Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson may be limited to a reserve role early in his rookie campaign. The team signed Jaylen Warren to a three-year, $17.5 million extension on Monday, further solidifying him as the starter. Warren saw minimal preseason action, a sign the coaching staff is preserving him for a full workload. That leaves Johnson, the 2025 third-round pick, as more of a complementary option to start the season. He flashed potential in the preseason with 94 rushing yards, including 73 after contact. While Johnson isn't likely to offer early fantasy value, his talent could earn him a larger role as the season progresses. - Nathan Harvey

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Cleveland Browns beat reporter Tony Grossi believes there is "zero chance" rookie running back Quinshon Judkins (unsigned) suits up Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Judkins, a second-round pick, was accused of domestic violence in July. Although the charges were dropped, he has yet to sign his rookie contract. Grossi said on the ESPN Cleveland Radio that the deal will not be finalized until the NFL determines the length of his suspension. If Judkins doesn't play in Week 1, the Browns are expected to lean on Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson in the backfield. It's a favorable spot for the duo, as they face a Bengals defense that allowed the seventh-most points in the NFL last season.

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New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart could find himself starting sooner rather than later in his rookie season. The 2025 first-round pick put on a clinic in the preseason, racking up 424 total yards, four touchdowns, and zero turnovers, while showcasing poise beyond his years. Although veteran Russell Wilson will open the season as the starter, Dart's strong showing has put real pressure on the coaching staff. With a talented supporting cast led by Malik Nabers and a revamped defense, the Giants are well-positioned to support a young quarterback. If the team struggles to win early, head coach Brian Daboll may decide to turn the offense over to Dart sooner than expected.

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Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (foot) logged a full practice on Monday as the team prepares for its Week 1 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Walker had been limited for most of training camp with a lingering foot issue, but his early-week participation is an encouraging sign for his availability. The third-year back is expected to operate as Seattle's lead runner against the 49ers defense, that surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs in 2024. If active, Walker should be viewed as a strong high-end RB2 to open the season.

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Free-agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne is visiting the Washington Commanders on Tuesday after meeting with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, "the framework of a deal is in place for both teams," suggesting a signing could come soon. Washington extended Terry McLaurin last week, acquired Deebo Samuel Sr. in March, and still has Noah Brown and Luke McCaffrey on the roster. Regardless, the veteran wideout appears poised to land with a team in the near future.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue is expected to carve out a reserve role early in his rookie season. The 2025 fifth-round pick opens the year as the RB3 on the depth chart, sitting behind veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Blue brings a burst of speed and explosiveness to the backfield and could see opportunities situationally right away. At the University of Texas, he was a proven weapon through the air, racking up 42 receptions for 368 yards and six touchdowns in his final season. While Blue isn't likely to be fantasy-relevant out of the gate, his skill set and upside make him a strong stash candidate with the potential to earn a bigger role as the season progresses. - Nathan Harvey

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton could see fewer touches in Week 1 as the team heads to Brazil to face the Kansas City Chiefs. With veteran Najee Harris (eye) expecting to suit up Friday, a committee in the Chargers backfield appears likely. The 2025 first-round pick should still command a healthy share of touches, thanks to his first-round draft capital and Harris's lack of training camp reps. Even in a tough matchup against a Chiefs defense that was among the league's best against running backs in 2024, Hampton remains a solid RB2 play for Week 1. - Nathan Harvey

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Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) said he expects to play Friday night against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. The former Steeler missed all of training camp after sustaining a "superficial" eye injury in an incident on the Fourth of July. If active, Harris will likely split work with 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton in a committee backfield. Given his lack of practice and preseason reps, fantasy managers should temper expectations. Facing the Chiefs' defense, which allowed the second-most fantasy points to running backs in 2024, Harris profiles as a low-end RB4 while he eases into his new role. - Nathan Harvey

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According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) is expected to be ready for their season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders. Head coach Mike Vrabel noted that "As of today, he'll be out there." Reiss projects Diggs to be placed at the top of the depth chart, serving as Drake Maye's top target while DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte slot in as the No. 2 and No. 3. Reiss also expects veteran Mack Hollins to find a role as well. Last season, Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 of the regular season. Before the injury, Diggs was finding success with the Texans, averaging 15.6 PPR points through the first seven games. During this stretch, he found the back of the end zone three times and saw 7.9 targets per game. Given the lack of proven success outside of Diggs on the depth chart, fantasy managers should view him as a high-floor WR3 in PPR leagues if he is cleared to suit up.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young received a vote of confidence from wide receiver Adam Thielen after the veteran pass-catcher was traded to the Minnesota Vikings last week. "He's a great quarterback," Thielen said of Young. "You saw that at the end of last year." He also proceeded to commend Young for overcoming periodic struggles last season and returning to inject some life into the Panthers' offense near the end of the year. If that carries over into 2025, Young has the potential to be a mid-range fantasy QB2 while the Panthers could sneak into the Wild Card conversation.

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The Chicago Bears lined up wide receiver DJ Moore in the backfield several times throughout training camp, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin. This is an interesting development, and it could be the product of Rome Odunze continuing to blossom into a top receiver. While Moore should remain atop the depth chart, Odunze's ascension could force the Bears to get creative with how they use their other pass-catchers. That includes Moore, the 28-year-old who had 966 receiving yards and six touchdowns on a career-high 98 catches last season. He also attempted a career-high 14 rushes. New Bears head coach Ben Johnson was previously the offensive coordinator in Detroit, so perhaps Moore and Odunze are his new Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. For what it's worth, those two Lions receivers combined for 13 carries last season, with Williams accounting for the bulk of the attempts. Fantasy managers should continue to view Moore as a high-end WR2. Meanwhile, Odunze has WR2 upside, as well.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (ankle) "should be fine" despite missing all three preseason games, according to head coach Andy Reid. The Super Bowl-winning coach noted that he'd be a little more concerned if the injury pertained to a young receiver, but he's confident in Brown's ability to get back up to speed as a veteran. The injury bug limited Brown to just two regular-season games last year, but he made the most of his opportunities by catching nine passes for 91 yards. Kansas City will need reinforcements in the passing game after the NFL issued a six-game suspension to wide receiver Rashee Rice. Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce project to be Patrick Mahomes' top targets this season. Meanwhile, players like Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Jalen Royals should be able to carve out roles, too.

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Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze could be deployed in different spots throughout the offense, wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El told ESPN's Courtney Cronin. The second-year receiver received praise for his versatility and athleticism, with Randle El noting that he thinks Odunze is "going to have a big year." Meanwhile, Cronin said that Odunze is blossoming into quarterback Caleb Williams' top target. While it's hard to imagine Odunze truly surpassing DJ Moore on the depth chart, it's very possible we see a 1A and 1B situation within the Bears' receiver room. Only two teams targeted their wide receivers at a higher rate than the Bears (72.1 percent) last season, and that percentage could continue to increase under the guidance of new head coach and offensive mastermind Ben Johnson. Fantasy managers should be very excited about Odunze, who has legitimate WR2 upside this season.

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The Las Vegas Raiders announced that they have signed free agent quarterback Jeff Driskel to their practice squad. The veteran signal caller is now on his ninth NFL team, albeit in a reduced capacity. He spent 2024 with the Washington Commanders but hasn't actually attempted a pass since 2023, when he was a member of the Cleveland Browns. The 32-year-old is expected to offer depth behind Geno Smith and Kenny Pickett (hamstring). Las Vegas also has rookie Cam Miller on its practice squad, but it's unclear whether he or Driskel should be considered the third-string quarterback behind Smith and Pickett. Regardless, it's unlikely Driskel gets into a game anytime soon, and it's even more unlikely that he'll possess any fantasy value. Managers should continue to leave him on waivers.

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Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (concussion) was not listed on the team's injury report Monday, which indicates that he has cleared concussion protocol and will play in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Schoonmaker was sidelined for nearly two weeks while recovering, and now, he's back just in time for the season opener. The 26-year-old was productive while backing up Jake Ferguson last season, as he caught 27 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown through 17 games (six starts). Schoonmaker should be left on waivers for now, but he would instantly become a high-end TE2 if Ferguson were to miss any games.

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Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is not considering a return to college football, according to comments that Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot made during an appearance on PFT Live. Judkins still has not signed his rookie contract, and he continues to be the subject of an NFL investigation after a legal incident in Florida this summer. While it seems increasingly likely that a domino could fall as NFL Week 1 gets closer, it was reported on Monday that there's no update on a potential contract for Judkins, nor is there any more information on a potential punishment from the NFL. The ongoing saga raised some speculation that Judkins could return to school, but Cabot seems to have shut that rumor down. All eyes are on Cleveland and their second-round running back as this stalemate continues with the Browns' season opener just five days away. In the meantime, Jerome Ford should operate as Cleveland's primary running back while Dylan Sampson mixes in to provide a change of pace.

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Denver Broncos wide receiver A.T. Perry (undisclosed) has made "quite a bit" of progress since being activated from the PUP list, head coach Sean Payton told members of the media, including Luca Evans of the Denver Post. Perry didn't make the Broncos' initial 53-man roster, but he was brought back onto the practice squad. Plus, from the sounds of it, he has earned the praise of Denver's coaching staff ever since getting healthy. It's fair to assume that Perry, who hasn't played in a game since his rookie campaign with the Saints in 2023, could be a candidate to join the 53-man roster if a current Bronco receiver underperforms or gets injured.

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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (groin) was a full participant in Monday's practice. The team did not list him on the injury report, which indicates that he will play in Week 1 against the Dallas Cowboys, barring a setback. The 30-year-old is looking to bounce back after an underwhelming 2024 season resulted in him catching just 42 passes for 496 yards and two touchdowns through a career-low 10 games. The good news is that Goedert is now fully healthy and should be a focal point of the Eagles' passing attack this season. Philadelphia is expected to throw the football more often, which bodes well for Goedert, especially near the end zone. He has both a low floor and high ceiling, with his draft stock settling somewhere around the high-end TE2 range.

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (groin) returned to practice on Monday, as expected. This falls in line with previous comments from head coach Sean Payton, who said Mims' groin injury was minor and that he would practice on Labor Day. Fans and fantasy managers can exhale a sigh of relief as the Broncos' projected No. 2 receiver appears to be healthy in time for Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans. He's looking to build on an impressive second season in which he totaled 39 receptions, 503 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns, as well as 42 rushing yards and 602 total return yards. Without injuries and bye weeks hitting fantasy managers in full force yet, there isn't much of a need to get Mims into your starting lineups yet. However, if the 23-year-old explodes early or managers start to deal with gaps in their lineups, he'll become an intriguing WR3/FLEX option.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson could carve out a role on offense as early as Week 1 this season. The rookie out of Oregon could see opportunities to contribute right away with Chris Godwin (ankle) and Jalen McMillan (neck) temporarily sidelined. We saw Tampa Bay support three fantasy-relevant receivers at times last year, so it's safe to assume that could happen again in 2025. Mike Evans and Emeka Egbuka are essentially locks to produce right away, leaving Johnson and Ryan Miller vying for the No. 3 role. The early advantage may go to Miller, who started three games (and played in 11 total) last year, so he is familiar with the system. Plus, he led the team in receiving yards during the 2025 preseason. However, Johnson has a promising outlook, too, as he totaled 2,080 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns through two seasons at Oregon. Meanwhile, he had the most targets and second-most receiving yards among all Buccaneers players this preseason. Tampa Bay is no stranger to getting its depth receivers involved, so don't be surprised if Johnson contributes right away. He should be stashed in all dynasty leagues, and he could even have some appeal in deeper redraft formats.

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