Training camp is underway, and the early waves of injuries, roster shifts, and contract drama are already reshaping the fantasy football landscape. From key wideouts landing on the PUP list to major running back battles opening up in crowded backfields, fantasy managers need to adapt quickly. The absence of established stars like Brandon Aiyuk, Chris Godwin, and Joe Mixon is creating immediate opportunities for late-round gems and sleeper candidates to emerge.
Meanwhile, QB situations in Indianapolis, New Orleans, and Cleveland could shift the fantasy outlook for entire offenses. Whether you’re prepping for a redraft league or tweaking dynasty rankings, understanding how these early camp developments impact player value is critical to getting an edge this season. Let’s break down the key injuries, positional battles, breakout buzz, and contract news shaping the early fantasy outlook heading into 2025.
Injury Landscape
- Wide Receivers: Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) is on the PUP list and likely to miss Week 1 due to a prior ACL tear, elevating Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. Chris Godwin (Bucs) is also on PUP, opening starter reps for rookie Emeka Egbuka. Treylon Burks (Titans) suffered a fractured collarbone and was just released by the team clearing the room for other receiver options. Luther Burden (Bears) is sidelined with a hamstring injury, missing valuable reps. Stefon Diggs is healthy and active so far in training camp, avoiding the PUP
- Running Backs: Joe Mixon (Texans) is on the Non-Football Injury list with an ankle/foot injury, likely out for an extended period, increasing reps for Nick Chubb and Woody Marks. Najee Harris (Chargers) is uncertain for practice due to an eye injury from a firework, positioning Omarion Hampton as the team’s lead back. Jerome Ford (Browns) is absent with an undisclosed injury, and Quinshon Judkins faces a possible suspension, opening doors for Dylan Sampson.
- Quarterbacks: Matthew Stafford (Rams) is limited with back soreness, with Jimmy Garoppolo as a potential replacement, which could impact Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. Justin Fields (Jets) is day-to-day with a dislocated toe but remains a viable late-round QB target if healthy.
- Offensive Line: Tristan Wirfs (Bucs) is on PUP, a significant loss for the offense, potentially affecting fantasy production for skill players in Tampa Bay.
Fantasy Impact: These injuries create opportunities for backups and rookies, making players like Jennings, Pearsall, Egbuka, Chubb, Marks, Hampton, and Sampson must-roster options in fantasy drafts. Many of these players are going after pick 100 right now, and are late-round players worth monitoring. Managers should monitor Stafford and Fields closely, as their health could affect their teams’ fantasy production if they were to miss any games.
Positional Battles
Competitions for starting roles are highlighting potential fantasy contributors:
- Running Backs: AJ Dillon (Eagles) is receiving first-team reps ahead of Will Shipley in the RB2 battle behind Saquon Barkley. Marshawn Lloyd (Packers) is competing for RB2 behind Josh Jacobs and has turned some heads. Javonte Williams (Cowboys) has led the backfield in snaps to start training camp, but the competition is still wide open and will likely be decided by preseason performances. Elijah Mitchell (Chiefs) has been earning first-team snaps while Brashard Smith has played sparingly on the first team so far.
- Quarterbacks: Anthony Richardson (Colts) has had a rough start to camp, potentially opening up the door for Daniel Jones to be the starter week 1. Joe Flacco (Browns) is the presumed frontrunner at quarterback for the team as Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel mix in some first-team reps. Both Spencer Rattler (Saints) and Tyler Shough have looked rough so far in Saints camp, further clouding a rough situation heading into 2025.
- Wide Receivers: Matthew Golden (Packers) earned the nickname “Bullet” by showcasing his elite speed and versatility in the first week of camp. As Green Bay decides between its 12 receivers, Golden is an early favorite for the coaching staff. The Patriots have Demario Douglas locked in the slot, Stefon Diggs on the outside, and other players rotating in as the third wide receiver.
Fantasy Impact: Valuable handcuffs have revealed themselves early in Philadelphia and Green Bay, while the Chiefs and Cowboys backfields remain clouded. Until we see preseason action from both squads, it is hard to buy into any of their players until we further understand their roles. This also applies to the battles in Green Bay and New England at receiver. I won’t be buying into any other players outside of Diggs, Douglas, and Golden right now until we see action from some of the other players in the preseason.
The Colts quarterback battle is one that I am going to be watching closely. If Anthony Richardson wins the role, it is not the best thing for Colts fantasy players, but if Daniel Jones takes the role, I am a bit higher on the Colts players than their current ADPs. The Saints look like a mess right now from the news coming out of camp, but Chris Olave has been balling so far in camp and could be a sneaky pick at his ADP regardless of who is the QB. With Joe Flacco as the QB1 right now in Cleveland, I feel confident in selecting the Browns’ weapons at their current ADPs.
Breakout Candidates and Opportunities
- Wide Receivers: DeMario Douglas (Patriots) is excelling in the slot, making impressive catches and becoming a top target for Drake Maye. Dont’e Thornton (Raiders) is a starter, outperforming second-round rookie Jack Bech. Emeka Egbuka (Bucs) is gaining valuable reps with Godwin sidelined. Efton Chism and Kyle Williams (Patriots) are turning heads in camp, further clouding the receiver room in New England.
- Running Backs: Dylan Sampson (Browns) is showcasing speed and earning first-team reps, especially with Ford and Judkins unavailable. Braelon Allen (Jets) is turning heads as a potential handcuff for Breece Hall, and there have been rumors of a true RB split coming in New York. Omarion Hampton (Chargers) is trending toward RB1 status if Harris remains out. Marshawn Lloyd (Packers) is standing out, competing for the RB2 role behind Josh Jacobs.
- Tight Ends: Colston Loveland (Bears) is cleared after shoulder surgery and ready to contribute, having accounted for 35% of his college team’s passing yards, while having Ben Johnson impressed with his work ethic
Fantasy Impact: Many of these players are rookies, and making a significant impact out of the gate. Dylan Sampson is an interesting player to watch as we see the Judkins situation play out and Jerome Ford continue to miss time. He was the 2024 SEC offensive player of the year and is going undrafted in regular formats right now. Egbuka, Thornton, and Loveland are all making noise early, which is exciting for their roles out of the gate. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ wide receiver room seems to have conflicting reports daily on which wide receiver is having a big day. I am still avoiding that room outside of Stefon Diggs at the moment, till we have more clarity
Contract Situations
- Terry McLaurin (Commanders): After a holdout due to a contract dispute and an ankle injury, McLaurin reported to camp on July 27, 2025, and is now practicing. His career-high 13 TDs in 2024 with Jayden Daniels make him a reliable WR1.
- James Cook (Bills): Participating despite a contract dispute, expressing commitment to the team and optimism for an extension before Week 1. Ray Davis and Ty Johnson should not be drafted much higher than they are. Cook is going to suit up in week 1.
- Kyren Williams (Rams): Attending camp during contract negotiations, intending to play, and coming off back-to-back Top 10 fantasy RB seasons.
- Jake Ferguson (Cowboys): Signed a four-year, $52 million extension with $30 million guaranteed, solidifying his role as a long-term option at tight end for the Cowboys.
- Rashawn Slater (Chargers): Signed a four-year, $114 million extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman, ensuring stability for the Chargers’ offense. Great news for Herbert, Hampton, and McConkey for the next four seasons.
Week 1 Training Camp Round Up
| Player | Position | Team | Quick Note | Fantasy Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Aiyuk | WR | 49ers | On PUP list, likely to miss Week 1 due to prior ACL tear | Lowered value; Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall emerge as late-round targets |
| Chris Godwin | WR | Buccaneers | On PUP list, opening starter reps for rookie Emeka Egbuka | Egbuka rises as a sleeper; Godwin’s early value drops |
| Treylon Burks | WR | Titans | Fractured collarbone, expected to miss season start | Boosts Calvin Ridley’s role; Burks a late-round risk |
| Luther Burden | WR | Bears | Sidelined with hamstring injury, missing valuable reps | Risky due to missed time; monitor for recovery |
| Stefon Diggs | WR | Patriots | Healthy and active in camp, avoiding PUP | Strong WR1 option; reliable early draft pick |
| Joe Mixon | RB | Texans | On NFI list with ankle/foot injury, out extended period | Avoid unless ADP drops; Nick Chubb and Woody Marks gain |
| Najee Harris | RB | Chargers | Uncertain for practice due to eye injury from firework | Omarion Hampton positions as lead back, high-priority |
| Jerome Ford | RB | Browns | Absent with undisclosed injury | Dylan Sampson gains reps, a late-round watch |
| Quinshon Judkins | RB | Browns | Faces possible suspension | Sampson benefits; Judkins a draft risk |
| Matthew Stafford | QB | Rams | Limited with back soreness, Jimmy Garoppolo backup | Impacts Davante Adams/Puka Nacua; monitor health |
| Justin Fields | QB | Jets | Day-to-day with dislocated toe | Viable late-round QB if healthy; watch recovery |
| Tristan Wirfs | OL | Buccaneers | On PUP list, significant loss for offense | Potentially hurts fantasy production for Bucs’ skill players |
| AJ Dillon | RB | Eagles | Receiving first-team reps ahead of Will Shipley in RB2 battle | Late-round stash if he secures RB2 behind Saquon Barkley |
| Marshawn Lloyd | RB | Packers | Competing for RB2 behind Josh Jacobs, turning heads | Late-round stash with RB2 potential |
| Javonte Williams | RB | Cowboys | Leading backfield in snaps, competition open | Uncertain value until preseason clarifies role |
| Elijah Mitchell | RB | Chiefs | Earning first-team snaps, Brashard Smith limited | Potential RB option; monitor preseason performance |
| Brashard Smith | RB | Chiefs | Played sparingly on first team so far | Low priority until role clarified |
| Anthony Richardson | QB | Colts | Rough start to camp, risking starting role | Risky for Colts fantasy players if he starts |
| Daniel Jones | QB | Colts | Could take starting role if Richardson struggles | Higher on Colts players if he starts |
| Joe Flacco | QB | Browns | Presumed frontrunner, Pickett/Gabriel mixing reps | Boosts Browns’ weapons at current ADPs |
| Kenny Pickett | QB | Browns | Mixing in first-team reps | Limited impact unless Flacco falters |
| Dillon Gabriel | QB | Browns | Mixing in first-team reps | Limited impact unless Flacco falters |
| Spencer Rattler | QB | Saints | Rough in camp, clouding QB situation | Risky; Chris Olave a sneaky pick despite QB issues |
| Tyler Shough | QB | Saints | Rough in camp, clouding QB situation | Risky; Olave a sneaky pick despite QB issues |
| Matthew Golden | WR | Packers | Earned “Bullet” nickname for speed, early favorite | Sleeper WR option; monitor preseason |
| DeMario Douglas | WR | Patriots | Locked in slot, rotating as third WR | Rising WR3 value; solid with Diggs |
| Will Shipley | RB | Eagles | Competing with Dillon for RB2 behind Barkley | Handcuff value if Dillon falters |
| Josh Jacobs | RB | Packers | Primary RB, Lloyd competing for RB2 | Stable RB1; Lloyd a handcuff |
| Saquon Barkley | RB | Eagles | Primary RB, Dillon/Shipley battling for RB2 | Top RB1; handcuff needed due to depth |
| Breece Hall | RB | Jets | Primary RB, Braelon Allen as potential handcuff | Top RB1; Allen a valuable handcuff |
| Chris Olave | WR | Saints | Balling in camp despite QB struggles | Sneaky pick at ADP regardless of QB |
| Davante Adams | WR | Rams | Impacted by Stafford’s back soreness | Monitor Stafford’s health for value |
| Puka Nacua | WR | Rams | Impacted by Stafford’s back soreness | Monitor Stafford’s health for value |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | QB | Rams | Potential replacement if Stafford out | Limited impact unless Stafford misses time |
| Dylan Sampson | RB | Browns | Showcasing speed, earning reps with injuries | High-upside late-round pick, 2024 SEC POY |
| Braelon Allen | RB | Jets | Turning heads as Hall’s handcuff, potential split | Valuable handcuff; monitor for split role |
| Omarion Hampton | RB | Chargers | Trending toward RB1 if Harris out | High-priority target if Harris sidelined |
| Emeka Egbuka | WR | Buccaneers | Gaining reps with Godwin sidelined | Sleeper WR with Godwin on PUP |
| Dont’e Thornton | WR | Raiders | Starter, outperforming Jack Bech | Sleeper in deep leagues |
| Efton Chism | WR | Patriots | Turning heads in camp, clouding WR room | Deep-league sleeper, avoid until clarity |
| Kyle Williams | WR | Patriots | Turning heads in camp, clouding WR room | Deep-league sleeper, avoid until clarity |
| Colston Loveland | TE | Bears | Cleared after shoulder surgery, impressing | Rising TE value, strong rookie potential |
| Terry McLaurin | WR | Commanders | Reported to camp, practicing after holdout/injury | Reliable WR1 with career-high 13 TDs in 2024 |
| James Cook | RB | Bills | Participating despite contract dispute | RB1, suit up Week 1; Ray Davis/Ty Johnson handcuffs |
| Kyren Williams | RB | Rams | Attending camp during negotiations | Reliable RB1, back-to-back Top 10 seasons |
| Jake Ferguson | TE | Cowboys | Signed $52M extension, long-term TE option | Solid TE1 with secured role |
| Rashawn Slater | OL | Chargers | Signed $114M extension, highest-paid OL | Boosts Justin Herbert, Hampton, Ladd McConkey |
| Ray Davis | RB | Bills | Handcuff for Cook, should not rise much in ADP | Low-priority handcuff unless Cook injured |
| Ty Johnson | RB | Bills | Handcuff for Cook, should not rise much in ADP | Low-priority handcuff unless Cook injured |
| Jack Bech | WR | Raiders | Outperformed by Thornton for starting role | Limited value, deep-league flier |
| Justin Herbert | QB | Chargers | Benefits from Slater’s extension | Enhanced value with better OL protection |
| Ladd McConkey | WR | Chargers | Benefits from Slater’s extension | Enhanced value with better OL protection |
| Drake Maye | QB | Patriots | Benefits from Douglas’s slot role | Rising value with strong WR targets |
| Jayden Daniels | QB | Commanders | Benefits from McLaurin’s return | Rising value with reliable WR1 |
| Calvin Ridley | WR | Titans | Boosted by Burks’ injury, dominating camp | Top fantasy target with increased role |
| Nick Chubb | RB | Texans | Gaining reps with Mixon out | Increased value as a late-round RB option |
| Woody Marks | RB | Texans | Gaining reps with Mixon out | Increased value as a late-round RB option |
| Jauan Jennings | WR | 49ers | Elevated with Aiyuk on PUP | Late-round target with potential WR1 role |
| Ricky Pearsall | WR | 49ers | Elevated with Aiyuk on PUP, expected off soon | Late-round sleeper with potential WR2 role |
