Training Camp Notes: Aug. 25

Written by

Dan Marcus

Published on August 25, 2021

Wednesday was a big news day, from trades to job battles and some injury news. Let's jump right in.

The Patriots traded Sony Michel to the Rams for mid and late-round picks. The move secures a roster spot for Michel, who was reportedly on the bubble in New England. Beyond that, the impact in LA is unclear. Speaking to the media after the trade, general manager Les Snead described the backfield as complementary. He specifically described Michel as a strong north-south runner. Without much skill in the receiving game, Michel may have a consistent and predictable — yet still uninspiring — role with his new team. The bigger fantasy impact of the move is on Darrell Henderson. Henderson's ADP skyrocketed after Cam Akers was knocked out for the season, yet the Rams have consistently stated that they will watch Henderson's workload due to his injury history. That said, the Michel addition could help Henderson in if his draft day cost decreases over concern regarding his role. On the other hand, Michel is likely to cut more into Henderson's role than any of the other unproven backs on the team's roster, so it could still be a net loss in volume for Henderson.
Shifting to the impact in New England, it was reported that Damien Harris took all the first-team reps for the team out of the backfield. While New England's backfield is notoriously difficult to project, he appears to be the frontrunner for the majority of the carries to start the season. Rhamondre Stevenson has impressed in preseason and appears to be the primary backup to Harris now, as he took all the reps after Harris.
Cam Newton is expected to return to practice Thursday after missing practice earlier in the week due to COVID protocols. Mac Jones has reportedly taken advantage of the first-team reps, drawing strong reviews for his play Wednesday. Rumors have emerged that Jones has already beaten out Newton for the starting role, but there's been no official word from the team in that regard. Even so, Newton's absence may have provided the team with encouragement to turn to its first-round pick earlier than they otherwise might have.
Speaking of quarterback battles, the competition between Drew Lock and Teddy Bridgewater has been resolved. Bridgewater will be Denver's starting quarterback Week 1. While there's been much made of Bridgewater's deep passing — or lack thereof — he was actually quite accurate when he went deep last season. Bridgewater attempted a pass 20 yards or more downfield on 11.2 percent of attempts last season. On those attempts, he had a completion rate of 45.5 percent and averaged 16.2 yards per attempt (per PFF). Meanwhile, Lock pushed the ball down the field at a rate of 16 percent, but completed only 25.4 percent of his attempts and averaged 9.3 yards per attempt.
In a move that comes as no surprise, Trevor Lawrence was named the Jaguars' starting quarterback. There's no change in analysis because the move was always presumed.
Dak Prescott continues to trend in the right direction. He participated in 11-on-11 drills and is on track to play in Week 1 against Tampa Bay.
Joe Burrow will play in the team's final preseason game. It's an indication that he will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season against the Vikings.
Turning back to Denver, there were a pair of prominent absences in Denver. KJ Hamler has made a strong impression in preseason, but was absent due to a non-COVID illness. The issue isn't expected to sideline him long. Noah Fant is dealing with a leg injury, but this too is not expected to be serious. These are more reports to keep an eye on than reasons for concern for the time being.
There was a relatively large number of fantasy-relevant wide receivers in the news. Adam Thielen remains sidelined after suffering thigh injury in the team's preseason game Saturday. In what is becoming a running theme, his absence seems like a precaution, so that Thielen will be healthy when games count. Mike Williams' absence continued and has now extended to roughly 10 days. Williams is dealing with hip flexor strain and has now had a fairly significant preseason injury for a third consecutive season. It's not clear if or how this injury will affect him in the regular season, but it's not a positive development. Meanwhile, Curtis Samuel reportedly could return to practice at some point next week. That would give him anywhere between roughly one week to 12 days to ramp up for the regular season, which may not bode well for his early season production if he is cleared to play. He has yet to practice much for his new team. Marvin Jones is dealing with an AC sprain, though there has been little more detail or timeline provided at this point. Tyrell Williams could return to practice next week as he works to overcome a groin injury. He is the longest shot to produce of this group, though the Lions skill-position group offers him the potential to emerge.
Trey Sermon returned to practice. His injury was not a long-term issue, so it isn't likely to impact his usage in Week 1. Also in San Francisco, Jalen Hurd can't seem to stay healthy consistently this preseason. However, he was back at practice Wednesday and could be a factor as a depth option for the 49ers assuming he can stay healthy.
Moving to some tight end news. Hunter Henry returned to 7-on-7 work. He hasn't progressed to 11-on-11 action yet, so he may not suit up for the team's final preseason game. However, he appears on track for regular-season action, with his usage to be determined in tandem with Jonnu Smith. Cole Kmet returned for a light practice while dealing with a hamstring injury as he tries to wrestle the top tight end job away from Jimmy Graham. Finally, Adam Trautman has dodged a major injury to this point. He has a one-to-three week timeline after suffering an ankle injury in Monday's preseason game, though it is noted that his timeline could change after he visits a specialist later in the week.
Alexander Mattison remained out of practice Wednesday and has now been sidelined since Monday. There's no direct impact on fantasy value, though Dalvin Cook's handcuff could change if Mattison remains sidelined.
Greg Zuerlein was activated from the PUP list. Attached the projected high-powered Cowboys' offense, he's a decent kicker target.

A few notes on roles/signings.

Jamaal Williams could start the season with a big workload as the team monitors the progress of D'Andre Swift. The Lions have cautioned that Swift may not be fully up to speed by Week 1 — or may not even be able to play — so Williams could be a quick contributor.
Steven Sims signed in Buffalo after being released by Washington. Nothing immediate here, but the Bills desire to get the ball in the air and play four receiver sets could make him a name to at least keep in mind.