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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Cowboys RB Miles Sanders (knee) returns to full practice

Tue Aug 12 4:43pm ET
Field Level Media

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders was a full participant in Tuesday's padded practice after missing about two weeks of training camp with a left knee bruise.

Head coach Brian Schottenheimer expressed optimism earlier this week that Sanders would be available for the Cowboys' second preseason game Saturday against the visiting Baltimore Ravens.

Sanders, 28, signed a one-year, $1.34 million deal in free agency in March and was hoping to compete with Javonte Williams for the lead backfield role.

Sanders is three years removed from a Pro Bowl campaign with Philadelphia in 2022 in which he rushed for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns in 17 games (15 starts).

His production declined with Carolina over the past two seasons, rushing for a combined 637 yards and three TDs in 27 games (seven starts) for the Panthers.

Sanders has rushed for 4,345 yards and 23 scores and caught 175 passes for 1,244 yards and four TDs in 84 games (56 starts) with the Eagles (2019-22) and Panthers. Philadelphia drafted him in the second round in 2019.

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Player Notes
Nick Chubb Aug 12 5:40pm CT
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (head) has moved through the league's concussion protocol and was not wearing a non-contact jersey at Tuesday's training camp practice, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Chubb entered the concussion protocol after taking a hit to the head last week, but he looks to be fine now. The 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler was among the best RBs in the league on a yearly basis before suffering a gruesome knee injury in 2023. He made it back to play in eight games in his final season in Cleveland in 2024 but had a career-low 3.3 yards per carry and didn't look like the same back. Chubb could have a decent role for the Texans early in the season if starter Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) isn't ready, it could also be more of a committee approach involving Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks.

From RotoBaller

Omarion Hampton Aug 12 5:20pm CT
Omarion Hampton

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said that even if running back Najee Harris (eye) isn't ready to go for the Week 1 regular-season opener, rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton will rotate in with another back. Who the other RB is remains wide open, according to Roman. If Harris isn't ready for Week 1, it would be either Kimani Vidal Hassan Haskins sharing backfield touches with Hampton. With that said, Hampton's fantasy value heading into his first year in the NFL has continued to go up with Harris still on the Physically Unable to Perform list thanks to a fireworks accident that injured his eye. RotoBaller has Hampton ranked as the No. 13 fantasy RB currently. He's expected to be L.A.'s primary back by season's end, regardless of Harris' health, and he has intriguing big-play ability in what will be a run-first offensive attack.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Aug 12 5:20pm CT
Najee Harris

Los Angeles Chargers running back Najee Harris (eye) has made some progress and was able to do some jogging at training camp on Tuesday, according to Daniel Popper of The Athletic. Harris has gotten off to a bad start with his new team, suffering an eye injury during a fireworks mishap on the Fourth of July. The former Steelers RB remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list and has yet to practice with the rest of the team. What initially seemed like a minor injury actually has a chance to keep the 27-year-old sidelined for the start of the 2025 regular season. The former first-rounder has been durable in his NFL career and has recorded 1,000 rushing yards in each of his four seasons, but he's lacked big-play ability and could very well take a back seat to rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton whenever he gets back on the field. Harris has fallen to RB49 status at RotoBaller.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Aug 12 5:10pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that wide receiver Calvin Austin III (abdomen) and tight end Jonnu Smith (knee) are considered day-to-day. "Hopefully they're back sooner rather than later," Tomlin said. The head coach categorized Smith's injury as knee soreness, while Austin is working through a minor abdominal issue. It remains to be seen if either play will suit up for the second preseason game on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but even if they don't, they should be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in early September. Austin has the inside track to be the WR2 behind DK Metcalf this year, but that role is still unlikely to give the 26-year-old enough volume to make him an every-week starter in fantasy. Meanwhile, Smith lost most of his fantasy appeal in the offseason trade from Miami to Pittsburgh.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Aug 12 3:33pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers (leg) left practice early Tuesday, Aug. 12, after injuring his shin or ankle but was able to return for team drills.

Fantasy Spin: Rodgers may have been stepped on and could miss a practice or two but should be fine for the regular season. He will be working in a new offense and with new pass catchers, so he should be considered a No. 2 quarterback in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Rondale Moore Aug 12 3:20pm CT
Rondale Moore

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore (knee) has suffered another season-ending knee injury, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. This one really hurts for Moore, who also missed the the entire 2024 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons due to a knee injury. The 25-year-old was selected in the second round (49th overall) in 2021 by the Arizona Cardinals out of Purdie. Moore spent the first three seasons of his career in the desert, catching 135 of 182 targets for 1,201 yards and only three touchdowns (one per year) in 39 games (23 starts) over those three seasons. It might be an uphill battle the rest of his career for him to get back to a prominent role on offense in the NFL. Moore wasn't really on the fantasy radar to begin with in 12-team leagues, but his injury is significant for a WR room that will also be without Jordan Addison (suspension) for the first four games.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Aug 12 3:00pm CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (shoulder) did not take part in the scrimmage on Tuesday due to a minor shoulder injury that he picked up in the preseason opener last week against the New England Patriots, according to John Keim of ESPN. Keim adds that the Commanders were just taking precaution by holding the rookie out on Tuesday at training camp. The 24-year-old had eight touches for 32 yards last week and is expected to make the final 53-man roster heading into the regular season. The seventh-rounder will now compete for the No. 3 role in D.C. with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. behind Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. Croskey-Merritt is most likely going to need an injury to one or both of Ekeler and B-Rob in order to become a popular midseason waiver-wire target.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Aug 12 2:40pm CT
Miles Sanders

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (knee) was back at Tuesday's training camp practice in full pads, according to Todd Archer of ESPN. Meanwhile, rookie Jaydon Blue (heel) remained out. Sanders returns to the gridiron after missing around two weeks due to a left-knee bruise, including Dallas' preseason opener on Saturday against the Los Angeles Rams. The 28-year-old veteran will now continue to split first-team work in the backfield with Javonte Williams now that he's over his knee issue. Because Sanders is back so early in the week, he figures to suit up for the second preseason game on Saturday against the Baltimore Ravens. Sanders will have a role in Dallas' backfield, but this could be a full-on committee between Williams, Sanders and Blue by the time the regular season roles around, limiting Sanders' already weak fantasy value after a couple disappointing seasons in Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Aug 12 2:30pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

The Athletic's Zac Jackson writes that Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders has "generally outplayed Dillon Gabriel throughout camp." Sanders also "delivered a steady, poised performance" last Friday in the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers, who played most of their defensive starters the first two series. Despite the fact that Sanders impressed during the preseason opener and threw two touchdowns, he was still listed as fourth on the QB depth chart this week behind Gabriel. Gabriel missed the preseason opener due to a minor hamstring injury, but he's been back at practice and could start the second preseason game this Saturday against the Eagles. If Gabriel struggles this week, it's possible that Sanders could pass him on the unofficial depth chart. Either way, neither Sanders nor Gabriel are realistic contenders for the starting gig come Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Aug 12 2:20pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (abdomen) has been dealing with a minor abdominal muscle issue, sources told Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. According to Austin's agent, it is the only reason that he has not been practicing with the team at training camp. Austin has missed practice for several days and didn't play in last week's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Head coach Mike Tomlin said he expects Austin to return to practice soon, and his injury isn't expected to impact his readiness for Week 1 of the regular season. He's entering the final year of his current deal, but his agent, Rodney Williams, confirmed that his client isn't holding out. If healthy, the 26-year-old is the favorite for WR2 duties in Pittsburgh in 2025 behind DK Metcalf, although that role isn't expected to yield much volume for what should be a run-first offense.

From RotoBaller

Mason Taylor Aug 12 2:10pm CT
Mason Taylor

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor (ankle) has returned to training camp practice and is a full-go, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Taylor has recovered quickly from what was being called a high-ankle sprain. The 21-year-old second-rounder missed the team's preseason opener last week, but now that he's back to full practices, he should be able to suit up for Saturday's second preseason game against the New York Giants. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues are probably going to ignore Taylor in 12-team leagues, but it's worth noting that he's fully expected to open the year as the Jets' top pass-catching tight end. The Jets' offense is expected to lean heavily on the ground game, but quarterback Justin Fields won't have many weapons to throw to outside of WR1 Garrett Wilson. Taylor should be a TE3 with upside for more.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Aug 12 2:00pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice was looking sharp during Tuesday's training camp practice, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Rice previously dealt with a groin injury in camp and was held out of the preseason opener on Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals, but he looks fully healthy now as he prepares for his third year in the league. The 25-year-old was on his way to a breakout sophomore campaign in 2024 before suffering a season-ending torn LCL in his knee in Week 4. He had 79 catches for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 regular-season games (eight starts) as a rookie, too, so if it wasn't for his potential four- to six-game suspension this year, Rice would be a firm WR2 target in upcoming fantasy drafts. Even with a looming suspension, Rice is in the WR3/flex conversation as KC's No. 1 wideout when he's available.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Allen Aug 12 1:53pm CT
Brandon Allen

Tennessee Titans QB Brandon Allen (shin) left practice early Tuesday, Aug. 12, because a shin laceration that required stitches.

From TheHuddle

Caleb Williams Aug 12 1:40pm CT
Caleb Williams

The Athletic's Kevin Fishbain writes that Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams has had good moments in training camp this summer, but it "hasn't been consistent enough," and the "accuracy hasn't been there like it was last summer." Fishbain lists Williams' stock as neutral right now after a sloppy practice on Monday. He also cautions that there's still almost a month until the season opener, and Williams has the right coach calling plays and an upgraded offensive line in front of him. "It hasn't been a smooth camp for the passing offense." It wasn't all terrible for the former first overall pick in his rookie season, as he threw for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns against only six interceptions. However, he was sacked a league-high 68 times and remains a work in progress going into his sophomore season. There's still plenty of upside, but he's best drafted as a high-end QB2 as he continues to devlop.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Aug 12 1:33pm CT
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) recently underwent a knee procedure and will miss the rest of the preseason. Head coach Aaron Glenn said the team hopes Taylor will be available for Week 1.

From TheHuddle

Marquise Brown Aug 12 1:30pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (ankle, foot) is set to miss another training camp practice on Tuesday, according to Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride. Brown has not practiced with the team since July 29 due to an ankle/foot injury, although the 28-year-old is making progress and has resumed running. Head coach Andy Reid said that Hollywood's injury isn't expected to require surgery or anything like that, so they are staying optimistic that he'll be ready to play for the start of the 2025 regular season in early September. And with Rashee Rice most likely being suspended for anywhere from four to six games to begin the year, Brown should have an elevated role in the offense early on if he's available. We'd be surprised if Brown plays in the team's second preseason game this Friday against the Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Aug 12 1:23pm CT
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (undisclosed) will not participate in practice this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel.

Fantasy Spin: Waller is still working his way back after sitting out last season but will have a limited amount of practice time to prepare for the regular season. He is in line to be the starting tight end for the Dolphins and should see a handful of targets each game. He can be considered a No. 2 tight end at this point.

From TheHuddle

Jayden Daniels Aug 12 1:20pm CT
Jayden Daniels

The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala writes that Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and quarterback Jayden Daniels have developed a strong chemistry, which has been a "product of their reps before practices, conversations between seriess and budding friendship off the field." Samuel has been the "primary bright spot amid growing concern about the Commanders' receiving corps." The 29-year-old has taken advantage with Terry McLaurin holding out and Noah Brown dealing with injuries. Jhabvala writes that Samuel appears to be motivated by a fresh start and a soon-to-be-expiring contract after a disappointing final season in San Francisco. Samuel has dropped some weight and appears to be in much better shape in 2025 as well. If he stays healthy, Samuel could bounce back and be a nice value pick in fantasy drafts as a WR3/flex in an up-tempo offense.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Aug 12 1:13pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (oblique) is considered day-to-day because of his injury but may be able to participate in the joint practice with the Detroit Lions this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel.

Fantasy Spin: Hill has missed some time because of his oblique injury but appears to be close to returning to practice. He is the main option in the passing game when healthy and can be a weekly starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Romeo Doubs Aug 12 1:10pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (back) suffered what appeared to be a back injury during Tuesday's training camp practice, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Doubs was "doubled over for a few minutes but walked off with his hands on his lower back." It's unclear if Doubs' injury is serious, but the Packers cannot afford anymore injuries to their receiving corps, as Christian Watson (knee) is already on the Physically Unable to Perform list, and receivers Jayden Reed (foot) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) are also banged up. Watson is expected to miss at least the first four weeks of the regular season, while it's unclear yet if Reed, Doubs and Wicks are in danger of missing the start of the regular season. It all means that rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden, who has been very impressive in camp, should have a prominent role right away in his first NFL season.

From RotoBaller