Team news: New Orleans Saints | Page 16

Lions RB D'Andre Swift didn't practice today with an ankle injury, according to the team practice report.

Related players: Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds, Justin Jackson

This will be something to monitor. Swift did play right up to the end of the game. The team did sign Jackson off the practice squad today so there could be some concern here. Williams would be next up if Swift can't go.

The Saints are signing RB Latavius Murray to their practice squad.

Related players: Alvin Kamara, Mark Ingram, Tony Jones, Dwayne Washington

Worth noting that Alvin Kamara is currently dealing with a rib issue, Yates' tweet went on to say.

Coach Matt Eberflus was quoted earlier in the week that he was expecting N'Keal Harry back in a month or so. This obviously makes the timeline much longer, stretching now until at least the middle of the season.

Related Players: Byron Pringle, Equanimeous St. Brown

The already-thin wide receiver group becomes even thinner, although the team wasn't likely to be relying on a career resurgence into a number one option by Harry this season. The Bears were unable to claim any wide receivers off the wire this week, and were actually forced to put Tajae Sharpe on IR to clear room for the six players they did claim.

Heading into their final preseason game, the Chicago Bears' wide receiver depth chart is clear for their top-four options; Darnell Mooney, Byron Pringle, Equanimeous St. Brown, and Velus Jones.

An uninspiring group, to say the least. Pringle may technically be operating as the WR2, but all signs point to TE Cole Kmet benefitting from being the second option in the passing game. Pringle does make for an interesting late-round addition in best ball formats.

Jameis Winston sprained his right foot during the Saints' practice on August 8th, causing him to miss the team's first two preseason games. Returning to practice is a significant step towards a full return.

Related Players: Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Alvin Kamara, Andy Dalton

The article mentions that he had both of his feet "heavily taped" but could still move around normally. Winston isn't known for his wheels, so as long as his lower body is structurally sound, it shouldn't affect his game too much. If he is forced to miss time, we would presumably see veteran Andy Dalton man the quarterback position, but Winston will offer a higher upside for the Saints pass-catchers.

Per the article, "At this point, Kmet is the No. 2 pass-catching option in the Bears offense behind No. 1 receiver Darnell Mooney. Fields trusts him, but so does [offensive coordinator Luke] Getsy."

Related Players: Equanimeous St. Brown, Byron Pringle, Velus Jones

It's not as if the team has many other options, but regardless, finding a tight end with a legitimate target floor is difficult to find in fantasy. Cole Kmet was involved in the screen game during the Bears' second preseason game, an area of the field that he was not utilized in during the last coaching regime; his four targets on screens in 2021 ranked 25th amongst NFL tight ends.

One star player for the Saints over the two days was Chris Olave.

This is coming from a Packer report so it perhaps has some extra meaning to it. The tidbit went on to say: "He plays well beyond his years and even beat Jaire Alexander for an easy completion along the sidelines which basically never happens. Olave had a big completion against Douglas as well."

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman, who was carted off the practice field today, is being evaluated for a possible groin injury, according to a source.

Related players: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Josh Gordon

Hardman is likely behind JuJu, MVS and the rookie Moore, but anyone in this offense who sees regular time can be fantasy-worthy. If Hardman were to miss time, it likely means Moore benefits the most as the two seemed to be battling for the team's WR3 spot.

During a conversation with Yates, Adam Schefter said that Kamara is "more and more unlikely" that Kamara misses time due to a suspension this season.

Related Players: Mark Ingram

Kamara will no doubt handle a massive backfield touch% if he were to play all 17 games, making him an incredible value for those that were able to grab him while he slipped down draft boards over the summer. Kamara regains the top-five upside he has had for years if he does genuinely dodge a suspension.

This coincides with a recent report from The Athletic that Waller has missed "five practices in a row."

Related Players: Foster Moreau

Schefter continues to say that it is "not considered serious." Tashan Reed of The Athletic reported that the time away for Waller has meant more looks for Foster Moreau, who has "looked to be more well-rounded as a receiver and blocker." Darren Waller can't take another seismic hit to his value and still remain a fourth-round fantasy pick; he's already being squeezed out of target share from newly-acquired Davante Adams.