Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins finds himself as the only healthy tight end on the active 53-man roster heading into Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars after starting TE David Njoku (ankle) has already been ruled out due to an ankle injury he sustained in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. One of the three TEs on the practice squad -- Geoff Swaim, Cameron Latu and Blake Whitehurst -- will likely be elevated on game day this Sunday to back up Akins. Akins played 57% of the offensive snaps in Week 1 and had three catches for 27 yards. The 32-year-old could be the TE1 in Cleveland for multiple weeks, too, making him worth a flier for TE depth in the deepest of fantasy leagues. Despite Njoku's injury, Akins is still only rostered in 2% of Yahoo leagues with Week 2 quickly approach. In what looked like a bad Browns offense in Week 1, not much will be expected of Akins.

From RotoBaller

Multiple league executives think that the New York Jets will eventually need to explore flipping pass-rusher Haason Reddick via trade, as their contract impasse with him has no end in sight. Reddick remains on the Reserve/Did Not Report list and has forfeited a $791,666 game check on top of the more than $5 million in NFL-mandated fines he accumulated by holding out in training camp. "Not sure they have a choice," an NFC executive said. "They wouldn't get similar value back [a third-rounder], but it would be hard [for the Jets] to pay him at this point, and he clearly doesn't want to be there. Both sides badly mismanaged the situation." The Jets acquired the 29-year-old defensive end from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, but his holdout extended into the regular season when he didn't play in the Monday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Stay tuned.

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ESPN's Jeremy Fowler doesn't think it's quite time for the Cleveland Browns to consider replacing quarterback Deshaun Watson with backup Jameis Winston after the former looked pretty bad in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In Watson's defense, the Browns were playing without their top two offensive tackles against a strong Cowboys defense. Fowler believes the Browns will give Watson a healthy run to prove himself, but he also hasn't looked like the same QB who starred for the Texans from 2017-20. There are concerns about whether Watson can regain his fastball after shoulder surgery, but people with the Browns have been adamant that they saw glimpses of the old Watson during the preseason. But until we actually see that in the regular season, Watson's fantasy stock continues to plummet heading into Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) will not practice with the team on Thursday. The Chiefs aren't ruling Brown out of their Week 2 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, but the fact that Brown has yet to practice this week doesn't give him a great chance to make his team debut this weekend. The 27-year-old suffered a sternoclavicular injury in the preseason opener and didn't play in the season-opening win last Thursday over the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs continue to say that Hollywood is making strides and getting closer to playing, but as of right now, he feels doubtful to play in Week 2. If Brown misses a second straight game, expect both Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy to see plenty of work yet again against Cincy. The Chiefs will release their final injury report on Friday.

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Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) will not play on Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills due to a chest injury, but his injury is not expected to keep him out long, and he's unlikely to go on Injured Reserve. A stint on the IR list would mean he would have to miss at least the next four games, so this is good news for his fantasy managers. However, the 32-year-old could only produce 19 yards on seven touches last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while De'Von Achane (ankle) posted 100 total yards on 17 touches. It's too early to say Mostert could be regressing, but it's on the table. In his absence, Jeff Wilson Jr. and/or Jaylen Wright will handle touches behind Achane, assuming he's active for Week 2.

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Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially questionable to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football, and he is being considered a game-time decision. However, there is optimism that he will suit up based on how he practiced yesterday and how he is feeling. The second-year pro out of Texas A&M missed practice on Monday and Tuesday with an ankle injury but returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should wait on official word regarding Achane's status, which will likely come out 90 minutes before kickoff when the team releases its official inactives report. If he's active, he's a must-start option in all formats, and Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright could see touches behind him with Raheem Mostert (chest) already being ruled out. If Achane is ruled out, both backup running backs are worth flex consideration in 12-team leagues.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott could be a touchdown-dependent fantasy play in Week 2 against New Orleans. In Week 1, Elliot rushed 10 times for 40 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for nine yards against the Browns. His day was salvaged by a touchdown and he and Rico Dowdle basically alternated drives at Cleveland. The reality, however, is Elliott could be a TD machine in the high-powered Cowboys' offense and that could be the case in Week 2 against the Saints. His limited rushing opportunities in what looks like a shared backfield make him a somewhat risky proposition for fantasy purposes week in and week out. But until proven otherwise, the Ohio State product is a solid bet to find paydirt each week and could fall into the end zone multiple times in any given matchup. There are better options for volume at the position in fantasy but Elliott looks like he could be a decent RB2 play this week.

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Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was involved in the team's game plan in Week 1 against the Browns but will need to improve his efficiency before becoming a fantasy player worth starting in most leagues. Dowdle saw eight carries for 26 yards in Week 1 as he alternated drives with starter Ezekiel Elliott. He did add one catch for six yards. Dowdle's 3.3 yards per carry leaves something to be desired although his usage was somewhat encouraging for his standalone value. In Week 2, expect Elliott to be the featured goal-line back. Dowdle could once again see some game time but he will need to do more with his opportunities to become fantasy-relevant. Fantasy managers with options at the position would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Dowdle in Week 2.

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Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb turned in a solid day at the office in Week 1 at Cleveland but more should be expected of the talented wideout in Week 2 at home against New Orleans. Lamb was targeted 10 times and hauled in five of those passes for 61 yards in the team's 33-17 win over the Browns while adding three rushes for 25 yards. It was a decent day for Lamb who has created a high bar after setting the fantasy world aflame last season. For those just looking at the stat line, the Cowboys didn't take to the air much in the second half of Week 1. Expect more from Lamb in a home game against the Saints. The fact that he was involved with some rushes is also a good sign as he has the skill set to take an end-around to the house. Lamb should move around the formation and be involved early and often in Week 2 in what figures to be a more competitive game. Not that fantasy managers need reassurance to start a player likely drafted with a top 3 pick but Lamb should be fired up with a great deal of confidence.

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Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott returns home for a Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints for his first game in Dallas since signing a massive new contract. The Saints beat up on the Panthers in Week 1. Prescott, meanwhile, led Dallas to a runaway win at Cleveland in the opener and was 19-of-32 passing for 179 yards and a touchdown. The game got out of hand, so Prescott slowed things down a bit. In his return home, expect the Cowboys signal caller to be busier and thus have a better fantasy showing. Prescott figures to push for top-five fantasy quarterback status this season and he should this individual week as well. As he continues to build rapport with his top target CeeDee Lamb, his numbers should be better than Week 1. He will be without tight end Jake Ferguson but has plenty of other targets to spread the ball to. There is not much to take away from the Saints' defensive showing in Week 1 as the Panthers' offense was woeful. Start Prescott with confidence.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver A.T. Perry (hand) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice according to the team's injury report. Perry missed Week 1 with his hand injury but looks like he will be good to go when the Saints take on the Cowboys in Week 2 barring a setback. Perry's role this season is yet to be defined and the team's matchup with Dallas is a tough one. With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed as the team's main targets on the outside, Perry is still an intriguing talent worth stashing as his usage becomes more clear.

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Josh Palmer (knee) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice according to the team's injury report ahead of a Week 2 matchup against Carolina. Palmer recorded two catches for 15 yards on four targets in Week 1. He has a good matchup in Week 2 if he can suit up, so it is worth tracking his practice participation in the next few days. He was third on the team in targets in the opener behind rookie Ladd McConkey (7) and Quentin Johnson (5).

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Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is tuning out external criticism after a challenging performance in Sunday's 28-6 loss to the Vikings. Despite throwing two interceptions, failing to score on two fourth-quarter red-zone trips, and finishing with a 44.3 passer rating, Jones remains focused on internal matters. "I'm concerned about the people in this building," Jones said, emphasizing his commitment to his team. Addressing the fan backlash, he took a measured approach: "They're upset and frustrated, and we're frustrated too. I understand thatI'm not easily offended. I know I need to play better, and we all need to improve." The Giants were the only team in Week 1 to score fewer than 10 points, a continuation of offensive struggles that have plagued the franchise since Jones was drafted. However, Jones might see improvement in Week 2 against a Commanders defense that ranked last in yards allowed per game in 2023 and recently conceded 37 points to the Buccaneers.

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Kirk Cousins (Achilles) provided an update on his health following his Week 1 return during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show Wednesday morning. Cousins expressed satisfaction with his ankle and Achilles, saying, "I felt good honestly. I was really pleased with how my ankle felt, not just the Achilles, but my ankle felt really good." Despite this positive report, Cousins' performance was underwhelming after his return from an Achilles tear. His play was marred by questionable interceptions, including one thrown into double coverage. Additionally, Cousins played mainly from the pistol formation and only went under center twice, limiting his opportunities for play-action, which he typically relies on for success. With the Philadelphia Eagles coming up on Monday night, Cousins remains a risky fantasy option until he demonstrates full recovery and improved performance.

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The Cleveland Browns signed free agents TE Geoff Swaim (Cardinals), LB Luiji Vilain (Panthers), and DT Siaki Ika (Browns) to the practice squad on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

From TheHuddle

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus explained that tight end Cole Kmet's limited playing time in Sunday's win over the Titans was due to the team's rotation strategy. Kmet saw fewer than 50% of the snaps, as Eberflus highlighted using multiple tight ends and personnel groupings to exploit defensive matchups. Despite signing a four-year, $50 million extension last offseason and being viewed as a key player in the team's rebuild, Kmet's role is currently shared with Gerald Everett to diversify the offense. Everett and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, who has previously collaborated with the Rams and Seahawks, bring a wealth of experience and trust from their history together. Kmet expressed dissatisfaction with the reduced playing time but emphasized focusing on making the most of his opportunities. As long as he remains in a rotation, Kmet isn't a reliable fantasy starter. However, he has a favorable matchup against the Houston Texans this Sunday, which could help him turn his season around.

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Free-agent CB Andre Chachere (Cardinals), CB Trenton Thompson (Steelers) and CB Daryl Worley (Ravens) worked out for the Jacksonville Jaguars Wednesday, Sept. 11.

From TheHuddle

Baltimore Ravens linebackers Roquan Smith (shoulder) and Kyle Van Noy (eye) were listed as limited and DNP, respectively, regarding Wednesday's practice report. Van Noy played just 37% of the snaps in Thursday night's opener against the Kansas City Chiefs before he exited early in the third quarter. The outside linebacker sustained the injury while attempting to take down Patrick Mahomes, and it's officially listed as a fractured orbital bone. Smith, on the other hand, played a full complement of snaps and appears to have picked up the injury sometime over the last few days. There wasn't much news on him, suggesting this may be a prudent move rather than a necessary one. Baltimore will square off with the Las Vegas Raiders in their home opener this Sunday, and while the Raiders' offensive unit isn't all that fear-inducing, the Ravens cannot afford an 0-2 start. Additionally, they'll take on the Cowboys in Dallas in Week 3 and need their defense at full strength in one of the best games over the first month.

When asked if the door is open for Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) to suit up in Week 2 this Sunday at Lambeau Field against the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "I'd say it's pretty open." Love did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain in his left knee at the very end of the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday in Brazil. The Packers are not placing the 25-year-old on Injured Reserve, which means they are confident he can return within the next four games. However, despite LaFleur's comments about Love having a shot to play this weekend, fantasy managers should have already formulated a plan to be without Love in Week 2 and possibly beyond. Love's injury typically comes with a three- to six-week timetable, so the smart money is on him missing multiple weeks. The Packers offense could struggle mightily with backup Malik Willis under center in the meantime.

Denver Broncos wide receivers Josh Reynolds (Achilles) and Devaughn Vele (ribs) were both listed as non-participants in Wednesday's practice. Both wideouts were pivotal pieces in Denver's passing attack against the Seahawks despite the 26-20 loss. Vele and Reynolds each tied for second on the team with eight targets (Courtland Sutton - 12), while the former caught all eight of his --albeit for 39 yards -- and the latter led the team with 45 yards and a long gain of 25. For either player to participate in the Bronco's Week 2 home tilt against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they'll need to get in at least one limited session before the weekend. Of note: while the rookie wideout averaged just 4.9 yards a grab this past Sunday, he was in on 34 of Denver's snaps (49%) and ran 83.9% of his routes from the slot. After a one-game sample, at least -- it would appear Sean Payton has found his "big-slot" guy.

From RotoBaller