Joe's Notes: Week 4 Training Camp Summary

Photo: USA Today Sports

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 his 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

• Quarterback Kyler Murray had a nice bounce-back performance passing for 137 yards while going 14-of-21 through the air.
• Running backs David Johnson and Chase Edmonds have their roles locked up as the top two backs.
• Wide receiver Michael Crabtree signed a one-year, $3.25 million deal adding additional depth and leadership to the position.
• Tight end competition is still in full effect with Ricky Seals-Jones, Charles Clay, and Maxx Williams.

Atlanta Falcons Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Ito Smith has outperformed Brian Hill in consecutive preseason games as a receiver, and he’s held up well enough in pass protection and goal-line work to earn the No.2 spot on the depth chart.
• RB Brian Hill has been a star in camp but has not been as strong during the preseason, which has led observers to wonder if a decrease in snaps means he’s being rested for the regular season or in danger of being a surprise cut.
• RB Kenjon Barner has earned the return-specialist role.
• TE Austin Hooper hasn't made a ton of noise in games, but he's been a favorite target in practice.

Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Teammates and coaches say that quarterback Lamar Jackson is developing into a leader, and his passing is expected to improve from what was a good rookie season, considering his age and mid-season start.
• Running back Gus Edwards was rested in Thursday’s game, a suggestion that he’s ahead of Justice Hill, though Hill’s dynamic skill set should allow him to overtake Edwards eventually.
• Wide receiver Marquise Brown got his first game action, and while it’s apparent he’s not all the way recovered from his injury, it’s also clear that the wants to get him the ball in many ways.
• Also at receiver, Miles Boykin had yet another solid week of practice and made a long catch-and-run in the game.
• Baltimore should deploy two tight end sets more than any team in the league, and Mark Andrews is the best pass-catcher of the group, with double-digit touchdown upside.

Buffalo Bills Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Josh Allen regressed in the Lions game and made several poor decisions from trying to do too much, while backup Matt Barkley has been near-perfect in the preseason.
• Veteran running backs LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore combined for 94 yards on 14 carries against Detroit while rookie Devin Singletary scored a touchdown on his only snap of the game.
• Receiver Zay Jones started the game and played into the second half, suggesting he’s falling behind John Brown and Cole Beasley on the list of primary targets.
• Rookie tight end Dawson Knox returned from a hamstring injury this week and looked impressive in the Lions game as a blocker and receiver despite a limited snap count.
• The Bills defense seems poised for a top-10 season, and top corner TreDavious White appears to have escaped with a minor injury after leaving the Lions game.

Carolina Panthers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Cam Newton suffered a mid-foot sprain, but the team is hopeful that it will not affect his ability to be ready for the regular season.
• Neither quarterback Kyle Allen nor Will Grier has inspired confidence in the backup situation, but Allen’s experience and poise give him an edge against Grier.
• The competition for a running back spot remains close between Jordan Scarlett, Elijah Holyfield, and Reggie Bonnafon.
• Terry Godwin did not help his case for the sixth wide receiver spot when he dropped a punt in the contest against New England.
• It remains unclear who will win a roster spot at nickel, but Corn Elder may have separated himself with his game-time performance.

Chicago Bears Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The Bears continued to rest all their starters and key backups in the preseason, making it difficult to draw any firm conclusions about this team on both sides of the ball.
• At running back, rookie David Montgomery is the player to watch while Tarik Cohen will likely play a similar role to last season.
• Wide receiver Anthony Miller continues to miss valuable time with an ankle injury but should be ready for the season opener.

Cincinnati Bengals Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterbacks Andy Dalton and Ryan Finley have both put up strong preseason numbers. Dalton looks like a great fit for this offensive system.
• Rookie running back Rodney Anderson made a triumphant return from his ACL injury, making a number of impressive plays in his first preseason action. He is the No. 3 back behind Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard.
• Rookie wide receiver Damion Willis has starred throughout the preseason and has been named a Week 1 starter at the X-position.
• The roster battle between wide receivers Auden Tate and Josh Malone is heating up. The winner could have a big role early with A.J. Green out and John Ross still questionable for Week 1.
• Wide receiver John Ross finally returned to practice on Sunday after an extended absence due to a tight hamstring.

Cleveland Browns Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Baker Mayfield continued to excel in practice work but struggled in the dress rehearsal preseason game.
• Running back Nick Chubb has generated excitement in practice and appears on track for a good season.
• Wide receiver Odell Beckham continues to rest his hip injury, but his Week 1 status is not in doubt.
• Tight end David Njoku has spent most of the week resting a sore knee.
• The defense has been dominant in practice and game scenarios and will be a strength of this team.

Dallas Cowboys Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Dak Prescott ended the preseason 11-of-14 passing for 109 yards and a touchdown. He’s in command of Kellen Moore’s new offense and hopes to earn a big contract extension.
• Running back Ezekiel Elliott’s holdout is still ongoing, although both sides continue to acknowledge a desire to get a deal done.
• Rookie Tony Pollard has made the most of Ezekiel Elliott’s absence; he’s gained 84 yards on 15 carries (5.6 per carry) with a touchdown and has cemented the No. 2 role.
• Wide receiver Michael Gallup has been the best skill player of the summer and dominated against the Texans with one touchdown and another called back on a holding penalty. While most attention is on Amari Cooper, Gallup appears poised to take a leap in his second season.
• Starting wide receiver Amari Cooper continued to miss time with a heel injury. The team disputed claims of plantar fasciitis and remain optimistic about his Week 1 status.

Denver Broncos Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• With the injury to rookie Drew Lock, Kevin Hogan slots in as the No. 2 quarterback, though it makes sense for the team to look around at final cuts.
• Running backs Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman continue to dominate the groundwork, but the team will likely keep a pass-game specialist or two as well.
• WR Emmanuel Sanders looks fully recovered from last December’s Achilles tear, and he’s already back working as the top option in preseason play.
• Fellow receiver Courtland Sutton’s reputation is as a splash-play specialist, but he’s fully confident in his potential as a No. 1 threat.
• Rookie tight end Noah Fant’s preseason ankle injury looks minor, and he’s expected to play (and contribute) in Week 1.

Detroit Lions Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Matthew Stafford had been awfully quiet this August. But he looked sharp in his preseason debut, spreading the ball to a variety of weapons into all areas of the field.
• The Lions have been cautious with running back Kerryon Johnson in the preseason, but he is still the team’s starting running back and should see plenty of work in their run-heavy offense.
• Running back C.J. Anderson may vulture some third-down and goal-line work from Johnson as the Lions want to keep Johnson fresh.
• Wide receivers Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay are going to benefit from the Lions desire to run play-action, and they will be given chances to make plays down the field as offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell wants to attack defenses with vertical shots.
• Tight end T.J. Hockenson has been excellent as a receiver in the preseason, and Stafford is looking for him up the seam and in the red zone.

Green Bay Packers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• DeShone Kizer is no longer the clear-cut backup at quarterback, having fallen into a dead heat with Tim Boyle.
• Running backs Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are healthy and locked into their roles, while rookie Dexter Williams has fallen down the depth chart.
• Equanimeous St. Brown is hurt, but the Packers remain flush with young talent at receiver, with Jake Kumerow a potential upgrade as the No. 4.
• Wide receiver JMon Moore has struggled in his second camp and faces an uphill battle to dress in Week 1 – or perhaps even to make the roster.
• Undrafted rookie Darrius Shepherd could have a leg up on incumbent return man Trevor Davis, who’s struggled to stay healthy, for the final receiver slot.

Houston Texans Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Deshaun Watson is taking too many hits behind a bad, injury-riddled offensive line.
• Running back Lamar Miller tore his ACL and MCL on his first carry of the preseason and is out for the year.
• Running back Duke Johnson Jr is now the starter and Damarea Crockett is the top backup for now. Many think the Texans will add depth via another trade or waivers.
• The Texans are reportedly shopping for a wide receiver as well. Keke Coutee would be the odd man out if the Texans land a starting-caliber player.
• Many expect linebacker Jadeveon Clowney to be traded soon.

Indianapolis Colts Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Andrew Luck shocked the sports world by announcing his retirement on Saturday night. Projections for all Colts skill-position players must be dialed back as a result. Jacoby Brissett will take over as the starter and Chad Kelly becomes a name to keep a close eye on for fantasy purposes.
• Jack Doyle has a PPR TE6 season on his resume with Brissett as his quarterback. His rapport with Brissett combined with his run-blocking ability should keep Doyle on the field more than Eric Ebron, making him the more dependable week-to-week fantasy option of the two.
• Running back Marlon Mack enters the season as the Colts unquestioned starter. Nyheim Hines will resume his role on passing-downs and figures to see an uptick in playing time if the loss of Luck results in Indianapolis playing from behind more often.
• T.Y. Hilton, Devin Funchess, and Chester Rogers will begin the season as starters in three-wide receiver sets. Injured rookie Parris Campbell and camp standout Deon Cain have more upside than Rogers but are on the outside looking in for playing time.
• The Colts might be without defensive end Jabaal Sheard in Week 1, but the defense is otherwise healthier than it was at any point last season. Al-Quadin Muhammad would do most of the heavy lifting if Sheard misses games.

Jacksonville Jaguars Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Nick Foles finally saw game action for the Jaguars and looked good passing for 6-of-10 for 46 yards and a touchdown.
• Running back Leonard Fournette is in for a “heck of a year” according to head coach Doug Marrone.
• Wide Receiver Dede Westbrook has a noticeable connection with Nick Foles, and his route running abilities are standing out.
• Tight end is lacking depth with both Geoff Swaim and Josh Oliver banged up, leaving James O’Shaughnessy as the next man up.
• The defense is confident and ready to redeem themselves from 2018 season. Josh Allen looks like a playmaker early on.

Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Running back Damien Williams is back to full health and seemingly in charge of the backfield, though coach Andy Reid will certainly rotate his backs actively.
• Rookie running back Darwin Thompson continues to impress as a runner, receiver, and pass blocker; he’s already locked down a Week 1 role behind Williams.
• Rookie receiver Mecole Hardman keeps making splash plays all over the field, and many – including Reid and Patrick Mahomes II – have taken notice.
• The Chiefs’ thin stable of tight ends behind Travis Kelce keeps getting thinner, with veteran Blake Bell likely the last man standing for the No. 2 job.

Los Angeles Chargers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• RB Melvin Gordon continues to hold out of training camp, and the hold out could continue into the regular season.
• RB Austin Ekeler has been the clear starter for the Chargers with Gordon holding out with Justin Jackson working in the lesser half of a committee.
• WR Keenan Allen returned to practice after some questions last week about his health. He and Philip Rivers were held out of the third preseason game.
• Safety Derwin James is expected to miss extended time in the regular season after undergoing surgery on his foot to repair a broken screw in his foot.

Los Angeles Rams Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The Rams starters did not play against the Broncos in the third preseason game, but the starters did play a 60 play intra-squad scrimmage to maintain sharpness heading into Week 1.
• Despite consistent positive reports about RB Darrell Henderson’s usage in the offseason, Henderson worked in week three of the preseason while Todd Gurley and Malcolm Brown were held out of the game.
• WR Josh Reynolds has received consistent positive reports during training camp and was held out of the third preseason game along with Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods, and Cooper Kupp.
• The Rams have been largely healthy through training camp outside of concerns about Todd Gurley’s knee. Gurley has been getting consistent veteran rest days throughout camp.

Miami Dolphins Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The competition at quarterback remains too close to call between Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick, but Fitzpatrick did receive the bulk of the playing time with the starters in preseason Week 3.
• Running back Kenyan Drake is out of the walking boot and has returned to practice, which is a good sign he could be ready for the season opener.
• The depth chart at wide receiver has become murky. Kenny Stills may be traded or cut. DeVante Parker is injured again. Albert Wilson is still missing practices.
• WR Jakeem Grant signed a large extension and should see an expanded role on offense.
• Mike Gesicki and Nick O’Leary look likely to form a committee at tight end.

Minnesota Vikings Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Kirk Cousins struggled mightily only passing for 35 yards on 3-of-13 against the Cardinals.
• Running back Dalvin Cook looked electric making the most of his two carries with an 85-yard touchdown.
• Wide receivers Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are locked in, but there is room behind those two for Olabisi Johnson to compete.
• Tight end Kyle Rudolph has been having a strong camp and developing a connection with Kirk Cousins.

New England Patriots Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Rookie quarterback project Jarrett Stidham may not be ready for No. 2 duties, but continues to show promise, forcing the Patriots to be strategic with their roster spots.
• RB Sony Michel looks locked into the lead-runner role after an impressive preseason debut.
• For his part, rookie RB Damien Harris impressed in the Titans game but has seen little first-team work behind Michel.
• Versatile veteran receiver Phillip Dorsett has shaken off a rough start to camp, drawing Tom Brady’s praise as a dependable pass-catcher.
• Despite a shaky performance Thursday night, rookie receiver Jakobi Meyers still looks on-track for a Week 1 roster spot.

New Orleans Saints Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater hasn’t been as sharp as anticipated through the preseason, opening the door for a potential battle with Taysom Hill for the No. 2 job.
• The passing game’s true engines, running back Alvin Kamara and top receiver Michael Thomas, both made huge plays in their limited action against the Jets.
• The team’s cluttered corps of young wide receiver prospects may be clarifying a bit, with return specialist Deonte Harris thriving and early-camp star Emmanuel Butler fading.
• Dan Arnold has likely locked down the No. 3 tight end gig. His playmaking could earn him packages ahead of blocking specialist Josh Hill.

New York Giants Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Long-time starting quarterback Eli Manning played sparingly in the preseason, completing 9-of-13 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown. He’s locked in as the Week 1 starter but needs to play well to avoid the catcalls for Daniel Jones.
• Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones had another stellar performance in carving up the Bengals for 141 yards on 9-of-11 passing. He’s not going to start in Week 1, but he’s playing well enough to quiet the critics.
• Starting running back Saquon Barkley hasn’t played a preseason snap, but he’s healthy and will be unleashed in Week 1 as the Giants’ offensive engine.
• After a slow start in training camp, veteran Wayne Gallman outplayed the competition and earned the No. 2 running back spot.
• Giants receiver Sterling Shepard has been cleared to play Week 1, just a few weeks after suffering a thumb injury some feared might lead to a handful of missed regular-season games.

New York Jets Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• First-round pick Quinnen Williams has struggled at times in camp and currently sits behind Steve McLendon on the depth chart, which isn’t what the Jets were hoping for when they selected him over Jacksonville’s Josh Allen.
• Ryan Kalil sat for Saturday’s game, as the team and trainers weren’t sure he was quite ready to get back to a full-contact game situation. He’s still working on his timing with Sam Darnold in practice too.
• Along with Kalil, the Jets were missing two other interior linemen and the result was a quarterback who was hit far too often. The Jets offense stalled in art because there was no time for the offense to do anything.
• One bright spot at corner: Brian Poole had a solid night, knocking down a Teddy Bridgewater pass and making one of his three tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Oakland Raiders Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The Raiders placed running back Doug Martin on injured reserve.
• That Martin was deemed expendable is a positive sign the Raiders are completely comfortable with Josh Jacobs as their workhorse at running back.
• WR Antonio Brown practiced this week and seems to have overcome his issues with the new helmet.
• Wide receiver Hunter Renfrow was held out of the third preseason game with the rest of the Raiders starters, which is another indication he has cemented his role as the starting slot receiver.
• Undrafted rookie wide receiver Keelan Doss looks to have locked up a roster spot with another strong preseason performance.

Philadelphia Eagles Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• QB Carson Wentz hasn’t missed a practice in the preseason and was held out of the third preseason game because the coaches saw nothing to gain; he’s ready for Week 1 and is the healthiest he’s been since his rookie season.
• Recently-signed quarterback Josh McCown was sharp in his Eagles debut, completing 17-of-24 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns; he’ll open the season as the No. 2.
• Rookie receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside dominated the Ravens, catching eight passes for 104 yards and a touchdown; he’ll open the season as the No. 4 receiver, but his future is bright and could push for a starting role as early as 2020.
• Running back Corey Clement played well enough against the Ravens to think he’s held off Josh Adams and Wendell Smallwood for the No. 4 running back role.
• Kicker Jake Elliott has only connected on 50% of preseason field goal attempts but is unlikely to lose his job unless his struggles persist into the regular season.

Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger got his first preseason action as the team opened up in the no-huddle offense, something that should be a frequent occurrence for Pittsburgh.
• Running back James Conner started the game and appears locked into the majority of the running back touches, showing versatility as a runner and receiver.
• Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster was targeted five times on 13 pass attempts by Roethlisberger in Sunday’s game, showcasing the chemistry the pair has expanded in training camp.
• Wide receiver Donte Moncrief continues to play ahead of James Washington on the outside, but Washington’s consistent preseason production continued, suggesting he’s right on Moncrief’s heels.
• Receivers Ryan Switzer and Eli Rogers are competing for the starting slot role, having alternated series with the starters in Sunday’s game; both appear to be ahead of rookie Diontae Johnson.
• Tight end Vance McDonald may not play every snap this season, but he’s clearly the team’s best pass-catching option at the position and opened Sunday’s game playing nearly every snap with the starters.

San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• The 49ers expressed confidence in QB Jimmy Garoppolo during the week after a poor performance in last week’s preseason game. Garoppolo struggled early in the third preseason game against the Chiefs but finished with a good statistical night.
• Head Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed after the third preseason game he expected to keep Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Mullens, and C.J. Beathard on the 53-man roster.
• Jerick McKinnon continues to recover from swelling in his surgically repaired knee.
• Kendrick Bourne, Marquise Goodwin, and Dante Pettis worked with the first team at the wide receiver position during the third preseason game.

Seattle Seahawks Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• With a lack of depth becoming an issue at receiver, the Seahawks focused on running the ball this week, including a tremendous Saturday night.
• After years of being maligned, the offensive line again proved this week that it is no longer to be scoffed at. The success on the ground Saturday came in large part to their efforts.
• With QB Paxton Lynch sidelined, it looks very much like he will not catch Geno Smith. It’s hard to believe the Seahawks will keep three quarterbacks when they normally have two.
• RB C.J. Prosise looked good this week, but his role is as a pass-catching back and he was only targeted once in Saturday’s game, though he did catch it.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• QB Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers offensive line did not perform well against the Browns’ pressure.
• QB Blaine Gabbert suffered a dislocated shoulder and Tampa is still waiting to learn if Gabbert needs surgery, which likely means Ryan Griffin will be Winston’s backup.
• RB Dare Ogunbowale is earning first-team reps and could earn more playing time than Ronald Jones to begin the year because of his receiving skills.
• WR Chris Godwin is playing like a primary receiver when the Buccaneers need him to face the top cornerback on the opposing team.
• CB Vernon Hargreaves is in a scheme that matches his talents and he’s playing with the confidence of a shutdown corner.

Tennessee Titans Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Marcus Mariota got to work with all the starting skill players for the first time this week, but largely struggled to get the offense going.
• Running back Derrick Henry returned to practice doing light work but has been held out of contact scenarios.
• Wide receiver Corey Davis has been studying film of Julio Jones and Antonio Brown in hopes he will take a big leap forward this year.
• Wide receiver A.J. Brown is showing signs he’s ready to see game action, even as a rookie.
• Tight end Delanie Walker had a largely quiet week but has shown no signs of slowing down due to injury or age.
• The Titans’ starting defense has been the strength of their team throughout camp and was stout against Pittsburgh.

Washington Redskins Depth Chart Footballguys Team Report

• Quarterback Case Keenum was named the Week 1 starter; which is no surprise after he played the entire first half of the third preseason game against Atlanta.
• Rookie Dwayne Haskins is a combined 22-for-41 (54% completion) for 305 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions playing mainly with Washington’s backups; he didn’t make the decision to start Case Keenum difficult on the coaches.
• Running back Derrius Guice made his preseason debut and shined against the Falcons first-team defense. He carried the ball 11 times for 44 yards and caught a 4-yard pass. Guice and Adrian Peterson will split carries to start the year, but Guice has rounded back into feature-back form.
• Starting tight end Jordan Reed is back in the concussion protocol, which is particularly troubling given his long history of concussions.
• The receiving corps is a concern. Trey Quinn missed the Falcons game, Paul Richardson Jr wasn’t targeted, and Josh Doctson caught one pass.

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.

Follow @Football_Guys