Training Camp Notes: July 21

Training Camp Notes: July 21

This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.

As training camps open across the league, news surrounding player's health and roles will continue to ramp up. That was the case Wednesday, and we'll cover all the most fantasy relevant information in this edition of the 2021 Training Camp Notes.

Courtland Sutton is nearly 10 months removed from undergoing surgery to repair both an ACL and MCL tear. News emerged Wednesday that he may have his workload managed to begin training camp. That alone is not all that concerning, but his ability to ramp up as preseason and ultimately regular-season games approach will be important to monitor.

Baker Mayfield is building the hype for the return of Odell Beckham. Mayfield said Wednesday that Beckham told him he is fully healthy after undergoing surgery to repair his torn ACL seven months ago. Beckham participated in drills in minicamp, but it sounds as if he might also be a full go when camp opens for the Browns on Aug. 28. Despite the optimism from Mayfield, Beckham's production on the field was a major disappointment in 2020. In seven games, he managed to average only 6.1 targets, 3.3 receptions, 45.6 yards and 0.43 touchdowns per game. He should return to be Mayfield's top target in 2021, but the Browns have built out their receiving corps in recent seasons to include the likes of Jarvis Landry, Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Anthony Schwartz.

Dak Prescott is projected to participate fully from the start of training camp after recovering from a broken ankle that he suffered early last season. Presumably, the team wouldn't jeopardize the health of their newly locked-up franchise quarterback, though it will still be worth noting any reports in regards to Prescott's mobility and health during camp and preseason. Prescott is the fifth quarterback off the board by ADP, as fantasy managers have had a lot of faith in his health throughout the offseason.

• In no particular surprise, it was reported Wednesday that Mike Davis would begin the season atop the Falcons' running back depth chart. In the wake of injuries that kept Christian McCaffrey sidelined, Davis posted a career-high 642 rushing yards, 59 receptions and eight total touchdowns as a member of the Panthers in 2020. If he can remain healthy, Davis should have a chance to top those numbers as a part of a Falcons' offense that should remain dynamic — even in the absence of Julio Jones. There's little established competition behind him, with the rest of the depth chart including names such as Qadree Ollison, Cordarrelle Patterson, Tony Brooks-James, Javian Hawkins and Caleb Huntley.

• In one of the bigger surprises of the offseason, Zach Ertz remains a member of the Eagles. Although a trade remains possible — and maybe even likely — Ertz plans to report for training camp and has no issue playing out the season with the team. If that scenario plays out, Dallas Goedert would lose projected volume. Drafters have seemingly assumed Ertz would be out of the picture, as Goedert is the seventh tight end off the board with an overall ADP on the turn of the seventh and eighth rounds in NFFC.

• It was assumed that Larry Fitzgerald would call it quits on his storied career after the 2020 season. However, he is not yet formally retired and could return for another season. The Cardinals reportedly want Fitzgerald back if he decides to play. If that comes to fruition, the Arizona's receiver corps would become quite crowded, as he would also join DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, Rondale Moore and Andy Isabella.

• The Titans had their receiving corps thinned quite considerably this offseason, with Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith and Adam Humphries departing in free agency. The acquisition of Julio Jones will account for many of the targets that the trio vacated. However, Smith's departure in particular should create an increased role for Anthony Firkser as the team's primary receiving tight end. Firkser commanded 53 targets in 2020, but that number could be set to jump a bit more in 2021.

Danny Amendola played the last two seasons in Detroit, logging 62 and 46 receptions, respectively. He remains a free agent, but hopes to play if he can find a "good situation." Presumably, that would mean signing with a Super Bowl contender. Amendola has played nearly exclusively out of the slot and had aDOT marks of just 8.8 and 8.5 the last two campaigns. Given that he isn't a threat in the red zone and is entering his age-35 season, Amendola doesn't have the typical profile of a prolific fantasy producer even if he lands with a strong offense.

Rhamondre Stevenson was placed on the active/non-football injury list Wednesday. This move could turn out to be relatively insignificant given that Stevenson can be activated at any point. However, if the fourth-round rookie remains sidelined, Damien Harris' role as the presumed lead back could be strengthened.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Marcus
Dan started covering fantasy sports in 2015, joining Rotowire in 2018. In addition to Rotowire, Dan has written for Baseball HQ and Rotoballer.
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