Preseason and Training Camp Updates for Fantasy Football: Alec Pierce Off PUP And More
The training camp news keeps coming; Adam Pfeifer highlights what you need to know before your next fantasy football draft.
As we inch closer and closer to the start of the season, the injuries don’t seem to be slowing down.
That seems … suboptimal.
Fortunately, it appears we avoided scares from Ja’Marr Chase, Chris Olave and, to an extent, Ashton Jeanty. But there is still plenty of news to track before your fantasy football drafts this weekend.
Preseason and Training Camp News and Updates for Fantasy Football
Alec Pierce Activated From PUP List
The Colts recently stated that Alec Pierce would return to practice at some point this week, and now he’s been activated from the training camp PUP list. It doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be ready to go Week 1, but it does suggest that Pierce won’t miss the first four games.
Pierce continues to work his way back from March ankle surgery. A recent video showing Pierce walking around the practice field certainly doesn’t express a ton of optimism, but head coach Shane Steichen said last week that Pierce is in a great spot.
Mainly a vertical target in his NFL career, Pierce took a step forward last season, setting career-best marks in targets (84), receptions (47) and receiving yards (1,003) in 15 games. His huge play potential was evident, as Pierce was one of only two receivers since 2018 to have 1,000 yards on fewer than 50 receptions. And among all wideouts from last season, Pierce ranked:
- 1st in air yards/target (18.9)
- 2nd in yards per target (11.9)
- 2nd in yards per catch (21.3)
- 4th in targets of 20-plus air yards (24)
23% of Pierce’s routes were go routes, and since 2023, no player in football is averaging more yards per catch than Pierce (20.2). He’s been really, really good in his field-stretching role, but because such a high percentage of his looks are deep down the field, it hasn’t translated to consistent usage. During that aforementioned three-year span, Pierce is averaging just under five targets and 6.7 fantasy points per game, both of which rank outside the top 45 receivers.
A healthy and heavily paid Pierce should play a pivotal role in the Colts' passing attack this year. His ankle injury makes him a high-risk, high-reward selection in Round 9 of fantasy drafts.
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Jonnu Smith Signs With the Green Bay Packers
The Packers signed veteran tight end Jonnu Smith to a one-year deal on Thursday. With Luke Musgrave’s Week 1 status in jeopardy, Green Bay adds some more depth at the tight end position behind Tucker Kraft, who may be on some sort of snap count to start the year.
Smith himself is unlikely to be fantasy relevant, but his arrival does solidify that the Packers will continue to deploy plenty of 12 personnel, which is great for Christian Watson, the unquestioned starting receiver when Green Bay has two tight ends on the field.
Mike Evans Now Dealing With Groin Issue
Mike Evans has now battled quad and groin injuries throughout the preseason, limiting his practice time. You’d obviously expect the 49ers to be very cautious with the 33-year-old wide receiver, and while there hasn’t been anything to suggest Evans won’t be ready for Week 1, it is becoming more difficult to differentiate actual injury and simple management. The idea of Evans in a Kyle Shanahan offense, even at his age, is very exciting. Let’s just hope he can make it through the season.
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