Training Camp Notes: Sept. 3

Training Camp Notes: Sept. 3

This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.

Here are some of the top fantasy football headlines from Thursday.

-In a saga that might not conclude any time soon, Bruce Arians rocked the seesaw some more Thursday by saying "[Ronald Jones is] our guy," and that "We'll see what role happens" in the case of Leonard Fournette. Arians mentioned that running back is "one area where nicks and bruises can really add up," which is true enough. Meanwhile, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that "[LeSean McCoy] will still play an integral part, particularly in the passing game and on third downs." If Jones and Fournette primarily battle for rushing work and leave the passing downs for McCoy, then it would be easy for everyone to end up dissatisfied here.

-Damien Harris is in danger of missing Week 1 due to a finger injury. Harris appeared to establish himself as the team's lead runner while Sony Michel and Lamar Miller dealt with their respective foot and knee issues, but now that he's missing time with his own injury Harris might lose much of the ground that he previously gained. Michel would likely be the favorite to lead the Patriots running game if Harris out.

-Cam Newton was named New England's starting quarterback, concluding a competition that by most accounts never began. Although Newton is head and shoulders above Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer, the team's dubious pass-catching personnel could make it difficult on Newton in the cold-weather division. 

-Amari Cooper (undisclosed) is missing practice time over a reportedly minor injury, which would be more easily dismissed if not for his recent history of picking up nagging injuries that limit his in-game performances. With four practices missed, it's worth monitoring Cooper's status going into Week 1. By all accounts, both Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb are doing well in training camp, and Blake Jarwin will likely be an upgrade over Jason Witten as a pass catcher, so Dallas has qualified replacement candidates despite Cooper's uncommon talent.

-Cooper Kupp (leg) returned to practice for the Rams on Thursday, but running back Darrell Henderson (hamstring) did not. Henderson apparently has the offense mastered and therefore might only need to practice a couple times next week to be ready for game time Sunday, but for the now the Rams almost certainly have to be planning to more so use Cam Akers and Malcolm Brown against the Cowboys.

-The Eagles cut undrafted power running back prospects Elijah Holyfield and Mike Warren, leaving Corey Clement as the only Eagles runner above 211 pounds. Miles Sanders (lower body) looks more than ready for Week 1 and Boston Scott should be the first off the bench in passing situations, but if there's in-traffic running to do then Clement could be active in that capacity.

-The San Francisco wide receiver injuries continue to pile up at a rate previously thought impossible, with Tavon Austin the latest to somehow join Jalen Hurd and J.J. Nelson on season-ending IR while Deebo Samuel (foot) and Brandon Aiyuk (hamstring) remain questionable for Week 1. The 49ers had some good luck Thursday, though, as Richie James (wrist) was activated from the NFI list, and he might push Dante Pettis for snaps behind Kendrick Bourne and Trent Taylor.

-Parris Campbell cleared the NFL concussion protocol, returning to full practice Thursday. Campbell's return gives him a chance to earn a prominent Week 1 role, likely working as a slot receiver and underneath target generally while T.Y. Hilton and Michael Pittman work the sidelines and downfield more regularly. Zach Pascal looms as a competent option in several capacities.

-Although the Colts received good news in Campbell's return Thursday, they also announced the bad news that tight end Trey Burton (calf) will miss at least the "first couple" games of the 2020 season. Mo Alie-Cox will have to serve as the second tight end after Jack Doyle. Alie-Cox has his own interesting talents, but at a much bigger build he can't imitate Burton's route-running quickness.

-The Dolphins unsurprisingly have Josh Rosen on the trading block, his chances of playing in Miami all but ruled out due to the presences of Ryan Fitzpatrick and Tua Tagovailoa.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mario Puig
Mario is a Senior Writer at RotoWire who primarily writes and projects for the NFL and college football sections.
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