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Three-time Super Bowl champ Jim Fahnhorst dies

Thu Sep 18 1:43pm ET
Field Level Media

Three-time Super Bowl winner Jim Fahnhorst has died at the age of 66, the San Francisco 49ers announced on Thursday.

The team announced Fahnhorst passed away on Wednesday but did not divulge a cause of death.

Fahnhorst, a linebacker, played seven years with the 49ers from 1984-90, helping the club win Super Bowls XIX, XXIII and XXIV.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of former linebacker Jim Fahnhorst," the team said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his family."

Initially selected in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings, Fahnhorst opted to play in the USFL before joining the 49ers in 1984.

Fahnhorst's older brother, Keith, played as an offensive lineman with the 49ers from 1974-87. He died in 2018, also at the age of 66.

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Isaiah Likely Sep 18 1:00pm CT
Isaiah Likely

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely (foot) is on the practice field for the team's first practice of the week on Thursday, according to Bo Smolka of Press Box. Likely will probably be listed as limited, but it's a good sign that he's making progress after being limited last Friday. The 25-year-old is probably facing an uphill battle to be active on Monday night in Week 3 against the Detroit Lions, but he's getting closer to making his 2025 debut. If you're not stoked on your TE options in fantasy, Likely is worth a pickup now if he's available in your league's waiver wire. Fellow tight end Mark Andrews has been uncharacteristically quiet in two games with Likely sidelined, catching only two of his four targets for seven yards, with the Ravens scoring over 40 points in both of their games. With Andrews struggling, Likely could certainly take over TE1 duties in Baltimore once he's back to full strength.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Sep 18 12:40pm CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said on Wednesday that he needs to get wide receiver Stefon Diggs the ball more, while also acknowledging that he needs to "focus on finding open receivers," according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. "I haven't heard Stefon (Diggs) say one thing about 'I need the ball more.' That is not something that I've ever heard," offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said. Through the first two weeks of the 2025 season, Diggs' 89 receiving yards rank him third on the team, although he's first in targets (12) and first in catches (10). The 31-year-old veteran is being involved, but it sounds like Maye is looking for more. It's what Diggs' fantasy managers want to hear, and he could be due for a big game in Week 3 against a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has looked long in the tooth.

From RotoBaller

Josh Downs Sep 18 12:30pm CT
Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) is practicing on Thursday after he picked up a DNP in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to The Athletic's James Boyd. It's unclear if Downs was limited or a full-go, but the fact that he's back on the practice field gives fantasy managers hope that he'll be able to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. The 24-year-old caught just two of three targets for 12 yards in the season-opening win over the Miami Dolphins, but he bounced back with six catches for 51 yards on eight targets in the Week 2 victory over the Denver Broncos. If he's active, Downs will be an intriguing WR4/flex play in fantasy again this weekend against a Titans defense that has allowed the fourth-most half-PPR points to the position through the first two weeks.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 18 12:30pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) is missing a second straight practice on Thursday, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers last Thursday night and is trending toward missing the Week 3 contest this Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 24-year-old has a shot to return to practice on Friday, but the Commanders are expected to err on the side of caution with the second-year signal-caller. Veteran backup Marcus Mariota is preparing to start this weekend, and it was telling that Washington had him available to speak to the media on Wednesday, and not Daniels. Fantasy managers should be preparing as if Daniels will not be available for Week 3. Don't be so sure that he'll make it back for Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons, either.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Warren Sep 18 12:20pm CT
Tyler Warren

Indianapolis Colts rookie tight end Tyler Warren (toe) is returning to practice on Thursday after he was a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Warren could wind up as a limited participant on Thursday, but the important thing is that he's back on the practice field, giving him a chance to play in Week 3 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. In the one-point win over the Denver Broncos in Week 2, the 23-year-old played a healthy 93 percent of the offensive snaps and caught four of his seven targets for 79 yards. Through his first two NFL games, Warren has 11 receptions for 155 yards on 16 targets. The Colts have made it no secret that he's a big part of their game plan, making him a top-five fantasy TE if he's active this weekend against the 0-2 Titans.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Sep 18 12:10pm CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said the challenge for rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt will be "playing without the ball." "Every time he's touched it, good things happen," but Kingsbury stressed that pass protection or just running his routes properly is a "big deal." However, the OC said he's "impressed by his work ethic." Washington's top pass-catching back, veteran Austin Ekeler, is out for the year after tearing his Achilles in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Croskey-Merritt has averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry on his 14 rushing attempts in his first two NFL games, but he's failed to reel in his two pass-game targets, and it sounds like he has work to do before being trusted in obvious passing situations going forward. Chris Rodriguez Jr. will have a role with Ekeler out, but it might be Jeremy McNichols who gets the first shot in passing situations, starting in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Joe Burrow Sep 18 11:40am CT
Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe) is scheduled to have surgery on Friday if the swelling in his injured toe goes down, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Burrow will have a procedure to fix his Grade 3 turf-toe injury, according to sources. The surgery may be pushed back a few days. Once he goes under the knife, he'll be facing a three-month recovery. The Bengals are keeping the door open for the 28-year-old signal-caller to return this season, but if Burrow does make it back, it won't be until at least mid-December, leaving a small window for him to contribute for fantasy managers who make a run into the playoffs. In the meantime, backup Jake Browning will lead Cincy's talented offense. Browning has the skills to be a serviceable QB streamer in fantasy with one of the best 1-2 punches at the receiver position in the league, but he's also no Joe Burrow.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 18 11:30am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that quarterback Mac Jones' performance in the Week 2 win over the New Orleans Saints "doesn't really affect" whether Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) will play in Week 3 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Basically, when the Niners feel comfortable enough putting Purdy back out there, he'll be out there. Jones went 26-for-39 for 279 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions in the 26-21 win over New Orleans, but make no mistake, there is no QB controversy in the Bay Area. Purdy is the starter once he recovers from turf-toe and shoulder injuries. He was limited in practice on Wednesday and has a chance to serve as Jones' backup this Sunday against Arizona. Jones will start at least one more game this weekend, where he'll be in play as a low-end QB in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Sep 18 11:20am CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hip, groin) is expected to practice on Thursday, despite not being available for the portion of practice open to the media. The Ohio State alum was tagged with a DNP to start the week of preparation, but it's good news that he'll be out there in some fashion the next day. Egbuka has paced all Buccaneers wideouts in snaps thus far, including running mate Mike Evans, who he outsnapped 74-63 in their Week 2 win. It's unclear when exactly the rookie sustained his injuries, but as of now, they don't seem to threaten his status for the team's home meeting with the New York Jets on Sunday. That said, fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the capacity in which he practices on Friday. He'll be a low-end WR2 with upside if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 18 11:20am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said that quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) is "preparing mentally" on Thursday ahead of the Week 3 contest against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday. "Marcus is taking the reps and Jayden is preparing mentally," Kingsbury said. When asked for a specific update on the health of Daniels, Kingsbury didn't have one, but he did say the team has full confidence in backup Marcus Mariota. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in last Thursday night's loss to the Green Bay Packers and will not practice before Friday, at the earliest. While Washington hasn't ruled Daniels out this weekend, all signs point to them erring on the side of caution and holding him out. Fantasy managers should have already picked up a backup QB this week if Daniels was the only signal-caller on your roster going into the week.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 18 11:10am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) is making good progress after returning to practice last week, but those who ESPN's Jeremy Fowler has spoken to think a return in Week 3 against the New York Jets "might be ambiguous." Godwin returning next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, however, "feels like a real possibility." The 29-year-old suffered an ugly, season-ending dislocated ankle in Week 7 of last year and returned to the practice field for the first time last Thursday. He avoided the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the season, so Godwin can return at any time once he's cleared. Fantasy managers stashing him in an IR spot have to be pleased by his progress, but make sure to temper expectations once he returns, especially since rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka should remain a bit part of the team's passing attack all year.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Sep 18 11:00am CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand notes that the team's offensive game plan won't change "much at all," with quarterback Tyrod Taylor manning the helm. "It's very comforting as a coach," Engstrand said, regarding having a backup of the veteran's caliber. The journeyman signal-caller looked decent last weekend while working in teammate Justin Fields' (concussion) stead, and there's an argument to be made that New York's receiving options get a bump with him in the lineup. Particularly, after Fields' dismal outing in Week 2. Fantasy managers can expect a good dose of the ground game in this weekend's road matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. That is, unless opposing QB Baker Mayfield elicits a shootout.

From RotoBaller

Brashard Smith Sep 18 10:50am CT
Brashard Smith

ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that with the Kansas City Chiefs' lack of production regarding their rushing attack, it wouldn't be surprising to see running back Brashard Smith see more opportunities. According to Graziano, the Chiefs view the SMU product more in a pass-catching role, and he could begin to see work there. Teammates Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt have handled all but one of the backfield carries through two weeks, and have been nearly as inefficient in the receiving game as they've been on the ground. Graziano speculates that once Kansas City trusts Smith to handle the full extent of his responsibilities, he'll become a factor in the offense. Until then, he's difficult to trust for fantasy, but the rookie boasts the highest ceiling of the trio, and the Chiefs were "very impressed" with him in camp.

From RotoBaller

Isaiah Bond Sep 18 10:50am CT
Isaiah Bond

Despite his lack of involvement early on, ESPN's Dan Graziano notes that Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond has the potential to be a second-half breakout candidate in the 2025 season. Bond got a late start after dealing with sexual assault charges that were eventually dropped, so he's a bit further behind your typical rookie wideout at this point in their career. Any time missed in the early portion of a player's tenure could set them back, but the former Texas Longhorn has seemingly already surpassed second-year receiver Jamari Thrash in the Browns' WR room. Cleveland's dearth of skill players could leave him with a low target floor on a weekly basis, though Bond boasts the most speed of the group. Expect things to be in flux for the Browns at some point, but Bond is worth keeping an eye on in deeper leagues and is an excellent stash in dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Sep 18 10:20am CT
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) saw his snap share increase exponentially in their 31-27 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2. With Jacksonville flipping former backfield mate Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the week, playing time opened up behind starter Travis Etienne Jr., and Tuten made his opportunities count. The 23-year-old was fourth in the pecking order during Week 1, playing behind rookie counterpart LeQuint Allen Jr. In Week 2, however, Tuten outsnapped Allen Jr. 18-11 and out-touched him 10-2. Furthermore, the former looked explosive, displaying power and agility. Etienne Jr. is the back to own currently, but Tuten has made a case to be his handcuff and garner an increased role in the offense. The Jags' ground attack looks excellent right now, so he could be well on his way to making that happen. He'll be one to watch this Sunday in their matchup with Houston.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 18 10:00am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is trending toward the wrong side of questionable heading into Week 3. Daniels suffered a knee sprain in the Week 2 loss to Green Bay, and while the team hasn't ruled him out, the signs aren't encouraging. Backup Marcus Mariota handled Wednesday's press conference duties, which is a signal that the coaching staff may be preparing him to start. The Commanders are mindful of history, especially after the Robert Griffin III saga, where rushing a young ascending QB back from a knee injury ended poorly. Head coach Dan Quinn said that Daniels is not expected to practice until Friday, as he continues to rehab his knee. With a long season ahead and a winnable matchup against the Raiders, the team has every reason to play it safe. At this point, Daniels looks more likely to sit than to suit up in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 18 9:50am CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon may not carry much fantasy relevance in 2025. The veteran is coming off a strong 2024 campaign in which he finished inside the top 10 in rushing yards per game and ranked as the RB8 in half-PPR formats. But Mixon has yet to play this season due to a foot/ankle injury , and many have speculated whether Mixon will even play this season. In his absence, Nick Chubb has stepped in as the lead back. Chubb has looked revitalized after last year's knee injury, currently ranking 20th in rushing yards and 12th in yards before contact. With Chubb producing, a committee approach likely on the horizon, and Houston's offensive line struggling, Mixon's fantasy outlook looks bleak, even if he does return later in the year.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Sep 18 9:40am CT
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has quickly lost his fantasy relevance in 2025. After a bounce-back 2024 season in which he posted his best numbers since 2021, Gesicki's role has diminished with the arrival of free-agent addition Noah Fant. The two have been splitting snaps (Gesicki 44%, Fant 37%), while blocking specialist Drew Sample continues to factor into the rotation. With Joe Burrow expected to miss most of the season, the Bengals' passing attack takes a major hit, further sinking Gesicki's outlook. Between the reduced snap share and a backup quarterback in the lineup, Gesicki should be ranked outside the top 30 fantasy tight ends and is safe to drop in most formats.

From RotoBaller

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Sep 18 9:30am CT
KeAndre Lambert-Smith

Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith saw his role disappear in Week 2. The fifth-round pick flashed throughout training camp and preseason, with fans pushing for him to earn snaps alongside the starters. However, Lambert-Smith made a costly mistake lining up offside, negating a Ladd McConkey first down. After that, he was benched and didn't play another snap for the rest of the game. With the Chargers facing a tough Week 3 matchup against the Broncos' elite secondary, Lambert-Smith's path to meaningful targets remains unclear. For now, he should stay off the fantasy radar until he proves he can carve out a consistent role in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Restrepo Sep 18 9:20am CT
Xavier Restrepo

Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Xavier Restrepo could be elevated from the practice squad this week. The undrafted free agent out of Miami has prior chemistry with Titans quarterback and No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward, generating plenty of buzz during training camp. While Restrepo initially landed on the practice squad, an injury to wideout Bryce Oliver (knee) has opened the door for him to see game action against the Indianapolis Colts. If Restrepo can translate his rapport with Ward onto the field, he could work his way into a larger role and become a name to monitor for fantasy managers later in the season.

From RotoBaller