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Panthers benching QB Bryce Young

Mon Sep 16 2:30pm ET
Field Level Media

The Carolina Panthers are benching former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young and promoting Andy Dalton to starting quarterback after two weeks, NFL Network and ESPN reported Monday.

The Panthers (0-2) have scored a combined 13 points in their first two games under new head coach Dave Canales. Young threw for just 84 yards on 26 pass attempts in Sunday's 26-3 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He also tossed an interception.

Young became just the third player in the past 20 seasons to average 4 or fewer yards per pass play in four straight starts, according to ESPN. He has zero touchdowns against three INTs in two games this season.

Canales said after the game that Young would remain the team's starter in Week 3 at Las Vegas (1-1). He changed his mind less than 24 hours later.

Dalton, 36, is a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback with a record of 83-78-2 in 14 seasons. He has backed up Young, 23, for the past two seasons in Carolina.

Dalton has thrown for 38,511 yards and 246 TDs against 144 INTs for five teams, most notably the Cincinnati Bengals (2011-19), who drafted him in the second round in 2011.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Justin Jefferson Sep 16 1:30pm CT
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) is officially labeled day-to-day per coach Kevin O'Connell. Jefferson picked up a minor injury in the team's 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday. The superstar wideout reeled in 4-of-7 targets for 133 yards and scored in the team's win, including a 97-yard bomb delivered by quarterback Sam Darnold standing in his end zone. Fantasy managers should anticipate the 25-year-old to appear on the team's injury report ahead of their Week 3 home matchup against the Houston Texans. It does not appear that he is in danger of missing time, though this is a situation to monitor for the time being. If Jefferson were to sit out, WR Jalen Nailor would assuredly see a more prominent role, especially if Jordan Addison (ankle) were still sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Sep 16 1:10pm CT
Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers are benching quarterback Bryce Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Tom Pelissero reports. Yikes. The news comes after Carolina's disappointing 0-2 start, with Young leading the team to just 13 total points across the two contests. Over the two games, the former first-overall pick completed just 31-of-56 passes (55.4%) for 245 yards (4.4 avg), tossing three interceptions to no touchdowns. Despite coach Dave Canales stating he was sticking with the young QB moving forward just a day ago, after reviewing the game tape, they're opting to go in a different direction. Dalton hopes to inject some life into the league's worst offense through the season's first two matchups. For now, the 36-year-old can be avoided by fantasy managers -- including the remainder of the Panthers' offense -- until he has proven a better option than the Alabama product.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Sep 16 1:00pm CT
Haason Reddick

New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) confirmed on Monday that he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The Jets feared this was the case when Johnson was forced to leave Sunday's contest, and now it is confirmed that they will not have Johnson for the rest of the year. It's an especially tough blow for a Jets defense that continues to be without All-Pro pass-rusher Haason Reddick as he continues his contract holdout into the regular season. The 25-year-old Johnson, a former first-round pick in 2022 out of Florida State, was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 while recording 55 total tackles, a career-high 7.5 sacks and an interception in 17 games. It's a notable loss for the Jets defense this year, but it shouldn't knock their defense/special teams unit from being a weekly play in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

Graham Gano Sep 16 12:50pm CT
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) will miss "a few weeks" with a hamstring injury, according to head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants scored three touchdowns in their Week 2 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders, but not having a kicker left them short after a missed extra point from their punter and two failed two-point conversions in a three-point defeat. The 37-year-old veteran was included on the Week 2 injury report but suited up on Sunday against Washington before injuring his hammy early in the game and being ruled out. Gano seems likely to miss at least Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, and he'll probably be held out with a short turnaround in Week 4 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Sept. 26. With Gano out, the Giants could elevate kicker Jude McAtamney from their practice squad. Fantasy managers should avoid this kicking situation.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Sep 16 12:40pm CT
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he saw improvements from rookie quarterback Bo Nix from Week 1 to Week 2. "I feel a confident player. From that standpoint, I'm encouraged," Payton said. Through his first two regular-season NFL games, Nix has struggled, going 46-for-77 (59.74%) for 384 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. He's carried the ball nine times for 60 yards and one touchdown. The 24-year-old first-rounder from Oregon did move the ball through the air better in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he failed to lead a single TD drive and isn't really testing defenses down the field. Fantasy managers weren't really expecting much out of Nix in his first NFL season, and he should have a long leash. Going into Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he'll be a QB3 in superflex leagues.

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Jake Ferguson Sep 16 12:40pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Monday that tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was "real close" to playing in the Week 2 blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints. "The expectation is for him to be back" in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. Ferguson suffered an MCL sprain and a bone bruise in his left knee in the Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns but was not cleared to play against the Saints. The 25-year-old should be considered day-to-day heading into this week, and we should have a better idea of his availability for this weekend when the Cowboys start practicing later this week. Luke Schoonmaker caught all six of his targets for 43 yards in the 44-19 drubbing by the Saints, but he's probably not worth much attention on the waiver wire with Ferguson having a shot to return soon. When healthy, Ferguson is on the TE1 radar in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Sep 16 12:30pm CT
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young had a historically bad day in the 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, passing for only 84 yards to tie for the fourth-fewest in team history for a QB with at least 25 pass attempts. Young became the third player in the last 20 seasons to average four or fewer yards per dropback in four straight starts. He has three interceptions and no touchdowns in two starts in 2024. However, head coach Dave Canales said Young would be the team's starter in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raider at Allegiant Stadium. Carolina has been outscored 72-13 by the Chargers and Saints, and Young, the top pick in 2023, is now 2-16 as a starter. The 23-year-old Young has yet to really show any improvement in Year 2, completing only 55.4% of his 56 pass attempts with no TDs and three interceptions. He'll remain off the fantasy radar in Week 3 against Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 16 12:20pm CT
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is day-to-day and doesn't appear to have suffered a very serious injury in the Week 2 loss to the New York Jets in the team's home opener. Still, Spears' practice status will be worth watching later this week as they prepare to play the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. If the 23-year-old is limited at all or eventually ruled out, it would mean a bigger workload for Tony Pollard. Before getting hurt on Sunday, Spears had six carries for only 20 yards while catching two of his three targets for 11 yards against the Jets. Through two games, Spears hasn't been much more than a low-upside RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in what has been a less-than-impressive Titans offense. Julius Chestnut would become Tennessee's RB2 behind Pollard if Spears is forced to miss Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Sep 16 12:20pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end/fullback Taysom Hill (chest) returned home to New Orleans on Sunday night on the team's charter after being transported from the stadium to the hospital due to a chest injury he suffered in the Week 2 blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys. Hill is scheduled for more tests on Monday, but at the moment, the Saints don't think his injury is overly serious. We'll have a better idea of the 34-year-old's status for a Week 3 showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles once the Saints start practicing later this week. But if Hill is limited or out this weekend, expect to see more pass-catching opportunities for Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau at tight end and more backfield work for running back Jamaal Williams behind Alvin Kamara. In two games in 2024, Hill has eight carries for 53 yards and has caught just two of three targets for two yards through the air.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 16 12:10pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he will not rule out tight end David Njoku (ankle) for the Week 3 game against the New York Giants "yet." Njoku suffered an ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and was inactive in Sunday's 18-13 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Njoku is considered week-to-week with his ankle sprain, and depending on what he can do in practices this week, he could have a shot to return after missing just one game. Without the 28-year-old in Jacksonville, backup Jordan Akins caught his only target for a 10-yard gain on a day in which quarterback Deshaun Watson didn't look all that great again with 186 passing yards on 34 attempts. When healthy, Njoku is a low-end TE1 in what has looked like a lackluster Cleveland offense so far. Check back later this week to see if Njoku is able to return to the practice field.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Sep 16 11:00am CT
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White (groin) left Sunday's 20-16 win over the Detroit Lions. The former Arizona State star played 71% of the snaps, totaling 10 rushing attempts for 18 yards in Week 2 after a slightly disappointing opening week performance. Thankfully, the third-year running back avoided a significant injury. Fantasy players should check with the Buccaneers' practice report throughout the week to ensure White is on track to play Sunday against the Denver Broncos. If the star running back has to miss a game with the injury, Bucky Irving would see the majority of the work out of the backfield, making him a top-20 running back in Week 3. However, nothing suggests that White won't be able to suit up against the Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 16 10:20am CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) will undergo an MRI on Monday after getting hip drop tackled in Sunday night's 19-13 win over the Chicago Bears. Mixon left the game but returned to the contest after the injury. While he managed to return, Cam Akers saw more workload after Mixon suffered the injury, including a handful of rushing attempts near the goal line. Hopefully, the veteran running back won't miss significant time with the injury, especially after Dameon Pierce (hamstring) missed Sunday's matchup against the Bears, leaving Akers as the No. 2 running back. If Mixon and Pierce can't play in Week 3 against the Minnesota Vikings, Akers is a borderline must-add off the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Sep 16 10:00am CT
Tyler Huntley

The Miami Dolphins signed quarterback Tyler Huntley off of the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on Monday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The former Utah signal-caller has appeared in 20 games for the Ravens through his first four NFL seasons and has compiled 1,957 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, seven interceptions, 509 rushing yards, and three rushing scores. Huntley was named a Pro Bowler in 2022. This move comes after Tua Tagovailoa (head) suffered another scary concussion during the Thursday Night Football loss to the Buffalo Bills. Although Skylar Thompson is expected to be the starter in Miami, he could be benched in favor of Huntley at some point if the offense struggles. Neither likely presents much upside in single-QB leagues, but both are now on the fantasy radar in superflex and two-QB formats. It's unclear how long Tagovailoa could be out, but he is reportedly not considering retirement.

From RotoBaller

Colby Parkinson Sep 16 9:20am CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson stepped into the starting role after Tyler Higbee (knee) remained on the PUP list heading into the season. After receiving five targets in Week 1, the 25-year-old couldn't take another step up in Week 2 as he was a non-factor in the team's blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Parkinson registered one catch for 12 yards on two targets with five other pass-catchers seeing more targets. While Parkinson has the starting role, his involvement in the offense seems too volatile to rely on him every week. He'll look to bounce back in a game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3. This projects to be an uphill battle against one of the best defenses in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Sep 16 9:10am CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks couldn't get into much of a rhythm on Sunday, just like the rest of the offense in a disappointing 44-19 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Cooks caught both of his targets for 19 yards with his longest reception clocking in at 11 yards. Outside of CeeDee Lamb with his touchdown, the next best receiver in this contest was Jalen Tolbert who received nine targets and turned it into six receptions for 82 yards. For Cooks and all of the receivers behind Lamb, their fantasy value is going to be game script-dependent. The veteran wideout projects to be more of a boom-or-bust flex option as the season rolls on. Cooks and company will take on a Baltimore Ravens team looking for their first win in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 16 9:00am CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) left the stadium on Sunday in a walking boot and crutches after a last-second win over the Cincinnati Bengals. According to a report from Ian Rapoport, the star back had some initial test results that revealed a fractured fibula. There's still more information on the way to determine the severity and how long Pacheco will be out, but he's set to miss "real time" as Rapoport says. Carson Steele seems to be the next man up for now as he received seven carries on Sunday, while Samaje Perine will likely see a lot more opportunities in the meantime as well. Pacheco's status will be something to continue to monitor to determine backup fantasy plans, Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) may get some more opportunities than expected if he can return in time. In a new report from Adam Schefter, Pacheco is expected to land on the IR which means he'll be out for at least four games, and could even miss more than that depending on further testing.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 16 8:40am CT
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta hasn't seen the volume or success expected so far, especially in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished Sunday's contest with two receptions for 13 yards on three targets. While they aired it out more in this game, 30 targets went to the top two receivers while Jahmyr Gibbs received the next most at seven. Through the first two games, LaPorta has six catches for 58 yards and hasn't found the end zone yet. He does have a catch percentage of 75% which is even better than his sensational rookie season with 71.7%. In Week 3, LaPorta will go up against the Arizona Cardinals defense that has a lot of holes. The Lions should be able to score and this game could turn into a shootout.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 16 8:40am CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (lower body) was seen hobbling for a bit in Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to Adam Schefter, his sources have said that it was initially determined to be a contusion and cramping in his lower body. There hasn't been a specific area reported, but the fact that they seem to be minor injuries is a sigh of relief for everyone involved. The superstar wideout finished Sunday's game with 11 receptions for 119 yards, a big bounce back after just three catches for 13 yards in Week 1. His injury status will be important to monitor as the week goes on to make sure nothing is lingering as the Week 3 contest with the Arizona Cardinals approaches.

From RotoBaller

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sep 16 8:20am CT
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (lower-body) had a great game on Sunday, catching 11 passes on an astonishing 19 targets for 119 yards in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. St. Brown was only targeted six times last week, catching three passes for 13 yards. He bounced back after a disappointing performance in Week 1 with a significant increase in targets and overall production. He did exit Sunday's game early with what's being called a "lower body" injury. According to head coach Dan Campbell, the 24-year-old's injury isn't believed to be serious. St. Brown is day-to-day, and fantasy managers should continue to monitor Detroit's injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Sep 16 8:20am CT
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has proven to be a key piece to this offense in the season's first two games. The third-year wideout received 11 targets on Sunday, turning that into five receptions for 79 yards while taking one carry for 15 yards. Williams was second to only Amon-Ra St. Brown (19) when it comes to targets, with the next highest being Jahmyr Gibbs who had seven. With an ADP of around 120 on most platforms, Williams is becoming a steal with the type of production he's generating in the early goings. In Week 3, the Lions will take on an Arizona Cardinals team that just put up 41 points on the Rams, so it could turn into a shootout, benefitting both Williams and St. Brown.

From RotoBaller