RADIO
Kenny Gainwell Called a "Freak of Nature"
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs called new running back Kenny Gainwell "a freak of nature," according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Wirfs also called RB Bucky Irving "a joystick" because of how elusive he can be. Wirfs is very excited about the 1-2 punch that the Bucs have in the running game this year in new coordinator Zac Robinson's scheme. Even in a new offense in 2026, the 27-year-old Gainwell was a popular mid-round target in point-per-reception leagues this year after he caught an eye-opening 73 passes on 85 targets for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games last year in his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gainwell also had a career-high 114 rushing attempts for 537 yards and a career-high-tying five rushing touchdowns. While fantasy managers should not necessarily expect Gainwell to match his passing-game production from 2025, he should at least be a strong weekly RB3/flex option for his pass-catching prowess, and he could be busy right away in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals in a game that could force the Bucs to pass more than they would like.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Sam Darnold Receives "Really, Really Good News"
Updating an ongoing story, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (hip) received "really, really good" news on the right-hip injury that forced him from Wednesday's season-opening win over the New England Patriots, head coach Mike Macdonald said on Thursday after Darnold had an MRI exam. ESPN's Adam Schefter and the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport both reported that Darnold is expected to miss the Week 2 contest against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals, but there is a chance he will be ready to return for Week 3 against the Washington Commanders on Sept. 27. "The hip is intact, and it's good," Macdonald said. "It's more of a muscle thing. So that's good news." After the 29-year-old left following the first drive of the game, backup Drew Lock entered and led the Seahawks to a come-from-behind win. Lock should be expected to make his first start of 2026 in Week 2 against the Cardinals, where he will be a low-end QB2 streamer in superflex leagues. Because Darnold dodged a bullet and could only miss one game, fantasy managers should hold him if they have him rostered.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Ted Hurst III Continues to Ascend in Bucs' Offense
Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst III has proved that "nothing is too big for him right now," and that he has "continued to ascend" week after week, according to Buccaneers.com's Scott Smith. The 22-year-old third-rounder from Georgia State will open his first year in the NFL as the No. 4 wideout on the Bucs' depth chart behind Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan, but that does not mean that fantasy managers should be ignoring him. Egbuka and McMillan were both held out of practice late in training camp with injuries, so if they are at all limited this Sunday in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hurst could make some noise right out of the gate that could lead to interest on the waiver wire in deeper fantasy leagues. Right now, Hurst is only rostered in 1% of Yahoo leagues, but an injury to Tampa's WR corps could change that in a hurry. He is one of the better young upside stashes at the position if you have room on your bench in deeper formats.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Chris Godwin Jr. Receives Praise From his QB
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield said on Thursday that wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. "looks like the best version" of himself that he has seen yet, according to Scott Smith of the team's official website. Even with future Hall of Famer Mike Evans moving to San Francisco this offseason in free agency, Godwin, 30, was not a sexy pick in fantasy football drafts. The former third-rounder in 2017 from Penn State has only played in 16 combined games in the last two years due to injuries. However, when healthy, he will continue to be a key target for Mayfield in a new-look offense led by coordinator Zac Robinson. Godwin averaged just 10.9 yards per catch and had two touchdowns in nine games in 2025, but he has four 1,000-yard seasons in his career and could be in for a rebound in 2026 if he can stay on the field. His Week 1 outlook against the Cincinnati Bengals is strong, even with Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee) looking likely to suit up after dealing with injuries at the end of training camp. In PPR leagues especially, Godwin could be a sneaky WR3/flex this year with excellent chemistry with Mayfield.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Josh Jacobs Remains on Commissioner's Exempt List
The NFL issued a statement on Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs on Thursday after he pleaded no contest in court to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property, according to Mark Maske of Front Office Sports. "We have been closely monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the personal conduct policy. There is no change to his status as he remains on the Commissioner's Exempt list." The NFL will continue to investigate Jacobs, but until his legal process plays out, we might not have a clear picture of how much time he will miss. For now, the 28-year-old will stay on the exempt list and will not be eligible to play in Week 1 this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. He should remain stashed in all fantasy football leagues in the meantime, with MarShawn Lloyd the favorite for RB1 duties in Green Bay for as long as he remains out. Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks should also work in change-of-pace roles, but Lloyd should have the most fantasy upside as an explosive runner out of the backfield. He is currently rostered in 89% of Yahoo leagues and should be started in all leagues in the season opener against Minnesota.
Source: Front Office Sports - Mark Maske
Source: Front Office Sports - Mark Maske
Tua Tagovailoa Suffers Discomfort During Throwing Drills on Thursday
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa appeared to suffer discomfort during individual throwing drills during Thursday's practice and briefly went to the ground, according to Josh Kendall of The Athletic. It is unclear exactly what Tagovailoa is dealing with or if it will prevent him from making the start in Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he did miss the first week of training camp due to lower-back spasms. Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is still recovering from a partially torn ACL late last season and will not be ready for the 2026 season opener, which is why Tagovailoa was named as the starter to open the year. If Tagovailoa's injury keeps him from playing this weekend, either Cooper Rush or Jack Strand could be forced into action against Pittsburgh on Sunday. Tagovailoa only has short-term, deep-league appeal in two-QB formats as the starter to begin the season, but the full expectation is that Penix will take over once he is cleared to come back from his knee injury. If active in Week 1, Tagovailoa will merely be a low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in deep superflex leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
Source: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
Kenyon Sadiq Has Integrated Himself into the Offense
New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq (groin) was an early training camp standout before complications related to offseason hernia surgery caused him to miss significant time, but he was a full participant during Wednesday's practice, and offensive coordinator Frank Reich told reporters on Thursday that he has integrated himself well into the offense. Sadiq was the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after turning in a historic Combine performance, and he finds himself in a Jets offense well-equipped to take advantage of his dynamic skill set. Reich's offenses have historically featured the tight end position, and the Jets are in need of a secondary pass-catching option behind Garrett Wilson, who led the team with 395 receiving yards in 2025 despite missing 10 games. With Sadiq's injury causing him to go undrafted in many redraft leagues, he profiles as a potential waiver add before Sunday's season opener against the Titans.
Source: Nick Faria
Source: Nick Faria
49ers D/ST Faces Serious Challenge In Week 1
The San Francisco 49ers' defense is tasked with a tough job in their season opener. On Thursday night, San Francisco faces the Los Angeles Rams, whose offense led the league in points per game (30.0) and yards per game (397.0) last season. In 2025, San Francisco had one of the worst pass rushes in the NFL and recorded the fewest sacks in the league (20). Turnovers were also hard to come by, with San Francisco being near the bottom of the league with just six interceptions and not getting their first until Week 8. The 49ers lost defensive lineman Alfred Collins (knee) for the season after the second-year player tore his patellar tendon in practice earlier this week. Potential fill-in James Thompson Jr. (hamstring) is listed as questionable. San Francisco did not do much to improve their defense in the offseason and is one of the lowest-ranked units in RotoBaller's Week 1 projections. They should not be rostered at this point.
Source: 49ers.com
Source: 49ers.com
Eddy Pineiro A Top-12 Kicking Option For Week 1
San Francisco 49ers kicker Eddy Pineiro is ready for his second season with the team. Last year, Pineiro took over the position from Jake Moody after the latter missed three kicks (including two extra points) in last year's season opener. Pineiro went on to be one of the most effective kickers in fantasy football based on fantasy points per game. Not previously known for having a powerful leg, Pineiro went 6-for-7 from beyond 50 yards and was 10-for-10 on field goals between 40 and 49 yards long in 2025. In Week 1, San Francisco opens the season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne. The Rams have one of the league's top-rated defenses, but even if they slow down the 49ers, Kyle Shanahan's dynamic offense should still be able to move the ball into field goal range and set Pineiro up for some scores. Pineiro is 12th overall at his position in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings and can be safely started.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
George Kittle Cleared, Still A Risky Play For Week 1
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) beat the usual recovery timeline for the Achilles tear he suffered in January and will be active for the team's season opener on Thursday night. Despite being limited in practices this week, he carries no injury designation heading into the Week 1 matchup against the Rams in Melbourne. In Kittle's only game against Los Angeles in 2025, he caught nine passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. Fantasy managers should not expect the same production for Week 1, as the tight end can be expected to be on a pitch count, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. With the additions to the 49ers' receiving room in Mike Evans, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Deebo Samuel Sr., Brock Purdy has plenty of options to throw to. Kittle ranks as RotoBaller's TE8 this week, but his usual ceiling will be hard to reach in light of the circumstances around him.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Malik Nabers "On Track" to Play Sunday Night
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) was a full participant during Wednesday's practice, and NFL Insider Adam Schefter told Pat McAfee on Thursday that he is on track to play Sunday night when the Giants open the season at home against the Dallas Cowboys. The sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Nabers broke the franchise record with 109 receptions as a rookie before tearing his ACL in only the fourth game of his sophomore season, the first career start of 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart. Following a lengthy rehab that had his early-season availability in question for much of the summer, Nabers appears to be trending in the right direction and could begin the year on the right foot in what projects as one of the highest-scoring contests of Week 1.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
De'Zhaun Stribling WR3 On Depth Chart Ahead Of Week 1
San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling was selected at the top of the second round in the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite his outstanding preseason, he will begin the regular season behind veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. on the 49ers' depth chart. Stribling can be expected to work into games as the 49ers' primary slot receiver, according to beat writer Matt Barrows of The Athletic. San Francisco opens the season against the Rams, who added cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in the offseason. With that pair likely assigned to keep Evans and Samuel in check, and tight end George Kittle (Achilles) on a pitch count, it is possible that Stribling takes advantage and sees a handful of targets in his regular-season debut. The uncertainty of his role and workload this early in the season calls for fantasy managers to exercise caution, however, and keep the rookie on the bench. Stribling ranks as a WR5 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings.
Source: San Francisco 49ers
Source: San Francisco 49ers
Jeremiyah Love Expected to Play Sunday
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice, but NFL Insider Adam Schefter suggested that he's expected to play in Sunday's season opener against the Chargers. Love injured his ankle in a preseason game against the Raiders in which he was given 14 opportunities, but he has since made steady progress, and his presence on Wednesday is an encouraging sign for his Week 1 availability. The third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Love has the highest Offensive Rookie of the Year odds and is expected to quickly become a focal point of the Cardinals' new-look offense under head coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his progress throughout the week, and while the potential of a limited snap count still exists to begin the year, Love is trending in the right direction.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Deebo Samuel Sr. Draws Tough Matchup In First Game Back With 49ers
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. is back with his former team after spending 2025 with the Washington Commanders. Samuel played with the 49ers from 2019 to 2024, during which time he averaged 55.7 receptions and 798.7 receiving yards per season. The team lists the 30-year-old receiver as starting opposite Mike Evans on their depth chart to start the season. Samuel will be competing not only with Evans for targets, but also rookie De'Zhaun Stribling and safety valve Christian McCaffrey. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is expected to be on a pitch count in Week 1, which might afford Samuel some extra looks. In Week 1, Samuel will likely face off against cornerback Trent McDuffie, who has held the receiver in check in their past meetings. Samuel ranks as a borderline WR4/5 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings. Given the matchup and competition for targets, Samuel is a risky play in the first week of the season.
Source: San Francisco 49ers
Source: San Francisco 49ers
Mike Evans Could Emerge As 49ers' Top Target In Week 1
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans will make his team debut on Thursday in the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams. Evans is listed as the team's WR1, working opposite Deebo Samuel Sr. and rookie De'Zhaun Stribling. Tight end George Kittle (Achilles) is expected to be on a pitch count for Week 1, which will likely keep Evans more involved. Evans' 6-foot-5, 231-pound frame might make him an attractive target for Brock Purdy against Rams' cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. Evans was limited throughout the preseason while managing quad and groin injuries, but downplayed the severity in a press conference this week and said that they would not have cost him game time. Evans projects as a borderline WR2/3 in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings. He is a safe start in most leagues and should definitely be in the lineup in leagues that start three wide receivers.
Source: Dylan Grausz - NBC Sports Bay Area
Source: Dylan Grausz - NBC Sports Bay Area
