This article is part of our Training Camp Notes series.
Here are the main fantasy notes for Monday's NFL news.
-Lamar Miller signed with the Patriots on Monday, perhaps the direct result of the ongoing absence of Sony Michel (foot). Michel still hasn't recovered from his May foot surgery, then described as a minor procedure to 'relieve discomfort,' and Jeff Howe of The Athletic said Monday that Michel might not be ready for Week 1. It's not clear what timeline the Patriots might have in mind for Michel, but it's been at least nine weeks and as many as 13 since Michel had the surgery on the unspecified date in May.
Miller is recovering from a major injury himself as he tries to bounce back from a torn ACL at 29, but at least his injury occurred about a year ago. As much as there might be rust for Miller to shake off, it's still about the best-case timing for an ACL recovery. If at full strength, then Miller would probably be the fastest New England running back, even as the elder of the group. It's a concerning development for Damien Harris, who otherwise looked poised to capitalize in the event that Michel missed time. A third-round pick out of Alabama last year, Harris has youth and health on his side, and might also be the better pass catcher between himself and Miller. It's not clear where Rex Burkhead fits into all these plans, but the Miller signing shouldn't change much or anything for James White.
-T.Y. Hilton is dealing with a hamstring issue that he expects to resolve itself within the next week. Turning 31 in November, it would be reassuring if the excellent veteran wideout could get in practice and prove his health within the timeline he mentions. Nagging injuries have found him at various points throughout his career, and tendencies like those can exacerbate with age. If healthy then Hilton might remain one of the league's best receivers, as he was highly impressive in his 10 games last year despite dealing with poor quarterback play. Hilton has a balanced route set as a receiver and has been one of the best after-the-catch threats of this era, so even if his 4.34 speed deteriorates he should remain effective as an underneath receiver if his health cooperates. Uninspiring as Philip Rivers might be for Hilton's 2020 prospects, it will probably be an improvement over Jacoby Brissett's showing in 2019.
-Alvin Kamara played through ankle and knee troubles in 2019, and in the latter case he specified Monday that he "tore [his] knee, basically" against the Jaguars in Week 6. It's presumably a reference to a knee ligament sprain rather than the proper 'tear' typically implied by that language, but it's still a significant limiting factor. Kamara said the injury stayed with him the whole year, but that through offseason rehab he's regained full function in the knee. While a decline in touchdown production was largely to blame for Kamara's disappointing fantasy point total in 2019, it's evident in both his tape and peripheral stats that the injury caused him to leave yardage on the field.
