- LeQuint Allen could miss time: Allen’s soft-tissue injury could alter the Jaguars’ backfield roles.
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt continues to evolve: The Commanders running back is developing as a receiver out of the backfield.
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NFL training camps have been underway since late July, and preseason Week 2 concluded on Sunday. While some NFL veterans are safely set to take on clear-cut roles, others enter fantasy-relevant training camp battles and injury-related obstacles.
The article below breaks down need-to-know information and recommended storylines to track in the coming weeks regarding NFL veterans in 2026.
Jacksonville Jaguars RB injury implications
Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley reported late last week that second-year running back LeQuint Allen, a ballyhooed pass protector, was set to expand his pass-catching role as well. The report arrived a few days after starting running back Bhayshul Tuten operated as the lead rusher in a reportedly unreliable scrimmage, while running back Chris Rodriguez rotated in and hogged scoring-position snaps.
As of Aug. 18, Allen is now expected to be sidelined for the rest of training camp (Aug. 25) by an undisclosed soft-tissue injury.
The impact is difficult to gauge, though Tuten has more passing-game utility than Rodriguez, and perhaps more than Allen as well.
Allen’s, Tuten’s and Rodriguez’s passing-game profiles
| Metric | LeQuint Allen | Bhayshul Tuten | Chris Rodriguez Jr. |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFF Receiving Grade | 50.2 | 59.1 | 54.3 |
| PFF Pass-Blocking Grade | 80.8 | 52.9 | 47.7 |
| 2025 Targets – Rec. Snaps | 12 – 163 | 13 – 99 | 4 – 94 |
| Target Rate | 7.9% | 14.1% | 4.5% |
| Yards Per Route Run | 0.41 | 0.86 | 0.34 |
| Yards After Catch Per Reception | 6.5 | 8.3 | 9.3 |
Tuten’s range of potential outcomes includes boom-bust flex results via a fantasy-unfriendly rushing role between the 20-yard lines, and a borderline RB1/2 finish via a featured rushing role with notable receiving game utilization. He plays in a very fantasy-friendly offense.
Indianapolis Colts sign WR Keenan Allen
As detailed last week, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce underwent offseason surgery and required at least one PRP injection on his left ankle. He has not yet begun practicing this season.
The Colts finally addressed the situation by signing short-area target-earning specialist, wide receiver Keenan Allen, rather than a viable field-stretching wide receiver. While Allen shores up the team’s 12 personnel package, he brings a skill set that strongly overlaps with tight end Tyler Warren and wide receiver Josh Downs. If and when Pierce returns, Allen’s presence could negatively impact Downs’ target-earning ability and pre-snap slot alignment rate.
Allen’s, Warren’s, Downs’ and Pierce’s data
| Metric | Keenan Allen | Tyler Warren | Josh Downs | Alec Pierce |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFF Receiving Grade | 76.1 | 72.0 | 77.4 | 81.0 |
| Target Rate | 25.4% | 21.1% | 22.2% | 17.4% |
Questions remain as to quarterback Daniel Jones’ ability to drive the ball downfield. He ruptured the Achilles tendon in his right, plant leg last season after earning a 68.7 PFF passing grade last year.
Warren should lead the team in targets in his second NFL season. Downs may be unable to ascend past his prior boom-bust flex status. Allen is only relevant in deep, points-per-reception (PPR) leagues. Pierce should be avoided.
New York Giants sign RB Najee Harris
The New York Giants signed free agent running back Najee Harris. The move could be related to incumbent No. 2 running back Tyrone Tracy’s failed preseason pass-protection repetition, though the team has reportedly been seeking another running back for quite some time and was even linked to the position via the 2026 NFL draft’s No. 5 overall pick and at least one high-priced free agent.
Harris, 28, ruptured his left Achilles tendon in Week 3 last year. His burst could be compromised, but he can still meaningfully impact Tracy and starting running back Cam Skattebo’s projectable touch volume. Over the past two seasons, Harris has posted an 80.6 PFF offense grade and a 48.1 PFF pass-blocking grade.
Skattebo recorded an 80.5 PFF offense grade and a 11.6 PFF pass-blocking grade last year, while Tracy earned a 70.1 offense grade and a 45.5 pass-blocking grade. Skattebo remains an RB2 candidate. Tracy’s bench stash value decreases. Harris should not be drafted.
RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders
According to Last Man Standig’s Ben Standig, Commanders second-year running back Croskey-Merritt “is flashing enough as a pass catcher to position himself for the largest role in the backfield.“ This is significant.
Croskey-Merritt finished as the Weeks 1-17 PPR RB31, operating in a run-centric role while seeing just 11 targets last year. Among 36 NFL running backs with at least 150 rushing attempts in 2025, Croskey-Merritt’s 25.2% breakaway rate ranked 20th; his 3.5 yards after contact per rushing attempt was sixth; and his 75.4 PFF rushing grade placed 22nd.
If he can transfer his post-contact traits to the receiving game, he could warrant low-end RB2 treatment this year. Croskey-Merritt recently received starter treatment and did not play in preseason Week 1.
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