Marquez Callaway shows out in Week 1 NFL preseason

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway made a big impact on the coaching staff as the go-to guy without Michael Thomas and Tre’Quan Smith. He found separation for big gains in Saturday’s 17-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He has a big opportunity to prove himself as a main wide receiver, and Callaway appears to have the edge on the non-Michael Thomas receivers in this offense.

Stats

Callaway saw four targets on Saturday night and caught three passes for 61 yards.

Analysis

Callaway received plenty of praise throughout training camp, and he showed out in the Saints first preseason game. He and Taysom Hill appear to have developed a solid chemistry together, and all three receptions came in the first drive of the game. Callaway is taking advantage of the injuries at the top of the Saints depth chart, and the coaching staff has to be impressed with what he did on Saturday.

Fantasy implications

It is always difficult to know how much to take away from a preseason game especially when it’s the first one of the year. Still, this is great for Callaway’s fantasy stock. He was already worthy of a late-round flyer, and he is still should be in consideration for that designation. How long Thomas and Smith will be out is still relatively uncertain, so Callaway will continue to operate as the No. 1 wide receiver, and he is worth a roster spot.