Training Camp Updates, News and Notes: Luther Burden Back on the Field

The closer we get to the start of Week 1, the more clarity we get on injuries and positional battles, giving us a better understanding of how to attack our fantasy football drafts. Below is a breakdown of some of the most recent headlines swirling around on social media, including an update on Luther Burden, who suffered an injury earlier this month.

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Daily Training Camp/Preseason News and Notes for Fantasy Football

Bears: Luther Burden Makes His Return to the Field

After injuring his groin, Luther Burden has been spotted back on the field participating in individual drills. While he did avoid 7-on-7, his return gives the Chicago Bears faithful a sigh of relief knowing their WR is showing signs of progression after the scary incident.

While it’s worth noting no timetable for his return has been announced, you should still draft Burden at a discount. When healthy, Burden is hyper efficient, and his heavier workload will give him a great opportunity to compete with the top of the position. If Burden does need to miss an extended period of time, increase your exposure on Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland, who will receive a bump in their usage.

Packers: Clarity on Their Group of RBs

All eyes are on Josh Jacobs with a potential suspension looming. Until a decision is made, the Green Bay Packers are moving forward with Jacobs as their RB1, solidifying him as an early-round pick in redraft leagues.

As for the group of RBs behind him, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst has announced they are confident they can remain competitive if Jacobs receives a long-term suspension, meaning they are satisfied with their current backups. With no intentions of addressing the position, MarShawn Lloyd is worth stashing as a valuable handcuff, potentially giving you an RB1 should Jacobs have to miss any time.

Patriots: Rhamondre Stevenson Pulling Away From Henderson

One of the more intriguing positional battles this offseason, the New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has started to pull away from TreVeyon Henderson after it was reported he has been labeled as the top back in almost every situation. While the current split is still a mystery, Stevenson securing a larger role will make him worth a look as a mid-round RB.

When comparing the two players, Stevenson was far more efficient with his attempts last season, grading out comfortably ahead of Henderson in Yards Over Expected per Attempt. Injuries have also kept Henderson off the field throughout training camp, giving Stevenson even more opportunities to win the job as the Patriots' RB1.

Eagles: Dontayvion Wicks in 2 WR Sets

After the departure of A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith has slid in as the Philadelphia Eagles' WR1, creating a position battle for the WR2. Heading into the third week of the preseason, it looks like Dontayvion Wicks is on track to be the Eagles' WR2 with Makai Lemon taking reps in 3-WR sets throughout training camp.

Should their current standing hold, pass on Lemon in redraft leagues, with his minimal workload making it tough to justify adding him to your roster. With other players at his tier possessing a far higher floor, they can give you more stable production to help minimize the damage should one of your starters get injured. If you are in a dynasty league, consider stashing Lemon if you are not in need of depth at other positions.