Giovani Bernard

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Paul Dehner Jr. is reporting running back Giovani Bernard (knee) practiced on the first day of training camp Friday. "Bernard looked incredible," Dehner said Friday. "Not just for a guy eight months removed from ACL, but for any NFL running back."

Fantasy Impact

Bernard, who suffered a torn ACL in Week 11 of the 2016 regular season, surprisingly practiced on the first day of camp Friday. Although he was rumored to be a player who could miss games early in the regular season due to his uncertain recovery timeline earlier in the offseason, Bernard has returned and reportedly looks back to normal. At his current RB51 ADP, he could be a fine add late in drafts for the upcoming fantasy football campaign, despite the addition of Joe Mixon. The rookie rusher is expected to challenge Jeremy Hill for his role on early downs, where as Bernard's role as the Bengals' primary receiver out of the backfield/ third down back appears safe.

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Geoff Hobson is reporting that "all indications" are pointing to running back Giovani Bernard (knee) being ready for the start of training camp Friday.

Fantasy Impact

Similar to rookie receiver John Ross, Hobson believes the Bengals will bring Bernard along "slowly" as a result of his offseason knee surgery. Currently, Bernard is slated as the team's primary receiver out of the backfield/ third down back. Despite the addition of Joe Mixon, I believe Bernard's role on the team is safe as long as his health remains intact. Mixon is, however, a direct threat to Jeremy Hill's role on early downs and could emerge as the starter come Week 1.

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Jim Owczarski is reporting running back Giovani Bernard (knee) is expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

Fantasy Impact

Although Bernard is eight months removed from ACL surgery, he is "surprisingly" expected to be cleared for the start of training camp. Despite the addition of Joe Mixon in the second round of April's draft, Bernard should still maintain his role in the offense as the Bengals' third down back/ primary receiver out of the backfield. Jeremy Hill will likely be the rusher whose playing time is affected by Mixon's presence on early downs.

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Geoff Hobson is reporting running back Giovani Bernard is "looking great in his ACL rehab," but doesn't believe the team "wants to rush him back into the first couple of regular-season games."

Fantasy Impact

Although Hobson believes the Bengals could hold Bernard out of the first few regular season games in 2017, the beat writer doesn't think the ailing rusher will open the year on the PUP list. Since this is only speculation, and it is still June, Bernard's fantasy value shouldn't take too much of a hit. However, if there is no improvement with Bernard's health as the offseason progresses, his ADP will likely fall heading into fantasy draft season. In his absence, Joe Mixon, who has been highly touted at OTAs, is expected to assume Bernard's role in the backfield.

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Katherine Terrell is reporting running back Giovani Bernard (ACL) is expected to be limited for the start of OTAs on Tuesday.

Fantasy Impact

Bernard, who is eight months removed from tearing his ACL, is on track to be a limited participant for the start of OTAs on Tuesday. However, what is concerning for his 2017 outlook is his questionable role on Cincinnati's offense. The Bengals shook up their backfield this offseason parting ways with Rex Burkhead and adding Joe Mixon in the recent NFL Draft. As Mixon is likely to challenge Jeremy Hill for his starting job, Bernard's role as the team's primary receiver out of the backfield, plus, the change of pace back, is presumably safe. I'd still target Bernard as the starter's handcuff, whomever that will be.