Starting the season on the short-term injured reserve list is "in consideration" for Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle), according to Easton Freeze of A to Z Sports. Spears suffered a high ankle sprain in preseason play and is reportedly still in a walking boot. It's unlikely that he will be ready to go for Week 1, and he could be sidelined for the first four weeks of the season if the team does indeed place him on injured reserve. Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings (ankle) would serve as the backups to Tony Pollard in the Titans backfield if Spears is forced to miss time, although Mullings is dealing with a minor ankle issue of his own. Spears profiles as a solid running back depth in fantasy when healthy.

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New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Efton Chism III (ankle, foot) did not practice on Sunday as he battles ankle and foot injuries, according to ESPN's Mike Reiss. The same ailments kept Chism III from playing in the team's preseason finale against the New York Giants on Thursday. An undrafted free agent signee out of Eastern Washington, Chism III has been a standout in training camp and recorded 12 catches across the two preseason contests he took part in. He's reportedly fighting with second-year wide receiver Javon Baker for one of the last spots on New England's initial 53-man roster. Even if he makes the team, Chism III is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant in 2025, but he could be a name to monitor in dynasty formats.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings' (calf) "lingering calf issue and long contractual stalemate with (the team) could combine to send him to the injured reserve list," according to Tim Kawakami of The San Francisco Standard. Jennings has missed the majority of training camp with a calf issue and is also seeking a new contract from the team, which has led to speculation that the calf ailment is disguising a "hold-in." By threatening to place Jennings on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four weeks, the team would essentially be attempting to call his bluff. In Kawakami's report, he notes that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan recently said he expects Jennings to be on the field for Week 1. If that is indeed the case, Jennings profiles as a WR3/flex option in fantasy. However, he obviously comes with significant risk until both his injury and contract situations are resolved.

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The New England Patriots are shopping fifth-year safety Kyle Dugger, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Despite starting in all 45 of his appearances in the previous three seasons and signing a four-year, $58 million extension in April 2024, Dugger has been working with the second-team defense under a new regime this summer. The Patriots could go with Jabrill Peppers and either Jaylinn Hawkins or Craig Woodson as their starting safety tandem if Dugger stays on the bench or ends up elsewhere. However, finding a trade partner for Dugger may not be easy. His 2025 base salary of $9.75 million is guaranteed, and he didn't play well last season. The 29-year-old appeared in 13 games and went without an interception for the first time since 2020, his rookie campaign, and Pro Football Focus ranked his performance 157th out of 171 qualified safeties. It's worth noting that Dugger played through a right-ankle injury that required offseason surgery. Dugger is now fully healed, and if the Patriots are serious about getting rid of him, they'll have to hope another team sees him as a viable bounce-back candidate in its defensive system.

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The Minnesota Vikings released quarterback Brett Rypien on Sunday as part of a shakeup at the position. Along with moving on from Rypien, they traded Sam Howell to the Philadelphia Eagles and signed Carson Wentz. Their QB room now consists of new starter J.J. McCarthy, Wentz, and undrafted rookie Max Brosmer. Rypien spent most of last season on the Vikings' practice squad and didn't get into any games. The 29-year-old appeared in all three of the Vikings' preseason contests this month and combined to go 15-for-29 for 151 yards and an interception. That wasn't enough to convince the organization to retain him. Since going undrafted out of Boise State in 2019, Rypien has gotten into 10 games (all with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams) and completed 58.3% of passes with four touchdowns against nine interceptions.

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According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Dallas Cowboys defensive back Trevon Diggs (knee) is slated to be activated from the PUP list. The defensive back has passed his physical and will be cleared for action. The 26-year-old has been held out of action during training camp as he was recovering from an offseason knee surgery. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status in case he is unable to progress enough to suit up for their season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2021, Diggs enjoyed a career season when he tallied an impressive 11 interceptions. However, over the past two seasons, Diggs has tallied just three interceptions with 39 solo tackles. When healthy, he is expected to serve as a starter in the secondary.

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Tennessee Titans' rookie wide receiver Chimere Dike recorded one reception for one yard on two targets in Friday's 23-13 preseason win over the Vikings. Dike was not involved much on Friday, even with Calvin Ridley (soreness) not suiting up. Currently, he sits behind Ridley, Tyler Lockett, Van Jefferson, and fellow rookie Elic Ayomanor on the depth chart, but he appears to have established a solid role on special teams. Head coach Brian Callahan has spoken highly of Dike for his work as a returner, and on Friday against the Vikings, he backed it up with a 36-yard kick return.

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San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Jordan James (finger) is expected to move down the depth chart following the trade that sent Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. to San Francisco. Given Robinson's experience at the NFL level, he will likely be the top option to slot in as the No. 2 running back behind All-Pro Christian McCaffrey. During the preseason, James was competing for a depth role over second-year running back Isaac Guerendo, but he suffered a broken finger earlier in August, which has kept him sidelined since. At the time of their injury, James was slated to miss "a couple of weeks." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but given his injury and the acquisition of Robinson, James is not expected to have a prominent role as a rookie. He is best to leave off your draft board in redraft leagues.

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Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Will Howard (hand) was unable to suit up in their preseason finale on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers. The Ohio State product missed the entirety of the preseason due to a broken bone in his right hand. While the former sixth-round selection had an opportunity to claim the No. 2 job behind Aaron Rodgers, given that he missed the entire preseason, fantasy managers should expect him to open up as the No. 3 option on the depth chart. In 2024, Howard led the Ohio State Buckeyes to a National Championship. He threw for 4,010 yards with 35:10 TD:INT. His passing yards and passing scores both led the Big Ten. With Howard slated to serve in a depth role in his rookie season, he should only be viewed as a deep league taxi squad stash option in superflex dynasty formats.

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Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel is slated to claim a spot on the 53-man roster officially. Earlier on Sunday, the Browns opted to release quarterback Tyler Huntley, leaving them with four options on their depth chart. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Browns have planned to keep four quarterbacks on their roster for some time, suggesting that Gabriel's position is safe. The Browns selected Gabriel in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Oregon. During their preseason finale this past weekend, Gabriel entered the game after the starter Joe Flacco, which suggests the team views the Oregon product as the No. 2 option on the depth chart. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status as he could be in a good position to make his NFL debut early in the season if he can open the campaign as the backup.

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According to Adam Schefter, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is set to make the 53-man roster. Earlier on Sunday, the Browns released Tyler Huntley, which leaves them with four quarterbacks on the roster. However, the Browns have planned to keep four quarterbacks on their roster, which means the Colorado product could be in the mix to see playing time during the regular season. Sanders flashed upside in his preseason debut when he went 14-for-23 with 138 passing yards and two scores against the Carolina Panthers. However, in his final preseason game this past weekend, he struggled, being sacked five times and completing only three passes. With Joe Flacco being named the starter, fantasy managers should expect Sanders to open the season serving as a backup option alongside fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel and veteran Kenny Pickett. He should be viewed as a low-upside stash option in deeper superflex dynasty formats.

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Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Phil Mafah carried the ball two times for 16 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 31-13 preseason win over the Falcons. The seventh-round draft pick has impressed in camp and entered the game in the fourth quarter of Friday's game after Jaydon Blue (ankle) was helped off the field. The Cowboys don't currently have a true RB1, with Miles Sanders (shoulder), Javonte Williams, Deuce Vaughn, and Blue ahead of him on the depth chart. With his performance on Friday and injuries to Sanders and Blue, he may have a chance to make the 53-man roster and compete for touches early on.

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Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane is feeling comfortable in the Commanders' offense, and did not play in the team's final preseason game on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens, with no injury reported and multiple starters sitting. With the Commanders' star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, still dealing with contract negotiations and status for playing in Week 1 up in the air, Lane has the opportunity to step up with a thin wide receiver room that currently has Deebo Samuel, K.J. Osborn, Michael Gallup, Luke McCaffrey, and Noah Brown. Lane has been impressive in the Commanders camp, and in two preseason games, he had three receptions for 42 yards and was targeted six times. At this time, Lane is a solid candidate for a late flyer or dynasty stash.

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The Las Vegas Raiders are exploring all options at quarterback after backup Aidan O'Connell (wrist) suffered a wrist injury that will sideline him up to eight weeks. Head coach Pete Carroll emphasized the team's urgency, saying, "All possibilities are available right now... we're looking everywhere to see if we can find the best guy that fits us." At present, rookie Cam Miller is the lone healthy backup to starter Geno Smith, but he's considered a developmental piece. With roster cuts approaching, the Raiders are expected to add a more experienced arm to stabilize their depth chart.

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Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II finished with 43 yards off eight carries in Saturday's win over the Jaguars. Mike Boone had only 27 yards off seven touches, although he made up for it by finding the end zone. With De'Von Achane (calf) and Jaylen Wright (leg) not a lock to be on the field for the Week 1 showdown with the Colts, it appears Gordon could be the first in line to handle the bulk of the snaps. Head coach Mike McDaniel praised the rookie after the contest, stating that the game didn't look "too big" for him. Still, with the opener a few weeks away, Achane and Wright both have time to get healthy. However, if they aren't out there, Gordon should at least be in the flex conversation.

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With all teams now through the preseason and working on roster cuts, Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm was his team's highest-rated preseason player. Playing in all three contests, Helm did most of his damage in the second game against the Falcons, in which he caught four balls for 48 yards and a score. His overall score of 84.7 reflects solid work as both a run and pass-blocker, as well, and trails only Tyler Warren amongst 2025 rookie tight ends. The 6'5", 250-pound 4th-round pick enters the season as the team's number two tight end behind Chig Okonkwo, but in an offense looking for playmakers, it should come as no surprise if the team finds ways to get them both on the field. Helm is a low-risk add for dynasty rebuilders.

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Justin Melo of Broadway Sports reports that Titan's wide receiver Xavier Restrepo is on the bubble to make the 53-man roster for the Tennessee Titans. In three preseason games, he had three receptions for 26 receiving yards and no touchdowns. Restrepo was added as an undrafted free agent after he was a teammate of Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward at the University of Miami, and was his top target. In 2024, during his final season, he recorded 69 catches for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning consensus All-America First-Team honors. The Titans currently have Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Van Jefferson ahead of him on the depth chart, and he is currently battling it out with Elic Ayomanor, James Proche II, and Chimere Dike.

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Cincinnati Bengals' sixth round rookie running back has done enough through camp to earn the top backup spot on the latest 53-man projection. Chase Brown showed down the stretch last season that he can thrive in a workhorse role, and projects that the team will keep only three running backs on their initial roster, with Brooks and Perine splitting backup duty. Brooks had an extremely productive college career, and he is built for hard yardage and goal-line work. At 230 pounds, he outweighs Brown by about 15 pounds. His pass-blocking skills have also reportedly carried over as he transitions to the pro game, which is usually one of the most difficult hurdles to clear for a rookie trying to make his way onto the field. Brooks could have standalone value if he's able to vulture goal-line carries, and his upside is as high as any backup in the league should Brown miss time to injury.

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Including the opening kickoff of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason finale against the Bears on Friday, rookie running back Brashard Smith was featured on three of the game's first seven plays. And even though the 7th-round former wide receiver dropped a pass on 2nd-and-10, he rewarded his coaches for going back to him, taking a 12-yard pass to the Bears' three-yard line three plays later to set up Pacheco's opening drive score. While seeing action in all three preseason games, Smith has seen six targets and caught four of them. A natural pass catcher, the Chiefs appear to have a role in mind for him, and it's one that we've seen lead to fantasy value in Andy Reid's offense. Jerick McKinnon was a league winner in 2022, catching 16 passes for four touchdowns during the fantasy playoffs, and if Smith can become the featured pass-catching back for the Chiefs, he could prove to be a late-round steal.

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Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Savion Williams (hamstring) was one of 19 Packers players to miss the team's preseason finale due to injury. The 6'5" 225-pound third-round pick out of TCU missed time earlier in camp due to a concussion, and he could not participate in any of the team's preseason games. With his inability to stay on the field, there are concerns that his impact could be limited, especially early in the season. The Packers have been without three of their top receivers -- Jayden Reed (foot), Dontayvion Wicks (calf), Christian Watson (knee) -- for much of camp, so the opportunity has been there to carve out a role in Matt Lafleur's offense. Unfortunately, Williams has been unable to seize that opportunity, and as such, should remain an afterthought in most draft formats.

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