The Jaguars have made it known for literal months that Leonard Fournette was available to be had via trade. They previously declined his 2021 fifth-year option and openly fielded offers before the draft. Finding no takers, Jacksonville entered the summer still employing the former No. 4 overall pick. But that changed Monday when the Jaguars decided to cut ties with the fourth-year pro after the team “couldn’t get anything” for him, according to coach Doug Marrone. Fournette will be subject to waivers Tuesday where he’ll either have his $4.1 million salary claimed or he’ll enter the free-agent pool that evening. Jacksonville is admittedly “trying to clean up” the roster by eliminating bad apples. The Jaguars will now roll into Week 1 with a depth chart made up of Ryquell Armstead and Devine Ozigbo as early-down options and Chris Thompson as the third-down, pass-game back. Reports out of camp have also hyped undrafted rookie James Robinson. Second-round rookie Laviska Shenault has also been talked about as a sort-of wide receiver-running back hybrid who could also see backfield touches.
Kamara Wants a New Contract
Alvin Kamara has missed the last three Saints’ practices with an unexcused absence. Coach Sean Payton has been very vague on the matter, refusing to say if Kamara was hurt. But ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that Kamara is holding out for a new deal as he enters the final year of his contract that is scheduled to pay him just over $2.1 million. He’s obviously worth a whole lot more and has seen the money handed to Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry this offseason. For now, we don’t expect this to leak into the regular season, but we are less than two weeks from New Orleans’ opener. It’s certainly a situation to monitor. If Kamara does sit out real games, Latavius Murray and Ty Montgomery would seem to benefit most.
Eagles Lose Rookie WR to Shoulder Injury
Promising Eagles first-round WR Jalen Reagor went down with a shoulder injury at practice over the weekend, and it’s being reported he suffered a slight tear to his labrum that will not require surgery. Reagor is reportedly looking at a four-week recovery, putting his Week 1 status in serious doubt. With Alshon Jeffery (foot) also on the outside looking in for Week 1, Philly may have to roll into the opener with DeSean Jackson and rookie John Hightower or sophomore JJ Arcega-Whiteside starting on the outside. Reliable Greg Ward is also in the mix. Receiver is again a major question mark for an Eagles team that was flattened by wideout injuries in 2019.
Kerryon Atop the Lions’ Depth Chart
With second-round rookie D’Andre Swift missing more than a week of practice with a leg injury, Lions beat writers believe Kerryon Johnson is now back atop the depth chart and will open the season as the starter. Coach Matt Patricia already admitted Swift has missed valuable reps. Johnson, of course, has also missed time this camp recovering from his 2019 knee injury. Both backs are expected to be heavily involved all season, with neither likely to separate much from the other due to the Lions’ desire to have a one-two punch thanks to Johnson’s injury history.
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Quarterback & Running Back Quick Slants
The Patriots activated Lamar Miller (knee) from the active/PUP list. He spent the first 13 days of camp there but is now back for team drills and will push for a roster spot and role in New England. … Miles Sanders continues to battle a hamstring strain but was spotted doing “shadow” drills at Monday’s practice. He’s tentatively expected to be ready Week 1. … The Saints placed reserve RB Dwayne Washington on the reserve/COVID-19 list. … Kalen Ballage failed his physical with the Jets and reverted back to the Dolphins after the trade fell through. … Jets rookie RB Lamical Perine was carted off Sunday with an ankle injury. … Carson Wentz is day to day with some sort of soft-tissue issue. He’ll be under center Week 1. … Alex Smith (leg) was given the green light for team drills over the weekend. … Coach Matt Nagy said he would not be naming a starting quarterback before Week 1. … Coach Adam Gase is allegedly going to try to keep Le’Veon Bell “fresh” this season and plans to give a nice chunk of snaps to Frank Gore. … Ronald Jones has missed practices this past week with a foot issue.
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Wide Receiver & Tight End Quick Slants
Per coach Sean McVay, Cooper Kupp is only dealing with mere “soreness” in his ankle after missing a couple practices over the weekend. He’ll be fine for Week 1 as an every-week WR2. … Joe Burrow predicted a “big season” for slot man Tyler Boyd and stated he and Boyd have a “great connection” at this point of the summer. … DeVante Parker continues to miss practice with what coach Brian Flores described as a minor injury. … Coach Kliff Kingsbury expressed a desire to expand second-year WR Andy Isabella’s role. It sounds like Isabella at least has a path to WR4 snaps in Arizona’s spread-them offense, but he’s unlikely to push for major targets. … Recently-signed 49ers WR J.J. Nelson was placed on season-ending I.R. with a knee injury. … Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones heaped praise on Blake Jarwin, saying the tight end has enjoyed an “amazing camp” this summer. Jarwin could flirt with back-end TE1 numbers as the clear-cut starter. … Tyrell Williams (shoulder) isn’t expected to play starter’s snaps if he’s able to be out there Week 1, and the Raiders could just roll with a Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards rookie duo on the outside with Hunter Renfrow in the slot. … John Ross has been missing practice reps with an arm injury. He hasn’t been able to stay healthy in the NFL. … Keke Coutee (foot) returned to practice over the weekend. … Coach Ron Rivera said Washington rookie WR Antonio Gandy-Golden has struggled to pick up the offense. He’s a long shot to be an early-season factor. … The Seahawks signed WR Paul Richardson. He’ll compete for depth snaps behind Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. … Trey Burton was carted off the field with an apparent leg injury at Colts camp over the weekend. … KJ Hamler (hamstring) was cleared to return to practice. … The Giants are expecting Evan Engram to have a big season after suffering a Lisfranc injury last season. Avoiding injuries has always been his problem. … Tom Brady said second-year WR Scotty Miller has earned a role in the offense. He’s competing with Justin Watson for No. 3 duties. … The Jets signed WR Donte Moncrief.