Fantasy football draft season is here, and training camp delivered chaos immediately. Because when Ja’Marr Chase is throwing helmets, Kyle Shanahan is recovering from a serious crash, Tony Romo is suspended, and Baker Mayfield is calling out his own franchise, it means one thing. Real football is back. Here is everything that happened this week, with fantasy football implications built in.
Welcome Back, Football
The Cincinnati Bengals made it one practice before somebody’s helmet came off. Chase tangled with cornerback DJ Turner II during 11-on-11 drills. He ripped off Turner’s helmet and hurled it 20 yards down the field. Then he jaw-jacked with cornerback Jalen Davis, who had to be physically separated. Head coach Zac Taylor had greeted his players with a whiteboard reading one word: “6-11.” That was last year’s record. Joe Burrow’s take was perfect. “If you can punch somebody in the face in about 15 to 20 seconds and then get back lined up, that’s probably ideal.” Turner kept it simple: “Brothers fight all the time.” Chase said he was “coming out with some anger underneath us.” Training camp has officially started.
Fantasy football implications: Cincinnati went 6-11 last season and missed the playoffs three straight years. Because Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown surround Joe Burrow, the chip on this team’s shoulder is real. Furthermore, motivated skill players in contract-year offenses tend to outperform ADP. All three Bengals stars are worth drafting in the first four rounds of your fantasy draft.
Kyle Shanahan Has Had Better Tuesdays
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was in a serious crash on July 14 in Palo Alto. He suffered three broken ribs, a broken left hand, a broken nose, and a severe concussion. He also required more than 40 stitches to his face. According to close friend Chris Simms, Shanahan came within a fraction of an inch of losing his right eye. The 49ers kept it quiet for 11 days. Shanahan finally addressed reporters on July 25 and took full responsibility. He reached down to pick up his cell phone. When he sat back up, the airbag deployed. The other driver suffered only minor injuries. Shanahan is expected to return for the season opener in Melbourne, Australia on September 10. Glad everyone is going to be okay.
Fantasy football implications: Shanahan’s absence disrupts offensive installation timing during camp. Because assistant head coach Chris Foerster is running day-to-day duties, the 49ers’ complex offense may have less polish heading into preseason. Moreover, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle owners should monitor how smoothly the offense comes together through August before making final draft decisions.
Tony Romo Gets Benched
Tony Romo was arrested for operating while intoxicated in Milwaukee on July 23. He was pulled over on Interstate 43 after a golf tournament. Romo failed multiple field sobriety tests and refused a breathalyzer. He told the deputy he was on his way to “meet grandma and grandpa.” He also asked to speak with an attorney, a request that was denied. Body camera footage went viral within hours. CBS placed Romo on leave “until further notice” the same day. The network named former Houston Texans defensive end JJ Watt as his replacement alongside Jim Nantz and Tracy Wolfson. Talk about going from one Cowboys legend to a guy who probably still wants to sack quarterbacks. Somewhere, Jim Nantz is quietly practicing: “Hello, friends — and welcome to Plan B.” In Wisconsin, a first-time OWI is a civil forfeiture, not a criminal charge. Romo’s court date is September 21.
Fantasy football implications: Watt in the booth adds a legitimately knowledgeable voice to CBS’s top NFL team. As a result, fantasy managers watching CBS games this season will get better analysis on matchups, injuries, and game scripts. Furthermore, Romo’s absence does not affect any fantasy roster, but it does change Sunday afternoons in a noticeable way.
Baker Wants More Than a Baker’s Dozen
Baker Mayfield told reporters at Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp on July 30 that he felt “disrespected” and “undervalued.” Contract extension talks with the team had officially fallen apart. The Buccaneers reportedly offered him a two-year extension well below $50 million per year. Mayfield’s response was direct. “I think I’m a franchise quarterback. I’ve been told I’m a franchise quarterback. It’s been said from ownership on down.” He shut down all negotiations and will play out the final year of his three-year, $100 million contract. “If you’ve waited this long to take care of your franchise quarterback, that’s too bad. ‘Cause it’s only gonna get worse from here.” Honestly, I kind of get it. If your boss calls you the franchise quarterback and then offers you a two-year lease, you’re going to ask questions. Considering how Baker’s last bet on himself worked out. Going from Cleveland castoff to back-to-back NFC South champion. I would not count him out.
Fantasy football implications: Mayfield is entering a contract year with massive financial motivation. Because motivated contract-year quarterbacks historically outperform their previous season’s numbers, Mayfield is a legitimate QB1 sleeper in 2026 drafts. Furthermore, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson ran a passing system Mayfield already thrives in during his time with the Rams in 2022. Target him as a high-upside QB2 with top-10 ceiling.
Your Draft Board Can’t Wait
As a result of all this training camp chaos, fantasy football draft season is officially here. You need to be organized before your league mates are. Commish Kit has been making professional-grade fantasy football draft boards since 2002. Whether you need a wall-hanging paper board, a free-standing corrugated board, or the Digital Draft Board Big Screen Edition, we have the right setup for your league. Find the right board for your league size →
Since 2002 — Commish Kit started in Daly City, California, and moved to Austin, Texas in 2012, making 2026 its 24th season in business. As a result, the brand has become the go-to draft board for fantasy leagues across the country, as featured on Thrillist.
FAQ
What happened at Bengals training camp on Day 1?
Ja’Marr Chase ripped the helmet off cornerback DJ Turner II during 11-on-11 drills. He hurled it 20 yards down the field before exchanging words with Jalen Davis. Joe Burrow’s response: “Punch somebody in the face in about 15 to 20 seconds and then get back lined up.”
How serious was Kyle Shanahan’s car crash?
Shanahan suffered three broken ribs, a broken left hand, a broken nose, a severe concussion, and more than 40 stitches. He was also close to losing his right eye. He caused the crash by reaching for his phone. The 49ers kept it quiet for 11 days.
Why was Tony Romo suspended by CBS?
Romo was arrested for operating while intoxicated in Milwaukee on July 23. He failed field sobriety tests and refused a breathalyzer. CBS placed him on indefinite leave and named JJ Watt as his replacement alongside Jim Nantz.
What is Baker Mayfield’s contract situation?
Mayfield is playing out the final year of a three-year, $100 million contract in 2026. He shut down extension talks after calling the Buccaneers’ two-year offer “disrespectful.” He becomes a free agent after the season unless Tampa Bay applies the franchise tag.
Is Baker Mayfield a good fantasy quarterback in 2026?
Yes. Mayfield posted 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2024 before an injury-marred 2025. With new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and contract-year motivation, he is a QB1 sleeper with legitimate top-10 upside.
How long has Commish Kit been making fantasy football draft boards?
Since 2002 — Commish Kit started in Daly City, California, and moved to Austin, Texas in 2012, making 2026 its 24th season in business.
