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Geno Smith Won't Play in Preseason Opener Due to Foot Soreness
New York Jets veteran quarterback Geno Smith (foot) will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers due to foot soreness, a source told Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. The Jets are not concerned about the injury, though, and if it were a regular-season game, Smith would be a go. Depending on how Smith recovers in the next week, he could be active for the second preseason contest next Friday, Aug. 21, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the 35-year-old now sitting out on Friday, rookie Cade Klubnik, Brady Cook, and Bailey Zappe will split the reps under center for the Jets. Smith flopped last year in his lone season with the Las Vegas Raiders, throwing for 3,025 yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-high 17 interceptions in 15 starts while being benched late in the year. He has more intriguing offensive weapons to work with in New York than he did in Vegas, but at best, Smith will probably be no better than a potential QB2 bounce-back candidate in superflex fantasy formats.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Sam Darnold Won't Play in Preseason Opener Against Dallas
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that quarterback Sam Darnold will not play in the team's preseason opener on Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys, according to FOX 13 Seattle's Curtis Crabtree. Backup QBs Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe will likely rotate series instead of handing off. Darnold surprised everyone by winning the Super Bowl over the New England Patriots in his first year in Seattle in 2025. The 29-year-old former third overall pick from USC in 2018 has been a Pro Bowler in back-to-back seasons now as a late-bloomer in the NFL, and he's thrown for over 4,000 yards with an even 60 touchdowns and 26 interceptions in 34 regular-season starts with the Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings. Darnold has arguably one of the top receivers in the game to work with in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, but his strong season in 2025 with Seattle culminated in only a QB13 finish in fantasy. He's now learning a new offense and doesn't have star RB Kenneth Walker around in the backfield, which screams regression. Darnold might have a solid QB2 floor in fantasy, but he's merely a bench stash in single-QB, 12-team leagues.
Source: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree
Source: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree
Jadarian Price "On the Mend," Won't Play on Saturday
Seattle Seahawks rookie first-round running back Jadarian Price (lower body) will not play in the team's preseason opener on Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys, according to Curtis Crabtree of FOX 13 Seattle. "He's on the mend," head coach Mike Macdonald said. Price has been slowly returned to training camp practice after dealing with lower-body soreness in the last week. With Zach Charbonnet (knee) already not expected to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 season, the Seahawks are understandably playing it safe with their new first-round investment in the backfield. Price was listed as the RB2 behind George Holani on the first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, but if healthy, he's expected to have a significant role early in his rookie season as Charbonnet continues to rehab. He has a bright NFL future long-term, but fantasy managers need to temper expectations early on in what is shaping up to be a committee backfield, making Price an RB3/flex target in upcoming drafts, at best.
Source: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree
Source: FOX 13 Seattle - Curtis Crabtree
Tua Tagovailoa has "Inside Track" on Starting QB Job
The Atlanta Falcons have yet to name a starting quarterback ahead of Friday night's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says that Tua Tagovailoa has an "inside track" on the starting gig. Tagovailoa is the obvious favorite to eventually be named the Falcons' Week 1 starter under center, primarily because Michael Penix Jr. (knee) has yet to be cleared for team drills in training camp after suffering a partially torn ACL in his knee in Week 11 of last year. As long as Tagovailoa stays healthy through the preseason and doesn't totally flop, he should enter his first year in Atlanta as the starter over the rehabbing Penix. However, with that said, that won't suddenly make him a super popular QB2 target in superflex leagues, as there's still plenty of injury risk with the former first-rounder, and the Falcons will likely have a short leash on him if he struggles. Head coach Kevin Stefanski may wait until after the preseason and for Penix to get a fair shake before making an official announcement. At RotoBaller, Tagovailoa is ranked as the QB30, one spot behind Raiders' rookie Fernando Mendoza.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Seth McGowan Quiet in First Opportunity as a Preseason Starter
Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Seth McGowan started in Thursday's 13-13 preseason opening tie against the New England Patriots. With lead running back Jonathan Taylor held out, McGowan only racked up 17 yards on his five carries and lost a fumble. McGowan was unable to capitalize on this early opportunity to solidify himself as the team's RB2, as fellow running back DJ Giddens (hamstring) was held out of the game due to injury. Deep Dynasty managers should continue to hold out hope for McGowan as the young rookie develops and gains more experience next week against the Atlanta Falcons. If McGowan can earn that RB2 role, he could also be a valuable handcuff for Taylor managers in redraft leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Terry McLaurin Not Playing on Friday Night
Washington Commanders wide receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs will be on the sideline for Friday night's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, per The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala. The Commanders are also resting quarterback Jayden Daniels and most of their other key offensive starters. It remains to be seen if McLaurin and Diggs will be allowed to suit up for the team's second preseason game next Saturday against the Detroit Lions. The 30-year-old veteran had the worst season of his career in 2025, catching 38 passes on 60 targets for 582 yards and only three touchdowns in 10 starts. It wasn't all his fault, though, as he missed time with injury and was mostly working with backup QB Marcus Mariota when he was healthy. The former third-rounder in 2019 from Ohio State should benefit from the recent addition of Diggs as a prime bounce-back candidate with WR2 upside if both he and Daniels can stay on the field together. Before last year, the two-time Pro Bowler had five straight 1,000-yard seasons and a career-high 13 touchdown receptions in 2024.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Jayden Daniels Not Playing in Friday's Preseason Opener
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will not play in the team's preseason opener on Friday night against the Miami Dolphins, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. The Commanders will hold out their key starters on Friday, which also includes receivers Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, running backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White, and tight end Chig Okonkwo. It remains to be seen if Washington will roll Daniels and the starting unit out there for their second preseason tilt next Saturday against the Detroit Lions. The 25-year-old has recently been in the headlines over a dispute with his alma mater at LSU, but that shouldn't distract fantasy managers from the fact that Daniels has top-five fantasy upside at the QB position in 2026 if he can stay healthy. The former second overall pick was unable to do that last year, starting just seven games and throwing for 1,262 yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. Daniels became a bit more interesting as a high-end bounce-back candidate when the Commanders added Diggs to the fold to give McLaurin help in the passing game.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Riley Leonard Stumbles in Preseason Opener
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard started the second half of the Colts' preseason opener against the New England Patriots and completed 10 of 21 passes for 89 yards. Leonard also managed to eke out 12 yards on the ground from two rushing attempts. The sophomore quarterback out of Notre Dame threw one interception early in the third quarter while under pressure from a collapsing pocket, but eventually found his rhythm. Leonard seems to be playing for the third position on the Colts' quarterback depth chart behind Anthony Richardson Sr. and ahead of Easton Stick. He has another chance next week against the Atlanta Falcons to demonstrate progress and improve his efficiency in the air.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bills Defensive Tackle Phidarian Mathis Suspended Three Games
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis has been suspended for the first three games of the 2026 season for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. The suspension stems from an alcohol-related incident that occurred in the spring of last year. Mathis, a former second-round pick in 2022 by the Washington Commanders from the University of Alabama, was with the New York Jets at the time of the incident. It will not help the 28-year-old's cause as he competes with DeWayne Carter for one of the final spots on the roster on the Bills' defensive line this summer. Mathis will be eligible to play in the preseason and will be eligible for reinstatement on Sept. 28. He played in six regular-season games in Buffalo last year and one of their playoff contests.
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Source: ESPN.com - Alaina Getzenberg
Anthony Richardson Sr. The Early Favorite for Backup Spot?
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. had moderate success in the air and on the ground during Thursday's preseason opener 13-13 tie to the New England Patriots. As the Colts' starter with Daniel Jones (Achilles) on the mend, Richardson Sr. completed 11 of his 14 attempts for 145 yards. He also reminded fans of his dual-threat abilities and tallied 53 yards on the ground off his six carries, scoring one rushing touchdown from the goal line. However, in Richardson Sr.'s first and only half of play, he threw one interception and lost a fumble. The Colts' 2023 first-round pick will have another opportunity next week against the Atlanta Falcons to improve his ball security and try to earn the backup role behind veteran quarterback Daniel Jones.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kayshon Boutte Plays With Backups, Not Targeted in Preseason Opener
The New England Patriots held out their offensive starters in Thursday night's preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts, but wide receiver Kayshon Boutte played 16 snaps on offense. Boutte wasn't targeted at all by quarterback Tommy DeVito in the 13-13 tie against Indy. Quarterback Drake Maye and starting receivers A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas were in street clothes, with Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism getting reps with the backup offense. The 24-year-old Boutte, who was a sixth-round pick in 2023 from LSU, had a career-high six touchdowns in 14 regular-season games last year, but otherwise he failed to stand out for fantasy purposes, catching 33 of 46 targets for 551 yards in his third year in the league. The offseason additions of Brown and Doubs officially put Boutte off the fantasy football radar in all single-year leagues and make him a potential trade candidate before Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Boutte likely needs an injury or two in New England to become interesting again or a trade out of town.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Dorance Armstrong Suspended One Game
Washington Commanders defensive end Dorance Armstrong has been suspended one game for violating the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, according to Adam Schefter. The reason for the discipline was not included in the initial report. Armstrong is coming off a torn ACL suffered against Dallas in Week 7 last season, cutting short what had been a strong year for the veteran pass rusher. He finished with 5.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits in only seven games, and his sack total still led Washington for the season. Armstrong opened training camp on the Active/PUP list but passed his physical and returned to the active roster on Aug. 7. Washington added Odafe Oweh and K'Lavon Chaisson during the offseason, and Armstrong is currently listed behind Chaisson on the team's first unofficial depth chart. After missing most of last season because of the knee injury, Armstrong will now also have to sit out one regular-season game.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
David Njoku Hard to Trust in Crowded Tight End Room
Los Angeles Chargers tight end David Njoku landed with a much better quarterback this offseason, but the fantasy setup around him is a lot less comfortable. Njoku caught 33 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games for Cleveland last season, well below the 81-882-6 line he posted in 2023. Justin Herbert gives him a chance to rebound, especially near the goal line, where 26 of Njoku's 34 career touchdowns have come. The problem is finding enough work between the 20s. Oronde Gadsden II is coming off a 49-catch, 664-yard rookie season, Charlie Kolar was added in free agency, and the Chargers' first unofficial depth chart lists all three with an OR designation at tight end. Njoku has flashed in the red zone during camp, but there still isn't much separation in this group. RotoBaller has him at TE33 in half-PPR. The quarterback upgrade is real, but without a clearer route and target advantage, Njoku looks more like a touchdown-dependent TE3 than someone to trust in standard redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colts Coach Brian Mason Tears Several Knee Ligaments
Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator Brian Mason suffered multiple torn ligaments in his knee after being rolled up on during Thursday night's preseason game against the New England Patriots, according to Joel A. Erickson. The injury happened on the final play of the 13-13 tie, when two players engaged near the sideline ran into Mason. Head coach Shane Steichen said after the game that Mason was being evaluated for a knee injury, and Erickson reported Friday that the damage includes multiple torn ligaments. Mason is entering his fourth season as Indianapolis' special teams coordinator and has been with Shane Steichen's staff since 2023. There has been no reported timetable for Mason's recovery, and the Colts have not announced whether the injury will keep him away from the team once practices resume.
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Josh Jacobs Could Return to Practice Late Next Week
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (groin) could return to practice late next week. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that Jacobs could "potentially" get back on the field during the upcoming week, according to Rob Demovsky, but added that it would not be until later in the week. Jacobs has been out since Aug. 6 with the groin injury and was already ruled out for this week's practices. He is coming off a 2025 season in which he rushed 234 times for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games, while adding 36 catches for 282 yards and another score. Green Bay has been able to give MarShawn Lloyd extended first-team work while Jacobs is sidelined, but there has been no indication that Jacobs' lead role is in question. LaFleur's latest comments are encouraging, though his wording still leaves some uncertainty. Jacobs does not have a firm return date yet.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
