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Packers QB Jordan Love back at practice as limited participant

Wed Sep 18 3:50pm ET
Field Level Media

Quarterback Jordan Love took the first step toward returning from a knee injury on Wednesday, participating in practice with the Green Bay Packers for the first time since he was hurt in the Sept. 6 opener in Brazil.

Officially listed as a limited participant, Love wore a sleeve stretching from above the knee to his ankle. He jumped from one leg to the other during position-specific warmups and hopped on two legs in team stretching.

Post-practice, Packers (1-1) head coach Matt LaFleur doused any questions seeking further detail on Love's game-day status for Week 3 in Nashville against the Titans. LaFleur repeated multiple times "he was limited" when pressed about Love's progress and participation Wednesday.

"It's always great to have your quarterback out there, but we'll see how he progresses throughout the course of the week," LaFleur said.

Running back Josh Jacobs was also limited Wednesday, but LaFleur said there's no reason to believe Jacobs would miss Week 3.

Jacobs shouldered a heavy workload with Love out last week to power the Packers past the Indianapolis Colts, 16-10. Jacobs had 151 rushing yards on 32 carries.

If Love is held out for a second consecutive game, the Packers are preparing Malik Willis to start again. He threw his first NFL touchdown pass to Dontayvion Wicks and completed 12 of 14 passes with 41 rushing yards on six carries against Indianapolis.

Willis was selected by the Titans in the third round (86th overall) of the 2022 draft.

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Player Notes
Talanoa Hufanga Sep 18 4:20pm CT
Talanoa Hufanga

San Francisco 49ers All-Pro safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) is set to be a full participant in practice this week and is expected to make his season debut against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said, "He should get back this week if everything goes right, and we've missed him." The 49ers defense had a strong outing in Week 1 against the Jets but struggled in Week 2 against the Vikings, allowing 268 yards and two touchdowns through the air. With Hufanga returning to the lineup, the 49ers defense remains a must-play in fantasy, especially against an injury-riddled Rams offense in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Hunter Henry Sep 18 4:20pm CT
Hunter Henry

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry's strong Week 2 showing has thrust him back into fantasy consideration for Thursday Night Football against the New York Jets. After a quiet season opener, he bounced back with one of the best games of his career last week, catching eight of 12 targets for 109 yards. He didn't find the end zone, but more importantly, he showed off a spectacular rapport with quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Henry might not be able to replicate his Week 2 stat line in Week 3, but he should at least perform enough to stay on the fantasy radar, especially against a Jets defense allowing the 11th-most receptions to tight ends so far. He ranks as a fringe TE1 option heading into Thursday's primetime AFC East showdown.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Sep 18 4:10pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was limited in Wednesday's practice. After signing Wilson this offseason, all indications were that he would be Pittsburgh's Week 1 starter, despite the team's decision to trade for Justin Fields. However, Wilson has been sidelined to start the season with a calf injury and has yet to make his Steelers debut. The Steelers have already announced that Fields will start in the Week 3 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers. Still, they remain committed to evaluating the quarterback situation on a week-to-week basis. Fields remains a fringe fantasy starter, even with Wilson seemingly nearing a return.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 18 4:10pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) will not practice Wednesday after suffering a calf strain in Sunday's loss to the Vikings. Despite the injury, Samuel had a solid Week 2 performance, recording eight catches for 110 yards. While reports suggest Samuel could miss multiple weeks, no official word has been given, and the team has yet to place him on injured reserve. All signs point to Samuel missing the Week 3 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, with his status listed as doubtful. In his absence, fantasy managers can consider 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings as a potential streaming option for Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 18 4:10pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) was not seen at practice on Wednesday, according to Turron Davenport of ESPN Radio. The 23-year-old suffered an ankle injury during Week 2 and was forced to exit the game early. Earlier this week, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that the injury did not seem serious. For now, fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status before their weekend matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Through the early part of the season, Spears has taken a backseat in the Tennessee backfield, while Tony Pollard has seen the majority of opportunities. Spears should be considered a low-end flex play if he suits up on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 18 4:00pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is not expected to go on injured reserve after sustaining an ankle injury during the Week 2 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Kupp injured his ankle when a defender landed on him during a tackle late in the second quarter, forcing him to hobble off the field. He was later seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot. While this is positive news, as earlier rumors suggested Kupp could miss extended time, his status for Sunday's game against the 49ers remains doubtful. With Puka Nacua and Kupp likely to be sidelined, Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson emerge as quarterback Matthew Stafford's top targets for Week 3 against San Francisco.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Sep 18 3:50pm CT
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales addressed rumors of a potential trade involving quarterback Bryce Young, stating, "That's not something we're really considering. We have a great situation with our quarterbacks right now." Earlier this week, Canales announced that the Panthers would be benching Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton, sparking speculation that teams might reach out to inquire about a trade. Canales put those rumors to rest today. The Panthers have a road matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, who recently upset the Ravens in Baltimore. For now, neither Panthers quarterback should be considered in Week 3 for fantasy purposes.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Sep 18 3:50pm CT
Jacoby Brissett

New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett can be avoided in most fantasy leagues ahead of Week 3 versus the New York Jets. Brissett has been solid so far, playing turnover-free football while leading the Patriots to a 1-1 record. However, he has limited rushing upside and the Patriots simply don't pass enough to get Brissett's stats to a fantasy-relevant level of production. He's had under 150 passing yards in each of his two games so far this season, and he's only thrown for one touchdown. The veteran quarterback has earned trust within the New England offense, but not in fantasy football. He can be left on waivers in 1QB leagues and benched in most 2QB formats.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Sep 18 3:50pm CT
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson remains an intriguing fantasy football option for Week 3 versus the New York Jets given his usage and efficiency within the team's offense. He has one touchdown in each of his first two games this year, and he's also averaging a whopping 27 opportunities per contest. With 4.37 YPC to his name, the 26-year-old has the volume and efficiency needed to thrive in fantasy football. The biggest factors holding him back from the mid-range RB1 tier are receiving usage and ball security. He's been involved on passing downs in the past, but so far this season, he hasn't exceeded three catches in a single game. He also has a fumble in each of his contests. He's lucky both were recovered by the Patriots, but the fact of the matter is that he could lose some opportunities if he continues to have trouble holding on the football. Nevertheless, volume is key at the running back position. Stevenson's usage and touchdown upside make him a very appealing RB2 option heading into Week 3 against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Sep 18 3:30pm CT
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (undisclosed) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. The Packers did not reveal the nature of Jacobs' injury, although head coach Matt LaFleur downplayed the limited tag, telling reporters, "I think he'll be fine." Jacobs could just be getting some veteran rest after taking 32 carries in Sunday's win over the Indianapolis Colts. That said, his status will be worth monitoring over the next two days as the Packers continue preparing to take on the Tennessee Titans on the road in Week 3. With MarShawn Lloyd (ankle) landing on injured reserve earlier in the week, Emanuel Wilson would be in line for a larger workload if Jacobs were to be inactive in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 18 2:00pm CT
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday leading up to the Week 3 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, but X-rays on his ankle came back negative. It's unclear whether or not Herbert is at real risk of missing Sunday's game in a battle between two undefeated teams, so fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. That said, Herbert is the QB26 on the year so far, and the Steelers have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. He should be benched in single-QB formats whether he plays or not. If he's out, Easton Stick will get the start, and wide receivers Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, and Ladd McConkey will have reduced fantasy ceilings and floors.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 18 2:00pm CT
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns start pass-rusher Myles Garrett (foot) put in a limited practice on Wednesday leading up to the Week 3 contest against the New York Giants. Garrett missed practice on Thursday last week and was limited on Friday, but he was active against the Jacksonville Jaguars and played 41 defensive snaps. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues should monitor his status throughout the week, but if he plays, he could have a field day against New York, who has given up six sacks through its first two games of the 2024 campaign. Even if he is surprisingly out on Sunday, Cleveland's fantasy defense/special teams is a top-notch option in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 18 1:50pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) is back at practice on Wednesday following his Week 2 absence against the New Orleans Saints due to a knee injury. The third-year pro suffered the injury in Week 1 against the Cleveland Browns and did not practice at all last week. Backup tight end Luke Schoonmaker impressed in his spot-start, catching all six of his targets for 43 yards. However, Ferguson should regain his status as the lead tight end when he's back in action, which could be this Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to tight ends so far this season, so Ferguson will have clear TE1 upside if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 18 1:50pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) took part in the team's walkthrough practice on Wednesday, and head coach Kevin O'Connell said the plan is to get him more work later in the week. Jefferson suffered what seems to be a minor quad injury in the win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 2, and it doesn't sound like he's at much risk of missing the Week 3 game against the Houston Texans. By no surprise, Jefferson is the WR4 on the season and is averaging 17.6 half-PPR points per game through two weeks. Quarterback Sam Darnold has looked like a solid start thus far, and there is no scenario where Jefferson should be benched in leagues of all shapes and sizes. As demonstrated by his 97-yard receiving touchdown last week, he's a threat to score from anywhere on the field.

From RotoBaller

Keaontay Ingram Sep 18 1:40pm CT
Keaontay Ingram

The Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Keaontay Ingram to the active roster and Kareem Hunt to the practice squad on Wednesday, according to the team's official X account. These moves come after Isiah Pacheco (leg) suffered a fractured fibula and was placed on Injured Reserve. With Pacheco sidelined, rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine are expected to split touches in the backfield, but Hunt could become a contributor. The former third-round pick by Kansas City in 2017 spent his final season with the Cleveland Browns last year and rushed for 411 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 15 receptions for 84 yards. Hunt appears to be well beyond his prime, but he could become a deep-league flex option if he gets integrated soon and earns a role in the offense.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 18 1:40pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) is practicing on Wednesday after missing last week's Thursday Night Football contest against the Buffalo Bills with a chest injury. The 32-year-old had a poor showing in Week 1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, totaling just 19 yards on seven touches. Miami's backfield is already becoming tricky to navigate, and the fantasy ceiling of all the Miami backs could take a hit while Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is sidelined. Sophomore running back De'Von Achane remains a must-start option, but Mostert is likely to see fewer red-zone and goal-line opportunities over the next handful of games after he scored 21 touchdowns in 2023. If Mostert is active this week, consider him a shaky flex play for the Week 3 contest against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 18 1:30pm CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) was officially placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The third-year back out of Rutgers suffered a fractured fibula that requires surgery, and he will miss at least the next four games. However, his timeline was originally set at a six- to eight-week absence, but now it sounds like Kansas City doesn't know if he will play again this season. "I can't give you a timetable for his return," head coach Andy Reid said. "We'll just see whether it's this season or next season." Needless to say, this is a rough development for Pacheco and his fantasy managers, and this is a "wait and see" situation. In his absence, rookie Carson Steele and veteran Samaje Perine are expected to split touches. Kareem Hunt, who just signed to the practice squad, is likely to take a few weeks to get in shape and start contributing.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 18 1:20pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is back at practice on Wednesday, marking the first time he's practiced since suffering a knee injury in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Love suffered a sprained MCL in that Friday night game, but his return means he has a chance to play against the Tennessee Titans in Week 3. However, fantasy managers should monitor his practice participation throughout the week. The Titans have allowed the fewest passing yards (269) in the NFL through two weeks, and its revamped secondary featuring L'Jarius Sneed looks much improved. That said, Love should be downgraded to a QB2 fantasy option if he plays, especially since his mobility could be limited. If he can't play, Malik Willis will start against his former team on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 18 1:20pm CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) is not practicing on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. The former Cincinnati Bengal had a fantastic Week 1 performance against the Indianapolis Colts, posting 178 total yards and a touchdown on 33 touches. In Week 2, he only racked up 50 total yards on 12 touches. Backup running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) missed Week 2 and is also not practicing on Wednesday. If Mixon plays, he's still likely a strong starting option against the Minnesota Vikings, but if he and Pierce miss Sunday's game, Cam Akers will enter the fantasy radar as a flex consideration. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Mixon's status throughout the week.

From RotoBaller

Brevin Jordan Sep 18 1:00pm CT
Brevin Jordan

The Houston Texans placed tight end Brevin Jordan (undisclosed) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, meaning Jordan will now have to miss at least the team's next four games. Jordan will be eligible to return to play in Week 7 on the road at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. It helps explain why the Texans signed former Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith to their practice squad on Tuesday. In the first two games of the season, Jordan caught only two passes on three targets for seven yards while working behind starter Dalton Schultz. With Jordan now out for the foreseeable future, the Texans will roll with rookie Cade Stover, Chris Myarick and Smith as depth behind Schultz at the position. Schultz has also been a disappointment for fantasy managers as a TE1 option through the first two weeks in 2024, catching five of six targets for only 37 yards.

From RotoBaller