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Training Camp Notes: DeSean Jackson Cannot Be Stopped

DeSean Jackson cannot be guarded. At least, that's how the outspoken Washington receiver feels. Jackson was quoted at camp as saying: "I don't think no one can guard me. It's how I feel about myself. I don't feel no one can stop me. You can get Darrelle Revis, Richard Sherman, whoever you want to get." DJax has never lacked confidence, so this kind of proclamation is no surprise from the 28-year-old burner. However, he would probably be wise to tone it down a little, as Washington has enough to worry about on the field without their top receiver mouthing off. Furthermore, while Jackson's speed is certainly game-changing, he is far from the top receiver in the league, so the odds are good that despite what he believes, DeSean may just be guardable. In a related note, Jackson is currently sidelined with a dislocated left finger, but the injury does not appear to be anything serious.

  • After mysteriously sitting out the first day of camp DeMarco Murray was a full go on Monday. Murray even acknowledged that he was unsure why he was held out while also confirming that he was indeed fully healthy. Is it possible that head coach Chip Kelly is already paying attention to Murray's usage? The first day of camp does seem like an odd choice to sit Murray,  he is coming off a season in which he had an insane 449 touches and Kelly is innovative and unpredictable. Kelly already monitors his players sleep, hydration levels, etc., and has been known to sit players out of practice based on those readings. Who knows if this is actually what Kelly is doing, but it would certainly behoove Chip to keep Murray as fresh as possible, and monitoring his practice is one way to do that.
  • Alshon Jeffrey was held out of practice on Monday with an AC Joint injury. Head coach John Fox told reporters that the injury was minor, but it is worth keeping an eye on as the preseason progresses, especially with Chicago's other starting receiver, rookie Kevin White, also currently sidelined with a shin injury.
  • Matt Cassell has received first-team reps in each of Buffalo's first three practices this training camp. The Bills' quarterback situation is one of the most unsettled in the league, as Cassell is competing with Tyrod Taylor and E.J. Manuel for the starting spot. However, based on the early reps Cassell does appear to be the front runner to win the job, which would be the best thing for Buffalo's skill position players as well, at least from a fantasy perspective.
  • Latavius Murray appears to be on track to be the Raiders' starting running back when the season begins. Murray received a vote of confidence from head coach Jack Del Rio in June, and has been getting the bulk of the first-team reps at camp so far as well. Murray is an intriguing player for fantasy this season, as we have seen flashes of greatness but in a very small sample size. Assuming Murray is the starter heading into the season, he could be a potential breakout candidate in drafts.
  • Speaking of the Raiders, offseason free agent addition Michael Crabtree is having an outstanding camp so far. Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle called Crabtree the early "star" of camp, as he could be working his way into a starting (and potentially large) role in Oakland's offense.
  • Andre Ellington missed practice on Monday with a tight hamstring. While the injury is not considered serious, it is a worry to see Ellington sidelined this early in camp. Ellington has flashed potential, but has been plagued by injuries throughout his short career. Ellington has the chance to be a fantasy star this season, but he'll have to be on the field first to make that happen. Monitor the situation closely in case the hamstring issue lingers, but this doesn't seem like something to worry too much about, for now.