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Michael Penix Jr. Set to Start for Falcons in Week 3
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has been named the team's starting quarterback for their Week 3 matchup against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, per Tori McElhaney of atlantafalcons.com. Penix Jr. has missed the first two games of the 2026 season while working his way back from the torn ACL that ended his 2025 campaign in Week 11. Across nine games before getting injured last year, the 26-year-old completed 60.1% of his pass attempts for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. Penix Jr.'s return should provide a massive upgrade in quarterback play for Falcons wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., both of whom have gotten off to slow starts to the year while catching passes from Cooper Rush and Jack Strand. Penix Jr.'s own production outlook is uncertain, as he's now suffered three major knee injuries and two major shoulder injuries since the start of his college career in 2018. Still, Penix Jr. profiles as a worthy waiver-wire target in two-quarterback formats now that he will be back on the field in Week 3.
Source: atlantafalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
Source: atlantafalcons.com - Tori McElhaney
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Aaron Jones Sr. "Pretty Sore" After Week 2 Win
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that running back Aaron Jones Sr. was "pretty sore" after the team's Week 2 win over the division-rival Chicago Bears on Sunday. Backup Jordan Mason (thumb) is on Injured Reserve for another three weeks, and rookie sixth-rounder Demond Claiborne "is not ready to carry the load," according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. In addition to Jones and Claiborne, the Vikings have veteran DeeJay Dallas on their 53-man roster, and Jerome Ford is on their practice squad. "[Jones] is a guy that clearly we have a lot of confidence in," O'Connell said, "but we want to be smart about it as well." The 31-year-old Jones handled 23 carries for 105 yards in Sunday's 9-3 victory over Chicago, but it sounds as though the Vikings would like to get some other backs involved to take some of the load off of Jones' shoulders going forward. Sunday's production from Jones with Mason on IR might be the ceiling of what fantasy managers can expect from him.
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Source: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert
Bears Don't Think Caleb Williams Will Practice This Week
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said on Monday that he does not think that quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) will practice this week, but he has not ruled him out yet for the Week 3 contest on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. Johnson called the news that the team received on Williams' hamstring injury on Monday "somewhat encouraging." When the 24-year-old went down with a hamstring injury in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter on Sunday, he looked to be in a significant amount of pain and was extremely dejected while being carted to the trainer's room. However, it looks like the former first overall pick from USC might have escaped with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, which is the least severe. If Williams does not practice this week, he will not play in Week 3 against the Eagles, but he could make it back to start in Week 4 at home against the New York Jets on Sunday, Oct. 4. If Williams is ruled out this week, backup Tyson Bagent would make the start for the Bears offense.
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Emmett Johnson Will Continue to Get More Snaps in Kansas City
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said that rookie running back Emmett Johnson will continue to be more involved in the team's offense as the season progresses, per Soren Petro of Sports Radio 810 WHB. Johnson has been extremely efficient on a limited workload through the first two games of his NFL career, recording 103 scrimmage yards on 14 touches. The Chiefs have leaned heavily on RB1 Kenneth Walker so far, and Walker has recorded 369 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 56 touches. As long as Walker remains healthy, it may be difficult for Johnson to provide consistent production for fantasy managers. Still, it appears as though the Chiefs are happy with Johnson's progress and could find ways to get him more involved going forward. Heading into Week 3, Johnson profiles as a high-upside handcuff running back option with some season-long standalone upside.
Source: Sports Radio 810 WHB - Soren Petro
Source: Sports Radio 810 WHB - Soren Petro
Brock Bowers to Practice This Week
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said on Monday that tight end Brock Bowers (knee) will practice this week as the team prepares for their Week 3 battle on the road against the New Orleans Saints, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Bowers had a meniscus trim on Sept. 8 and did not play in the first two games of the regular season. However, he returned to practice and was limited last Friday, signaling that he has a good chance to make his 2026 debut this coming weekend as long as he does not suffer any setbacks during practice this week. Michael Mayer did not really move the fantasy needle as a streaming TE in the two games that Bowers missed, catching nine of his 11 targets for 55 receiving yards. Bowers, the former 13th overall pick in 2024 from Georgia, played in only 12 games in 2025 due to injury, but he had a 1,000-yard season as a rookie and is an elite, high-end TE1 in fantasy whenever he is active. Fantasy managers are chomping at the bit to get Bowers into their lineups for Week 3.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Keenan Allen Poised for Larger Role in Colts Passing Game?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen had a disappointing game in his team's Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, recording one catch for five yards on five targets. However, the 34-year-old has played a consistent role in his team's offense early in 2026, logging 11 targets through two games. Allen's role may be poised to grow coming out of Week 2, as Colts wideout Alec Pierce (heel) had to leave the team's loss to the Chiefs on a cart after re-aggravating an existing heel injury. While X-rays came back negative on Pierce's left heel, he underwent surgery on his left ankle over the offseason and has been dealing with complications in the area ever since. At this point in his career, Allen does not carry a ton of explosive production upside. However, the veteran wide receiver has always been a consistent target earner, and he could establish himself as a high-floor PPR option for deep-league managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryce Young Emerging as a Must-Add Quarterback
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has gotten off to a fantastic start to the 2026 season, completing 63% of his pass attempts for 648 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception across two games. The 25-year-old has also logged a rushing touchdown, and he appears to be in full command of a Panthers offense that has scored 71 points so far this year. While Carolina operated a run-heavy system in 2025, Young is averaging 36.5 pass attempts per game early on in 2026. The Panthers also have a favorable run of matchups coming up on paper, as they will play the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 and host the Detroit Lions in Week 4. In leagues where Young remains available, he profiles as a priority waiver-wire target for fantasy managers coming out of Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brian Robinson Remains an Appealing Handcuff Option on the Waiver Wire
Two games into the 2026 NFL season, Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson has recorded 20 carries for 82 yards and two receptions for 16 yards on two targets. Robinson Jr. logged 13 touches in Atlanta's blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. Still, the 27-year-old is unlikely to see fantasy-relevant usage on a consistent basis as long as Falcons superstar back Bijan Robinson stays healthy. On the other hand, Bijan Robinson has recorded 48 touches across the first two games of the season, putting him on a 17-game pace to top 400 touches. While Bijan has been extremely durable to this point in his NFL career, there's always a chance that the heavy workload could start to catch up to him. If Bijan Robinson were to suffer an injury, Brian Robinson Jr. would profile as the clear RB1 in Atlanta. Fantasy managers looking for a priority handcuff option may want to target Robinson Jr. on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zay Flowers has "Good Shot" to Play in Week 3
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said on Monday that a bunch of players dealing with injuries will have a "good shot" to play in Week 3 against the Dallas Cowboys, which includes wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring), according to Ryan Mink of the team's official website. Flowers caught five of his six targets for a career-high 150 receiving yards and his first touchdown of the season in the Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but he suffered a hamstring injury in that game and was inactive for the Week 2 upset loss to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. As long as the 26-year-old former first-round wideout makes progress in practice this week, he will have a chance to return for fantasy managers in a good matchup against Dallas. When active, Flowers is a must-start in all traditional fantasy football leagues. With Flowers out this past Sunday, veteran Rashod Bateman led Baltimore with seven catches, 88 yards, and his first touchdown of the season. If Flowers returns in Week 3, Bateman will go back to being strictly a flex option in deeper fantasy formats.
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - Ryan Mink
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com - Ryan Mink
Keaton Mitchell Still Waiting on a Bigger Role
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell got a little more work Sunday, but not enough to change the bigger picture in the backfield. Mitchell carried five times for 24 yards and caught his only target for 15 yards in the loss to Las Vegas after seeing four carries in Week 1. Omarion Hampton, meanwhile, handled 23 carries and caught both of his targets, so there is still a wide gap between the starter and everyone else. Kimani Vidal has yet to record an offensive touch through two games, but the Chargers continue to list Mitchell and Vidal together behind Hampton on the depth chart. That makes Mitchell interesting without making him trustworthy yet. The speed is there, and six touches were at least a small step forward, but fantasy managers need more before putting him anywhere near a lineup. RotoBaller ranks Mitchell 25th among Week 3 waiver options and recommends him in 12-team PPR leagues. For now, he is a stash for managers who can afford to wait on the role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Steelers Unsure if Michael Pittman Jr. Will Play in Week 3
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said on Monday that the foot injury that wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is dealing with is not the injury that he suffered during training camp, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. McCarthy also said that Pittman has taken some positive steps forward after being inactive in the Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday, but he is unsure if he will be able to play in the Week 3 divisional tilt this weekend against the Cincinnati Bengals. It is not a ringing endorsement for the 28-year-old's status for Week 3, but we should have a better idea of Pittman's availability against Cincy once the Steelers return to practice on Wednesday. DK Metcalf was shut down by Patriots star cornerback on Sunday and caught only four of his nine targets for 27 yards, while rookie Germie Bernard led the inept offense with four catches for 35 yards. The Steelers' offense has looked like one of the worst units in football so far in 2026 through two weeks, so if Pittman works his way back and is cleared to play in Week 3, he will be an unappealing WR4/flex option for fantasy managers.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Jonathon Brooks Undergoing Further Testing on Groin
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) is undergoing further testing Monday, according to Nick Carboni. Brooks aggravated the same groin injury that sidelined him late in training camp during Sunday's 34-3 win over Atlanta. Head coach Dave Canales called him day-to-day after the game and said the team would have more information as the week went on. Brooks finished with five carries for 16 yards and one catch for minus-five yards before leaving in the fourth quarter. Carolina has not given a timetable for his return, so his status for Sunday's Week 3 game at Cleveland remains up in the air.
Source: Nick Carboni
Source: Nick Carboni
Marcus Mariota Expected to Start in Week 3
All signs point to Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota starting this Sunday in a Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Starting QB Jayden Daniels (elbow) underwent imaging today for his left-elbow injury, but he will consult with specialists after dislocating his elbow again in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. It is unclear how much time Daniels might have to miss this year, but at least for this week, fantasy managers should expect the 32-year-old Mariota to take over the offense in a bad matchup against a nasty Seahawks defense. All of Washington's offensive weapons should be downgraded in fantasy for as long as Mariota is leading Washington's offense. The former second overall pick in 2015 by the Tennessee Titans went 11-for-16 passing in relief of Daniels on Sunday in Dallas, throwing for 111 yards with one touchdown. He went 2-6 as a starter for the Commanders in place of Daniels in 2025 and threw for a total of 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven picks in 11 total appearances (eight starts). Mariota now becomes a waiver consideration for fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues who are hurting at the quarterback position.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Jayden Daniels Undergoes Imaging on Dislocated Elbow
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) underwent imaging Monday after dislocating his left elbow in Sunday's loss to Dallas, according to Ian Rapoport. Daniels will now consult with multiple experts over the next few days as part of the team's normal evaluation process. Initial X-rays showed no fracture, but Washington has not given a recovery timetable. Daniels suffered the injury on the final play of the first half when he fell and tried to brace himself with his left arm. He finished 11-of-17 passing for 96 yards and a touchdown while adding 69 rushing yards. Head coach Dan Quinn said the team probably won't have a meaningful update on Daniels until Thursday or Friday.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Jayden Reed has Back Injury, Recovery Timeline Unclear
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (back) is still being evaluated after leaving Sunday's overtime win over the Jets, according to Adam Schefter. Reed spent Sunday night in New Jersey and is expected to return to Green Bay while the team determines the best treatment plan and recovery timetable. The Packers initially ruled Reed out with a neck injury after he was carted off following a four-yard catch on the second offensive play. Head coach Matt LaFleur said afterward that Reed had movement in all of his extremities. Schefter's Monday report identifies the injury as a back issue, but there is still no timetable for Reed's return.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Braelon Allen Remains One of the Better Handcuff Stashes
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen did not do much with his five carries Sunday, gaining seven yards, but he did punch in a five-yard touchdown and added an eight-yard catch. The workload was lighter than Week 1, when Allen carried 10 times for 40 yards, but he has still been involved enough through two games to matter in deeper fantasy leagues. Breece Hall remains the clear lead back with 38 carries and seven receptions, so Allen is not someone to force into a lineup right now. His value is mostly in what could happen if Hall misses time, though the Jets have already given Allen enough work to leave open the possibility of some standalone value. RotoBaller ranks him 23rd among Week 3 waiver options and recommends adding him in 12-team leagues. That feels about right. Allen is a bench stash rather than a priority claim, but he is one of the better backup running backs to hold if a roster has room.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashod Bateman Back on the Waiver Radar
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman finally got something going Sunday, catching seven of nine targets for 88 yards and a touchdown against New Orleans. Zay Flowers (hamstring) being out obviously helped, but Bateman did more than just fall into a few extra looks. He played 54 of Baltimore's 58 offensive snaps and led the team in both targets and receiving yards after being held without a catch in Week 1. Flowers is expected back against Dallas, so fantasy managers should not count on another nine-target game right away. That is what keeps Bateman out of the priority-add group this week. Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) is still on injured reserve, though, and Bateman should continue to have a regular role in the offense. He is worth picking up in 12-team leagues if receiver depth is needed, but for now he makes more sense as a bench stash than someone who needs to go directly into the lineup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Badie Could Matter If Denver Stays Short-Handed
Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie could have some short-term PPR appeal if the team's backfield remains shorthanded. Badie had only one carry for one yard in Sunday's win over Jacksonville, but he caught two of three targets for 28 yards after J.K. Dobbins left with a hamstring injury. RJ Harvey was already inactive with a hamstring issue, leaving Jonah Coleman to handle most of the early-down work while Badie worked more in passing situations. The problem for fantasy managers is that the injury outlook has already improved. Dobbins was reported to be "good" Monday, while Harvey is also trending in the right direction. If either returns for Week 3, Badie's path to useful volume becomes much thinner. RotoBaller currently recommends him only in 14-team PPR leagues and deeper. Badie is worth monitoring, but for now he is more of a deep-league stash than a player fantasy managers need to prioritize.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kelvin Banks Jr. to Have Ankle Surgery, Out Indefinitely
New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. (ankle) suffered a severe high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 upset win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday and is expected to have surgery to fix it, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Banks is out indefinitely for the Saints going forward, and he could eventually be placed on Injured Reserve if the Saints think he will miss at least four games. It is a major blow for New Orleans' offensive line, as Banks is one of the team's top young offensive tackles. The good news is that, barring a setback after surgery, Banks will have a chance to return later this season. Banks has been operating as the team's starting left tackle and blind-side protector for young quarterback Tyler Shough. With the 22-year-old now out for the foreseeable future, Asim Richards is expected to make the start at left tackle, beginning in Week 3 for a matchup at home against the 2-0 Las Vegas Raiders.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Mike Washington Jr. Offers Upside Despite Limited Touches
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. remains a worthwhile stash even though his Week 2 role stayed small. Washington carried three times for seven yards and drew one target in Sunday's win over the Chargers after rushing seven times for 41 yards in the opener. Ashton Jeanty briefly left with an ankle injury but returned and continues to dominate the backfield, leaving Washington with limited standalone value. The rookie is still listed second on the Raiders' unofficial depth chart and has 10 carries for 48 yards through two games. That makes the appeal fairly straightforward. Washington is not someone fantasy managers need to force into lineups, but he would be positioned for a much larger workload if Jeanty were forced to miss time. RotoBaller recommends adding him in 12-team leagues and deeper. For now, Washington fits best as a bench stash with upside rather than an aggressive waiver claim.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tua Tagovailoa "Getting Better"
When asked about quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) on Monday, Atlanta Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski said that he is "getting better," according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "We'll work through what that means for this week, but definitely is getting better." The 28-year-old former Miami Dolphins QB was on track to start in the Week 1 season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers before injuring his oblique just days before in practice. He has been inactive for the team's first two games of the 2026 season, and with Michael Penix Jr. (knee) potentially making his season debut in Week 3 on Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers, Tagovailoa's time in Atlanta could already be up. Stefanski is not tipping his hand on the QB situation on Monday, even on a short week, but it would be very surprising if Tagovailoa gets the nod over Penix, Cooper Rush, or even undrafted rookie Jack Strand on a short week.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter
More News About Michael Penix Jr.
