San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins "is in position to be the 49ers' no. 3 or 4 wide receiver," according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Barrows writes that Watkins' teammates "keep praising his maturity and mental sharpness." The 49ers are currently working with a battered receiving corps, as Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is expected to miss the start of the season, and Jauan Jennings (calf) has missed most of training camp. 2024 first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is in line to lead the group as things currently stand, and it sounds as though Watkins is starting to separate himself from a group that also contains veterans Demarcus Robinson and Russell Gage. A fourth-round pick out of Ole Miss, Watkins averaged 18.5 yards per reception and scored nine touchdowns in his final collegiate season. Particularly if Jennings ends up missing regular-season time, Watkins is an under-the-radar name to keep an eye on for fantasy.

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The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has "overwhelmingly relied on short, quick passes or checkdowns" in training camp practices, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. DeFabo writes that quarterback Aaron Rodgers "hasn't been able to unlock" wide receiver DK Metcalf's ability to stretch the field vertically. It's early in camp, but this could be a continuation of Rodgers' difficulties as a downfield passer from 2024. In 17 games for the New York Jets, he completed just 35.4% of his passes of 20-plus air yards. Pittsburgh acquired Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason and is relying on him to anchor their wide receiver corps. In 15 games last season for Seattle, Metcalf recorded 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns. He's averaged at least 15 yards per reception in four of his six NFL seasons, so making plays downfield is a big part of Metcalf's game. Metcalf profiles as a low-end WR2 for fantasy who should dominate targets in the Steelers' offense, but these early struggles with Rodgers are something to monitor going forward.

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Detroit Lions quarterback Hendon Hooker will get the start in the team's second preseason game on Friday against the Atlanta Falcons. Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that Hooker will play the first half and veteran Kyle Allen will take over for the second half. That order is a reversal of how the Lions deployed their quarterbacks for their first preseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hooker and Allen are competing for the backup job in Detroit behind Jared Goff. Both players struggled in their first taste of preseason action against the Chargers on Thursday. Hooker was three-for-six through the air for 18 yards and an interception, while Allen went 9-for-14 for 71 yards and two picks. A third-round pick in 2023, Hooker has been unable to secure the Lions QB2 role to this point in his career. He'll need to play much better throughout the remainder of the preseason to earn the job heading into 2025.

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Houston Texans tight end Cade Stover has received praise from the front office throughout training camp. According to Cole Thompson of the Texas Wire, general manager Nick Caserio mentioned that Stover was the "most improved player of the entire offseason." The 25-year-old joined the Texans in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. During his rookie campaign, Stover had a limited role as he caught just 15 passes for 133 yards and a touchdown. However, during each of the final two games of the season (Week 18 and their Wild Card matchup), Stover logged 36 offensive snaps in each game, which were the highest marks of his debut season. In the playoff game, Stover caught a season-high four passes as well. Stover is a name to continue to monitor as he could surpass Brevin Jordan as the No. 2 tight end behind presumed starter Dalton Schultz.

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Indianapolis Colts quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones are expected to play a "good amount" during Thursday's preseason opener against the Baltimore Ravens. However, head coach Shane Steichen has yet to declare who will get the starting nod in this contest. Throughout training camp, both quarterbacks have been given opportunities with the first-team and will likely continue to fight for the starting job over the next few weeks. Steichen noted that whoever does start during Thursday's game is not expected to have a large workload in their second preseason game against the Green Bay Packers. The Colts drafted Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Florida. While he has flashed high upside at times, his inconsistency as a passer could push him to the No. 2 role. The Colts signed Jones in the offseason to a one-year deal after his six-year tenure with the Giants. Whoever wins the starting job could be an intriguing No. 2 quarterback in superflex leagues given their rushing upside.

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Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai has begun to earn the trust of the coaching staff. Head coach Ben Johnson said, "I'm very pleased with where he's at. I think he's a guy we're gonna be able to trust this fall," when discussing Monangai's development during training camp. The Bears selected Monangai in the seventh round (233rd overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Rutgers. During his final two seasons with the Scarlet Knights, Monangai averaged 1,270.5 yards per season and scored 22 total touchdowns. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Monangai's progression as he could find a role in the Chicago backfield. Last season, D'Andre Swift saw most of the opportunities but was very ineffective, posting a modest 3.8 YPC, which was the lowest mark of his career. For now, Monangai sits as the No. 3 option behind Swift and Roschon Johnson on the depth chart, but could be worth a late-round selection if he continues to gain traction.

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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin) suffered a groin injury in practice on Sunday. The 27-year-old had a similar groin injury last season, forcing him to play in only 11 games. Highsmith has been a stalwart on the Steelers' defense since 2020, compiling 35.5 sacks over his career. If Highsmith is forced to miss the start of the season, it would be a blow to the Steelers' defense, which was a top-five fantasy DST in 2024. Fantasy managers should monitor his status closely as his absence could impact the Steelers' defensive fantasy production.

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Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Zach Sieler has agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $67.75 million, with $44 million guaranteed on Sunday. The deal makes Sieler, who had two years remaining on his previous contract, the Dolphins' highest-paid defensive player. Sieler, a former seventh-round pick out of Division II Ferris State, has been a major success story, recording double-digit sacks in each of the last two seasons. He was also named the Dolphins' team MVP in 2024. As a team captain, he has been a key part of the Dolphins' defensive line, and this new deal solidifies his role as a cornerstone of the defense.

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Jacksonville Jaguars two-way star Travis Hunter spent all 20 of his snaps on offense at Sunday's training camp practice. The rookie, who has been a subject of offseason debate regarding his split between wide receiver and defensive back, made an impressive leaping touchdown catch over cornerback Jourdan Lewis in red zone work. However, Hunter had a pass bounce off his hands two plays later. RotoBaller projects Hunter to be the WR34 this season with a stat line of 77 catches, 914 yards, and six touchdowns. This notable development is a situation to monitor, as a full-time offensive role would make him a high-upside fantasy option.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Quez Watkins (undisclosed) has been placed on injured reserve. The 27-year-old left Friday's practice with an injury and did not return. Watkins, who began his career in 2020 with the Eagles, compiled a stat line of 98 receptions, 1,249 yards, and six touchdowns over four seasons, with his 2021 season being his most productive. His placement on IR is not expected to have any fantasy relevance, as he was far down the depth chart and looking to secure a roster spot on his new team. In a corresponding move, the Cardinals signed wide receiver Nate McCollum.

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Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (back) will not participate in a jog-through and will focus on static throwing, treadmill running, and core exercises on Monday, according to Rams head coach Sean McVay. "It's static throwing," said McVay about Stafford's workout on Monday. The 37-year-old has been sidelined from training camp due to back soreness, which McVay says is a precaution. His absence from team activities raises concerns because it disrupts his ability to develop chemistry with his pass catchers, especially new wide receiver Davante Adams. Last season, Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Fantasy managers should closely watch his back issue, as it could affect his availability and performance at the start of the season.

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Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (knee) is drawing concern at training camp as the "burst needed to get through to the second and third level of the defense is nowhere to be found," according to Cole Thompson of the Texas Wire. The 29-year-old is two seasons removed from a devastating knee injury and is coming off a season-ending broken foot that he suffered in Week 15 last year. Chubb, who is entering his eighth season, signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Houston and was set to take on a larger role with the uncertain availability of running back Joe Mixon (foot). Mixon is considered week-to-week due to a foot injury. While Chubb may have been a sneaky late-round fantasy flyer given Mixon's situation, he will have to show signs of his old self before he can be considered a reliable fantasy option this season.

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According to Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen, quarterbacks Anthony Richardson Sr. and Daniel Jones will play in Thursday's preseason matchup with the Ravens. While Steichen didn't reveal who would start the contest, he did indicate that both players would see a "good amount" of action against Baltimore as well as versus Green Bay on August 16. Richardson has had his share of ups and downs throughout training camp. However, he has seemingly improved in several areas. In 15 regular-season appearances, the 2023 No. 4 overall selection threw for 2,391 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, adding 10 more trips to the end zone on the run. He also completed only 50.6% of his attempts while missing plenty of time. As far as Jones is concerned, after throwing 24 touchdowns as a rookie in 2019, he hasn't been nearly as potent ever since. The next two games will be important for both men, considering it could decide who will be under center come Week 1. Richardson has a higher upside, or at least it seems. Still, both men have a way to go before earning the trust of fantasy managers.

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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers released wide receiver Marquez Callaway on Sunday. The 27-year-old is best known for his time with the New Orleans Saints, where he totaled 83 catches for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns in 42 regular-season games. Since then, he spent time on practice squads for several teams before agreeing to a deal with San Francisco on July 31. However, Callaway now finds himself back on the market. It's safe to assume he'll see some attention from clubs around the National Football League, although his fantasy value can't get any lower. That isn't expected to change anytime soon. In a corresponding move, the 49ers signed wide receiver Robbie Chosen.

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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (groin) didn't practice on Sunday. The wideout signed a three-year deal with the Bills in March after spending his first four seasons with the Chargers. He appeared in 59 regular-season games in Los Angeles, catching 82 passes for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Bills lack depth at the wide receiver position, so Palmer has a legitimate chance to secure a meaningful role with the club throughout the 2025 campaign. However, he'll need to shake off his current ailment. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. With Khalil Shakir (ankle) week-to-week, Elijah Moore and Keon Coleman should get more first-team work in the days ahead, at the very least.

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Free-agent wide receiver Robbie Chosen agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers. The 32-year-old began his career with the Jets. He had some quality years in New York, amassing 207 catches for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns in 62 regular-season contests. Since then, Chosen has made stops in Carolina, Arizona, and Miami, although it's safe to say he wasn't nearly as productive. It's unknown how long the relationship between Chosen and the 49ers will last. However, he could find himself on the field in Week 1, especially since the team is dealing with injuries at the wide receiver position. Still, Chosen has a long way to go before earning a spot in fantasy lineups. In a corresponding move, San Francisco released wideout Marquez Callaway.

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Cincinnati Bengals running back Tahj Brooks continues to make waves during training camp, with Chris Roling of USA Today reporting that the rookie "just keeps impressing." The Bengals held their annual night practice at Paycor Stadium in front of fans on Saturday. While there were more than a few standouts, there was no denying that Brooks was one of them after he "ripped off a few big runs." The 23-year-old was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In his final collegiate season at Texas Tech, he amassed 1,505 yards off 286 touches while finding the end zone a total of 18 times. Of course, Chase Brown is expected to get the bulk of the snaps out of the backfield. However, with the team recently releasing Zack Moss, Brooks may find himself getting more work over Samaje Perine, who the team brought back this offseason.. Although that won't make Brooks a starting fantasy option in redraft leagues, he could have increased value as an insurance policy for Chase's managers, assuming he continues to trend in the right direction heading into Week 1.

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Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (hamstring) was absent from practice on Sunday after appearing to injure his hamstring during Saturday's practice at Paycor Stadium in front of fans. The veteran appeared in all 17 regular-season contests for Cincinnati in 2024. While he wasn't consistently productive, he still finished the year with 65 catches for 665 yards and two touchdowns. Gesicki has built a strong relationship with Joe Burrow, who urged the team to re-sign him this offseason, so it's reasonable to assume he could be a little more involved. He should be considered day-to-day. Hopefully, the team releases a positive update regarding his health in the next day or two. If for some reason Gesicki can't get on the field in Week 1, Noah Fant, who has looked good so far since signing with the team on July 31, would be in line for more opportunities.

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Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice's (knee) suspension from the NFL is "still in the works." While the league's internal process is being resolved, Rice could be available to play from Week 1. He is currently attending training camp and is working his way back from a brutal knee injury he sustained last season. The 25-year-old is facing a possible suspension of six or more games, but the exact length is unclear at this time. RotoBaller currently projects Rice as a borderline WR2, but if his suspension is deferred, his value could easily rise to the WR1 category. Fantasy managers should monitor his situation closely for updates on his status.

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (undisclosed) was not dressed for practice on Sunday, as he is dealing with an undisclosed injury. While Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin did not list the injury as more significant than day-to-day, his absence is still a development to monitor. Austin is trying to secure a starting receiving role and develop chemistry with the new Steelers quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. Austin, who posted a stat line of 36 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns last season, could be a player to watch in the later rounds of fantasy drafts and comes in as WR84 in the latest RotoBaller rankings.

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