RADIO
Jared Goff Emerging as a Consistent Top-12 Quarterback?
After an underwhelming performance in Week 1, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff bounced back by completing 26 of 38 pass attempts for 327 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in his team's 41-31 Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Two weeks into the 2026 season, Goff is tied for the NFL lead with six touchdown passes and is averaging 38.5 pass attempts per game. While Goff has led productive Lions offenses for the last several seasons, Detroit's struggling defense looks like it could force the team into pass-happy shootouts in 2026. As long as Goff and the Lions' deep contingent of talented skill position players remain healthy, the veteran signal-caller could work his way into consistent top-12 quarterback production for fantasy managers. Goff also has a fairly favorable string of matchups coming up on paper, as Detroit will play the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Arizona Cardinals before its Week 6 bye. Heading into Week 3, Goff's redraft value is trending up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Limited With Shoulder Injury on Wednesday
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. Backfield mate Rico Dowdle injured his toe in the Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday and was seen wearing a walking boot. Dowdle did not practice on Wednesday. With Warren also dinged up, Pittsburgh's backfield could be in flux heading into their big Week 3 divisional clash against the Cincinnati Bengals. Warren appears to have the better chance of playing this Sunday, though, and he would essentially become a must-start RB2 in fantasy football lineups if Dowdle cannot play against the Bengals. The 27-year-old Warren has been the better back of the two through the first two games in 2026, carrying the ball 21 times for 89 yards (4.2 yards per carry) while catching seven of 10 targets for 61 yards as a receiver. Behind Warren and Dowdle is rookie Eli Heidenreich.
Source: PGH Steelers Now - Alan Saunders
Source: PGH Steelers Now - Alan Saunders
Austin Ekeler Works Out for Panthers on Wednesday, No Deal Imminent
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler worked out for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, per Mike Kaye of ESPN. Kaye reports that Ekeler's workout "went well" but that the veteran back "will not be signing" on Wednesday. Ekeler has not appeared in an NFL game since Week 2 of the 2025 season, when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear while playing for the Washington Commanders. However, the 31-year-old was productive in a part-time role with Washington in 2024, recording 367 rushing yards, 366 receiving yards, and four touchdowns on 112 touches across 12 games. The Panthers are set to be without running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) for six to eight weeks after Brooks underwent core muscle surgery. If signed, Ekeler would likely step in as the passing-down complement to Carolina RB1 Chuba Hubbard. While Hubbard would still likely shoulder early-down and goal-line work, his fantasy outlook would take a hit if the Panthers bring in Ekeler.
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Christian Watson Carries WR1 Upside Into Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a high-end WR2 with legitimate WR1 upside. Watson caught four of a team-high 11 targets for 41 yards against the Jets, including a three-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that helped fuel Green Bay's comeback. He now has 10 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 19 targets through two games, pairing big-play ability with heavy involvement. Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, leaving Watson and Matthew Golden atop Green Bay's wide receiver rotation. Protection remains a concern with left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) also ruled out, although Anthony Belton (elbow) will play at right tackle. Atlanta enters short-handed as well, with top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin) on injured reserve and edge rusher Samson Ebukam (hamstring) out. Carolina threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons last week. RotoBaller ranks Watson WR11 and considers him a borderline WR1 for Thursday. Fantasy managers should start him confidently as a strong WR2 with the target volume and scoring upside to finish inside the top 12.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Evans Won't Practice on Wednesday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (hip) will not practice with the team on Wednesday, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. Evans left the Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins early with a hip injury in the fourth quarter, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game that Evans should be fine. The Niners already have Ricky Pearsall (knee), Christian Kirk (calf), and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) on Injured Reserve, with Demarcus Robinson (ankle) also expected to miss multiple weeks after getting hurt on Sunday. Much like San Francisco did in training camp, Evans' practice reps will be managed this week, but he should end up suiting up this Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers should have a better read on Evans' status for Week 3 by Friday, but for now, the expectation is that he will play, and he should have a high target floor given the injured state of the team's WR corps. The 33-year-old future Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowler has nine catches on 10 targets for 103 yards and one touchdown in his first two games with his new team in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Antonio Brown to Accept Plea Deal on Attempted Murder Charges
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown "plans to accept a plea deal on an attempted murder charge in Miami that avoids prison," per David Fischer of The Associated Press. Brown was accused of discharging a firearm at a man during an altercation in Miami in May 2025. If convicted, Brown could have faced up to 30 years in prison. The 38-year-old last appeared in the NFL in 2021, when he played seven games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both during and after his time in the league, Brown has an extensive history of questionable off-field conduct. Since being arrested in connection to the alleged incident, Brown has claimed on social media that he was defending himself from attackers who were trying to steal jewelry from him.
Source: The Associated Press - David Fischer
Source: The Associated Press - David Fischer
Kaleb Johnson Brings Speculative Appeal Into Week 3
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson has moved onto the fantasy radar for Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie earned a larger role against the Jets, going from zero offensive snaps in Week 1 to 14 in Week 2 while leading the backfield with eight carries for 32 yards. Johnson also opened the game-winning overtime drive with an 11-yard run, another sign that Green Bay was willing to trust him in a key situation. His role remains difficult to project. MarShawn Lloyd matched Johnson's snap total, while Chris Brooks led the backfield in playing time and remains Green Bay's preferred option in passing situations. Johnson has yet to draw a target this season, leaving his fantasy value heavily dependent on rushing volume. Atlanta has held opponents to 126 rushing yards on 43 carries through two games and has not allowed a rushing touchdown. Despite the difficult matchup, RotoBaller ranks Johnson as RB35 for Week 3. He profiles as a speculative low-end RB3 or flex in standard and half-PPR formats but should remain on the bench in full-PPR leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Reed Officially Ruled Out for Thursday Night Football
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (neck) has officially been ruled out for his team's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Reed was carted off from his team's Week 2 win over the New York Jets after suffering a scary-looking neck injury, and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Tuesday that the team is unsure of Reed's status for the remainder of the 2026 season. With Reed sidelined, the Packers' passing game could become highly concentrated on the talented trio of wide receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden and tight end Tucker Kraft. While Reed has not yet been placed on Injured Reserve, it appears as though the 26-year-old is likely facing an extended stretch of missed time.
Source: ESPN - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN - Rob Demovsky
MarShawn Lloyd Carries Significant Risk Into Week 3
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a touchdown-dependent RB4 who belongs on the bench in most fantasy leagues. Lloyd rushed six times for 20 yards and caught two passes for six yards against the Jets, salvaging his fantasy performance with a six-yard receiving touchdown. The Jets recovered a Lloyd fumble early in the fourth quarter, and he played only one more snap without another touch. Kaleb Johnson had already entered the rotation and finished with a team-high eight carries on 14 snaps. Chris Brooks led the backfield in playing time, further crowding Lloyd's path to touches. The matchup does little to help Lloyd's case. Atlanta has allowed only 126 rushing yards on 43 attempts and has yet to surrender a rushing touchdown. With Johnson taking early-down work and Brooks handling passing situations, Lloyd may be touchdown-dependent to deliver useful fantasy production. RotoBaller currently ranks him RB55 for Week 3. Keep Lloyd on the bench outside deeper leagues or desperation flex situations.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Love Has QB1 Upside In Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has thrown two touchdowns in each of his first two games and remains a viable QB1 option for Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. His production dipped against the Jets, finishing with 145 passing yards on 29 attempts, but another two-touchdown performance helped Green Bay escape with an overtime win. Protection is the bigger concern, as Love has already taken seven sacks. Green Bay also lost starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele (knee) for the season to a torn patellar tendon. Anthony Belton (elbow), who replaced him against New York, is expected to play Thursday, while left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) remains uncertain. Atlanta can generate pressure, but its secondary is vulnerable without top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin). Bryce Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons last week despite facing pressure on 53.6% of his dropbacks. Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft give Love multiple ways to attack that secondary, so the upside remains intact. RotoBaller ranks Love QB12 for Week 3, making him a reasonable low-end QB1 with top-10 upside if Green Bay's protection holds.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet Will Not Return to Practice this Week
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) will not return to practice this week, per Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune. Charbonnet is currently on the Physically Unable to Perform list as he recovers from a torn ACL and is not eligible to return until Week 5. However, he is now eligible to begin practicing with the team as he ramps up toward a potential return. While certainly not definitive, Charbonnet's lack of practice participation may signal that he's unlikely to come off the PUP list when first eligible. Without Charbonnet, Seattle has relied on running backs Jadarian Price (shoulder), Emanuel Wilson, and George Holani so far in 2026. Charbonnet recorded 730 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns across 16 games in 2025 and could take over the team's RB1 role upon his return. He could be worth stashing in an IR spot where possible, but fantasy managers should be aware that Charbonnet may not return until midseason.
Source: Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
Source: Tacoma News Tribune - Gregg Bell
Skyy Moore's Big Return Doesn't Make Him a Priority Add
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Skyy Moore finally made a splash in Week 2, but almost all of it came on special teams. Moore caught two passes for six yards against the Jets and ripped off a 63-yard punt return that helped set up the game-tying field goal. Jayden Reed (neck) is now dealing with an injury serious enough that head coach Matt LaFleur said it is too early to know whether he will play again this season. That opens snaps, but it does not automatically make Moore a fantasy starter. Christian Watson and Matthew Golden remain ahead of him in the passing game, and Moore has only two catches through two weeks. RotoBaller's September 23 mid-week waiver rankings have him 61st overall and recommend him only in 14-team PPR leagues. Moore is worth a deep-league stash while Reed's situation develops, but standard-league managers should wait for actual target volume before spending a roster spot.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathon Brooks Could Miss Eight Weeks After Core-Muscle Surgery
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that the timeline for running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen, groin) to return after undergoing core-muscle surgery is six to eight weeks, per Steve Reed of The Associated Press. Per Reed, Canales said that the return timeline with or without the surgery "would have been about the same," prompting the team to take the surgical route. It's the latest in a long line of injury setbacks for Brooks, who has appeared in just five games since Carolina selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Across two games in 2026 before getting injured, the 23-year-old recorded nine carries for 30 yards and two catches for 43 yards on three targets. With Brooks sidelined, Panthers RB1 Chuba Hubbard could take on an even larger share of the team's backfield work. Carolina also hosted veteran running back Austin Ekeler for a workout on Wednesday, but no deal between the two parties has been announced yet.
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
Source: The Associated Press - Steve Reed
DeeJay Dallas Can Stay on the Waiver Wire
Minnesota Vikings running back DeeJay Dallas got three touches in Week 2, but there still is not much of a fantasy case here. He carried twice for eight yards and caught one pass for 12 yards against Chicago after making a one-yard catch in the opener. Jordan Mason's fractured thumb and move to injured reserve opened a roster spot for Dallas, not a meaningful role. Minnesota still lists Aaron Jones Sr. first on the depth chart, Demond Claiborne second and Dallas third. Jones handled 23 carries in Week 2, while Claiborne remains the more interesting stash if managers want exposure to this backfield. RotoBaller's September 23 mid-week waiver rankings have Claiborne 55th overall and leave Dallas off the top 85 entirely. That lines up with the usage. Dallas can stay on waivers in standard leagues and does not need to be rostered unless the Vikings lose another back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Jones Sr. Not a Sure Thing for Week 3
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) did not practice Wednesday, and his availability for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay is up in the air. Kevin Seifert of ESPN reported that Jones is "not a sure thing" to play after he worked through the injury during last week's win over Chicago. He still finished that game with 23 carries for 105 yards. Minnesota is already without Jordan Mason, who landed on injured reserve after undergoing surgery on a fractured thumb. Asked what the backfield would look like without both Jones and Mason, head coach Kevin O'Connell first mentioned DeeJay Dallas and rookie Demond Claiborne. Dallas has two carries for eight yards this season. Claiborne has yet to record an NFL rushing attempt but caught one pass for two yards against Chicago. If Jones can't go, there isn't an obvious one-for-one replacement in this backfield.
Source: Kevin Seifert
Source: Kevin Seifert
