2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler had an underwhelming Week 1 performance and will look to get back on track against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. There was a surprising amount of utilization for Sony Michel and Joshua Kelley in Los Angeles' season opener, but Ekeler still saw the most targets out of the backfield and all of the goal-line touches. The Chargers also led the Raiders for almost the entire game, so Ekeler could see more snaps in what should be a back-and-forth battle with the Chiefs this week. With Keenan Allen (hamstring) officially ruled out, additional targets will be available for Ekeler as well. Fantasy managers should still deploy Ekeler as a high-end RB1 until further notice.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoThe Chicago Bears placed former first-round offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood (illness) on the Non-Football Injury list on Wednesday, putting him out for at least the next four weeks. Leatherwood is dealing with mononucleosis, but head coach Matt Eberflus said, "We feel great about where he is and him coming back." The 23-year-old was inactive in the Week 1 season-opening win over the San Francisco 49ers, and he won't make his NFL debut for at least another four weeks. Leatherwood started all 17 games at right tackle as a rookie in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he wasn't very good and was cut by Las Vegas last month. The Bears will sign Michael Schofield to take Leatherwood's spot on the roster.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert will take the field for the second time in five days for a Week 2 divisional showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs. In Week 1, Herbert proved worthy of his QB2 average draft position as he completed 26 of 34 pass attempts for 279 yards and three touchdowns. Herbert will be without Keenan Allen (hamstring) on Thursday night, but the Chargers' offense still has enough firepower to go toe-to-toe with the Chiefs. In four career matchups with Kansas City, Herbert has averaged almost 28 fantasy points per game. He should have no trouble repeating this success as a top-five fantasy quarterback option this week.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller

2 years agoThe Houston Texans tried out free-agent running back La'Mical Perine on Wednesday. Perine landed with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason after he was waived by the New York Jets, but he was then released from Philly's practice squad just last week. The 24-year-old former fourth-rounder received 72 carries for 263 yards and two touchdowns while adding 11 receptions on 15 targets for 63 yards through the air in his two seasons with the Jets. If Perine were to land in Houston, he'd serve as running back depth behind rookie Dameon Pierce, veteran Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoThe San Francisco 49ers signed wide receiver Willie Snead to their practice squad on Wednesday. Snead will return to the team's practice squad after he was released by the team at the beginning of August. The 29-year-old veteran pass-catcher played in nine games with the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, catching only four of eight targets for 38 scoreless yards. Snead will merely be serving as wideout depth in San Francisco behind Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, rookie Danny Gray and Ray-Ray McCloud III. He's well off the fantasy radar.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoThe Denver Broncos placed All-Pro safety Justin Simmons (quadriceps) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday and promoted cornerback Essang Bassey to the active roster in a corresponding move. Simmons, who was injured in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday, will now miss at least the next four games. The 28-year-old had nine tackles in the season opener and also recovered a fumble. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues will now have to go in another direction if they started Simmons as their defensive back in Week 1. Simmons is a key contributor for Denver's secondary, so his injury is a big blow to their defense, but they still have a stream-worthy matchup in Week 2 against the Houston Texans.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoLas Vegas Raiders running back Brandon Bolden (hamstring) was listed as a non-participant in practice on Wednesday. Before his injury in the Week 1 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Bolden played 28% of the snaps behind starter Josh Jacobs and carried the ball three times for seven yards, adding two receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown. He'll have two more chances to return to practice this week, but he's lining up to be at least questionable for Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals. The 32-year-old is merely a deep-league PPR stash for the time being. If he's inactive on Sunday, Ameer Abdullah and rookie Zamir White will likely split the change-of-pace snaps behind Jacobs.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Josh Weinfuss

2 years agoAtlanta Falcons running back Damien Williams (ribs) missed most of the Week 1 loss to the New Orleans Saints with a rib injury, and he wasn't able to practice on Wednesday. The good news is that Williams was able to return late in the season-opening loss, but he finished with just two carries for two yards and played only 13% of the offensive snaps. The 30-year-old still has some time to return to the practice field this week, but as of now, he should be considered questionable to suit up for Week 2 against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Williams is unlikely to have standalone fantasy value as long as Cordarrelle Patterson remains healthy. If he's forced to sit this weekend, rookie Tyler Allgeier, who was inactive in Week 1, should suit up and have a much bigger role.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: AtlantaFalcons.com - Scott Bair

2 years agoLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said wide receiver Van Jefferson's (knee) status "is similar to what it has been." Jefferson remains day-to-day, but it sounds like he hasn't made any progress in his rehab from offseason knee surgery. Barring a dramatic change in his status later this week, Jefferson is all but certain to miss Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, but he remains worth stashing in deeper formats. Cooper Kupp and Allen Robinson II will continue to operate as the top two receivers for quarterback Matthew Stafford, with Ben Skowronek serving as the No. 3. Skowronek played a healthy 88% of the snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, catching four of his six targets for 25 yards.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Associated Press - Greg Beacham

2 years agoNew England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (back) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice despite dealing with back spasms after the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. It's a good sign that he'll be available to start in Week 2 this Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Barring a setback, the 24-year-old second-year signal-caller will be in play as a low-end QB2 for fantasy managers in superflex leagues. New England's offense has looked discombobulated all summer, and they managed to put up only seven points against Miami last weekend. Jones and Co. won't have to face All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt (pectoral) this week, but fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting all that much from them as they look to gain consistency.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoNew Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (back) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday with a back injury, which is why he went into the injury tent in the Week 1 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints don't sound too worried about Winston's injury after he went 23-for-34 for 269 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions in the season-opening come-from-behind victory. Barring a setback on Thursday or Friday, the 28-year-old should make the start in Week 2 against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa's defense shut down a mediocre Cowboys offense in Week 1 and will be bringing plenty of pressure against Winston this weekend. He'll be a midrange QB2 for fantasy managers in Week 2.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoBaltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) took a big step forward on Wednesday by being a full participant in practice. Dobbins didn't play in the Week 1 win over the New York Jets after being limited in practice all week. The Ravens aren't going to rush him back coming off a torn ACL before the start of last season, but Dobbins appears to be close to making his 2022 debut. There's still no guarantee the 23-year-old will even play in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins, and even if he does, he could have his snaps limited in a crowded backfield that also includes Kenyan Drake, Justice Hill and Mike Davis. At best, Dobbins will be a shaky RB3/flex play if he's active this Sunday. He should, however, be stashed in all fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoArizona Cardinals defensive end J.J. Watt (calf) was forced to miss practice on Wednesday after being sidelined in Week 1. Head coach Kliff Kingsbury stated that the team would not expect to have a clear idea of Watt's availability until later in the week. The Cardinals were one of only three teams to not record a sack last Sunday, so Watt's defensive presence was clearly missed. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took full advantage of the lack of effective pass-rushing as he threw for 360 yards and five touchdowns. If Watt is unable to play in Week 2, Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders will look to capitalize in an important divisional clash.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Talk

2 years agoSan Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that rookie running backs Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason will compete in practice this week to see who will be the No. 2 behind Jeff Wilson Jr. in the Week 2 divisional clash with the Seattle Seahawks. "We'll go with the hot hand in the game," Shanahan said. Elijah Mitchell (knee) will miss at least eight weeks after getting injured in the season opener. Wilson was the priority waiver-wire addition after Week 1 action, but Davis-Price and Mason are also worth speculative pickups. Davis-Price was a healthy scratch last Sunday, while Mason didn't touch the ball as the No. 3 back against Chicago. If Wilson struggles or gets injured, it's entirely plausible that Davis-Price and/or Mason could become fantasy relevant in 12-team leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows

2 years agoDetroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (ankle) said he rolled his ankle in the second quarter of the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, but he stayed in the game and finished with 15 carries for a career-high 144 yards, which was the third-highest rushing total in the league in the first week. The 23-year-old wasn't on the practice field on Wednesday, but he still has two days left in the week to get back on the field. As long as Swift is active, he should be considered a must-start RB1 in a Week 2 matchup against the Washington Commanders. If Swift is wrong about his injury being minor and he doesn't suit up, Jamaal Williams would be an immediate plug-and-play RB2 choice for fantasy managers.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Detroit Free Press - Dave Birkett

2 years agoArizona Cardinals tight end Zach Ertz (calf) was sidelined for the team's practice on Wednesday. Ertz was questionable heading into Week 1 but did suit up and catch a touchdown. Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said that the Pro Bowl tight end was on a pitch count against the Kansas City Chiefs but is expected to be a full-go in practice on Thursday ahead of their Week 2 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. Arizona is in need of offensive weapons with DeAndre Hopkins suspended and Rondale Moore (hamstring) nursing an injury of his own, so Ertz should be started in fantasy lineups assuming he is able to play.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: Tyler Drake

2 years agoTampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said that second baseman Brandon Lowe's (back) MRI exam showed some inflammation in his back, and he's seeking additional medical opinions to determine the best course of action. The Rays remain hopeful that Lowe will play again this year, but fantasy managers shouldn't be holding out as much hope, especially since the 28-year-old left-handed hitter has disappointed to the tune of a .221/.308/.383 slash line with eight home runs, 25 RBI, 31 runs scored and a steal in 266 plate appearances over 65 games played. The Rays will just be hoping that Lowe can contribute if the club makes it to the postseason. Isaac Paredes is starting at second base on Wednesday, but Jonathan Aranda and Taylor Walls could mix in for however long Lowe is sidelined.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin

2 years agoArizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. Yesterday, head coach Kliff Kingsbury told reporters that Moore would try to participate, but it seems that he may not be as close to returning as Arizona had hoped. Kingsbury stated Wednesday that they will not have a clear idea of Moore's availability until later on in the week. When Moore returns, he is expected to play a major role in the Cardinals' offense, at least for the first six weeks with DeAndre Hopkins suspended. He is worthy of a bench stash in all fantasy formats and could be a flex play in deeper leagues when healthy.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Talk

2 years agoSan Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (groin) was sidelined in practice on Wednesday after missing Week 1 with a groin injury. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said "hopefully, we'll have better luck this week" in regards to Kittle's availability to play on Sunday. Fantasy managers should closely monitor practice reports on Thursday and Friday, as Kittle should have a shot to suit up if he becomes a limited or full participant. Still, it would be wise to have an alternative option prepared in case he is unable to play in Week 2's divisional showdown against the Seattle Seahawks.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: Nick Wagoner

2 years agoTampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said right-hander Tyler Glasnow (elbow) came out of his second minor league rehab appearance on Tuesday well, but he will make "multiple" more outings for Triple-A Durham. In his two short rehab outings for Durham, the 29-year-old starting pitcher has given up a run while walking three and striking out four in only 2 1/3 innings. Glasnow hasn't pitched at all this season, and the Rays aren't rushing him back, so it's looking likely that he won't have any fantasy appeal the rest of the way. However, Tampa could decide to use him as a hard-throwing relief option out of the bullpen should they make the postseason.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin

2 years agoWashington Nationals designated hitter Nelson Cruz (eye) has inflammation in his left eye and is out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles. His doctor gave him eye drops for treatment, and skipper Dave Martinez said Cruz is day-to-day. Fantasy managers need to remove him from their daily lineups. The 42-year-old left the game early on Tuesday due to blurred vision, but hopefully he'll be able to return to the lineup in short order. Washington has a day off on Thursday before starting a series against the Miami Marlins on Friday. With Cruz out Wednesday, Luke Voit is serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup against Orioles right-hander Tyler Wells.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MASN Sports - Bobby Blanco

2 years agoHouston Astros outfielder Yordan Alvarez (hand) clarified that he wasn't out of the starting lineup on Wednesday against the Detroit Tigers due to hand soreness, as was previously reported. Alvarez was getting a normal day of rest on Wednesday and was available off the bench. He'll be back in the lineup on Thursday for the start of a four-game series against the Oakland Athletics. The 25-year-old has dealt with hand soreness late this season, but apparently that hasn't become an issue again. That's great news as he looks to finish off his first All-Star campaign in the big leagues. Alvarez is currently slashing .295/.403/.598 with a 1.000 OPS, 33 home runs, 84 RBI, 84 runs scored and one steal in 494 plate appearances and 118 games. Get him back into your starting lineups on Thursday.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ATT Sportsnet Southwest - Julia Morales

2 years agoWashington Nationals rookie right-hander Cade Cavalli (shoulder) has been cleared to throw and played catch on Wednesday, according to manager Dave Martinez. The goal is to get Cavalli back on the mound before the offseason, but Martinez said that probably won't come in an actual game. The Nationals won't rush their No. 4 prospect back with nothing left to play for in 2022. The 24-year-old made his major-league debut on Aug. 26 against the Cincinnati Reds and allowed seven earned runs on six hits while walking two and striking out six in 4 1/3 frames. He had a 3.71 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and a 104:39 K:BB in 97 innings (20 starts) for Triple-A Rochester before his call-up. As long as he's fully healthy, Cavalli should be given a chance to open the 2023 season in the starting rotation.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MASN Sports - Bobby Blanco

2 years agoThe Las Vegas Raiders have added wide receiver Keelan Cole to their 53-man roster after placing receiver DJ Turner (ankle) on injured reserve. Cole signed with the Raiders in May but was released before the regular season. He re-signed with the team's practice squad last week and will now join wideouts Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, Mack Hollins, and Tyron Johnson on the active roster. With Adams, Renfrow, and tight end Darren Waller operating as the top targets for Derek Carr, Cole is not expected to make a fantasy impact this season unless another injury were to occur.--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: Pro Football Talk

2 years agoNew York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (leg) will rejoin the team in Milwaukee and is expected to be activated from the injured list on Friday for the start of a series against the Brewers, according to skipper Aaron Boone. Chapman has been away from the team since Aug. 19 and landed on the injured list due to a leg infection related to a tattoo. The 35-year-old veteran southpaw looked good in two minor league rehab innings earlier this week, and he's in line to return to a setup role in the Yankees bullpen ahead of closer Clay Holmes this weekend. Without being the team's primary closer, Chapman has lost a ton of fantasy value, and he's struggled to the tune of a 4.70 ERA (4.78 FIP), a 1.43 WHIP, nine saves and 35 strikeouts in 30 2/3 relief innings in 2022.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Bryan Hoch

2 years agoBoston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (shoulder) is on track to throw another live batting practice session on Sunday, and he could still make a minor league rehab outing before he returns to Boston's rotation. The team isn't rushing him back. Eovaldi tossed a three-inning live batting practice session on Tuesday and continues to make progress from a strained shoulder. The 32-year-old right-hander has had multiple stints on the injured list in 2022 and has made just 18 starts, posting a 4.15 ERA (4.50 FIP), a 1.26 WHIP, 96 strikeouts and 18 walks in 99 2/3 innings. Eovaldi has been useful in mixed leagues, but he may only have time to make one or two starts by the time he's activated from the injured list.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo

2 years agoBoston Red Sox second baseman Trevor Story (heel) is likely to return to the starting lineup on Friday for the first game of a series against the Kansas City Royals. Story is missing another game on Wednesday against the division-rival New York Yankees, but he resumed baseball activities. The 29-year-old has now missed two games since leaving Sunday's contest with left heel pain, but he's merely day-to-day. Enrique Hernandez is getting the start at the keystone on Wednesday against Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes. On the year, Story is hitting a disappointing .238 with a .303 on-base percentage, but he's also chipped in 16 home runs, 66 RBI, 53 runs scored and 13 stolen bases in 357 at-bats.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MassLive.com - Chris Cotillo

2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Julio Jones (knee) and Russell Gage (hamstring) both missed practice on Wednesday, as did Chris Godwin (hamstring). We'll have to see how much Jones and Gage are able to do the rest of the week before determining their status for Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints. Godwin is expected to miss a little time after tweaking his hammy in the season opener. But if Jones and Gage return to practice on Thursday and Friday and suit up on Sunday, they'll have even more upside with Godwin unlikely to play. Jones caught three of his five targets for 69 yards in his Bucs debut on Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys, while Gage caught both of his targets for 13 yards.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette (hamstring) was listed as being a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. It doesn't appear that Fournette is dealing with a serious injury, as he handled 76% of the snaps in Sunday night's Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, carrying the ball 21 times for 127 yards while also catching both of his targets for 10 yards. However, it's a reminder that Fournette's fantasy managers may want to handcuff him with rookie Rachaad White. As long as Fournette doesn't suffer a setback this week, he'll be a must-start in a divisional clash with the New Orleans Saints in Week 2.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoIndianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (back) returned to a full practice on Wednesday, while cornerback Kenny Moore II (hip) was listed as limited. Leonard also put in a full practice last Wednesday before being limited the rest of the way and missing the Week 1 season-opening tie to the Houston Texans. The 27-year-old underwent back surgery in June and isn't a lock to return in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Colts aren't going to rush the All-Pro linebacker back, but he deserves to remain stashed in IDP fantasy formats. If Leonard misses another game, expect E.J. Speed to make another start. Moore struggled in coverage in Week 1, but he's one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the league.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Colts Twitter