Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen won't suit up for Saturday's preseason contest against the New York Jets. The Panthers plan to sit a majority of their starters during their second preseason contest. The 10-year wideout doesn't necessarily need preseason reps to get ready before Week 1. That being said, fantasy managers shouldn't be alarmed if Thielen sits out the entire preseason. He's coming off an excellent first year in Carolina where he recorded over 100 receptions and 1,000-plus yards in 17 games. The expectation is that Thielen will once again be a focal point in the Panthers offense this upcoming season. In his absence, Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall figure to see a majority of the starting reps on Saturday.

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Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) isn't expected to suit up for Saturday's preseason game against the New York Jets. This doesn't come as much of a surprise considering Johnson has missed the last two practices. He continues to deal with a strained groin that hopefully won't be something that lingers into the regular season. He'll be joined on the sideline by a majority of the Panthers starters. That being said, Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall figure to see a majority of the starting snaps at wideout on Saturday.

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New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers won't suit up during Saturday's second preseason contest against the Carolina Panthers. It appears the Jets plan to rest a majority of their starters on Saturday. The team is reportedly resting 32 players, which includes most of their key starters. Second string quarterback Tyrod Taylor will dress but will serve as the emergency quarterback. Andrew Peasley and Adrian Martinez are reportedly going to get a majority of the snaps during Saturday's game. At this point, it seems unlikely that Rodgers takes the field until the regular season opener.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young will remain on the bench for Saturday's preseason matchup against the New York Jets. New head coach Dave Canales will give most of his starters the night off during this exhibition contest. There doesn't appear to be anything wrong with Young, but the Panthers don't want to risk an injury early in camp. Possibly, the second-year quarterback takes the field for the final preseason game. In his absence, quarterbacks Jack Plummer and Jake Luton will split up the reps on Saturday.

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San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams remains in the midst of an active holdout, which results in daily fines of $50,000. Williams has three years left on his current contract but no guaranteed money left, and he likely wants the 49ers to ensure some of the remaining pay on his deal. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler in the latest edition of Fowler Files, Williams is currently relaxing, indicating his firm stance. Fowler reported, "I'm told Trent Williams is playing golf right now. Literally, he's chilling. If they want his services, they need to adjust the contract. He's made over $150 million in his career and, at 35 years old, is the best-left tackle in the game but ranks only as the fourth or fifth highest-paid left tackle. They need to resolve this situation." While much focus is on 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's hold-in, Williams' holdout also warrants significant attention.

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New York Giants wide receiver and return specialist Gunner Olszewski (groin) is expected to miss 2-4 weeks due to a groin injury. Olszewski, who was set to be the Giants' primary returner, may face a significant setback with his extended absence. Although he did not record a reception in 10 games last season, he did return a punt for a touchdown. Olszewski has been a reliable NFL returner for five seasons and was named a first-team All-Pro in 2020. His injury could open the door for receiver Isaiah McKenzie, a natural candidate to fill in as he also brings extensive punt and kick-return experience. This injury may boost McKenzie's chances of securing a roster spot with the Giants.

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New York Giants running back Devin Singletary turned ten carries in 20 yards and scored a touchdown in the team's 28-10 loss to the Houston Texans. He was targeted once but could not complete the catch. The sixth-year running back played the entire first half with the rest of the starters and had just one less rush attempt than all other Giants combined. His touchdown was a one-yard plunge early in the second quarter. After quarterback Daniel Jones hit veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton for a 44-yard gain down to Houston's 1-yard line, Singletary took two straight carries, leaping into the end zone on the latter for the score. Singletary wasn't the model of efficiency at just two yards per carry on the day, but he's locked in as New York's primary ball carrier for the time being. The Giants' offensive line also looked eons ahead of where it was last year, consistently moving Texan defenders yards off the ball. While backup RB Eric Gray took just three carries in the game, he was targeted six times and caught five of those balls. It's an interesting development as Singletary was targeted just once. It is likely just a byproduct of the unique tendencies of each New York quarterback, but a situation to monitor nonetheless. We'll be able to glean more from this situation when the Giants square off against the New York Jets next Saturday for their final preseason action.

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Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze recently heaped high praise on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, describing his performance as "pretty unreal." Odunze highlighted a memorable moment: "He's throwing off one leg, putting it on my outside shoulder. It's like ooh, it's magical what he's doing back there in the backfield. He's special." This excitement about Chicago's revamped offense is well-founded, especially given the impact both players are making. During their latest preseason game, Williams connected with Odunze for a spectacular 45-yard completion late in the first half, putting the Bears in scoring position. Odunze's standout performance also included a 16-yard rush on a reverse. Williams capped off the drive with a thrilling 7-yard scramble into the end zone. Given their impressive preseason showings, both rookies are shaping up to be intriguing late-round fantasy picks this year.

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New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton caught all three of his targets for 59 yards in Saturday's 28-10 loss to the Houston Texans. The veteran wideout led all Giants starters in receiving yardage this week and nearly caught a long touchdown up the left sideline that ended in a 44-yard gain down to the Houston 1-yard line. It was a vintage performance from Slayton, who is listed as the third wide receiver on New York's depth chart behind Wan'Dale Robinson and rookie Malik Nabers. He should be afforded better looks this year now that Nabers is presumed to draw the more difficult defensive matchup every week. Additionally, the revamped Giants offensive line had a good showing and kept quarterback Daniel Jones clean. A clean pocket could do wonders for the G-Men this season. Slayton and the rest of the wide receiver room would stand to benefit from that. He and the rest of the first-team offense will get their last taste of preseason action next Saturday when the Giants take on the New York Jets.

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Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers hauled in four receptions for 54 yards in New York's 28-10 defeat against the Houston Texans. He was targeted six times. Nabers participated the entire first half with the other New York starters and was used early and often in this one. The LSU product was targeted on the first play from scrimmage by Daniel Jones on a pass nearly intercepted by the Texans' D. He was targeted again two plays later on 3rd-and-6, but the two couldn't connect again on what would have been a big gain. Nabers showed off the electric athleticism Saturday that made him the Giants' sixth-overall pick in this April's draft, and his stock is rising heading into the regular season. It is evident that New York plans to use the highly-touted prospect often this season, and he will likely lead this team in targets come the season's end. Expect him to suit up for his last action of the preseason next Saturday when the Giants take on the New York Jets in their final game before the start of the regular season.

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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones completed 11-of-18 passes for 138 yards and no touchdowns in the team's 28-10 loss to the Houston Texans. He tossed two interceptions and added 12 rushing yards on one attempt. It was the preseason debut for the Giants' quarterback and first game action since tearing his ACL last November against the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a bit of a mixed bag for Jones as he made a few foolish throws and some good ones on Saturday. The sixth-year veteran hit Darius Slayton for a big gain down to the Houston 1-yard line and made a few nice connections with rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers in this one -- accounting for his highlights. It would have been a bigger day for him, but Nabers barely missed catching what would have been at least a 20-yard gain on the first drive. On a positive note, the Giants' offensive line has improved vastly from 2023. The unit consistently opened holes for Devin Singletary in the run game and did not allow New York's signal-caller to be sacked. The Giants will take on their cross-town rivals -- the New York Jets -- next Saturday. Expect Jones to suit up for one final tune-up before the regular season.

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New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones completed 11-of-18 passes for 138 yards and no touchdowns in the team's 28-10 loss to the Houston Texans. He tossed two interceptions and added 12 rushing yards on one attempt.It was the preseason debut for the Giants' quarterback and first game action since tearing his ACL last November against the Las Vegas Raiders. It was a bit of a mixed bag for Jones as he made a few foolish throws and some good ones on Saturday. The sixth-year veteran hit Darius Slayton for a big gain down to the Houston 1-yard line and made a few nice connections with rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers in this one -- accounting for his highlights. It would have been a bigger day for him, but Nabers barely missed catching what would have been at least a 20-yard gain on the first drive. On a positive note, the Giants' offensive line has improved vastly from 2023. The unit consistently opened holes for Devin Singletary in the run game and did not allow New York's signal-caller to be sacked. The Giants will take on their cross-town rivals -- the New York Jets -- next Saturday. Expect Jones to suit up for one final tune-up before the regular season.

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Raheem Morris explained the decision to sit Michael Penix Jr. for today's game by noting that Penix had already shown enough during the first preseason game against Miami. Given his strong performance there, the coaching staff felt it wasn't necessary for him to play today. Although it was surprising that Penix didn't start in Saturday's preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens, Taylor Heinicke took the helm to showcase his abilities as a potential trade asset for quarterback-needy teams. If the Falcons have a successful season, Penix may not see any meaningful snaps. While it would seem beneficial for Penix to gain game experience, considering his history with knee injuries and his guaranteed spot on the roster, the team likely wants to avoid unnecessary hits. This is positive news for Atlanta's playmakers, who should be well-positioned even if Kirk Cousins has to miss any time.

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Cowboys defensive lineman Mazi Smith (allergy) will miss the team's preseason game against the Raiders in Las Vegas as he continues to recover from an allergic reaction he experienced on Friday. Smith, the Cowboys' 2023 first-round pick, impressed coaches with his performance in the preseason opener against the Rams, where he showcased his ability to excel in a traditional nose tackle role under new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. Last season, Smith started just three games, played 28 percent of the defensive snaps, and recorded 13 tackles and one sack. However, he has shown significant improvement during the offseason and training camp, recording three tackles in 20 snaps during the first preseason game. Despite the Cowboys' addition of defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, expectations for Smith this season remain high.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb declined the latest contract offer from the team. The Cowboys and Lamb's representation met on Thursday, where he was reportedly offered $33 million per season. However, the wideout wasn't satisfied, considering Justin Jefferson would still earn more annually. But Dallas needs to get something done soon or risk Lamb missing time. With that said, he's certainly proven he deserves top money after amassing 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns off 135 catches last season. There will be more on this situation. Yet, it's likely Lamb won't sign anything until he becomes the highest-earning receiver in the National Football League.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold won't be active for Saturday's preseason showdown with the Cleveland Browns. Instead, No. 2 signal-caller Nick Mullens will get the start. With J.J. McCarthy (knee) out for the season, Darnold is now atop the Vikings depth chart. The 27-year-old spent his first six seasons in the league with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers. However, he never met expectations, throwing for 12,064 yards, 63 touchdowns, and 56 interceptions while completing just 59.7% of his throws. While McCarthy could still eventually earn the starting job in Minnesota, Darnold has a chance to turn things around this season, especially with Justin Jefferson on the roster, arguably the top wideout in the National Football League.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back) has been with the team despite not practicing while seeking a new contract. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that Aiyuk is considered a "hold-in." However, Shanahan added that the wideout hasn't been fined because he's also dealing with a "sore back." Without question, it has been a rocky offseason between both parties as a result of the contract dispute. But the latest revelation regarding Aiyuk's back is something that could negatively impact his fantasy value even more, at least until more information is released surrounding the severity of the ailment.

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to start for Sunday's preseason battle against the Saints. However, the signal-caller will likely play sparingly. Purdy spent all of last offseason recovering from an elbow injury. Yet, he still threw for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 picks during the 2023-24 campaign, adding two scores off 39 carries. With Purdy coming off a Super Bowl appearance, expectations are higher than ever. Fantasy managers should view him as a week-to-week starter in most formats, especially with Christian McCaffrey (calf), George Kittle, Deebo Samuel Sr., and possibly Brandon Aiyuk at his disposal.

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New York Giants linebacker Micah McFadden (hip) won't return to Saturday's preseason matchup with the Houston Texans. The 24-year-old was injured after tackling Dameon Pierce in the first quarter and remained down. Of course, any injury is never good. However, it's even worse that McFadden was carted off the field. The 2022 No. 146 overall pick has spent his first two years with the Giants, totaling 160 tackles, three sacks, four fumble recoveries, and one pick. McFadden was replaced by Darius Muasau and will likely undergo further testing soon.

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Tennessee Titans edge rusher Arden Key won his appeal and will not be facing a six-game suspension to begin the 2024 regular season, according to a league source. Key was facing a six-game suspension for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policies, but now it appears as though the 28-year-old pass-rusher will be with the team for their Sept. 8 regular-season opener against the Detroit Lions. The former third-rounder by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2018 out of LSU had a career-high-tying 30 tackles (17 solo), six sacks, 12 QB hits and two forced fumbles in 17 games (nine starts) in his first year with Tennessee in 2023. Key isn't much of a fantasy option in IDP leagues, though, with only 20 career sacks in six seasons with four different teams. This is great news for the Titans' defense heading into the start of the season this fall.

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