2 years agoSeattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith went 23-for-28 for 195 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Denver Broncos. Smith came out the gates strong, going 17-for-18 and throwing both of his two touchdowns in the first half to put the Seahawks up 17-13 going into halftime. The 31-year-old played admirably against a tough Broncos defense that sacked him twice, leading them to their first win of the season. Smith will have another tough matchup in Week 2 against the 49ers in San Francisco.--Ryan Ramsarran - RotoBallerSource: ESPN

2 years agoNew England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (back) wants to be ready in time for their Week 2 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The early indication is that Jones will suit up next week. The 24-year-old is reportedly dealing with back spasms from a hit during the Week 1 matchup with the Miami Dolphins. It sounds like the team is being cautious with Jones, but this doesn't appear to be a significant injury. Patriots fans are hopeful that Jones plays, but fantasy managers can avoid him as a streaming option against a tough Steelers defense.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Jeff Howe

2 years agoThe Houston Texans have decided to bring back running back Royce Freeman. This is the second time the Texans have brought back Freeman since cutting him in late August. The veteran back is expected to stay on the practice squad for now. However, Freeman could quickly join the mix, assuming things don't get better for the Texans. They averaged 2.9 yards per carry during Sunday's tie with the Indianapolis Colts. Dameon Pierce and Rex Burkhead are getting a bulk of the carries in Houston. Freeman won't have any fantasy value with them in his way.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Houston Texans

2 years agoKansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker (ankle) didn't suit up for practice on Monday. The 27-year-old rolled his ankle during the opening kickoff on Sunday. That forced the Chiefs to lean on safety Justin Reid for kickoffs and two extra points. Luckily, Butker was able to return during the second quarter. Fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if the Chiefs are cautious with Butker this week. They have a matchup on Thursday night football, so hopefully Butker can heal quickly. The fact he returned to Sunday's contest suggests that he'll be fine going forward.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Sports Illustrated

2 years agoAtlanta Falcons running back Damien Williams (ribs) is believed to have avoided serious injury. The 30-year-old mentioned his ribs are sore, but he didn't suffer any broken ribs during their contest with the New Orleans Saints. Williams was forced to exit in the first quarter of Sunday's loss. It sounds like he should be good for their Week 2 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Sadly, Williams won't have a ton of fantasy value behind Cordarrelle Patterson in Atlanta.--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Michael Rothstein

2 years agoLos Angeles Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin (forearm) threw a bullpen session on Sunday but he is still reportedly experiencing soreness in his right forearm. Gonsolin has been sidelined since August 29 with a strained forearm. Manager Dave Roberts told reporters that he is confident that Gonsolin will be back by the playoffs, although he went on to say that he gets less confident every day that goes by that Gonsolin is not at full strength. Gonsolin is expected to throw again on Wednesday.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Jack Harris on Twitter

2 years agoThe Kansas City Chiefs signed former New York Jets kicker Matt Ammendola to their practice squad on Monday. Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker injured his ankle during a Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals and his status is questionable for Week 2's Thursday night game against the Los Angeles Chargers. If Butker isn't ready to kick, Ammendola will be the team's kicker when they take on their division rivals. Fantasy managers rostering Butker will want to have an alternate option at the kicker position in case he can't go.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Tom Pelissero on Twitter

2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt (pectoral) got some good news on his pectoral injury on Monday. It is believed that Watt will not need surgery and the injury will not end his season, although he is still getting additional medical opinions. Watt could be able to return to the field in as few as six weeks, although the Steelers are likely to place him on the short-term injured reserve in the meantime. The star pass rusher had a big game in Week 1 before the injury, notching six tackles, a sack, and an interception. Watt's timeline for a return should become clearer in the next few weeks.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

2 years agoHouston Texans running back Dameon Pierce turned in a quiet NFL debut, seeing just 12 touches compared to Rex Burkhead's 19 in a 20-20 tie with the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Head coach Lovie Smith told reporters on Monday that Pierce still needs to get better at pass protection and pass-catching skills. Smith stated, "There's some things we're going to work on so that situation doesn't happen again." Many fantasy gamers drafted Pierce hoping he would be the clear No. 1 running back in Houston but it appears that this backfield will be more of an even split between the rookie and Burkhead. That being said, Pierce could gain a larger share of the role as the season goes on and he gets more NFL experience. For that reason, Pierce remains a hold in all leagues.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Aaron Wilson on Twitter

2 years agoSeattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams (knee) suffered an injury and was carted to the locker room during his team's Monday Night Football game against the Denver Broncos. Adams injured his knee during the game and is doubtful to return. Adams made three tackles and had one pass defended in the contest before departing early. Expect the Seahawks to update his injury status after Monday's game. The oft-injured Adams is one of Seattle's best defenders, but an extended absence would leave a big hole in the team's secondary.--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Adam Schefter on Twitter

2 years agoDallas Cowboys offensive guard Connor McGovern (ankle) suffered a high ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night and is projected to miss two to four weeks, according to a person with knowledge of the injury. The Cowboys think that McGovern could return sooner than later because it's an injury he's dealt with before. The 24-year-old won't have to miss too much time, but it's more bad news for a Dallas offense that just lost star quarterback Dak Prescott to a fractured right thumb. With McGovern out in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Matt Farniok is expected to fill in as the starting left guard.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins

2 years agoTampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Donovan Smith (elbow) suffered a hyperextended elbow in the Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. It will be a pain-tolerance issue as to how quickly he'll be able to return, according to head coach Todd Bowles. The good news is that the Buccaneers and quarterback Tom Brady might not have to be without the 29-year-old left tackle for too long, if at all. Josh Wells replaced Smith at left tackle on Sunday night and would likely start any games that Smith misses. In a divisional matchup on the road against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, Brady could face quite a bit of pressure from his blind side if Wells is forced to make the start.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoLas Vegas Raiders cornerback Anthony Averett (thumb) suffered a broken right thumb in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and will need surgery, according to a source. Averett will likely miss at least a month, which is why the Raiders chose to place him on Injured Reserve. The 27-year-old will not be able to return until at least Week 6 against the Houston Texans. With Averett sidelined, the Raiders will be looking for both Amik Robertson and Roderic Teamer to step up in the secondary. Averett, a former fourth-rounder of the Baltimore Ravens in 2018, is in his first year with the Raiders after opening his NFL career with four seasons in Baltimore.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring), tight end Donald Parham Jr. (hamstring) and cornerback J.C. Jackson (ankle) were all listed as DNPs for Monday's estimated practice report. Allen injured his hamstring in the Week 1 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday in the first half, but there remains a small chance that he could play on a quick turnaround this Thursday against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2. We should know more on his status on Tuesday, but fantasy managers should already be making plans to be without him. Wideouts DeAndre Carter and Joshua Palmer will become more attractive flex plays against KC if Allen is inactive. Parham was inactive on Sunday and looks to be headed for another game on the sidelines this Thursday.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Chargers Twitter

2 years agoDenver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler (knee, hip) is officially active for the Week 1 season opener on Monday night against the Seattle Seahawks. Outside linebacker Randy Gregory (shoulder) is also active and will be making his Broncos debut. Hamler suffered a torn ACL in Week 3 of 2021, but he is ready to roll to kick off the 2022 season. The 23-year-old speedy deep threat will have perhaps more fantasy upside than he's ever had with quarterback Russell Wilson in town. However, as Denver's No. 3 pass-catcher behind Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy, Hamler's fantasy production will probably be sporadic, at best. Entering Monday night's matchup in Seattle, Hamler will be a boom/bust WR4/5 in deeper leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Broncos Twitter

2 years agoSeattle Seahawks rookie running back Kenneth Walker III (hernia) is inactive in Week 1 against the Denver Broncos on Monday night. Walker was listed as questionable for the season opener, but he was always more of a long shot to suit up after he had hernia surgery in the middle of August. The 21-year-old second-rounder should remain stashed in all fantasy leagues, though, especially if you have the oft-injured Rashaad Penny already rostered. Penny will be Seattle's clear-cut No. 1 RB to open the season, with Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas battling for change-of-pace duties against Denver. There's a chance that Walker could be ready to make his NFL debut in a Week 2 matchup with the division-rival San Francisco 49ers.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Seahawks PR

2 years agoSan Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that running back Elijah Mitchell (knee) will miss roughly eight weeks with an MCL sprain that he suffered in the second quarter of the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. Mitchell won't need surgery, but he was placed on Injured Reserve on Monday. Jeff Wilson Jr. becomes the team's top back, while rookies Tyrion Davis-Price and Jordan Mason will compete in practices for the No. 2 role. Mason had the edge in the season opener with Davis-Price being a healthy inactive, but that could change in the coming weeks. For now, Wilson should become a priority waiver-wire add in all fantasy leagues. He's currently rostered in only 17 percent of Yahoo leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic - Matt Barrows

2 years agoDallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (thumb) had successful surgery on Monday to stabilize his fractured right thumb, according to a source. He's now looking at a possible return for either the Oct. 30 game against the Chicago Bears or after the bye week on Nov. 13 against the Green Bay Packers. Prescott is expected to miss six to eight weeks after having surgery, and he's expected to be put on Injured Reserve this week. Even though the 29-year-old and the Cowboys offense looked bad on Sunday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Prescott should be stashed in all fantasy formats. For now, backup Cooper Rush will be Dallas' starter, which will be a big downgrade for all of the team's offensive skill players. The Cincinnati Bengals are coming to town in Week 2, where the Bengals defense/special teams unit will be extremely popular in fantasy.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoTests on Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris' foot came back negative on Monday, and there is a belief that he "should be good to go" for a Week 2 matchup against the New England Patriots, according to a source. Harris dealt with a Lisfranc sprain to the same foot during training camp, and it's believed this was just a minor aggravation of that injury. Last year's leader in touches carried just 10 times for 23 yards and caught both of his targets for three yards and a touchdown in Week 1's overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals. We'll need to keep a close eye on Harris' practice status this week, but as of now, his fantasy managers have to consider this a huge win. If Harris is limited or inactive in Week 2, rookie Jaylen Warren would be in line for lead-back duties, with Benny Snell Jr. backing him up.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoNew York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (leg) tossed a scoreless and hitless inning on Sunday for Double-A Somerset, walking one and striking out three in the process. It was Chapman's first minor league rehab outing, but he's expected to return to the Yankees bullpen early this week, barring any setbacks. The 35-year-old southpaw has been sidelined since late August due to a left leg infection from a tattoo. When he's back in the Bronx, he'll serve as a late-inning setup man in front of closer Clay Holmes. Chapman has struggled in 2022 to the tune of a 4.70 ERA (4.78 FIP), a 1.43 WHIP and 35 strikeouts while saving nine games in 30 2/3 relief innings.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Milb.com

2 years agoWashington Nationals rookie left-hander MacKenzie Gore (elbow) made his first minor league rehab start for Triple-A Rochester on Sunday and tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits while striking out none and walking none. It was Gore's first game since late July while with the San Diego Padres. The 23-year-old southpaw made his first 16 big-league appearances (13 starts) for the Friars this year, posting a 4.50 ERA (4.12 FIP), a 1.47 WHIP, 72 strikeouts and 37 walks in 70 innings pitched. Now with a new organization, the post-hype prospect should have a chance to debut for the Nats sometime later this month to close out the 2022 regular season. But first he'll need to get his arm built up in the minor leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Milb.com

2 years agoThe Texas Rangers activated right-hander Jon Gray (oblique) from the 15-day injured list on Monday and optioned right-hander Tyson Miller to Triple-A Round Rock in a corresponding move. Gray will make his return to the rotation on Monday against the Miami Marlins in the second game of a doubleheader after being sidelined since early August with an oblique injury. The 30-year-old will certainly be more of a shaky fantasy asset for his start on Monday, especially since he didn't make any minor league rehab starts before being activated. In his first year in Texas, Gray has gone 7-6 with a 3.83 ERA (3.49 FIP), a 1.17 WHIP and a 116:34 K:BB in 103 1/3 innings over his 19 starts. As long as he's healthy, he'll be useful in mixed leagues down the stretch.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Rangers PR

2 years agoLos Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (wrist) took batting practice on the field on Monday, and it's looking more likely that he could return at some point before the end of the season, which would allow him to start serving his five-game suspension. The 32-year-old had surgery on his right wrist on June 21, and it was widely believed then that he'd miss the rest of the year. Still, there is very little time left for Rendon to contribute for fantasy managers after he serves a five-game suspension. Before his injury, Rendon was hitting just .228/.324/.383 with five home runs, 24 RBI, 15 runs scored and two stolen bases in 162 at-bats. Matt Duffy should continue to see most of the playing time at third base if/when Rendon returns.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Rhett Bollinger

2 years agoCincinnati Reds rookie right-hander Hunter Greene (shoulder) said that his next start will be with the Reds this week after all went well on his minor league rehab assignment. It's likely that Greene will return from the 15-day injured list to start this weekend against the St. Louis Cardinals, which wouldn't be the greatest matchup for fantasy managers. The 23-year-old threw 66 pitches in his third and final rehab start at Triple-A Louisville on Sunday, giving up a run on four hits while striking out five and walking one. Expect the Reds to have a short leash on him in his return this week. Greene has plenty of long-term strikeout upside (127 K's in 102 2/3 innings), but he's also posted a 5.26 ERA (4.96 FIP) to go along with a 1.29 WHIP in his first 20 major league starts.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Cincinnati Enquirer - Bobby Nightengale

2 years agoHouston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (calf) is with the team on their three-game series against the Detroit Tigers and is playing catch in right field at Comerica Park. Verlander is hoping to return from the 15-day injured list to make a start during this weekend's series against the Oakland Athletics. The 39-year-old right-hander threw his second bullpen session on Sunday, and he won't need a minor league rehab assignment before returning to the rotation. Verlander might not have a very long leash in his first start back, but it's hard to argue leaving him out of your fantasy lineups. The two-time Cy Young winner is 16-3 with a league-leading 1.84 ERA (2.71 FIP), a league-leading 0.85 WHIP, 154 strikeouts and only 26 walks in 152 innings over 24 starts this year.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Houston Chronicle - Chandler Rome

2 years agoThe Tampa Bay Rays added right-hander Cooper Criswell to their active roster on Monday and also added right-handers Javy Guerra and Kevin Herget to the active roster. In corresponding moves, the Rays optioned right-handers Calvin Faucher and Luis Patino to Triple-A Durham and placed left-hander Brooks Raley on the restricted list. Criswell is scheduled to get the start on Monday against the Toronto Blue Jays, but fantasy managers should be looking to avoid him. The 26-year-old will be making only his second major league start, with the first coming in 2021 with the Los Angeles Angels. He's made eight appearances (only three starts) at Durham in 2022 and has a 3.95 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 22 strikeouts in 27 1/3 innings.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Rays Communications

2 years agoPittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Oneil Cruz is not in the starting lineup on Monday against the Cincinnati Reds. Cruz is just getting a normal day of rest against Reds left-hander Mike Minor. The 23-year-old Dominican is hitting just .227/.275/.462 on the year in 251 at-bats, but he's been red-hot in the month of September. Cruz has gone 14-for-38 (.368) with three home runs, nine RBI, five runs scored and a stolen base in nine games since Sept. 2, so fantasy managers will want to get him back into their lineups on Tuesday. Kevin Newman is at shortstop and is batting leadoff on Monday against Minor. Newman could be a DFS sleeper out of the leadoff spot, but he has just one home run on the year in 240 at-bats for the Bucs. He's gone 29-for-79 (.367) with no homers, seven doubles and seven RBI against lefties in 2022.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Baseball Press

2 years agoWashington Commanders rookie defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis (knee), who injured his knee in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, is dealing with a torn meniscus and will have season-ending surgery, according to sources. It's a blow to the interior of Washington's defensive line this year, but the promising second-rounder is expected to make a full recovery for the 2023 season. The Commanders have already placed the 24-year-old on Injured Reserve. With Mathis out for the whole season, Washington will hope both Daniel Wise and Efe Obada can step up as defensive tackle depth for the team.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

2 years agoGreen Bay Packers linebacker Krys Barnes (ankle, calf), who was carted off in Week 1 on Sunday with his right leg in an air cast, is believed to have suffered a high ankle sprain and calf injury, according to a source. Barnes will miss some time, but the initial hope is that he could be back in a few weeks. It sounds as though the 24-year-old will be able to return this season, barring some sort of setback in his rehab. The third-year pro had 107 solo tackles, nine tackles for loss, two QB hits, two sacks, four passes defensed and two fumble recoveries in 29 games (23 starts) in his first two seasons in the NFL with Green Bay.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

2 years agoAn MRI exam revealed that Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in the Week 1 win over the Detroit Lions, according to a source. It's a big blow to the Eagles defensive line for the rest of the 2022 season, as Barnett has been a starter for the last four seasons. The 26-year-old played just 12 defensive snaps on Sunday before he went down with the injury. With Barnett out the rest of the season, the Eagles will need both Tarron Jackson and Josh Sweat to step up on the D-line. Barnett had 21.5 sacks coming into this season in five years, so he wasn't on the radar in IDP fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter