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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Rams QB Matthew Stafford (back) participates in first practice

Mon Aug 18 2:04pm ET
Field Level Media

Los Angeles Rams starting quarterback Matthew Stafford participated in a preseason practice for the first time Monday after dealing with an aggravated disk in his back, multiple outlets reported.

Stafford, 37, was supposed to return to practice last week but continued to experience discomfort and instead spent time in a mobile hyperbaric recovery trailer parked at the team practice facility.

While Stafford still is not expected to participate in the Rams' final preseason game Saturday against the Cleveland Browns, his return gives him just shy of three weeks to prepare for the team's regular-season opener Sept. 7 at home against the Houston Texans.

The Rams have gone 2-0 in the preseason primarily with Stetson Bennett IV at quarterback. Bennett, who played the entirety of Saturday's 23-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, is the team's No. 3 QB behind Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo.

Stafford completed 65.8 percent of his passes for the Rams in 16 games last season, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He nearly rallied the Rams to a victory in an NFC divisional-round game against the Philadelphia Eagles, who went on to win the Super Bowl.

In 16 NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions (2009-20) and Rams, Stafford has completed 63.4 percent of his passes for 59,809 yards, 377 TDs and 188 interceptions. The two-time Pro Bowl selection guided the Rams to a Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals following the 2021 season.

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Player Notes
Brian Robinson Jr. Aug 18 11:50am PT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. will not play in Monday night's preseason game against the Bengals. The decision was reportedly mutual between Robinson and the team as trade discussions heat up ahead of 53-man roster cuts. Robinson has been Washington's lead back, but uncertainty surrounding his future clouds his fantasy outlook. If he remains with the Commanders, Robinson should retain the bulk of the carries, making him a potential RB2. However, the risk of a trade or role change makes him a volatile option in drafts, likely pushing him down draft boards until his situation stabilizes.

From RotoBaller

Tetairoa McMillan Aug 18 11:50am PT
Tetairoa McMillan

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring) did not practice Monday while resting a "minor" injury, according to team officials. The first-round pick is expected to play a major role right away in Carolina's offense and has already developed a strong connection with quarterback Bryce Young during camp. McMillan's combination of size and athleticism gives him immediate fantasy appeal as one of the top rookie wideouts in 2025 drafts. While the team doesn't appear overly concerned, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his health status leading into Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Royals Aug 18 11:40am PT
Jalen Royals

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals (knee) will not practice Monday due to knee tendinitis. The fourth-round pick is expected to begin the season in a reserve role but could earn more opportunities as the year progresses. With Marquise Brown also battling injuries this preseason, Royals may be positioned for an increased role if he can stay healthy. The Chiefs' offense ranked just 16th in total yards last season and is searching for playmakers to complement Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. Royals is best left on waivers in redraft but is worth a mid-round dynasty stash.

From RotoBaller

Quinshon Judkins Aug 18 11:30am PT
Quinshon Judkins

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins will not face legal charges following his recent incident, but the NFL's ongoing investigation has delayed contract negotiations. The second-round pick remains unsigned as camp nears its close, raising concerns about his Week 1 availability. With Judkins sidelined, Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson could see expanded opportunities in the backfield. Judkins flashed explosive playmaking ability in college and still carries late-round fantasy appeal, but his uncertain status makes him a risky stash. Managers should monitor developments closely before investing in drafts.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Aug 18 11:20am PT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (foot/ankle) returned to practice Sunday after missing Friday's preseason game against Seattle. The veteran is expected to start opposite rookie Xavier Worthy in the Chiefs' high-powered offense. Brown has struggled with durability in recent seasons, playing only two games last year and recording nine catches for 91 yards. If he can stay on the field, Brown should have plenty of opportunities with Patrick Mahomes distributing the ball. Fantasy managers can consider Brown a late-round flier with upside in deeper formats, though his injury history makes him a risky investment.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Aug 18 11:20am PT
Gabriel Davis

Free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis is set to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday as he looks for a new home ahead of the 2025 season. The former Bills and Jaguars wideout caught just 20 of 42 targets for 239 yards and two touchdowns in Jacksonville last year, but he previously flashed big-play ability in Buffalo's explosive offense. Pittsburgh remains thin at receiver beyond DK Metcalf, and Davis could bring size and vertical speed to stretch defenses. Fantasy managers should view Davis as a late-round flier with boom-or-bust upside if he signs with the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Aug 18 11:13am PT
Spencer Rattler

Dynasty | Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough completed 9-of-12 passes for 66 yards in New Orleans' second preseason game, Dynasty Analysis: Shough has been outplayed by Spencer Rattler, though neither has looked the part of a true NFL-caliber quarterback this preseason. It's a tough situation for the Saints, who clearly would like to see Shough rise to the top and start as a rookie. This battle looks like one that's going to go down to the wire and Shough's rookie ADP is starting to fall as he looks like a player who has been really protected in games thus far and has lacked the ability to produce explosive plays.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Chris Olave Aug 18 11:13am PT
Chris Olave

Dynasty | Saints receiver Mason Tipton had six catches for 100 yards in the Saints second preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: Tipton was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal offensive performance for New Orleans. He's a player who seems to shine in camp and in practices, but it's never translated to on the field success in the regular season. He remains a player to keep an eye on as the Saints are looking for players to emerge behind the likes of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jayden Higgins Aug 18 11:13am PT
Jayden Higgins

Dynasty | The Houston Texans have traded wide receiver John Metchie to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Metchie goes to the Texans in exchange for Harrison Bryant and a day three pick swap. Lost in the shuffle in Houston, Metchie should compete with Johnny Wilson and Jahan Dotson for a role behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. It's a welcome move for Metchie who was lost behind not only the startes, but also rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in Houston. Metchie is still a ways off the dynasty radar but he at least has a path to relevance here.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Isaiah Bond Aug 18 11:13am PT
Isaiah Bond

Dynasty | The Browns have signed free agent wide receiver Isaiah Bond. Dynasty Analysis: Bond famously went undrafted this year after he was accused of sexual assault. Those charges have since been dismissed, though the NFL is still performing their own investigation on the matter, so Bond could face some kind of discipline. Regardless, the Browns pounced on Bond and signed him to a fully guaranteed deal worth over $3 million, making him a lock for the roster. While the counting stats have never really been there for Bond, he has the physical traits to succeed in the NFL. At this point, he needs to be on dynasty rosters.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Matthew Stafford Aug 18 11:13am PT
Matthew Stafford

Dynasty | Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has returned to practice. Dynasty Analysis: There was some genuine concern over his availability for week one as he's been nursing a back injury but this is a huge step in the right direction. Now more of a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 than a player to build around, Stafford can still sling the ball and should be poised for a solid season moving forward. He's a good dynasty asset for a contending team, though he could retire at the end of any given season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Shedeur Sanders Aug 18 11:13am PT
Shedeur Sanders

Dynasty | The Browns have named Joe Flacco their starting quarterback. Dynasty Analysis: As expected. Dillon Gabriel has been nursing a hamstring injury, Kenny Pickett has had setbacks of his own and Shedeur Sanders just doesn't quite seem to be ready. It's the safe play for the Browns, but hardly a needle mover when it comes to dynasty leagues. Cleveland is unlikely to roster four quarterbacks, so this depth chart is in flux. Expect one of Gabriel, Pickett or Sanders to be shopped around in the next couple of weeks. All we really know is Flacco will start the season as a dynasty QB2.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Joe Flacco Aug 18 10:30am PT
Joe Flacco

The Cleveland Browns are naming veteran Joe Flacco as their Week 1 starting quarterback against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter. This doesn't come as much of a surprise, as this was always expected to be the case, especially after Kenny Pickett suffered a hamstring injury early in training camp. The 40-year-old veteran has been taking most of the first-team reps in practices this summer, although he has not played in either of the team's two preseason games with the rest of the Browns' QB room banged up. Flacco led the Browns to the playoffs two seasons ago, but he's going to be on a short leash in 2025 and will most likely continue to put the football in harm's way often down the field. The Bengals defense was a great matchup last year, so Flacco could have some sleeper appeal in DFS in Week 1 of the season.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Aug 18 10:00am PT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) has returned to practice on Monday at training camp, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. The Rams never provided an update on Stafford's scheduled workout on Saturday before their second preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers, but apparently it went well, and the 37-year-old is practicing for the first time this summer after aggravating a disc issue in his back. Stafford will most likely be limited on Monday, though, and there's no timetable for when he might be a full-go. The Rams have remained optimistic that Stafford will be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener. If he's not ready, Jimmy Garoppolo will start under center to begin the year. Stafford showed late last year that he can still take the Rams deep into the playoffs, but for fantasy purposes, he's a big injury risk as a low-end QB2.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Aug 18 9:40am PT
Kendrick Bourne

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (leg) will not practice this week or play in the preseason finale on Thursday against the New York Giants, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. Bourne had his leg rolled up on during practice back on Aug. 1 and has not practiced or played since. The 30-year-old's spot on the 53-man roster is now no longer guaranteed because of the fact that he might not be ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener. Bourne had a career-high 800 receiving yards in 2021 in his first year with New England, but he has disappointed ever since and played in 20 combined games due to injuries the last two seasons. In 2024, he had only 28 catches on 38 targets for 305 yards and one touchdown in 12 games (nine starts). Bourne hasn't been the same since tearing his ACL back in 2023.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Aug 18 9:30am PT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (back) returned to training camp practice on Monday, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Doubs injured his back in practice last Tuesday but will finally return to the field for the final week of the preseason. The Packers also got quarterback Jordan Love (thumb) back, although it's unclear if either Doubs or Love will play in the preseason finale this Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. Barring setbacks, both players should be available for the Week 1 regular-season opener. The 25-year-old Doubs caught 46 of his 72 targets for 601 yards and four touchdowns in 13 regular-season games (12 starts) in 2024 in his third year in the league. Doubs did have career-highs in yards per catch (13.1), yards per target (8.3) and yards per game (46.2), but he remains a mediocre WR target in a crowded receivers room.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Aug 18 9:20am PT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (thumb) returned to training camp practice on Monday, according to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. Love was doing hand-offs and throws, while backup Malik Willis took the first snaps of th day. The 26-year-old will ultimately go down as a limited participant, but it's still good news that he's back on the field after having minor surgery on his left (non-throwing) thumb. He had his thumb heavily taped in a soft cast and will not return to 11-on-11 drills this week. It's unclear when he'll be able to return to a full workload, and Green Bay will probably hold him out of their preseason finale on Saturday against the Seattle Seahawks. It shouldn't have a negative impact on Love's fantasy value for upcoming drafts. For fantasy purposes, managers should consider him more of a low-end QB2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Foster Moreau Aug 18 9:20am PT
Foster Moreau

New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore said that tight ends Taysom Hill (knee) and Foster Moreau (knee) are not close to a return to the field. Until one or both of Hill and Moreau are able to return, the Saints will be very thin at the tight end position. Juwan Johnson is the clear starter at the position, and Jack Stoll is "set for a legitimiate offensive impact as of now." Stoll can be avoided in fantasy, though, as he's more of a blocking threat than a receiver. Behind Stoll, it's a complete unknown for the Saints. Moliki Matavao, Treyton Welch and Michael Jacobson will be fighting for the TE3 role. It sounds as though both Hill and Moreau are in line to open the regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, which means they will have to miss at least the first four weeks of the season. Hill is the more attractive fantasy stash in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Williams Aug 18 9:10am PT
Kyle Williams

New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams (head) will not practice on Monday, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. Williams left early from the team's preseason game on Saturday after taking a hard hit to the head. A third-round pick out of Washington State, Williams is competing with Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, and others for the WR3 role in New England alongside Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas. He has reportedly shown flashes of brilliance but has largely been inconsistent in training camp. As such, missed time for Williams could set him back in the race for playing time in New England. The 22-year-old has clear upside as a downfield threat, but he's unlikely to factor in fantasy in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Aug 18 9:00am PT
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) is "ahead of schedule injury-wise," according to Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf. Diggs tore the ACL in his right knee last October and has yet to play in the preseason. However, the 32-year-old has been a consistent participant in training camp practices and looks like he'll be ready to go for Week 1. Diggs had 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games before getting injured in 2024, and should be the top target for Patriots quarterback Drake Maye heading into 2025. He profiles as a low-end WR3/flex option in fantasy with a fairly high floor but limited upside.

From RotoBaller