Training Camp News and Updates for Fantasy Football: Kenneth Walker, Tyler Warren Among Notable Injuries to Monitor

Training camp news and drama have felt completely out of control this year. In the past 48 hours alone, we have seen a prayer circle form over an ankle sprain and a newly named starting quarterback fire off some choice words for his own fan base.

Anyway, we have you covered here at Fantasy Life! Let’s dive into Tuesday’s biggest fantasy-relevant injuries, storylines, and camp notes from around the NFL.

Kenneth Walker: Foot Issue to Monitor

According to Chiefs beat writer Matt Derrick, Kenneth Walker was not expected to practice Tuesday because of a foot issue.

That is not ideal.

It could absolutely be precautionary, but we are nearing the point where every missed practice deserves attention. Walker is being drafted around the 1-2 turn with the expectation that he will be a bell-cow back in a strong Chiefs offense.

The questions are obvious: Can he hold up under a true feature-back workload? Will Kansas City’s offense operate at an elite level? We do not have those answers yet.

What we do know is that Walker is one of the few multi-down running backs with a clear hold on his team’s backfield usage. That type of role is difficult to find, which is why the ADP is warranted and the upside is tremendous. Still, foot injuries are not something to brush off for a running back.

Keep a close eye on his participation for the rest of the week as fantasy draft season kicks into overdrive.

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Tyler Warren Could Miss Practice

It has been a rough offseason for the Colts, and tight end Tyler Warren is another name worth monitoring.

Colts reporter Mike Chappell said Warren “might be held out of practice this week” as he works through a groin injury. That does not mean he is in danger of missing Week 1, but it adds another layer of uncertainty to a player already carrying a lofty fantasy price.

Warren’s consensus ADP is 51.9. That is expensive for a tight end who is banged up and plays in an offense with plenty of questions. I understand why he appeals to drafters, as the tight end position can thin out quickly, particularly in start-sit leagues.

Warren’s ceiling is high. But if you are drafting today, tread carefully.

Alec Pierce Could Return Soon

There is more Colts news, but this one is more optimistic.

Stephen Holder reported that Alec Pierce is “expected to return to practice this week if everything goes according to plan.” Pierce has been working his way back from an ankle injury, and we have heard variations of this optimism before, so it makes sense to remain patient until he is actually back on the field.

Still, there is a reason to buy the dip at the right price.

Pierce currently has a consensus ADP of 98.8, and Fantasy Life projects him for 782 receiving yards and 5.3 touchdowns. It’s not a projection that should have you sprinting to the draft board, but it is enough to make him a useful late-round target—especially in best ball.

Mike Evans Misses Practice

According to reporter Matt Maiocco, Mike Evans did not practice Tuesday due to a groin issue.

My red flags are a little higher here because of Evans’ age and injury history. He has been managing a quad issue this month, though reporting has suggested he remains on track for Week 1. He also returned to practice after that earlier absence, which is a positive sign.

Still, if I am drafting today, I might not be in a rush to pay face value for Evans. Am I willing to buy the dip in best ball or if he falls well past ADP? Absolutely. 

All eyes remain on rookie De’Zhaun Stribling. The hype train could run completely off the rails if Evans trends in the wrong direction.

Ja'Marr Chase Scare

According to Charlie Clifford, Ja'Marr Chase had an landed awkwardly during Bengals' practice today, grabbed his knee and met trainers on the sideline on his own power. 

Clifford then noted Tuesday afternoon that Chase went back to the Cincy offensive sideline after getting looked at. This is certainly worth keeping tabs on.