2016 NFL Training Camp Report: July 30th

Published: Jul 30, 2016

NFL Training Camp is a busy time of year. This is when the coaches implement their system, playbooks are drawn up and every position on every team is up for grabs. Injuries are as common as practice cones and tackling dummies. If you blink, you could just miss the preamble to a breakout season. Fortunately, I’ll be keeping up with all of it in order to ensure Fantasy Alarm Nation stays in the know all summer long.

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HOLDING OUT

What a morning it has been for those who are either Texans fans or who have already drafted WR DeAndre Hopkins. It was reported earlier today by ESPN that Hopkins walked out of Texans camp but the truth of the matter is that he never reported. There are reports that he was at the facility on Friday night but then never showed up this morning.

No matter what the details are the fact of the matter is that Hopkins is not at Texans camp and likely to not be there until he gets a new deal from the team. As we talk about all the time, QB/WR chemistry cannot be understated. When you have a brand new QB in place especially one that they paid $72mm for, he is going to need as much time as possible with all of his receivers to build that chemistry. Every day that Hopkins misses is less of a chance he has for a big season.

I am not going to panic on Hopkins value yet however. The first couple of weeks of camp is more about learning the playbook, getting in shape and getting back to work. Osweiler and Hopkins worked out together this summer so I am confident they can find a groove quickly if and when Hopkins returns. At this point I’ll set a date of August 15^thbefore I start lowering him in my rankings.

RETURNING

A year ago OT Anthony Davis was one of four San Francisco 49ers players to decide that it would be better to walk away from the game than to play for new coach Jim Tomsula. It’s hard to argue with them considering how miserable the 49ers were in 2015. Well, the 26-year-old tackle has decided to come back now that the team is in a better place with new coach Chip Kelly.

Davis graded out as the 40^th best offensive tackle in 2014 according to ProFootballFocus and is known as a better run blocker than he is a pass blocker. Erik Pears started 14 games at RT for San Francisco last year and had well below average grades across the board.

The return of Davis, assuming he can still be a middle to above average performer, along with the addition of first round pick RG Josh Garnett should help the 49ers improve pretty quickly. Chip Kelly’s system calls for depth along the offensive line because it is very difficult for those big guys to sustain the abundance of plays that this offense creates.

INJURIES/PUP LIST

At this time of year there are always a lot of injuries to sort through. Some are just minor aches and pains that will clear up in a matter of days while other more impactful injuries tend to get lost in the shuffle. I’ll be updating you on injuries throughout the summer and letting you know which will have the greatest impact on your fantasy teams.

Let’s start out though with just reviewing some of the players who have been put in the NFI, PUP or IR list as training camp begins.

QB’s

NONE

RB’s

Trent Richardson, Ravens, Knee

Lorenzo Taliaferro, Ravens, Thigh

Lance Dunbar, Cowboys, Knee

Jamaal Charles, Chiefs, Knee

Arian Foster, Dolphins, Achilles

Damien Williams, Dolphins, Leg

Dion Lewis, Patriots, Knee

Khiry Robinson, Jets, Leg