Training camp notebook: Dobbins still not in training camp

Each weekday throughout NFL training camps and the preseason, our ESPN Fantasy team will have you covered with the latest news from around the league as you prepare for your fantasy football drafts. We will provide fantasy context off of the news and also deliver the latest developments in camps that could impact rosters around the league.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is uncertain when J.K. Dobbins will return.

Dobbins met with Harbaugh Tuesday night, and the coach isn’t sure when he’ll return to practice. Dobbins started training camp on the PUP list after knee surgery, and Harbaugh said at the time it was not a “simple answer” as to when he would return to the team. Dobbins’ absence is thought to be more about his contract than his injury, as he hopes to get a better deal. Dobbins is currently projected to lead the Ravens backfield with 207 touches, followed by Edwards with 133. Dobbins’ workload could be lighter early in the season depending on how long he remains absent.

Other Notes:

Wednesday Updates:

Rams WR Cooper Kupp exits Tuesday’s practice with a hamstring injury.

About 30 minutes into the two-hour workout at UC Irvine, the former Super Bowl MVP walked off the field with the training staff. Matthew Stafford and other players didn’t see what happened, but head coach Sean McVay says Kupp “came up a little bit in a red zone route.” According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 30-year-old receiver underwent an early Wednesday morning MRI for his hamstring. While the team intends to exercise caution, a source mentioned that he might return “for scrimmages in a few weeks.” Kupp is the WR3 in our draft trends.

Saints RB Alvin Kamara is expected to be suspended due to his arrest stemming from a 2022 incident in Las Vegas.

Now fantasy managers have to wait to see how many games Kamara will be suspended for after meeting with Roger Goodell on Wednesday. Regardless of how long Kamara is suspended, Jamaal Williams will play a significant role in New Orleans’ backfield in 2023 as a runner in between the tackles. He’s a great compliment to Kamara and rookie Kendre Miller. Williams is currently the RB33 in our draft trends. Last season, he was the fantasy RB13 with the Lions and had only 12 targets out of the backfield as a receiver.

Other notes:

Tuesday:

After an Achilles tear in 2020, Howard has been moving between teams in the league. The Raiders signed him during the offseason to strengthen their tight end room after Darren Waller‘s departure. However, Howard’s release suggests that Las Vegas is content with the performance of tight ends Austin Hooper and rookie Michael Mayer.

Bears RB Roschon Johnson dealing with undisclosed injury

Johnson was absent from Monday’s practice because of this unknown ailment. Coach Matt Eberflus keeps injury information under wraps, leaving fantasy managers waiting for a possible update. Johnson’s absence will give Travis Homer and Trestan Ebner more practice reps behind Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman. Johnson is an intriguing late-round sleeper should he return to action quickly. At Texas, he played behind Bijan Robinson and is physically suited to be a three-down back in the NFL. Johnson was excellent when given touches in college.

Other notes:

• Jets coach Robert Saleh expects WR Garrett Wilson to return to practice Saturday.

• Bengals RB Trayveon Williams was carted off the field with a right leg injury suffered during individual drills.

• Several teams have expressed interest in trading for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, but it’s uncertain if Indianapolis would consider these proposals.

• The Lions have waived TE Shane Zylstra following his knee injury.

• The Colts signed RB Toriano Clinton for extra depth in their now-depleted backfield.

Tuesday morning:

Broncos WR Tim Patrick suffers season-ending torn Achilles tendon in left leg

The Denver Broncos‘ wide receivers had a costly day, starting with Patrick, who will miss his second consecutive season after suffering a serious injury during training camp. In Patrick’s absence, Marvin Mims Jr., a second-round pick in this year’s draft, is in a position to play a significant role in this offense, and our updated projections reflect that. Although he missed a couple of days of training camp because of a sore hamstring, Mims was back practicing as of Monday.

WR KJ Hamler waived by Broncos with a non-football illness designation

Hamler was waived as a procedural move because of a mild heart inflammation called pericarditis. He would have missed the entire season if Hamler had been put on the non-football injury list, but the Broncos hope to bring him back. Hamler recently renegotiated his contract, providing injury protection for the Broncos in return for incentives, but the new deal won’t be in effect after he clears waivers.

Update: According to Broncos coach Sean Payton, Hamler is expected to be sidelined for “approximately a month,” followed by a few more weeks to regain football shape.

Colts RB Zack Moss suffers broken forearm, to miss 4-6 weeks

Moss worked with the Colts’ starting offense while Jonathan Taylor was out. With dual-threat quarterback Anthony Richardson under center, he was expected to be an important component of the running game. Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull will take over at running back for the Colts while Moss is out.

Cowboys RB Ronald Jones suspended for two games for violating the league’s policy on PEDs

The Cowboys signed Jones to a one-year, $1.23 million contract earlier this offseason, but his suspension could cost him his roster spot. Jones was set to compete alongside Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis for the spots behind Tony Pollard. The Cowboys’ running backs are projected to receive nearly a combined 30 touches per game.

Other camp tidbits of note:

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