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QB Lamar Jackson back at practice, Ravens want him to run

Wed Sep 11 3:59pm ET
Field Level Media

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said he wasn't injured but "took a day off" when he wasn't available for Monday's practice.

Jackson practiced Wednesday six days after the NFL season kickoff loss at Kansas City and said he wasn't feeling any worse for wear after carrying the ball 16 times against the Chiefs.

"Playing football," he said of his mindset delivering first contact to defenders in his path. "I'm just playing football. I'd rather hit you before you hit me."

Jackson might be less-equipped to protect himself this season because he intentionally dropped weight. He said he doesn't have a target weight, but trimmed pounds to get faster and improve as a runner.

Head coach John Harbaugh and Jackson both said they're ready to lean on running back Derrick Henry more often. Asked if his current pace as a runner seeking contact was sustainable, Jackson said, "I'm not trying to find out."

Harbaugh said he doesn't want Jackson to pull back as a runner.

"I'm comfortable with a physical football team across the board, whatever it takes in a given situation to try to find a way to make a play and win the game," Harbaugh said.

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Player Notes
Christian McCaffrey Sep 11 3:10pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) will continue to practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. McCaffrey was unable to play in the season opener due to a calf/Achilles issue. Inman further reported that the star running back has never been considered to be placed on the injured reserve as he "could have played last week" according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. While McCaffrey is still in a limited fashion, seeing him on the practice field is a good sign for his progress. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the situation as he could be nearing a return. If the 28-year-old does not suit up for their Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Jordan Mason should be expected to lead the backfield once again and a be high-end RB2 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Sep 11 3:00pm CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith is not a recommended fantasy asset heading into the team's Week 2 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills. He caught 1-of-2 targets for seven yards in his first game as a Dolphin. However, teammate Durham Smythe received one more target than him, and he was the third Miami TE regarding snap share. Smythe participated in 30 snaps (42%) for the Dolphins, while Julian Hill acquired one target on 42 snaps (59%). Smith -- the presumed starting option for the team leading into Week 1-- saw just 20 snaps (28%) and is listed as the third-string option on Miami's depth chart. It's an interesting development as it puts Smythe on fantasy managers' radars. However, with the team's target share highly concentrated between wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, it's tough to trust a third option in the passing game not named De'Von Achane (ankle) at this point. Even with Achane a game-time decision and Raheem Mostert (chest) ruled out, Miami's TE room can be safely avoided.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 11 2:40pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is an excellent play in Week 2 as the Fins face off against their division-rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Waddle was briefly checked for concussion-like symptoms this past Sunday in the team's 20-17 defeat of the Jacksonville Jaguars but still finished the day with five receptions for 109 yards -- catching all five of his targets on 72% of his team's snaps. It took Miami's offense a bit to get on track, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hit his superstar wideouts for gains of 63 and 80 in the second half to lead the Dolphins to victory. In the past, Buffalo's defense might have been a death knell regarding matchups, but after several key defensive departures this offseason, they aren't the doom-and-gloom opponent we're used to. The fourth-year wideout is a good bet for a heavy workload, with running back Raheem Mostert (chest) officially ruled out and De'Von Achane (ankle) a game-time decision. He's RotoBaller's PPR WR12 heading into the second week of action.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Sep 11 2:30pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill will be a must-start option as usual in Week 2 when the team takes on the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. After being detained by police before kickoff this past Sunday, Hill caught 7-of-12 targets for 130 yards and scored a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was mostly locked down early in the game, but Cheetah shook free for an 80-yard score in the second half as the Jags would eventually fall 20-17. With running back Raheem Mostert (chest) ruled out and De'Von Achane (ankle) a game-time decision, expect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to lean on the veteran wideout and his running mate Jaylen Waddle to open the second week of NFL action. Aside from edge-rusher Greg Rousseau, no other Bills defender graded higher than 68.7 per PFF in Week 1. Hill is again RotoBaller's No. 1 PPR WR play this week.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Sep 11 2:23pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers P Johnny Hekker (back) and LB Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 11. OT Robert Hunt (shoulder), OG Damien Lewis (groin), OT Yosh Nijman (leg) and TE Tommy Tremble (back, hamstring) were limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

Kyren Williams Sep 11 2:20pm CT
Kyren Williams

The Los Angeles Rams placed offensive linemen Joe Noteboom (ankle) and Steve Avila (knee) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, meaning the pair of starters will not be eligible to return until after the Week 6 bye. This is a troubling development for the Rams, who also placed Paka Nacua (knee) or IR. While dealing with a banged-up offensive line against the Lions in Week 1, Kyren Williams could only produce 50 rushing yards on 18 carries. Until the Rams offensive line returns to health, there could be little running room to work with, which lowers Williams' floor and ceiling moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Sep 11 2:20pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

The Buffalo Bills defense/special teams travels to Miami to meet with the high-powered Dolphins' offense in Week 2. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both had a reception of over 60 yards against the Jaguars. The Buffalo defense, introducing new faces in their secondary, struggled to slow down the Arizona offense in Week 1. The Las Vegas sportsbooks predict Thursday Night Football will be one of the highest-scoring affairs of the Week 2 slate. Starting a defense in a matchup where points will come easy isn't a smart strategy. The Bills D/ST can be left on waiver wires.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Bass Sep 11 2:10pm CT
Tyler Bass

Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass was a perfect six-for-six on kicks during his 2024 debut against the Arizona Cardinals and now enters a matchup where points should come easy. Josh Allen rarely has difficulty moving the offense against Mike McDaniel's Miami Dolphins. That will set up Bass for several kicking opportunities. Fantasy managers will be hopeful that field goals come more often than extra points, but there's a great chance that Bass won't go scoreless. Bass is a safe option for fantasy football and is ranked among the top kickers in Week 2.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 11 2:10pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will square off against the Buffalo Bills this Thursday night to open up the NFL's second week of action. Tagovailoa tossed just one score this past Sunday when Miami defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in what was a slow start for the Dolphins. However, his 338 passing yards were good enough to lead the league after the first week of action. Jacksonville's defense kept Tua and the Fins in check during the first half, but long completions of 63 and 80 yards to Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill in the second half were enough to flip the momentum in their favor. Leading into Week 2, running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has been ruled out, and De'Von Achane (ankle) will be a game-time decision. If Achane is deemed unfit to suit up, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright will pick up the slack in the Dolphins' backfield, with Waddle and Hill projected for increased volume. Buffalo isn't the easiest matchup for Tua and Miami, but the fifth-year signal-caller is still a QB1 (QB11) in RotoBaller's Week 2 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 11 2:00pm CT
Keon Coleman

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman begins his second week of professional, regular season football leading the team in most statistical receiving categories. Unfortunately, his four catches and 51 yards aren't an amazing stat line. Josh Allen spreads the football around, connecting with nine different receivers in Week 1. That could be the story of the Buffalo season, especially if Dalton Kincaid doesn't command targets as expected. Coleman is the most intriguing prospect of the Bills' wide receivers but he's not ready to be in fantasy football starting lineups. The leading receiver could change every week. Like Week 1, Coleman could emerge as the top receiver or score his first touchdown. He could just as easily catch one or two passes on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Ty Johnson Sep 11 2:00pm CT
Ty Johnson

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (knee) returned to full practice on Wednesday following limited sessions on Monday and Tuesday with a knee injury. The 26-year-old was banged up in the Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, but he is good to go for Thursday Night against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Johnson saw two carries for seven yards and drew one target in the season-opener, so he's not on the fantasy football radar in traditional leagues unless James Cook or Ray Davis have to miss any time in the future.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 11 2:00pm CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir scored a touchdown in Week 1, but that's all he did to excite fantasy managers. Three catches (on three targets) won't cut it as a flex-worthy option every week, because the touchdowns won't stay consistent. That's the problem facing Buffalo wide receivers. Josh Allen will score a lot of fantasy points and throw the football up and down the field. The matchup against Miami is forecasted to be one of the highest-scoring games of the Week 2 slate. It's just difficult to predict who, if anyone, will command the lion's share of targets. Nine different receivers caught a pass from Allen in Week 1. If it's a winning formula, why deviate? Shakir is the safest of the Bills' wide receivers, but target distribution will likely cap his upside.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Sep 11 2:00pm CT
Mack Hollins

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins caught two passes for 25 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. As was the case throughout his career, Hollins appears now and then with a double-digit fantasy football game. And just like his previous stops, Hollins is a part-time player who does the little things well. Interestingly, however, the Bills utilized Hollins far more than Curtis Samuel. The latter played 17 (27%) of the Bills' snaps in Week 1 and appeared to be the direct backup to Khalil Shakir. Hollins will be on the field for most three-receiver sets. That doesn't mean he needs to be on fantasy football rosters. He'll continue to be a low-target receiver who catches a touchdown or long pass from time to time. Keep Hollins on waiver wires ahead of the team's matchup with Miami on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 11 1:53pm CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (chest) and WR Malik Washington (quadriceps) did not practice on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and have been ruled out for Week 2. In addition, RB De'Von Achane (ankle) and DB Elijah Campbell (Achilles) were limited and are questionable, LB Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) was limited but carries no designation, and OT Liam Eichenberg (shoulder) and CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) practiced in full and were removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle

James Cook Sep 11 1:50pm CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook may not get the red zone opportunities that fantasy managers love, but he'll get plenty of touches elsewhere on the field. Although on the field for just over 60% of Buffalo's snaps in Week 1, James Cook dominated backfield touches. He carried the ball 19 times and caught three passes. Rookie Ray Davis got four touches while veteran Ty Johnson (knee) received two. The latter has been limited in practice. With offensive coordinator Joe Brady's reliance on the running game since he took the helm, Cook is in line for another 15-20 touch game. Consider Cook a low-end RB1 against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 11 1:50pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Tight end Dalton Kincaid, considered to be the top receiving option in the Buffalo Bills' passing game, caught one pass for 11 yards in his season debut. Josh Allen connected with nine different receivers in Week 1, leaving Kincaid's fantasy managers clamoring for more. There are encouraging numbers for the second-year tight end. Allen only threw 23 times in the win over Arizona. He averaged 34 attempts per game in 2023. Kincaid was on the field for over 80% of the snaps and ran a route on over 80% of passing plays. The volume will eventually come. Don't panic with Kincaid just yet. There should be plenty of passing and points in Miami, one of the highest over/under lines of the Week 2 slate.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Sep 11 1:50pm CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quad) is officially ruled out of the Thursday Night Football contest against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. Washington didn't play last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a quad injury, so he will have to wait at least one more week to make his NFL debut. It's unfortunate that Washington hasn't been able to play, especially while Odell Beckham Jr. is on the PUP list, requiring him to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. Washington was a sixth-round pick by Miami in the 2024 NFL Draft following a 1,400-yard season at Virginia in 2023. Braxton Berrios will continue to operate as Miami's WR3, but he has limited upside behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 11 1:40pm CT
Josh Allen

There's no concern about the matchup for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (hand) in Week 2. The two-time Pro Bowler has passed for over 300 yards and scored multiple touchdowns in each of his last five matchups against the Miami Dolphins. The 45 rushing yards he's averaged in those contests is the cherry on top. Although he only threw for 232 yards in his season debut, Allen's four touchdowns confirm that the Buffalo scoring offense runs through the quarterback. Allen is dealing with an injury to his non-throwing hand, but he's been a full participant in practice this week. Allen belongs in starting lineups in every fantasy league.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Sep 11 1:40pm CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 2. The second-year pro missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers were hoping his lack of participation was for extra caution, but he's considered a game-time decision. 32-year-old running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has been ruled out with a chest injury, so rookie Jaylen Wright is likely to be active on Thursday. If Achane is active, he's a must-start option despite the risk of a potentially decreased role. Miami will only play him if the team believes he is healthy enough to go, and he's a threat to score a touchdown on any play. If he's out, Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. are intriguing flex options with wide ranges of outcomes. Both would have upside, but it's tough to know how Mike McDaniel would distribute touches.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Sep 11 1:30pm CT
Puka Nacua

The Los Angeles Rams officially placed wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The team announced early in the week that he would go on IR, but it is now official, and he must sit out at least the next four games. It's an unfortunate development for Nacua and his fantasy managers who took him in the first or second round of preseason fantasy drafts following a 105-catch, 1,486-yard, six-touchdown season as a rookie. He will be first eligible to return following Los Angeles' Week 6 bye leading up to the matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. While he's out, Cooper Kupp, who saw 21 targets in Week 1, should continue to dominate targets. However, wideouts Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson and tight end Colby Parkinson will see increased opportunities. In deep leagues, Tutu Atwell might be worth stashing.

From RotoBaller