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Michael Penix Jr. Faces Tough Test in Week 3 Return on TNF
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is set to make his season debut in Week 3 on Thursday Night Football, which will be a road contest against the Green Bay Packers. The former first-rounder represents an upgrade at quarterback, with backup QBs Cooper Rush and Jack Strand filling in at quarterback for the Falcons' first two contests. While it is an upgrade for Atlanta, fantasy expectations should be tempered, as the left-handed QB averaged only 225 yards passing in the eight full games he played last year while posting a 9:3 TD:INT in those contests. The University of Washington product wasn't a factor in the run game with his legs either, and there's no reason to believe that will be any different after the return from his knee injury. Green Bay's defense yielded three passing scores in Week 1, but just one in Week 2, and has given up just 175 passing yards per game, which is top 10 in the league. As it stands, the 26-year-old sits at the bottom of the barrel in terms of QB rankings for Week 3 at RotoBaller, so there are likely better streaming options available on waiver wires and he'd be quite the gamble in DFS contests.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Chig Okonkwo Misses Practice on Wednesday
Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo (hamstring) was not at the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. Okonkwo suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles and was unable to play in last week's loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. In Okonkwo's absence on Sunday in Dallas, tight ends Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff combined for two catches for 20 yards, while John Bates did not see a single pass-game target. The 27-year-old Okonkwo had a case for a 2026 breakout in his move to D.C. with quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow), but that is not looking so hot after Okonkwo's hamstring injury in Week 1 and Daniels' dislocated left elbow in Week 2. Even if Okonkwo makes his return in Week 3 this Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, he will be best left on the bench in deeper leagues with veteran Marcus Mariota taking over at QB.
Source: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
Source: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
Keon Coleman Dealing With Ankle Injury
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (ankle) was listed as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury, according to the team. After catching just one pass for one yard in the season-opening win over the Houston Texans, Coleman caught all six of his targets for 63 yards in last Thursday's win over the Detroit Lions in a game in which fellow wideout DJ Moore went down with a serious-looking shoulder injury. Moore was diagnosed with an AC joint sprain and was limited in practice on Wednesday, so he might not end up missing any time at all. Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Coleman is dealing with an ankle injury of his own that could have him up in the air to face the visiting Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday in Week 3. Coleman's waiver-wire case basically hinges on Moore's health, and with Moore potentially not missing any time, Coleman is no longer very attractive. If he cannot play against the Chargers, Khalil Shakir and Joshua Palmer could see more involvement behind Moore (assuming he plays).
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Source: Buffalo Bills PR
Kyle Pitts Sr. More Attractive with Upgrade at QB
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. has posted back-to-back duds to begin the season, totaling one catch on four targets for 15 scoreless yards. It's a disappointing start for fantasy managers expecting much more after setting career highs in multiple statistical categories a season ago. The good news is that he will no longer have the likes of Cooper Rush and Jack Strand throwing to him, rather, it will be Michael Penix Jr. (knee) who will make his season debut on Thursday night in a road matchup against the Packers. Pitts averaged over six targets and four catches per game last year with Penix under center, so expect an uptick in productivity. The matchup against the Packers is just so-so on paper, with the team allowing 10 receptions for 80 yards and a score through two games thus far in 2026. While the upgrade at QB is certainly a welcome sight for Pitts managers, in a game that isn't expected to be high-scoring (42.5 O/U), the 6-foot-6 tight end projects as a mid-range TE2 this week at RotoBaller.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drake London a WR2 with Upside for TNF After Return of Quarterback
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London has recorded five targets in each of the team's first two games, but has come away with just a total of six catches for 80 yards and no touchdowns. That can largely be attributed to some poor quarterback play, but that should not be the case in Week 3 against the Packers. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will make his season debut on Thursday, and the left-handed QB was not shy about looking London's way in 2025. The 6-foot-4 wideout averaged over 10 targets, more than six receptions, and 86 yards per game in the eight full contests Penix played with London last season. Thursday brings a matchup against a Green Bay defense that has allowed four receiving touchdowns through its first two games, although the yardage totals have been modest (175 yards/game). Though there is an upgrade at quarterback, London still doesn't crack the top 12 this week at RotoBaller, as the 25-year-old projects as more of a high-end WR2, but if he and Penix can rekindle the chemistry from last year, there is plenty of upside, too.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ladd McConkey Practicing in Full
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (rib) was a full participant in the team's practice on Wednesday, according to the team. McConkey took a hard hit in the Week 1 loss to the Arizona Cardinals and was questionable to play in Week 2 against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old eventually ended up suiting up in a second straight loss for the Bolts and caught all three of his targets for a pedestrian 35 receiving yards. The former second-rounder from Georgia looked much better before his injury in Week 1, catching five of seven targets for 82 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season. McConkey looks to have moved past his rib injury as the Chargers prepare for a difficult battle on the road against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Barring a setback, he should be active in Week 3 and should be considered a strong WR2 in PPR formats as the Chargers look to finally get their offense clicking.
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Source: Los Angeles Chargers
Bijan Robinson Still a Top-Five Back in Week 3 Despite Tough Matchup
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is coming off a solid yet unspectacular performance in Week 2, in which he gained 72 yards on 16 carries while catching three of his four targets for nine receiving yards. The two-time Pro Bowler's underwhelming performance was more so because the Falcons were limited to just three points with QBs Cooper Rush and Jack Strand under center, however, the outlook is slightly better in Week 3 as Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will make his season debut on Thursday against the Packers. Green Bay has limited rushers to just 2.9 yards per carry through two weeks, which is second-best in the NFL, however, they've also yielded three rushing touchdowns, which is third-most in the league. The 24-year-old is still projected to be a top-five back this week and is always a candidate to score, but it could be a challenge against the stout Packers run defense, and with Atlanta owning an implied point total of just 19 for Thursday Night Football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre Tucker Can Wear a Lot of Hats in Raiders Offense
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins said that he has been impressed with wide receiver Tre Tucker's versatility, dating back to OTAs and training camp in the offseason. Tucker's primary value to the Raiders is as a speed guy who can take the top off defenses, but Cousins says that with Tucker, "you can do what you want with him" and move him around the formation. The 25-year-old Tucker caught just two passes on four targets for 27 yards in the Week 1 win over the Miami Dolphins, but he came to life with five receptions on seven targets for 119 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 2 upset win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Fantasy managers have to remember that it came with star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) on the sideline for a second straight game, but even with Bowers potentially returning to the fold this weekend against the New Orleans Saints, Tucker could see plenty of targets in the passing game from Cousins. Tucker has the potential to be an intriguing boom/bust WR4/flex in fantasy lineups in a Raiders offense that is already looking way better than it did a year ago.
Source: Las Vegas Raiders
Source: Las Vegas Raiders
DJ Moore Says He'll "Be Good" After Limited Practice
Buffalo Bills wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) said that he felt great at practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday, according to Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com. Moore still needs to go through some things to be able to play on Sunday at home against the Los Angeles Chargers, but he said, "We'll be good." The 29-year-old suffered what looked like a serious injury in last Thursday night's win over the Detroit Lions, but the fact that he practiced on Wednesday bodes well for him potentially not missing any time. Moore was wearing a non-contact jersey at practice, and he will most likely need to upgrade to a full practice on Thursday or Friday to be cleared to play in Week 3 on Sunday. He did not have a catch at all on Thursday night before leaving the game, but he did have a big debut with Buffalo in their Week 1 win over the Houston Texans, catching five of his eight targets for an even 100 yards and his first touchdown of 2026. If Moore is cleared to play this weekend against the 0-2 Bolts, fantasy managers will want to return him to their starting lineups.
Source: Syracuse.com - Matt Parrino
Source: Syracuse.com - Matt Parrino
Terrance Ferguson Limited With Ankle Injury
Los Angeles Rams second-year tight end Terrance Ferguson (ankle) was listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Atkins notes that the Rams had a walkthrough practice, so it was just an estimated availability on their end. Ferguson's injury might not be that serious, but we will continue to monitor him closely over the next two days, especially with star receiver Puka Nacua's (groin) status in doubt for Week 3 on Sunday night against the Denver Broncos. The 23-year-old Ferguson failed to catch his only target in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, but he was much more involved in Monday night's 28-6 win over the New York Giants with Nacua sidelined, catching six of nine targets for 54 yards and his first touchdown of the season. The former second-rounder from Oregon is in a crowded TE room in L.A., but he has the most pass-catching upside of the group and is worth a bench stash in 12-team fantasy leagues in the Rams' high-powered offense.
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
RJ Harvey Listed as Limited on Wednesday
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey (hamstring), who missed the team's Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, per the team. The Broncos' backfield is banged up heading into a primetime Week 3 matchup at home against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night. J.K. Dobbins (hamstring) left the Week 2 victory with hamstring cramping, and rookie fourth-rounder Jonah Coleman is now dealing with an ankle injury. The Broncos' only other RB on the roster is Tyler Badie. Dobbins might have the best chance of suiting up this weekend in Denver, but we probably will not have a clearer picture of how this backfield might shake out until later in the week. Harvey took over as Denver's lead back in his rookie campaign in 2025 after Dobbins' season-ending foot injury, but with Coleman in the fold this year, a clear path to a fantasy-relevant role is hard to see. The 25-year-old had just three carries for 18 yards in the season-opening loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and added four catches for 23 yards. Harvey's primary value comes as a PPR bench stash.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
J.K. Dobbins Limited in First Practice of the Week
Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins (hamstring), who was pulled from the Week 2 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to hamstring cramping and did not return, was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to the team. RJ Harvey (hamstring), who was inactive on Sunday, was also limited, while rookie fourth-rounder Jonah Coleman (ankle) did not practice after taking over lead-back duties against the Jags in just his second NFL game. Coleman became a popular waiver-wire pickup this week after he scored his first rushing touchdown in the team's home opener. Denver's backfield is now completely up in the air with all three backs injured, but there is optimism that Dobbins will be able to suit up this weekend on Sunday night against the visiting Los Angeles Rams. With the Broncos' backfield picture hazy right now, it is hard to recommend Dobbins as anything more than an RB3/flex option coming off his hamstring injury. The 27-year-old's lengthy injury history and the Broncos' poor start on offense this year have not endeared Dobbins to many fantasy managers yet. He is going to need to play better to hold off a healthy Coleman this year.
Source: Denver Broncos
Source: Denver Broncos
Giants Not Closing the Door on a Jaxson Dart Postseason Return
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh confirmed on Wednesday that quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) will have season-ending surgery on his meniscus, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. However, Harbaugh kept open the possibility of Dart returning if the team makes the postseason. The timeline for a meniscus repair is around four to six months, which would take us into January on the early end of Dart's recovery timeline. For the Giants to have a shot at the playoffs, veteran QB Jameis Winston (or another signal-caller that the Giants trade for) will have to play much better than what was shown in the team's Monday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams. In fantasy football single-year leagues, managers can drop Dart in favor of another healthy quarterback. The 23-year-old former 25th overall pick from Ole Miss has high-end, dual-threat upside at the position, but he is going to have to wait until 2027 to realize it.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Malik Nabers Limited With Shoulder Injury on Wednesday
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (shoulder) was officially listed as limited in Wednesday's practice, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. On top of star quarterback Jaxson Dart needing season-ending knee injury, the Giants are dealing with an injury to their top wideout. Nabers injured his right shoulder early in the Monday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but he was able to return to the game. The 23-year-old only caught one of his four targets for one yard, though, and he could be up in the air to play in the Week 3 contest against the visiting Tennessee Titans on Sunday. For the rest of the season, even if Nabers stays healthy, his fantasy ceiling has taken a big hit with Dart expected to miss the rest of the year. In the Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, Nabers caught six of nine targets for 69 yards and looked good in his first game back from an ACL tear early in 2025. If Nabers is limited at all this weekend or ruled out entirely, Darnell Mooney and rookie Malachi Fields would take on much bigger roles with QB Jameis Winston leading the offense. We will keep a close eye on Nabers' practice status the rest of the week.
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Trey Smack Offers Top-10 Streaming Appeal In Week 3
Green Bay Packers rookie kicker Trey Smack enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a strong streaming option after delivering in the clutch against the Jets. Smack converted both field-goal attempts in New York, hitting a game-tying 34-yarder late in regulation before drilling the 26-yard winner in overtime. He is now a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals through two games, including a 59-yarder in the opener that stands as the second-longest field goal in Packers history. The game environment should continue to provide scoring opportunities, with Green Bay favored at home and carrying an implied team total near 25 points. Atlanta has also allowed opponents five field-goal attempts through its first two games. Smack's proven range gives him additional upside if Green Bay stalls after crossing midfield. RotoBaller currently ranks him K9 in Tier 3 for Week 3. Fantasy managers can confidently use Smack as a top-10 streaming kicker, with additional tournament appeal in Thursday Showdown formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Giants in the Market for Adding a QB
The New York Giants are in the market for adding a quarterback, with head coach John Harbaugh saying that "all options are open," according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Meanwhile, veteran journeyman Jameis Winston will operate as the Giants' new QB1, with Jaxson Dart set for season-ending knee surgery. The 32-year-old Winston did not look great in relief of Dart in the Monday night loss to the Los Angeles Rams, but in his defense, he was facing a nasty Rams defense that just got All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald back. The former first-rounder threw for 111 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in the 28-6 loss in L.A. Winston still has a big arm and is not afraid to take chances down the field with a solid group of Giants receivers, but his turnover-prone ways also make him hard to trust as a low-end QB2 replacement in superflex leagues going into a Week 3 matchup at home against the Tennessee Titans. As far as who the Giants might target on the trade market at QB, it is unknown right now. However, The Ringer's Tom Pelissero suggests that Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert could get trade calls if the Chargers fall out of contention early on because of their difficult schedule.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Packers D/ST Draws Favorable Week 3 Matchup Against Falcons
The Green Bay Packers defense has recorded seven sacks and held opponents to 2.8 yards per carry through two games. Atlanta has scored only 16 points, has yet to reach the red zone, and has allowed seven sacks. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) will make his 2026 debut; his return raises Atlanta's offensive ceiling, but the Falcons' protection remains a concern. Green Bay's biggest challenge may be containing Bijan Robinson, especially with Warren Brinson (calf) out and Javon Hargrave (knee, concussion) questionable. As home favorites, the Packers could also force Atlanta into more obvious passing situations and create additional sack opportunities. RotoBaller ranks Green Bay D/ST7 in Tier 1 for Week 3, with the Falcons carrying an implied total near 19 points. Start the Packers with confidence in season-long formats and consider them a high-upside option in Thursday Showdown contests.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rams Unsure if Puka Nacua Will Play in Week 3
The Los Angeles Rams are only doing a jog-through practice on Wednesday after playing on Monday night in Week 2, but they are estimating no practice for star wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin), according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Head coach Sean McVay is not yet sure whether Nacua will play on Sunday Night Football in Week 3 on the road against the Denver Broncos. The good news for fantasy managers is that McVay is not concerned about it being a long-term injury. The Rams' No. 1 wideout tweaked his groin in practice last week and was unavailable for the Monday night win over the New York Giants, in which WR2 Davante Adams stole the show with over 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The 25-year-old Nacua will need to get back on the practice field on Thursday or Friday to have a shot at playing in Denver. Even though the Rams do not think the former fifth-rounder's injury is very serious, it does not mean he will play on Sunday night. The timing of the primetime game, just like in Week 2, makes the decision whether to start Nacua this week a difficult one again. Hopefully, we will have a better idea of his Week 3 status by the end of the week.
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Justin Herbert Could be Trade Bait if Season Goes South?
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero said on the Rich Eisen Show on Wednesday that if the Los Angeles Chargers' season continues to go south and they start 1-5 or 0-6, they would likely get calls on the availability of quarterback Justin Herbert. The unusual amount of QB injuries around the NFL early in the season could make teams more aggressive on the QB market by midseason of this year. The 28-year-old Herbert was praised for his ability to pick up new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme quickly during training camp, but through two regular-season games, Herbert and the Chargers' offense looks lost. The former sixth overall pick in 2020 from Oregon has completed just 59.3% of his pass attempts for 401 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions while leading the team to an 0-2 start. It has not looked good to this point so far, and L.A.'s extremely difficult schedule is not going to do them any favors, but Herbert and the rest of the offense have plenty of time to get things figured out. You may want to judge the buy-low cost on Herbert in your fantasy league.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Tucker Kraft Set For Bounce-Back Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a low-end TE1 with considerable upside. Kraft caught two of three targets for 15 yards against the Jets, but his underlying usage remained strong. He played all 50 offensive snaps and posted a 94% route participation rate after playing just 66% of the snaps in Week 1. Kraft has five catches for 80 yards through two games, and Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, which should create additional opportunities alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. Kraft has averaged 9.1 yards after the catch per reception since entering the league, highlighting his ability to create after the catch. Atlanta also presents a favorable matchup, having allowed 19.4 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, the seventh-most in the NFL, including two touchdown receptions last week. RotoBaller ranks Kraft TE9 for Week 3. Start him as a back-end TE1 with the usage and matchup to challenge for a top-six finish.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Etienne Jr. Limited on Wednesday With Hamstring Injury
New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Saints reporter Jeff Nowak. Etienne had to deal with the return of veteran Alvin Kamara in last week's upset win over the Baltimore Ravens, and now he is dealing with an injury issue going into a home Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Through his first two games with the Saints, Etienne has not really excited his fantasy managers, carrying the ball 17 times for 71 yards while catching nine of his 11 targets for 38 yards through the air. Kamara's return definitely lowers Etienne's fantasy ceiling, but when healthy, he should see the majority of backfield touches this season. If Etienne does not improve this week or upgrade to a full practice, Kamara could become a must-start in fantasy lineups as an RB2 against the Raiders if Etienne does not play. Etienne being inactive this weekend would also thrust Kendre Miller back onto the game-day roster after he was a healthy scratch in Week 2. We will continue to monitor Kamara's status the rest of the week.
Source: Jeff Nowak
Source: Jeff Nowak
More News About Michael Penix Jr.
