Commanders Expected to "Err on the side of Caution" With Jayden Daniels
Jayden Daniels (knee) as he battles a knee sprain that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday night, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Daniels will not practice this week until at least Friday, and if there is any doubt at all by then, the team is expected to keep him out in Week 3 on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. In a best-case scenario, it seems like Daniels will be questionable this weekend. The Commanders had backup Marcus Mariota meet with the media on Wednesday, an early sign that they are leaning toward starting him under center against the Raiders. Fantasy managers should not plan on having Daniels available in Week 3. If he's out, Washington could lean on the ground game more with rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez Jr., who will be making his 2025 debut after Austin Ekeler's season-ending Achilles injury in Week 2.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
The Washington Commanders are expected to "err on the side of caution" with quarterback Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Tua Tagovailoa Not a Strong Play Against the Bills
Tua Tagovailoa will try to help his team avoid three straight losses to start the season on Thursday night, but he'll have a tough road matchup against the Bills. Buffalo's defense gave up a big game in Week 1 against the Ravens, but bounced back to shut down the Jets last week. The Dolphins' passing game struggled badly in Week 1 but bounced back with a much better Week 2. Tua threw for 315 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw a critical interception and missed other key potential opportunities. The Dolphins' offense has looked off since last year, and on the road against Buffalo on a short week is a tough place to count on Tua figuring it out. Additionally, he could also be without Jaylen Waddle (shoulder), who is questionable. He's just the QB27 in the RotoBaller rankings this week, meaning even in two-QB leagues, he isn't a great starting option this week.
Source: NFL.com
Miami Dolphins quarterback Source: NFL.com
Brock Purdy Logs Limited Practice on Wednesday, Could be Backup in Week 3
Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) logged a limited practice on Wednesday and has "a chance" to play as the backup in Week 3, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Purdy was unable to play in Week 2 due to a "turf toe variant" and this shoulder injury. However, seeing him already upgraded to limited status does put him in a good position to suit up this weekend when the 49ers face the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status during the week. In Week 1, Purdy enjoyed a strong start to the season, going 26-for-35 with 277 passing yards and two passing scores en route to defeating the Seattle Seahawks. With Purdy sidelined, the 49ers turned to Mac Jones to lead the offense last weekend. If Purdy were to remain sidelined, Jones would carry mid-end QB2 value facing the Cardinals.
Source: James Palmer
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Source: James Palmer
Josh Allen a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate in Week 3
Josh Allen wasn't at his best in a win over the New York Jets in Week 2, but it could be a different story against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Allen has typically thrived against the AFC East rivals since entering the NFL in 2018. In 15 contests against Miami (including playoffs), Allen has gone 13-2 with 45 touchdowns (40 passing, five rushing), 10 interceptions, 273 passing yards per game, and a 107.6 QB rating. Worsening matters for the Dolphins, they have been ineffective against the pass so far this season. They've allowed the league's highest completion percentage (78.8) and its second-highest passer rating (126.1) despite facing non-elite signal-callers in Daniel Jones and Drake Maye. Miami has also given up the second-most fantasy points to QBs in 2025, making it hard to imagine that its defense will prevent Allen from rebounding in Week 3.
Source: BuffaloBills.com
Buffalo Bills quarterback Source: BuffaloBills.com
Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
Joe Burrow (toe), according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. However, Taylor doesn't have any timeline updates and doesn't know yet when Burrow will undergo surgery to fix torn ligaments in his toe. The 28-year-old is also dealing with turf toe after getting hurt in the Week 2 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. While there is no official timeline for his return, Burrow is expected to miss at least three months, making it possible he could return at the tail end of the regular season. Fantasy managers with an IR spot available could stash Burrow, but just know that he may not end up helping you from here on out if you make a run in the playoffs. In the meantime, backup Jake Browning will run Cincy's offense. The Bengals offense will surely take a hit, but Browning can serve as a high-end QB2 in the right matchups.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he has "not shut the door" on a return this year for quarterback Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Jayden Daniels Won't Practice on Wednesday, in Line to Miss Week 3?
Jayden Daniels (knee) will not practice on Wednesday, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Quinn said the team will have an update on Daniels after Friday's practice. Daniels sprained his knee in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday night, and his availability for Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders is now up in the air. While we won't know for sure if the 24-year-old second-year signal-caller will play this weekend until Friday, it's looking like veteran backup Marcus Mariota will get the start. The Commanders had Mariota, and not Daniels, available to reporters on Wednesday. Fantasy managers need a backup plan in case Daniels is unable to practice and play this week. He may be a question mark for Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, too. UPDATE: Quinn said Daniels won't practice until Friday, at the earliest.
Source: The Washington Post - Tashan Reed
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that quarterback Source: The Washington Post - Tashan Reed
Tyrod Taylor Making the Start in Week 3 Against Bucs
Tyrod Taylor will make the start in Week 3 on Sunday against the hosting Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Jets officially ruled out Justin Fields (concussion) on Wednesday, according to head coach Aaron Glenn. Taylor entered the Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter after Fields slammed his head on the turf and went 7-for-11 passing for 56 yards and a touchdown on two drives to end the 30-10 loss. The 36-year-old also had three carries for 21 yards. Taylor looked better than Fields did, albeit at the end of a blowout. Taylor can use his legs when needed, but he's made only five starts since the start of 2022, and none since 2023 with the New York Giants. Expect the Jets to lean even more on their ground game this weekend against a stout Tampa defensive line. In two-QB superflex leagues, Taylor will be a low-upside, low-end QB2 option for those already in trouble at the position.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
New York Jets veteran backup quarterback Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Justin Fields Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Justin Fields (concussion) has been ruled out for Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero . Fields was forced to leave New York's Week 2 contest early due to a concussion. Given how early in the week Fields has been ruled out, it's possible he could be facing a multi-week absence, but that's pure speculation at this stage. Veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor will get the start against Tampa Bay in Fields' absence. Taylor completed seven of 11 pass attempts for 56 yards and a touchdown after taking over mid-game in Week 2. His last stretch of extended NFL action came in 2023 for the New York Giants, when he threw for 1,341 yards and five touchdowns and rushed for 197 yards on 38 attempts across 11 games (five starts). The 36-year-old Taylor still offers some dual-threat ability and could be a low-end injury replacement option in two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
New York Jets quarterback Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Marcus Mariota Meeting With Media on Wednesday, Will he Start in Week 3?
Marcus Mariota is scheduled to meet with the media on Wednesday in place of Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee), per ESPN's John Keim. Keim notes that this does not mean that Daniels, who suffered a knee sprain in Week 2, will not be able to suit up in Week 3. Still, it could be an early indication that Washington is preparing for Mariota to make the start this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 31-year-old Mariota played very well in limited action across three games for Washington in 2024. He completed 34 of 44 pass attempts for 364 yards and four touchdowns, adding 92 yards and a score as a rusher as well. If Mariota gets the start against Las Vegas, he could be a quality streamer/injury replacement option at the quarterback position, particularly in two-quarterback fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN - John Keim
Washington Commanders quarterback Source: ESPN - John Keim
Jayden Daniels Dealing with Knee Sprain, Week 3 Status in Question
Jayden Daniels (knee) suffered a knee sprain in the team's Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers, and his status for the team's Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is in question as a result. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said earlier this week that Daniels should be considered day-to-day. Quinn also said he would have more to share on Wednesday, so fantasy managers should be on the lookout for updates from the team as the Commanders' initial Week 3 injury report gets released later today. If Daniels is unable to play, veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota would be in line to start against the Raiders. Mariota appeared in three games for Washington in 2024, completing 34 of 44 passes for 364 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for 92 yards and a score on 18 attempts. The 31-year-old could be a worthy fantasy option as a QB streamer/injury replacement in Week 3, particularly in two-quarterback formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Milroe Served as Emergency QB in Week 2
Jalen Milroe served as the team's emergency quarterback in the 31-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Sam Darnold locked in as the starter and Drew Lock currently operating as QB2, Milroe has opened his career as the third-string option and has only seen the field as a change-of-pace option. The 2025 third-round pick brings an element of explosiveness that neither Darnold nor Lock can match, with elite rushing ability that could eventually add a unique wrinkle to Seattle's offense. For now, the organization's priority is letting Milroe develop behind the veterans, with the hope that he can leapfrog Lock on the depth chart later this season. Until he earns meaningful snaps, Milroe remains off the fantasy radar.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Seattle Seahawks rookie quarterback Source: Pro Football Reference
Could Anthony Richardson Sr. Emerge as Trade Candidate?
Anthony Richardson Sr. could emerge as a trade candidate in the coming weeks. Through his first two seasons, Richardson has completed just 50.6% of his passes with more interceptions than touchdowns, but the former top-five pick is still viewed as an unpolished talent with untapped potential. After the Colts named Daniel Jones their starting quarterback at the end of training camp, speculation grew that Richardson might seek a fresh start elsewhere. With teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings, and Washington Commanders already battling quarterback injuries, Richardson could draw interest as a developmental option or insurance plan. While his playing style doesn't seamlessly fit every system, it wouldn't be surprising to see him land a new role before season's end.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Source: Pro Football Reference
Baker Mayfield Good to Go Against Jets
Baker Mayfield is on track to start in Week 3 against the New York Jets. Mayfield appeared shaken up during Monday night's win over the Houston Texans but avoided any structural damage and did not require further testing. While he may scale back practice reps on the short week, there are no concerns about his availability for Sunday. With elite weapons at his disposal and improved consistency as a passer, Mayfield remains firmly in the QB1 mix for fantasy managers.
Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Source: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
Tua Tagovailoa Off Fantasy Radar in Week 3
Tua Tagovailoa bounced back statistically in Week 2, completing 26 of 32 passes for 315 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the loss to the New England Patriots. While he topped 300 passing yards, he was sacked five times and sealed the defeat with a late fourth-quarter interception. Tagovailoa now faces the Buffalo Bills on a short week, a matchup that has consistently given him trouble. He has lost five straight starts against Buffalo, posting seven touchdowns and five interceptions during that span. With Miami's offensive line struggling to protect him, Tagovailoa is best left on fantasy benches in Week 3.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Miami Dolphins quarterback Source: Pro Football Reference
Vikings Adding Desmond Ridder for QB Depth
Desmond Ridder to their 53-man roster on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Vikings need some depth at the QB position with J.J. McCarthy out two to four weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain in the Sunday night loss to the Atlanta Falcons. With McCarthy out for Week 3 against the Cincinnati Bengals and possibly beyond, veteran Carson Wentz will step into starting duties under center for Minnesota, with undrafted rookie Max Brosmer serving as his backup. Given Brosmer's lack of experience in the NFL, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Ridder be elevated to the No. 2 role sooner than later once he learns the offense. Ridder, a third-round pick in 2022 by the Falcons, quickly wore out his welcome in Atlanta and spent last year as the backup for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
The Minnesota Vikings signed free-agent quarterback
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport