Time’s running out for the Giants and Jets to lock in their rosters as the Week 1 opener against Washington approaches in 25 days. Beaux Collins returned to Giants practice after missing time, joining Jalin Hyatt back in the mix as undrafted and young receivers push for roster spots. The Giants emphasized availability and consistency for entrants trying to prove themselves, especially with Beaux in play and Hyatt’s return offering a potential Week 1 speed option. On the Jets’ side, notable veteran Brian Burns is pacing the other team’s edge—though Burns isn’t with the Jets, his impact looms in this joint session as Dexter Lawrence and others pointed to his multi-faceted repertoire and how it stretches blocking schemes.

Dexter Lawrence highlighted Burns’ versatility, while Burns himself discussed elevating his game beyond what’s moved the needle before. The session also featured the usual combative NFL practice elements: smart retaliation on a pair of running plays, with Marcus Mbow weighing in on what constitutes an acceptable competitive edge. Kicking remained imperfect, as Jude McAtamney hit only 6 of 9 field goals across two sessions, including a 33-yard miss, underscoring that even in the preseason the border between practice and game readiness remains thin.

Key injury notes surfaced—Beaux Collins and Hyatt healthy enough to practice, Evan Neal back on the field, while Nabers and Nabers’ peers remained sidelined. Tyler Nubin was seen on an exercise bike, a subtle reminder that even roster planning requires long-term health. Giants right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor wasn’t on site due to a newborn, with Marcus Mbow stepping in as first-team right tackle in his absence, underscoring depth-building moments that will shape the early-season depth chart.

LeBron James tuned in to two NFL preseason games Friday and zeroed in on rookies Shedeur Sanders and TreVeyon Henderson. Sanders, taking the Browns’ first-team reps against Carolina, delivered two passing TDs for 138 yards on 14 of 23, and James publicly cheered, calling him a prince and urging continued grind. Henderson, a Buckeyes alum in the Patriots’ lineup, flashed speed with a blazing 100-yard kickoff return on his very first NFL touch, drawing a hype-filled reaction from James on social media.

The spectacles aren’t just entertaining; they feed the fantasy chatter around both players. If Sanders holds the Browns’ starting job, his dual-threat upside could lift him into the streamer-to-sneaky QB2 territory early in the season. Henderson’s kickoff-return spark hints at a potentially larger role in New England’s offense, offering dynasty and DFS players a reason to watch keenly as the regular season approaches. James’s public endorsements amplify the narrative, signaling heightened awareness around these two NFL newcomers.

Dallas’ exhibition vs. the Rams is a chance to spot hidden fantasy advisories. Jaydon Blue burst onto first‑string reps when Deuce Vaughn left the lineup, showing burst, vision, and a one‑hand grab that screams matchup nightmare. Traeshon Holden has climbed into the Cowboys’ second tier at receiver, pinning himself to the roster with reliable hands and steady gains on the sideline and at the back of the end zone.

Perrion Winfrey has been the interior disruptor Dallas hoped to land in pads, flashing penetration and constant pressure alongside Odighizuwa. Jonathan Mingo has flashed true X‑receiver potential in camp, blending blocking with coverage‑beating plays, signaling a potential early-life upgrade at the WR3/4 role. Roster battles at WR feel more real with Holden, Mingo, Tolbert, and Brooks pushing for snaps as pads come on.

Defensively, Damone Clark has looked like the anchor at linebacker, while Zion Childress’ hybrid slot/safety looks offer intriguing coverage upside for a defense that values versatility. Four more depth players (Thomas, Brooks, Flournoy, and Holden’s peers) are all in play for the 53, but these pads‑on moments are what fantasy managers chase: who emerges as a real weekly contributor once games start heating up?

Heading into the 2025 training camp, the Philadelphia Eagles, despite their strong Super Bowl-winning roster, face potential challenges in their linebacker group. Star linebacker Nakobe Dean is still recovering from an injury sustained during the playoffs. His absence could be pivotal as the Eagles look to maintain their defensive prowess. Oren Burks, who filled in admirably for Dean, is no longer with the team after signing with the Bengals, further complicating their depth at the position. Meanwhile, first-round pick Jihaad Campbell is expected to step in, but the uncertainty surrounding the linebacker corps raises questions about the Eagles' defensive strategy.

The Eagles' linebacker unit had been a strength last season with standout performances, notably from Zack Baun, who earned All-Pro honors. As they adjust to new roles and player changes, the team must address these concerns promptly to ensure they remain competitive in their quest to repeat as champions.