NFL

Ward would have cleared 100 yards in the box score had TE Gunnar Helm not stepped out of bounds while hauling in a downfield pass during a scramble drill. Ward’s ability to make wild throws off-script remains a plus and a minus. Playing within structure will be key to his development, and potentially his connection with rookie WR Carnell Tate. The duo went 0-of-2 out of five total pass attempts from Ward on the first drive this evening against Seattle.

Arroyo played three drives this evening, scoring from 36 yards out on the first one. Arroyo lined up in line on the left side, ran a route up the seam, shaking a safety along the way and easily hauled in the uncontested pass from tonight’s starting QB Drew Lock. Scoring against the Titans’ first-string defense is a plus, but playing while the rest of the Seahawks starters sat was not a great sign. Arroyo seems to be firmly behind TE AJ Barner on the depth chart right now.

Rams coach Sean McVay devised the team’s three-tight end approach midseason last year, and per Atkins, those looks aren’t going anywhere. Ferguson is lining up all over the formation in training camp, taking reps at F, Z, Y and X. The Rams also plan to get the ball to Ferguson “quickly” near the line of scrimmage this year, after asking him to function purely as a big-bodied field stretcher as a rookie. This aspect is key to unlocking his ceiling outcome. Ferguson averaged 9.0 yards after the catch in his final college season, leading all FBS tight ends with at least 45 targets. He is a TE2 with TE1 upside.

Clark got rolled up on after jumping over the pile after a play. He immediately went down and called for trainers, who applied an air cast to his lower leg after tending to his ankle. Losing the second-round rookie could be consequential. The Seahawks frequently put three safeties on the field, which put Clark in position to potentially start while S Nick Emmanwori works his way back from offseason ankle surgery. Clark now appears to be headed toward an extended absence. Fortunately, Emmanwori resumed doing individual work with trainers off to the side during practice this weekend.

Alexander also lists Klein behind TE1 Dalton Schultz and apparent TE2 Foster Moreau, so this isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement. Klein has efficiently caught 4-of-5 targets for 62 yards thus far in the preseason, and OC Nick Caley unpromptedly complimented Klein’s run blocking. The latter aspect is likely Klein’s ticket to game-day snaps this season. Schultz is a trusted veteran. Klein will likely be a non-factor in fantasy this year, but perhaps he can gain some ground in-season and force the Texans to get him involved late in the year.

According to Alexander, the Texans have utilized both running backs nearly evenly throughout camp. Texans OC Nick Caley “doesn’t typically go away from what’s working,” which could result in a hot-hand approach on game day. For now, Montgomery should be treated as the starter, but Marks looked good in last week’s preseason game and should be stashed on benches in 12-team leagues at the very least.

Thompson took first- and second-team reps in last Thursday’s preseason game against the 49ers. Chargers Nos. 2 and 2 WRs Quentin Johnston and Tre’ Harris were held out with what are believed to be minor injuries. Thompson eventually checked out of the game and entered the blue medical tent before being taken back to the locker room. He sported a yellow jersey today, which ESPN’s Kris Rhim dubbed the “working through something” jersey. He was likely a limited participant today. Thompson could be anything from a mid-to-late-season FLEX option to a part-time player stuck in a fantasy-unfriendly role. Keep an eye on his development and recovery.

It would be really nice to see Evans consistently practice in full at this point, but both Inman and ESPN’s Nick Wagoner appear mostly unconcerned by today’s development. Per Wagoner, Evans stopped practicing after running a deep route on Sunday. Evans “seemed to be moving fine” after exiting. Wagoner adds that it is “clear he and the Niners want to be cautious to get him to the regular season ready to go.” Evans’ soft tissue concerns remain present, but as long as he takes the field on game day, he is a WR2 with WR1 upside.

The team labeled Stribling as “day-to-day” yesterday. His limited return is a good sign for his Week 1 availability. Hopefully, the 49ers’ impressive rookie is back in pads before long. He can still be drafted as a FLEX starter with WR3 upside at this time.

Odum, 32, was a standout special teams player for much of his career, earning first-team All-Pro (2020) and second-team All-Pro (2022) with the Colts and 49ers. He sandwiched three seasons in San Francisco between two stints in Indianapolis. If he makes the team, he is unlikely to play on defense.