Team news: Washington Commanders | Page 30

Cowboys WR Michael Gallup (knee) taking the next step in his rehab process, going through individual drills today.

Related players: CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, James Washington, Noah Brown

Gallup avoided the PUP list which means the team sees him coming back before Week 4. Owner Jerry Jones said if Week 1 was the Super Bowl, Gallup would probably be able to play. As a result, many speculate he's close to returning, but most reports have him out for Week 1, possibly Week 2 as well. When he's back, he'll be the WR2 behind Lamb, and for now Tolbert and Brown will pick up the slack.

The Chargers released their official depth chart and some interesting notes:
-Joshua Kelley and Sony Michel are both listed as RB2
(Isaiah Spiller RB4)

Related players: Austin Ekeler

No surprises here really. The Chargers just signed Michel to at least help compliment Ekeler. While the Dolphins cut Michel, it seems like the Bolts aren't totally sold on going with Kelley as the backup, even though he had a nice camp, according to reports. Spiller was banged up a bit this offseason so he'll likely need more time before he's fantasy relevant and gets to move up the depth chart.

Cowboys WR James Washington (foot fracture, fifth metatarsal) going on injured reserve. Washington are eligible for in-season return.

Related players: CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, Jalen Tolbert, Noah Brown

Washington can return for Week 5 and other reports say he should at least be close at that point. Washington should battle for WR3 snaps, but by Week 5 could also be behind Tolbert and/or Brown.

Rondale Moore and Zach Ertz will also “be close,” per Kingsbury.

Moore's injury hasn't been announced, while Ertz is dealing with a calf injury. It's at least a good sign for both as we're still over a week away from Week 1.

The Los Angeles Chargers plan to sign running back Sony Michel, who was released by the Miami Dolphins earlier this week, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Roundtree

As part of the transaction, the team is releasing Roundtree. Michel should slide right into the RB2 role ahead of Kelly and Spiller. Spiller is battling an injury and while Kelley had a good camp and was winning the RB2 battle, Michel can be considered an upgrade and should form a nice compliment to Ekeler.

Tyler Johnson was claimed by the Houston Texans on Wednesday, one day after being cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Related players: Brandin Cooks, Nico Collins, Chris Moore, Phillip Dorsett

Johnson lands in an interesting spot in Houston. The WRs are led by Cooks and Collins, but Johnson could easily slip right into the WR3 role once he's acclimated.

RB Isaiah Spiller back at practice

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree

With Ekeler the lead back, right now Kelley is the team's RB2. However Spiller could be ready to go for Week 1, and if not, it should only be a matter of time before Spiller moves up the depth chart. It was also reported Sony Michel, recently released by the Dolphins, was in town to meet with the Bolts, so this is something to monitor.

A Florida native, Michel signed with the team in May of this year but was eventually considered a redundant asset in the Dolphins' running back room.

Related Players: Chase Edmonds, Raheem Mostert, Myles Gaskin

Michel was given nine rush attempts through three preseason games and managed 13 yards combined. All signs point toward this being a split backfield with Raheem Mostert being utilized as a change-of-pace back behind Chase Edmonds, who could end up as the fantasy steal of the summer, particularly for those of whom were drafting him when his ADP was at the end of the 9th Round.

After two seasons in Jacksonville, Laviska Shenault has been shipped over to the Panthers. Exact trade details have not been released yet.

Related Players: Zay Jones, Jamal Agnew, Travis Etienne, Robbie Anderson, Terrace Marshall

The 2021 season would prove to be more productive than Shenault's rookie season, but most of his usage came close to the line of scrimmage, as his 5.5 average depth of target will attest to. He may be more of a threat to Christian McCaffrey's pass game usage than a significant threat to any of the wide receivers. If anything, this provides another weapon for Baker Mayfield, who is currently ranked as 4for4's QB24.

RB Isaiah Spiller (ankle) will miss the final preseason game and there is “a chance” he’ll miss the season opener Week 1 against the Raiders, Brandon Staley said.

Related players: Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree

Kelley, according to several reports, is ahead of everyone in terms of the RB2 role, so this will likely solidify that situation. Ekeler will get a bulk of the work and Rountree could see some snaps as well until Spiller gets back. Spiller could climb into the RB2 role eventually, but for now that will be Kelley.