• Johnny Manziel as the starter? Not just yet. Coach Mike Pettine refuted a report that Manziel had passed Brian Hoyer on the team's depth chart. Pettine acknowledged that Manziel has made positive strides, but would not go so far as to say Johnny Football would start the Browns' second preseason game. However, it does appear that Manziel is legitimately pushing Hoyer for the starting job. Assuming the rookie QB can wrest the job away from Hoyer's mostly unproven hands, Manziel could be an interesting and hotly debated fantasy name heading into the heart of draft season.
• Cam Newton will see his first action of the preseason next Sunday against the Chiefs. After sitting out the opening preseason game, Newton has been named the starter for game two, and will finally have the opportunity to test out his surgically repaired ankle in live-game action. Newtown has also been running read-option plays in practice, so it would appear that he is close to full health. However, Cam is a bigger question mark this season than in season's past. Not only is the injury worrisome, but the Panthers have surrounded him with a dearth of offensive talent . Relying on Kelvin Benjamin to make a significant contribution is a scary proposition. Cam is still a physical specimen so don't count him out, but he certainly comes with a fair amount of risk.
• Drew Brees missed practice again on Sunday. The Saints QB has not practiced since
Aug. 2 when he injured his left oblique. Brees was seen throwing passes on the sideline prior to the Saints first preseason game, so the hope is that the oblique is no longer an issue. Furthermore, the Saints resting their 35-year old star quarterback in the preseason should not come as a shock to anyone. In fact, many would argue they should bubble-wrap him for the rest of the preseason just to be safe. For now, consider Brees day-to-day, but this does not seem to be an injury to worry much about.
• Pierre Thomas is another Saint on the mend as he too missed Sunday's practice. The injury has yet to be disclosed, but Thomas also missed Friday's preseason game, so it is a situation to at least keep an eye on. Assuming health, Thomas is an intriguing fantasy option this season, especially in PPR leagues. Thomas' 77 catches last season were second only Jimmy Graham's 86 for the Saints. And with Darren Sproles' departure, and subsequently his 71 catches to be divvied up, Thomas makes for a nice play in any PPR.
• DeSean Jackson was limited in practice Sunday for the second day in row. Jackson injured is ankle on Wednesday and was forced to miss the Redskins first preseason contest against the Patriots. Coach Jay Gruden intimated to the media that Jackson may be ready to play in the Redskins' second preseason game on Monday, Aug. 18. However, for now, continue to monitor the situation as ankle sprains can often be unpredictable.
• Riley Cooper returned to practice Sunday after missing the Eagles' opening preseason game, and more than a week of practice, with an injured foot. Cooper seems on track to play Friday in the Eagles' second preseason game against the Patriots. Barring any setbacks with his foot, Cooper is a nice third WR target with some upside. Cooper signed a contract extension during the offseason and is a favorite target of Eagles QB Nick Foles. Furthermore, any weapon in a Chip Kelly offense deserves fantasy attention. If Cooper can stay on the field, he should have the opportunity to put up points on a weekly basis.