2 years agoDetroit Tigers designated hitter
Miguel Cabrera (biceps) is slowly progressing toward returning to his team before the end of the season. Cabrera took between 40 and 50 swings a few days ago and participated in a full batting practice session on Friday. The future Hall of Famer could be nearing a return to the Detroit lineup as the regular season draws to an end. Cabrera is hitting .256 with four homers, 23 runs, 37 RBI and a steal in 2022.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Cody Stavenhagen on Twitter
2 years agoNew York Giants rookie linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux (knee) has been listed as doubtful ahead of the team's Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Thibodeaux suffered a sprained MCL in the preseason that kept him sidelined in Week 1 and said on Thursday that he felt "really confident" in making his first regular season appearance on Sunday. Unfortunately, it seems that he may be held out for at least one more game after practicing in a limited fashion all week. If he returns for Week 3, it will be an exciting debut in a Monday night divisional showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.
--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: Pat Leonard
2 years agoSeattle Seahawks wide receiver
DK Metcalf will look to improve on his subpar performance in Week 1 with a matchup against the San Francisco 49ers this week. Metcalf had great volume last week (7 receptions) but could only turn that into 36 yards. The 49ers only allowed 121 receiving yards in Week 1, but much of that resulted from a terrible rainstorm in Chicago - limiting Chicago to only 17 pass attempts. The 24-year-old seemed to be the favorite receiver of quarterback
Geno Smith, getting a 25.9% target share in their season opener. Metcalf will be a low-end WR2 going into Week 2.
--Ryan Ramsarran - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 years agoNew York Yankees first baseman
Anthony Rizzo (head, back) took live batting practice ahead of his team's game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. Rizzo has been sidelined since Aug. 31 with migraines and lower back soreness. The veteran infielder could possibly be ready to be activated from the injured list as early as Sunday. Rizzo is hitting .225 with 30 homers, 71 runs, 71 RBI and six steals on the season.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Pete Caldera on Twitter
2 years agoNew York Giants wide receiver
Kadarius Toney (hamstring) has been listed as questionable on the team's final Week 2 injury report. Toney, who barely played in Week 1 but looked electric on his two rushing attempts, was a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday after his hamstring tightened up. His involvement in the offense going forward was unclear either way, but this is obviously not a good sign considering Toney battled injuries for the majority of his rookie season. Although Toney passes the eye test every time he has the ball, it might be best to drop him for a player with guaranteed opportunities this week if you need a fantasy starter. Even if Toney plays, he should remain out of starting lineups until he proves to have a role.
--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: Pat Leonard
2 years agoNew York Yankees infielder
DJ LeMahieu (toe) tracked pitches and took some swings in the batting cage ahead of his team's game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday. LeMahieu has been on the injured list since early September with a toe injury but his ability to ramp up baseball activities is a good sign. The veteran infielder is hitting .262 with 12 homers, 74 runs, 46 RBI, and four steals in 2022.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Meredith Marakovits on Twitter
2 years agoNew York Yankees outfielder
Harrison Bader (heel) is planning to play the outfield in rehab games on Saturday and Sunday. Bader has been down with plantar fasciitis since June, back when he was a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. If all goes smoothly for Bader, he could be on track to be activated from the injured list by Tuesday. Bader is hitting .256 with five homers, 35 runs, 21 RBI, and 15 steals over 246 at-bats.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Pete Caldera on Twitter
2 years agoNew York Giants rookie wide receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson (knee) was officially ruled out for the team's Week 2 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Robinson sustained the injury in Week 1 after recording just one catch and did not practice at all this week. The good news is that there has been no indication that the injury will be a long-term issue and Robinson should be back sooner rather than later. In the meantime,
Sterling Shepard,
Kenny Golladay, and
Richie James figure to see the bulk of the wide receiver targets, especially if
Kadarius Toney (hamstring) is unable to suit up as well.
Darius Slayton could also get involved despite being a healthy scratch last week. Robinson is an interesting hold in dynasty but can be left on the waiver wire for now in redraft fantasy leagues.
--Jorden Hill - RotoBallerSource: Pat Leonard
2 years agoNew York Yankees right-hander
Luis Severino (lat) is expected to return to the rotation for a start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. Severino has been sidelined since straining his right lat in July. He will not have a full workload against the Pirates, as he's expected to throw around 65 pitches. Severino has made 16 starts in 2022, posting a 5-3 record, 3.45 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 95 strikeouts over 86 innings of work. Severino should be rostered in all leagues for fantasy managers still in contention.
--Matt T - RotoBallerSource: Pete Caldera on Twitter
2 years agoPortland Trail Blazers guard
Gary Payton II (core) underwent surgery in July, but is expected to be ready for the beginning of the season. The 29-year-old was a useful option with the Golden State Warriors last season. The expectation is that Payton will play a key role off the bench with Portland. It's uncertain if he'll carry daily fantasy value, but could be someone worth looking at in deep leagues.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: NBA.com
2 years agoNew York Knicks guard
Immanuel Quickley is expected to have an expanded role next season. The 23-year-old showed some flashes of solid play when he was given the chance last year. He averaged 27.5 minutes per game after the All-Star break. It sounds like head coach Tom Thibodeau is ready to give Quickley more responsibility on the team. Quickley should be worth a look in the late rounds during fantasy drafts. He has promising upside and it sounds like he'll see an increase in minutes next season.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Ian Begley
2 years agoLos Angeles Lakers guard
Russell Westbrook might not be a starter heading into next season. The 33-year-old is coming off an awful season, so it sounds like the Lakers are considering using Westbrook off the bench. Westbrook has more competition at guard with the Lakers adding
Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder to their backcourt. There's certainly triple-double upside with Westbrook, but coming off the bench would hurt his fantasy value. There's probably more downside than upside to Westbrook at this point in his career.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: The Athletic
2 years agoThe Miami Dolphins' defense faces a tough opponent in the Baltimore Ravens this week. The Ravens dropped three touchdowns on the Jets last week, and that was without
J.K. Dobbins (knee) in the lineup. Dobbins is expected to return this week, adding another element to a flashy and powerful Baltimore offense. While
Lamar Jackson is certainly capable of turning the football over, the Ravens have the potential to score north of 20 points once again, limiting the Miami defense's fantasy upside this week. Fantasy managers are better off relying on a different team's defensive unit this Sunday.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: ESPN
2 years agoThe Los Angeles Lakers have reached an agreement with free-agent guard Dennis Schroder. The 29-year-old will sign a one-year deal with $2.6 million with the Lakers. He recently finished an impressive performance in the Eurobasket tournament. Despite losing in the tournament, Schroder remained one of the best performers. He averaged 13.5 points, 4.6 dimes and 3.3 boards in 64 contests with the Boston Celtics and Houston Rockets last season. Schroder might have fantasy value in Los Angeles, but it depends on his role on the team.
--Andy Webb - RotoBallerSource: Shams Charania
2 years agoMiami Dolphins kicker
Jason Sanders remains an intriguing option for your fantasy lineups ahead of his matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. Sanders struggled with accuracy last season but was flawless in Week 1, connecting on all four of his kicks, including two from more than 40 yards out. Given the strong state of the Dolphins' offense, Sanders should be rostered in most leagues. As long as he continues to be accurate and the Miami offense keeps moving down the field, Sanders will have fantasy appeal every week.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 years agoMiami Dolphins wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle has a favorable matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. Not only did the Ravens' secondary surrender 309 yards to the Jets last week, but Baltimore has lost Kyle Fuller (ACL) to injured reserve and could be without Marcus Peters (knee) and Marlon Humphrey (groin) this week. Even though he is the No. 2 option behind
Tyreek Hill, Waddle has proven that he can co-exist with the ex-Chiefs receiver. Waddle should continue to be started in all leagues, and he ranks as a mid-range WR2 in Week 2.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 years agoMiami Dolphins wide receiver
Tyreek Hill looks to build on his strong season opener as the team takes on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. Notably, Baltimore lost Kyle Fuller (ACL) to injured reserve and could be without Marcus Peters (knee) and Marlon Humphrey (groin) this week. Hill has a chance to go wild, and he falls into the mid-to-low WR1 tier as a result. Not only does he offer massive upside and should be started in all fantasy football leagues, but he could be in for a huge week and therefore has plenty of DFS appeal.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 years agoMiami Dolphins running back
Raheem Mostert faces off against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. He looks to build on his six touches and 32 scrimmage yards from the season opener. Even though the 30-year-old is the clear No. 2 back behind
Chase Edmonds, he has an opportunity to carve out a role in the Miami offense. He should be viewed as a high-end RB5 over the remainder of the season, with his weekly ranking either higher or lower based on matchup. He's also a solid insurance option for fantasy managers invested in Edmonds' health. For this week, though, he should be left on the bench in most leagues.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 years agoMiami Dolphins quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa faces off against a Baltimore Ravens defense that lost cornerback Kyle Fuller (knee) to Injured Reserve and could be without Marcus Peters (knee) and Marlon Humphrey (groin) this week. Although this matchup looks enticing on paper, Tagovailoa had a similarly intriguing matchup against the Patriots last week and could only muster 19.5 fantasy points (270 yards and one touchdown). He's going to support strong fantasy finishes from receivers
Tyreek Hill and
Jaylen Waddle, but Tagovailoa himself is best left on your bench in single-QB leagues. He ranks as a mid-to-low QB2 in Week 2.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 years agoMiami Dolphins running back
Chase Edmonds has an intriguing matchup on tap against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. The lead back in Miami, Edmonds is a talented runner and receiver, giving him plenty of intrigue in fantasy football, especially PPR leagues. It's worth noting that the Ravens allowed 13 receptions and 27.1 fantasy points to Jets running backs
Michael Carter and
Breece Hall last week, so it's easy to envision a scenario in which Edmonds finds similar success. Although the presence of
Tyreek Hill and
Jaylen Waddle eats into his touches, Edmonds should still be viewed as a high-end RB3 this week.
--Andersen Pickard - RotoBallerSource: RotoBaller
2 years agoSeattle Mariners outfielder
Mitch Haniger (back) remains out of the starting lineup on Friday against the Los Angeles Angels. Haniger showed optimism about being ready to return for the start of their weekend series, but clearly he isn't quite ready yet. He is likely to return at some point this weekend barring a setback. Haniger has not played since last Sunday after suffering a back injury. The 31-year-old slugger was in a major funk in September, slashing .179/.250/.256 with no homers in 10 games. When he returns he could be of some use in medium/deep leagues, but he is certainly not a must start at this point.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: Ryan Divish
2 years agoDenver Broncos wide receiver
KJ Hamler (knee, hip) will not play in Week 2 against the Houston Texans as a maintenance precaution, according to head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Hamler was unable to practice all week after failing to haul in his only target in the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The 23-year-old tore his ACL early last year and still is not 100 percent. He could eventually become a nice deep threat for quarterback
Russell Wilson, but for now, he can be left to the waiver wire in most fantasy leagues. With Hamler inactive,
Courtland Sutton,
Jerry Jeudy and tight end
Albert Okwuegbunam will receive slight boosts. Running backs
Javonte Williams and
Melvin Gordon III could be more involved in the passing game as well.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: DNVR Sports - Zac Stevens
2 years agoPhiladelphia Phillies outfielder
Nick Castellanos (oblique) is backing off swinging after feeling stiffness in his oblique. Castellanos strained his oblique on September 2, and his progression hasn't gone as planned. He still has no date set for a possible return, and at this point it is fair to question if he will make any impact for fantasy managers the rest of the way. It has been a disaster of a season for the 2021 breakout star, and as soon as he was starting to come around he got injured. His .300/.333/.500 August slash line gives some sense of optimism for 2023 at least.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: Alex Coffey
2 years agoWashington Nationals starting pitcher
Cade Cavalli (shoulder) experienced pain in his shoulder while throwing on Wednesday and will be shut down for three to seven days. The top prospect has been sidelined since his debut start on August 26, and is unlikely to see the mound again in 2022. Although he got shelled in his only major league game, Cavalli had a good year in the minors, posting a 3.71 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 104:39 K:BB ratio for Triple-A Rochester. Cavalli could be a deep sleeper next season and is likely to start in the Nationals rotation.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: Andrew Golden
2 years agoSeattle Seahawks rookie running back
Kenneth Walker III (groin) was removed from the final injury report on Friday and will make his NFL debut in the Week 2 matchup against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. Walker missed the season-opening win over the Denver Broncos after having hernia surgery, but he'll be active this Sunday. The 21-year-old should have a key role in Seattle's backfield this year, but it's unlikely that he'll immediately take over the lead-back role from
Rashaad Penny. Fantasy managers that have the oft-injured Penny rostered should most definitely look to add Walker off the waiver wire if he's available. Walker won't be a recommended fantasy play in his NFL debut.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Seahawks.com - John Boyle
2 years agoGreen Bay Packers wide receiver
Allen Lazard (ankle) and offensive linemen David Bakhtiari (knee), Elgton Jenkins (knee) and Jon Runyan (concussion) are all listed as questionable for Week 2 against the Chicago Bears on Sunday night in their home opener. Lazard was limited in practice all week, so he has a shot to play in Week 2 after missing the Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 26-year-old should be quarterback
Aaron Rodgers' No. 1 target if he's active, but Sunday night's late start makes Lazard a tough sell for fantasy lineups this week. With Lazard out in the season opener, all four of
Sammy Watkins,
Randall Cobb and rookies
Christian Watson and
Romeo Doubs underwhelmed.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
2 years agoMinnesota Twins middle infielder
Jorge Polanco (knee) is set to start a rehab assignment for Triple-A St. Paul on Friday. The switch-hitter will play second base tonight and possibly tomorrow, and could rejoin the Twins in Cleveland this weekend depending on how things go. Polanco is having a down year after his breakout 2021 and was slashing just .234/.341/.364 with two homers in August before his injury. Still, he should be activated and started in most leagues if he returns this weekend, as he has five-category potential.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: Phil Miller
2 years agoNew England Patriots quarterback
Mac Jones (back, illness) was removed from the injury report in Week 2 and is expected to start on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. Jones dealt with back spasms after the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins and also missed practice with an illness on Thursday, but he returned to a full practice on Friday and is good to go. The second-year signal-caller went 21-for-30 for 213 yards, one touchdown and an interception in the season opener. Although he won't be facing All-Pro pass-rusher T.J. Watt (pectoral) this weekend, the Steelers defense still has enough firepower to stop the Patriots offense dead in their tracks. The 24-year-old should be considered a low-end QB2 play in superflex leagues, at best.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
2 years agoBaltimore Ravens running back
J.K. Dobbins (knee) practiced in full all week, but he's still listed as questionable to play in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Dobbins is still working his way back from a torn ACL that robbed him of his entire 2021 season, and he was inactive in the season-opening victory over the New York Jets. Baltimore isn't going to rush him back as the lead back, and even if he's active this Sunday against Miami, he'll be a shaky RB3/flex option for fantasy managers at risk of seeing limited snaps. In Week 1,
Kenyan Drake was the clear lead back, followed by
Justice Hill and
Mike Davis. Relying on the Ravens backfield this early in the season is a crapshoot.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Field Yates
2 years agoAtlanta Braves relief pitcher
Kirby Yates (elbow) was placed on the 15-day IL on Friday with right elbow inflammation. Tough news for the righty, who just came back from his second Tommy John surgery in August. In his nine appearances since his return, Yates has a 5.14 ERA and 1.57 WHIP with six strikeouts in seven innings. Yates has certainly gone through the ringer in regards to injuries, and it's hard to believe that he was a top end fantasy reliever just a few years ago.
--Matt Garon - RotoBallerSource: David O'Brien
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