One of the best and most comprehensive features we do every year is our Footballguys August Updates. Every week this month, our Bob Henry, Jason Wood, 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 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, I had the idea of taking the full August Updates and asking our team writers to distill 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 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. 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
- QB Kyler Murray and TE Zach Ertz continue their ACL rehab.
- The vibe is Arizona will likely be a run-heavy offense.
- WR Michael Wilson is looking to secure a starting role.
- RB Marlon Mack tore his Achilles.
- OLB Zaven Collins and S Isaiah Simmons are becoming comfortable in their new positions.
Atlanta Falcons | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- The Falcons held their starters out of the first preseason game against the Dolphins; they are expected to play against the Bengals.
- QB Desmond Ridder and coach Arthur Smith both noted Ridder's confidence is growing.
- Running back coach Michael Pitre suggested the team will use a three-player rotation and could take a hot-hand approach.
- WR KhaDarel Hodge has claimed the third wide receiver position behind Drake London and Mack Hollins.
- TE Jonnu Smith is easing into practice but said it was not an injury that cost him time.
Baltimore Ravens | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Lamar Jackson had a better week of practice and has praised the new scheme that gives him more control at the line and will rely more on his arm than his legs.
- RB J.K. Dobbins was activated from the PUP list and returned to practice Monday.
- WR Rashod Bateman returned to individual drills and should return to full team drills in the next few days. The pecking order between Bateman, Odell Beckham, and Zay Flowers is still to be determined.
- The Ravens' depth at defensive end and cornerback is an issue, and the team is expected to be in the market for free-agent additions at both positions.
Buffalo Bills | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Kyle Allen was expected to be the primary backup but has not played well and could lose his spot to Matt Barkley or an outside option.
- RB James Cook is emerging as a promising 3-down back, supported by Damien Harris and Latavius Murray in the backup roles.
- Trent Sherfield is closing in on the #3 WR role following an impressive camp, while Khalil Shakir's position seems to be slipping.
- Buffalo's offense appears ready to frequently utilize 2-TE sets this season, with Dalton Kincaid becoming a pivotal component.
- With Sean McDermott now calling defensive plays, expect a more aggressive approach with more big plays generated by the Bills defense.
Carolina Panthers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Bryce Young struggled with pressure this week, and his offensive line is not doing him any favors.
- RB Miles Sanders is healthy enough to practice but did not play against the Jets.
- The Panthers are expected to feature their entire receiving corps rather than rely on a No. 1 receiver.
- With that said, WR Laviska Shenault's role has been compared to both Deebo Samuel and Cordarrelle Patterson.
- TE Hayden Hurst is in for a heavy workload and will play a lot of snaps this season.
Chicago Bears | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- Take QB Justin Fields' gaudy stat line from the preseason game with a grain of salt, as most of that was after the catch yards, but be excited about his development steps.
- WR DJ Moore seems as good as advertised and will help Justin Fields tremendously.
- Running backs will be a much larger part of the passing game than they have been in years past.
- Khalil Herbert remains atop the RB depth chart, but Roschon Johnson will likely keep him from getting a workhorse role.
- The Bears' defense has some exciting and young pieces but still needs time to gel and come together.
Cincinnati Bengals | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Joe Burrow is back to throwing and running and should be practicing soon with plenty of time to ramp up for Week 1.
- RB Joe Mixon may benefit from the fact that none of the backup RBs have distinguished themselves.
- Athletic rookie WR Andrei Iosivas has locked down a roster spot and is exceeding expectations by showing more polish than expected.
- DE Trey Hendrickson was the best player on the field in joint practices against the Packers.
Cleveland Browns | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Deshaun Watson is looking sharp, especially in the red zone.
- The drumbeat for RB Nick Chubb to be more involved as a receiver is getting louder.
- WRs Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore will be the primary receivers.
- WR Donovan Peoples-Jones is firmly third on the depth chart and has been floated as a trade candidate.
- We may see more two tight end sets than expected, as both David Njoku and Jordan Akins have displayed great chemistry with Deshaun Watson.
Dallas Cowboys | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Cooper Rush is holding off Will Grier for the backup job, but the battle is far from settled.
- The backup RB situation remains murky, as both Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle struggled.
- Diminutive rookie RB Deuce Vaughn played well with the third-stringers and could earn a shot higher up the depth chart.
- TE Jake Ferguson played on third downs against the Jaguars, further solidifying his hold on the No. 1 role.
- The WR depth chart is firming up, with Jalen Tolbert taking hold of the No. 4 slot behind CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, and Michael Gallup.
Denver Broncos | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- It may be coachspeak, but QB Russell Wilson has coach Sean Payton's seal of approval as they progress through their first camp together.
- Perhaps it's just optimism, but Payton has already declared lead RB Javonte Williams "100%" and ready for preseason action.
- Top WRs Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy look poised to keep dominating snaps and targets.
- Rookie Marvin Mims, ex-Saint Marquez Callaway, and big slot prospect Brandon Johnson are battling for the WR3 role.
- TE Greg Dulcich, who's been quiet all offseason, could be in danger of moving to a part-time role.
Detroit Lions | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Teddy Bridgewater was signed as a quality backup.
- TE Sam LaPorta is showing to be the most talented TE on the roster.
- WR Jameson Williams had an inconsistent preseason game.
- DE Aidan Hutchinson has been consistently effective and living in the backfield.
- S Brian Branch looks entrenched as the starting nickel back.
Green Bay Packers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- New starting QB Jordan Love has been up and down through camp, but his preseason opener was mostly "up."
- With RBs Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon locked in atop the depth chart, the No. 3 role is intriguing only for deep handcuff purposes.
- Undrafted rookie RB Emanuel Wilson opened eyes against the Bengals with 111 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 6 rushes.
- Rookie WR Jayden Reed looks like the team's answer in the slot.
- Rookie TE Luke Musgrave played sparingly in the preseason opener but still established himself as a frequent target.
Houston Texans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- The strength of this team lies firmly on the defensive side of the ball.
- QB C.J. Stroud, despite his preseason struggles, is keeping a positive mindset and is expected to maintain his development.
- Damien Pierce will be the lead back, and Devin Singletary and Mike Boone are fighting for the RB2 role.
- The WR depth chart is getting cloudy as Tank Dell continues to impress.
Indianapolis Colts | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Anthony Richardson's NFL debut was a mixed bag with an interception and some passes that sailed high, but he also had some impressive throws and runs that gave a glimpse of his immense upside.
- RB Jonathan Taylor left camp to rehab his ankle injury (that may or may not exist) as he continues to be unhappy with his contractual situation. He is expected to return to the team this week.
- With Jonathan Taylor and Zach Moss out, the battle for the starting RB job has come down to rookie Evan Hull and veteran Deon Jackson, with Jackson looking much better against the Bills.
- Rookie WR Josh Downs continues to make plays and should push to start over Isaiah McKenzie sooner than later.
Jacksonville Jaguars | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- RB Travis Etienne received the first goal-line opportunities in practice.
- WR Christian Kirk remains a focal point of the offense.
- TE Evan Engram continued his spectacular camp performance.
- RB Tank Bigsby may serve as the short-yardage back.
- EDGE Travon Walker is beginning to stack impressive practices.
Kansas City Chiefs | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- It's nice to see QB Patrick Mahomes II not only healthy in camp but taking preseason snaps.
- The heat is on RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, especially with rookie Deneric Prince turning heads in camp.
- The Chiefs use all their tight ends extensively, so Jody Fortson's nagging injury could mean an even bigger role for Noah Gray.
- DT Chris Jones, easily the third-most important Chief, appears to be inching closer to a new contract and a return.
Las Vegas Raiders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Jimmy Garoppolo diced up the 49ers defense in joint practices, easing concerns about his slow start to camp.
- RB Zamir White has led the backfield while Josh Jacobs remains away from the team.
- WR Davante Adams suffered a leg injury in practice, but it was deemed "nothing crazy serious" by Josh McDaniels
- TE Michael Mayer was compared to Zach Ertz by fellow TE Austin Hooper.
- The Raiders defense, led by CB Marcus Peters, had six interceptions in the final joint practice against the 49ers.
Los Angeles Chargers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Justin Herbert is not expected to play in the preseason.
- RBs Joshua Kelley and Isaiah Spiller both played well, but undrafted rookie Elijah Dotson stole the show against the Rams.
- WR Keenan Allen is drawing comparisons to CeeDee Lamb's usage in Kellen Moore's offense.
- WR Quentin Johnston scored a touchdown but had two drops he would like to have back.
- WR Joshua Palmer and tight end Gerald Everett have both missed time with injuries.
Los Angeles Rams | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Matthew Stafford is reportedly healthier than he's been in years.
- RB Cam Akers and Kyren Williams will be a committee backfield, with Akers being more of a focus in the Rams' rushing attack and Williams being more of a focus in the Rams' passing game.
- The Rams are being extremely cautious with WR Cooper Kupp.
- WR Van Jefferson has strung together some of his best practices this week, and when he's on the field, he's looked outstanding.
- Free agent S John Johnson III signed a one-year contract, adding a veteran presence to a young, inexperienced defense.
Miami Dolphins | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Tua Tagovailoa struggled with interceptions this week.
- RB De'Von Achane is impressing with his performance in camp.
- WR Jaylen Waddle's midsection injury is reportedly minor.
- LB Channing Tindall is gaining a full understanding of his role.
- CB Noah Igbinoghene is making impactful plays in the secondary.
Minnesota Vikings | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- RB Ty Chandler impressed in the Week 1 preseason game.
- RB Kareem Hunt visited the team following the preseason game.
- TE T.J. Hockenson is battling an illness.
- LB Ivan Pace Jr Jr. is gaining steam to get more first-team reps.
- QB Kirk Cousins had a better week at practice but sat out the preseason game.
New England Patriots | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- Mac Jones is entrenched as the starting quarterback, but backup Bailey Zappe didn't get the memo.
- The team signed RB Ezekiel Elliott to a 1-year deal worth up to $6M on Monday. Backup RBs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris have struggled.
- WR Tyquan Thornton, seen as the team's most explosive prospect, has disappointed in camp thus far.
- On the other hand, rookie slot receiver Demario Douglas keeps putting together impressive practices.
- There is optimism around tight ends Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki with Bill O'Brien back as offensive coordinator.
New Orleans Saints | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- New QB Derek Carr followed up a strong start to camp with a sharp, 6-of-8 performance against the Chiefs.
- Impressive rookie RB Kendre Miller may miss the rest of the preseason to a sprained knee suffered in the game.
- WR Chris Olave continues to fine-tune his game from lethal deep threat to all-around dominator.
- Reserve WR Tre'Quan Smith, here in his sixth Saints camp, may finally be running out of chances to make an impact.
- TE Juwan Johnson looks like not only the clear-cut every-down tight end but also a strong underneath target of Carr's.
New York Giants | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Daniel Jones was inconsistent against the Lions in dual practices, but the coaches are happy with his overall progression.
- RB Saquon Barkley had a quiet week while his backups are still vying for their respective roles.
- There's little doubt TE Darren Waller will be the focal point of the passing attack while healthy.
- WRs Parris Campbell, Darius Slayton, and Isaiah Hodgins have the edge for the starting roles.
- Safety Jason Pinnock needed only five plays against the Lions to be rested, likely securing a ball-hawking starting role alongside Xavier McKinney.
New York Jets | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- The Jets' offensive line is struggling in pass protection. If they don't improve, we should temper expectations for QB Aaron Rodgers.
- There were no updates this week on RB Breece Hall's (knee) recovery timeline.
- RB Dalvin Cook signed with the team Monday.
- RBs Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight split first-team reps in Saturday's preseason game.
- WR Garrett Wilson (ankle) returned to full practice participation on Thursday.
- WR Mecole Hardman's snaps came mostly in three-receiver sets on Saturday, suggesting he is behind both Wilson and WR Allen Lazard.
- TE Tyler Conklin was the clear tight end in passing situations, but it appears TEs C.J. Uzomah and Jeremy Ruckert will also have roles this season.
- The Jets' defensive line looked deep and downright nasty in the 27-0 win over Carolina. They should rank among the top-scoring fantasy defenses this season.
Philadelphia Eagles | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Jalen Hurts was ranked as the No. 3 player in the NFL 100, as voted by his league peers.
- QB Tanner McKee displayed an aggressive, vertical approach that hints at long-term upside; he'll stick as the team's No. 3.
- RB Kenneth Gainwell appears to have a slight edge for the top spot but expect a full-blown committee this season.
- WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are locked in, and Quez Watkins is holding off Olamide Zaccheus for the No. 3 spot.
- The linebacking corps is a potential trouble spot in an otherwise talent-laden defense.
Pittsburgh Steelers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Kenny Pickett was flawless on his lone drive in the preseason opener and has shown improvement heading into his second season.
- RB Najee Harris has had a quiet and inefficient camp, which could open the door for Jaylen Warren to make this more of a committee than it has been the last two seasons.
- WR Diontae Johnson has avoided the drops that have at times plagued him in recent years and should see plenty of targets again. He caught three passes on his lone preseason game drive.
- WR Calvin Austin has racked up a half dozen long catches in camp and added another, a 67-yard touchdown, in the preseason opener.
San Francisco 49ers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Brock Purdy's arm feels almost back to normal, but inconsistent in practice. It seems clear he has the team's confidence.
- QB Trey Lance had a poor showing in the preseason opener.
- RB Christian McCaffrey seems to be gaining even more mastery of the offense.
- WR Brandon Aiyuk looks like the best player in camp at times.
- DE Nick Bosa's holdout of the preseason game cost him almost $1M.
Seattle Seahawks | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Geno Smith had a quiet week, but he was the only Seahawks offensive player to be named to the NFL 100.
- RB Zach Charbonnet flashed against the Vikings but didn't get the start over DeeJay Dallas.
- RB Ken Walker III returned to practice after missing more than a week of camp and the preseason opener.
- WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a smooth debut and was the featured target, but only played in 11-personnel groupings despite Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf resting.
- There isn't a tight end on the roster worth fantasy consideration in 12-team redraft leagues.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Baker Mayfield looked solid in his start against the Steelers.
- WR Russell Gage is nearing a full recovery from a lower leg injury.
- WR David Moore seems at ease in Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales's system, likely because of their shared past in Seattle.
- DT Calijah Kancey is set to miss the rest of the pre-season due to a right calf sprain.
- RB Chase Edmonds, RB Sean Tucker, and RB Ke'Shawn Vaughn were held to a total of 32 total rushing yards against the Steelers.
Tennessee Titans | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Ryan Tannehill and the offense are struggling in practice.
- RB Tyjae Spears impressed in the preseason matchup.
- Neither QB Malik Willis nor Will Levis has narrowed the backup competition.
- WR Kyle Philips continues to stack good days.
- TE Josh Whyle is earning more attention in practice.
Washington Commanders | Depth Chart | Footballguys Full Camp Report
- QB Sam Howell had an encouraging debut in the preseason opener.
- RBs Antonio Gibson and Brian Robinson split snaps evenly against the Browns.
- The gap between WRs Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson is much smaller than many believe.
- TE Cole Turner made the most of Logan Thomas' absence and could push for a significant role.
- RB Chris Rodriguez looks capable of being a three-down contributor if injuries open the door.
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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