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Sam Darnold on Track to Practice on Wednesday
The Tacoma News Tribune's Gregg Bell is hearing that Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) is on track to return to practice on Wednesday. Head coach Mike Macdonald said after Sunday's Week 2 win over the division-rival Arizona Cardinals that Darnold is ahead of schedule and has a chance to practice this week after suffering a unique injury to his glute in the season-opening win over the New England Patriots. If the 29-year-old returns to practice this week and looks good, he could be in line to be cleared to return under center for the Week 3 game this weekend in Washington against the Commanders. That would make Darnold a strong streaming option for fantasy managers after Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott just dropped four touchdown passes on the Commanders in a Week 2 win. With that said, Seattle will likely err on the side of caution with Darnold after backup Drew Lock has looked very adequate in leading the team to a 2-0 record in the first two weeks of the 2026 season. Lock threw three touchdowns to star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Sunday.
Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
Source: The Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
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Jadarian Price Dealing With Shoulder Injury That Isn't Serious
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Monday that rookie first-round running back Jadarian Price (shoulder) is actually dealing with a shoulder injury that knocked him out of the Week 2 win on Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, according to Brady Henderson of ESPN. Macdonald added that Price's shoulder is "intact and nothing serious, it seems like." X-rays came back negative on Price after Sunday's game, so fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day as the team prepares for a Week 3 tilt on the road this Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Through his first two NFL games, the 22-year-old Notre Dame product has rushed 23 times for 104 yards (4.5 yards per carry) while catching three of four targets for 14 yards. With Price banged up on Sunday, it was Emanuel Wilson, not George Holani, who took over Seattle's backfield against Arizona. Wilson had a team-high 21 rushing attempts for 92 yards and failed to catch his only target. With Price's injury potentially not sidelining him for any games, fantasy managers may want to temper their waiver-wire bids for Wilson this week.
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
Source: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
J.K. Dobbins is "Good" Following Hamstring Injury
Updating a previous report, Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (hamstring), who left Sunday's Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars with a hamstring injury, is "good," a source told The Ringer's Tom Pelissero. The Broncos face the Los Angeles Rams in Denver on Sunday Night Football in Week 3, and it looks like Dobbins will have a chance to suit up without missing a game. We will have a better idea of Dobbins' status for Week 3 once the Broncos begin to release their official injury reports on Wednesday, but as of now, it appears that he should be considered day-to-day with a chance to suit up on Sunday night in a tough matchup against the Rams' defense. The 27-year-old oft-injured back has 18 carries for 72 yards (4.0 yards per carry) through two games in 2026. He was on pace for a career year in 2025 through 10 games in his first year in Denver before suffering a season-ending foot injury. With Dobbins and RJ Harvey (hamstring) banged up, rookie fourth-rounder Jonah Coleman will be a popular waiver-wire pickup as a handcuff this week.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Kyler Murray Clears Concussion Protocol, Will Return in Week 3
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) has cleared the NFL's concussion protocol and will return to the starting lineup for the team's Week 3 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, sources told Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Murray suffered a scary concussion in the season-opening win over the division-rival Green Bay Packers early in the first quarter and was quickly ruled out, but he was in good spirits after that game and returned to practice last week before ultimately being ruled out for the Week 2 win over the division-rival Chicago Bears. Veteran Carson Wentz did a commendable job in helping the Vikings start the year 2-0, but now that Murray has been cleared, he will return to the starting role, making him worth a waiver-wire pickup in two-QB fantasy leagues. The 29-year-old former first overall pick back in 2019 showed good chemistry with top receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in training camp this summer and has a great opportunity to bounce back in 2026 going forward if he can stay on the field.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Tyjae Spears Could Be a Long-Term Hold on Waivers
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears ran for 41 yards on only seven carries in Sunday's close loss to the Eagles, adding another 29 yards on two receptions, showing encouraging efficiency to overcome a lack of usage. Expected to work primarily as the team's pass-catching back, Spears has caught only four passes through two games despite playing from behind or in a neutral game script on nearly every Titans possession. The fourth-year back still has some waiver appeal, but remains a difficult start as long as veteran Tony Pollard is healthy. Through two weeks, Pollard has seen the majority of running back snaps and leads Spears 21 carries to 10, while still splitting passing-down work. The Titans face the Giants in Week 3, and after an encouraging Week 1 outing against the Cowboys, a Monday night tilt with the Rams should provide further evidence of whether New York's defense is one to avoid early in the year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Allgeier a Player to Look for After Initial Waiver Run
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier ran for only 10 yards on five carries in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, and he is a player who could be hitting waivers this week, having now averaged just 3.2 yards per carry through two games. While his latest outing offered few signs of encouragement, the fifth-year player remains one of the league's most valuable handcuffs and still holds standalone value in more favorable matchups, as shown by his 19 total opportunities in a Week 1 win over the Chargers. Rookie Jeremiyah Love is still ramping up after a high-ankle sprain cost him time at the end of training camp, but through two weeks, Allgeier has seen 25 more snaps and two more carries than the first-rounder. While he may not be startable in a Week 3 matchup against the 49ers, if Allgeier is dropped in this week's initial waiver run, he is a player to pursue aggressively as an important stash wherever bench space allows.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre Tucker a Priority Waiver Add as the Raiders Top Wide Receiver
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker caught five of seven targets for 119 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's upset victory over the Chargers, and he appears to have separated himself as the team's No. 1 wide receiver. Through two weeks, Tucker has been targeted 11 times, joining running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Michael Mayer as the only Raiders players to see double-digit opportunities in the passing game. Starting tight end Brock Bowers (knee) was spotted at practice last week and is nearing a return after undergoing a meniscus trim days before the start of the season. While the All-Pro should immediately slot in as the team's top target-earner as soon as he's active, Tucker will continue to provide big-play upside. His 20.9 yards per reception ranks third among all players with at least 10 targets, and he is a receiver who needs to be rostered after his Week 2 WR5 finish.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Devaughn Vele a Priority Waiver Add After Another Encouraging Outing
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele was targeted six more times in Sunday's win over the Ravens, collecting five receptions for 64 yards. With one Week 2 game still to be played, Vele sits as the fantasy WR18 on the season, and as long as rookie receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) remains sidelined, the third-year veteran can be trusted to provide a usable floor. In Kellen Moore's up-tempo offense, quarterback Tyler Shough has attempted the second-most passes through two weeks and leads the league with 662 yards; along with Chris Olave and tight end Juwan Johnson, Vele is one of three New Orleans pass-catchers to top 50 receiving yards in both games this season. Vele was considered a priority add last week, so he may not be available in most leagues, but he should be scooped up wherever he remains unrostered.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyler Murray a Player to Check for on Waiver Wires
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) has played only 11 total snaps for his new team after being knocked out of the season opener with a concussion, but with NFL Insider Adam Schefter reporting on Sunday that he is on track for a Week 3 return, the veteran signal caller is worth checking for on waiver wires. With a lack of early-season bye weeks allowing for more roster flexibility, it's unlikely Murray was dropped in many leagues where he was drafted, but with the Vikings facing a Buccaneers team that just surrendered a QB12 finish to Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, Murray makes for a high-upside start and should be targeted wherever he was allowed to hit waivers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Charlie Kolar Seen Wearing a Sling
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) was wearing a sling on his left arm after he was injured in Sunday's Week 2 loss to the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Head coach Jim Harbaugh did not have any further updates on Kolar's status on Monday. Before getting hurt on Sunday, Kolar caught all three of his targets for 21 yards while playing 40 offensive snaps. Fellow tight end David Njoku also injured his knee in the same contest and was ruled out, leaving Oronde Gadsden as the Chargers' primary pass-catching TE. Gadsden caught both of his targets for just 18 yards, but he also found the end zone for the first time this season. With both Kolar and Njoku banged up heading into Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills on the road, Gadsden will be a speculative waiver-wire target for fantasy managers who are already looking for depth at the position. Kolar drew some buzz during training camp this summer, but through two games in 2026, he has taken a back seat to both Gadsden and Njoku.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Ben Johnson Calling Caleb Williams "Week-to-Week"
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said on ESPN1000 that "it sounds like it's gonna be a week-to-week deal" for quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring), according to Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic. The Bears determined that Williams avoided a significant injury to his right hamstring, and they are not ruling out a return for the Week 3 contest this coming Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 24-year-old might not be cleared to play that soon, but based on his prognosis, it seems likely that he will avoid going on Injured Reserve, which would have caused him to miss at least four games. The former first overall pick out of USC threw for 269 yards and two touchdowns in the Week 1 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but he had just 138 yards with no TDs and a pick in wet weather conditions in Sunday's 9-3 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Fantasy managers should have a backup plan in place at QB in case Williams does not get the green light to play against Philly. If he is out, Tyson Bagent would be forced to make the start for the Bears.
Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain
Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain
Falcons Not Committing to a QB for Week 3 Yet
Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said he did not have a public update on the quarterback position on Monday, according to Tori McElhaney of the team's official website. "I have a decent idea of where we're going, but I haven't spoken to players yet," Stefanski said. The Falcons had planned on using Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) as the starter under center to begin the 2026 campaign until Michael Penix Jr. (knee) had fully recovered from the partially torn ACL that he suffered late last year. Those plans were blown up when Tagovailoa suffered an oblique injury in practice just days before the season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cooper Rush has made the first two starts at QB for Atlanta, but he was benched in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Carolina Panthers on Sunday in favor of undrafted rookie Jack Strand after throwing for 86 yards and two interceptions on 17 attempts. He also lost a fumble. Penix practiced in full last week and is on the verge of returning. Our guess is that Stefanski plans to have Penix make his season debut in Week 3 on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Source: AtlantaFalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Brandon Aiyuk Still Not an Option for Banged-Up 49ers
When asked if wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is an option amidst all of the team's injuries at the receiver position, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said, "No," according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Going into the Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins, the 49ers had already lost receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) for the entire season and rookie second-rounder De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) for around 10 weeks. In Sunday's blowout victory over Miami, veteran Mike Evans left with a hip injury, and Demarcus Robinson suffered what is believed to be a high-ankle sprain. Still, Aiyuk, who missed all of last year after having surgery to fix a torn ACL and MCL in his knee, remains on the left-team list and is not an option to play for the organization going forward. The former first-rounder is likely healthy enough to play, but they have moved on from Aiyuk after he failed to attend mandatory rehab sessions and meetings last year. Aiyuk must formally apply for reinstatement with the NFL to force a release from the Niners, which does not appear to be happening anytime soon. Evans is expected to be fine, but with Robinson likely missing around a month, Jacob Cowing, KhaDarel Hodge, and Jordan Watskins will be asked to step up behind Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. moving forward.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Optimism That J.K. Dobbins Will Play in Week 3
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (hamstring) has a slight hamstring issue, sources told James Palmer of the NFL Network. There is optimism that Dobbins will be back on the field on Sunday night against the visiting Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. Dobbins carried the ball 10 times for 36 yards in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars before suffering a minor hamstring injury. With RJ Harvey (hamstring) inactive, it thrust rookie fourth-rounder Jonah Coleman into the lead-back role in Denver. After playing just 6% of the offensive snaps in his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, Coleman played 40% of the snaps on Sunday and tied for the team high with 10 carries for a team-leading 39 rushing yards and the first touchdown of his career. The University of Washington product also caught all three of his targets for 19 yards as a receiver. Even though Dobbins' hamstring injury is not believed to be serious, his lengthy injury history and Harvey's hamstring injury should make Coleman one of the more popular waiver-wire targets going into Week 3.
Source: NFL Network - James Palmer
Source: NFL Network - James Palmer
Caleb Williams Avoids Major Injury, Could Play in Week 3
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) avoided a major injury in Sunday's loss to Minnesota, according to Tom Pelissero. Tests on Monday confirmed there was no major damage, and the Bears are not ruling him out for next Monday night's game against Philadelphia. Williams suffered the injury on a non-contact scramble in the fourth quarter and was unable to finish the game. He completed 15 of 26 passes for 138 yards with one interception and added 42 rushing yards before leaving. There is still no firm timetable for his return, but having a chance to play in Week 3 is an encouraging development after how the injury initially looked.
Source: Tom Pelissero
Source: Tom Pelissero
Kaelon Black Keeps a Useful Role Behind Starting RB
San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black remains a strong Week 3 waiver target despite a quieter showing against Miami. Black carried seven times for 25 yards after handling 14 carries for 65 yards in the opener, and he played roughly one-third of the offensive snaps Sunday. Christian McCaffrey remains the clear lead back and handled both goal-line touchdowns, so Black's standalone value is still somewhat dependent on game script. Even so, San Francisco has given the rookie 21 carries through two games, which is enough to make his role worth taking seriously. RotoBaller currently recommends adding Black in 10-team leagues and deeper, viewing him as one of fantasy's better handcuffs with some standalone appeal. He does not need to be forced into lineups every week, but the combination of regular rushing work and the upside he would carry if McCaffrey missed time makes Black a worthwhile waiver add rather than a bench-only lottery ticket.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Oronde Gadsden Gains Waiver Appeal After Tight End Injuries
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden has become a much more interesting Week 3 waiver option after injuries thinned out the position Sunday. David Njoku was carted off with a knee injury and did not return, while Charlie Kolar later left with a forearm injury and was also unable to come back. Gadsden caught both of his targets for 18 yards, including a 10-yard touchdown from Justin Herbert. The volume was still modest, so this is not a must-add situation in every league yet. The opportunity could change quickly, though. Gadsden caught 49 passes for 664 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie last season, and he could move into a much larger role if Njoku or Kolar misses time. Through two games, he has caught all four of his targets for 50 yards and a score. Gadsden is a strong add in 12-team leagues, with his Week 3 value depending heavily on the injury updates ahead of him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emmett Johnson Remains a Strong Long-Term Stash
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson remains a strong stash heading into Week 3, even though Kenneth Walker continues to control the backfield. Johnson played only 14 snaps against Indianapolis, but he made good use of them, carrying the ball twice for 15 yards and catching both of his targets for 20 yards. Through two games, the rookie has 10 carries for 39 yards and four catches for 64 yards while playing 36.2% of Kansas City's offensive snaps. That is not enough standalone work to trust in a starting lineup, especially with Walker established as the lead back. Johnson has still done enough to separate himself as the Chiefs' clear No. 2, and his involvement as a receiver gives him more appeal than a traditional handcuff. RotoBaller currently lists him among its secondary running back waiver options. Fantasy managers with room on the bench can view Johnson as a long-term stash with considerable upside if Walker ever misses time.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tank Bigsby Becomes a Top Handcuff After Week 2
Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby has become one of the more interesting handcuffs on the Week 3 waiver wire. Saquon Barkley left Sunday's win over Tennessee with a stinger and is scheduled for an MRI Monday, leaving his status for next week uncertain. Bigsby took advantage of the added work, carrying 13 times for 33 yards and a three-yard touchdown while catching two passes for five yards. Will Shipley was involved too and actually played more snaps, so Bigsby should not be viewed as a guaranteed three-down replacement if Barkley misses time. Still, Bigsby led Philadelphia in carries and rushing yards after Barkley went down, and RotoBaller currently lists him as the preferred Eagles handcuff. With Barkley able to return briefly in the second half, Bigsby is better viewed as a top stash than a must-add everywhere for now. His value would rise quickly if Monday's MRI reveals an injury that could cost Barkley time.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Denzel Boston Looks Like a Must-Add After Week 2
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston has moved beyond speculative-stash territory after another productive game. The rookie caught five of seven targets for 95 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-19 win over Tampa Bay, giving him 154 yards and two scores through his first two NFL games. Boston also led Cleveland in routes, targets and receiving yards in Week 2, which makes the performance more interesting than simply chasing his 55-yard touchdown. He drew only four targets in the opener, so the jump to seven is another encouraging sign. There is still some uncertainty with a rookie playing in an offense that may not support big receiving numbers every week, but Boston has already started both games and his role grew in Week 2. RotoBaller currently lists him as its top wide receiver waiver pickup and calls him a must-add. Fantasy managers in leagues where Boston remains available should treat him as a priority claim rather than a long-term stash.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Saquon Barkley Likely Avoided a Serious Injury
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (stinger) missed a portion of Sunday's Week 2 contest against the Tennessee Titans. According to Ian Rapoport, the injury is not believed to be serious, but he will still undergo an MRI on Monday as a precaution. Barkley exited during the first half of the victory, and while he did return later on, the team limited his workload. He finished Week 2 with just 20 scrimmage yards on five total touches, ceding work to Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. So far, it seems like Barkley merely suffered a stinger, which is an uncomfortable but non-serious injury that occurs when a player pinches a nerve. Stingers rarely require players to miss extended time, so if the MRI rules out any structural damage, we'd expect to see Barkley back in his every-down role next week against the Chicago Bears.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
More News About Sam Darnold
