Joe's Notes: Week 3 Training Camp Summary - Footballguys

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One of the best and most comprehensive features we do every year is our Footballguys Training Camp Updates. Every week in August, our Bob Henry and Jason Wood and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's incredible and frankly, probably worth the price of the Footballguys Season Long Pro subscription just by itself. Each edition is almost 40 pages long.

While I encourage you to read every word of every week, I also understand Life Happens. And one of the more valuable services Footballguys can add is saving you time. For this article, I had the idea of taking the comprehensive Training Camp Update and distilling it down into 80 proof shots of the Need-to-Know material. Some teams will have more news than others. Because that's how it works in real life. Much of it will be from the Camp Updates, some of it will be my takes but all of it will hopefully be useful to you. And make sure to jump on our Season Long Pro subscription to continue seeing this type of stuff all year long. And if this feature is helpful to you, shoot me an email at bryant@footballguys.com and let me know.

Let's get to it.

Arizona Cardinals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Both quarterbacks Sam Bradford and Josh Rosen have practiced well. Bradford is the Week 1 starter but Rosen's looked excellent.
• Running back David Johnson looks like his extension talks are not getting in the way of his play on the field. He is ready to go.
• Backup running back Chase Edmonds only saw a handful of touches this week but is still well ahead of the rest of the pack for RB2 duties.
• Finally, the battle for the WR2-WR5 spots is starting to work its way out. Both Christian Kirk and Chad Williams start to click with the first team offense.
• Tight end Ricky Seals-Jones hasn't made many flashy offensive plays recently in camp and preseason but he did have a big block to help David Johnson get in the end zone.

Atlanta Falcons | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Atlanta's emphasis on red zone work this summer resulted in sharp play from quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Matt Schaub against the Chiefs.
• Look for tight end Austin Hooper to earn targets from play-action passes in the red zone from run-heavy sets and in obvious passing sets, serve as a clear-out option for the receiver that lines up next to him—likely Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu.
• The Falcons offense is not changing dramatically this year, which means establishing the run with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman to set up play-action passing.
• Head coach Dan Quinn has moved offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian to the field and quarterback coach Greg Knapp to the booth because Knapp spots defensive tendencies fast and it can allow Sarkisian to focus solely on using that information to call effective plays.

Baltimore Ravens | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Joe Flacco looks as good as ever and is developing chemistry with his new receivers.
• At the quarterback position, Lamar Jackson is progressing slowly, mixing in ups and downs, while Robert Griffin III III has been solid. For a team that usually keeps two quarterbacks, this year's decision will be a difficult one.
• Running back Alex Collins has been considered a limited player due to a lack of involvement in the passing game, but he and Joe Flacco are working on ways to improve his receiving production.
• Wide receivers Michael Crabtree, John Brown, and Willie Snead continue to put in extra work with Joe Flacco, and the offensive chemistry is exciting. In particular, the buzz around John Brown continues to build.
• Tight end Hayden Hurst should be the starter and lead the position in receptions, but Darren Waller is impressing since his return from suspension.

Buffalo Bills | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback AJ McCarron had a rough preseason outing before injuring his shoulder. It was originally reported to be a fractured collarbone but that was misdiagnosed.
• Quarterback Josh Allen sparked the offense against the Browns and appears ready to start sooner than expected.
• Zay Jones appears to be working as the #2 wide receiver while Corey Coleman had a quiet debut.
• Defensive tackle Kyle Williams suffered a knee injury and was described as "week to week".
• Weakside linebacker Matt Milano has disappointed in camp and may not hold onto his starting job.

Carolina Panthers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Cam Newton struggled in later practices and again in game action against the Dolphins, reverting to some of his bad habits.
• Wide receiver Curtis Samuel continues to give the Panthers reasons to make him a key component of their offense.
• The coaching staff seems to be trying their best to make 25 to 30 touches a game a reality for running back Christian McCaffrey.
• Newton and tight end Greg Olsen have great chemistry and it has shown in practice, but they have been struggling to connect during the preseason games.
• Barring the unexpected, it appears Ian Thomas has clinched the backup tight end position behind Olsen.

Chicago Bears | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Mitch Trubisky continues to show improvement but still has work to do to avoid negative plays.
• Wide receiver Allen Robinson continues to take things slow in his ACL recovery, but rookie Anthony Miller has quickly emerged as a focal point.
• Tight end Trey Burton looked dominant against the Broncos while backup Adam Shaheen suffered a low-ankle sprain that looked much worse.
• Leonard Floyd left the game with a hand injury, leaving the Bears woefully thin at outside linebacker.

Cincinnati Bengals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• The offensive line remains an issue and might keep the skill players from reaching their fantasy potential.
• Running back Joe Mixon played nearly every snap with the first-team offense and looks poised to have a big workload this season.
• The preseason performance of wide receiver John Ross was again uneven. He has moments of brilliance but still makes too many mistakes.
• The Bengals defensive line is young and extremely talented. Sam Hubbard, Carl Lawson, Andrew Billings, and Jordan Willis each made splash plays.
• The Bengals cut starting safety George Iloka to pave the way for rookie Jeremy Bates to enter the starting lineup.

Cleveland Browns | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Tyrod Taylor continues to play well. He's the unquestioned starter for now.
• Quarterback Baker Mayfield has shown promise and flashes but there is talk he could start the season as the #3 QB.
• Running back Carlos Hyde is the starter and made some strong, physical runs in the preseason contest.
• Wide receiver Josh Gordon is in the process of returning to the team and coach Hue Jackson said Gordon has a chance to be ready for Week 1.
• Tight end David Njoku has been catching everything in practices but was relatively quiet in the game.

Dallas Cowboys | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Dak Prescott has shaken off a slow start to the preseason with two strong preseason games and a stellar week of practice; he's finally clicking with his rebuilt receiving corps.
• Running back Ezekiel Elliott won't play at all during the preseason, according to team owner Jerry Jones.
• All-Pro guard Zack Martin escaped with a mild ankle sprain and could be back on the field for Week 1.
• The receiving corps pecking order remains in flux, but Allen Hurns and Michael Gallup are the favorites to start on the outside.
• Tight end Blake Jarwin is the deep sleeper worth targeting, as the team is sending him on vertical routes frequently.

Denver Broncos | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• The backfield has the look of a full-blown timeshare, with Royce Freeman handling one-cut and grinding work and Devontae Booker specializing elsewhere.
• Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has been an early (and successful) favorite of Case Keenum's, with rookie Courtland Sutton continuing to make regular splash plays.
• There's reason to tap the brakes on the tight end Jake Butt hype – he's yet to draw a preseason target, while coach favorite Jeff Heuerman has impressed with the first team.
• Even in a rotation, linebacker Bradley Chubb looks like a legitimate candidate to chase 8-10 sacks as a rookie.

Detroit Lions | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Matthew Stafford remains unchallenged as the starting quarterback.
• Quarterbacks Matt Cassel and Jake Rudock continue to battle for the backup quarterback job with no end in sight.
• Running back Kerryon Johnson continues to display great patience and vision and has been excellent in all phases during training camp.
• Wide receiver Marvin Jones continues to look lethal down the field. He's tough to cover and Stafford looks his way regularly.
• Wide receiver Kenny Golladay continues to look good and he should see plenty of snaps in this offense, specifically in the red zone.

Green Bay Packers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Aaron Jones' return was encouraging – he's been the only Green Bay back to run the ball with any measurable success thus far.
• Geronimo Allison appears locked-in as the team's No. 3 receiver – though camp body Jake Kumerow continues to push for a roster spot.
• Tight end Jimmy Graham returned to play this week, as well and has immediately cemented himself as a priority target of Aaron Rodgers' – especially in the red zone.
• Linebacker Blake Martinez, the NFL's leading tackler in 2017, has his sights on the NFL record of 195.

Houston Texans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Deshaun Watson was nearly perfect in his lone drive in the preseason game. His offseason continues to be 100 percent positive news.
• Lamar Miller remains alone atop the depth chart at running back and the lack of talent behind him could be a boon to his fantasy production.
• Wide receiver Bruce Ellington has emerged as a favorite target of Watson. He should be on the radar for deeper leagues.
• Cornerback Kevin Johnson's durability will be key to the success of the Texans defense. His concussion suffered Saturday could be a major blow if he isn't available for Week 1.

Indianapolis Colts | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Andrew Luck played poorly in Monday night's preseason game. His comeback remains a work in progress, but most importantly, he isn't limited physically.
• The running back position is a mess. Marlon Mack is still expected back for Week 1. Christine Michael was surprisingly treated as the starter in Monday's preseason game, but the Colts have been rotating Michael, Jordan Wilkins, and Nyhiem Hines with the first team in practices. Hines is having a terrible preseason.
• Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton is nursing a shoulder sprain that kept him out Monday night. The team doesn't consider the injury serious and he is fully expected to be ready for Week 1.
• The tight ends were heavily involved Monday night, with Jack Doyle and Eric Ebron receiving four targets apiece. Both Doyle and Ebron will have fantasy relevance this season, but Doyle is clearly Luck's most trusted target outside of Hilton.

Jacksonville Jaguars | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Blake Bortles may have thrown an interception against the Vikings, but even with the turnover he rebounded well and continues to stand out this offseason.
• Running back T.J. Yeldon showed that he can be a force on offense and not only offers handcuff value to Fournette but can find a way to coexist on the field at the same time.
• Wide receiver D.J. Chark has been impressive, routinely making catches over Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye in camp and practice.
• Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins sat out the preseason game which looks to be more of a rest issue as no injuries are to be reported.
• The defense has been dominant just as expected and the depth is showing itself. DE Yannick Ngakoue is on the verge of elite-level right now as far as pass rushers go.

Kansas City Chiefs | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Patrick Mahomes began training camp with highs and lows while getting comfortable with his responsibilities in Andy Reid's offense and he finished it with consistently strong play, including throws that few NFL quarterbacks can make.
• Running back Spencer Ware is ramping up his full participation in practice and routinely working with the second-team offense without any issues to his surgically-repaired knee.
• Wide receiver Tyreek Hill is significantly out-targeting Sammy Watkins this summer but the coaching staff claims this has more to do with Watkins and Mahomes in the process of gaining a rapport.
• Wide receiver Demarcus Robinson has been a routine deep threat and red zone target this summer and will be a starter in the offense.
• Safety Eric Berry still hasn't practiced with the team after suffering an Achilles' tear last year, and the team will have to start rookie Armani Watts if it doesn't sign a veteran soon.

Los Angeles Chargers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Wide receiver Mike Williams has flashed during practice and in week two of the preseason but seems like a second-team player at this point in the preseason. The three primary receivers are Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams, and Travis Benjamin.
• The tight end position has been a weak spot for the Chargers, with Virgil Green the starter, but no one distinguishing themselves behind Green. The weakness at the position creates volume opportunities for the wide receivers and running backs in the passing game.
• The quarterback position seems to be solidifying itself behind Philip Rivers, with Geno Smith continuing to outperform Cardale Jones.

Los Angeles Rams | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Like week one, the Rams did not play their starters in the second preseason game. Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Robert Woods, Brandin Cooks, Cooper, and Tyler Higbee all sat out the game.
• The battle for backup running back is still an open question, with John Kelly getting positive reviews in camp, but Malcolm Brown starting the second preseason game and functioning as the clear lead back behind Gurley.
• The battle for the backup quarterback has been lackluster with both Sean Mannion and Brandon Allen struggling throughout camp.
• Defensive end Aaron Donald remains out of camp with an unresolved contract situation that has not seen recent progress

Miami Dolphins | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Ryan Tannehill was efficient and moved the ball well but finishing drives in the red zone is an issue for the offense.
• Running back Kenyan Drake has looked fantastic, making something out of nothing multiple times. He could have a big year if he can stay healthy.
• Wide receivers Kenny Stills is injured but should return before the regular season opener. DaVante Parker's finger injury bears watching.
• Tight end Mike Gesicki looks locked in as a Week 1 starter.
• The defense has holes at linebacker and cornerback that may present problems all season long.

Minnesota Vikings | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a performance to forget against the Jaguars as he completed 3-of-8 passes for just 12 yards in limited action.
• The coaching staff continues to take it slow with running back Dalvin Cook as they can't afford a setback leading up to the regular season.
• Running back Latavius Murray fumbled twice but is still locked in as the backup to Dalvin Cook and some think Murray will see significant work.
• Wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs had off weeks connecting with Cousins and will look to finish the offseason strong this coming week.
• Wide receiver Laquon Treadwell continues to see time with both Diggs and Thielen in three wide receiver sets.

New England Patriots | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Sony Michel is out indefinitely, but Rex Burkhead's knee injury looks relatively minor – he should be back in action soon.
• Meanwhile, running back James White remains entrenched as one of Tom Brady's most trusted options in the passing game.
• Wide receiver Eric Decker's struggles and Kenny Britt's long-term injury absence have Phillip Dorsett in the driver's seat for No. 2 duties to open the year.
• Tight end Rob Gronkowski's missed preseason game means little; he rarely plays in August, and he's not facing any health or contract concerns.

New Orleans Saints | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Jonathan Williams may be nudging past journeyman Terrance West as the team's preferred grind-it-out option during Mark Ingram's suspension.
• Head coach Sean Payton hasn't been thrilled with the team's stable of receivers, though Michael Thomas continues to thrill in camp action.
• Tight end Ben Watson is back at practice, and he's had the same connection with Drew Brees that the two showcased from 2013-15.

New York Giants | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Davis Webb played well, shaking off a terrible showing against the Browns last week.
• Running back Wayne Gallman continues to outplay Jonathan Stewart; he's the handcuff to Saquon Barkley.
• Starting running back Saquon Barkley hasn't returned to practice, but the team maintains the hamstring issue is minor.
• There's no drama at the wide receiver position, Odell Beckham is healthy and back in form, Sterling Shepard is having his most consistent preseason, and Cody Latimer is miles ahead of the rest of the backups on the pecking order.
• The offensive line didn't allow a sack against the Lions and is trending up, particularly on the left side thanks to new tackle Nate Solder.

New York Jets | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Injuries along the offensive line make it hard to gauge quarterback Sam Darnold. But the injuries may linger into Week 1, which the Jets have to consider when deciding who is their starter.
• Where is quarterback Josh McCown? If you wanted further proof that the Jets see him mostly as a coach, you can tell by his lack of playing time in games as well as practice.
• The one huge need for the Jets on defense was a pass rusher and they still don't have one. That's going to keep the pressure on the Jets offense to succeed.
• Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor spent much of last week jawing with Washington defenders and performing in practice but he still hasn't been in a preseason game to show us what he can do.
• The Jets offense has mostly been dink and dunk all preseason. We want to see what the quarterbacks can do to stretch the field. Hopefully, they let loose versus the Giants.

Oakland Raiders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• The Raiders and Rams are set to matchup in Week 1 of the regular season, which caused both teams to rest most of their starters in what turned out to be an uneventful preseason game.
• Running back Chris Warren III III continues to star in camp and the rookie may position himself as the heir apparent to Marshawn Lynch if he can develop as a pass blocker.
• Wide receiver Martavis Bryant missed most of the week with severe migraines, which led to a frustrated Gruden nicknaming him the "white tiger."

Philadelphia Eagles | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Carson Wentz returned to team (11-on-11) drills on Sunday, significantly raising the odds he's under center in Week 1 versus Atlanta.
• Backup quarterback Nick Foles' shoulder injury was minor, and he also returned to practice on Sunday.
• Neither running back Darren Sproles nor Corey Clement will play again during the preseason.
• The receiving corps is thin right now, but Nelson Agholor is talking optimistically about the regular season.
• Tight end Dallas Goedert is fighting against the stereotype that rookie tight ends cannot make a major impact.

Pittsburgh Steelers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger had a concussion scare but cleared protocol quickly.
• Quarterback Mason Rudolph started camp slowly but is showing progress.
• Running back James Conner is the clear backup to Le'Veon Bell and looks capable of starting if Bell were to miss time for any reason.
• The starting receivers are fantastic, and if James Washington can translate his camp/preseason play into the regular season, the ceiling for the whole offense is even higher.
• Tight end Vance McDonald still hasn't returned from his foot injury, but beat writers think the team is easing him in because they have earmarked a big role for him.

San Francisco 49ers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has played well in camp and looks to have developed a strong relationship with wide receiver Marquise Goodwin.
• The running back position has been a struggle, with Jerick McKinnon and Matt Breida both injured, while the offensive line has struggled to create interior running room. In their absence, Jeremy McNichols stepped into a lead role at running back.
• The 49ers injury situation has been in flux, with wide receivers Pierre Garcon and Trent Taylor returning to key roles in the offense, while McKinnon, Breida and tight end George Kittle remaining out of action with injuries.

Seattle Seahawks | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Running back C.J. Prosise never seems truly healthy but if he manages to dodge the injury bug in 2018, there's a good chance he makes this backfield a messy committee.
• There is plenty of change in the secondary, but nowhere is the situation shakier than at safety, which impacts coverage over the top as well as run defense.
• The Seahawks won't admit it, but Germain Ifedi is a massive issue at right tackle.
• Wide receiver Brandon Marshall might make the team, and even start, but it's hard to imagine that the 34-year old will produce much.
• Linebacker Barkevious Mingo had a nice 2017 with the Indianapolis Colts, and the defensive talent in Seattle's front seven could help make him come much closer to the expectations of 2013

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Peyton Barber is placing distance between himself and Ronald Jones II II. Coach Dirk Koetter praised Barber for being a serious guy and having the look of a starter on the field.
• Wide receiver Chris Godwin's skill against tight coverage and working back to his quarterbacks could make him a productive red zone option this year.
• Tight end O.J. Howard spent the offseason studying Zach Ertz, Travis Kelce, Rob Gronkowski, and Tony Gonzalez – especially Gonzalez's route running.
• Defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul has been a vocal and on-field leader throughout camp and culminated the summer with multiple sacks of Marcus Mariota in practice as well as beating Taylor Lewan repeatedly in one-on-ones.
• Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has performed much better in camp this year than he did in 2017 because of increased command of the offense and rapport with his receivers.

Tennessee Titans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Marcus Mariota has a clear connection with wide receiver Corey Davis in practices.
• Running back Derrick Henry's power has been on full display.
• Wide receiver Corey Davis has been nearly unstoppable since returning from injury.
• Keep an eye on wide receiver Taywan Taylor. He's been tremendous in practice and showed off in the game.
• The team seems to be quietly preparing to be without wide receiver Rishard Matthews for a while.
• Tight end Delanie Walker injured his toe in practice and his status remains unknown.

Washington Redskins | Depth Chart | Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Alex Smith has been consistent, accurate, and a vocal leader throughout the preseason.
• The running back situation is as bleak as any in the league, which explains why the team signed Adrian Peterson on Monday.
• Third-down specialist Chris Thompson isn't 100 percent by his own admission and isn't seeing a lot of practice reps, but his readiness for Week 1 isn't in question.
• Receivers Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson, and Paul Richardson Jr have all had their moments; it doesn't look like one is the definitive No. 1 yet.
• Tight end Jordan Reed is having the best preseason since his breakout 2015 campaign.

And that's that for this week. Let me know if you found this type of thing useful by shooting an email to bryant@footballguys.com. And keep up with me on Twitter by clicking the follow button below.

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