It’s training camp season! This is the fourth entry into my training camp series, catching you up on all the important news that affects your Dynasty roster management.
You can find part 1 in the training camp series here.
You can find part 2 in the training camp series here.
You can find part 3 in the training camp series here.
So, let’s get into it.
1. McCarthy has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus, per HC O’Connell.
This was the best synopsis I have seen on the recovery timeline.
Sebastian Fearon DPT, CSCS, OCS @TheDegenDoc
“Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy Injury
Welp, this has developed FAST
From vague, seemingly minor knee “soreness” to an MRI revealing meniscus damage
The meniscus works as a protective shock absorption layer for the knee.
The big thing here is the variety of recovery timelines
Three treatment options when it comes to a meniscus tear depend on size & location
1) Rehab alone – No surgery, 4-6 weeks
2) Meniscectomy – Meniscus removal; increases the risk for knee problems in the future but only 3-6 week recovery
3) Meniscus Repair – Preserve the meniscus by repairing the damaged portion. Better for long-term knee health but 4-6 month recovery
Best Case: McCarthy works his way back to be ready for the early season. Week 1 is very unlikely but could be good to go Week 2-4.
Worst Case: Meniscus Repair & the rookie QB spends most if not ALL season on the sideline
A BIG surgery coming up for the Vikings season.”
Reaction: Whoever the Vikings QB is, is always fantasy relevant. They trotted out Jaren Hall, Josh Dobbs, and Nick Mullens last year and still led the league in receiving yards. Kevin O’Connell runs a pass-centric offense. They just invested a ton of money in Justin Jefferson. They are not going to become a running team all of a sudden. That said, Sam Darnold is a viable QB 2 if this ends up being one of the long-term injury options.
2. Cardinals’ Johnny Venerable said James Conner will “see the bulk share” of the team’s backfield workload in 2024.
The Arizona coaching staff, Venerable said, “loves” Conner and his tough running and veteran leadership. “The best version of this offense last year ran through [Conner],” Venerable said during an interview with Rotoworld’s Patrick Daugherty and Denny Carter. “James Conner is one of their best players,” Venerable suggested Michael Carter could mix in behind Conner, rather than rookie RB Trey Benson functioning as the clear RB2. Benson, the 66th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is considered an explosive back, though he never had more than 20 rushing attempts in a game during his college career. We would expect Benson to be the Cardinals’ lead back should the 29-year-old Conner once again miss time with injury in 2024.
Reaction: This should not be a surprise, but alas, to many, it will be. James Conner ranked highly in most running back efficiency metrics last year. According to Player Profiler, Conner was in the top 10 in true yards per carry, evaded tackles, and breakaway run rate. Trey Benson may be the future for the Cardinals, but he is nothing more than an injury-contingent option for the present.
3. Packers QB Jordan Love with HIGH PRAISE for WR Dontayvion Wicks:
“I think Dontayvion is going to have a monster year. He was able to do a lot of phenomenal things last year. I think the sky is the limit for him.” (via @joshalper)
Reaction: Wicks has been the cheapest of Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Romeo Doubs. He capped off his impressive rookie season by posting a 2,07 yards per route run mark, good for 24th among wide receivers in the NFL. He is the most versatile of the Packers wide receivers and has the ability to win at the X position outside. What Wicks needs most is opportunity. He is seemingly the odd man out with Watson, Reed, and Doubs. However, talent earns targets. He is a player to stash now while he is still cheap.
4. Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel on De’Von Achane, per Coachspeak Index
“He’s expanded roles, expanded different ways that he can get the ball… He had a taste of success, and, fortunately for us, he’s not satisfied with that.”
Reaction: Achane is the ultimate “upside wins championships” player. He has significant questions about his durability, and in turn, workload. This is why you are still able to get him around RB 11. However, his efficiency last year was historically good. Historically, good efficiency typically results in an increase in workload. If he gets volume and stays healthy, he is a true league winner. Scared money doesn’t make money, as they say.
5. Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh on Ladd McConkey, per Coachspeak Index
“He’s been off to a really good start. Really, really excellent route runner. We knew that, and he’s been really good, really dialed in, right from the beginning.”
Reaction: Ladd McConkey graded out as the rookie WR5 in my annual WR1 Analytical Model, which you can find here. He has impressed from the beginning of camp and is in line to be a major cog in Justin Herbert’s arsenal. His target competition is lining up to be Josh Palmer and DJ Chark as the starters. Last year’s top draft pick for the Chargers, Quentin Johnston, appears headed for a bench role.
6. #Chiefs HC Andy Reid on which RB will fill the 3rd-down role with Jerick McKinnon gone:
“[Isiah Pacheco]’s ready to be able to do all that. He’s good with the protections, he’s good with the technique and fundamentals, he can run all the routes, he’s got great hands.” Reid adds, “Clyde can do that. We’ve got guys that can step in there and do it.”
Reaction: Isiah Pacheco was the RB4 overall from weeks 10 to 18 in fantasy points per game. The 3rd down work is what encouraged and vaulted him to fantasy relevance. This quote from Reid reinforces that he will play that role again for the Chiefs. The passing game also figures to be improved with Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown in the mix. This should result in more touchdown
I hope you enjoyed reading my article. My goal is to provide actionable advice you can utilize to improve your Dynasty team. You can follow me on Twitter @force_fantasy. #DFFArmy #FantasyFootball #AlwaysBeBuilding #NFL #NFLDraft #NFLTransactions #NFLTrades #AlwaysBeScouting
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