Good morning. Like off-season legal troubles, we're back. Hope you’ve missed us more than Bill has.

We’re here in early August to give you the edge over those league-mates who are busy doing foolish things like enjoying their summer. With the Morning Huddle, you won’t miss any updates, sleepers, or memes.

Morning Huddle

Before we begin

1. The newsletter is independent and made by fantasy die-hards, meaning we spend hours each day finding the best fantasy football content for you and condensing it into a brief, 5-minute morning read.

2. The newsletter will win you fantasy championships or your money back.

3. Enough foreplay, let's goooo

The Hype

Vets: Return of Slant-Boy

"Participating in 1-on-1 drills for the 1st time in camp, Michael Thomas scored a pair of victories against Paulson Adebo, who prior to Friday had been locking up just about every WR he’d gone against. The best word to describe Thomas in action is 'crisp.' He looks exactly like he used to look" - @ByLukeJohnson, Saints beat reporter.

• "Elijah Mitchell showcased today that he, by far, is RB1 in this offense. Great day for 25 with a variety of explosive runs." - @RohanChakrav, 49ers beat.

• "Packers RB A.J. Dillon is going to catch a lot of passes this season. Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur both love him in the passing game."

• "Saquon Barkley has the potential to be the injury version of 2016 vs. 2017 Todd Gurley."

Rookies: Meet Isiah Pacheco

"Perhaps it’s still premature to announce a newcomer as the star of camp so far. But KC Chiefs rookie running back Isiah Pacheco continued his impressive ascension with a leaping reception over rookie linebacker Mike Rose on an intermediate pass from Mahomes."

• With Cowboys battling injuries at WR, who will play next to CeeDee Lamb? Current WR ranking at training camp: 1. Lamb 2. Jalen Tolbert, who "has flashed potential in camp."

• "Titans Rookie WR Kyle Philips continues to get a lot more reps with the Tannehill led offense. And he’s making catches with these reps."

• "Aaron Rodgers doesn’t gas rookies … basically ever. Here he suggests the only WRs who made as many “wow” plays early in camp as Romeo Doubs, wound up “in the top 10 in Packers receiving history.”

Injury Reports

Stafford's shoulder & Mike Evans goes down

McVay on QB Matt Stafford's elbow: “It is a tricky deal....It’s a little bit abnormal for a quarterback. You know some of this stuff is things that MLB pitchers deal with.” Stafford underwent a minor procedure after pain "cropped up in the spring," Ian Rapoport reported Thursday, but his elbow "did not get to a place where it needs to be."

• Mike Evans update: the 4x Pro Bowl WR sustained a “minor hamstring injury,” and there’s nothing to worry about. Gotcha.

• DeVonta Smith missed training camp practice with a groin issue. Nick Sirianni says the Eagles are just being cautious with him.

• Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Rashod Bateman is dealing with a minor injury but could've practiced.

"Bucs WR Chris Godwin, who had surgery on Jan. 3 to repair his ACL and MCL, was on the field practicing in some capacity. Very positive sign, but as one source says, not surprising. This is “on schedule” in terms of Godwin’s own plan for himself."

Jailhouse Visits

Updates from the criminal justice system

Deshaun Watson's saga continues, as the NFL is believed to be looking for an indefinite suspension of at least one year, as well as a fine. The initial ruling by Judge Sue L. Robinson was for six games and did not include any monetary penalty. Drew Davenport wrote a full thread outlining the decision. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield is hosting charity events for kids. Just saying.

As Jeff points out below, we will know if Watson will suit up this year soon:

Non-suspended players

In other legal news, Alvin Kamara's court date has been delayed by 2 months to September 29th, and it is believed that the case will be pushed past this NFL season. Fire up Kamara at a discount where you can.

Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy had second-degree criminal tampering charges against him dropped. Arizona WR Hollywood Brown was arrested for 'criminal speeding' after going 126 mph in a 65. It's unlikely this impacts his season at all.

Last Words

Quick Slants

• Brandin Aiyuk is dominating 49ers camp while Pro Football Focus' Doug Kyed reports the 49ers "believe Trey Lance can be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, but they’re entering this season with a degree of uncertainty about how he’ll play."

• Steelers signed WR Diontae Johnson to a two-year, $36.71 million contract extension through 2024.

• Isaiah McKenzie has continued to work as the first-team slot receiver at Bills camp ahead of Jamison Crowder. Worth taking a flier on McKenzie at the end of drafts.

• Scott Barrett's 2022 Bell Cow Report just dropped: it's an insanely comprehensive breakdown on every fantasy RB worth drafting, and the league-winners he's taking in every single draft. Worth the Fantasy Points subscription alone.

• Matthew Berry re-joins rotoworld.com and is joining the pre-game to Sunday Night Football! Congrats to everyone on the move, a huge moment for the fantasy football community.

QB-WR Disney Trip of the Day

That’s all folks! Welcome back, thanks for being back, and lets go win some f***ing titles!

- Jake & Eddie