Onwuzurike, 28, tore an ACL in July 2025, ending his season before it began. His 2026 salary would have been fully guaranteed if he remained on the roster when Week 1 kicked off, so it is possible that this is just a salary cap maneuver, and we will see the Lions re-sign him to a team-friendly deal soon.
Overall, these comments are positive, but this is the first time in a while that Kubiak has added a qualifier when complimenting his rookie running back. The Raiders head coach said Washington is “a talented man that we’re going to keep giving opportunities to,” yet notes that the team is now about to go against live defenses “for 17 weeks in a row here before the playoffs, so he’s got to keep maturing.” This serves as a helpful reminder that despite Washington’s strong preseason showing, RB Ashton Jeanty is still the clear-cut starter. Washington can return FLEX value against the Dolphins’ defense, but perhaps Kubiak is considering easing Washington into a rotational role a little more so than he previously indicated. Regardless, Washington remains one of the highest-valued backups in fantasy football and should be rostered in all formats.
Underhill notes that Kamara practiced fully on Friday, “so he’s cleared, but the team is deep at running back.” This is good news for starting RB Travis Etienne, who should lead the team in carries easily and potentially hog snaps in scoring position since Kamara will be less than 100 percent healthy, if active. Saints RB3 Kendre Miller is the next man up.
Sweat upgraded to full participation today, which is good news. The Cardinals’ pass rusher was reportedly unhappy with the team this offseason and was ultimately placed on the physically unable to perform list. Today, GM Monti Ossenfort revealed that Sweat had an “offseason procedure,” presumably on his knee. The two sides appear to have resolved their issues, and Sweat is seemingly good to go after a successful rehab.
Van Lanen should at least be active, although he is not guaranteed to start. The veteran blocker broke out last year, playing all across the line before settling in at left tackle. He suffered a knee injury in Week 18, which forced the coaching staff to get OT Anton Harrison for left tackle duties while penciling Van Lanen in at right tackle. The team also has capable OT Walker Little at the ready. Unfortunately, Harrison appeared on the injury report with a foot injury and was unable to practice on Friday. Hopefully, his sidelining was a precaution and he is not seriously injured. Stay tuned.
Meyers remained limited all week and was seen wearing a non-contact jersey on Wednesday. It is fair to wonder if both WR Parker Washington and WR Brian Thomas will get more plays dialed up for them this week, but Meyers notably led the Jaguars in targets after last year’s in-season trade, so he should not be written off. Treat him as a FLEX against the Browns, potentially operating in the team’s WR3 role.
Melton rejoins the Packers via the taxi squad after roughly two hours away. He is not on the fantasy radar at this time.
Allen was expected to take on an expanded receiving role, in addition to his pass-protection duties, but a hip injury has stalled that plan. If active, he is unlikely to do more than help keep QB Trevor Lawrence upright. If he is inactive, the team could employ a committee approach in addressing his vacated duties.
Stowers is listed as the Eagles’ co-TE3, so even if he is absent, that will not be a huge deal. The team is undoubtedly hoping he develops over the course of the season, so tracking his recovery is worthwhile. For now, though, TE Dallas Goedert is the clear-cut tight end to roster in Philadelphia.
Greenard remained limited all week, so he seemingly has a chance to debut with his new team in Week 2. The offseason trade acquisition is listed as a co-starter at both EDGE spots. Getting him back in time to face the Titans next week would be helpful.
Nabers made clear yesterday that the decision to play, and how much, is up to him. The team appears to be respecting that. Nabers is, smartly, keeping his long-term health in mind. If active, he should probably be treated as a volatile WR2. Hopefully, we learn more later today or tomorrow.
Flowers kicked off the week with a limited session before upgrading to full participation on Thursday and Friday. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has expressed excitement about new OC Declan Doyle’s offensive scheme, which is set to feature Flowers as the top target earner. Treat him as a WR2 this week.
It’s been more than three weeks since Mitchell strained his hamstring in the Chargers’ preseason game against the 49ers. Mitchell upgraded to full participation on Friday after two limited sessions to begin the week. He should be fully recovered and ready for rotational duties against a beatable Cardinals defense. Consider him a volatile RB4/FLEX, potentially aided by increased passing game usage.
The speedy rookie injured his hip on August 20th in the Chargers’ preseason game against the 49ers. Although he is stuck in the No. 4 spot on the depth chart, it was an encouraging preseason showing prior to the injury. Thompson was in for all three first-team reps and continued playing with the second team for a while before exiting. He does not need to be rostered in 12-team leagues, but can be stashed in 14-team leagues.
Tuipulotu was limited all week by a hip injury. He is also seeking a lucrative contract extension after leading the team with 70 quarterback pressures and 13 sacks last season. He held in during training camp. The Chargers ruled out CB Deane Leonard (abdomen).
Regarding Davis’ injury, Fowler’s source said simply, “it’s bad.” The Cowboys’ No. 2 running back is undergoing further testing, but we expect them to place him on injured reserve before long. The Cowboys waived RB Jaydon Blue and RB Phil Mafah last month. Blue has since signed with the Eagles’ practice squad. Currently, only RB Israel Abanikanda resides on the practice squad in Dallas.
Jeanty practiced fully this week, setting him up for a solid workload against a soft defense. When he takes the field on Sunday, it will be exactly three weeks since he suffered his ankle injury. During that span, rookie RB Mike Washington seemingly carved out a rotational role for himself, though Jeanty still warrants RB1 treatment.
Earlier today, Raiders coach Klint Kubiak said he was initially optimistic that Bowers could play in Week 1, even after undergoing a recent meniscus trim, which is surprising. Kubiak, however, declined to discuss an updated return timeline for his star tight end. We do not yet know when he is expected back. In the meantime, Michael Mayer is a TE1 this week.
Jones was officially limited today, which likely means he injured his calf in practice. Depending on the severity, this injury could cost him Week 1. He is one of the best interior defenders in the league. This one is worth watching.
Pierce practiced for the first time this offseason on September 1st after undergoing ankle/heel surgery earlier this offseason. ESPN’s Stephen Holder said Pierce’s snap count is still to be determined, indicating that Pierce is unlikely to play a full complement of snaps. He can only be viewed as a boom-bust FLEX, but his field-stretching presence will trickle down to the pass-catching corps by keeping the safeties honest, which is good news.
Odzune was limited in all three practices this week. He appears to be on the right side of the questionable designation, but fantasy managers will still want to check on his status 90 minutes before kickoff. If he does miss Week 1, the Bears’ passing attack will run almost entirely through Colston Loveland and Luther Burden. Burden would be a top-24 wideout without Odunze. Loveland is likely penciled in as the TE2 for the week already.
Trapilo went down with a torn patellar tendon against the Packers in the Wild Card round last season. Bears GM Ryan Poles initially said he would be out “deep into next year.” Trapilo has made a remarkable recovery and has a shot to suit up this week. Even if he isn’t quite ready, the Bears should have their starting left tackle back early in the season. Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent (back) is also questionable for Week 1.
The Texans will be without their second-round rookie for at least four games. The front office traded up to acquire him in this year’s draft. This is unfortunate for the youngster, but the Texans’ exceptionally talented defense will be all right without him.
Porter remained limited all week. He also lacks a lucrative contract extension. Hopefully, both issues are remedied before kickoff. The Steelers’ D/ST could have a fruitful outing against a Falcons offense run by backup QB Cooper Rush.
Hall suffered a groin injury in camp but never appeared to be at risk of missing any time during the regular season. He practiced in full throughout the week and even told reporters he could handle a full workload on Sunday. Hall will be a high-end RB2 versus the Titans this week.