Team news: Arizona Cardinals | Page 17

For those thinking the RB2 battle was firmly between Michael Carter and rookie Trey Benson, Emari Demercado has something to say.

Throughout camp, Demercado has been a common occurrence subbing in for starter James Conner during first-team work.

It’s only been one day of pads, the story went on to say, but Demercado's pass-protecting ability, which earned him valuable playing time as a rookie, has been on display early on. The story went on to say keeping Murray upright is crucial to a successful season, and it’s clear the Cardinals are liking what Demercado is bringing to the table so far. It went on to say behind Conner and Demercado, Carter got first crack at second-team reps, with rookie Trey Benson subbing in for the veteran. Given the draft capital the team paid for Benson, it should only be a matter of time before he starts to make a move up the depth chart.

One week into camp, it continues to look like Jacoby Brissett will be the Patriots' starting QB Week 1.

Related players: Drake Maye

Other outlets have said Brissett is having a great Monday at camp so far today. Graff's post went on to say, "Maye's future is bright. All the traits are there. But Brissett entered with a lead in the race for QB1 and has been better so far." On top of that, others reported things were moving a bit fast for Maye today. It looks like Brissett is on pace to start the season as the QB.

While Nick Chubb is on Cleveland’s physically unable to perform list, the running back has been making steady progress in his return to the field.

Reporters on the Browns beat have taken note of Chubb’s work on the side, with the back putting in some sprints after he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 2 last year.

Related players: Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman, Nyheim Hines

The Browns say they are pleased with the work Chubb has put in, as well as the progress he's made. The story added Chubb still has a little ways to go. Perhaps also key was the team hasn't put a timetable on Chubb's return, saying it's a day-to-day progress. So for now, owners are left to wonder what they'll see from Chubb this season. We rank Chubb 37ths on our RB list. But if Chubb can get back to practices during camp, it could mean a huge boost in value for those who already drafted him as the 37th RB off the board. The Browns brought in Foreman to pair with Ford as insurance in case Chubb can't return to form. And even if he's ready for Week 1, he'll likely be eased back in.

When the Cardinals signed veteran Zay Jones in the off-season, it created competition for second-year receiver Michael Wilson. But Wilson ran with the starters and led that group with three receptions. He is aiming to build off a rookie season in which he had 38 catches and 565 yards on 58 targets

Tight end Trey McBride and rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. are likely to absorb most of the Cardinals' target share, but if Wilson is playing over Jones, there still might be enough left to make him fantasy relevant. He is currently ranked as the WR60 on 4for4.

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye made steady progress throughout the spring, suggesting he could begin pushing veteran Jacoby Brissett for the starting role as early as Week 1. Maye's physical skill set passed the initial eye test, with the arm talent, size, and athleticism of a modern quarterback, which is what made him an intriguing option at No. 3 overall.

The other angle from a starting quarterback perspective is that the Patriots signed a bridge in veteran Jacoby Brissett. The idea was to have the option to ease Maye, or whoever the Pats drafted, into things rather than throwing them into the fire on a rebuilding team. There's an argument to be made that Brissett should start initially, buying time for the pieces around the quarterback to solidify themselves before Maye takes over.

The story did say, "there were moments when Maye was the best quarterback on the field during minicamp and OTA sessions. He made his fair share of in-rhythm throws, displaying improving footwork and timing within structure, while his deep ball accuracy was as advertised based on his college film." The story went on to say, "the next step for Maye is to continue building on the good habits he developed in the spring."

Nick Chubb will likely be placed on the active/physically unable to perform list next week heading into camp, meaning he can be activated and start participating in team drills if he’s ready and remains eligible for the opener at Cleveland Browns Stadium. PUP players can work out and rehab with the team, but not take part in team drills.

Related Players: Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman

Signs are pointing toward a slow build-up for Chubb, which means he's not likely to see a full workload (or any at all) to begin the season. Ford is a fantastic pick in redraft leagues in the 11th round, though his place in the pecking order might be in serious jeopardy by the second half of the season.

It is too early to know which direction it will head, but as the Patriots are currently on break before their first training camp practice July 24, one thing can be decisively stated about Polk's initial work: His toughness and relentless mentality reflected well on the culture Wolf and Mayo hope to create.

Related Players: DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Kendrick Bourne, Javon Baker

Reiss would later remark that Osborn, Douglas, and Polk could be the team's "top three targets if everyone is healthy." It's an interesting group to target, considering we have no way of knowing exactly how things will shape out. Douglas and Polk make for great late-round dart throws.

Indianapolis could still make a move. However, for now, it appears the team is content with former third-round pick Trey Sermon stepping in as the second-stringer. Evan Hull appeared in just one game last year as a rookie due to a torn left MCL, but he was a good pass catcher coming out of Northwestern and will have a shot to supplant Tyler Goodson in that role with the Colts if he has a big summer.

We've been down this road before. Sermon earned 41 carries in his rookie season with the 49ers, before heading to the Eagles to notch exactly two more. He got the nod for a majority role last season in Week 15 and performed well, turning 17 attempts into 88 yards. We wouldn't suggest making any moves in redraft or best ball leagues for now, but a deep dynasty stash would make sense.

Former Jets WR Denzel Mims, whom the Steelers released this week, is signing today with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Related Players: Devin Duvernay, Parker Washington, Tim Jones

It's been quite the drop from relevance for the former second-round selection, but he'll have a chance to carve out a role through training camp. It's possible the Jaguars see what they can do with him on special teams.

The Browns have a new offensive coordinator in Ken Dorsey, a new running backs coach in Duce Staley and two new veteran running backs in the group, Nyheim Hines and D’Onta Foreman. Jerome Ford, who became the lead back in Chubb’s absence last year, has been first in line through the first three weeks of spring practice and presumably will keep that spot until Chubb returns.

The article goes on to mention, "Hines is also trying to come back from a torn ACL, and Chubb said he and Hines have spent plenty of time together with the team’s medical staff." We can surmise that the current 1-2 punch as it stands is Ford-Foreman, which should put the latter on our radar as a final-round dart throw.