RADIO
Tucker Kraft Not on the Week 1 Injury Report
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) is not listed on the team's Week 1 injury report as they get set to take on the division-rival Minnesota Vikings this Sunday, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Kraft is ready to roll for the season opener after suffering a season-ending torn ACL last year. There were some reports during training camp this summer that suggested that Kraft could be on a snap count early in the 2026 season, but since he has been practicing in full pads for weeks, that seems unlikely. The 25-year-old former third-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft from South Dakota State was among the best at his position last year before getting hurt, catching 32 of his 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games played, and despite coming off a serious knee injury, he is expected to be a top-five option at the TE position in 2026, especially with Packers receivers Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks no longer in town. Start Kraft with confidence in Week 1 against the Vikings.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Ashton Jeanty Practices in Full on Wednesday
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) was listed as a full participant in the team's first official practice report of the year, according to Anthony Galaviz of The Fresno Bee. Jeanty suffered an ankle injury on Aug. 23 in training camp and was up in the air to suit up for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Miami Dolphins. However, his return to a full practice on Wednesday should ensure that he will be active to kick off the 2026 season this weekend against Miami, so fantasy managers should leave him in their starting lineups everywhere. The Boise State product could be a little more boom/bust for fantasy managers if his snaps are limited coming off his ankle injury, especially since the Raiders have been talking up rookie Mike Washington Jr. as a backfield complement after his impressive training camp. At worst, though, Jeanty should be considered an RB2 this weekend against the Dolphins after he had over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns as a rookie for a bad Raiders offense in 2025.
Source: The Fresno Bee - Anthony Galaviz
Source: The Fresno Bee - Anthony Galaviz
Jeremiyah Love to Practice Wednesday, Still TBD for Week 1
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said that rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) will practice on Wednesday, and he expects him to not be limited, according to Darren Urban of the team's official website. Love's game status for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers depends on how he looks this week in practice. If Love is a full-go in the first official practice of the week for Arizona, we would expect him to make his regular-season NFL debut against the Chargers. The Notre Dame product is trending towards being active this weekend, but that does not mean he will lead the Cardinals' backfield in his first game. Veteran Tyler Allgeier was listed as the team's RB1 on their first unofficial depth chart and seems primed to handle at least the early-down role on Sunday against the Bolts, making Love an easy fade in DFS lineups. In traditional fantasy leagues, Love should be considered more of a shaky low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex if he is fully cleared later this week. Stay tuned for the Cardinals' official practice statuses through Friday.
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Adonai Mitchell Carries Breakout Potential into 2026
Entering his first full season with the New York Jets, wide receiver Adonai Mitchell looks to be well-positioned to put together his most productive campaign. After being acquired by the Jets from the Indianapolis Colts at the 2025 trade deadline, Mitchell recorded 24 catches for 301 yards and two touchdowns on 58 targets across eight games. While the 23-year-old's per-target efficiency wasn't spectacular, it's important to remember that he was saddled with some of the worst quarterback play in the NFL down the stretch of the year. Entering 2026, New York's passing game should at least have a bit more stability under veteran signal-caller Geno Smith. Mitchell also appears to be firmly entrenched as the Jets' WR2 alongside star WR1 Garrett Wilson, at least to begin the year. Given his lack of an established track record and the Jets' overall offensive question marks, Mitchell's profile is not without risk for fantasy managers. However, he may still be worth targeting as an early-season stash candidate just in case he has a breakout year in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juwan Johnson Primed for Early-Season Target Volume in New Orleans
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson put together the most productive season of his career in 2025, recording 77 catches for 889 yards and three touchdowns on 102 targets across 17 games. Alongside star Saints wideout Chris Olave, Johnson spent much of the year as the clear second option in the New Orleans passing game. With Saints rookie first-round wideout Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) on Injured Reserve to begin the year, Johnson appears to be in a similar situation in New Orleans to open 2026. Across his final 11 games of 2025, Johnson topped double-digit PPR fantasy points seven times. For as long as Tyson remains sidelined, Johnson carries top-12 fantasy tight end upside and should likely be rostered across most league formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terrance Ferguson Well-Positioned for a Second-Year Breakout in 2026?
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson recorded 11 catches for 231 yards and three touchdowns on 25 targets across 14 games (three starts) as a rookie last season. While the 23-year-old flashed high-end talent, the depth of the Rams tight end room prevented him from playing a high-volume role. Entering 2026, Los Angeles once again fields a deep tight end room that features veterans Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, and Davis Allen as well as rookie second-rounder Max Klare. However, Ferguson reportedly had a strong camp and profiles as the team's highest-upside receiving option at tight end. If he can work his way into consistent playing time this season, Ferguson has the talent to be a breakout candidate. In deeper league formats, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Ferguson through the early portion of the year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Douglas Could Be Poised for Heavy Usage in Miami
A third-round pick out of Texas Tech in the 2026 NFL Draft, Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas could have a chance to play a significant role in his team's offense right away. The Dolphins appear to have plenty of targets and playing time available on the outside, as underwhelming veterans Jalen Tolbert and Malik Washington are the team's most experienced wide receivers. Douglas also drew positive reviews for his work in training camp and then saw minimal usage throughout the preseason, which could indicate that the team is planning to feature him heavily once the regular season begins. The Dolphins' passing game has plenty of question marks to open the year in quarterback Malik Willis' first season as the team's starter, so fantasy managers may not want to rely on Douglas for immediate production. Still, Douglas' season-long upside makes him a worthy stash target going into Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Mayer a Top Tight End Streamer Following Injury to Teammate
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer's pass-catching production has been limited over the past two seasons thanks to the presence of superstar Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee). However, the Raiders announced on Wednesday that Bowers recently had a meniscus trim and is now expected to miss the first one or two games of 2026. As a result, Mayer should operate as the Raiders' TE1 to begin the year. Across the four games he played in 2025 when Bowers was sidelined by injury, Mayer recorded 18 catches for 196 yards and a touchdown on 24 targets. The Raiders should have a more stable offensive environment in 2026 with Kirk Cousins at quarterback and Klint Kubiak calling plays. Ahead of a relatively favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, Mayer could be a worthy tight end streamer for fantasy managers to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brock Bowers to Miss "a Game or Two" After Meniscus Trim
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) underwent a meniscus trim on Tuesday and is now expected to miss "a game or two," per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter reports that Bowers got banged up "a little" in training camp and that the surgery was scheduled last week. While the initial return timeline for Bowers sounds relatively positive, this surprise surgery is still a worrying development for fantasy managers. The star tight end's 2025 production was down across the board after he suffered a PCL sprain in his left knee in Week 1. Bowers attempted to play through the injury for much of the season before eventually being placed on Injured Reserve in December. It appears the Raiders are being a bit more proactive this time around, which could help Bowers get back to full strength more quickly. Still, fantasy managers may want to downgrade their expectations for his production, at least initially upon his return. With Bowers sidelined, Raiders tight end Michael Mayer will likely play a larger role in the Las Vegas passing game.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Devaughn Vele Could Grab the No. 2 Job Early
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele has a real early-season opening with rookie Jordyn Tyson on injured reserve. Vele is listed with the first-team offense, and there is at least some evidence he can make use of the extra work. After Rashid Shaheed was traded last season, Vele caught 20 passes for 254 yards and a touchdown on 29 targets over his final five games before a shoulder injury ended his year. That stretch matters more than the full-season line of 25 catches for 293 yards. Chris Olave is still the clear top receiver, while Barion Brown and Juwan Johnson will compete for targets too, so calling Vele the automatic No. 2 option would go too far. The opportunity is there, though. Tyson must miss at least four games, and Vele already showed late last season that his production can climb when the Saints give him more to do. He has a chance to turn this early window into a much steadier fantasy role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Nabers Is "Ready to Go," But "We'll See Sunday Night"
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) practiced in full Wednesday, another significant step in his return from last season's torn ACL. Head coach John Harbaugh said afterward, "I think he's ready to go," according to Art Stapleton, but stopped short of confirming Nabers will play Sunday night against Dallas. Harbaugh indicated that competitive advantage is part of the reason for keeping the final call open and said the Giants will see how Nabers responds as the week goes on. Nabers played four games last season before the injury, catching 18 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. He has steadily increased his workload over the past few weeks, and Wednesday was his first full practice of game week. The Giants are still leaving the final decision for Sunday.
Source: Art Stapleton
Source: Art Stapleton
Jonathon Brooks Expected to Play Against Chicago
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) is expected to play in Sunday's season opener against Chicago. Brooks was back in uniform and pads at Wednesday's practice after spending recent sessions working off to the side with trainers because of general soreness, although he was officially a limited participant. After practice, head coach Dave Canales said he is "very confident" Brooks will play, according to Joe Person. That's a significant step forward after Canales was taking Brooks' status day by day earlier in the week. The third-year back missed all of 2025 following his second right ACL tear but returned this summer and played in two preseason games. Carolina has never connected the recent soreness to a specific body part. With Brooks back in pads and Canales sounding confident afterward, he appears set to join Chuba Hubbard in the Panthers' backfield against the Bears.
Source: Joe Person
Source: Joe Person
Malik Washington Gets His Shot in Miami's Starting Lineup
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington enters 2026 with a much better opportunity than he had a year ago. Miami's current depth chart lists him with the first-team offense alongside Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, giving Washington a real chance to turn a part-time role into something more useful for fantasy. He caught 46 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns last season and also added 110 rushing yards and another score on 17 carries. The receiving efficiency was modest, but the situation around him has changed. Washington also built some chemistry with new starting quarterback Malik Willis during camp, including multiple downfield connections and a late-camp touchdown. Being listed with the starters doesn't guarantee a big target share, especially with Douglas and Bell both pushing for work. Still, Washington has moved from rotational depth into a legitimate starting opportunity. If the routes and targets follow, his fantasy value could rise quickly.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dalton Kincaid Could Become a League-Winner With More Snaps
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid might finally get the playing time fantasy managers have been waiting for. Kincaid caught 39 passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns in only 12 games last season despite spending much of the year in a part-time role. His efficiency was among the best at the position whenever he actually ran routes. Now there is belief around Buffalo that Kincaid could push into the 60% to 65% snap range after going through his healthiest training camp in years. He looked the part this summer too, repeatedly finding the end zone with Josh Allen and earning praise for both his receiving work and improvement as a blocker. Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes are still involved, so the increased workload isn't guaranteed. That's really the only thing holding this back. Kincaid has already shown what he can do with limited opportunities. If Buffalo finally keeps him on the field consistently, he has the kind of ceiling that can swing fantasy leagues at tight end.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malachi Fields Is Becoming Harder to Keep Off the Field
New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields was already making a push before Darius Slayton was released, and that move only makes the rookie more interesting. Fields impressed throughout the summer and caught all three of his preseason targets for 34 yards and a touchdown, while also getting work with the first-team offense. Slayton had fallen behind by the end of camp, so his departure shouldn't be treated as the only reason Fields has a chance here. It does leave New York with just four receivers on the active roster. Malik Nabers and Darnell Mooney are still listed as the starters, with Fields behind Nabers on the current depth chart, but the third-round pick is getting increasingly difficult to leave out of the offensive plans. He still has to show he can earn regular-season targets before becoming a weekly fantasy option. The opportunity is opening quickly, though, and Fields looks much closer to a meaningful role than he did when camp began.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
