Training Camp Updates with Fantasy Football Impacts: Eli Stowers Falls Behind, Josh Downs Flashes Versatility and More News

Not only does the Hall of Fame game kick off tonight, but there are plenty of newsworthy reports flooding social media throughout training camp, directly affecting fantasy in the process. Below is a list of some of the top headlines for Aug. 6, including a breakdown of how they may impact fantasy rankings leading up to your drafts.

Training Camp Updates for Fantasy Football

Eli Stowers Placed on the Back Burner

Per Inside the Birds pod, Eagles 2026 second round pick Eli Stowers has stumbled down the depth chart, sitting firmly behind Johnny Munt as the TE3. His lack of team reps have strengthened that claim, labeling Stowers as a “2027 guy."

In regard to fantasy, avoid wasting any draft capital on Stowers with hopes of hitting a goldmine as a flyer in the later rounds. In dynasty, Stowers is a taxi squad stash at best — or worth skipping over in dynasty drafts at his current ADP if you have pressing needs elsewhere.

Josh Downs Expected to Receive a Larger Workload

After trading away Michael Pittman while Alec Pierce is rehabbing his offseason surgery, Josh Downs is expected to shoulder a heavier workload while expanding his role in the Indianapolis Colts offense. Throughout training camp, Downs has been lining up at multiple spots across the line, flashing his versatility on the outside and in the slot.

His utilization on the outside is certainly eye-opening, sending him off in pre-snap motion to help create space and get him out in the open field. If Downs can continue to expand on his role, he will see a bump in his targets, making him a name worth monitoring throughout training camp.

There's also the possibility that Pierce gets off to a slow start while shaking off the rust, forcing Daniel Jones to lean heavier on Downs to keep their offense afloat. When healthy, the Colts offense was efficient last season, leading the league in DVOA before eventually stumbling down the board after Jones suffered a season-ending leg injury.

Jaylen Waddle Spotted Limping in Practice

After being sent off the field yesterday, Broncos WR Jaylen Waddle was spotted limping in practice today while wearing a sleeve on his left leg. Even while noticeably dealing with an injury, it was encouraging to see Waddle go through rehab drills, signaling there is no longterm damage, and he will be good to go by Week 1.

Head coach Sean Payton has also fanned the flames surrounding Waddle’s injury, labeling it as a strain and saying he'll be back in four or five days. It has also been reported that Payton “can’t stop raving” about Waddle’s talent, cementing him as the WR1 in an offense that is desperate for an injection of talent.

Even if Waddle ends up as the focal point of the Broncos offense, his ceiling will be handicapped by Bo Nix’s play under center, an arm that ranked 33rd out of 36 qualified QBs in air yards per reception and 28th in CPOE. If Nix can take a step forward, expect Waddle to potentially compete with the top of the position.

De’Zhaun Stribling Returns From Injury

With a stunning 20 players listed on the 49ers injury report, it was welcoming to see De’Zhaun Stribling make his return to the field. The much-hyped second-round draft pick gives the San Francisco offense some depth at WR. Even after signing Deebo Samuel, Stribiling is projected to still play a role in their offense, making him worth a look in dynasty as a potential future asset.