RADIO
Aaron Donald More Likely to Debut in Week 2 or Week 3 than Week 1
Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is more likely to debut in Week 2 or Week 3 than Week 1, per Dan Graziano of ESPN. Donald retired from the NFL following the 2023 season, but he officially announced his decision to come out of retirement and return to the Rams on Sunday. Given that Donald is 35 years old, missed most of training camp, and has not played in over two years, it appears the Rams will opt to bring him along slowly. Los Angeles will also travel to Australia for its season opener against the San Francisco 49ers, which could be factoring into the decision of whether or not to play Donald as well. The last time Donald was on the field, he was one of the best defensive players in the history of the NFL. A three-time Defensive Player of the Year and nine-time first-team All-Pro, Donald recorded eight sacks and 16 TFLs across 16 games for Los Angeles in 2023. While Donald could easily be a dominant force on a per-play basis once he's back on the field this season, the Rams may choose to limit his workload throughout the year to keep him fresh for the stretch run.
Source: ESPN - Dan Graziano
Source: ESPN - Dan Graziano
Micah Parsons Could Be on Track for Week 5 Return
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said, "We have a pretty good idea once we get out of that four-game window we're going to be pretty close" when asked about the return timeline for star edge rusher Micah Parsons (knee), per Ryan Wood of USA Today. Parsons will open the 2026 season on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he works his way back from a torn ACL, guaranteeing that he will miss Green Bay's first four games of the season. However, it appears as though Parsons has a chance to return to the field as soon as he is eligible. Across 14 games before the knee injury ended his 2025 season, Parsons recorded 12.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. When healthy, the 27-year-old is one of the most disruptive defenders in the NFL and is a worthy target for fantasy managers in IDP leagues.
Source: USA Today - Ryan Wood
Source: USA Today - Ryan Wood
Jaleel McLaughlin Signs Practice-Squad Deal with Browns
Veteran running back Jaleel McLaughlin has signed a practice-squad deal with the Cleveland Browns, per an announcement from the team. McLaughlin spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos, but he fell out of the team's regular running back rotation in 2025 and was waived by Denver on Sunday. The Browns have a pair of second-year running backs atop their depth chart in Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson. However, McLaughlin could potentially work his way into the backfield mix in Cleveland in the case of an injury. The 25-year-old has been efficient when given the opportunity to this point in his pro career, recording 1,356 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns on 285 touches across 41 career NFL games (nine starts). McLaughlin is not roster-worthy yet, but he could be a name to monitor on the waiver wire in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: Cleveland Browns
Source: Cleveland Browns
Chris Bell Still Needs to Get into Football Shape
Miami Dolphins rookie third-round wide receiver Chris Bell played 14 offensive snaps in the team's preseason finale last Friday and caught two of his five targets for 22 yards as he closes out his rehab from a torn ACL. However, head coach Jeff Hafley said Bell is still working his way back, saying, "I think he would tell you he needs to continue to get in football shape," according to Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post. "If he continues to improve, get in shape, then my expectation is we see him on the field," Hafley added. It sounds as though the 22-year-old has a chance to be active as a part of the offense in Week 1 of the regular season in an offense that has one of the thinnest WR depth charts in the league. Bell is competing primarily with fellow rookie Caleb Douglas for the WR3 role behind Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert, so he has a prime chance for rookie-year targets from new Dolphins QB Malik Willis. Bell can likely be avoided in 12-team fantasy leagues, but with opportunity and likely positive game script most weeks, he could quickly emerge as a trendy waiver-wire pickup if he continues to ascend and build trust with Willis.
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Raiders are Counting on Mike Washington Jr. to Win Games
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. is expected to have a significant role in the backfield this upcoming season. Raiders General Manager John Spytek recently praised head coach Klint Kubiak for drafting Washington. He also added that the team is counting on Washington to win games this upcoming season, Ryan McFadden reports. Lead back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) is uncertain for Week 1, so Washington could immediately slide into a large role in the offense. Once Jeanty is healthy, it sounds like Washington will remain a big part of the running game. The 23-year-old is becoming one of the more important handcuffs to roster in fantasy leagues.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Malik Nabers was Involved in Most of Tuesday's Practice
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was not seen during the media portion of Tuesday's practice. Giants head coach John Harbaugh said that Nabers was involved during most of the team reps during Tuesday's practice. Nabers is trending in the right direction for the Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. He has practiced on consecutive days, but the Giants have yet to commit to Nabers being available for the season opener. Once he's fully healthy, Nabers should offer low-end WR1 value, but it wouldn't be shocking for him to be limited early in the season.
Source: SNY Giants
Source: SNY Giants
Colts Expect Anthony Richardson Sr. to Remain With the Team This Year
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said on Tuesday that he expects quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. to remain with the organization this year, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Richardson survived roster cutdown day on Sunday and will head into the 2026 season as the backup to Daniel Jones, who is coming off a torn Achilles tendon suffered late last season. Richardson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft from Florida, has turned out to be a bust early in his NFL career. His rushing upside is elite, but he could not stay on the field, and he failed to improve on his accuracy as a passer in the competition for the starting job last summer with Jones. And after Jones took off with the starting gig and played well before his Achilles tear, there does not appear to be much of a future for Richardson in Indy. He is heading into the final year of his rookie contract in 2026, so this figures to be Richardson's final season with the Colts, barring something unforeseen happening. If Jones gets hurt again and misses time, Richardson could quickly become a QB2 option in two-QB superflex leagues for his rushing prowess alone.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Parker Washington Could Discuss New Contract During Regular Season
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is carrying a ton of hype coming into the 2026 season. The Jags are expecting big things from Washington in 2026 and beyond. Recently, Jags' general manager James Gladstone said that the team is fine with discussing a new contract with Washington during the regular season, according to Ryan O'Halloran. Washington is entering his fourth season with the team, and broke out in a big way last season. He finished with 58 receptions with 847 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with the Jags last season. He could be one of the most trusted options in Jacksonville this upcoming season, and it appears the team would like to keep him around long term.
Source: Ryan O'Halloran
Source: Ryan O'Halloran
Ashton Jeanty is in "Good Spot" with Ankle Injury
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) was seen working off to the side during Tuesday's practice. This was the first time that Jeanty was seen doing work during a media viewing period since suffering his ankle injury. Raiders General Manager John Spytek recently said that Jeanty is in a good spot following his ankle injury, Ryan McFadden reports. Spytek continued by saying he expects Jeanty to be back in the mix quicker than people would expect. He didn't give an exact timetable, but the Raiders might not know exactly when Jeanty will be ready to play. Mike Washington Jr. could operate as the lead back in Las Vegas in Week 1, but that'll depend on Jeanty's progress over the next few days.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Kendre Miller Leaves Tuesday's Practice Early
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (undisclosed) left Tuesday's practice early with athletic trainers, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. It is unclear exactly what Miller is dealing with or if it is something that might prevent him from being ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. But it is very notable when considering that Alvin Kamara (knee) is currently recovering from a sprained MCL that could keep him from playing in the season opener. If the 24-year-old Miller is questionable to play in Week 1, it could vault Audric Estime into the RB2 role behind starter Travis Etienne Jr. in the Saints' backfield. Miller, a third-rounder (71st overall) in 2023 from TCU, has battled injuries in his first three NFL seasons and has appeared in only 21 games (two starts), averaging 3.9 yards per carry for 497 rushing yards and three touchdowns. When New Orleans' entire backfield is healthy, Miller figures to be the RB3, but an early-season injury could open the door for Estime to jump him. Miller is currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 87 fantasy RB, so he should go undrafted in 12-team fantasy leagues. UPDATE: Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football reports that Miller is believed to have suffered a minor injury on Tuesday.
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrelle
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrelle
CeeDee Lamb Excited for Second Year with Star WR Teammate
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb recently spoke about how he believes both himself and George Pickens can improve this upcoming season. Lamb recently told Jon Machota of The Athletic that he believes the two of them can be extremely vicious together. Lamb said he knows both of them strive to be the best and there's much more in them. Despite missing four games, Lamb still finished with 75 receptions with over 1,000 receiving yards. The expectation is that Pickens will be more comfortable during his second year with the organization. This could be an extremely dangerous Cowboys offense this upcoming season.
Source: Jon Machota
Source: Jon Machota
Brian Robinson to See Goal-Line Work in Atlanta?
The Athletic's Josh Kendall writes that Atlanta Falcons backup running back Brian Robinson has "shown a physical style in practice that cements his role" as the new Tyler Allgeier. Kendall adds that Bijan Robinson's fantasy managers "may not like how many goal-line carries he gets." We all know how good Bijan Robinson is -- he's had over 1,400 rushing yards in each of the last two seasons as one of the best all-around backs in the league -- but Allgeier frustratingly handled more goal-line and red-zone looks than Robinson's fantasy managers were comfortable with, and Kendall is saying that it could happen again. Bijan Robinson had a career-high 14 rushing scores in 2024, but that number was cut in half last year, while Allgeier had a career-high eight rushing TDs. Bijan is ranked as the RB2 in half-PPR leagues at RotoBaller, behind only the Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs. Brian Robinson had a career-low 400 rushing yards and two TDs behind Christian McCaffrey in San Fran last year, but he had three straight 700-plus-yard seasons in his first three years in the league and is very capable as a goal-line option in Atlanta. Bijan Robinson should still be in play as the No. 1 overall fantasy pick this year, but his new backfield mate could be a thorn in his side and lower his overall ceiling.
Source: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
Source: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
Chiefs View Kenneth Walker as Potential Three-Down Back
The Kansas City Chiefs view running back Kenneth Walker as a "potential three-down back," according to The Athletic's Jesse Newell, although rookie Emmett Johnson made big strides in the final two weeks of training camp this summer. Emari Demercado's roster spot seemed secure going into roster cutdown day on Sunday because he had been one of the team's top pass protectors. With the Chiefs surprisingly cutting Demercado, it could mean even more pass-catching opportunities for Walker, who looks ready for a workhorse role in his new digs after winning Super Bowl MVP for the Seattle Seahawks in early February. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by Seattle in 2022 out of Michigan State had his second career 1,000-yard season in 17 regular-season starts in 2025, and with more volume coming with the Chiefs if he stays healthy, there is clear RB1 upside for Walker in his fifth NFL season, especially if the Chiefs' offense can bounce back with a healthy quarterback Patrick Mahomes. RotoBaller has Walker ranked as the No. 8 fantasy RB for 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Tyrone Tracy Jr. in a Non-Contact Jersey on Tuesday
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (neck) was participating in a red, non-contact jersey at Tuesday's practice, according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. Tracy is practicing this week, albeit in limited fashion, after suffering a stinger in the preseason finale last Friday. He managed to avoid a major injury going into the start of the 2026 regular season, but Tracy's fantasy stock is down for other reasons. The Giants signed veteran back Najee Harris last week, and they envision him having a big role in their backfield, which means more competition for touches for the 26-year-old Tracy. The G-Men also have Cam Skattebo, who is expected to lead the backfield in early-down work in his sophomore season. Tracy had 839 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 192 carries, adding 38 catches for 284 yards and a TD as a receiver in 17 games as a rookie, but he regressed to 740 rushing yards and two TDs on 176 carries in 2025, adding 36 receptions for 288 yards and two receiving scores in 15 games. On top of the presence of Harris, Tracy might not be 100% healthy going into a Week 1 showdown against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. RotoBaller has Tracy currently ranked as the No. 68 fantasy RB.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Malik Nabers Gets Some Practice Work in on Tuesday
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was not at practice during the portion open to the media on Tuesday, but SNY's Connor Hughes reports that Nabers was later seen in pads as the media walked off the field. Nabers was also able to practice on Monday, so he continues to trend in the right direction for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday night against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 13. Nabers was most likely limited in practice on Tuesday, but we will get a better idea of his Week 1 status once the Giants release their official practice reports, starting next Wednesday. The former first-rounder out of LSU tore both his ACL and MCL early last season, making for a more difficult recovery, and the Giants have been extra cautious with the star wideout this summer, even though he avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list at the start of camp. Nabers has high-end WR1 upside, but coming off a serious knee injury, fantasy managers are drafting him as more of a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in the early rounds. If he is active for the season opener, it would not be a surprise if Nabers was on a strict snap count.
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
Source: SNY - Connor Hughes
