What You Need To Know This Week

Joe Bryant's What You Need To Know This Week Joe Bryant Published 08/15/2022

One of the benefits of Footballguys is we save you time. We put five-plus hours in on every team to bring you everything you need to know this week.

One of the best and most comprehensive features we do every year is our Footballguys August Updates. Every week this month, our Bob Henry and Clayton Gray and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.

While I encourage you to read every word on every team 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 full August Updates and asking our team writers to distill them into 100 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 August 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 Premium 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.

Plus, a new addition for this year. I've included a link to our Depth Charts and the Full Camp Report for each team. If you like these bullets and want more detail, check out the Full Camp Report for each team.

Let's get to it.

Arizona Cardinals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Kyler Murray called plays in the 4th quarter of the preseason game with the purpose of seeing things as a play caller and building a better relationship with HC Kliff Kingsbury.
  • The Cardinals offense was in top gear with backups and third-string players.
  • WR Greg Dortch continued his playmaking ways in the game and may have earned his spot on this team.
  • TEs Zach Ertz and Trey McBride have missed time due to injuries, and we all need to start getting concerned.
  • LB Zaven Collins might lose his starting job to Nick Virgil.

Atlanta Falcons | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report


Baltimore Ravens | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Lamar Jackson intentionally gained 12-to-15 pounds this offseason but feels as nimble as ever.
  • RB J.K. Dobbins returned to individual drills; the team is bringing him along slowly but appears to have a plan for Week 1 in mind.
  • RB Gus Edwards likely will not be ready for Week 1 but will be later in the season.
  • WR Rashod Bateman is the unquestioned top receiver and gets open regularly in practice.
  • WR Devin Duvernay and WR James Proche are battling for the WR2 spot, but Proche will miss a couple of weeks with a soft tissue injury.
  • TE Mark Andrews is having a great camp, as expected.
  • TE Isaiah Likely is an excellent receiver and is being called “mini-Mark” by Lamar Jackson.

Buffalo Bills | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Case Keenum’s struggles against the Colts show just how important Josh Allen’s health is to this offense.
  • RB Zack Moss continues to see time and look good with the first-string. Devin Singletary was rested against the Colts.
  • WR Isaiah McKenzie has been a camp standout and could be a fantasy breakout as the team’s primary slot receiver.
  • Rookie WR Khalil Shakir had a strong debut against the Colts and is likely to be the primary backup outside.
  • The second-string defense outplayed the Colts starters, and there were some encouraging signs from several rookies.

Carolina Panthers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • RB Christian McCaffrey isn’t going to be held back at all and looks as good as ever.
  • We should have a true answer on the starting QB competition after their next preseason game against New England.
  • The defense has elite playmakers who can make game-changing plays in the secondary.
  • The TE position is a wide-open race for who will get targets.

Chicago Bears | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Justin Fields is locked in as the team’s starter and has looked impressive in camp.
  • Injuries to the Bears' WR room are the week's biggest story.
  • S Jaquan Brisker has looked extraordinary in camp.
  • LB Roquan Smith’s hold-in continues as the team has not made him an offer in good faith.
  • DE Robert Quinn is a strong trade candidate before Week 1.

Already a subscriber?

Continue reading this content with a 100% FREE Insider account.

By signing up and providing us with your email address, you're agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive emails from Tennessee.


Cincinnati Bengals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Joe Burrow returned to practice from his appendectomy, participating in everything except 11-on-11 drills.
  • RB Chris Evans was impressive in the preseason opener and is pushing Samaje Perine for the backup job.
  • WR JaMarr Chase has dominated throughout camp and will be moved around the formation more than as a rookie.
  • WR Tee Higgins was a full participant for the first time on Sunday and is fully healthy from offseason shoulder surgery.

Cleveland Browns | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • WR Amari Cooper should see a massive target share in 2022.
  • RB Jerome Ford was dominant in his debut.
  • TE David Njoku is struggling to catch the ball in practice.
  • The front office quickly denied RB Kareem Hunt's trade request following his hold-in.
  • WR Jakeem Grant is out for the season with a torn Achilles.

Dallas Cowboys | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report


Denver Broncos | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • New QB Russell Wilson continues to draw raves as a passer and team leader.
  • RB Javonte Williams keeps wowing teammates and onlookers with his dual-threat dynamism.
  • RB Melvin Gordon continues to rest a minor foot injury, but the team doesn’t seem concerned.
  • WR Courtland Sutton seems like the alpha No. 1 receiver, while Jerry Jeudy has yet to truly convince onlookers.
  • The loss of big No. 3 WR Tim Patrick should open up TE Albert Okwuegbunam over the middle and in the red zone.

Detroit Lions | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Jared Goff has continued to have a strong training camp, showing good command of the offense, which carried over to the first preseason game.
  • TE T.J. Hockenson missed time during the week and did not play in the first preseason game, but is expected to be ready for Week 1.
  • WR D.J. Chark has drawn consistent praise in training camp and projects to start in the receiving corps along with Amon-Ra St Brown and Josh Reynolds.
  • WR Jameson Williams continues to be held out of training camp practices, with an uncertain return timeline for his torn ACL recovery.

Green Bay Packers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • In his third camp and preseason, QB Jordan Love’s performance fluctuates wildly.
  • With the top two RB roles locked down, undrafted rookie Tyler Goodson is getting ample run for the No. 3 job.
  • Rookie WR Romeo Doubs continues to draw praise from media and teammates alike for his No. 1 wideout traits.
  • Journeyman WR Sammy Watkins has yet to make much of an impact in his training camp run.
  • Starting TE Robert Tonyan Jr remains without a timetable to return, but there’s no clear-cut replacement for his red-zone role.

Houston Texans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Davis Mills had some issues on deep passes and generating explosive plays, and we could see more conservative game plans from new coordinator Pep Hamilton.
  • RB Dameon Pierce shined in his preseason debut and continues to look like the best back on the roster.
  • TE Brevin Jordan continues to play well and could end up playing the role of a plus-sized slot WR. Check your league's position rules.

Indianapolis Colts | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Matt Ryan showed good command of the offense, despite mediocre play around him.
  • Outside of WR Michael Pittman, the Colts WRs looked pedestrian and might not have a good fantasy performance this season.
  • The Colts TE group might be the deepest in the NFL.
  • Rookie SS Nick Cross made plays, and the Colts may have found a difference maker.
  • QB Sam Ehlinger had a very strong game, and it’s a statement to make this team.

Jacksonville Jaguars | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report


Kansas City Chiefs | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Patrick Mahomes II views the Chiefs' wideout room as a collection of fast, versatile talents.
  • RB Ronald Jones II, signed to compete for the starting job, continues to underwhelm, and may not survive final cuts.
  • Rookie RB Isiah Pacheco has dazzled onlookers throughout camp, and he picked up snaps with the starters in the opener.
  • Kansas City media is starting to view WR JuJu Smith-Schuster as Patrick Mahomes II’ likely No. 1 wideout.

Las Vegas Raiders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Derek Carr has picked up the new offense quickly and played mistake-free football throughout camp.
  • After playing a lot last week, RB Josh Jacobs was held out of the second preseason game. Coach Josh McDaniels said they had “no desire” to trade him.
  • RB Zamir White had another solid preseason performance and should be the second back and a regular contributor.
  • RB Ameer Abdullah is leading Kenyan Drake in the competition for the “James White” pass-catching role.
  • TE Darren Waller has missed the past two weeks with a sore hamstring but should return in the coming days.

Los Angeles Chargers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Justin Herbert and the rest of the starting skill players were held out of the team’s opener and unlikely to play in the preseason.
  • RB Isaiah Spiller is still in competition with Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree for the backup spot to Austin Ekeler.
  • S Derwin James continues to be a hold-in in training camp while he works with the team through contract negotiations.
  • Gerald Everett is the team’s starting TE, with Donald Parham being held out because of a hamstring injury.

Los Angeles Rams | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • The Rams continue to exercise caution with QB Matthew Stafford attempting to limit his elbow soreness.
  • RBs Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson continue to split first-team work and were held out of the preseason opener.
  • WRs Cooper Kupp, Allen Robinson, Ben Skowronek, and Tutu Atwell were held out of the opener, indicating they are likely to be the core receivers with Van Jefferson limited by injury.
  • Corner Jalen Ramsey continues to be held out of training camp, but he is expected back for week one.

Miami Dolphins | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report


Minnesota Vikings | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report


New England Patriots | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Mac Jones and the entire pass game continue to struggle with consistency in camp practices.
  • The RB room remains crowded, but Rhamondre Stevenson’s stock is soaring as James White’s likely replacement.
  • Starting RB Damien Harris continues to look redundant in a deep, versatile backfield. Stevenson’s value would soar if Harris were to be dealt away.
  • The team needs a dynamic, matchup-winning receiver to emerge, and rookie WR Tyquan Thornton has turned heads in camp.
  • Veteran WR Nelson Agholor looks like the odd man out in a young wideout room.

New Orleans Saints | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Jameis Winston suffered a foot sprain in practice last week, but coach Dennis Allen is unconcerned.
  • RB Alvin Kamara keeps looking more and more likely to avoid a suspension in 2022.
  • Veteran RB Mark Ingram continues to hold off Tony Jones and rookie Abram Smith as Kamara’s direct backup.
  • The Saints have gobs of WRs in camp, but their emerging three-man set of Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, and Jarvis Landry looks locked in.
  • TE Adam Trautman has locked himself into a full-time, three-down role as the clear starter.

New York Giants | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Daniel Jones had another inconsistent week of practice, which carried over into the preseason game against New England.
  • RB Saquon Barkley is undeniably healthy and set for a feature role.
  • WR Kadarius Toney is hurt again, and Kenny Golladay is struggling to get separation.
  • TE Daniel Bellinger is the starter but offers little offensive upside.
  • The Giants' defense is in trouble unless the cornerbacks show vast improvement.

New York Jets | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Zach Wilson will be out at a minimum for the rest of the preseason with a knee injury.
  • The staff trusts QB Joe Flacco as a capable NFL starter.
  • The offensive line is a big question mark moving forward, especially in pass protection.
  • The defensive line has got to be better at stopping the run.

Philadelphia Eagles | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Jalen Hurts executed a perfect opening drive against the Jets and is trending up after an uneven start to camp.
  • RB Miles Sanders is the clear No. 1 but needs more consistency as a receiver to play all three downs.
  • WR A.J. Brown could be in-line for a historic target share.
  • WR DeVonta Smith has missed a week with a sore groin.
  • TE Dallas Goedert caught the opening touchdown and is locked in as a high-volume option.

Pittsburgh Steelers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Mitch Trubisky continues to lead the first team and performed well in Saturday’s game in limited action.
  • QB Kenny Pickett was third into Saturday’s game but has been rotating as the QB2 in camp practices.
  • RB Najee Harris is nursing a minor injury, but there isn’t concern about his regular season availability.
  • RB Anthony McFarland performed well in Saturday’s game with RB Benny Snell absent and could take the RB2 job.
  • WR George Pickens continues to dominate in practice and had an excellent game.
  • WRs Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool will lead, with Pickens joining them in three-receiver sets.
  • TE Pat Freiermuth was held out of Saturday’s game, highlighting that he’s still expected to be a key part of the offense.

San Francisco 49ers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Trey Lance has been up and down in camp, showing promising but also having accuracy issues.
  • QB Jimmy Garoppolo is practicing on the side of 49ers practice as he works to prepare in the event the 49ers trade or cut him. Zach Wilson’s injury is a situation to watch as Garoppolo has ties to the Jets’ coaching staff.
  • RB Elijah Mitchell suffered a strained hamstring, but it’s not expected to put his week one at risk.
  • WR Brandon Aiyuk has consistently been a strong performer in training camp.

Seattle Seahawks | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • The QB battle remains unsettled, as Drew Lock has closed the gap on Geno Smith.
  • RB Rashaad Penny missed the Steelers game, and all his backups looked good.
  • WR Tyler Lockett had an explosive week of practice, reminding everyone he’s still a difference maker.
  • TE Noah Fant needs to stay healthy because the positional depth is alarming.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • Tom Brady will miss 10 days of camp with an excused but unexplained absence.
  • Julio Jones is still performing like an elite receiver.
  • RBs Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Gio Bernard are in a tight race to back up Leonard Fournette.
  • TE Cade Otton’s blocking has been surprisingly advanced for a rookie.
  • WRs Mike Evans and Russell Gage’s hamstring strains are minor.
  • Rookie RB Rachaad White earned a lot of fantasy buzz, but he’s currently fourth on the depth chart.

Tennessee Titans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report


Washington Commanders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report

  • QB Carson Wentz was efficient against the Panthers but didn’t push the ball downfield.
  • RB Antonio Gibson lost a fumble and only managed two yards on four carries.
  • Rookie RB Brian Robinson looked great as a runner and receiver playing with the first-team offense.
  • WR Curtis Samuel suited up and made plays, a welcome sight given his injury history.
  • Rookie TE Armani Rogers was Carson Wentz’s favorite target but is still likely bound for the practice squad.

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

Photos provided by Imagn Images

More by Joe Bryant

 

The Best Of Random Shots From 2024

Joe Bryant

Joe Bryant with a look at goofiness from the past season.

12/30/24 Read More
 

Random Shots From Week 16

Joe Bryant

Joe Bryant with a look at goofiness from the past week.

12/23/24 Read More
 

Random Shots From Week 15

Joe Bryant

Joe Bryant with a look at goofiness from the past week.

12/18/24 Read More
 

Random Shots From Week 14

Joe Bryant

Joe Bryant with a look at goofiness from the past week.

12/11/24 Read More
 

Random Shots From Week 13

Joe Bryant

Joe Bryant with a look at goofiness from the past week.

12/04/24 Read More
 

Random Shots From Week 12

Joe Bryant

Joe Bryant with a look at goofiness from the past week.

11/27/24 Read More