Lamar Jackson Not Expected to Play in Second Preseason Game
Lamar Jackson won't be suiting up. Backup Cooper Rush could get more than a quarter of action this weekend. The 28-year-old Jackson didn't play at all last preseason, so don't be surprised if the same thing happens this year after he threw for a career-high 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns and only four interceptions in 17 regular-season games a year ago. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time MVP is at the top of his game and is a high-end, dual-threat QB1 for fantasy managers in 2025. Jackson isn't dealing with any sort of injury this summer.Source: FOX Sports Baltimore - Morgan Adsit
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that the same players who didn't play at all in the preseason opener last week against the Indianapolis Colts won't play in their second preseason tilt versus the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, either. It means that key starters like quarterback Shedeur Sanders Likely to Miss Second Preseason Game
Shedeur Sanders (oblique) is not expected to play in the team's second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL insider Ari Meirov. Sanders suffered an oblique injury on Wednesday and is considered "day-to-day." The fifth-round pick out of Colorado flashed in his preseason debut against the Carolina Panthers, completing 14 of his 23 passing attempts for 138 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Missing this week's game is not ideal for his development, and he's still likely behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Dillon Gabriel when all Cleveland quarterbacks are healthy. Fantasy managers can stash him in deep dynasty leagues, but it would be a surprise if he's a viable starting quarterback in 2025 redraft leagues.Source: Ari Meirov -- 33rd Team
Cleveland Browns quarterback Chop Robinson Says He's "Good" After Being Carted Off on Wednesday
Source: Adam Schefter
Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (undisclosed) was carted off the field after suffering an undisclosed injury during Wednesday's joint practice with the Detroit Lions. However, the No. 21 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Penn State took to Instagram and said, "I'm good, nothing serious." This is good news for Robinson and the Dolphins, as the team is hoping he will take a Year-2 leap after posting 26 tackles (16 solo), six sacks, and four pass deflections in 17 regular-season games as a rookie. Robinson is expected to start opposite Bradley Chubb entering 2025.Hunter Henry Absent From Wednesday's Practice
Hunter Henry (undisclosed) did not practice on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. The veteran has been absent from practice since suffering an undisclosed injury on Sunday. For now, not much is known about the ailment, but Reiss said Henry could also miss Thursday's practice. The 30-year-old has never been a high-end fantasy TE1 with the Los Angeles Chargers or Patriots, but he's often been a steady streaming option, and he could have upside as quarterback Drake Maye's safety blanket in the short and intermediate passing game. Given the lack of established weapons at wide receiver, Henry can be viewed as a later-round flier or TE2 option in deep leagues. Fantasy managers should continue to check back for his latest injury updates.Source: Mike Reiss -- ESPN
New England Patriots tight end Rhamondre Stevenson Misses Another Practice
Rhamondre Stevenson (undisclosed) remains out of action during Wednesday's practice due to an undisclosed injury. The fifth-year back out of Oklahoma is reportedly dealing with something minor, but it's not clear what is causing him to sit out. Stevenson played against the Washington Commanders last week, piling up 36 yards on seven rushing attempts. With rookie second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson continuing to impress, Stevenson missing time is far from ideal. That said, Henderson and Stevenson have different skill sets and could be set to play in a pure committee entering the 2025 regular season. If Henderson shines as an explosive playmaker, Stevenson's touches could begin to dwindle down the stretch.Source: Mike Reiss -- ESPN
New England Patriots running back Marquise Brown Ruled Out of Second Preseason Game
Marquise Brown (foot/ankle) will not play on Friday in the team's second preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks. The former Baltimore Raven and Arizona Cardinal has been out of action for the last two weeks after suffering foot and ankle injuries. Unfortunately, injuries have become a common theme for Brown since he left Baltimore via trade. After missing eight games in two seasons with the Cardinals, he missed 15 games in his first season with Kansas City a year ago. "Hollywood" has tantalizing big-play upside and speed that could fit perfectly with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, but his inability to stay on the field is becoming a significant concern. Fantasy managers considering drafting him in the later rounds should continue to monitor his status ahead of the thick of fantasy draft season.Source: Nate Taylor
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Kareem Hunt Dealing with Quad Injury
Kareem Hunt (quad) has a quad contusion and could miss Friday's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to head coach Andy Reid. The 30-year-old appeared in last week's game against the Arizona Cardinals, logging three total touches for 17 yards. While any preseason injury is not ideal, the team is likely to be extra cautious with its veterans ahead of Week 1 of the regular season. The Chiefs' backfield is one of the most difficult to navigate for fantasy football, as Isiah Pacheco, Elijah Mitchell, Hunt, and seventh-round rookie Brashard Smith could all factor into a committee. However, Pacheco should be viewed as the starter for now.Source: Nate Taylor
Kansas City Chiefs running back Patrick Mahomes Unlikely to Play on Friday
Patrick Mahomes is not likely to play in the team's second preseason game of the year against the Seattle Seahawks on Friday, according to head coach Andy Reid. The two-time NFL MVP played against the Arizona Cardinals last week, throwing one pass for one yard and a touchdown. Needless to say, Mahomes doesn't need to take part in much preseason action to get ready, and it's a bonus for fantasy managers that he will not risk getting injured before Week 1 of the regular season. While Rashee Rice is expected to serve a suspension at the beginning of the year, Kansas City's passing attack could improve in 2025 with Rice, Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, and others taking a step forward. That said, Mahomes is unlikely to finish as a high-end QB1 in fantasy football based on what we've seen over the last two seasons.Source: Matt McMullen
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Jaylen Waddle Returns to Practice on Wednesday
Jaylen Waddle (undisclosed) is back at practice on Wednesday after missing some time with an undisclosed injury. The former first-round pick out of Alabama was deemed "day-to-day" recently but is now a limited participant in practice. Given Waddle's history of getting banged up, the team is likely to be cautious with its young star wideout. Tyreek Hill (oblique) is also not participating in team drills. If Waddle can stay healthy, he could provide a tremendous return at his WR3 price tag in fantasy drafts. Tight end Jonnu Smith is now in Pittsburgh, and there's a real chance Hill is set to continue to regress after his age-30 season. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his latest injury updates ahead of prime fantasy draft season.Source: Sun Sentinel
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. Drawing Interest From Several Teams
Odell Beckham Jr. has drawn interest from several NFL teams and plans to play somewhere this year, a source tells Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Beckham does not intend to retire and continues to train in anticipation of getting back on the field soon. The 32-year-old veteran will probably be a long shot to return any fantasy value this year, but it will depend on where he ends up. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year played in only nine games (no starts) with the Miami Dolphins in 2024 and finished the season with nine catches on 18 targets for 55 yards and no touchdowns. OBJ will be looking for a bigger role than that, but it's unclear if any other NFL team will be able to offer him anything more than a depth role in 2025.Source: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
Three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Packers Enamored With Rookie Matthew Golden
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Ben Bartch Exits Wednesday's Practice
Source: Nick Wagoner
San Francisco 49ers offensive lineman Ben Bartch (undisclosed) exited Wednesday's practice early. Nick Wagoner of ESPN noted that it was not clear what injury the 27-year-old suffered. He departed about halfway through the team's session and was eventually replaced by rookie Connor Colby, whom the 49ers selected in the seventh round of the draft. Bartch has spent each of the past two seasons in San Francisco after starting his NFL career with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Last season, Bartch typically had a depth role on the offensive line and only appeared in three games. He only logged more than 40 snaps in one contest and saw 10 or fewer snaps in each of his other two games. If Bartch were to miss time, fantasy managers should expect either Colby or 26-year-old Nick Zakelj to see more opportunities.Stefon Diggs Getting Separation in Joint Practices
Stefon Diggs (knee) "easily got the most separation during WR one-on-one drills" during the team's joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday, according to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. This is good to hear from a veteran player coming off a torn ACL that ended his season early with the Houston Texans in 2024. He did not play in the preseason opener last Friday against the Washington Commanders, and his status for the Week 1 regular-season opener remains somewhat in question. However, he's mainly been a full-go in practices this summer and appears to be on track to be ready to go when it matters in early September. If Diggs gets work in the second preseason game against the Vikings, it would be a great sign for his Week 1 availability. In his first year in New England, Diggs is expected to be quarterback Drake Maye's top target.Source: Boston Herald - Doug Kyed
New England Patriots wide receiver Caleb Williams, Starters Will Play in Second Preseason Game
Caleb Williams, will play in the second preseason game on Sunday night against the Buffalo Bills. Williams and most of the Bears starters did not see any action in the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The 33-year-old former first overall pick in 2024 was up and down in his first NFL season and mostly disappointed, and the Bears' passing attack has struggled in training camp practices in Johnson's first year as the head coach. Williams has plenty of weapons at his disposal and should be better off in Johnson's offense, but he will need to cut down on sacks taken and improve his accuracy to take the next step. The jury is still out on Williams, but he's worth taking as a high-end QB2 with upside if he clicks with Johnson.Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson said that his starters, including second-year quarterback Chicago Bears Defense Getting Healthier
Source: Chris Emma
The Chicago Bears are expecting defensive backs Jaylon Johnson (leg) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring) to be ready for their regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings. Johnson is "on the right track" to be cleared for Week 1, according to head coach Ben Johnson. Gordon is still viewed as week-to-week, according to Chris Emma of 670 The Score, but is hoping to appear in a preseason game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status in case they face a setback leading up to the regular season. Johnson is a Pro Bowl defensive back who enjoyed another strong campaign in 2024, totaling 53 tackles with two interceptions. Gordon inked a three-year extension with Chicago in the offseason and is slated to also serve as a starter in the secondary. With both Johnson and Gordon expected to be ready for the regular season, the Chicago defense will have streaming appeal in favorable matchups.