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Toe surgery to boot Bengals QB Joe Burrow until mid-December

Sun Sep 14 2:38pm ET
Field Level Media

Joe Burrow is set to undergo toe surgery after sustaining an injury Sunday vs. Jacksonville, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor confirmed Monday.

Burrow is expected to be out for at least three months while recovering from Grade 3 turf toe, according to multiple reports. Taylor, though, was non-committal to a timeline, saying that the team is "still working through all of the details," of his procedure and how long he could be out.

The Cincinnati quarterback limped to the locker room in the second quarter of the Bengals' 31-27 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday with a Grade 3 turf toe injury and exited the stadium on crutches with a boot on his left foot.

The Bengals (2-0) visit the Minnesota Vikings next Sunday with Jake Browning, who threw three interceptions against Jacksonville, as their QB1. The upcoming schedule takes the Bengals to Denver in Week 4 and Cincinnati faces the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers in the first three weeks of October.

Cincinnati last won its first two games of the season in 2018.

Using a three-month recovery projection, it's possible Burrow could be a limited practice participant in early December and cleared to return from injured reserve for a Dec. 14 game against the Baltimore Ravens or a visit the following week to the Miami Dolphins (Dec. 21) in Week 16.

Burrow was injured with 8:36 left in the second quarter, while pointing toward his left foot. On a second-down pass play, the pocket collapsed and Burrow was trapped underneath.

The 28-year-old Burrow sat on the turf for a minute before getting up and receiving treatment in the medical tent. After five minutes in the tent, he began to make his way to the locker room under his own power before putting an arm on each shoulder of accompanying medical staff.

Burrow was 7-of-13 passing for 76 yards and a first-quarter touchdown pass to Ja'Marr Chase before the injury.

Burrow has completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 19,190 yards and 142 touchdowns to 46 interceptions in 71 career games. After recovering from a season-ending injury in the 2020 season, he was named Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year in 2021 when he guided the Bengals to the Super Bowl. He received the award again last season, though the Bengals did not make the playoffs.

Browning replaced Burrow and was 21 of 32 for 241 yards, two touchdowns with the three picks. He also scored the winning touchdown on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 18 seconds left to cap a 15-play, 92-yard drive.

Browning, 29, started the final seven games of the 2023 season when Burrow sustained a season-ending wrist injury. He completed 70.4 percent of his passes for 1,936 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions in nine appearances that season before re-signing in free agency to stay with Cincinnati.

Taylor expressed confidence in Browning during his Monday press conference.

"We have a ton of confidence in Jake. He proved that yesterday against what everybody's going to see as a good football team. ... Excited for Jake to go out there and play. He's earned the right to be in the spotlight. Guys will ride behind him."

"I feel very confident in Jake. He has proven his caliber in this league. He can help us win football games and contend for all the things we want to contend for," Taylor aid.

Veteran backup Brett Rypien is the third quarterback for Cincinnati, currently on the practice squad.

ESPN reported Cincinnati has started reaching out to free agent quarterbacks. Among the free agents are Desmond Ridder, who was with the Bengals for part of training camp, as well as Mike White, Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Trask, and Nate Sudfeld. They also could look at a trade for a veteran quarterback -- Jameis Winston of the New York Giants and Case Keenum of the Chicago Bears are the third quarterbacks for their teams -- or cull the list of QBs on NFL practice squads.

Several practice squad quarterbacks have starting experience, including Tyler Huntley, Bailey Zappe, C.J. Beathard, Jeff Driskel, Sam Hartman and Trevor Siemian.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 3

Player Notes
Wan'Dale Robinson Sep 17 3:10pm CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (foot) is on the Week 3 injury report and was listed as a limited participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. In addition to Robinson, fellow wideout Darius Slayton (calf, groin) was also limited. Robinson had an ankle injury last week but was active in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys and looked fully healthy, going off for eight catches on 10 targets for 142 yards and a touchdown. While the 24-year-old's status bears watching ahead of this Sunday night's showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs, he figures to have a good shot at suiting up. Robinson has been one of quarterback Russell Wilson's favorite targets behind Malik Nabers in a pass-happy offense through two weeks, making him a priority waiver-wire addition this week. However, don't be surprised if Wan'Dale and the Giants' offense comes back to Earth in Week 3 against a strong Chiefs defense on Sunday night.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 17 3:10pm CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (quadriceps) was limited during Wednesday's practice due to a quadriceps injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the week in case this injury begins to linger. However, seeing him open the week in limited capacity should not put him in danger of missing their Week 3 clash against the Dallas Cowboys. Through the first two weeks of the season, Swift has operated as the clear workhorse back of the Chicago backfield, taking 29 carries for 116 yards and a score. Through the air, Swift has seen eight targets and brought in six receptions for 18yards. If Swift were to be limited in Week 3, fantasy managers should expect rookie Kyle Monangai to take on a larger workload.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Sep 17 3:10pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (calf) finds himself on the Week 3 injury report after he was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Rookie Cam Skattebo is also on the report with an ankle injury, but he was a full-go on Wednesday and should be fine for Sunday night's tilt against a stiff Kansas City Chiefs defense. Tracy played 74% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Washington Commanders, but that number dropped to 42% in Sunday's overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys as he watched Skattebo take over the backfield and score his first career touchdown. The 25-year-old second-year back is being used as a returner on special teams now, too, which could signal that the Giants are already comfortable giving Skattebo a bigger role in the backfield. Now dealing with an injury, Tracy is quickly losing fantasy appeal and is shaping up as a shaky RB3/flex if he plays in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Sep 17 3:00pm CT
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris had high praise for running back Bijan Robinson while talking to reporters on Wednesday. "He's definitely the best player in football," Morris said. He may not be wrong. Through the first two weeks of the 2025 NFL season, Robinson checks in as the RB4 in half-PPR scoring with 167 rushing yards on 34 carries. He has added nine receptions on 12 targets for an additional 125 yards (tied for most among RBs) and a touchdown through the air. The 23-year-old's high-end abilities on the ground were on full display in Sunday night's win over the Minnesota Vikings, when he ran for 143 yards on 22 carries. He has started his 2025 campaign with two straight weeks surpassing 100 scrimmage yards and seems primed to make it a third straight in a plus Week 3 divisional matchup against the Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Will Shipley Sep 17 2:40pm CT
Will Shipley

Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley (oblique) remains out of practice on Wednesday as the team begins preparations for Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. Shipley suffered an oblique injury in the season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys and was inactive for the Week 2 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl rematch. Since the 23-year-old's injury in Week 1, the Eagles went out and acquired Tank Bigsby in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars for additional backfield depth behind starter Saquon Barkley. In addition to Bigsby, Philly also has AJ Dillon as an option at the position, so when Shipley is healthy enough to return to the field, he figures to take on a smaller role as a change-of-pace option behind Barkley.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Sep 17 2:40pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee), who was inactive for the Week 2 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl rematch due to a knee sprain he suffered in the season-opening win over the Dallas Cowboys, returned to the practice field on Wednesday, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. While it's not guaranteed that Goedert will play in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams just yet, this is certainly a positive sign for his availability this weekend. The 30-year-old caught all seven of his targets for 44 yards in Week 1 and should be considered a must-start TE1 in fantasy if he returns for Week 3 action. With Goedert out against Kansas City, backup Grant Calcaterra finished with only one catch on two targets for six yards.

From RotoBaller

Gunnar Helm Sep 17 2:20pm CT
Gunnar Helm

Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm has been active in the first two weeks of the 2025 season, but he's been minimally involved in the offense to begin his career. Helm played just over 33 percent of the offensive snaps in the Week 2 loss to the Los Angeles Rams while securing both of his targets for only nine yards. Through his first two NFL games, the fourth-rounder out of Texas has three catches on four targets for 25 yards. So far, he has been targeted in the short areas of the field by rookie quarterback Cam Ward and is the clear No. 2 TE behind Chig Okonkwo in Tennessee. Helm may become a bigger part of the Titans' offense as the season unfolds, but for now, unless Okonkwo misses time with an injury, he belongs on the waiver wire in single-year fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Sep 17 2:00pm CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson has wasted no time making his mark in 2025, highlighted by an eight-catch, 142-yard, one-touchdown performance against the Cowboys in Week 2. Quarterback Russell Wilson has been quick to praise the 24-year-old, calling him a "superstar" and noting, "He's like a quarterback out there playing receiver... he's got a great feel for the game... he reminds me a lot of Tyler Lockett." Robinson has drawn 18 targets over the first two weeks and forms a dangerous tandem with Malik Nabers, creating consistent one-on-one opportunities for both receivers. After posting 93 receptions last season, Robinson is now showing far more explosiveness, with his yards per reception jumping from 7.5 to 14.1. With increased usage and Wilson's trust, Robinson is a must-roster fantasy option across all formats.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Wright Sep 17 1:50pm CT
Jaylen Wright

Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright (knee) logged a full practice Wednesday and is expected to see his first meaningful action of the season Thursday night against Buffalo. Wright entered the year as the projected RB2 behind De'Von Achane, but a preseason knee issue sidelined him for the first two weeks. In his absence, Ollie Gordon II filled the change-of-pace role, playing 18% of Miami's offensive snaps. Achane has been one of the few bright spots in a sluggish Dolphins offense, tallying a team-high 197 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns through two games. With Wright now back in the fold, Miami could look to mix him in early to ease the workload on Achane. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should monitor Wright as a potential stash with upside if his role grows.

From RotoBaller

MarShawn Lloyd Sep 17 1:50pm CT
MarShawn Lloyd

Green Bay Packers rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) remains on injured reserve but is eligible to return in Week 6 against a vulnerable Bengals defense. The Packers' backfield has leaned heavily on Josh Jacobs, who has accounted for 42 of the team's 55 rushing attempts through two games. That kind of workload will be difficult to sustain, and the lack of usage for reserves Chris Brooks and Emanuel Wilson--each with just one carry--suggests the coaching staff isn't comfortable leaning on them in meaningful situations. Lloyd's eventual return could provide Green Bay with a much-needed spark, as his speed and big-play ability were evident during the preseason. Fantasy managers in deeper formats should monitor Lloyd's progress, as he could quickly carve out a change-of-pace role and potentially spell Jacobs to keep him fresh.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Sep 17 1:40pm CT
Darren Waller

The Miami Dolphins created buzz in July when they signed previously retired tight end Darren Waller, but through two weeks, the 33-year-old has yet to make his debut. Waller last played in 2023 with the Giants, posting 552 yards and 52 catches, but questions remain about whether he can regain his form. For now, the Dolphins have leaned exclusively on Tanner Conner at tight end, who has managed just two receptions for 20 yards on four targets this season. Miami's offense has struggled to find consistent balance, and while the passing attack should feature plenty of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle (if active), the lack of production at tight end remains a glaring hole. Fantasy managers should continue to leave Waller on waivers until there's clarity about his role and timeline for return.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 17 1:30pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (shoulder) has been downgraded to questionable ahead of the team's pivotal Week 3 divisional matchup with the Bills. The Dolphins' passing game found some rhythm in Week 2, with Waddle catching five of six targets for 68 yards and a touchdown, but his availability now casts doubt on their offensive outlook. Miami will likely need to lean on its aerial attack in what projects to be a high-scoring game, and Waddle's absence would shift more opportunities to Tyreek Hill while elevating Malik Washington and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine as deeper league streaming considerations. Fantasy managers should monitor Waddle's status closely, as his presence could make the difference between a WR2 performance and a last-minute scramble for replacements.

From RotoBaller

DJ Giddens Sep 17 1:20pm CT
DJ Giddens

Indianapolis Colts rookie running back DJ Giddens saw a sharp decline in his usage during Week 2. After logging 25% of the snaps in the opener, his role was reduced to just 7% as Jonathan Taylor handled nearly all of the backfield work. The shift in snap share makes it clear that as long as Taylor is healthy, Giddens will struggle to carve out meaningful standalone value for fantasy managers. Still, his size and power make him a strong handcuff option, as he would likely step into a heavy workload should Taylor miss time at any point this season. For now, Giddens should be viewed more as a depth stash in deeper formats rather than a reliable contributor. His immediate value is limited, but his long-term upside remains tied directly to Taylor's availability.

From RotoBaller

Josh Palmer Sep 17 12:50pm CT
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer has been a nice addition to the team's offense two weeks into the season. The former Los Angeles Charger ranks second among Bills WRs in catches (seven), targets (12), and yards (108), trailing only Keon Coleman in those categories. Palmer led the way with 47 receiving yards on two grabs in a win over the New York Jets in Week 2, when the Bills elected for a run-first approach instead of airing it out. They figure to have more success throwing the ball on Thursday against the Miami Dolphins, who have surrendered 33 points per game while yielding the league's highest completion percentage (78.8) and its second-highest QB rating (126.1). That should help set Palmer up for a relatively successful evening, though he's certainly not a high-end fantasy option. RotoBaller has Palmer as the 62nd-ranked WR going into Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Matt Prater Sep 17 12:50pm CT
Matt Prater

The Buffalo Bills' Matt Prater has been among the NFL's most effective kickers through the first two weeks of the season. The 41-year-old journeyman, who signed with the Bills on Sept. 4 to replace the injured Tyler Bass (groin), has nailed all six of his field-goal attempts while going 5-for-5 on extra points. Prater ranks fifth among kickers in fantasy scoring two weeks into the season, and he should have plenty of opportunities to add to his total on Thursday against the Miami Dolphins. While the Dolphins have given up a whopping 66 points in two games, the Bills' high-powered offense has put 71 on the board. All signs are pointing to another busy night for Prater, which gives him plenty of upside heading into Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Sep 17 12:50pm CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson had good things to say about tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. through two weeks of the season. "Kyle is playing great. He's playing really good football. Really pleased with where Kyle is at. He's playing fast. He's getting extra work in with (tight ends coach Kevin) Koger," Robinson said. Pitts didn't have a stat line to write home about in the Week 2 win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night, but he was heavily involved for the second straight week and caught four of his five targets for 37 yards in a game in which Atlanta really didn't need to throw the ball much. The 24-year-old has 11 catches for 96 yards through two games and should remain involved as one of the favorite targets for young quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Pitts will be on the TE1/2 borderline in Week 3, although the Falcons could once again lean on their running game in a friendly matchup against the division-rival Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 17 12:40pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen wasn't at his best in a win over the New York Jets in Week 2, but it could be a different story against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Allen has typically thrived against the AFC East rivals since entering the NFL in 2018. In 15 contests against Miami (including playoffs), Allen has gone 13-2 with 45 touchdowns (40 passing, five rushing), 10 interceptions, 273 passing yards per game, and a 107.6 QB rating. Worsening matters for the Dolphins, they have been ineffective against the pass so far this season. They've allowed the league's highest completion percentage (78.8) and its second-highest passer rating (126.1) despite facing non-elite signal-callers in Daniel Jones and Drake Maye. Miami has also given up the second-most fantasy points to QBs in 2025, making it hard to imagine that its defense will prevent Allen from rebounding in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 17 12:40pm CT
James Cook

After a stellar performance in a Week 2 win over the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills running back James Cook will take on one of the NFL's lowest-ranked run defenses on Thursday. Cook will match up against the division-rival Miami Dolphins, who have surrendered the eighth-most rushing yards per game (139.0) and the sixth-most fantasy points to running backs through two weeks. New England Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson had his way with the Dolphins last Sunday, as he piled up 142 total yards (54 rushing, 88 receiving) on 16 touches. Cook ranks fourth in the league in rushing yards (176) and has already found the end zone three times on the ground through two games. While Cook may have trouble matching last week's production (21 carries, 132 yards, two TDs), especially if he gets a lighter workload on a short week, he profiles as an RB1 going into Thursday.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 17 12:40pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid has gotten off to a respectable start through the first two games of the 2025 season. The former first-round pick has hauled in eight of 10 targets for 85 yards and a touchdown heading into a meeting with the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. For their part, the Dolphins have given up 12 catches, 146 yards, and the 10th-most fantasy points to tight ends in the early going. That sets up for Kincaid to have a fairly productive night, though a lack of scoring prowess may continue to limit his ceiling. Kincaid has totaled just five touchdowns 31 games into his career, while the Dolphins have not allowed a tight end to find the end zone this year.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 17 12:40pm CT
Khalil Shakir

The Buffalo Bills relied more on the run than the pass in a Week 2 win over the New York Jets, which didn't do wide receiver Khalil Shakir any favors. Shakir had tallied six or more targets in 14 straight games entering last Sunday, but that streak ended against the Jets. After catching one of two targets for 12 yards, he'll look to bounce back against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. Historically, Shakir has logged unspectacular numbers versus division-rival Miami, which has limited him to 20 catches, 260 yards, and no touchdowns in six career meetings. The 6-foot, 190-pounder caught 11 of 12 targets for 104 yards in two games against the Dolphins last year. That aligned with Shakir's season-long output during a 76-catch, 821-yard showing in 2024, and it's the type of respectable production fantasy managers should expect in Week 3.

From RotoBaller