Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. rushed for 62 yards on six carries Monday night against the Bengals. Rodriguez ripped off a 40-yard run on Washington's opening drive, with the offensive line executing perfectly and him bursting through the hole. Rodriguez is a downhill runner who consistently falls forward and gains yards after contact. In a small sample of 35 carries last season, he led all running backs in success rate and ranked fifth in yards after contact per attempt. The Kentucky product profiles as an early down, hammer back that should be a good eventual replacement for Brian Robinson in Washington. He should now have a solid chance of sticking on the 53-man roster and complements Austin Ekeler and Jacory Croskey-Merritt well. Rodriguez is worth monitoring in deep leagues and as the Washington backfield gets sorted out.

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Jaylin Lane led the team in receiving with three catches for 42 yards in a 31-17 loss to the Bengals. The Virginia Tech product looked impressive as he used his speed to threaten defenders deep before settling down into space and then delivering yards after the catch. One of the highlights of the night was Lane making a difficult diving reception for a first down with a defender draped all over him. Interestingly, he has mostly been tabbed as a slot receiver, but he lined up outside on multiple plays tonight and recorded a reception. His ability to take the top off of defenses and as a vertical threat for Daniels could make Lane an important player for their offense. In addition, his ball-in-hand numbers were impressive during college and can be used in similar ways to Deebo Samuel. With the lack of depth in the Washington receiver room, Lane has the opportunity to produce, and the profile makes it an exciting swing to take near the end of fantasy drafts.

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Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt ran for 46 yards on 11 carries and added two receptions for no gain against the Bengals. Croskey-Merritt, more commonly known as "Bill", followed the hole that was beautifully created by the Washington offensive line and tight end John Bates before showing off his explosiveness in the open field to finish for a 27-yard touchdown. He was mostly stuffed on the rest of his carries as the game went on, and as Washington's reserve offensive lineman came into the game. His stock is on the rise, however, with the recent news surrounding Brian Robinson's future in Washington. The glowing reports coming out of training camp point to Croskey-Merritt having a sizable role in Washington's backfield this season. While Croskey-Merritt is the most dynamic runner on the team, veterans like Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez, and possibly Jeremy McNichols are well-regarded with the coaching staff as well and will likely form a committee in the short term. Attached to Jayden Daniels and an offense that should score plenty of points, he is a great upside bet to make in your drafts.

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Dynasty | Washington running back Brian Robinson will not play in the next preseason game as the Commanders seek a trade partner. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that escalated quickly. A day after it was reported the Commanders were looking to move on from Robinson, they're essentially putting him on ice. This is a considerable development as the Commanders may be giving rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt a legitimate chance to have a meaningful role. While Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez are still in the picture, JCM should be on all rosters immediately. We've been touting him as a sleeper all Summer and it seems we were right. As for Robinson, his value is going to start tanking unless he's moved to a team as a starter.

Dynasty | The Commanders are actively exploring a trade of Brian Robinson. Dynasty Analysis: We've been touting JCM for months now and it seems the hype has been warranted. Robinson will not play in the Commanders upcoming preseason contest as they explore their options with him. While Chris Rodriguez and Austin Ekeler continue to be in the mix, JCM should be rostered in every league this point as a late round rookie pick who may just hit.

Dynasty | Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough completed 9-of-12 passes for 66 yards in New Orleans' second preseason game, Dynasty Analysis: Shough has been outplayed by Spencer Rattler, though neither has looked the part of a true NFL-caliber quarterback this preseason. It's a tough situation for the Saints, who clearly would like to see Shough rise to the top and start as a rookie. This battle looks like one that's going to go down to the wire and Shough's rookie ADP is starting to fall as he looks like a player who has been really protected in games thus far and has lacked the ability to produce explosive plays.

Dynasty | Saints receiver Mason Tipton had six catches for 100 yards in the Saints second preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: Tipton was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal offensive performance for New Orleans. He's a player who seems to shine in camp and in practices, but it's never translated to on the field success in the regular season. He remains a player to keep an eye on as the Saints are looking for players to emerge behind the likes of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks.

Dynasty | The Houston Texans have traded wide receiver John Metchie to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Metchie goes to the Texans in exchange for Harrison Bryant and a day three pick swap. Lost in the shuffle in Houston, Metchie should compete with Johnny Wilson and Jahan Dotson for a role behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. It's a welcome move for Metchie who was lost behind not only the startes, but also rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in Houston. Metchie is still a ways off the dynasty radar but he at least has a path to relevance here.

Free-agent guard Dalton Risner is scheduled to visit with the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday, according to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. The 30-year-old Risner has started 81 games across six NFL seasons, spending the last two years with the Minnesota Vikings. Cincinnati has veteran Lucas Patrick penciled in as the starter at right guard and third-round rookie Dylan Fairchild atop the depth chart at left guard. The Bengals have struggled to find consistent play on the interior of the offensive line for multiple years now, so it's no surprise that they would be interested in an experienced veteran like Risner. Pro Football Focus graded Risner as the NFL's 13th-best pass-blocking guard in 2024 but the league's 96th-best run-blocker at the position. That would indicate that adding him to the mix in Cincinnati might benefit quarterback Joe Burrow, but could potentially harm running back Chase Brown.

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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (hand) is "week-to-week" after jamming his hand in practice last Thursday, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. Minnesota got good news with Justin Jefferson (hamstring) returning to practice on Monday. However, the team's wide receiver room behind him is having a rough offseason. In addition to Nailor's injury, Jordan Addison will miss the first three games of the season due to suspension, and Rondale Moore (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury. If Nailor can return in time for Week 1, he could be a decent flex play in fantasy while Addison is sidelined. If Nailor misses time, third-round rookie Tai Felton could see an early-season bump in targets.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (elbow) is dealing with "more of a muscle strain" in his elbow and is considered day-to-day with soreness, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Dalton left early from the team's preseason game on Saturday against the Houston Texans, but was able to throw during the individual portions of practice on Monday. The 37-year-old is one of the better backup quarterback options in the league and a reliable presence behind Bryce Young in Carolina. If Dalton were to miss time, Jack Plummer is the next quarterback up on the Panthers' depth chart. Neither Dalton nor Plummer would be a player to target in fantasy if pressed into action, but Dalton would likely do a better job of keeping Carolina's offense afloat.

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Baltimore Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (hamstring) returned to practice on Monday, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said recently that Mitchell has a chance to return in time for the team's final preseason game on Saturday. The third-year running back rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown in Baltimore's preseason opener, but was held out of their second game due to a hamstring injury. Mitchell is competing with Justice Hill and Rasheen Ali for RB2 snaps in Baltimore behind Derrick Henry. If Henry were to go down with an injury, Mitchell might have the highest upside of the remaining Ravens running backs.

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Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue (ankle, heel) is "trending positively," according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and the team is hopeful and optimistic that he can play in Friday's preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Blue suffered a bone bruise in his heel on Aug. 7 and has not played since, although it looks like he should at least return to practice this week, which would put him in line to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 4. The 21-year-old was gaining steam and impressing the coaching staff at training camp before his heel injury while getting work with the first-team offense. His injury killed some of his momentum, although Blue could still have a key role in Dallas' backfield early on in 2025 alongside Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. He's worth a late-round flier in deep PPR fantasy leagues.

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Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson (groin) returned to training camp practice and was in full pads on Monday after missing the last two-plus weeks with a groin injury, according to Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire. Head coach Sean McVay said Ferguson was "a little bit limited." Ferguson hasn't played in the first two preseason games, and it's unknown if he'll suit up in the preseason finale on Saturday against the Cleveland Browns. The Rams are unlikely to take any chances with their top rookie before the regular-season opener, so the 22-year-old probably won't play this weekend. For fantasy purposes, Ferguson can be ignored in redraft leagues in 2025 with the Rams being deep at the TE position with Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson an Davis Allen in the mix alongside the rookie. The Rams have the luxury to be able to take it slow with Ferguson.

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson told ESPN that he and the team have agreed on the years and total dollar amount on a potential long-term contract extension, but not on guaranteed money. Additionally, there has been no progress on a trade after reports over the weekend that the Bengals were actively discussing trades involving Hendrickson with other teams. The 30-year-old has been asking for a new deal for more than a year now and really would prefer to return to Cincinnati as their best pass-rusher. As long as his contract holdout doesn't leak into the 2025 regular season, the former third-rounder (103rd overall) in 2017 out of Florida Atlantic will be a must-start defensive end in IDP fantasy leagues. Hendrickson has 17.5 sacks in each of the last two seasons and 70.5 sacks since the start of 2020.

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Atlanta Falcons WR Ray-Ray McCloud (undisclosed) and WR KhaDarel Hodge (undisclosed) did not participate in practice Monday, Aug. 18.

From TheHuddle

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said the team is targeting this week for the practice debut of tight end Darren Waller, though nothing is finalized. The 32-year-old hasn't played since 2023 with the Giants, when he caught 52 passes for 552 yards and one touchdown. Waller enters a wide-open tight end room in Miami and could push for immediate starting duties. If healthy, he adds another dynamic weapon to an already explosive offense featuring Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De'Von Achane, making him a late-round fantasy sleeper.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (knee) was diagnosed with a sprained PCL on Monday and is expected to miss four-to-six weeks. The 24-year-old will likely be sidelined until October, halting his push for a larger role behind CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jalen Tolbert. Mingo caught 17 passes for 167 yards across 17 games with the Panthers and Cowboys last season. This injury sets him back significantly, and he holds no fantasy value in redraft formats. Mingo should remain off draft boards heading into 2025.

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New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (undisclosed) returned to practice Monday after missing time with a minor injury. The veteran is battling rookie TreVeyon Henderson for the starting role, though Henderson's presence has dented Stevenson's fantasy outlook. Stevenson is expected to handle change-of-pace and possible goal-line duties behind the rookie, limiting his weekly ceiling. Last season, Stevenson logged 240 touches for 969 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. For 2025 drafts, he's best viewed as a later-round stash with flex potential if Henderson struggles or misses time.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (abdomen) worked on the side during Monday's practice, but his availability for Week 1 remains uncertain. Austin told reporters he is following the medical staff's plan, though he was non-committal about a timeline. The 26-year-old wideout took on a bigger role last year, recording 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns. With DK Metcalf and Robert Woods locked into outside roles, Austin should lead in slot snaps if healthy. He's a late-round fantasy sleeper with upside catching passes from Aaron Rodgers.

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