This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
Week 2 of the NFL preseason is already underway as the Eagles take on the Patriots on Thursday after a week of joint practices together. The rest of the league will be in action this weekend, and that means news abounds in this latest edition of Training Camp Notes, with plenty of it involving star players.
• DJ Moore hurt his back in Wednesday's practice and then aggravated it Thursday after a hard fall. Despite that, the injury still appears to be minor, as the 24-year-old reportedly lobbied to return to practice. He may miss Saturday's preseason matchup with Baltimore as a result but seems like he should be fine for Week 1.
• Tyler Lockett also returned to practice Thursday after missing a few days earlier in the week due to a groin injury. He participated in some team drills, and if he's not completely back at 100 percent yet, he seems on track for the regular season.
• Drew Lock looks to have the advantage over Teddy Bridgewater in the Broncos' quarterback competition, as his coaches have dropped hints along those lines. While neither signal caller is likely to be a major ingredient to fantasy success this season, if Lock is under center, it should be better news for Denver receivers, particularly deep threats like Courtland Sutton.
• Speaking of Sutton, his recovery from ACL and MCL surgery last season is nearly complete, as it looks likely he will see some action in the preseason. By all accounts, he's regained his earlier Pro Bowl form and is a huge bounce-back candidate this year.
• In some disconcerting news, A.J. Brown hasn't practiced this week. Coach Mike Vrabel hasn't elaborated on the issue, but when your star receiver has offseason surgery on both knees and suddenly misses a week of practice, alarm bells ring. Brown is going 24th overall and cautious GMs may want to hold off on drafting him that high until some definite news emerges. There are plenty of other solid, and healthy, WR1s in that price range.
• Saquon Barkley still isn't taking any live snaps while the Giants hold joint practices with the Browns, but this was all part of the plan as their star running back works his way back from his own ACL surgery. The true test for the 24-year-old will be the final week of the preseason when the team plans to add significantly to his workload.
• D'Andre Swift did in fact make his return to Lions practice Thursday from a groin injury that's held him out for a couple weeks. However, the club is still going to take it easy with him, so he has already been ruled out of Saturday's preseason showdown with the Steelers.
• Another Lion, T.J. Hockenson, has been out of practice since Aug. 10 with a supposedly minor injury that is as yet undisclosed. Like his teammate Swift, he'll accordingly miss Sunday's game with the Steelers but should make his return to practice shortly thereafter.
• After starting the preseason opener, Trevor Lawrence is likely to start a second game in a row Monday against the Saints. This indicates he is probably ahead of Gardner Minshew in the competition to be the Jaguars' starting quarterback. If the 2021 first-overall pick wins the job from Week 1, those drafting him won't need to be as worried about taking up roster space with a backup QB.
• Patriots tight ends Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry are each intriguing late-round options at their position this year, but both are hurt with ankle and shoulder injuries, respectively. Neither suited up for Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles. Henry has been back at practice this week but was already expected to sit out any remaining preseason games. Smith has missed practice all week after sustaining a low-ankle sprain Sunday. I'd refrain from drafting either outside of deep leagues until I know they're ready to go. As with A.J. Brown above, there are several healthier options at that position and price.
• Will Fuller has missed three weeks of practice with a foot issue but is inching closer to a return, per coach Brian Flores. For those thinking of drafting Fuller, here's an idea: don't do it. The oft-injured 27-year-old has never played more than 11 games in a season and already has to miss Week 1 while he serves the remainder of his six-game PED suspension levied on him in 2020. He's also in a crowded competition for targets with DeVante Parker and first-round pick Jaylen Waddle, and let's not forget, he's already banged up! With so many other possible fliers at receiver who can suit up in Week 1 and also aren't such a sizable injury risk, I'd pass and see if he doesn't hit the wire later in the year when he might be a worthy flex play for those in need of a big game.
• Giovani Bernard has earned a major role in the Tampa Bay offense this season, according to Bruce Arians. While the 29-year-old was already seen as a lock for a third-down role in Tampa, it appears he may cut into the workloads of Leonard Fournette and Ronald Jones, dampening their value.
