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Hurricane Beryl damages NRG Stadium roof

Tue Jul 9 9:01pm ET
Field Level Media

NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans, sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl, which has left more than 2 million residents without power and caused deaths in Texas and Louisiana.

The hurricane, which made landfall on Monday as a Category 1 with winds whipping over 80 mph, left roads covered in debris and caused flood damage.

NRG Stadium has holes in its retractable roof, with aerial photographs showing at least three panels missing.

"Like many of our neighbors in the Gulf Coast region, NRG Park sustained damage from Hurricane Beryl, including to the roof of NRG Stadium," NRG Park CEO and executive director Ryan M. Walsh said in a statement on Tuesday. "(Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation) officials are collaborating with state, county and city officials to assist with recovery efforts throughout the region. ...

"While we assist with these efforts, we are also assessing the extent of damages to NRG Park facilities. We look forward to seeing our neighbors at NRG Park soon as we return to normal operations."

The Texans, who start training camp on July 18, have two road games on their preseason schedule before facing the New York Giants on Aug. 17 at NRG Stadium. Houston's home opener for the regular season is Sept. 15 against the Chicago Bears.

The Houston Astros' home baseball stadium, Minute Maid Park, did not sustain serious damage from Hurricane Beryl, with Tuesday night's home game against the Miami Marlins remaining as scheduled.

The Texans had to postpone their home opener against the Baltimore Ravens in the 2008 season after Hurricane Ike, a Category 2 storm, damaged the stadium and led to repairs for five sections of the roof.

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Player Notes
Jayden Daniels Aug 10 6:40pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels looked sharp in his lone possession in his first professional game on Saturday afternoon. The number-two overall pick in this year's draft got things started with a 42-yard pass to wide receiver Dyami Brown on their first third down to move the Commanders into opposing territory. He then completed a short pass to Terry McLaurin for three yards before letting his two running backs, Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, bring the Commanders into the red zone. The former LSU Tiger then capped the drive off by taking the ball into the end zone himself on a three-yard rush. This was a great debut for the reigning Heisman winner, as he was able to show off both his legs and his arm as well. Last season at LSU, the 23-year-old threw for 3,812 yards while tallying 1,134 on the ground. Daniels is a great upside pick with a current Yahoo ADP of 109.8, given his elite rushing ability.

From RotoBaller

Ramiz Ahmed Aug 10 6:40pm CT
Ramiz Ahmed

Washington Commanders kicker Ramiz Ahmed went 1-for-1 on his field goal attempts and 2-for-2 on his extra-point attempts on Saturday afternoon. His field goal attempt came from 40 yards out. This is important to note because Riley Patterson missed his lone field goal try from 39 yards out. Brandon McManus was originally brought in during free agency to serve as the starting kicker in D.C. but was let go in June due to being involved with a civil lawsuit. As a result, this opened up a competition between Ahmed and Patterson, and after the team's first preseason game, Ahmed may be in the lead. Patterson does have more experience in the NFL and has gone 59-for-67 throughout the first four seasons of his career. Ahmed made only one NFL appearance back in 2022 with the Green Bay Packers and moved on to play for the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL last spring. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor this competition as the winner could be fantasy-relevant, especially if rookie Jayden Daniels is able to adjust to the NFL fairly quickly and move the Washington offense downfield on a consistent basis.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wiley Aug 10 6:30pm CT
Michael Wiley

Washington Commanders running back Michael Wiley led the team in rushing yards and attempts with 34 on eight carries. He also caught his one target for five yards and punched in a score at the goal line. The undrafted rookie entered the game to start the second half and remained a key part of the offense towards the back half of the game. His touchdown late in the fourth quarter put the Commanders ahead, but they were unable to hold on to the lead. Wiley totaled 311 yards on the ground and 306 through the air in his final season at Arizona this past fall. Currently, Wiley slots in behind Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols on the depth chart but could push to serve as a depth option in the backfield, as both Rodriguez and McNichols combined for 10 rushing yards on nine carries on Saturday.

From RotoBaller

Ben Sinnott Aug 10 6:20pm CT
Ben Sinnott

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott led the team in receiving yards with 57 and receptions with three on Saturday afternoon. Sinnott made his first professional catch in the first quarter off a one-yard pass from Jeff Driskel. In the second quarter, Driskel hit him on his longest reception of the day for 44 yards. Later in the second half, he made his final reception for 12 yards from Sam Hartman. This was a great sign for the former second-round pick, as he looked quite comfortable in his first NFL game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progression through the remainder of the preseason, as he could become a consistent option in the offense. For now, veteran Zach Ertz should be viewed as the starter, but Sinnott could be worth a flier late in drafts if he continues to produce in the preseason.

From RotoBaller

Dyami Brown Aug 10 6:20pm CT
Dyami Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown led all Washington wideouts on Saturday afternoon as he totaled 55 yards on two receptions. His first catch came on the opening drive off a great contested 42-yard pass from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Later in the game, the former North Carolina product caught his other pass from Jeff Driskel for 13 yards in the second quarter. This was a great opening game for Brown as he struggled last season, holding a disappointing 52.2% catch rate, which placed him in the 17th percentile among all receivers. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor how Brown plays in the preseason, as he could claim the third spot in the wide receiver room that is open with Curtis Samuel now in Buffalo. If Brown continues to play well, especially with the First-team, he should be in the driver's seat to see consistent playing time in the fall.

From RotoBaller

Elijah Mitchell Aug 10 5:50pm CT
Elijah Mitchell

San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) won't suit up for Saturday's preseason opener. The 49ers will be without Mitchell, Christian McCaffrey (calf), and Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) for Saturday's contest. Undrafted rookie Cody Schrader and veteran Matt Breida are likely to see increased touches with the 49ers limited on players. These injuries aren't expected to linger into the regular season.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Aug 10 5:50pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) was forced to exit early during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The rookie back only saw two touches before exiting the contest. The organization will likely have Lloyd undergo further testing before knowing the severity of the injury. He's competing for a spot on the roster behind Josh Jacobs and AJ Dillon.

From RotoBaller

David Bell Aug 10 5:40pm CT
David Bell

Cleveland Browns wide receiver David Bell (quad) was forced to exit early during Saturday's preseason matchup against the Green Bay Packers. The young wideout headed to the locker room in the first half and didn't return. He hauled in his lone target for five yards before exiting the game. Hopefully it's only a minor issue as Bell is battling for a depth spot on this roster. He hasn't done much during his first two seasons and that's unlikely to change in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Jakeem Grant Aug 10 5:30pm CT
Jakeem Grant

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with free agent wide receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. on Saturday. The former sixth-round pick has spent a majority of his career with the Miami Dolphins. He tore his Achilles in 2022 which prompted his release from the Cleveland Browns. Grant is an All-Pro returner as his best season as a wideout came in 2020 with the Dolphins. The Falcons are likely going to use Grant primarily as a returner but he could see some snaps at wideout with Rondale Moore done for the season. There is unlikely to be any fantasy value here.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Aug 10 5:13pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Dynasty | Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 2-of-3 passes for 45 yards and ran for a three yard touchdown in his preseason debut. Dynasty Analysis: You can take this with a grain of salt since the Jets didn't player their starters but this was still a very solid start for the new face of the franchise. There are still lots of questions to be answered but Daniels certainly looked the part on one drive. He remains a second rounder in conventional rookie drafts and an easy top three pick in late 2QB/Superflex leagues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Breece Hall Aug 10 5:13pm CT
Breece Hall

Dynasty | Jets rookie running back Braelon Allen rushed for 54 yards on six carries in the Jets preseason opener. Dynasty Analysis: If there were any questions about who the backup is to Breece Hall, those were likely answered today. Allen has reportedly had a solid camp both rushing and receiving and has quickly climbed the depth chart. This performance all but makes him the handcuff to Breece Hall, barring a late surge from someone else late in camp. Allen remains a solid late round rookie pick with upside.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Malachi Corley Aug 10 3:40pm CT
Malachi Corley

New York Jets wide receiver Malachi Corley led the team with five targets in Saturday's preseason win over the visiting Washington Commanders in East Rutherford, hauling in five passes for 27 yards. His longest catch of the day went for 14 yards. The Jets chose Corley with the first pick of the third round in the 2024 NFL Draft to bolster their receiving corps beyond the perimeter, and the 22-year-old wideout out of Western Kentucky has a chance to become New York's primary slot receiver if he can overtake Xavier Gipson as one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' ancillary targets. Gipson failed to stand out in 2023 and has missed reps during training camp due to injury. Corley profiles similarly to a young Curtis Samuel, and he'll continue to be a name to watch for fantasy managers in next Saturday's preseason game against the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.

From RotoBaller

Israel Abanikanda Aug 10 3:30pm CT
Israel Abanikanda

New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda found the end zone in Saturday's preseason win over the visiting Washington Commanders in East Rutherford, but he only produced 17 yards on his six rushing attempts in the victory. He added an eight-yard reception. Abanikanda rushed up the middle in the fourth quarter, plunging his way into the end zone from two yards out to tie the game at 17 points apiece on Saturday afternoon against Washington. Around this time last year, Abanikanda lost a lot of handcuff upside to starter Breece Hall when the Jets signed veteran Dalvin Cook. This time around, however, the 21-year-old former Pittsburgh standout has a better chance of carving out a change-of-pace role in New York's backfield, but rookie fourth-rounder Braelon Allen poses a big obstacle after impressing on Saturday.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Davis Aug 10 3:30pm CT
Isaiah Davis

New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis played a big role in the passing game out of the backfield in Saturday's preseason win over the visiting Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium, reeling in four passes for 33 yards in the victory. However, he only generated eight yards on the ground over four carries. Davis is one of three Jets tailbacks vying for the No. 2 role this summer behind starter Breece Hall on New York's RB depth chart, and he at least showed on Saturday afternoon against the Commanders that he can contribute through the air when given the opportunity. The 22-year-old South Dakota State product put up a robust 7.6 yards per carry over his four-year college career, but for now, he looks like the fourth option out of the backfield in the Meadowlands behind fourth-round rookie Braelon Allen and 2023 fifth-rounder Israel Abanikanda.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Aug 10 3:20pm CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen staked his claim as the team's top backup to starter Breece Hall in Saturday's preseason win over the visiting Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium, rushing six times for a team-high 54 yards in the victory. Allen had a long run of 24 yards on Saturday afternoon against the Commanders, showcasing plenty of strength with his 235-pound frame. The 20-year-old power back out of Wisconsin was drafted by the Jets in the fourth round of this past spring's NFL Draft, and while he isn't likely to make a big impact in the receiving game, Allen sure looks like the handcuff to roster in fantasy leagues in New York's backfield over Israel Abanikanda and Isaiah Davis behind Hall at the moment. His next chance to impress arrives next Saturday against the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Aug 10 2:40pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Troy Fautanu (knee) suffered a minor MCL sprain during Friday's preseason opener. The injury is not expected to be serious for the team's first-round pick. The 20th overall pick in the 2024 draft made his preseason debut on Friday night but sustained a knee injury during the game. Fautanu was listed as the No. 2 left tackle behind Dan Moore Jr. on the team's first depth chart of the preseason. The initial plan was for Fautanu to demonstrate enough potential at right tackle during the preseason to secure the starting role, allowing 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones to shift to left tackle. However, this plan will be disrupted if Fautanu's injury sidelines him for an extended period. In his absence, Moore, who has been a starter in his first three seasons with Pittsburgh, is expected to return to the starting lineup. Fautanu was the best run-blocker in the draft, so running back Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren hope he fully recovers soon to help boost their fantasy values.

From RotoBaller

Ed Oliver Aug 10 2:10pm CT
Ed Oliver

Bills DT Ed Oliver (knee) will not return to the game against the Bears, even though he was cleared to play. Oliver injured his knee early in the game but was able to walk off the field and briefly sit on the bench before being evaluated in the sideline medical tent. He returned to the bench with his helmet, indicating the injury may not be as severe as initially feared. We'll need to monitor early week practice reports for more information. Still, the Bills might have avoided a significant setback with Oliver's injury on the first play from scrimmage. As one of the team's most vital defensive players, the Bills could be exercising caution, minimizing his workload ahead of Week 1. With several critical defensive starters lost in the offseason, maintaining Oliver's health is crucial. If the defense does weaken, it could shift more responsibility to Josh Allen and the offense, potentially increasing fantasy scoring opportunities for those players.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Aug 10 2:00pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is already showcasing his comfort in the new offense by calling deep-play audibles. Running back Austin Ekeler revealed that Daniels changed the play from a planned screen pass to an all-go route, leading to a deep completion to Dyami Brown. OL Sam Cosmi also praised Daniels for his decision-making, noting the 42-yard strike and saying, "I think we've got a guy back there." Daniels, who has drawn significant interest from fantasy experts and fans, had an impressive debut in his first preseason game. Known for being the only FBS player with over 12,000 passing yards and more than 3,000 rushing yards, Daniels presents intriguing value as a late-round fantasy quarterback pick. With a strong supporting cast and his dual-threat capabilities, he stands out as a potential QB1 option for those looking to prioritize other positions early in their drafts.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Aug 10 1:40pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell was not on the field during the team's two-receiver sets, with Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs handling those roles. Most teams maintain a consistent pair of receivers for these formations, but the Texans rotated their wideouts frequently last season. While Dell may not see as much action in two-receiver sets compared to Collins and Diggs, his impact remains strong. This didn't impact Dell significantly, as he caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud midway through the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Although Dell's fantasy value might take a slight hit due to his limited role in two-receiver sets, the Texans are likely to use three-receiver formations frequently, which should provide ample opportunities for him.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Aug 10 12:50pm CT
Jordan Addison

The Minnesota Vikings anticipate a suspension coming at some point for wide receiver Jordan Addison, who faces drunken-driving charges in California after his arrest there last month. But due to the speed with which these matters move at the league office, the Vikings believe that any suspension would come either late this season or during the 2025 offseason. There was some concern that an Addison suspension could overlap with the early part of the season when they'll be without tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee), but that doesn't seem likely. Fantasy managers considering taking Addison in upcoming drafts will want to be prepared to lose him at perhaps the most important time later in the year, but they can rest easy knowing he shouldn't be suspended early in 2024, and perhaps maybe not at all in his second NFL campaign.

From RotoBaller