Read ESPN's fantasy football daily notes every weekday to stay caught up on the news you need to know and get a head start on the fantasy football content coming today and tomorrow to ESPN.com and the ESPN Fantasy App.
The news: There are rumors that the New England Patriots would be open to trading contract-year running back Damien Harris
What it means in fantasy: In this scenario, Rhamondre Stevenson would be considered a high-end RB2. Despite forming an effective duo with Harris last season, Stevenson's touches were inconsistent. Some games he barely figured into the game plan, while other times he was a key contributor. There were three games in which Stevenson received 19 or more touches and accumulated 100 or more total yards in two of them.
Going deeper: Since 2021, the Patriots have averaged 28.7 rushing attempts per game. A strong running game is still expected to be an important part of New England's 2022 strategy. The retirement of James White -- whom we had projected for 22 touches -- has no impact in fantasy as he wasn't going to take carries from either of the top two backs.
The news: Myles Gaskin may be on the roster bubble
What it means in fantasy: Chase Edmonds, Sony Michel, and Raheem Mostert are also part of the Dolphins' crowded backfield. Edmonds' contract implies he will lead Miami's committee. Right now, he's a nice value in fantasy drafts as he can be viewed as a low-end RB2 but is currently RB36 in our live draft trends.
Going deeper: Dolphins running backs averaged the second-fewest yards per touch (4.0) in the NFL last season. Edmonds will change that in 2022 and is projected to lead the backfield in touches.
The news: Christian Watson remains sidelined at camp due to a knee injury.
What it means in fantasy: While Watson is on the Packers active/PUP list, rookie wide receiver Romeo Doubs has impressed the coaching staff, reporters, and fantasy managers. While it's easy to get caught up in rookie fever, Allen Lazard is the Packers wide receiver to target in fantasy drafts. In the last two seasons, he has accumulated 71 receptions from Aaron Rodgers. The only player with more is running back Aaron Jones (99).
The news: Melvin Gordon III didn't practice Wednesday due to a foot injury.
What it means in fantasy: We need to keep an eye on Gordon's health. Javonte Williams would firmly be on the RB1 radar if his running-back-by-committee partner were to miss significant time. Head coach Nathaniel Hackett didn't appear overly concerned but said Gordon's foot was being evaluated.
The news: DeVonta Smith has missed five consecutive practices with a groin injury.
What it means in fantasy: Head coach Nick Sirianni mentioned that Smith is day-to-day. Right now, the second-year receiver is a nice value in fantasy football drafts, the WR37 in our draft trends, which isn't bad for a player who is expected to be the second-most targeted Eagles receiver behind A.J. Brown. He's a solid flex option.
The news: Simi Fehoko is standing out in Cowboys camp
What it means in fantasy: Considering James Washington's foot injury, which will keep him out 6 to 10 weeks, and Michael Gallup's delayed return until after Week 1, the Cowboys have few receiving options besides CeeDee Lamb and Dalton Schultz. Fehoko appears to be a good fit in the role that Cedrick Wilson occupied last season for the Cowboys. He is the WR99 in our draft trends.
Going deeper: Fehoko was selected in the fifth round of the NFL Draft in 2021. Between 2018 and 2020, he had 62 receptions for 1,146 receiving yards and nine touchdowns across 16 games at Stanford. Fehoko skipped his senior year to enter the NFL Draft. At Stanford, he averaged 18.5 yards per reception, which ranks third in school history. As a route runner, Fehoko needed some time to further develop from a film perspective. He seems to have improved in this area of his game.
Coming Thursday on ESPN.com and in the ESPN Fantasy App
• D.J. Gallo reveals his list of best new and classic fantasy football team names.
• Fantasy Focus podcast: Double Trouble with the 49ers and Cardinals.
Coming Friday:
• Fantasy football mock draft: 10-team PPR
• Fantasy Focus podcast: Double Trouble with the Rams and Seahawks
In case you missed it:
Matt Bowen identifies players who have the skills but just need an opportunity to become fantasy stars.
• Fantasy Focus podcast: Double Trouble with the Broncos and Chargers.
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