Training Camp Notes: Aug. 1

Training Camp Notes: Aug. 1

This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.

Another day, another dollar. Or, another day of Training Camp Notes as it were. Fortunately, there were no new major injuries Sunday and most of the news was actually positive on that front.

Mike Gesicki, who missed practice Saturday for "undisclosed medical reasons," was placed on the COVID-19 list Sunday. Dolphins co-offensive coordinator and tight ends coach George Godsey tested positive despite being vaccinated, and Gesicki, Cethan Carter and Adam Shaheen were deemed close contacts and placed on the list. For now, Durham Smythe and rookie third-rounder Hunter Long will serve as the team's top tight ends, but if there are no complications, Gesicki should be back to resume his regular role well before the season starts.

•  Tyrod Taylor had an excused absence from Texans practice Saturday due to personal reasons, giving rookie Davis Mills a brief promotion to first-team duties. More tellingly for Taylor and the Texans, Deshaun Watson continues to be present at camp but is still not doing any full-team work. If Taylor retains the starting role, the soon-to-be 32-year-old likely won't present much fantasy value even if selected as a flier in most drafts, and Houston receivers such as Brandin Cooks should be downgraded accordingly.  

• Injuries abound in the Philadelphia receiving corps, as Jalen Reagor started camp with a lower-body injury suffered during a conditioning test, which he also failed. Nevertheless, the 2020 first-round pick participated in team drills Saturday for the first time this preseason. The Eagles' first overall pick from the 2021 draft, DeVonta Smith, also experienced a lower-body problem as he exited Saturday's practice with a leg injury. It is not supposed to be serious, however. If things click with Jalen Hurts and the Philly offense, both receivers could turn out to be steals this draft season. Smith is currently going 35th among receivers, while Reagor is even cheaper at 56th.

• The Browns extended Nick Chubb by three years Saturday, meaning the Georgia product will be in Cleveland through at least 2024. While this means little for Chubb's fantasy value, I mention it so I could note that I think he's currently cheaper than he should be in drafts, going as the ninth running back behind Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley, who have volume and injury concerns, respectively.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Phillips
David Phillips is originally from Austin, Texas. He has been playing fantasy sports for close to 30 years and won the 60-team RotoWire Vegas staff fantasy football league in 2020. His favorite teams are all from the Dallas area, with the possible exception of the San Antonio Spurs.
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