NFL Training Camp Report: Injuries and Player Notes
NFL Training Camp Report
As we are coming closer to our fantasy drafts and nearing the beginning of preseason, there are many things to monitor. Unfortunately, injuries happen, and they affect our overall draft strategy and could potentially hurt our chances of winning a championship any given year. It is important to monitor injuries to players you are targeting in your drafts or players you already have in dynasty or keeper leagues.
Chiefs | Quarterback
During 11-on-11 drills on Monday, one of the offensive linemen stepped on Patrick Mahomes’ left foot during a play that required him to get checked out on the sideline resulting in his left foot being taped up for the remainder of practice. After practice, head coach Andy Reid addressed the media and provided good news about Mahomes. “He got stepped on. He’s O.K.,” Reid said. Mahomes was a full participant at practice, but his ankle was moderately taped up. Hopefully, this is a precautionary measure to prevent further injury.
Keeping Mahomes healthy with a clean pocket is a priority this season. The Chiefs are heavy favorites in 2022, and Mahomes is second in MVP odds behind Josh Allen. If you’re thinking about researching sportsbooks for this upcoming NFL season, I would suggest finding one that offers a betfair bonus and is legal in your state or country.
Rams | Quarterback
After not throwing during spring workouts, Stafford returned to practice to start training camp but unfortunately has not been able to stay 100% healthy due to his lingering elbow injury.
Head coach Sean McVay said, “We lessened Matthew’s workload today, really when we look at it, we’ve got five weeks until September 8. The most important thing is for him feeling good and healthy on Sept. 8.” During the offseason, the Rams reported that Stafford’s elbow required an anti-inflammatory injection to reduce the pain he was experiencing.
Stafford is a quarterback that has been getting drafted high as a QB2 in Superflex leagues. His nagging injury may lead to fantasy owners avoiding drafting him as he may not be able to perform to the best of his ability.
Steelers | Running Back
During the first padded practice on August 1, 2022, Najee Harris had his left foot stepped on after taking several hits on a running play and was unable to finish practice. Harris, fortunately, was able to walk off the field and up a hill under his own power where he was taken to the Steelers medical facility to get checked out.
Coach Mike Tomlin had this to say about Harris’ injury, “Najee wasn’t able to finish, somebody stepped on his foot, but it shouldn’t be a major deal.”
On Tuesday, August 2, 2022, Harris missed practice and is considered day-to-day.
Chiefs | Wide Receiver
Moore left practice early on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, after taking a hit from defensive back Nazeeh Johnson during a 1-on-1 drill.
Later on in the day, Skyy Moore addressed social media stating, “I’m okay.”
Originally it was reported that it was a hip injury, but let’s hope that it was a minor thing such as a cramp and does not become an issue in the future.
https://twitter.com/aaronladd0/status/1554486253206339584?s=20&t=lhLXe2cipmLIUtnzsjdFOQ
Browns | Wide Receiver
On August 1, 2022, wide receiver Amari Cooper tweaked his ankle during a play in a red zone drill. Cooper did not practice on Tuesday, August 2, 2022. Head coach Kevin Stefanski indicted that Cooper will be able to put on the pads again soon, signaling that Cooper may have only suffered a minor injury.
Broncos | Wide Receiver
During team drills on August 2, 2022, while making a catch, Tim Patrick’s knee buckled and he was required to be taken off the field on a cart. Later on in the day, it was revealed that Patrick had torn his ACL and is out for the 2022 season. Last year, Patrick put up impressive numbers with 85 targets, 53 receptions for 734 yards receiving, and scoring 5 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Patrick will have to wait until 2023 to pair up with quarterback Russell Wilson and reclaim his spot as the main slot receiver in Denver.
The next man up is K.J. Hamler who is returning from a torn ACL sustained last season and will work in the slot as the WR3 behind Cortland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. In this high-powered offense, Hamler will see plenty of targets and finally get his time to shine after his season was cut short last year.
Vikings | Tight End
On August 2, 2022, the Minnesota Vikings announced that Irv Smith Jr. underwent thumb surgery after sustaining the injury the day prior and will miss a significant portion of training camp this offseason.
Head coach Kevin O’Connell spoke with the press on Tuesday, “We still feel very strongly about our process to get him back, and hopefully have him, barring any setbacks available for that opener.”
Smith Jr. was poised to have a breakout year after sitting out the 2021 season due to a meniscus injury that required surgery. Before the injury occurred, Smith Jr. was sitting comfortably at the TE14 spot, being considered a sleeper tight end for anyone willing to take a risk on a tight end later on in their fantasy draft. Let’s see if this injury is more serious than the Vikings are making it seem. If so, Smith Jr. is falling down the draft board.
Bills | Defensive Backs
Unfortunately, the Bills defense will need to seek help at the safety position if both of their starters are not healthy enough to play at the beginning of the season. On August 2, 2022, Jordan Poyer fell on his left elbow during a play and was in significant pain that required him to be carried off the field on a cart to the Bills medical facility. As reported by Adam Schefter on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 4:21 pm, Poyer hyperextended his elbow and will be out for a few weeks. Poyer is expected to be back for the start of the regular season. It was also reported that on Friday, July 29, 2022, Micah Hyde sustained a left hip injury and has been practicing in a limited fashion.
Lawrence is a fan of the Green Bay Packers. He is currently a graduate student at William Paterson University pursuing a master’s degree in Financial Planning. His hobbies include all things fantasy football, weightlifting, collecting Yu-Gi-Oh trading cards, and playing Madden. He specializes in dynasty fantasy football having won two championships in the past five years. He is also a college football fan who loves to watch his Buckeyes play on Saturdays while drinking pumpkin-flavored coffee. He is always looking to evolve his game as a fantasy football player and one of his goals is to help other players do the same.
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