trend in the right direction.
- Justin Jefferson was back for at least limited participation in team drills. After a major injury scare roughly 10 days ago, Jefferson appears to be past the worst of the issue. His second-year breakout is back on schedule.
- Michael Thomas has been in the headlines for a lot of negative reasons to this point in the offseason, though there finally appears to be some good news. Thomas is reportedly ahead of schedule in his return from ankle surgery. He'll still almost certainly miss regular-season action, but given the depleted nature of the Saints' wide receiver corps he should be in line for as many targets as he can handle upon his return.
- Sammy Watkins left practice early Monday. He likely avoided serious injury, but more news should emerge as Watkins is further evaluated. Given his lengthy history of ailments Watkins' status will be worth watching.
- Also in Baltimore, Marquise Brown is nearing a return from his knee injury. With both Bateman and Watkins potentially sidelined, Brown can solidify himself as the top receiver in the offense despite additional competition this season.
- DeVonta Smith returned to practice in a limited capacity Monday. He's been sidelined for more than two weeks, so he'll have a steep learning curve once he is back at full capacity. Both Jalen Reagor and Quez Watkins seem to be on the rise at training camp, so this will be a situation worth watching.
- Quintez Cephus returned to practice after dealing with a head injury. Although the Lions don't have an impressive wide receiver corps, recent reports suggest that Cephus still isn't in line for a starting role. Instead, those jobs will belong to Breshad Perriman — also currently sidelined with an injury — and Tyrell Williams.
- Returning to bad news, Anthony Miller got the change of scenery he wanted this offseason. However, he'll now be sidelined for the rest of the preseason and likely some regular-season games. After the team acquired Miller, Keke Coutee's role turned into a question. With this news, he'll have a short-term chance to produce.
- Elijah Moore has been a rookie drawing rave reviews during camp. However, he missed the team's first preseason game and could miss much of the remaining preseason leading up to the regular season. This could benefit Denzel Mims, who saw a fair bit of run in the team's opening exhibition contest and should see more reps with the top unit in practice.
There were also a few quarterback notes worth passing along from the day.
- Dak Prescott could play in the team's third preseason game, but appears to be trending toward a return in the regular season. The team will take it slow as Prescott works to overcome both ankle and shoulder injuries.
- Under the category of inevitable news, Justin Fields will start to get first team reps. For now the company line remains that Andy Dalton will take the first offensive snap of the season, but it's becoming obvious quickly that Fields is pushing him. It appears to be a matter of when, not if, Fields will be under center this season.
