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 worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
While I encourage you to read every word on every team for every week, I also understand "Life Happens". And one of the more valuable services Footballguys can add is saving you time.
For this article, we take the August Updates and ask our team writers to distill it 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, and 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. For each team, I've included a link to our Depth Charts and also to the Full Camp Report. 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
- TE Zach Ertz hasn’t practiced, but the hope is he will play in Week 1.
- There is a chance that RB Darrel Williams doesn’t make the team.
- OL Cody Ford was brought in via trade for insurance on OL Justin Pugh.
- WRs Greg Dortch and Andy Isabella earned roster spots with strong training camps.
- CB is a position they will likely add (trade or sign) a player before the regular season.
Atlanta Falcons | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Marcus Mariota is the starter, and head coach Arthur Smith believes he’ll keep it.
- QB Desmond Ridder played 80% of the final game but won’t play unless needed.
- RB Damien Williams and TE Parker Hesse were the two starters who had the week off.
- WR Drake London is the clear WR target leader who expects to be fully healthy for Week 1.
- WRs Bryan Edwards, Olamide Zaccheaus, and KhaDarel Hodge are the secondary receivers.
Baltimore Ravens | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Lamar Jackson had his best camp; he’s running and passing as well as ever.
- RB J.K. Dobbins should be ready for Week 1, but he won’t have a full workload.
- WR Rashod Bateman is the team’s clear-cut WR1 and second target.
- TE Mark Andrews never takes a day off in camp and is the top target on the offense.
- TE Isaiah Likely has been lining up all over the field and will be the de-factor WR2.
Buffalo Bills | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- The offense is focused on efficiency by generating more run-after-the-catch yards and minimizing the hits on QB Josh Allen.
- RB Devin Singletary remains the lead back, but expect a committee approach with Zack Moss and James Cook mixing in.
- At WR, Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis will play nearly every down with Isaiah McKenzie in the slot.
- Edge rusher Von Miller didn’t play a snap this preseason, but he will boost the pass rush.
- CB TreDavious White is likely to start the year on PUP.
- The team released rookie P Matt Araiza amid rape allegations.
Carolina Panthers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Baker Mayfield saw significant time in the team’s final preseason game and threw two touchdowns.
- RB Chuba Hubbard will act as a true backup to Christian McCaffrey.
- The Panthers will use RB DOnta Forman in short-yardage and red zone situations.
- WR Terrace Marshall could be traded before Week 1, and the Panthers are interested in WR Denzel Mims
- The Panthers have one of the best secondaries in the league and should be good for turnovers in fantasy football.
Chicago Bears | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Justin Fields could surprise people with his competence in a new offense that plays to his strength.
- Although the Bears’ backfield appears to be split between RBs David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert, Montgomery’s usage with the first team in his first preseason appearance should tip the scale more in his direction
- TE Cole Kmet has taken a step forward and could be in store for a massive season as a pass-catcher.
- Injuries remain the theme in the wide receiver room, offensive line, and defensive side of the ball.
Cincinnati Bengals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- There is no clearcut RB2 behind Joe Mixon, with Samaje Perine and Chris Evans likely to split snaps.
- Expect to see much more of WR Ja’Marr Chase in the slot as the Bengals adjust to softer coverages and fewer deep ball opportunities.
- TE Hayden Hurst will be more involved than some expect and is a great late-round sleeper.
Cleveland Browns | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- It was a rough outing for QB Jacoby Brissett against the Bears, but his Week 1 starting job is safe.
- The team will not be trading RB Kareem Hunt.
- WR Anthony Schwartz had a rough preseason but is not in danger of being cut.
- TEs David Njoku and Harrison Bryant may see increased target volume due to struggles at receiver.
- Njoku is publicly asking WR Odell Beckham to consider a return to the Browns.
- Depth could be a problem for the defense, with the backups getting beat up by Chicago.
Dallas Cowboys | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Will Grier pushed hard to displace Cooper Rush as Dak Prescott’s backup.
- Offensive tackle Tyron Smith will miss the majority of the season.
- There’s palpable excitement for RB Tony Pollard to play slot receiver.
- RB Ezekiel Elliott is healthy and isn’t going to cede work to Pollard.
- WR Jalen Tolbert will start, but don’t expect big numbers early on.
Denver Broncos | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- RBs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon are cemented atop the depth chart, with no real competition to speak of.
- Gordon knows the 22-year-old Williams is destined to lead this backfield.
- Courtland Sutton continues to lay claim to the No. 1 WR spot.
- TE Albert Okwuegbunam looks to have held off a mid-preseason lineup scare.
Detroit Lions | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- WR Jameson Williams was placed on the NFI list and will miss at least four games.
- QB Jared Goff is locked in as the starter after a strong training camp.
- Backup quarterback is a position likely to be addressed in waivers or a trade.
- QB DAndre Swift is expected to be in a feature role in the offense.
Green Bay Packers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Jordan Love remains an up-and-down prospect as Aaron Rodgers’ backup.
- Head Coach Matt LaFleur pegs RBs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon as do-it-all, “1A and 1A” backs.
- The wideout battle continues behind Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb to earn Rodgers’ trust.
- Veteran WR Sammy Watkins has likely locked down at least No. 3 duties.
- Starting TE Robert Tonyan Jr looks fully recovered from ACL surgery.
Houston Texans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Davis Mills continues to be solid but unspectacular with a lack of deep ball success.
- The Dameon Pierce hype continues, and he looks to be in line for a heavy workload at RB.
- The WR depth is lacking, which should mean targets concentrated to Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins.
- Rookie S Jalen Pitre looks like an instant star and just might lead the team in tackles.
Indianapolis Colts | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Matt Ryan looks to lift this offense to the next level.
- TE Mo Alie-Cox could be a deeper sleeper at TE.
- LB Shaq Leonard might be a PUP candidate.
- QB Sam Ehlinger was the training camp MVP.
- DE Kwity Paye avoids a major knee injury and only has a bone bruise.
Jacksonville Jaguars | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Trevor Lawrence is avoiding turnovers and playing efficiently.
- RB Travis Etienne should get a lot of work.
- WR Christian Kirk should see the most targets of his career.
- TE Evan Engram is a major bounceback candidate.
Kansas City Chiefs | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- Veteran RB Ronald Jones II made the 53-man roster. But there were worries.
- Rookie RB Isiah Pacheco and pass-catching veteran Jerick McKinnon should round out a three-headed committee.
- Ex-Steeler WR JuJu Smith-Schuster looks poised to serve as the team’s No. 1 wideout.
- WR Mecole Hardman looks to have held off Marquez Valdes-Scantling and rookie Skyy Moore in the No. 2 slot.
- Injuries at TE could push reserve Jody Fortson into an early-season pass-catching role.
Las Vegas Raiders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Derek Carr and the offense dominated the Patriots defense in joint practices.
- RB Kenyan Drake was cut, but this backfield still looks like a messy committee.
- RB Ameer Abdullah is not expected to have the passing down back role all to himself.
- WR Davante Adams was unstoppable against New England.
- TE Darren Waller has been sidelined again with an injury that could keep him out of Week 1.
Los Angeles Chargers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- RB Isaiah Spiller suffered an ankle injury, and his week one status is in doubt.
- RB Joshua Kelley appears to have locked up the primary backup role behind Austin Ekeler.
- TE Donald Parham returned to practice after an extended absence for a hamstring injury.
- FA acquisition CB J.C. Jackson underwent ankle surgery and should miss 2 to 4 weeks.
Los Angeles Rams | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- Despite early camp concerns about his elbow, QB Matthew Stafford will be ready in week 1.
- RBs Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers continue to be limited with soft tissue injuries.
- WR Lance McCutcheon led the league in preseason receiving in an attempt to make the roster.
- CB Jalen Ramsey should be ready to play in week one as he recovers from shoulder surgery.
Miami Dolphins | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Tua Tagovailoa looks more confident than ever.
- RB Raheem Mostert is back on the field and taking carries.
- WR Tyreek Hill has finally been unleashed in the preseason.
- TE Mike Gesicki had a good week despite trade rumors.
- The defense needs CBs Xavien Howard and Byron Jones.
Minnesota Vikings | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- The team rested 33 players in the preseason finale.
- QB Kirk Cousins finally had a bad day of practice.
- WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette locked up the No. 4 WR role.
- RB Ty Chandler continued to impress.
- DL Za'Darius Smith is asserting himself as a dominant pass-rushing force.
New England Patriots | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Mac Jones still looks overwhelmed at times, and the muddy coaching situation doesn’t help.
- RB Damien Harris seems to have survived a ton of offseason trade chatter.
- RB Rhamondre Stevenson continues to excel as a dual threat and push for a full-on RB committee.
- Veteran WRs DeVante Parker and Nelson Agholor have likely saved their roster lives with big final weeks of camp.
- Explosive rookie WR Tyquan Thornton will miss the first month or two of the season.
New Orleans Saints | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Jameis Winston is healthy and looked ultra-efficient in his only preseason action.
- Neither RB Mark Ingram nor RB Tony Jones has looked inspiring behind Alvin Kamara.
- WR Michael Thomas sat the whole preseason but should be ready to lead the team in targets in Week 1.
- WR Marquez Callaway has almost certainly outdueled TreQuan Smith for the No. 5 spot.
- Athletic TE Juwan Johnson continues to draw praise as a mismatch-maker over the middle.
New York Giants | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Daniel Jones struggled this summer but will be given a long leash.
- RB Saquon Barkley is one of the team’s few unquestionable bright spots from camp.
- WR Kenny Golladay would probably be cut if not for the cap hit it would incur.
- WR Kadarius Toney missed the entire preseason game slate.
- WR Sterling Shepard is off the PUP list and could be a starter for a talent-starved roster.
New York Jets | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- There is no update on QB Zach Wilson, and QB Joe Flacco has looked shaky.
- RB Michael Carter fumbled on Sunday, which may impact his workload going forward.
- WR Garrett Wilson shined in practice this week, making several contested catches.
- DL Carl Lawson appeared for the first time since his Achilles’ injury last year.
- CB Rookie Sauce Gardner was announced as a starter for Week 1.
Philadelphia Eagles | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Jalen Hurts had an up-and-down summer and isn’t going to be consistently efficient, but the good will outweigh the bad.
- RB Miles Sanders’ hamstring injury clouds an otherwise promising summer.
- RB Boston Scott is a better bet than Kenneth Gainwell for meaningful carries.
- WR DeVonta Smith finished the preseason in style but should be third in team targets on a run-heavy system.
- TE Dallas Goedert should finally have an elite season if he stays healthy.
Pittsburgh Steelers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QBs Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett performed well; it looks like Trubisky will get the early nod.
- RB Najee Harris returned to action Sunday but revealed he had a Lisfranc sprain that kept him out of camp for four weeks.
- WR Diontae Johnson left Sunday with a shoulder injury, but there’s no long-term concern.
- WR Chase Claypool has a minor shoulder injury.
- WR George Pickens continued his excellent preseason. He’s an outstanding playmaker.
- TE Pat Freiermuth will be an every-down player and offers security in the middle.
San Francisco 49ers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Trey Lance has shown growth during training camp.
- With no trade market, QB Jimmy Garoppolo signed a new deal with San Francisco.
- RB Elijah Mitchell is expected back for week one despite a hamstring injury.
- The primary backup behind RB Elijah Mitchell is Jeff Wilson.
Seattle Seahawks | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Geno Smith has won the starting job by default after Drew Lock’s 3-INT game.
- RB Rashaad Penny has Covid-19 but is locked into the starting role.
- WR Tyler Lockett is undeniably connected with Geno Smith and could provide value given his depressed ADP.
- The receiver depth behind Lockett and DK Metcalf is alarming.
- TE Noah Fant isn’t guaranteed a significantly larger role than Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Tom Brady performed well despite missing 10 days of practice during camp.
- WR Chris Godwin still isn’t cleared for contact, but he’s doing a lot of running.
- RB KeShawn Vaughn could begin the year as the backup runner.
- The Buccaneers' offensive line woes could lead to cutting and re-signing Gio Bernard.
Tennessee Titans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- RB Derrick Henry looks explosive and ready.
- WR Robert Woods confirmed he's 100% healthy.
- QB Ryan Tannehill remained sharp in practices.
- WR Treylon Burks impressed in the preseason finale.
- WR Kyle Philips remained impressive and will factor into the offense.
Washington Commanders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Sam Howell was a preseason star but remains the developmental No. 3.
- RB Antonio Gibson may have earned a reprieve given Brian Robinson Jr’s situation.
- RB Brian Robinson Jr was shot in an attempted robbery. Per coach Ron Rivera, he did not suffer structural damage from the gunshot wound but does not have a timeline for his return.
- WR Jahan Dotson commandingly took hold of the No. 2 spot alongside Terry McLaurin.
- TEs Logan Thomas, John Bates, and Cole Turner are getting healthy in the nick of time.
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.