2 years agoSeattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll said that rookie running back Kenneth Walker III (hernia) will return to make his NFL debut in Week 2 against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. "Kenny Walker is going to be out there this week for us to add to that," Carroll said. The 21-year-old second-rounder had surgery for a hernia in mid-August and was inactive for Monday's Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos, but he'll return in Week 2. Rashaad Penny (12 carries for 60 yards, two catches for seven yards) was Seattle's clear lead back on Monday night and should be again this weekend against the 49ers, but Walker will slowly be eased into the rotation for Seattle. Walker should be stashed in all season-long formats, ideally by fantasy managers that also roster Penny, but he'll be hard to trust as a flex play in his first game coming off injury.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta

2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has ruled out linebacker T.J. Watt (pectoral) for the team's Week 2 contest against the New England Patriots. "I can definitively say that TJ won't play this week, but I won't make any commitments beyond that. We're encouraged," Tomlin said. The Steelers and Watt feared that he tore his pectoral late in the Week 1 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals, but after consulting with multiple doctors since Sunday, it's looking more likely that the 27-year-old reigning Defensive Player of the Year may play again in 2022. If Watt doesn't need surgery, he has a chance at returning in around six weeks. Fantasy managers in IDP fantasy formats need to stash Watt for now, as he proved again in Week 1 that he's one of the best linebackers in the game.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor

2 years agoThe Indianapolis Colts tried out long-time Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Lambo on Tuesday, according to a source. Current kicker Rodrigo Blankenship is already on shaky ground after missing one of his three field-goal attempts in the Week 1 tie with the Houston Texans. He also had two of his kickoffs go out of bounds for penalties that set the Texans up with great field position to start their drives. Blankenship missed most of last season due to a hip injury, so perhaps he's still dealing with that. Regardless, fantasy managers may need to look in another direction for Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars if Indy brings in another kicker.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Indianapolis Star - Joel A. Erickson

2 years agoMinnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt played 40 snaps to Irv Smith Jr.'s 19 in the Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers. "Irv is going to have a major role for us. Those guys all know how we operate. We're a game-to-game, week-to-week operation," head coach Kevin O'Connell said. Smith is fully healthy, but the Vikings coaching staff viewed Mundt as the better option against Green Bay in the season opener. The 24-year-old Smith didn't catch either of his two targets in the game and was a major disappointment for fantasy managers that streamed him. Smith did miss a lot of camp this summer after having thumb surgery on Aug. 2, so perhaps we'll see his role grow in the coming weeks. But for now, fantasy managers should consider him a low-end TE2.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Kevin Seifert

2 years agoEven though New York Giants wide receiver Kadarius Toney is fully healthy, according to head coach Brian Daboll, the young wideout only played seven offensive snaps in the Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans. And that was with rookie Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) getting injured and being ruled out. Toney was injured much of his rookie season and dealt with a leg injury for most of training camp, so perhaps the Giants wanted to ease him into action in the season opener. The 23-year-old finished with two carries for 23 yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game. Things could obviously change as the season progresses, but this was a terrible start for Toney and his fantasy managers. Toney will have a better chance to be involved in Week 2 against the Panthers if Robinson is inactive, but he'll still be a shaky flex play after what transpired in the season opener.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: New York Daily News - Pat Leonard

2 years agoLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring) is unlikely to play in Week 2 on Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, but there is optimism after his MRI exam that his injury isn't a long-term issue, according to sources. With the Chargers' next game after this Thursday not until Sept. 25 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Allen will have two full weeks to rest after getting injured in the Week 1 win over the Raiders. Fantasy managers should put the 30-year-old on their benches for Week 2 action, but it's great news that he could be back as soon as Week 3. With Allen likely out this Thursday in what should be a high-scoring game, DeAndre Carter and Joshua Palmer will be much more attractive as deep-league flex plays behind Mike Williams. Tight end Gerald Everett will have a higher ceiling as a streamer as well.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero

2 years agoAs of now, the Dallas Cowboys don't have any plans to pursue a significant trade for a quarterback, barring an unforeseen change, according to a source. The Cowboys don't want to take the possibility completely off the table, but with Dak Prescott's (thumb) improved timeline after having surgery and Cooper Rush's familiarity with the offense, the Cowboys want to be patient. Those of you thinking Dallas might trade for 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo can put those rumors to rest. The Cowboys aren't putting Prescott on Injured Reserve and think he could return within the next four weeks. But for now it will be Rush leading the offense. The 28-year-old will be making just his second career start in Week 2 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and he'll be a low-end, desperation QB2 in superflex leagues.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler

2 years agoDallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that the team won't put quarterback Dak Prescott (thumb) on Injured Reserve and that he thinks Prescott could return within the next four games. The 29-year-old signal-caller had surgery to fix his fractured right thumb on Monday and was given a six- to eight-week timetable for a return. Prescott had a plate and a pin inserted into his hand to help stabilize his joint, but it seems the team is a bit more optimistic that he can return in three to four weeks just a day later. Either way, he should be stashed in all fantasy formats. In the meantime, Cooper Rush looks set to lead the offense in a Week 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at home. Downgrade all of Dallas' offensive skill players until Prescott is able to return.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter

2 years agoPittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (foot) is pretty confident that he'll play in Week 2 against the New England Patriots after aggravating his Lisfranc foot injury late in the Week 1 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals. "I'll be back at practice this week, and then I will be playing this weekend," Harris said Tuesday. Harris had only 10 carries for 23 yards and caught two passes for three yards and a touchdown in the season opener. Rookie Jaylen Warren is the handcuff for Harris in case he misses any time this season, with Benny Snell Jr. No. 3 on the RB depth chart. However, receiver Chase Claypool was second in rushing attempts for Pittsburgh last Sunday. There's a good chance that Harris is questionable for Week 2, so fantasy managers need to have a backup plan in place just in case.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Mad Dog Sports Radio

2 years agoSeattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams (quadriceps) was forced to exit early in Monday's matchup with the Denver Broncos. It was initially reported as a "serious" quad injury, which has since been described as a "torn quad." This certainly aligns with the initial prognosis, creating further concern about the extent of the injury. It's still unclear how long this would sideline the former All-Pro safety and what kind of recovery is involved. This is problematic for the Seahawks, who are lacking proven talent on their defense and gave up over 400 yards of offense last night to the Broncos. It also removes Adams as an option in IDP leagues, at least until we know more about the injury.--Josh Constantinou - RotoBallerSource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network

2 years agoJacksonville Jaguars running backs Travis Etienne and James Robinson are one of the backfield battles to monitor. In Week 1, the total snaps were nearly even with a 51-49 split in favor of the sophomore. As expected, Robinson accounted for 60% of the carries compared to 30% for Etienne, while the reverse was true of the passing game, where Etienne saw 75% of the long-down and distance work and 100% of the two-minute offense. Perhaps most intriguing is that the 23-year-old received 100% of the short-yardage opportunities. The two project to remain in a timeshare moving forward, making both top-36 options, but Etienne should have better fantasy football production if his role stays the same.--Josh Constantinou - RotoBallerSource: Dwain McFarland - Twitter

2 years agoSan Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (groin) missed Sunday's game against the Bears. The team seemed optimistic that the 28-year-old would suit up, further evidenced by head coach Kyle Shanahan's comment about his availability, "that's why he made the trip." Although he did not play in Week 1, there is hope for a Week 2 return, beginning with practice on Wednesday. Shanahan again discussed his outlook, "I hope he's ready to go (practice) Wednesday, but we're not sure yet." The former All-Pro is a focal point of the 49ers' offense, contributing in all facets of the game. Fantasy managers are wise to have an alternative option for Kittle again in Week 2, with more information expected after practice on Wednesday.--Josh Constantinou - RotoBallerSource: Matt Maiocco - NBC Sports

2 years agoArizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore (hamstring) did not play in Sunday's game against the Chiefs. The extent of the injury remains unclear, however, head coach Kliff Kingsbury reported he would attempt to participate in practice on Wednesday so they can evaluate what he is able to do. Despite an underwhelming rookie season, finishing with 54 receptions for 435 yards and one touchdown, the 22-year-old was a popular breakout candidate this year. The Cardinals are in need of offensive weapons, especially at receiver, so his return would greatly benefit the team. He's a player to stash on your bench until we know more about his health.--Josh Constantinou - RotoBallerSource: Darren Urban - Twitter

2 years agoThe Denver Broncos defense/special teams unit was a popular streaming choice in fantasy football in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks and quarterback Geno Smith, but they fell flat in a 17-16 loss on Monday night. Although they only allowed 17 points and 253 total yards of offense on the night, given the opposing QB, more was expected out of them. They forced three fumbles but only recovered one, while defensive end Bradley Chubb notched their only two sacks of Smith in the losing effort. At halftime, Smith was a surprising 17-for-18 on his pass attempts. Both of Smith's passing touchdowns were on busted plays to wide-open tight ends. The Broncos D will have a bounce-back opportunity at home in Week 2 against the Texans, where they'll be on the streaming radar yet again.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com

2 years agoDenver Broncos kicker Brandon McManus made three of his four field-goal attempts and his only extra-point try in the team's Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. His only miss was for the win late in the fourth quarter from 64 yards out when the Broncos curiously decided to kick the deep field goal instead of going for it on fourth-and-five with 20 seconds remaining and two timeouts left. The 31-year-old has one of the strongest legs in the NFL and has hit from a similar distance in his career, but it was a head-scratching decision from first-time head coach Nathaniel Hackett nonetheless. Still, McManus finished as a top-10 fantasy kicker in Week 1 and should once again be busy in a Week 2 home matchup against the Houston Texans.--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: NFL.com