With the final week of training camp finished, we take a look at the biggest stories from the week ending 5th September 2020. Here, I round up just some of the news coming out of training camps across the league. From injuries to hype and also some transactions that have happened throughout the week.
Training Camp Stories 5th September – Top Stories
Leonard Fournette Cut
After not being claimed off the waivers, Fournette agreed to a one year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A team pushing to build their own “dream team” in an attempt to push for a Superbowl.
Fournette will now find himself in a more crowded backfield which includes;
- Ronald Jones
- Ke’shawn Vaughn
- LeSean McCoy
Fournette owners should expect to see a drop in his expected production going into the 2020 season now that he is no longer a clear “lead back”.
Ronald Jones is the other back who will be most affected here. With both players in a committee where Fournette will likely see a higher percentage of snaps.
Alvin Kamara Contract Drama
There was also some Kamara drama during the week which lasted all of 24 hours. After missing practice early in the week in what was deemed a contractual holdout, many owners were in a panic. Would he be involved in week one?
This was all quickly extinguished in an almost “nothing to see here” fashion. Kamara returned to training on Wednesday and both the Saints and the players agent confirming they were making progress with negotiations.
Training Camp Stories 5th September 2020 – Injury News
Amari Cooper (WR, DAL)
It was reported that Cooper was either a non-participant or limited in practice during four training sessions over the last week. With owner Jerry Jones advising that Cooper was simply being limited for “preventative measures”. Not very clear on what the issue is, Head Coach Mike McCarthy reiterated Jones comments.
Fair enough. However, perhaps worth monitoring going into week one in the event that Cooper might have an underlying problem. If he were to miss any time, this would give Michael Gallup and rookie CeeDee Lamb more looks. While tight end Blake Jarwin could also see an uptick in targets.
Damien Harris (RB, NE)
Reports on Thursday confirmed that Harris has had hand surgery this week. Making him a possibility to miss the season opener against the Miami Dolphins. This is a real shame for the second year running back who had been making some waves in training camp. He was leaving some good impressions with his coaches, and opening up an opportunity to be featured. With his status for week one now in doubt, Sony Michel will take back the reigns.
Chris Herndon (TE, NYJ)
After a 2019 season where so much was expected of him, Herndon started the season with a suspension and finished the season injured. Coming out of camp this summer, the expectations are back again. Especially with news he is linking up well with quarterback Sam Darnold.
Herndon left practice during the week with a chest injury. Thankfully though after being checked out, he was cleared to return to training after what was deemed a lung problem.
Herndon will slot in well with this offense who are led in the passing game by Jamison Crowder. Providing all is ok, he will be a good late-round pickup.
Training Camp Stories 5th September 2020 – Player Hype (Rookies – The Jefferson’s)
Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN)
Despite great college production, it seems as though he is falling down the depth chart. Early reports from offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak put him as the WR3, behind Adam Thielen and Bisi Johnson. With Johnson the breakout wide receiver in training camp.
Jefferson owners and owners of many rookies need to remember, these guys need time. Jumping from college to the NFL is hard enough, but with no preseason games, it’s even harder. He will be a nice stash on your bench.
Van Jefferson (WR, LAR)
It is hard not to get carried away with the hype of camp. However, Jefferson is on an offence run by Sean McVay. A high paced offence with plenty of targets to go around, and we may see Jefferson get his fair share of targets throughout the season. I would expect to see more of a second-year breakout for Van Jefferson. But like his namesake, Justin, he could well be a nice stash to have on your bench this season, and can be found at the back end of your drafts.
So that’s that, wrapping up training camp stories and now looking onto week one of the season, where it has felt like an eternity since we last watched football in February. Good luck to you all if you are drafting this weekend and for your fantasy season ahead.
So thats the stories coming out of training camp for the week ended 5th September 2020 You can find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Image Credit: Chuck Cook – USA TODAY Sports
