Chicago Bears rookie Kyle Monangai is carving out a meaningful role in the backfield behind starter D'Andre Swift. The seventh-round pick out of Rutgers has impressed with his compact 5'8", 207-pound frame, showcasing the physicality to grind out tough yards between the tackles. His hard-nosed running style complements Swift's shiftiness and should help ease pressure on quarterback Caleb Williams. Monangai's power makes him a candidate for short-yardage and goal-line work, boosting his fantasy value as a late-round handcuff. He's a name to monitor in deeper formats with the potential to see red-zone touches early in his career.

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Indianapolis Colts rookie running back DJ Giddens is making waves in camp, solidifying himself as the No. 2 option behind Jonathan Taylor. The Kansas State product brings a strong mix of power and elusiveness that has quickly carried over to the NFL level. Impressively, Giddens has also flashed as a dependable pass-catcher, an area where Taylor has often struggled. With three-down ability and a clear role, Giddens is a strong late-round stash in redraft leagues and an appealing dynasty investment. He profiles as one of the higher-upside handcuffs in fantasy, especially if Taylor were to miss time.

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The Washington Commanders traded running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers on Friday. With Austin Ekeler and Jacory Croskey-Merritt emerging as Washington's top options, Robinson became expendable and now lands as Christian McCaffrey's backup. While McCaffrey is fully healthy and drawing rave reviews in camp, his injury history makes Robinson a valuable insurance policy for San Francisco. For fantasy managers, Robinson's value takes a major hit unless McCaffrey misses time, leaving him as more of a handcuff than standalone option. Still, the move secures the 49ers much-needed depth after a rash of preseason RB injuries.

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ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the Commanders are trading RB Brian Robinson to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson is pushing for touches after a strong preseason. The fourth-round pick has capitalized on Quinshon Judkins' missed time and carved out a role behind Jerome Ford. Ford paced the team in rushing last season but managed just 790 yards from scrimmage, leaving room for competition. Sampson's burst and elusiveness at the point of contact make him a change-of-pace threat who could quickly gain traction in the rotation. Fantasy managers should keep Sampson in mind as a deep sleeper with upside, especially if Ford struggles or injuries shake up the Browns' backfield.

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New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor has impressed coaches throughout preseason, positioning himself for a major role in the passing game. At 6'5" and 251 pounds, Taylor brings the physicality to hold up as a blocker while flashing reliable hands as a receiver. His ability to contribute in both phases makes him an ideal safety valve for quarterback Justin Fields, who will lean on quick reads in a new-look offense. Taylor carries late-round sleeper appeal in fantasy drafts, with the upside to emerge as a consistent starter if his preseason momentum translates into regular-season production.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars feature one of the NFL's deepest running back rooms, and Tank Bigsby has emerged as more than just a change-of-pace option. Bigsby outcarried Travis Etienne 168 to 150 in 2024, showcasing the coaching staff's trust in him as a steady early-down runner. Etienne, however, remains a dynamic weapon with pass-catching and big-play ability. Rookie Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen also provide depth, but fantasy managers should expect another close split between Bigsby and Etienne. Both backs are draftable, with Etienne carrying more upside, while Bigsby offers consistent flex appeal.

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Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth hauled in both of his targets for six yards in a 19-10 exhibition victory over the Carolina Panthers. Freiermuth, who was held out of Pittsburgh's first two preseason contests, played with the first-team offense on Thursday night and was immediately a go-to option for quarterback Mason Rudolph. In addition to his two official opportunities, Freiermuth was targeted early in the first quarter on third down, but his defender was flagged for pass interference. While recently-acquired tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) isn't expected to miss any regular-season action, Freiermuth should still be a focal point of the Steelers' passing game that lacks depth at the wide receiver position. He's an intriguing late-round target with upside in most redraft fantasy leagues.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Scotty Miller logged three receptions for 82 receiving yards in a 19-10 exhibition win over the Carolina Panthers. Most notably, Miller gained 53 yards on a deep ball from quarterback Skylar Thompson that set up a Steelers field goal to close out the first half. The 28-year-old has stood out the entire preseason, securing all nine of his targets for 167 yards across three games, and has likely played his way onto the team's 53-man roster. Starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers has spoken highly of Miller, emphasizing that "Scotty can fly" during an interview on Thursday night's broadcast. While Miller will go ignored in the vast majority of fantasy drafts, he could surprise early in the regular season if Calvin Austin III (abdomen) misses additional time.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Skylar Thompson completed 11 of his 13 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown in Thursday night's 19-10 preseason victory against the Carolina Panthers. Thompson took over for Mason Rudolph in the second quarter and orchestrated three consecutive scoring drives. He capped his opening series with a perfect five-for-five passing line, highlighted by a 24-yard strike to Lance McCutcheon in the end zone to put Pittsburgh ahead. Thompson's strong play this summer has likely been enough to earn him a roster spot somewhere, though it's uncertain at this point if it will be in Pittsburgh. The aforementioned Rudolph is likely to enter the season as the team's primary backup behind Aaron Rodgers, but if the Steelers place rookie Will Howard (finger) on IR, they could opt to keep Thompson as their QB3 or explore trade options.

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson turned five carries into 24 yards and gained two yards on his only reception of a 19-10 exhibition win over the Carolina Panthers. Johnson was productive with most of his touches on Thursday night and did play a few snaps with Pittsburgh's first-team offense. The bad news, however, is that he entered the contest after both Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell got some run. Johnson also had a few opportunities on special teams in the first quarter, returning the opening kickoff and later a punt, both for gains of 22 yards. The rookie's role on offense isn't exactly clear heading into the regular season, but fantasy managers should not plan to deploy him as a reliable RB2 right away. Johnson is better viewed as a bench stash with the upside to become a valuable asset down the stretch.

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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled two carries for three yards and secured both of his targets for 12 yards in a 19-10 preseason victory against the Carolina Panthers. Warren, who was held out of the team's first two preseason contests, had a nice gain through the air on his first touch, but unfortunately fumbled the ball on his way to the ground. Although he had three additional opportunities on Pittsburgh's first two drives, he didn't manage to make much out of them. The 26-year-old is expected to lead the Steelers' rushing attack to begin the regular season, but could cede snaps to promising rookie Kaleb Johnson and veteran Kenneth Gainwell if he struggles early on. Warren will still likely be a value in most fantasy drafts as a flex or RB3 target in the later rounds.

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Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was "great in the run and pass games" and "looked excellent" in the team's joint practice with the Houston Texans on Thursday, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. In contrast, Pouncy writes that the Lions' power run game behind David Montgomery struggled against Houston. Gibbs gained 1,929 yards from scrimmage and led the NFL with 20 touchdowns in 2024, but he started just four games. Montgomery will play a role in Detroit's offense. Still, it appears the Lions may be shifting the focus of their ground game, particularly with the uncertainty along the interior of their offensive line. The only question mark in Gibbs' fantasy profile is volume of touches. If he can shift into a true lead role in Detroit's backfield this season, Gibbs has RB1 upside.

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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed six of his eight pass attempts for 36 scoreless yards and an interception in Thursday night's 19-10 preseason win over the Carolina Panthers. Rudolph took the field for the team's first three offensive possessions and could not get much of anything going. The Steelers punted twice in the first quarter before Rudolph opened the second period with an ill-advised throw to Ke'Shawn Williams that Carolina picked off. Rudolph's brief showing was quickly outshined by teammate Skylar Thompson, who led Pittsburgh on three straight scoring drives. Nonetheless, the 30-year-old Rudolph should be expected to maintain QB2 duties heading into the regular season as the most experienced backup on the roster, especially if rookie Will Howard (finger) is placed on IR.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Robbie Chosen "has a chance to crack the (team's) 53-man roster," according to Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur of The Athletic. Chosen played well in San Francisco's second preseason game, recording five catches for 92 yards against the Las Vegas Raiders. The 32-year-old has made 86 starts across nine NFL seasons, but appeared in just two games for the Miami Dolphins in 2024. Chosen's possible inclusion on the 49ers' roster is a result of injuries to wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk (knee), Jauan Jennings (calf), Jacob Cowing (lower body), Jordan Watkins (ankle), and Russell Gage Jr. (knee). Veteran Demarcus Robinson will also be out to start the season due to suspension. Chosen is unlikely to be fantasy-relevant in 2025, but the 49ers' wide receiver situation is desperate enough that all of the team's possible options at the position are worth monitoring.

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The Minnesota Vikings have interest in acquiring veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen from the Carolina Panthers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Minnesota's receiving corps is thin to open the season, with Jordan Addison facing a three-game suspension and Jalen Nailor (hand) battling injury. Thielen spent the first nine years of his career in Minnesota before signing with Carolina prior to the start of the 2023 season. The 35-year-old remained a productive player in 2024, recording 48 catches for 615 yards and five touchdowns across ten games. If acquired by Minnesota, Thielen would likely be the team's WR2 until Addison returns. His fantasy profile could benefit in the short term from a move to the Vikings, but Thielen's season-long outlook would suffer once Addison pushes him to the WR3 role.

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New York Giants rookie tight end Thomas Fidone II caught a touchdown on Thursday, August 21, 2025, during the Giants' 42-10 preseason victory over the New England Patriots. Fidone caught four of his five targets for 39 yards, with his longest reception going for 28 yards and averaging 9.8 yards per catch. The rookie seventh-round pick has been flashing potential throughout training camp and is doing his best to make a deep Giants roster at the tight end position. While Fidone is buried on the depth chart right now, his solid performance in the preseason finale gives him a strong case to be added to the 53-man roster.

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New York Giants tight end Greg Dulcich scored two touchdowns on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in a 42-10 preseason victory over the New England Patriots. Dulcich caught four of his four targets for 26 yards, with his longest reception going for 10 yards, averaging 6.5 yards per catch. The two touchdowns (third of the preseason) are a significant accomplishment for Dulcich, who is doing his best to make a deep Giants roster at the tight end position. The Giants drafted tight end Thomas Fidone in the seventh round this year after drafting Theo Johnson in the fourth round last year, making the competition for a roster spot a tough climb for Dulcich before the cuts are made. Dulcich has minimal fantasy relevance in redraft leagues but is a name to monitor for managers in deeper dynasty formats in the event he makes the team or is signed elsewhere.

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New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo made his professional debut with a short but efficient outing in the Giants' 42-10 preseason victory over the Patriots. The rookie, who has been nursing a hamstring injury for a few weeks, was active for the first time and handled the first three carries of the game. He finished the contest with three carries for 12 rushing yards, an average of 4.0 yards per carry, with a long run of four yards, and zero rushing touchdowns. Skattebo also did not record a reception. While he is currently behind Tyrone Tracy Jr. on the depth chart, Skattebo is a key backfield piece who should contribute off the bench in the regular season.

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New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart had another excellent performance in the team's 42-10 win over the New England Patriots, showcasing his dual-threat abilities before an injury scare ended his night. The first-round pick started the game hot, throwing a 7-yard touchdown to tight end Greg Dulcich on the opening drive. He finished the game with 6-for-12 for 81 yards, a 5.9 average yards per attempt, and one touchdown with no interceptions. His night was cut short after a 23-yard run on fourth down late in the first quarter, where his head hit the ground. He was ultimately fine but did not return to the game. Despite his impressive preseason, 32-for-47 passing for 372 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, he will not be the starter to open the season, as veteran Russell Wilson has secured the QB1 role.

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