RADIO
Ashton Jeanty Will Practice on Wednesday
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said that second-year running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) will practice on Wednesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Jeanty's Week 1 status against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday has been somewhat up in the air since he sustained a low-ankle sprain in a preseason game on Aug. 23, but the Raiders have maintained optimism that he will play all along, and his presence at practice (even if limited) is a good sign. If healthy in 2026, the 22-year-old former sixth overall pick from Boise State should be at least a strong RB2 for fantasy managers in a Raiders offense that is expected to be more consistent under Kubiak. In his first NFL campaign in 2025, Jeanty had 1,321 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns (five rushing, five receiving) in 17 starts. Jeanty could be a bit more volatile for fantasy managers in the Week 1 season opener this year if he is at less than 100 percent, especially with rookie backup Mike Washington Jr. gaining some steam after a strong training camp this summer.
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Source: ESPN.com - Ryan McFadden
Legend Glasker Looks to Keep Rolling Despite Tougher Week 2 Test
BYU wide receiver Legend Glasker made the most of his limited opportunities in Week 1, and is hoping to keep rolling in Week 2 against Arizona. Against Utah Tech last week, Glasker caught just three passes, but went for 65 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also got two rushing attempts, gaining 16 yards and scoring another touchdown. Arizona will be a stiffer challenge for the BYU wideout and offense. The Wildcats toppled Northern Arizona last week, with Arizona only allowing 193 total yards of offense. The Cougars are a much more talented offense, and that leaves Glasker with a solid fantasy outlook still. Expect the wideout to be heavily involved for a second straight week, which means he should be starting in more fantasy leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tee Higgins on Track to Play in Week 1
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said on Wednesday that he likes the pace that wide receiver Tee Higgins (heel) is on and feels good about him playing in Week 1 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday, Sept. 13, according to BengalsTalk.com's Jay Morrison. The Bengals announced last week that Higgins has been dealing with a bruised heel, but it is a minor injury and should not impact his availability or snap count in the regular-season opener this weekend. In addition to Higgins, quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to have top receiver Ja'Marr Chase (knee) available against the Bucs after hyperextending his knee a few weeks ago in a training camp practice. Even though he is in the shadow of Chase, the consensus No. 1 overall fantasy WR, Higgins has WR1 upside on any given week in Cincy's explosive passing offense. The Bengals could ease Higgins into practice this week and keep him limited on Wednesday, but that should not concern fantasy managers whatsoever.
Source: BengalsTalk.com - Jay Morrison
Source: BengalsTalk.com - Jay Morrison
Kewan Lacy Questionable for Week 2
Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy (leg) is viewed as questionable to play in Week 2 against Charlotte. Lacy was injured during the team's tight win over Louisville in Week 1. Lacy went for 61 rushing yards and a touchdown across 17 carries, while adding in 19 receiving yards on four receptions. The injury is not viewed as a long-term one, and if Lacy were to miss Week 2, it's more a precautionary move to have the star RB ready to go for Week 3 against LSU. With Lacy battling the injury in Week 1, it was Makhi Frazier and JT Lindsey who picked up the slack, getting seven rushing attempts each. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was second on the team with nine rushing attempts. The matchup against Charlotte this weekend is one the Rebels should dominate, so Lacy shouldn't be needed, and that might lead to the team resting him, so fantasy owners might need to replace the back for Week 2.
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Source: Pete Nakos - On3
Bengals Feel Good About Ja'Marr Chase Playing in Week 1
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said he likes the pace that wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (knee) is on and feels good about him playing in Week 1 on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Jay Morrison of BengalsTalk.com. Chase suffered a hyperextended left knee late in a training camp practice, but he has recovered nicely with some rest and is fully expected to suit up and be a full-go in the regular-season opener this weekend against Tampa. Fellow wideout Tee Higgins (heel), who has been dealing with a minor heel injury, should be a full-go as well, so quarterback Joe Burrow's fantasy managers should have nothing to worry about to open the 2026 campaign. Chase was the first receiver off the board in most fantasy football drafts this summer, and he should be locked into all starting lineups for this weekend's game against the Bucs. The Bengals could list Chase as limited in Wednesday's practice, but that should not set off alarm bells for fantasy managers. Until further notice, Chase is expected to play in Week 1.
Source: BengalsTalk.com - Jay Morrison
Source: BengalsTalk.com - Jay Morrison
Vernell Brown III Poised for Big Showing in Favorable Week 2 Matchup
Florida wide receiver Vernell Brown III posted a strong performance in Week 1, and is set up for more success in a favorable matchup against Campbell in Week 2. Brown had six catches in the team's season-opening win over Florida Atlantic, going for 117 yards and a touchdown; the wideout also had a 14-yard rush on his lone attempt. Campbell is 2-0, but defeated East Tennessee State and Western Carolina, so Florida will pose a much tougher test. The Fighting Camels allowed 37 points and 528 yards against East Tennessee State, with 373 of those yards through the air. Campbell gave up 19 points and 327 yards against Western Carolina, with all but one of those yards coming through the air. That sets Brown up for a possible big showing in Week 2, so fantasy owners should be confident starting him this week.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kaleb Johnson Could Play a Role in Week 1 Against Vikings
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson, who was acquired in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers during training camp to help with RB depth in light of the Josh Jacobs (personal) situation, could be a factor immediately in the Week 1 season opener this Sunday versus the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. "Yes. He's done a nice job. It does help there was some carryover not only from when he was at Iowa with Tim Lester but also having Arthur Smith in Pittsburgh," head coach Matt LaFleur said when asked if Johnson could help this weekend. The 23-year-old from Iowa had a forgettable rookie year in the Steel City in 2025, carrying the ball only 28 times for 69 yards in 10 regular-season games. Now in Green Bay, Johnson has some interesting short-term fantasy value in deeper leagues with Jacobs out for Week 1 and potentially facing an early-season suspension. MarShawn Lloyd is expected to see most of the backfield work out of the gate, but he has only played in one NFL game due to injuries. We are not recommending Johnson as a starting fantasy option in Week 1, but he is worth a waiver-wire flier if you have Jacobs rostered and are looking for more RB depth. Johnson is rostered in 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Zay Flowers Working to the Side on Wednesday
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (lower body) was working with a trainer on a side field instead of stretching with the team at the start of Wednesday's practice, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Flowers was running and cutting in position drills during the media-viewing portion of practice. The 25-year-old had missed a couple of weeks of training camp practice due to a lower-body injury before returning last week and participating on Tuesday. His exact level of participation will be known later on Wednesday when the Ravens release their official practice report. Flowers could end up being limited, but the Ravens are most likely just managing the WR1's reps ahead of the Week 1 regular-season opener this Sunday, Sept. 13, on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. Flowers should be a must-start in all fantasy lineups this weekend as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 who could flourish in 2026 in Baltimore's new offense.
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Lloyd Avant Looking to Build On Solid Start in Tougher Week 2 Test
Oklahoma running back Lloyd Avant put together a solid outing in Week 1, and is hoping for at least that kind of output in a clash with Michigan in Week 2. In Oklahoma's 51-0 rout of UTEP in Week 1, Avant carried the ball 15 times for 79 yards and a touchdown; he also caught one pass for six yards. Michigan should pose a tougher test for the back, but the Wolverines did allow 132 rushing yards to a weaker Western Michigan team last week, so Avant's outlook is still pretty solid. This contest should be closer, which could lead to more touches and a bigger fantasy outing from Avant. He's a rising fantasy asset after a week, and could really take off if he delivers again in Week 2.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyreek Hill Recommended to Return in October
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday that free-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) has been doing "amazing" in his rehab after tearing multiple ligaments in his knee last year with the Miami Dolphins, but Rosenhaus also said that doctors have recommended that Hill postpone his comeback attempt until sometime in October. Rosenhaus added that he sent a video of Hill running and cutting to some NFL teams, to which they responded with questions about when they could sign him. Hill is playing it "on the safe side" as he recovers from his devastating knee injury, but he is getting back up to speed and should sign with an NFL team this fall. The 32-year-old Cheetah, who is an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro, caught just 21 passes for 265 yards and one touchdown in four games in 2025 in his final season with the Dolphins before his season-ending knee injury. Although Hill is no spring chicken anymore and might be a bit slower after his knee injury, he could still make an impact for an NFL team and for fantasy managers later this season, making him worth a roster stash in deeper leagues if you have room on your bench. Right now, Hill is rostered in 4% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Drew Rosenhaus on The Pat McAfee Show
Source: Drew Rosenhaus on The Pat McAfee Show
Nate Sheppard Looking to Shine Again in Tougher Week 2 Matchup
Duke running back Nate Sheppard delivered big for fantasy managers in Week 1, and he's hoping to star again in the team's Week 2 clash with Illinois. Against Tulane in Week 1, Sheppard got 35 carries, rushing for 227 yards and two touchdowns. The running back caught three passes for an additional 19 yards. The only negative from that game was that he lost a fumble. Illinois will pose a tougher test for Sheppard, but after UAB rushed for 194 yards against the Fighting Illini last week, Sheppard's outlook still looks very strong. Fantasy owners shouldn't expect a repeat of the Duke back's showing from last week, but he should confidently be started in all leagues. That big workload should be super appealing and could lead to big fantasy showings each and every week he gets that kind of work.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Packers in Wait-and-See Approach With Josh Jacobs
When asked if he hopes that Thursday's initial court appearances in running back Josh Jacobs' case will provide more clarity about his future, Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said, "The more clarity, the better, but it's just wait and see." Jacobs is not expected to appear in court on Thursday, but his lawyers will, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Fantasy managers and the Packers are hoping that we will get some clarity on Thursday in terms of a potential suspension for Jacobs, who remains on the commissioner's exempt list. The 28-year-old running back will not be available for the team's Week 1 season opener this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, and it is unclear how much longer he will be out. The uncertainty about Jacobs' status caused his draft stock to plummet, with MarShawn Lloyd now the favorite for lead-back duties in Green Bay in the short term. Jacobs is still rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues and will be the Packers' top RB when he returns, but in the meantime, he must remain on benches everywhere.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Darius Taylor Looking to Deliver Big Again in Tougher Week 2 Test
Minnesota running back Darius Taylor was a fantasy star in Week 1, so he'll look to keep things rolling in a Week 2 matchup against Mississippi State. Taylor rushed for 56 yards and three touchdowns across 14 carries, while adding in 31 receiving yards on three receptions during Minnesota's rout of Eastern Illinois last week. Mississippi State will be a much stiffer test. The Bulldogs rolled over UL Monroe last week, allowing 13 points and 278 total yards of offense. ULM had 138 rushing yards though, so Taylor's outlook for the matchup ahead isn't too daunting. Fantasy owners should start Taylor in all setups and be confident in him delivering a quality fantasy showing, even if it comes just on volume statistics.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Todd Monken Confident in Deshaun Watson's Downfield Passing Ability
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, whose tenure with the Browns has been defined by suspension and injury-related layoffs, has seen his accuracy downfield decline in recent years, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Watson ranked third among 34 qualifying QBs in completion rate (58.8%) on downfield passes in 2018, according to Next Gen Stats. He led the league in passing yards in 2020. But in 2023, Watson completed only 39.3% of his downfield attempts, which would have ranked as the worst in the league if he qualified. In 2024, he completed a career-low 37.9% of his downfield attempts before tearing his Achilles, sidelining him for the final 10 games. Additionally, Watson has been less aggressive in pushing the ball down the field, which was impacted by a shoulder injury in 2023 that eventually required surgery. Although Watson was fully healthy this summer in training camp, he was inconsistent and continued to struggle to push the ball downfield in the preseason. Still, he won the starting QB job over Shedeur Sanders, and head coach Todd Monken has confidence that Watson will be able to find explosive plays down the field in his offense in 2026. "I'm confident in Deshaun and our ability to push the ball down the field, otherwise we wouldn't be starting him, Monken said.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Justice Haynes Faces Tough Test in Week 2
Georgia Tech running back Justice Haynes will face 18th-ranked Tennessee in Week 2, so a tougher matchup awaits. He got 19 carries in Week 1 against Colorado, rushing for 64 yards; Haynes also caught a pass for four yards. That was his first game with the Yellow Jackets, after spending a season with Michigan and two with Alabama. Tennessee dominated Furman in Week 1, winning 56-9. The Volunteers allowed just 221 yards of offense, and just 43 rushing yards. After a so-so performance in Week 1, fantasy owners might be more skeptical of playing Haynes in a tougher Week 2 test. He was a high-end draft pick before the season, so some might be forced to start him still. On volume alone, Haynes could still deliver big, so fantasy owners should still trust the Yellow Jackets' running back until further notice.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
