Guest of the League
The Empire Est. 2019
Dynasty $250 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

QB Teddy Bridgewater, 32 eyes return to NFL

Mon Aug 4 9:22pm ET
Field Level Media

Former quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is leaving his position as head football coach at Miami Northwestern High School and seeking a return to the NFL, according to multiple media reports on Monday.

Bridgewater's Miami Northwestern exit comes three weeks after he was suspended for allegedly providing impermissible benefits to his players, including Uber rides, meals and recovery services. He also asked for fans to donate to help cover these type of expenses.

The 32-year-old confirmed the suspension in a Facebook post last month.

"The suspension came from MNW and it's impossible to suspend someone who doesn't work for you," Bridgewater said. "So if im suspended from MNW im free to go to another school of my choice but IM NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

"And if it comes down to it, I will volunteer from the bleachers like I used to in 2018 and 2019 when no one had a problem."

After joining Miami Northwestern in 2024, Bridgewater led his alma mater to its first state championship since 2019. The program heads into the season as the fourth-ranked team in the state, per to the Massey Ratings.

Bridgewater returned to the NFL as Jared Goff's backup with the Detroit Lions in December but did not appear in a regular-season game. Bridgewater completed his only pass for 3 yards in the Lions' divisional round loss to the Washington Commanders.

In 10 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (2014-15, 2017), New Orleans Saints (2018-19), Carolina Panthers (2020), Denver Broncos (2021), Miami Dolphins (2022) and Detroit (2023-24), Bridgewater completed 1,372 of 2,067 passes (66.4 percent) for 15,120 yards with 75 touchdowns and 47 interceptions. He added 844 rushing yards and 11 scores on the ground.

Bridgewater was named to the Pro Bowl in his second season after starting all 16 games for the Vikings and leading them to an 11-5 record.

He hasn't started a game since 2022 with the Dolphins.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Champs Draft Live Stream Event (7-30)

Player Notes
DeVonta Smith Aug 4 9:10pm ET
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is standing out in camp and looking like a "bounce-back" candidate heading into the new season, Zach Berman of PHLY observes. Smith missed four games a season ago, but his fourth year in the NFL was still yet another productive campaign. He hauled in a career-high eight touchdowns while amassing 833 yards on 68 catches (89 targets). Smith's yardage total was the lowest of his career, but he likely would've gone over the 1,000-yard mark for the third straight season had he been healthier. Although Smith is behind A.J. Brown in Philly's receiver pecking order, he's good enough to enter 2025 as RotoBaller's 25th-ranked WR.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Aug 4 9:00pm ET
Josh Palmer

After sitting out Sunday, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (groin) returned to practice on Monday. Palmer spent the first four seasons of his career with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Bills on a three-year contract in free agency this past winter. While Palmer caught fewer than 40 passes for under 600 yards in each of the previous two seasons, he could be in for a bigger role on a Buffalo team that lacks a star receiver. The team's most productive wideout from last season, Khalil Shakir (ankle), suffered a high-ankle sprain last Friday and is considered "week-to-week." It'll be all the more important for Palmer and others to step up if Shakir has to miss any regular-season action.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Aug 4 8:50pm ET
Spencer Rattler

After 10 practices, New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler is "comfortably in the lead" for the starting job, according to Ross Jackson of LouisianaSports.net. Rattler, who's competing with second-round rookie Tyler Shough and Jake Haener, leads the group in first-team reps and has picked up the fewest third-team reps in camp. If Rattler plays well in Sunday's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, it could go a long way in locking up the job going into Week 1. A fifth-round pick from South Carolina in 2024, Rattler made six starts in seven games as a rookie and completed 57% of passes for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Aug 4 8:40pm ET
Justin Fields

The New York Jets have an established No. 1 wide receiver in star Garrett Wilson, but they're unsure who will complement him in the No. 2 role. Offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand said the job is "up for grabs," but the Jets are "happy" with the competition so far. Veterans Josh Reynolds and Allan Lazard lead the team's unofficial depth chart after Wilson. Tyler Johnson, Xavier Gipson, Malachi Corley, and rookie fourth-round pick Arian Smith are also in the mix to serve as targets for new quarterback Justin Fields. However, other than Wilson, nobody from the group is expected to provide much fantasy value in a run-heavy offense.

From RotoBaller

Mason Taylor Aug 4 8:30pm ET
Mason Taylor

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (ankle) did not practice on Monday because of an ankle injury, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. Head coach Aaron Glenn will provide an update on Taylor's status on Tuesday. A second-round pick from LSU, Taylor has been a standout this summer and will have a strong chance to earn the No. 1 tight end job if he's healthy. Jeremy Ruckert is listed as the starter ahead of Taylor on the Jets' unofficial depth chart, but he caught just 35 passes and no touchdowns over 41 games in his first three seasons. Taylor, on the other hand, racked up 129 receptions and six scores during his three-year run at LSU.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Aug 4 8:20pm ET
Tyler Huntley

Free-agent quarterback Tyler Huntley has agreed to sign with the Cleveland Browns, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. This will be the second stint with the organization for Huntley, who signed with the Browns in March 2024 but didn't earn a roster spot during the preseason. He ended up spending time with the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins after that. Huntley appeared in five games for the Dolphins last year and completed 64.7% of passes with three touchdowns and three interceptions. Overall, the 27-year-old has appeared in 25 games (mostly with the Ravens) and connected on 64.6% of attempts with 11 TDs and 10 picks. He'll give the Browns some insurance under center as Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel deal with hamstring injuries. For now, Huntley will join Joe Flacco and Shedeur Sanders as the team's healthy signal-callers.

From RotoBaller

Ladd McConkey Aug 4 8:10pm ET
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (undisclosed) did not practice Monday as he continues working through an undisclosed ailment. McConkey has been dealing with an issue that Chargers coaches have classified as "minor," while the second-year man has also downplayed its severity. McConkey told Kay Adams that there's no "trouble with anything," adding "there's no reason to have a setback and, you know, make this longer than it should be." As long as he's healthy, McConkey is a lock to be quarterback Justin Herbert's favorite target. The former Georgia Bulldog thrived as a rookie with 82 catches on 112 targets, 1,149 yards, and seven touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Van Jefferson Aug 4 8:00pm ET
Van Jefferson

The Tennessee Titans listed wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson in their starting three-receiver set on Monday on their first official depth chart of training camp, according to Titans beat writer Jim Wyatt. Tennessee signed Jefferson to a one-year deal in the offseason to give them veteran depth at the position. While the 29-year-old is listed as a starter right now, that won't be a guarantee come Week 1 of the regular season. He is playing for his fourth NFL team since the start of the 2023 campaign and had just 24 receptions on 40 targets for 276 yards and two touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (12 starts) with a Pittsburgh offense that had plenty of opportunity in the passing game. Fantasy managers will be avoiding Jefferson in 12-team leagues as a depth option in an offense led by a rookie QB in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Aug 4 7:40pm ET
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (quadriceps) passed his physical for a strained quadriceps and was activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Pierce looked good while working off to the side at Monday's training camp practice, but now he'll officially be able to rejoin the rest of the team. The 25-year-old could see plenty of reps out of the backfield upon his return, too, with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) still signed. Pierce will be battling with veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks for a role in Houston's backfield in 2025 behind Mixon if he's healthy. He was rarely used when he was healthy in 2024, carrying the ball a career-low 40 times for 293 yards and two touchdowns in 11 regular-season games (no starts). Even if Mixon isn't ready for the start of the regular season, Pierce could be the RB3 in Houston.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Aug 4 7:20pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are listed as co-starters on the team's first unofficial depth chart this week. Etienne and Bigsby have shared first-team reps during training camp so far this summer, so this doesn't come as much of a surprise. Bigsby is expected to handle most of the physical work between the tackles in 2025, while Etienne is being seen as a dangerous component as part of new head coach Liam Coen's screen game. Meanwhile, rookie Bhayshul Tuten is a speed threat with lots of home run ability. Even rookie LeQuint Allen Jr. could have a role in Jacksonville's backfield this year as a pass-catching option. After Bigsby looked like the more explosive back in 2024, Etienne's fantasy value has dropped to RB3/flex levels, with him being more attractive now in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Travis Hunter Aug 4 7:20pm ET
Travis Hunter

On the Jacksonville Jaguars' unofficial depth chart released on Monday, rookie first-rounder and two-way player Travis Hunter was listed as a starting wide receiver and as a backup defensive back. Unofficial depth charts should be taken with a grain of salt, but all signs this offseason have pointed to Hunter having a bigger role on offense than defense after the Jags traded up to second overall to take the Heisman Trophy winner out of Colorado. The Jaguars have every intention of having the 22-year-old play on both sides of the ball, and the uncertainty around how many snaps he'll have as an offensive playmaker plays into the volatility around him as a fantasy asset in his first NFL season. Even if he plays more on offense in 2025, Hunter could be limited to certain packages, making him a boom/bust WR3/flex option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Aug 4 7:10pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that the plan is to play quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the team's preseason opener this Saturday against the Houston Texans. McCarthy isn't your ordinary NFL starting QB going into a new season. The 22-year-old former first-rounder from Michigan missed all of his rookie season in 2024 due a torn meniscus in his knee that required surgery. He is heading into 2025 without a single game started in the NFL, so the more experience he can get in game situations, the better. Still, he probably won't play all that much this weekend and could be held out of the second preseason game next week. McCarthy has perhaps the best 1-2 receiver duo in the league in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but we have yet to see him in a starting role. There are going to be growing pains, making him more of a QB2 with upside in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Aug 4 7:00pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said that tight end T.J. Hockenson (groin) remained sidelined at training camp practice on Monday. O'Connell said Hockenson is dealing with some "day-to-day bumps." Hockenson reportedly suffered a minor groin injury during practice on Saturday and hasn't been on the field since. The 28-year-old was walking with a noticeable limp over the weekend, and it remains to be seen when he'll rejoin the rest of the team at camp. Until we hear more, it sounds like an injury that shouldn't keep Hock from being ready for Week 1 in early September. He got a late start in 2024 while recovering from ACL surgery and finished with 41 catches, 455 yards and no touchdowns in 10 regular-season games (nine starts) in his second year in Detroit. If Hockenson is healthy in 2025, he'll be a midrange TE1 while working with quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

From RotoBaller

Jaydon Blue Aug 4 6:40pm ET
Jaydon Blue

The Athletic's Jon Machota writes that Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue "has been standing out more and more, to the point he's been getting some first-team reps" at training camp. Blue has showcased his speed, athleticism and quality hands, all while taking care of the football. He appears to be getting more comfortable with the offense with each passing day. However, Machota also cautions that Javonte Williams entered camp as the probable RB1, with veteran Miles Sanders also standing out early in camp. Even though Blue has really impressed the Dallas coaching staff this summer, it seems more likely that the Cowboys will lean on Williams and Sanders as much as possible in the early going in 2025. Blue's size probably rules him out from ever having a workhorse role in the NFL, but he's not a bad dynasty/keeper stash or a late-round flier in deeper fantasy formats this fall.

From RotoBaller

Jauan Jennings Aug 4 6:20pm ET
Jauan Jennings

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) is still dealing with a calf injury and didn't practice on Monday, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked if it's "definitely health-related, not business-related," and responded: "You could ask him that but he tells me it's his calf. Gotta be delicate with those calves." Jenning is seeking a contract extension this summer, but Wagoner suggests it's a real injury, especially since he dealt with a calf injury in the spring. We'll call it a minor injury with a business element to it as well. The 28-year-old hasn't practiced in a week, but we'd be surprised if he's not ready for the start of the regular season, barring a setback. With Brandon Aiyuk (knee) likely to begin the year on the PUP, Jennings has a prime opportunity to be the team's WR1 to open the year. Jennings is a popular breakout candidate at the price of a WR4/flex.

From RotoBaller

J.K. Dobbins Aug 4 6:20pm ET
J.K. Dobbins

Denver Broncos insider Benjamin Allbright says that both running backs J.K. Dobbins and rookie second-rounder RJ Harvey have looked good at training camp. However, Allbright suggests that Dobbins is the "RB1 and stays that way until Harvey gets better at pass protection." The 26-year-old Dobbins has gotten off to a good start heading into his first year in Denver and has made a quick transition into head coach Sean Payton's offense after signing as a free agent in June. He and Harvey should continue to split first-team work, but it sounds as though Dobbins currently has a leg up on the rookie from Central Florida in terms of being the lead back early on in 2025. Dobbins has averaged a healthy 5.2 yards per carry in his four NFL seasons, but Harvey's role could grow as the season wears on, and Dobbins also played in just nine games due to injury from 2021-23 in Baltimore. He's an RB3/flex with upside in fantasy if he can stay healthy.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Aug 4 6:10pm ET
Chris Godwin

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren't counting out wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) out for Week 1 of the regular season, but ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that "they believe there's a chance he could miss a couple of games at the start of the season as he works his way back from the injury." Rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka is expected to be a big part of the offense for however long Godwin is out in the starting lineup next to future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. Graziano thinks that Egbuka could even remain a big part of the offense when Godwin is back. The Bucs are a team that "wants to put three wide receivers on the field as much as possible." An ankle dislocation in Week 7 in 2024 ended Godwin's season, and he remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list at training camp. With each passing day Godwin is absent, he falls a little further in fantasy. Right now, RotoBaller has him ranked as the WR36.

From RotoBaller

Cam Skattebo Aug 4 4:00pm ET
Cam Skattebo

The MRI exam on New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring) was optimistic, according to head coach Brian Daboll. Skattebo will sit out of Monday's training camp practice, but Daboll said all the injured guys are "getting better." With Skattebo nursing a hamstring injury, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary have seen more work with the first-team offense in camp. The 23-year-old's injury isn't serious, but don't be surprised if the G-Men hold Skattebo out of their first preseason contest this Saturday versus the Buffalo Bills. Although Skattebo is one of the slowest RBs in the league, he makes up for it by being extremely powerful and explosive in short areas. He has workhorse potential but will have to settle for a complementary role in his first NFL season alongside Tracy and Singletary. RotoBaller has Skattebo ranked as the RB37 heading into fantasy draft season.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Aug 4 3:30pm ET
Najee Harris

Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that running back Najee Harris (eye) is getting better and that Harris is walking laps around the field during training camp practices as part of his rehab process. However, there's still no timetable for his return, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. Harris suffered a superficial eye injury in a fireworks accident on the Fourth of July and was placed on the Non-Football Injury list at the start of training camp in mid-July. While the former Steeler has been at the team's facilities and taking part in meetings, he has yet to get on the field heading into his first year with the team. The 27-year-old is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September, but each day he misses practice is another day that rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton becomes much more intriguing in fantasy as L.A.'s primary backfield weapon.

From RotoBaller

Isaac Guerendo Aug 4 3:30pm ET
Isaac Guerendo

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) is expected to miss a couple of weeks, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports. Guerendo will miss time after getting injured during Saturday's training camp practice. While the 25-year-old still has time to get ready for the start of the regular season, he will miss important reps during practice and the preseason as he gets ready to serve as Christian McCaffrey's primary backup in 2025. With Guerendo now out for a few weeks, it will give rookie Jordan James more opportunities to run with the first-team offense when CMC needs a breather. In addition to James, Patrick Taylor Jr. and Ameer Abdullah should see more work in practices. When healthy, Guerendo's raw athletic abilities make him an intriguing handcuff if you take the leap on McCaffrey.

From RotoBaller