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Michael Penix Jr. Splits First-Team Reps on Wednesday, "Close" to a Return
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) split first-team reps with fellow Falcons QB Cooper Rush on Wednesday, per Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network. Penix Jr. is working his way back from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season. Wolfe reports that Penix Jr. is "close" to a return and has not yet ruled out playing in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. Across nine starts in 2025, the 26-year-old completed 60.1% of his pass attempts for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions. While Penix Jr. profiles as a borderline top-24 fantasy quarterback at best, his return would represent a major upgrade in quarterback play for Falcons pass-catchers like wide receiver Drake London and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. A third Falcons quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), is also reportedly improving from the oblique injury that sidelined him in Week 1 and could be in the mix to start in Week 2 if Penix Jr. remains out.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
More Recent News
Jared Goff in Position to Lead a Pass-Heavy Offense in Detroit?
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff did not have his most efficient day in his team's Week 1 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints, completing 26 of 39 pass attempts for 206 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. However, Goff remains at the helm of a Lions offense that has multiple dangerous pass-catchers in wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, as well as tight end Sam LaPorta and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Fantasy managers may also have reason to believe that Goff and the Lions will be in lots of pass-heavy game scripts going forward. Detroit's defense remains without both starting safeties and allowed Saints quarterback Tyler Shough to throw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1. As long as Goff continues to throw 35-plus pass attempts per game, he should be in position to produce for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mark Andrews Could Be in Line for Increased Target Share in Baltimore
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews put together a solid performance in his team's 41-23 Week 1 win over the Indianapolis Colts, recording four catches for 49 yards on six targets. The 31-year-old had the least productive season of his career in 2025, recording just 48 catches for 422 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games. However, Andrews' playing time outlook is much improved in 2026 following the offseason departure of former Ravens and current New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely. Coming out of Week 1, Andrews may be in an even more favorable position to rack up targets. Baltimore placed rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) on Injured Reserve, and star wideout Zay Flowers (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury. Heading into his Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, Andrews could be moving towards must-start territory.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Tonges Done for Season After MCL Surgery
San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges (knee) is done for the season after surgery to repair a torn MCL, according to Cam Inman. The 49ers had already placed Tonges on injured reserve Wednesday, but the surgery takes a return later this year off the table. He suffered the injury during the season-opening win over the Rams and did not record a catch before leaving. Tonges had moved into the No. 2 tight end spot behind George Kittle after catching 34 passes for 293 yards and five touchdowns last season. San Francisco now has Luke Farrell and Brayden Willis behind Kittle and also added veteran Jack Stoll to the practice squad. Farrell and Willis are the names to watch if the 49ers need more work from the position behind Kittle.
Source: Cam Inman
Source: Cam Inman
De'Zhaun Stribling Out Around 10 Weeks After Ankle Surgery
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) underwent surgery Wednesday and is expected to miss around 10 weeks, according to Cam Inman. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the 49ers are still hoping Stribling can make it back before the season ends. The rookie had already been placed on injured reserve after suffering a deltoid sprain in the season-opening win over the Rams, but the original outlook was considerably shorter before surgery became necessary. Stribling played 21 offensive snaps in his NFL debut and did not draw a target before leaving. San Francisco used the 33rd overall pick on him in April, so the long-term interest hasn't gone anywhere, but most redraft managers don't need to wait through a 10-week absence. He remains an easy hold in dynasty leagues while the 49ers hope to get him back late in the season.
Source: Cam Inman
Source: Cam Inman
Joe Burrow has Back Tightness, Expects to Play in Week 2
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (back) said he is dealing with some back tightness and soreness from the Week 1 season-opening win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Burrow said that he will be fine and expects to play. On the idea that he would not play in Week 2 against the Houston Texans out of precaution, Burrow said, "That's ridiculous." The star signal-caller did not do much throwing during practice on Wednesday and also did not stretch with the rest of the team, which was the first sign that he was dealing with something. He will most likely be listed as limited on Wednesday's injury report. As long as Burrow does not get worse over the next couple of days, he should be fine to suit up this weekend on the road in a difficult matchup against a Texans team that took the Buffalo Bills to the wire in Week 1. The 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler threw for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 33-27 Week 1 win over Tampa, and he will be a must-start in fantasy lineups as long as he is active this Sunday.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Kyler Murray to be Limited on Wednesday
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) will be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Murray played only 11 snaps in his Vikings debut in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday before suffering a scary concussion in the first quarter. He was quickly ruled out and placed in the concussion protocol, putting his status up in the air for Week 2 this Sunday against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Murray was in good spirits in the team's locker room after Sunday's game, and a limited first practice of the week is a good sign, but it does not guarantee that the former Arizona Cardinals QB will return this weekend. Veteran Carson Wentz did an admirable job leading Minnesota to a come-from-behind victory over the Packers while throwing three touchdowns, so O'Connell could be content to give him a start and let Murray rest up for another week. Murray will almost certainly need to upgrade to a full practice this week to be cleared from the league's concussion protocol.
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Dane Mizutani
Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Dane Mizutani
Ja'Kobi Lane Placed on Injured Reserve
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) is being placed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery Wednesday, according to Ian Rapoport. Lane fractured his wrist in Sunday's win over Indianapolis and will now miss at least four games. The rookie had worked his way into Baltimore's No. 3 receiver role before the injury and caught one of three targets for 11 yards in his NFL debut. He also had a touchdown wiped out by a holding penalty. The Ravens are expected to promote Chris Moore from the practice squad to take Lane's roster spot, while Devontez Walker and Elijah Sarratt are also candidates for more work while he is out. Lane is worth keeping in an IR spot in dynasty and deeper leagues, but redraft managers without one do not need to hold him through the absence.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Darnold Officially Ruled Out for Week 2
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (glute) has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to James Palmer. Head coach Mike Macdonald also said the Seahawks still have no plans to place Darnold on injured reserve. Seattle has described the issue as an unusual soft-tissue injury, but the hip joint itself is unaffected and the team considers the injury short-term. Darnold lasted only five plays in the opener against New England, completing one of two passes for 13 yards before leaving. Drew Lock took over and went 16-of-22 for 187 yards and a touchdown in the 13-10 comeback win. He is in line to start Sunday while Darnold continues to recover. There is still no firm date for Darnold's return, but keeping him off injured reserve leaves open the possibility that he could be back within the next few weeks.
Source: James Palmer
Source: James Palmer
Ladd McConkey Misses Wednesday's Practice
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (ribs) did not practice Wednesday, according to Alex Insdorf. McConkey is still considered day-to-day after getting hurt during Sunday's loss to Arizona, when he caught five passes for 82 yards and a touchdown before leaving in the third quarter. Earlier reporting indicated the injury was not believed to be significant, but sitting out the first practice of Week 2 leaves his availability against Las Vegas unsettled. McConkey and Quentin Johnston remain the Chargers' starting receivers, with Tre' Harris among the options behind them. Los Angeles is already without Keandre Lambert-Smith, who landed on injured reserve Tuesday. There is still plenty of time for McConkey to get back on the field before Sunday, so Wednesday's absence alone isn't reason to panic. His status Thursday and Friday should give fantasy managers a much better idea of whether he can play in Week 2.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Demond Claiborne Suddenly Becomes a Top Fantasy Stash
Minnesota Vikings running back Demond Claiborne was a healthy scratch in Week 1, but his fantasy situation changed quickly this week. Jordan Mason is headed to short-term injured reserve with a fractured thumb after handling 15 carries in Sunday's win over Green Bay, leaving a meaningful chunk of the backfield workload up for grabs. Claiborne was already the only running back listed behind Aaron Jones Sr. and Mason on Minnesota's Week 1 depth chart, and the Vikings traded up to select him in the sixth round this spring. There is no guarantee those missing carries immediately become his. DeeJay Dallas dressed ahead of Claiborne in the opener, and Minnesota could lean on the veteran while the rookie works his way into the offense. The opening is still much larger than it was a few days ago. Claiborne went from being buried behind two established backs to having a realistic path toward offensive touches, making him one of the more interesting fantasy stashes coming out of Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Jones Sr. Now the Clear RB1 for Vikings After Teammate's Injury
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. will head into the Week 2 divisional clash against the Chicago Bears this weekend as the team's unquestioned RB1 after the news that Jordan Mason is heading to the short-term Injured Reserve due to a fractured thumb. The 31-year-old veteran took a back seat to Mason in the season-opening loss to the division-rival Green Bay Packers in Week 1, handling 12 rushing attempts for only 40 yards (3.3 yards per carry), although he was able to find the end zone. Jones did not corral his only target in the passing game. In addition to Jones, rookie Demond Claiborne will have an elevated role as the backup to Jones for however long Mason is out. Jones, a former fifth-rounder by the Green Bay Packers in 2017 from Texas-El Paso, had his fourth career 1,000-yard season in his first year in Minnesota in 2024, adding five rushing touchdowns. However, he dropped to 548 yards and just two rushing TDs in 12 starts in 2025 while being banged up. With Mason out of the picture for at least four games, Jones will have some RB2 upside in fantasy.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Jordan Mason Heading to Short-Term Injured Reserve With Thumb Fracture
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Wednesday that running back Jordan Mason (thumb) has a small fracture in his thumb, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Mason's thumb has been fixed, but he will head to the short-term Injured Reserve, which will cause him to miss at least the next four games. The earliest that Mason will be able to return will be on Oct. 25 against the Indianapolis Colts. With Mason now sidelined, Aaron Jones Sr. will be a much more attractive starting RB for fantasy managers, with rookie Demond Claiborne being elevated into the RB2 role in Minnesota. In the Week 1 season-opening loss to the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the 27-year-old Mason handled 15 carries for 59 yards and his first rushing touchdown of the year as the primary backfield option for the Vikings. Mason will be back in the fold this year for Minnesota, making him stash-worthy in an IR spot until he can make his return. He is currently rostered in 84% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Source: The Athletic - Alec Lewis
Joe Burrow's Status Worth Watching After Not Throwing
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow did not take part in the team stretch before practice on Wednesday, according to Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer. He also did not throw a pass of any significant purpose to any player, but instead was doing handoffs in a helmet and jersey. It is unclear right now if Burrow is dealing with any sort of injury or if the Bengals are just taking it easy on their star QB after their Week 1 season-opening win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, in which Burrow went 25-for-35 passing for 254 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. We will know more about the 29-year-old's status going into a Week 2 contest on the road against the Houston Texans after the media speaks with Burrow after practice. If everything is fine with Burrow, he will continue to be a must-start in fantasy this weekend, even in a tough matchup against the Texans' defense. If Burrow is indeed dealing with an injury and is up in the air to play this weekend, veteran backup Joe Flacco could be called into action.
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Kelsey Conway
Source: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Kelsey Conway
Jalen Coker Working Off to the Side Due to Ankle Injury
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (ankle) was seen wearing a walking boot after the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears, and he was seen working off to the side with a trainer during practice on Wednesday, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. Coker suffered his left-ankle injury early on Sunday and played through it, catching eight of his nine targets for 138 yards and two touchdowns in one of his best games as a pro. His ankle injury obviously did not really slow him down, but it is worth monitoring ahead of Carolina's Week 2 tilt this Sunday against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons on the road. All signs point to Coker being active this weekend, and if he is, fantasy managers will want to keep him locked into their starting lineups as a WR3/flex with upside as the No. 2 in the Panthers' offense behind Tetairoa McMillan. A limited practice for Coker on Wednesday would not be ideal, but it also would not mean that he is particularly in danger of missing the Week 2 contest. UPDATE: Coker was officially limited on Wednesday, per The Associated Press' Steve Reed.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Mansoor Delane Has "Good Chance" to Play in Week 2
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said "there's a pretty good chance" that rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane (shoulder) will be in uniform and available to play on Sunday night in Week 2 against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Nate Taylor of ESPN. Delane was forced from the Week 1 season-opening win on Monday night against the division-rival Denver Broncos with a right-shoulder injury and never returned. However, X-rays on his shoulder came back clean, and he is expected to play on Sunday night, which is good news for a Chiefs defense that held the Broncos to only 10 points in Week 1. The 22-year-old sixth overall pick from LSU still made a mark against the Broncos before leaving with his shoulder injury, picking off quarterback Bo Nix on the opening drive of the game and breaking up a pass. While Delane is expected to be active against the Colts, the Chiefs could play it safe and limit his snaps to ensure that he does not make his shoulder injury worse.
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
Source: ESPN.com - Nate Taylor
TreVeyon Henderson Making Progress, Expected to do More Wednesday
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said that running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) is making progress after returning to practice on Monday, and he should be able to do more in practice on Wednesday, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. "Hopefully, that continues to trend in the right direction," Vrabel said. Henderson was inactive in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks last Wednesday night after suffering an ankle injury late in training camp on Aug. 24. His return to practice this week is a good sign, but it does not guarantee that he will make his return this weekend for a Week 2 tilt against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. In Henderson's absence last week, Rhamondre Stevenson handled 18 carries for 51 yards and caught five of six targets for 44 yards as a receiver, with Corey Kiner backing him up. Even if Henderson is cleared to make his 2026 debut this Sunday against Pittsburgh, he could be eased in behind Stevenson and should be considered no more than a shaky RB3/flex option in fantasy football.
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
No Practice for Brock Bowers on Wednesday
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said that tight end Brock Bowers (knee) will not practice on Wednesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. The Athletic's Sam Warren is reporting that Kubiak hopes that Bowers will be able to return to practice on Thursday or Friday. Bowers did not play in the team's season-opening win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday after having the meniscus in his left knee trimmed. His injury is not overly serious, which gives him a chance to make his 2026 season debut in Week 2 for a divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, but the star TE must first return to practice later this week. And if Bowers is cleared to play this Sunday against the Bolts, there is a possibility that he will be on a snap count. In Bowers' absence in the 27-13 win over Miami, Michael Mayer caught six of seven targets for 32 yards. It was not much, but if Bowers misses a second straight game, Mayer will once again be in position to be a streamer at the position after Cardinals TE Trey McBride tormented L.A. in Week 1.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Stefon Diggs Looks to Be a Major Piece of Commanders Offense
Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs saw a team-leading nine targets, which he turned into four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown, in his Washington Commanders debut, and in Week 2, he faces a Cowboys defense that was practically unable to get off the field in the second half of Sunday night's loss to the Giants. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was not particularly sharp in his first game running David Blough's offense, but Washington operated out of 11-personnel at the league's fifth-highest rate in Week 1, which is an encouraging sign for Diggs, who has seen his slot usage rise in each of the past four seasons. The Cowboys were one of the top defenses to target for fantasy in 2025, and despite an aggressive offseason overhaul, the results were not promising in the season opener, presenting a potentially favorable matchup for Diggs, who comes into the Week as RotoBaller's WR30.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen McMillan a Full Practice Participant
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan (knee) missed the team's season opener with a knee injury sustained in training camp, but he was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, according to head coach Todd Bowles. McMillan has struggled to stay on the field through his first three seasons, but his impact has been felt when healthy and available, finishing as a top-20 fantasy wide receiver in six of his last nine starts and cracking the top 12 three times in that stretch. Quarterback Baker Mayfield spread the ball around in a Week 1 loss to the Bengals, with five different players making at least three catches, so McMillan's ceiling could be capped upon his return. Still, he is a player to monitor if he can keep stringing together full practices ahead of a potential Week 2 debut against the Browns.
Source: Scott Smith
Source: Scott Smith
Zay Flowers Not Practicing on Wednesday
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) is not practicing on Wednesday after leaving Sunday's win over the Colts with a hamstring injury. Flowers caught five passes for a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown in the first half of a dominant outing, but unfortunately one half was all he could muster, exiting early after missing time late in training camp with an injured hamstring. There is now a realistic possibility that he could miss time, and his absence from the first practice of the week, although expected, is not an encouraging sign for his Week 2 availability against the Saints. While soft-tissue injuries tend to linger and can often lead to reduced workloads and difficult start/sit decisions, Flowers' explosive potential in offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's aggressive downfield passing game makes him a must-start as soon as he is cleared to play again. UPDATE: ESPN's Jamison Hensley reports that head coach Jesse Minter is calling Flowers day-to-day.
Source: Brian Wacker
Source: Brian Wacker
More News About Michael Penix Jr.
