Training Camp Preview: AFC South
Tue Jul 22 10:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Lawrence has a lot of pressure
This is the sixth in a series of training camp previews. The previews give you a quick look at each team, going over position battles and injuries to watch in camp. The season is right around the corner.
Texans
The Texans won their division last year, but it didn’t seem like they had the season most expected. The offense kind of sputtered at times, so that should be the big thing to watch this camp. CJ Stroud didn’t take quite the step forward in year two. There will be a lot of pressure on Stroud and the offense to up their game this year. If that happens, this could make a run in the playoffs. There certainly is enough talent on both sides of the ball for that to happen. We will get to see all these players in action, starting July 22 at the Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Texas.
Position battle: The Texans really added some new talent at receiver this offseason, getting Christian Kirk, Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins. These guys will be competing for playing time behind Nico Collins, though. It will be an interesting battle, especially when it comes to Kirk. Can the veteran receiver beat out the young guys for targets? This will be a position battle to watch because the Texans offense could be a lot more explosive this year.
Injury watch: Tank Dell is trying to return from a devastating knee injury suffered late last season. He has a very long road back and most think he will be unable to play at all this season. He has endured multiple surgeries after suffering the injury. He likely will do nothing in camp, but hopefully we get some sort of update on his status. He can be a difference maker when playing. Here is to hoping this injury doesn’t hold him back going forward.
Colts
The Colts were a mess last year but still almost made the playoffs, finishing 8-9. It helped that they played in a weak division, though. The big concern remains the quarterback spot. It remains to be seen if Anthony Richardson is the long-term answer for the team. Richardson should be the focal point of this camp, trying to see if he is the franchise quarterback that can lead this team to the playoffs and beyond. Richardson and his teammates open camp July 21 at Grand Park in Westfield, Ind.
Position battle: The Colts brought in Daniel Jones to push Anthony Richardson for the starting job in Indy. Jones seems to have a real leg up to start at this point because Richardson has missed a lot of time because of a shoulder injury. Richardson is going to have a hard time starting if he isn’t on the practice field. The more first-team reps that Jones gets, the better his chances are to at least open the season as the starter for the Colts.
Injury watch: Anthony Richardson has been slowed by a shoulder injury all offseason. This is impacting his chances to start, missing so much practice time. He had shoulder surgery on the same shoulder his rookie season, so this latest injury is a concern. Is this going to be a recurring issue? Richardson is likely to be slowed early in camp because of the injury. He needs to get back on the field sooner then later, though, if he hopes to start for the Colts this year.
Jaguars
This could be a make-or-break season for Trevor Lawrence. He has been pretty ho-hum to start this career. Lawrence looks the part at times, but not as consistently as the Jaguars would like. He will have some pressure on him to up his game this year, especially with the team surrounding him with better talent at receiver. The Jaguars start camp July 19 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla.
Position battle: The Jaguars have three backs looking to start this year. Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby split much of the work last year, but neither was great with their chances. Jacksonville drafted Bhaysul Tuten to compete with both backs for the right to start. This really is a three-headed race for the No. 1 back job. Etienne seems to be ahead in the race right now, but that could change in a hurry if he slips up in camp and preseason action.
Injury watch: Trevor Lawrence had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder and has been wearing a sleeve on his throwing arm during some off-season work. He should be just fine for the start of camp, but you will at least want to keep an eye on his arm ailments to make sure they aren’t an issue going forward. Lawrence has a chance to take a big step forward this year, but needs to be healthy for that to happen.
Titans
The Titans were the worst team in football last year, so all they can do is go up at this point. Tennessee used their first pick to get Cam Ward, hoping to have finally solved that quarterback issue that has plagued them in recent seasons. Ward will get the keys to the ship right away, so it will be intriguing to see how much of an impact he has in year one. Much of this camp will focus on the development of their young quarterback. Tennessee opens camp July 22 at Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park in Nashville, Tenn.
Position battle: The Titans signed both Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett this offseason. Lockett figures to be the slot receiver for the Titans, but Jefferson has a chance to be the No. 2 alongside Calvin Ridley. He won’t be handed the job, though. Treylon Burks is still around and rookie Xavier Restrepo is a player to watch. Restrepo has turned heads in offseason workouts and could really push Jefferson for that starting job. He is a player to watch.
Injury watch: Treylon Burks is returning from a torn ACL, suffered in Week 6 last season. The good news is he should be ready to go for the start of camp. It is a major injury, though, so nothing is certain as workouts start. He could be brought along slowly. Burks has been a bust to date, so this could be a make-or-break camp for him if he hopes to earn a big role with the Titans this season.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
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The Paur Report
Fantasy Life Championship Live Stream (7-16)
New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith "is catching the eye of his teammates and coaches in training camp." The wideout, selected as the No. 110 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, finished his final collegiate season by amassing 817 yards and four touchdowns off 48 receptions. Since his arrival in New York, Smith has received praise because of his work ethic while having no issues "absorbing information." "He takes a lot of stuff in," said fellow wide receiver Josh Reynolds. "He is a good student and he transfers it to the field." Without question, Garrett Wilson is expected to remain the team's most productive receiver. However, it appears the No. 2 spot is up for grabs. While Smith may not see consistent playing time early on in the 2025 campaign, that could change if he continues to impress throughout training camp and during the season. Granted, Smith doesn't have any value in most redraft formats at the moment, but he's worth grabbing later in rookie drafts by those who can afford to be patient.
From RotoBaller
According to Nick Wojton of USA Today, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer is "working well" with quarterback Josh Allen. "Palmer was the standout on Friday," wrote Wojton. "WGRZ-TV noted a back-shoulder catch Palmer made on a pass from Allen." The 25-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Bills in March after spending his first four seasons with the Chargers. He appeared in 59 regular-season contests for Los Angeles, amassing 182 catches for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bills don't have a true No. 1 wideout on the depth chart. As such, Palmer has a chance to be just as productive as Keon Coleman, Elijah Moore, and Khalil Shakir throughout the 2025 campaign, although he could still struggle at times to get involved, considering Allen and James Cook get plenty of opportunities on the ground.
From RotoBaller
According to Chris Roling of Bengals Wire, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton has stood out during training camp. The 24-year-old, selected as the No. 80 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, had an uneventful rookie season, amassing only four receptions for 107 yards in 14 games. There were also behavioral concerns. However, Burton has seemingly turned things around, with the wideout receiving praise from quarterback Joe Burrow while being "nothing but positive in interviews and eye-openingly good on the field." Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who both signed new deals in the offseason, will remain the featured wideouts. Still, Burton could find himself in a bigger role if Chase or Higgins go down with an injury, potentially earning more targets than Andrei Iosivas. With that in mind, Burton has little-to-no redraft value at the moment, although he's still worth stashing on dynasty rosters.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones worked with the second team on Saturday, with Anthony Richardson Sr. getting first-team reps. Both players have split time with the first and second teams so far, so it's unknown what sparked the change. While Richardson appears to have the early edge on winning the starting job, there is still a way to go heading into Week 1. Jones threw for 24 touchdowns in his inaugural campaign in 2019. However, he didn't get close to that mark throughout the rest of his time with the Giants. The signal-caller has a fresh start in Indianapolis. Although his fantasy stock will rise if he claims the No. 1 spot on the depth chart, he has a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers. Jones would also presumably be on a short leash as a starter, with Richardson likely to enter the equation if he struggles.
From RotoBaller
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (knee) is believed to have sustained a torn ACL. He suffered the injury during practice on Saturday, requiring assistance off the field. The 25-year-old finished the 2024 campaign with only 172 yards off 31 carries. He is competing for the No. 3 spot behind Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet while potentially serving as a return man on special teams. However, with McIntosh's season likely over, rookie Damien Martinez could replace him on the depth chart, although that won't help him be relevant for fantasy managers, at least as long as Walker and Charbonnet are healthy. McIntosh will undergo further testing, with an official diagnosis expected soon.
From RotoBaller
According to Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales, wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan will have a pivotal role right away. "He's going to get targeted a lot," said Canales during a recent practice. "He's going to be a big part of what we do. We're going to challenge him." The 2025 No. 8 overall pick is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons with the Arizona Wildcats, so it's apparent he has plenty of talent. However, McMillan may not be as impactful for fantasy managers if Bryce Young doesn't show signs of growth throughout the 2025 campaign after two underwhelming seasons in the National Football League. With that in mind, McMillan still commands attention in redraft formats while being a top-five option in rookie drafts.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is now the only unsigned pick from the 2025 NFL Draft. The rookie was arrested on July 12 in Florida on a battery and domestic violence charge stemming from an incident that allegedly took place on July 7. He is entering the National Football League with plenty of hype, considering he amassed 1,060 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns for the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2024. Of course, Judkins' legal issues haven't done him any favors regarding his outlook from a fantasy standpoint, especially since he might be facing a suspension. With that in mind, Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson will battle for the right to sit atop the depth chart heading into Week 1. However, Judkins could take over the No. 1 spot during the year, assuming he signs soon, giving him value later in fantasy drafts. On the other hand, Judkins still commands first-round attention in rookie drafts.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. "was with the starters to begin 11-on-11 work" on Saturday, with Daniel Jones working with the second team. Both players will continue to compete for the starting job throughout training camp and into Week 1. However, it appears Richardson has the early edge, although that can certainly change moving forward. The signal-caller has struggled since entering the National Football League as the No. 4 overall selection in the 2023 draft, throwing for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions while adding 111 carries for 635 yards and 10 scores. With that in mind, Richardson's durability is an issue, appearing in 15 regular-season games in his first two seasons, so he may need to rely more on his arm during the 2025 campaign. Unfortunately, he's completed only 50.6% of his throws, which could make that more difficult. At any rate, managers should monitor things in the weeks ahead, but it's safe to say neither player can be trusted fully to spearhead a fantasy team.
From RotoBaller
According to Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) won't practice next week. Fortunately, the signal-caller didn't suffer a setback. Still, with McVay indicating that the team "will take it a week at a time," the uncertainty surrounding Stafford's return date won't sit well with fantasy managers. He appeared in 16 games for the Rams last season, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight picks while completing 65.8% of his attempts. Despite Stafford's age, he continues to play at an acceptable level, making him a viable starting option in Superflex formats. The hope is he'll be available for Week 1. However, if the 37-year-old isn't ready to go when the Rams host the Texans on September 7, Jimmy Garoppolo or Stetson Bennett will presumably be under center. Either quarterback would be a step down from Stafford, which wouldn't be ideal for Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. For now, Stafford should be considered week-to-week.
From RotoBaller
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Tennessee Titans are signing free agent wide receiver Ramel Keyton. The details of the deal were not disclosed. Keyton will join the team on Monday. Tennessee is moving quickly in the wake of Treylon Burks' (shoulder) injury news, signing the former Las Vegas Raiders preseason standout. The University of Tennessee product appeared in eight games for the Raiders in 2024, though he came away with just one catch and seven yards on three targets. Despite a lack of talent throughout, Keyton faces a difficult task cracking the Titans' starting receiving corps. Fellow wideout Van Jefferson is a solid NFL-caliber receiver, and Tennessee took a shot on three intriguing rookies in Chimere Dike, Elic Ayomanor, and quarterback Cam Ward's former Miami teammate, Xavier Restrepo.
From RotoBaller
According to Taylor Kyles of CLNSMedia.com, New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas has been quarterback Drake Maye's No. 1 pass-catcher, and "it isn't close." The duo reportedly flashed their connection in Saturday's practice on a scramble drill, with the Liberty alum turning upfield and snagging a long touchdown. Douglas has been a star at camp, per Kyles, "consistently getting open" and "catching everything thrown his way," -- looking exceedingly comfortable in Josh McDaniels' offense. The sentiment surrounding Maye is that he'll take a significant step forward in Year 2. If that's the case, and Douglas is ascending to a prominent role in the offense, he'd be a steal at his current ADP, sitting just inside the top 200 in drafts. At first blush, he'll likely be a more valuable PPR asset. Still, it isn't often you find a team's No. 1 option in the double-digit rounds.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley has reportedly been rookie quarterback Cam Ward's favorite target during Saturday's practice, with the two notably hooking up on a deep out route down the sideline. Ridley seems like the natural fit to lead Tennessee in receiving again in 2025 after collecting his second consecutive 1,000-yard season with a different team (Jacksonville). He could stand to get more work, however, with the news of fellow wideout Treylon Burks (shoulder) fracturing his collarbone on Saturday. Aside from tight end Chig Okonkwo, Ridley is the most tenured pass-catcher amongst the potential starters, with Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson acquired in free agency, and Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor selected in April's draft. The 30-year-old's week-to-week production could be up-and-down, but he is the unquestioned No. 1 option in the Titans' passing offense and a high-floor fantasy asset in the top 75 picks.
From RotoBaller
There are multiple reports out that Texans RB Joe Mixon will miss several weeks of training camp because of his foot injury. The hope is he will be able to return for Week 1.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks (shoulder, knee) fractured his collarbone during Saturday's practice. Rapoport notes that the wideout will undergo further testing, but will miss "the start of the season at least." He sustained the injury while making a diving grab up the sidelines. It's a massive blow to Burks, who was still recovering from a torn ACL he picked up a season ago. The door seems to be left open for him to come back at some point in 2025, but it's undoubtedly a detriment that he'll miss this critical rapport-building period in camp with rookie quarterback Cam Ward. As of now, veteran Van Jefferson figures to play in three-wide receiver sets primarily. That could change over the next few weeks if one of the rookie wideouts, Elic Ayomanor or Chimere Dike, makes a push for the starting offense.
From RotoBaller
After a lackluster campaign in 2024, New York Jets running back Breece Hall has his eyes set on proving his worth ahead of the 2025 season. The Iowa State product told reporters on Saturday that he has a chip on his shoulder and feels that it's his "last chance" to demonstrate his abilities. "We got a new head coach (Aaron Glenn), new GM (Darren Mougey)," said Hall. "Obviously, I wasn't drafted by them, I'm not their guy. So for me, like I said, I've got to prove it every day." The talk of a running back-by-committee has been loud this offseason, but the 24-year-old isn't letting that deter him from vying for a workhorse role. Hall has the talent to do so, and could be in store for a bounce-back season with quarterback Justin Fields (toe) at the helm. The added threat of Fields in the running game would benefit the fourth-year pro. However, his new signal-caller will need to get past his recent toe injury. Hall is a strong pick as a high-upside RB2.
From RotoBaller
According to NFL.com, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales says veteran wide receiver Hunter Renfrow is "playing at top form" in camp. While Tetairoa McMillan, Adam Thielen, and Xavier Legette are all expected to be the top three receivers for the Panthers in 2025, Renfrow is making his presence felt in camp and could easily work his way into the rotation more often if he continues to impress. Renfrow had a career year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, where he caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns. In 2022 and 2023 with the Raiders, he combined for 585 yards and two touchdowns. In 2024, Hunter Renfrow did not play football due to a battle with ulcerative colitis, a medical condition that impacted his weight and energy levels. The Panthers signed him to a one-year contract in 2025, and he appears to be making the most of his opportunities. At this time, he is still not relevant in most fantasy formats, but his presence could hinder the ceiling of Thielen and Legette should they lose opportunities to Renfrow if he makes the team.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (toe) appears to be heading in the right direction after giving the Jets a scare after dislocating his toe on Thursday in practice. According to Zack Rosenblatt, senior writer for The Athletic, Fields was participating in seven-on-seven drills and looked impressive doing so. He went 6-for-6 and had completions to Garrett Wilson (twice), Tyler Johnson, Xavier Gipson, Brandon Smith, and Arian Smith. These are all encouraging signs for the former 2021 first-round pick out of Ohio State. Fields is viewed as a dual-threat quarterback, so the silver lining in all of this is that it will give him some time to focus on his passing game, get in rhythm with his pass-catchers, and stay off his feet as much as possible while he tends to the injury. Fields is widely viewed as a mid-range QB1 in fantasy football this upcoming season, primarily due to his dual-threat capabilities.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings Safety Josh Metellus and the Vikings reached an agreement Saturday on a three-year, $36 million contract extension with a max value of $42 million that includes $25 million guaranteed, per agent Drew Rosenhaus. Metellus has demonstrated considerable versatility in the Brian Flores 3-4 defense over the past few seasons, lining up at free safety, in the box, in the slot, and even as an edge defender. In 2024, Metellus recorded 103 tackles (63 solo), recorded five pass breakups, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. He will continue to play alongside six-time Pro Bowler Harrison Smith and try to help the Vikings compete in what could be the best division in the NFL in 2025, the NFC North.
From RotoBaller
News broke on Saturday that Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (foot) is expected to be out for an extended period due to a frustrating foot injury. According to Jordan Schultz, NFL insider, even with Mixon missing extended time, the Houston Texans will be judicious with veteran Nick Chubb in training camp. It wasn't too long ago that the four-time pro-bowler, Chubb, suffered a severe knee injury (torn ACL, MCL, meniscus, and medial capsule) in a game against the Steelers. He made his comeback in 2024 around mid-season and proceeded to play a handful of games before suffering a season-ending foot injury. He has since recovered and been picked up by the Texans in free agency to be the backup to Mixon. With Mixon expected to miss an extended amount of time, the Texans will likely lean on the veteran to carry the workload, but it appears they will do so cautiously. With Mixon and Dameon Pierce (quad) both out, 2025 fourth-round pick Woody Marks will likely see an uptick in reps and opportunities as well.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Treylon Burks (shoulder/knee) exited Saturday's practice after making a great diving catch up the right side against Jarvis Brownlee. But he lands out of bounds. Relief that he bounced right up. But then he's holding his left clavicle, Paul Kuharsky of PaulKuharsky.com reports. At this point, the severity of Burks' injury is unclear; however, as things currently stand, if Burks were to miss any additional time, Tyler Lockett would be the top pass-catching option for Cam Ward, with Van Jefferson and Chimere Dike seeing an increase in reps and targets while Burks remains sidelined. Burks had his 2024 campaign cut short due to a torn ACL, so getting injured early on in camp is a tough break for the former 2022 first-round pick out of Arkansas. Fantasy managers should keep tabs on any updates to the severity of his injury in the coming days.
From RotoBaller
