RADIO
Chuba Hubbard Dressed for Practice
Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) had his helmet on and was dressed for Tuesday's practice, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Hubbard could be limited in practice, but the fact that he is on the field at all is a good sign for his availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sunday, Sept. 13. Hubbard has missed practice time late in training camp with a hamstring injury that he suffered in the middle of August. Combined with Jonathon Brooks' strong camp, Hubbard has fallen in the RB rankings for 2026 after a poor season in 2025 in which Rico Dowdle took over lead-back duties. The 27-year-old had his first 1,000-yard season with a career-high 10 rushing touchdowns on 250 carries in 2024, but he fell to just 511 rushing yards and one touchdown last year on 134 carries in 15 regular-season games. Head coach Dave Canales is ready to use a committee approach in the backfield between Hubbard and Brooks, and it could be a hot-hand approach from week to week. The former fourth-rounder is no better than an RB3/flex in fantasy football drafts, with Brooks (although injury-prone) possessing more explosive upside.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Tony Romo Issues Apology, Pleads No Contest to OWI
Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS broadcaster Tony Romo issued an apology on Tuesday and pleaded no contest after being arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated on July 23 in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, according to Nick Brinkherhoff of USA Today. Romo's plea of no contest resulted in his driving privileges being revoked for six months. He will also have to complete the "Alcohol Assessment Program" while paying a total of $834 in fines. If Romo fails to pay, his license suspension can be extended for up to one year. He will also be required to have an "ignition interlock device" installed on any vehicles owned, operated, or registered in his name for a minimum of one year after his license is reissued. CBS Sports placed Romo on leave on July 31, opening up his seat for former NFL pass-rusher J.J. Watt to sit alongside play-by-play voice Jim Nantz in the broadcast booth until further notice. The three charges that Romo faces following his July arrest are unsafe passing on the right, possessing open intoxicants, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
49ers Hope to Have Mike Evans Back at Practice Next Week
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Tuesday that the team hopes to have veteran wide receiver Mike Evans (groin), who is dealing with an adductor injury, back at practice next week, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. It is not a ringing endorsement for Evans to be a full-go for the Week 1 regular-season opener next Thursday in Australia against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The 33-year-old future Hall of Famer has been banged up in training camp with groin and quad issues, but if he can practice early next week, he should be ready to suit up in Week 1. In DFS, Evans should probably be faded, and in redraft leagues, Evans has become more of a boom-or-bust WR3/flex with durability concerns. Evans played in a career-low eight games last year in his final season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to a fractured collarbone, breaking an incredible stretch of 11 straight seasons with 1,000 receiving yards. He will be quarterback Brock Purdy's top target in the passing game when he is healthy, but it almost feels inevitable at this point in his career that he will not play a full season.
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi
George Kittle "Absolutely Crushed" his Rehab
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on KNBR radio on Tuesday that tight end George Kittle (Achilles) has "absolutely crushed" all of the objective measures coming off mid-January surgery to fix a torn Achilles tendon, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. That is good news for the 49ers' offense, but it is still unclear if the team will clear Kittle to play overseas in Australia for the Week 1 season opener next Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Kittle will be eased into practice this week, and we might not have a better idea of his Week 1 status until the 49ers start releasing official practice reports next Monday. The 32-year-old apparently went through some team drills on Monday, though, which bodes well for his chances of suiting up next Thursday. The 32-year-old will be an easy fade in DFS in Week 1 because of a potential snap count if he is active, and he has fallen to low-end TE1 status in single-year leagues because of durability concerns. Kittle played in only 11 regular-season games in 2025, catching 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns in his ninth year in the NFL.
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Source: NBC Sports Bay Area - Matt Maiocco
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Gets Some Work In
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (lower body) was seen getting some work in Tuesday, with John Keim of ESPN posting video of him going through drills. Croskey-Merritt did not appear in any of Washington's three preseason games and is still working his way back from the injury, so this is a step in the right direction rather than a full practice return. The second-year back ran for 805 yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries as a rookie and currently sits atop Washington's depth chart. Rachaad White and rookie Kaytron Allen are also on the 53-man roster. Croskey-Merritt's status will be worth tracking when the Commanders get into their normal Week 1 practice schedule, but seeing him back doing field work is at least a positive sign after his late-August absence.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
Jonathon Brooks Working Off to the Side on Tuesday
The Athletic's Joe Person reports that Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is working on the side during practice on Tuesday. It is unclear if Brooks is dealing with some sort of injury, but if we find out, we will pass it along. Despite tearing his ACL twice since the Panthers took him in the second round in 2024 from Texas, the 23-year-old has been gaining steam as the potential lead back in Carolina in 2026. Rico Dowdle is now gone, but Chuba Hubbard is still around. If Brooks and Hubbard are both healthy, head coach Dave Canales told reporters that the team will use a committee backfield between the two backs. Hubbard has been dealing with a hamstring injury late in training camp, but it is unclear if it will affect his availability for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Brooks might have more fantasy upside, but durability is also a bigger concern. At RotoBaller, Brooks is ranked as the RB33, with Hubbard right behind him as the RB34. It could be impossible to predict which RB has the better game on a week-to-week basis, and Canales could go with the hot hand.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Source: The Athletic - Joe Person
Ashton Jeanty Working With Trainers on Tuesday
Updating a previous report, Las Vegas Raiders second-year running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) is out at practice on Tuesday working off to the side with trainers, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. It is the first time that Jeanty has been on the field since suffering an ankle injury last week on Aug. 23. The 22-year-old is making progress, but his status for the Week 1 contest is still a bit up in the air. We should have a clearer picture of Jeanty's availability for the start of the 2026 regular season next week when the Raiders start to release official practice reports. If he is limited or out in Week 1, rookie Mike Washington Jr. figures to be the team's top option in the backfield after an impressive training camp and preseason this summer. After the Raiders took Jeanty sixth overall in 2025, he ran for 975 yards and five touchdowns on 266 carries as a rookie, adding 55 receptions on 73 targets for 346 yards and an additional five TDs as a receiver in 17 games. Despite his ankle injury, fantasy managers should consider Jeanty a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in upcoming drafts.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Keenan Allen Will Play in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard said on Tuesday that veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen will play in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Jake Arthur of Locked on Colts. "Good people make mistakes. He's a tremendous human being. Give him some grace, and he'll work through the process of the legal system," Ballard said. When asked about potential discipline/availability for Allen, Ballard said, "We should be good." It looks like the NFL will not suspend Allen after being charged with DUI on Sunday. The 34-year-old's role in the Colts' offense to open the 2026 campaign will depend on whether fellow wideout Alec Pierce (ankle) is active after he missed all of the preseason and most of training camp this summer. Allen was brought on board as WR insurance in case Pierce is not up to full speed to begin the season. The six-time Pro Bowler caught 81 of 122 targets for 777 yards and four touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in his return to the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025, so he still has some juice left as he heads into Year 14. Allen's fantasy upside is limited these days, though, especially if Pierce is active against Baltimore. RotoBaller has Allen ranked as the No. 62 fantasy WR.
Source: Locked on Colts - Jake Arthur
Source: Locked on Colts - Jake Arthur
Chris Godwin Jr. Looking Good Ahead of 2026 Season
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht had plenty of praise for wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. while discussing the team's options at receiver. According to Pewter Report, Licht called Godwin a "consistent, steady" and "Mr. Clutch" player, adding that he "looks really good out there." That's encouraging after injuries interrupted each of Godwin's last two seasons. He played nine games in 2025 and finished with 33 catches for 360 yards and two touchdowns. Tampa Bay now heads into its first season without Mike Evans since 2013, leaving a lot to sort out in a receiver room that also includes Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan. Licht praised rookie Ted Hurst III as well. Godwin is currently listed as a starter on the Buccaneers' depth chart and is expected to handle much of his work from the slot. If he stays healthy, he should remain one of Baker Mayfield's most trusted targets in 2026.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Baker Mayfield Extension Talks Still on Hold
Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said there are no immediate plans to restart contract talks with quarterback Baker Mayfield, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Mayfield set the start of training camp as his deadline for negotiations, and nothing came together before then. He is now heading into the last year of the three-year, $100 million deal he signed with Tampa Bay in 2024. Mayfield started all 17 games last season, throwing for 3,693 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also ran for 382 yards and another score. There isn't much here that changes his 2026 fantasy outlook. Mayfield is Tampa Bay's unquestioned starter, and the contract situation is more of a concern for what happens after the season. For now, the Bucs appear content to play things out before deciding what comes next.
Source: Rick Stroud
Source: Rick Stroud
Ashton Jeanty Remains Sidelined at Practice
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) remained out of practice Tuesday, according to Ryan McFadden. Jeanty hasn't practiced since suffering a sprained ankle on Aug. 23 when he landed awkwardly while diving for a pass. The injury isn't expected to be a long-term issue, but there still isn't a firm timetable for his return. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Friday that Jeanty was "on the mend" and that the Raiders were counting on him while continuing to assess his availability for the season opener. Tuesday's absence doesn't necessarily signal a setback, but Jeanty is running out of practice time before Week 1. Rookie Mike Washington Jr. has been working with the first-team offense while he's out. Jeanty rushed for 975 yards as a rookie and finished with 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns. His practice participation later this week should provide a better indication of his Week 1 status.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Packers Expect Josh Jacobs to Play This Season
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs is still expected to play this season despite his uncertain status. General manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters Tuesday that he is hopeful Jacobs will return and expects him to play for Green Bay at some point, according to Matt Schneidman. Gutekunst was also asked whether there is a scenario in which the Packers release Jacobs, but said the team wants to let the process play out before making that kind of decision. Jacobs remains on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List after being charged with misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor criminal damage to property stemming from a May incident. He cannot practice or play while on the list, and there is still no timetable for his return. Green Bay has since added Kaleb Johnson to a backfield that also includes MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks. Gutekunst's comments are encouraging for Jacobs' season-long outlook, but his availability remains completely up in the air.
Source: Matt Schneidman
Source: Matt Schneidman
Packers High On New Acquisition Kaleb Johnson
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson has been traded over from the Pittsburgh Steelers and amid the troubles with running back Josh Jacobs, the Packers organization is high on the addition of Johnson. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had this to say about Johnson as a newcomer to the team: "Excited to get Kaleb in here. Young player with huge upside ... He comes from a very strong program. He had a lot of success there. There's some similar scheme stuff, a lot of outside-zone." Johnson comes from the Iowa Hawkeyes college program and has a real shot to make a name for himself with Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Johnson could be a nice late-round addition to fantasy teams with some "huge upside" as stated by his new GM.
Source: Weston Hodkiewicz (@WesHod)
Source: Weston Hodkiewicz (@WesHod)
David Montgomery Could Be a Steal in Texans Offense
Houston Texans running back David Montgomery looks like a mid-tier running back draft candidate but has the potential to really reward his drafters this season. Coming over in the offseason from Detroit where he split time with Jahmyr Gibbs, Montgomery has the ability to take over the Texans lead rushing role. The Texans do have Woody Marks as a backup running back who will likely take away some of Montgomery's carries and passing down work but Montgomery looks locked and loaded as the lead back. NFL.com's Kevin Patra, did an article where he picked one new Pro-Bowler from each AFC team and listed Montgomery as his candidate for the Texans, saying, "The 29-year-old is in line for a significant workload increase in Houston, and his ability to punch in scores from short range will be a boon to the offense."
Source: Kevin Patra
Source: Kevin Patra
Parker Washington Has Big-Time Potential As Slot Receiver
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington looks like he has real potential this season as a mid-to-late-round draft target. Washington closed the season last year with two 100+ yard receiving games in Weeks 16 and 17. He also had four receiving touchdowns from Week 10 though the end of the season. He finished the season with 58 catches for 847 yards and five touchdowns. The Jaguars offense under Liam Coen has the potential to be very good with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback and Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers also at receiver. Washington, out of Penn State in college, should line up regularly in the slot and be a dynamic receiver in that role. He broke through in a big way late last season and should see that continue this season.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
