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Monday Training Camp Notes: Ajayi Enters Concussion Protocol

NFL coaches rarely hold full-contact, tackle-to-the-ground types of practices nowadays because it's not usually worth the risk of exposing players to increased odds of preseason injuries. However, Dolphins head coach Adam Gase decided to go old school Monday and his starting running back, Jay Ajayi, took a pounding before leaving the field for good to be evaluated for a concussion. Now the Boise State product is out indefinitely until he clears the league-mandated protocol for head injuries and, until he returns, Kenyan Drake and Damien Williams will take over as the lead runners in Miami. While Armando Salguero of The Miami Herald reported the team is looking to add another quality tailback to the mix so to further bolster their depth at the position, Ajayi should still return as the unquestioned workhorse when physically able – though Monday's incident should nonetheless remind the fantasy community of the risks that come along with his physical style of running.

  • In other news, Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott isn't expected to receive a decision this week on whether he'll be disciplined by the NFL following its investigation into his domestic violence allegations. Right now, the case is being reviewed by four independent advisors to commissioner Roger Goodell and, since no verdict has been made, the running back is allowed to participate in practice and could be available for Thursday's preseason opener against Arizona. Fortunately for those with fantasy drafts coming up, Elliott's case is expected to be settled prior to Week 1.
  • Broncos RB Jamaal Charles made his training camp debut Monday. While he'll certainly be limited for the remainder of the week, the plan is for Charles to graduate to 7-on-7 work Wednesday before shedding the training wheels and becoming a full participant in next week's slate of practices.
  • Jets RB Matt Forte was bounced from Monday's session due to a tweaked hamstring. The veteran suffered a very similar injury during last year's training camp and only wound up missing a few practices so this might not be a big deal. No matter, at 31 years old and clearly in the twilight of his career, Forte's durability is starting to become a legitimate concern, especially since he's coming off a season-ending meniscus tear.
  • Staying in The Big Apple, Jets wideout Robby Anderson went down with an undisclosed injury Monday. Although it doesn't appear to be overly serious, any missed time will allow 2017 third-rounder ArDarius Stewart more opportunities to work with the first-team offense and it wouldn't be much of a surprise if this ultimately turns out to be a full-blown competition for the No. 2 receiver job behind Quincy Enunwa. To add to the heat of the fight, 2017 fourth-rounder Chad Hansen and 2016 seventh-rounder Charone Peake could be in the mix as well.
  • The Samaje Perine hype train gained a tad of steam Monday after starter Rob Kelley was limited with neck soreness. Kelley's ability to practice at all suggests the injury isn't much of a problem, but this is still a situation to monitor as the top tailback in Washington's high-powered offense could be a valuable fantasy commodity.
  • The injury bug simply won't leave Lions TE Eric Ebron alone. He was forced from Sunday's practice with a hamstring issue and then wasn't present for Monday's session. The fourth-year tight end has dealt with a plethora of lower-body injuries throughout his professional tenure – including a high-ankle sprain that cost him the entire 2016 preseason – so don't be shocked if Detroit management opts to keep him in bubble wrap until the regular season rolls around. For now, look for Darren Fells to take over as the No. 1 option.
  • Bengals RB Giovani Bernard, who's bouncing back from a 2016 ACL tear, did not participate in Monday's practice as he's evidently not yet ready to take on the wear and tear that comes from fully-padded practices. While it shouldn't be too much longer until he's free of all limitations, standout rookie Joe Mixon will presumably get more and more opportunities to separate himself as the team's top pass catcher out of the backfield anytime Bernard gets the day off.
  • Meanwhile, Rams quarterback Jared Goff and newly acquired wide receiver Robert Woods are reportedly showing strong chemistry during the onset of training camp. This is likely just as much good news for Goff as it is Woods, considering the second-year signal caller struggled as a rookie and having a reliable, short-area possession receiver to throw the ball to should pay dividends for him in the long run. Woods, on the other hand, appears to be carving out a significant role in the offense and becoming Goff's go-to target would surely enhance his fantasy value – particularly in PPR formats.