September 18, 2025
The New York Mets have placed left-hander
Sean Manaea on the paternity list. Manaea will miss anywhere from one to three days. The 33-year-old has mostly worked out of the Mets' rotation this season, but after a seven-start stretch in which he posted a 7.71 ERA, they moved him to the bullpen earlier this week. Manaea was successful following starter
Clay Holmes in a win over the San Diego Padres on Tuesday, as he threw five innings of one-run, four-hit ball with four strikeouts against one walk. He's expected to relieve Holmes again on Sunday against the Washington Nationals.
--Connor ByrneSource: Anthony DiComo - MLB.com
September 18, 2025
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that quarterback
Mac Jones' performance in the Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints "doesn't really affect" whether
Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) will play in Week 3 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Basically, when the Niners feel comfortable enough putting Purdy back out there, he'll be out there. Jones went 26-for-39 for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the 26-21 win over New Orleans, but make no mistake, there is no QB controversy in the Bay Area. Purdy is the starter once he recovers from turf-toe and shoulder injuries. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and has a chance to serve as Jones' backup this Sunday against Arizona. Jones will start at least one more game this weekend, where he'll be in play as a low-end QB in superflex leagues.
--Keith HernandezSource: San Francisco Chronicle - Eric Branch
September 18, 2025
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said that quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) is "preparing mentally" on Thursday ahead of the Week 3 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. "Marcus is taking the reps and Jayden is preparing mentally," Kingsbury said. When asked for a specific update on the health of Daniels, Kingsbury didn't have one, but he did say the team has full confidence in backup
Marcus Mariota. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers and will not practice before Friday, at the earliest. While Washington hasn't ruled Daniels out this weekend, all signs point to them erring on the side of caution and holding him out. Fantasy managers should have already picked up a backup QB this week if Daniels was the only signal-caller on your roster going into the week.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala
September 18, 2025
Athletics catcher
Shea Langeliers is not in the lineup against the Boston Red Sox on Thursday.
Willie MacIver will take over behind the plate and hit ninth in a meeting with right-hander
Brayan Bello. Langeliers is getting a breather after starting eight straight games. The 27-year-old slugger has hit a solid .280/.379/.420 in 12 contests in September, though he has only gone deep once. He has belted 30 homers this season and slashed .263/.316/.524 with 68 RBI, 69 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 494 plate appearances. Langeliers, Seattle's
Cal Raleigh, and Colorado's
Hunter Goodman are the only primary catchers who have reached the 30-HR mark in 2025.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
September 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka (hip, groin) is expected to practice on Thursday, despite not being available for the portion of practice open to the media. The Ohio State alum was tagged with a DNP to start the week of preparation, but it's good news that he'll be out there in some fashion the next day. Egbuka has paced all Buccaneers wideouts in snaps thus far, including running mate
Mike Evans, who he outsnapped 74-63 in their Week 2 win. It's unclear when exactly the rookie sustained his injuries, but as of now, they don't seem to threaten his status for the team's home meeting with the New York Jets on Sunday. That said, fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the capacity in which he practices on Friday. He'll be a low-end WR2 with upside if he's active.
--Alex CiullaSource: Rick Stroud
September 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Chris Godwin (ankle) is making good progress after returning to practice last week, but those who ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has spoken to think a return in Week 3 against the New York Jets "might be ambiguous." Godwin returning next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, "feels like a real possibility." The 29-year-old suffered an ugly, season-ending dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last year and returned to the practice field for the first time last Thursday. He avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season, so Godwin can return at any time once he's cleared. Fantasy managers stashing him in an IR spot have to be pleased by his progress, but make sure to temper expectations once he returns, especially since rookie first-rounder
Emeka Egbuka should remain a bit part of the team's passing attack all year.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
September 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays third baseman
Junior Caminero (back) is out of the lineup against the Toronto Blue Jays on Thursday.
Tristan Gray will fill in at the hot corner and hit sixth versus right-hander
Chris Bassitt. Caminero is considered day-to-day after exiting the Rays' win over the Jays on Wednesday with mid-back tightness. He could return when Tampa Bay opens a series against the Boston Red Sox on Friday. With 44 home runs in 2025, Caminero is just two away from tying
Carlos Pena's franchise record of 46. Along with his gaudy HR total, the 22-year-old has slashed .259/.302/.537 with 108 RBI, 89 runs scored, and seven stolen bases in 620 plate appearances.
--Connor ByrneSource: MLB.com
September 18, 2025
New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand notes that the team's offensive game plan won't change "much at all," with quarterback
Tyrod Taylor manning the helm. "It's very comforting as a coach," Engstrand said, regarding having a backup of the veteran's caliber. The journeyman signal-caller looked decent last weekend while working in teammate
Justin Fields' (concussion) stead, and there's an argument to be made that New York's receiving options get a bump with him in the lineup. Particularly, after Fields' dismal outing in Week 2. Fantasy managers can expect a good dose of the ground game in this weekend's road matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That is, unless opposing QB
Baker Mayfield elicits a shootout.
--Alex CiullaSource: Rich Cimini
September 18, 2025
Despite his lack of involvement early on, ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver
Isaiah Bond has the potential to be a second-half breakout candidate in the 2025 season. Bond got a late start after dealing with sexual assault charges that were eventually dropped, so he's a bit further behind your typical rookie wideout at this point in their career. Any time missed in the early portion of a player's tenure could set them back, but the former Texas Longhorn has seemingly already surpassed second-year receiver
Jamari Thrash in the Browns' WR room. Cleveland's dearth of skill players could leave him with a low target floor on a weekly basis, though Bond boasts the most speed of the group. Expect things to be in flux for the Browns at some point, but Bond is worth keeping an eye on in deeper leagues and is an excellent stash in dynasty formats.
--Alex CiullaSource: Dan Graziano
September 18, 2025
ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that with the Kansas City Chiefs' lack of production regarding their rushing attack, it wouldn't be surprising to see running back
Brashard Smith see more opportunities. According to Graziano, the Chiefs view the SMU product more in a pass-catching role, and he could begin to see work there. Teammates
Isiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt have handled all but one of the backfield carries through two weeks, and have been nearly as inefficient in the receiving game as they've been on the ground. Graziano speculates that once Kansas City trusts Smith to handle the full extent of his responsibilities, he'll become a factor in the offense. Until then, he's difficult to trust for fantasy, but the rookie boasts the highest ceiling of the trio, and the Chiefs were "very impressed" with him in camp.
--Alex CiullaSource: Dan Graziano
September 18, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) saw his snap share increase exponentially in their 31-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. With Jacksonville flipping former backfield mate
Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the week, playing time opened up behind starter
Travis Etienne Jr., and Tuten made his opportunities count. The 23-year-old was fourth in the pecking order during Week 1, playing behind rookie counterpart
LeQuint Allen Jr. In Week 2, however, Tuten outsnapped Allen Jr. 18-11 and out-touched him 10-2. Furthermore, the former looked explosive, displaying power and agility. Etienne Jr. is the back to own currently, but Tuten has made a case to be his handcuff and garner an increased role in the offense. The Jags' ground attack looks excellent right now, so he could be well on his way to making that happen. He'll be one to watch this Sunday in their matchup with Houston.
--Alex CiullaSource: ESPN
September 18, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) is trending toward the wrong side of questionable heading into Week 3. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in the Week 2 loss to Green Bay, and while the team hasn't ruled him out, the signs aren't encouraging. Backup
Marcus Mariota handled Wednesday's press conference duties, which is a signal that the coaching staff may be preparing him to start. The Commanders are mindful of history, especially after the Robert Griffin III saga, where rushing a young ascending QB back from a knee injury ended poorly. Head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels is not expected to practice until Friday, as he continues to rehab his knee. With a long season ahead and a winnable matchup against the Raiders, the team has every reason to play it safe. At this point, Daniels looks more likely to sit than to suit up in Week 3.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
September 18, 2025
Houston Texans running back
Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) may not carry much fantasy relevance in 2025. The veteran is coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which he finished inside the top 10 in rushing yards per game and ranked as the RB8 in half-PPR formats. But Mixon has yet to play this season due to a foot/ankle injury, and many have speculated whether Mixon will even play this season. In his absence,
Nick Chubb has stepped in as the lead back. Chubb has looked revitalized after last year's knee injury, currently ranking 20th in rushing yards and 12th in yards before contact. With Chubb producing, a committee approach likely on the horizon, and Houston's offensive line struggling, Mixon's fantasy outlook looks bleak, even if he does return later in the year.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 18, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals tight end
Mike Gesicki has quickly lost his fantasy relevance in 2025. After a bounce-back 2024 season in which he posted his best numbers since 2021, Gesicki's role has diminished with the arrival of free-agent addition
Noah Fant. The two have been splitting snaps (Gesicki 44%, Fant 37%), while blocking specialist
Drew Sample continues to factor into the rotation. With
Joe Burrow expected to miss most of the season, the Bengals' passing attack takes a major hit, further sinking Gesicki's outlook. Between the reduced snap share and a backup quarterback in the lineup, Gesicki should be ranked outside the top 30 fantasy tight ends and is safe to drop in most formats.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
September 18, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver
Keandre Lambert-Smith saw his role disappear in Week 2. The fifth-round pick flashed throughout training camp and preseason, with fans pushing for him to earn snaps alongside the starters. However, Lambert-Smith made a costly mistake lining up offside, negating a
Ladd McConkey first down. After that, he was benched and didn't play another snap for the rest of the game. With the Chargers facing a tough Week 3 matchup against the Broncos' elite secondary, Lambert-Smith's path to meaningful targets remains unclear. For now, he should stay off the fantasy radar until he proves he can carve out a consistent role in the offense.
--Nathan HarveySource: Bolt Beat
September 18, 2025
New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (shoulder) will be kept out of intra-squad games during training camp, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. Schneider is working his way back from shoulder surgery, and if everything goes according to plan, the 23-year-old will feature in two of the team's last three preseason games. Since making his NHL debut in 2021-22, Schneider has steadily improved and recorded a career-high 21 points (six goals, 15 assists) in 80 games last season, along with 145 blocks and 146 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mollie Walker
September 18, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wideout
Tez Johnson could finally get his chance to make an impact this week. The former Oregon Duck has seen just one target so far and was a healthy scratch in Week 2, while first-round pick
Emeka Egbuka has commanded most of the spotlight in Tampa's passing attack. However, with Egbuka nursing a groin injury and not participating in practice on Wednesday, Johnson may find a path to meaningful snaps. The Buccaneers face the Jets this week, a defense that struggled in Week 1 to contain Pittsburgh's
Calvin Austin III, who is another undersized but explosive receiver with a skill set similar to Johnson's. While Johnson remains off the fantasy radar for now, a strong showing could put him back on the map as a rookie to monitor for deeper leagues.
--Nathan HarveySource: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
September 18, 2025
Ottawa Senators center Lars Eller (abdomen) may have to sit out the start of training camp, general manager Steve Staios told reporters on Wednesday. The Danish veteran, who celebrated his 36th birthday in May, had a minor abdomen procedure in the summer. Eller is preparing to start his first season with the Senators after signing a one-year, $1.25 million contract as a free agent in July. He split last season between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals, registering 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists) in 80 games. Eller lacks fantasy appeal but typically does a solid job for teams as a bottom-six center.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sportsnet
September 18, 2025
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver
Xavier Restrepo could be elevated from the practice squad this week. The undrafted free agent out of Miami has prior chemistry with Titans quarterback and No. 1 overall pick
Cam Ward, generating plenty of buzz during training camp. While Restrepo initially landed on the practice squad, an injury to wideout
Bryce Oliver (knee) has opened the door for him to see game action against the Indianapolis Colts. If Restrepo can translate his rapport with Ward onto the field, he could work his way into a larger role and become a name to monitor for fantasy managers later in the season.
--Nathan HarveySource: Tennessee Titans
September 18, 2025
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Tai Felton is still searching for his first offensive snap as Minnesota prepares to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. The rookie from Maryland has seen the field, but exclusively on special teams, even as Minnesota has needed extra help at receiver with
Jordan Addison (suspension) out for the first three games. It's not a great sign for either Felton or the Vikings, who passed on receiver
Elic Ayomanor and running backs
Cam Skattebo and
Bhayshul Tuten, among others, to select Felton in the third round. Felton is a safe drop in redraft leagues, but still a possible taxi-squad stash in dynasty formats.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: RotoBaller
September 18, 2025
Ottawa Senators defenseman Nick Jensen (hip) may not be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season. According to Senators head coach Travis Green, it's "too early to tell" whether Jensen can recover in time for the season opener. The veteran blue-liner had hip surgery during the offseason. Jensen was Mr. Reliable on the blue line for Ottawa last season, posting 21 points (three goals, 18 assists) in 71 games with 95 blocks and a team-high plus-18 rating. Jensen's absence at the beginning of the season would give more playing time to highly-rated prospect Carter Yakemchuk.
--Taavi PailkSource: Alex Adams
September 18, 2025
Green Bay Packers wide receiver
Christian Watson praised rookie wide receivers
Savion Williams and
Matthew Golden this week, saying the pair of first-year players are "already putting really good stuff on film," according to The Athletic. Watson, who is still rehabbing from another knee surgery, is eyeing a return later this season. For now, the Packers could use a helping hand while Watson and
Jayden Reed (collarbone) are out, and Williams certainly could be one of the players who sees more work. Williams drew two designed runs for 24 yards in Week 2 and has flashed as a kicker returner. For now, he's mostly a dynasty stash, but he could become a hot waiver-wire addition if he keeps earning more playing time.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: The Athletic
September 18, 2025
Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour (ankle) will be sidelined for two weeks. He underwent surgery for ankle bursitis earlier this month. This may cause Montour to miss training camp and the preseason games. However, Montour should be ready for the regular-season opener, which comes on Oct. 7 for the Kraken against the Anaheim Ducks. After winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2024, Montour played his first season in Seattle last year. He set a franchise record among defensemen with 18 goals and finished the year with 41 points in 81 games. The 31-year-old has averaged 0.5 points per game for two seasons in a row, but his 73-point campaign from 2022-23 shows Montour has the potential to be much more productive.
--Taavi PailkSource: Curtis Crabtree
September 18, 2025
Houston Astros outfielder
Chas McCormick (side) has been unable to play in Triple-A for the last week due to a side issue, according to manager Joe Espada. McCormick has played 66 games in the majors this year and 11 games in the minors. He came off the injured list after an oblique injury in mid-July but was optioned to Triple-A in early September. He has played sparingly since losing his starting role to
Jake Meyers in spring training. McCormick hit only .210 with one homer and two stolen bases in his limited action this year and seems to have faded from the team's plans in the last two seasons after a big year in 2023 when he hit .273 with 22 homers and 19 stolen bases. Even if he does recover in time, his role on the team is uncertain the rest of this season, leaving him well off the fantasy radar.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chandler Rome
September 18, 2025
Atlanta Braves outfielder
Jake Fraley (oblique) will not return this season after the team moved him to the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. Fraley was designated for assignment by the Reds in mid-August and claimed by the Braves. He went 7-for-23 (.304) in nine games with the Braves before landing on the injured list with a right oblique strain on Sunday. He'll miss the rest of the season, so the Braves chose to open up a spot on their 40-man roster by moving him to the 60-day injured list. He is arbitration-eligible this offseason, so the Braves will decide whether to tender him an offer or allow him to become a free agent. As a left-handed hitter, he could still offer enough upside to draw attention as a veteran platoon option for the Braves or if he hits the open market this offseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: David O'Brien
September 18, 2025
Colorado Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog will face no restrictions at the start of the season. "Right now, he's full go," Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said Wednesday. "I'm not going to limit his minutes. I'm not going to sit him out games when he's feeling good or taking practices off when he's feeling good." The Avalanche captain has missed three regular-season campaigns due to a knee problem, but he returned to action during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Bednar's words suggest Landeskog is fully healthy for the start of the 2025-26 season. Despite sitting out three years, Landeskog made a positive impact in the postseason, tallying four points (one goal, three assists) with 10 shots in five games and delivering 16 hits.
--Taavi PailkSource: Evan Rawal
September 18, 2025
New Orleans Saints quarterback
Spencer Rattler's apparent improvement in Year 2 has sufficiently quieted any QB controversy rumblings, with Nola.com reporting that Saints coach Kellen Moore hasn't fielded a single question about replacing Rattler with rookie
Tyler Shough since naming the former the starter. To his credit, Rattler won the competition in the offseason and has played better than expected in the first two games, completing 65% of his passes for 421 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. The Saints are 0-2 and among the worst rosters in the league, but Rattler is coming off a three-touchdown performance against a solid San Francisco defense and has shown some sneaky streaming appeal for Superflex leagues and as a backup in one-QB formats.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: NOLA.com
September 18, 2025
Former NFL Most Valuable Player
Cam Newton said on his podcast, 4th&1 with Cam Newton, that Cleveland Browns quarterback
Shedeur Sanders also declined to be drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles. It was reported last week that the rookie turned down the Baltimore Ravens, though Newton said the initial reports failed to include that Sanders informed Philly he would prefer to be drafted by another team where he had a more realistic chance to play. One of the most polarizing prospects in the 2025 draft, Sanders slipped into the fifth round to Cleveland, which already had taken Oregon's
Dillon Gabriel earlier in the draft. The Browns dealt
Kenny Pickett to Las Vegas prior to Week 1, leaving the two rookies as the only other healthy options behind stopgap starter
Joe Flacco. For fantasy purposes, Sanders' only value this year is as a stash in dynasty formats.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: 4th&1 with Cam Newton
September 18, 2025
Detroit Tigers relief pitcher
Kyle Finnegan (adductor) will make a rehab appearance on Thursday for the Toledo Mud Hens, as he looks to return to the Tigers' bullpen in time for the last few series of the regular season. After joining the Tigers at the trade deadline, the 34-year-old righty made 12 scoreless appearances with four saves and 19 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings. He could be an impact arm for Detroit out of the bullpen if he can return from the right adductor strain that has sidelined him since August 31. He has only missed a few weeks, so he shouldn't need many rehab appearances and could even return this weekend if all goes well. If Finnegan is available in your league and you need saves or relief innings, he's an excellent addition.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Chris McCosky
September 18, 2025
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Samuel Girard (lower body) is expected to miss parts of training camp, but the team is hopeful that he will be ready for the start of the regular season, Evan Rawal of the Denver Gazette reports. Girard has been part of the Avalanche core for many years, but he hasn't really made an impact in fantasy hockey. The 27-year-old finished last season with 24 points (three goals, 21 assists), 95 shots, 111 blocked shots, and 62 hits in 73 regular-season games.
--Taavi PailkSource: Evan Rawal
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