In today's news, we had a few early reports on training camp battles along with the typical smattering of injuries.
The Ravens continue to shuffle their depth chart at the tight end position. After losing Dennis Pitta (hip) and Darren Waller (suspension), Crockett Gillmore will have surgery on Monday to repair his meniscus, and is without a timetable for return, as reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The two most likely tight ends on the roster to battle for a significant role as receivers are Ben Watson and Maxx Williams. Watson is two-years removed from a very productive season while playing for the Saints, and although Williams has yet to be a consistent factor as a receiver, he's a player who potentially can break out this season. In addition, the team signed Larry Donnell today, but he'll likely find himself looking upward on the depth chart. This will be a battle to watch throughout camp, as if one of these players emerges as the primary receiving tight end, it could lead to low-end TE1 production if one of these players becomes a primary receiving option.
Sticking to the tight end position, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com is reporting that Eric Ebron left practice with an undisclosed injury. For now, this is an item to know for those in early drafts, but otherwise, it's foolish to speculate until more information becomes available.
Moving to running back, the hype train on Mike Gillislee is picking up steam, as he's being selected within the first 70 picks of average fantasy drafts, and after Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reported that Gillislee took the first two goal-line carries of the Pats' first padded practice, his draft spot may continue to surge. Even though he may end up being what fantasy managers are expecting, it's important to note that he was very successful in a change-of-pace role behind LeSean McCoy while having an outstanding offensive line, and also, two teams have let him go in his young career, so he's far from a lock as a fantasy star. Finally, it's possible that Rex Burkhead outplays Gillislee in the preseason, potentially winning the early-down role. Fantasy managers should consider all factors before making a firm decision when assessing Gillislee.
Another running back in the news is D'Onta Foreman, as John McClain of the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the rookie's shown quickness and patience as a runner. This is important news because it's within the realm of possibility that he'll be able earn goal line work along with additional early-down carries from Lamar Miller. Miller's still the lead runner, but in a potentially run-first offense, Foreman could be a player to consider late in fantasy drafts.
Meanwhile, ESPN.com's Kevin Seifert is reporting that Dalvin Cook dominated first-team work when the Vikings had their first padded practice Saturday. Many fantasy managers have already made their decision that the rookie will be the lead back, as his ADP is currently about 45. However, others feel that Latavius Murray will be a factor, especially at the goal line, and although that may be true, he ran for exactly four yards per carry behind an excellent offensive line in each of the last two years with the Raiders. Cook may be the more likely of the Vikings backs to be able to create on his own behind which might be, at best, an average line, and if that's the case, his ADP could be merited.
Over in Tampa Bay, Dan Graziano of ESPN is reporting that Doug Martin isn't guaranteed a starting role after his three-game suspension ends, and Jenna Laine of ESPN.com is reporting that Jacquizz Rodgers could keep the lead role he's slated to temporarily hold for Martin. This uncertainty could make Martin a risky draft pick at his current price, which is roughly an ADP of 81, and conversely, makes Rodgers an intriguing selection late in drafts. At the end of the day, this battle has a long way to go, and may carry on into the regular season, so consider this current state of affairs if you're drafting early.
At wide receiver, Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 provides an update from Bills' camp that Andre Holmes is getting most of the first-team snaps while rookie Zay Jones is primarily running with the second-team, though he's starting in three-wide sets. Holmes is typically going undrafted in fantasy leagues, but he's shown big-play potential during his time with the Raiders, and it's possible that he meshes well with Tyrod Taylor, who throws a great deep ball. However, the Bills spent a second-round pick on Jones, so it also wouldn't a surprise if he overtook Holmes in the starting lineup. Either way, the Bills project to be a run-heavy team, and unless Sammy Watkins gets hurt, it's possible that there's not a ton of fantasy value to be mined from the team's secondary receiving options.
Another rookie receiver in the news is Mike Williams of the Chargers, and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com is reporting that he's expected to miss the entirety of training camp. This is bad news for the rookie's fantasy prospects, as Philip Rivers already has plenty of reliable weapons, and if Williams is unable to work with his QB in the preseason, he could become an afterthought in the team's passing attack. His current ADP of 136 is likely to drop further, and those who believe the rookie will end up faring well shouldn't have to risk more than an endgame pick to acquire him in drafts.
Finally, should you see pictures of Jameis Winston in a knee brace during the preseason, Scott Smith of the Bucs' official website is reporting that the brace is precautionary. With there being no injury to speak of, Winston should be drafted as normal, which is currently about 63 picks into average drafts.
That'll do it for today.