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Raheim Sanders Emerging as a Handcuff Option Amid Backfield Injury
Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders began the 2026 season as his team's RB3 behind Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson (knee). However, Sampson suffered a knee injury in the first quarter of Cleveland's Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and is now set to miss at least four games after being placed on Injured Reserve on Tuesday. As a result, Sanders now looks to be the Browns' primary backup running back. If Judkins were to also go down with an injury, Sanders would immediately become fantasy relevant. The 24-year-old may have some deep-league standalone appeal even if Judkins stays healthy, as he recorded three catches for 25 yards on three targets after replacing Sampson against Jacksonville. As a handcuff running back option with some pass-catching upside, Sanders could be a worthy waiver wire target for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Seth McGowan Remains a Worthy Deep-League Handcuff Running Back
A seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan has begun his first NFL season in a reserve role behind superstar Colts back Jonathan Taylor. As long as Taylor remains healthy, McGowan is highly unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload. In the Colts' 41-23 Week 1 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the 23-year-old recorded zero carries and one catch for zero yards on one target. Still, McGowan cemented his status as the Colts' RB2, as he was the only back besides Taylor to see the field against Baltimore. Taylor has recorded over 700 touches since the start of the 2024 season, and he appears to be on his way to another massive workload in 2026. If he were to go down with an injury at any point, McGowan could immediately vault into fantasy relevance. In deeper leagues, McGowan could be worth targeting on the waiver wire for his handcuff appeal.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Washington a Deep-League Waiver-Wire Option
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington was heavily involved in his team's passing game in Week 1, recording three catches for 53 yards on a team-high eight targets in Miami's loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Washington emerged as the Dolphins' primary slot receiver in 2025, hauling in 46 catches for 317 yards and three touchdowns on 65 targets across 17 games. While Miami has a pair of exiting rookie wideouts in Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell in 2026, both young pass-catchers profile more as outside receivers. Washington could end up playing a high-volume role as a short-area safety blanket for new Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis. After averaging just 4.9 yards per target in 2025, Washington may not offer high-end production upside for fantasy managers. Still, he could be worth targeting on the waiver wire in deeper leagues for his stable PPR floor.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ted Hurst III Already Playing Too Much to Ignore
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Ted Hurst III didn't see much of the ball in his NFL debut, but he was on the field plenty. Hurst caught all three of his targets for 36 yards in Sunday's 33-27 loss to Cincinnati, with all three receptions coming on consecutive plays in the fourth quarter. He also started and played 43 of Tampa Bay's 57 offensive snaps, a 75.4% share. That is enough to keep the third-round rookie on the waiver radar even with the limited volume. Jalen McMillan was inactive with a knee injury, and the Buccaneers still list him ahead of Hurst on the depth chart, so the Week 1 playing time is not guaranteed to stick once McMillan returns. Hurst did make something of his opportunity, though, and Tampa Bay leaned heavily on three-receiver personnel in the opener. He is not a priority claim in 10- or 12-team leagues, but the snap share makes him a worthwhile stash in deeper formats ahead of Week 2 against Cleveland.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Sampson Placed on Injured Reserve With Knee Injury
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is being placed on injured reserve, according to Zac Jackson. The Browns are promoting Jaleel McLaughlin from the practice squad to take his roster spot. Sampson hurt his knee in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to Jacksonville and never returned, finishing the day with two kickoff returns for 64 yards and no offensive touches. Reports Monday indicated he was going to miss significant time, and the move to IR will keep him out for at least four games. Sampson was Cleveland's No. 2 back behind Quinshon Judkins after recording 175 rushing yards and adding 33 catches for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. Raheim Sanders was already next on the depth chart, while McLaughlin now gives the Browns another option behind Judkins. Sampson can be moved into an IR spot in fantasy leagues while Cleveland sorts out the backup work in his absence.
Source: Zac Jackson
Source: Zac Jackson
Sterling Shepard Joining Jets' Practice Squad
The New York Jets are signing veteran wide receiver Sterling Shepard to their practice squad, according to Mike Garafolo. Shepard had a brief stint with Houston late in the preseason before being released at final cuts, and now he's heading back to New Jersey after spending the first eight seasons of his career with the Giants. The timing makes sense for a Jets team dealing with some receiver injuries. Omar Cooper Jr. is week-to-week with an ankle sprain, while Tim Patrick was placed on injured reserve over the weekend. Shepard caught 39 passes for 371 yards and one touchdown in 13 games with Tampa Bay last season, so there is still some experience here if New York needs it. For now, though, this is only a practice-squad move. Shepard would need to be elevated before he can help on game day, and there is no reason for fantasy managers to add him in standard leagues yet.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
Jordan Love Should Be the Top QB Addition Where Available
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love opened 2026 with 387 passing yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 39-22 loss to Minnesota. He completed only 21 of 42 attempts, threw one interception and lost a fumble, so the day was hardly clean. The volume and downfield production still stand out. Christian Watson finished with 147 yards and two scores, Matthew Golden added 95 yards, and Love averaged 9.2 yards per attempt despite completing only half his passes. He offered nothing as a runner, which keeps his fantasy ceiling tied closely to what Green Bay can generate through the air. That is a real limitation, but Love still sits atop RotoBaller's Week 2 quarterback waiver rankings and is worth adding in 12-team leagues where he remains available. He also has immediate streaming appeal for Sunday's road game against the Jets. After throwing 42 times in the opener, Love has enough passing upside to be more than a one-week rental if this volume sticks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sione Vaki Emerging as Detroit's No. 2 Back
Detroit Lions running back Sione Vaki only had three touches in Sunday's 31-30 overtime win over New Orleans, but his playing time made the bigger statement. Vaki carried twice for seven yards and caught his only target for 11 more while logging 22 offensive snaps. Jacob Saylors did not play an offensive snap, and Detroit's current depth chart now lists Vaki second behind Jahmyr Gibbs. That matters even more after Isiah Pacheco underwent back surgery and was given an estimated 12-week recovery timeline. Gibbs is still going to dominate this backfield after handling 34 touches in the opener, so Vaki has little immediate starting value. The path behind him is much cleaner than it looked a week ago, though. Vaki still needs to improve after an uneven opener, particularly in pass protection, but he has the first crack at the reserve role while Pacheco is sidelined. He is worth stashing in 14-team PPR leagues and deeper formats before Detroit's backfield hierarchy becomes more settled.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ray Davis' Week 1 Usage Hurts His Handcuff Appeal
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis opened the season with one carry for three yards in Sunday's 36-31 win over Houston, but the bigger concern was how little he played. Davis logged only five offensive snaps, while practice-squad call-up Frank Gore Jr. saw 11 and also carried once for three yards. Buffalo still lists Davis second behind James Cook III on the depth chart, so this is not enough to say he has lost the backup job. It does make his handcuff value much shakier than it looked entering the season. Davis has shown he can handle volume when needed, including 21 carries for 151 yards in last year's regular-season finale, but Week 1 did not suggest Buffalo is eager to give him much work right now. He remains worth holding in deeper leagues, especially with Cook managers looking for insurance, but Davis should not be a priority add in standard 10- or 12-team formats ahead of Thursday's game against Detroit.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cowboys Signing Running Back Tyler Goodson
The Dallas Cowboys are signing running back Tyler Goodson off the Atlanta Falcons' practice squad to their 53-man roster on Tuesday, a league source told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Goodson will join Emari Demercado and Israel Abanikanda as RB depth behind starter Javonte Williams after the Cowboys placed Malik Davis (hip) on Injured Reserve this week. The 25-year-old Goodson is a former undrafted free agent from Iowa who has 54 career carries for 264 yards and just one touchdown in his three NFL seasons (all with the Indianapolis Colts). He has added 19 career receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown as a receiver. The 5-foot-, 200-pounder had 1,151 rushing yards and six touchdowns in his final collegiate season with the Hawkeyes and was an All-Big Ten selection that year. Goodson must now learn a completely new offense, and he should be considered the RB4 in Dallas for now.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Attorneys File Motion to Seal Evidence in Josh Jacobs' Criminal Case
Attorneys for Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs' ex-girlfriend on Tuesday filed a motion to seal evidence and discovery materials in the criminal case involving Jacobs, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Jacobs' ex-girlfriend wishes to protect her privacy in light of Jacobs taking responsibility for his actions in the criminal proceeding. The NFL is attempting to obtain the alleged video from the incident that led to Jacobs being charged with battery and criminal damage to property, and they want to interview Jacobs before they potentially hand down a suspension. The 28-year-old is currently on the commissioner's exempt list and missed the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Minnesota Vikings. If the NFL suspends Jacobs, it likely will not be for longer than four to six games, including the game he already missed. In Sunday's loss to Minnesota, MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks were the Packers' primary RBs, but they could involve Kaleb Johnson eventually as well. While Jacobs' legal situation plays out, he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues as Green Bay's clear lead back when he returns.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Kaelon Black has the Trust of the Coaching Staff
The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black has the trust of head coach Kyle Shanahan and running backs coach Bobby Turner. In his NFL debut in the Week 1 season-opening win over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Australia last Thursday, Black played 43% of the offensive snaps behind Christian McCaffrey (55%) and was awarded 14 carries for 65 yards (4.6 yards per carry). The 24-year-old third-rounder from Indiana caught his only target for a pickup of five yards as a receiver. The Niners did not put too much on McCaffrey's plate in the season opener, especially in a blowout of the Rams, but they could be looking to dial back the All-Pro's touches throughout the year, which would obviously benefit Black. Given CMC's lengthy injury history and the coaching staff's trust in Black, he is a valuable RB stash in 12-team leagues, even if you do not have McCaffrey rostered. Right now, Black is rostered in 27% of Yahoo leagues. If McCaffrey were to go down with an injury, Black would become a weekly must-start in fantasy leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Cardinals Plan to be "Judicious" With Jeremiyah Love's Workload
Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer writes that the Arizona Cardinals' split in their run-game workload in their Week 1 season-opening win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday is "probably a good window" into how they will manage rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love's first year in the league. The third overall pick from Notre Dame had 11 carries for 41 yards and his first career rushing touchdown while catching two of his four targets for nine yards as a receiver. Meanwhile, Tyler Allgeier had a team-high 17 rushing attempts for 61 yards while catching both of his targets for nine yards. Breer adds that Arizona plans to "be judicious about running up mileage on their special young talent." Trey Benson (knee) is already done for the season, but in time, veteran James Conner (foot) will return to help lighten the load on Love. Allgeier saw 59% of the offensive snaps in Week 1, compared to 43% for Love. The 21-year-old has clear three-down potential, but especially after Love dealt with an ankle injury in the preseason, the Cardinals will continue to be mindful of his overall workload, making him more of a fringe RB2/3 for fantasy managers going into a Week 2 showdown against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
Source: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer
Bryce Young on the Waiver Radar After Strong Week 1 Performance
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young looked very strong in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday and could already be in contention as a Week 2 streamer in an upcoming matchup against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons this Sunday. In the first game of his fourth year in the NFL, Young completed 62.2% of his 37 pass attempts for 361 yards, three touchdowns, and an interception in a 59-37 loss to the Bears. The 25-year-old former first overall pick from Alabama in 2023 also ran the ball twice for 10 yards and an additional touchdown. Young had his best season as a pro, particularly late in the season, in 2025, throwing for a career-best 3,011 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 16 regular-season starts to get the Panthers into the postseason. He is off to a great start in 2026 and has an excellent chance to build on his numbers from a year ago in another season with Dave Canales as his head coach. Young is only rostered in 14% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
C.J. Stroud a Potential Waiver-Wire Streamer Against the Bengals
After going largely undrafted in most single-quarterback leagues, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has worked his way back into the streaming conversation after a solid outing in a Week 1 loss to the Bills. The Texans face the Bengals in Week 2, but after being one of the top defenses to target in 2025, Cincinnati held Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield to 7.6 fantasy points in Week 1, forcing three turnovers. After throwing four interceptions of his own in a season-ending playoff loss to the Patriots, Stroud protected the ball better in Sunday's season opener but still lost two fumbles, including one deep in Bills territory on a potential game-winning drive. Even with the two turnovers, Stroud finished the week as the QB15 and is RotoBaller's QB19 for Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyler Murray To Remain the Vikings' QB1 When Healthy
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray (concussion) exited Sunday's win over the Packers with a scary concussion, and his timeline to return remains unclear. In his absence, backup Carson Wentz led the Vikings to victory, throwing three touchdowns in the come-from-behind win, but NFL Insider Ian Rapoport believes the starting job still belongs to Murray. When asked if Wentz has a chance to take the QB1 role with another strong performance against the Bears in Week 2, Rapoport told Pat McAfee, "Kyler is going to come back, and I would expect it to be him." Murray signed a one-year veteran minimum deal with the Vikings this offseason and beat out both Wentz and 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy to earn the starting job, and although he managed only 11 snaps in Week 1, Rapoport believes the team is still excited about what he can bring to the offense.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Ladd McConkey to Be Evaluated This Week, Not Believed to Be Significant
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey will be evaluated this week after leaving Sunday's loss to the Cardinals with a rib injury, according to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. McConkey was originally listed with a chest injury, but further reporting has indicated an acute rib issue, and Rapoport notes it is not believed to be significant, adding that the third-year wideout is considered "day-to-day" and noting that it's an injury that can be played through. McConkey caught five of seven targets for 82 yards and a touchdown before exiting in the third quarter, and he appears to be a focal point of Mike McDaniel's offense. Los Angeles hosts the Raiders in Week 2, and fantasy managers will need to monitor McConkey's status throughout the week, as he boasts low-end WR1 upside if he's able to suit up.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Brenen Thompson A Waiver-Wire Flier in Deep Leagues
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Brenen Thompson saw only 10 snaps and was held off the stat sheet in his first career game, but with Ladd McConkey (rib) day-to-day with a rib injury, he is a player to at least consider on waivers in deeper leagues. As an undersized field-stretcher, Thompson is unlikely to command an every-down role even if McConkey is unable to suit up against the Raiders. Still, his big-play potential could be leaned on, and he has the opportunity to work his way into three-receiver sets alongside Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris. At RotoBaller's WR103, Thompson is not a player that needs to be actively targeted on waivers, but he is deserving of flier consideration in leagues with big-play bonuses.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terrance Ferguson Still Worth Watching on Waiver Wire
Despite running the most routes of all Los Angeles Rams tight ends in Week 1, second-year player Terrance Ferguson was targeted only once and held without a catch in the team's season-opening loss to the 49ers. While the results weren't encouraging after an offseason of hype, fantasy managers should stay patient and avoid dropping him unless necessary. Week 1 brings extra challenges in parsing what will be predictive from a season-long perspective, and that is especially true in a game where the Rams arrived in Australia roughly 28 hours ahead of kickoff. With four trustworthy tight ends on the roster, Ferguson's usage may see issues of predictability, but he earned a healthy route share to begin the year, and the Rams are still in need of a third pass-catcher behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, who saw more than 55% of the team's targets in Week 1. At RotoBaller's TE28, Ferguson is a difficult play against the Giants on Monday night, but he should still be held wherever it makes sense to keep a second tight end.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cooper Rush the QB Placeholder For Falcons Going into Week 2
The Athletic's Josh Kendall reports that the Atlanta Falcons updated their media advisory for the week on Tuesday, with the old one listed as "starting QB press conference" on Wednesday. The new one reads: "QB Cooper Rush press conference." The NFL Network's Steve Wyche checked in on this and was told that the Falcons listed Rush "based on no new information." Head coach Kevin Stefanski will announce who the Week starting QB is "whenever he decides to make his decision public." So for lack of a better term, Rush is the team's starting QB placeholder for now, with both Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) dealing with injuries. Penix is still recovering from a partially torn ACL late last year, and while he is progressing, he might not be ready for the Week 2 contest against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Tagovailoa was set to start in the Week 1 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, but an oblique injury in practice last Thursday forced him out, and he might be trending towards missing a second straight game. If Rush makes a second straight start for Atlanta this weekend, fantasy managers will need to downgrade all of the team's offensive weapons again. The 32-year-old Rush threw for 143 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions in the 20-13 loss to Pittsburgh.
Source: NFL Network - Steve Wyche
Source: NFL Network - Steve Wyche
Zay Flowers Could Potentially Miss A Game or Two
The Baltimore Ravens are apparently having a wide receiver workout on Tuesday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Zrebiec does not think the Ravens are desperate, even with rookie Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) expected to miss extended time and Zay Flowers (hamstring) potentially missing a game or two after they were both injured in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Devontez Walker (groin), who was inactive in the season opener, and rookie Elijah Surratt, who was a healthy scratch, could both get an opportunity for big roles in Week 2 on Sunday in the team's home opener against the New Orleans Saints. The 26-year-old Flowers' hamstring injury is not considered serious, but the fact that he did not return to Sunday's win over Indy is a bit concerning for fantasy managers in terms of his availability going into Week 2. Before injuring his hamstring, Flowers caught five passes for a career-high 150 yards and a touchdown to make his fantasy managers happy. However, quarterback Lamar Jackson's top target could miss a game or two. Keep a close eye on Flowers' practice status from Wednesday through Friday.
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
Source: The Athletic - Jeff Zrebiec
More News About Raheim Sanders
