Training Camp News and Updates for Fantasy Football: Jayden Higgins Injury and More

The fantasy football-relevant injuries keep piling up as we get deeper into August, and Wednesday brought a pair of major headlines from both the AFC and NFC South. There are also a few handcuff situations worth monitoring as depth charts start to take shape.

Training Camp News and Updates for Fantasy Football

Texans: Jayden Higgins Suffers Torn ACL

Houston sophomore receiver Jayden Higgins suffered a torn ACL during Tuesday’s joint practice with the Raiders. The news broke on Wednesday morning.

It is a massive blow to a Texans receiver room that was counting on Higgins taking a major second-year leap. Higgins finished third on the team in receiving yards last season behind Nico Collins and tight end Dalton Schultz. He also earned a double-digit target share and posted the second-highest air-yards share among Houston receivers at a tick over 18%.

Higgins’ consensus ADP was 133 as of Wednesday, so drafters were certainly (and rightfully) investing in him.

This definitely doesn’t help C.J. Stroud. He already entered the season needing to prove he could look the part in critical games against tough defenses, and now he’s without an ascending weapon.

What’s the rest of the receiver room looking like? Jaylin Noel returned to practice this week after what initially looked like a more concerning injury, which is positive. Tank Dell is also back and ramping up after missing Tuesday’s practice.

Before a gruesome ACL, MCL, and LCL injury derailed Dell’s entire 2025, he opened his career with back-to-back seasons of at least 47 catches and 660 receiving yards. He has shown the ability to be a deep threat in this offense.

Still, it is difficult to expect immediate production after that type of injury. Houston could decide to pick up the phone and add another veteran receiver. I love taking a late-round stab on Dell, though, at essentially zero risk.

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Saints: Alvin Kamara Out at Least a Month

Adam Schefter reported that Alvin Kamara is expected to be sidelined for at least the next month with a sprained MCL.

Kamara was expected to have a meaningful role alongside newly acquired Travis Etienne, but this injury gives Etienne a much clearer path to early-season volume. I’d consider bumping him up a notch or two in your rankings.

Etienne now has a real chance to take a stranglehold on the backfield. It’s Kendre Miller and Devin Neal behind him on the current depth chart, and while both have drawn interest as high-upside handcuffs in recent seasons, neither has been able to stay healthy or establish himself consistently. New Orleans could decide to add another back for depth, especially if Kamara’s timeline stretches beyond the initial month.

49ers: Kaelon Black Makes a Case for RB2

Matt Barrows reported that Kaelon Black is operating as the 49ers’ lead back while Christian McCaffrey remains sidelined.

That is notable because the handcuff in a Kyle Shanahan offense behind McCaffrey is arguably the most valuable backup running back role in fantasy football.

Jordan James is also sidelined, which has opened the door for Black to make a push for the No. 2 job. Black returned to practice earlier this week after a brief absence of his own, and Barrows noted that he had several big plays Tuesday and did not appear to miss a beat.

This is not about drafting Black as a standalone starter. It is about recognizing that he could carry massive contingent value if he emerges as McCaffrey’s direct backup.

Titans: Tony Pollard and Carnell Tate Updates

The Titans signed D’Ernest Johnson, but this appears to be an organizational depth move more than a major fantasy development.

Tennessee beat reporter Paul Kuharsky reported that Tony Pollard was expected to return to practice and that none of the team’s running back injuries were considered “particularly serious.”

Kuharsky also noted that Carnell Tate should be fine after missing practice following a collision earlier this week. For now, consider both situations precautionary as Tennessee works through the usual August bumps and bruises.

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