Fantasy News

Julio Jones does not plan on reporting to training camp.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport says not only does Jones not plan on reporting, but that “he is comfortable sitting out the entire time” and “appears resolute in his mindset.” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero previously reported that the Falcons promised to give Julio a new contract after the 2018 season, but he wants one now. Clearly, this isn’t great for the Falcons if perhaps their best player won’t be there all summer; but young guys like Calvin Ridley will get a chance to step up and be more of a focus for Matt Ryan with Jones away from the team. This holdout is a bit of a surprise considering Jones has been far from a diva during his NFL career, but he wants a new deal. Ideally, he would be with the rest of his teammates getting ready for the season, but Jones should keep himself in great shape while he’s away from the team. And when he returns, he should be locked in as he looks to prove he should get whatever he asks for in a new deal.

Via: Ian Rapoport 7/24/18 - 08:32 AM ET

Taylor Gabriel says he’s moving all around Chicago’s offense.

According to NBC Sports Chicago, Gabriel said he’s “Just bringing that explosiveness to the offense — the downfield (passes), the screens. I mean I can’t pinpoint the (one) thing I’m doing, because I’m everywhere in this offense. I play running back, I’m doing flea flickers, I’m doing all types of stuff.” The Bears also have Tarik Cohen doing similar things, so they have a couple of electric speed guys that’ll help create good matchups and put a ton of pressure on defenses. The team also has a promising receiving group including Gabriel, Allen Robinson, former first-round pick Kevin White, and rookie second-round pick Anthony Miller. Gabriel lining up at places other than receiver will make it easier for all those players to get on the field.

Via: NBC Sports Chicago 7/24/18 - 07:55 AM ET

Malcolm Mitchell’s season “looks to be in jeopardy,” according to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal.

Daniels says Mitchell had a knee procedure today that will force him to miss the start of training camp and that “his season looks to be in jeopardy.” This comes hours after NFL Network reported that the Patriots had Mitchell on the trade block, so obviously it’s going to be tough to trade him at this point. Hopefully Mitchell’s knee procedure allows him to get back on the field soon, as it’s a shame he’s dealt with knee issues out of his control after a promising rookie season.

Via: Mark Daniels 7/23/18 - 06:12 PM ET

Brandon Bolden has been placed on the non-football illness list, according to Field Yates.

Bolden can be removed from the list at any time, so hopefully this is just a short-term issue to start camp. The 28-year-old should once again be a core special teamer that will be able to perform at running back if the team needs him to. He can be ignored for fantasy purposes.

Via: Field Yates 7/23/18 - 05:00 PM ET

Chris Thompson says he will practice on day one of training camp.

Thompson told this to SiriusXM NFL Radio, saying he will practice to start camp but is still ” just taking it slowly… the focus is to really be ready by that first regular season game.” Coming off a broken leg, Thompson was expected to be ready at some point during training camp, so it’s a great sign that he’ll be ready to go for the start of it. Thompson might not get many preseason snaps, if any, but he’ll be out there for Week 1. Expecting last season’s outstanding production might be a stretch, but Thompson should at least be a solid fantasy asset in PPR leagues in 2018.

Via: SiriusXM NFL Radio 7/23/18 - 04:58 PM ET

Kenny Britt will begin training camp on the PUP list, according to Field Yates.

Britt injured his hamstring during last month’s minicamp and it wasn’t thought to be serious, so this could just be the team taking things slow with their veteran receiver. After recent reports about Malcolm Mitchell being on available for a trade, it sounds like Britt could open the season as New England’s No. 2 or No. 3 receiver with Julian Edelman suspended. However, the Pats have a really deep group, so entering his age-30 season, Britt needs to get healthy and be consistent in camp.

Via: Field Yates 7/23/18 - 04:57 PM ET

The Cardinals placed Jermaine Gresham (Achilles) on the PUP list to start training camp.

The veteran tight end is coming off a torn Achilles from Week 17 of last season, and this was fully expected. Gresham is no lock to be ready for Week 1, but he is experienced enough (and has history with quarterback Sam Bradford from their Oklahoma Sooner days) to immediately have a nice role on offense when he’s healthy. Ricky Seals-Jones, who showed solid flashes last season, is expected to be the team’s top tight end and could have TE1 fantasy value in 2018.

7/23/18 - 04:08 PM ET