August 18, 2025
Miami Dolphins running back
De'Von Achane (calf) is not expected to practice this week as he recovers from a minor calf issue. Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the move is precautionary, given Achane's speed and explosiveness. The 22-year-old breakout star is coming off a strong 2024 campaign, racking up 1,499 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns on 281 touches. While the Dolphins' offense struggled last season, ranking 18th in total yards, Achane remains a key piece with elite upside when healthy. Fantasy managers should monitor his status, but for now, he's fully expected to be ready for Week 1.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Marcel Louis-Jacques
August 18, 2025
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Monday that star wide receiver
Justin Jefferson (hamstring) will return to practice and gradually ramp up ahead of Week 1. Jefferson missed time this summer, sparking concern about his readiness, but his return solidifies his status as one of fantasy football's elite first-round picks. The 26-year-old posted 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 and remains the focal point of Minnesota's offense. With Jefferson back on track, fantasy managers can confidently draft him among the top overall selections, expecting WR1 production in the Vikings' high-powered passing attack.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Alec Lewis
August 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs (knee) is making steady progress in his recovery from July MCL surgery. While Wirfs won't be ready for Week 1, the team is optimistic he could return as early as Week 3, avoiding a stint on the PUP list. A four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Wirfs anchors Tampa Bay's offensive line, and his return would be a major boost for
Baker Mayfield's protection. Fantasy managers invested in Mayfield,
Mike Evans, and running back
Bucky Irving should be encouraged that Wirfs could be back stabilizing the line sooner rather than later.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Scott Reynolds
August 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin (ankle) is still not close to a return from the injury that ended his 2024 season in Week 7. The veteran required another offseason procedure, and the team now expects him to miss at least the first month of the season on the PUP list. That's a major blow for Godwin and
Baker Mayfield investors, but it does open opportunities. Rookie
Emeka Egbuka and veteran
Jalen McMillan should see an expanded target share early in the year, making both intriguing fantasy fliers while Godwin remains sidelined.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Scott Reynolds
August 18, 2025
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring) did not practice Monday while resting a "minor" injury, according to team officials. The first-round pick is expected to play a major role right away in Carolina's offense and has already developed a strong connection with quarterback
Bryce Young during camp. McMillan's combination of size and athleticism gives him immediate fantasy appeal as one of the top rookie wideouts in 2025 drafts. While the team doesn't appear overly concerned, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his health status leading into Week 1.
UPDATE: McMillan might not play in the preseason finale on Thursday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.--Shaun AlbinSource: David Newton
August 18, 2025
Washington Commanders running back
Brian Robinson Jr. will not play in Monday night's preseason game against the Bengals. The decision was reportedly mutual between Robinson and the team as trade discussions heat up ahead of 53-man roster cuts. Robinson has been Washington's lead back, but uncertainty surrounding his future clouds his fantasy outlook. If he remains with the Commanders, Robinson should retain the bulk of the carries, making him a potential RB2. However, the risk of a trade or role change makes him a volatile option in drafts, likely pushing him down draft boards until his situation stabilizes.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Mike Garafolo
August 18, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver
Jalen Royals (knee) will not practice Monday due to knee tendinitis. The fourth-round pick is expected to begin the season in a reserve role but could earn more opportunities as the year progresses. With
Marquise Brown also battling injuries this preseason, Royals may be positioned for an increased role if he can stay healthy. The Chiefs' offense ranked just 16th in total yards last season and is searching for playmakers to complement
Travis Kelce and
Xavier Worthy. Royals is best left on waivers in redraft but is worth a mid-round dynasty stash.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Nate Taylor
August 18, 2025
Cleveland Browns rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins will not face legal charges following his recent incident, but the NFL's ongoing investigation has delayed contract negotiations. The second-round pick remains unsigned as camp nears its close, raising concerns about his Week 1 availability. With Judkins sidelined,
Jerome Ford and rookie
Dylan Sampson could see expanded opportunities in the backfield. Judkins flashed explosive playmaking ability in college and still carries late-round fantasy appeal, but his uncertain status makes him a risky stash. Managers should monitor developments closely before investing in drafts.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Adam Schefter
August 18, 2025
Free-agent wide receiver
Gabe Davis is set to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday as he looks for a new home ahead of the 2025 season. The former Bills and Jaguars wideout caught just 20 of 42 targets for 239 yards and two touchdowns in Jacksonville last year, but he previously flashed big-play ability in Buffalo's explosive offense. Pittsburgh remains thin at receiver beyond
DK Metcalf, and Davis could bring size and vertical speed to stretch defenses. Fantasy managers should view Davis as a late-round flier with boom-or-bust upside if he signs with the Steelers.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Adam Schefter
August 18, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Marquise Brown (foot/ankle) returned to practice Sunday after missing Friday's preseason game against Seattle. The veteran is expected to start opposite rookie
Xavier Worthy in the Chiefs' high-powered offense. Brown has struggled with durability in recent seasons, playing only two games last year and recording nine catches for 91 yards. If he can stay on the field, Brown should have plenty of opportunities with
Patrick Mahomes distributing the ball. Fantasy managers can consider Brown a late-round flier with upside in deeper formats, though his injury history makes him a risky investment.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Matt McMullen
August 18, 2025
The Cleveland Browns are naming veteran
Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starting quarterback against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. This doesn't come as much of a surprise, as this was always expected to be the case, especially after
Kenny Pickett suffered a hamstring injury early in training camp. The 40-year-old veteran has been taking most of the first-team reps in practices this summer, although he has not played in either of the team's two preseason games with the rest of the Browns' QB room banged up. Flacco led the Browns to the playoffs two seasons ago, but he's going to be on a short leash in 2025 and will most likely continue to put the football in harm's way often down the field. The Bengals defense was a great matchup last year, so Flacco could have some sleeper appeal in DFS in Week 1 of the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
August
18,
2025
Los
Angeles
Rams
quarterback
Matthew
Stafford
(back)
has
returned
to
practice
on
Monday
at
training
camp,
according
to
Ari
Meirov
of
The
33rd
Team.
The
Rams
never
provided
an
update
on
Stafford's
scheduled
workout
on
Saturday
before
read more...
August 18, 2025
New England Patriots wide receiver
Kendrick Bourne (leg) will not practice this week or play in the preseason finale on Thursday against the New York Giants, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. Bourne had his leg rolled up on during practice back on Aug. 1 and has not practiced or played since. The 30-year-old's spot on the 53-man roster is now no longer guaranteed because of the fact that he might not be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener. Bourne had a career-high 800 receiving yards in 2021 in his first year with New England, but he has disappointed ever since and played in 20 combined games due to injuries the last two seasons. In 2024, he had only 28 catches on 38 targets for 305 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (nine starts). Bourne hasn't been the same since tearing his ACL back in 2023.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
August 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Romeo Doubs (back) returned to training camp practice on Monday, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Doubs injured his back in practice last Tuesday but will finally return to the field for the final week of the preseason. The Packers also got quarterback
Jordan Love (thumb) back, although it's unclear if either Doubs or Love will play in the preseason finale this Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. Barring setbacks, both players should be available for the Week 1 regular-season opener. The 25-year-old Doubs caught 46 of his 72 targets for 601 yards and four touchdowns in 13 regular-season games (12 starts) in 2024 in his third year in the league. Doubs did have career-highs in yards per catch (13.1), yards per target (8.3) and yards per game (46.2), but he remains a mediocre WR target in a crowded receivers room.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman
August
18,
2025
New
Orleans
Saints
head
coach
Kellen
Moore
said
that
tight
ends
Taysom
Hill
(knee)
and
Foster
Moreau
(knee)
are
not
close
to
a
return
to
the
field.
Until
one
or
both
read more...
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