The San Francisco 49ers re-signed wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. (knee) to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday and released safety Richie Grant in a corresponding move, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gage, who did not practice with the team on Thursday due to a knee injury, returns to the team after being released on cutdown day on Tuesday. The return of the 29-year-old speaks to how beat up their receiving room is right now with the Week 1 regular-season opener just over a week away. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is on the PUP list, and Jauan Jennings (calf) and rookie Jordan Watkins (ankle) are up in the air to be ready on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. If both Jennings and Watkins are unavailable for the season opener, it's possible that Gage will be forced into a starting role early on.

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Tennessee Titans rookie running back Kalel Mullings (ankle) did not participate in the team's practice on Thursday, according to Terry McCormick of Titans Insider. Mullings suffered an injury to his right ankle in the team's preseason finale on Aug. 22 and has not practiced since, putting his availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos in question. With Tyjae Spears (ankle) set to miss at least the first four games of the year while on Injured Reserve, Tennessee's backfield depth behind starter Tony Pollard is quite thin. All signs are pointing toward Julius Chestnut serving as the RB2 for the Titans early in the year. The 22-year-old Mullings was a linebacker at Michigan for three years before he became a full-time RB in 2023. He's definitely stash-worthy in dynasty/keeper leagues, but those in redraft formats can avoid the sixth-rounder.

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San Francisco 49ers rookie fourth-round wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) did not take part in Thursday's practice, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. In addition to Watkins, Jauan Jennings (calf) missed another practice. The 23-year-old Watkins hasn't played since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the team's preseason opener and is trending toward not being ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 7. The Niners also have Brandon Aiyuk (knee) starting the year on the PUP list, so if Jennings isn't active for Week 1, Ricky Pearsall could be heavily targeted early and often by quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers re-signed Russell Gage Jr. (knee), but he, too, missed Thursday's practice. Watkins should be ignored in 12-team fantasy leagues for now.

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The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins "has probably been the best option" in training camp to start outside across from Stefon Diggs. DeMario Douglas is slated to start in the slot for the team in three-wide sets under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Graff guesses that Hollins will "get the most snaps there in Week 1." Kayshon Boutte had 589 receiving yards last year (Hollins had just 378). Beyond Hollins and Boutte, the best long-term option is rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams. Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker were released on Wednesday. It's notable for the 31-year-old Hollins, but it won't be a big enough role for fantasy managers to take notice in 12-team leagues, especially with second-year quarterback Drake Maye expected to have plenty of growing pains in his first year as the full-time starter.

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The Dallas Cowboys acquired defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks on Thursday from th Green Bay Packers in exchange for All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It's unclear yet if the Cowboys acquired any other players in this blockbuster deal. Clark is no Parsons, but he was a former first-rounder himself (27th overall) in 2016 out of UCLA and has made three Pro Bowls in his first nine NFL seasons. In 140 games (126 starts) for the Packers, Clark has recorded 35 sacks, 417 tackles (236 solo), 51 tackles for loss, 76 QB hits, 12 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. He had just one sack in 17 regular-season starts in 2024, but Clark will certainly be a boost to Dallas' interior defensive line going forward. Clark had a career-high 7.5 sacks in 17 starts in 2023.

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The Green Bay Packers signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune to their practice squad on Thursday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Tune became available to all NFL teams when the Cardinals cut him earlier this week. The 26-year-old will now head to the NFC North, where he'll serve as QB depth for the Packers behind starter Jordan Love and backup Malik Willis. In three preseason games for the Cardinals before being cut, Tune went 30-for-49 passing for 186 yards, one touchdown and an interception while rushing nine times for 53 yards. The former fifth-rounder (139th overall) in 2023 out of Houston has thrown for just 70 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in 13 games (one start) in his first two NFL seasons.

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According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had "a relatively positive training camp" this summer, "but maybe he didn't take that huge leap that a lot of people expected him to -- or that I expected him to." Kyed also mentioned that there were "growing pains." Maye did a good job limiting turnovers in practice settings, but then he would turn the ball over in scrimmages or the preseason. A lot is expected of the 22-year-old after he was taken third overall in the 2024 draft out of North Carolina, but fantasy managers must remember that this will be his first full year as the starter under center, and Kyed even says that he could still be acclimating to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system early on. More growing pains in 2025 should be expected, but Maye is still an midrange QB2 target with upside in fantasy.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) has continued to be held out of practice, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBCS. The 28-year-old has been dealing with a calf injury throughout most of the month. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to his status, as his participation in the season opener could continue to remain in doubt if he is unable to take the practice field. However, the 49ers could be exercising extreme caution with him as their top wideout, Brandon Aiyuk (knee), is already slated to miss at least the first month of the season. Last season, Jennings enjoyed a breakout campaign, totaling 975 yards and six touchdowns. If Jennings were to miss the start of the season, second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall and veteran tight end George Kittle will likely be given a hefty dose of targets.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka could be in store for a massive role in the passing attack early in the season. According to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, Tampa Bay veteran wideout Chris Godwin (ankle) is not expected to return to action until October. In addition, second-year wideout Jalen McMillan (neck) is slated to miss the vast majority of the season. As a result, Egbuka could slot in as the clear No. 2 option opposite Mike Evans for the better part of his debut season. The Buccaneers selected Egbuka out of Ohio State in the opening round of this year's draft. Egbuka finished his time at Ohio State, totalling 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final campaign. Given Tampa Bay's current wide receiver room, Egbuka's ADP will continue to climb as the regular season approaches. He should hold WR2 value with upside during their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

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Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden could be in store for an increase in opportunities in the Green Bay passing attack. According to Jason Wilde, Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot) is dealing with a Jones fracture in his left foot. While this injury is quite common in athletics, it often requires surgery. However, Reed is opting to play through it and plans to be ready for the season opener. However, Reed could be given a strict snaps count to improve his health and could even be at high risk of suffering a setback. If this occurs, Golden could be given ample opportunities, operating as the clear WR1 in the offense. The Packers selected Golden in the first round of April's draft out of Texas. During his final season in college, he totaled a career-best 987 with an SEC-leading nine touchdowns. Given his potential opportunities, Golden is worth viewing as a high-end WR3 in all formats.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) will miss the first month of the 2025 season and possibly more, according to general manager Jason Licht. The GM framed Godwin's return as likely October in Week 5 or later. On Wednesday, when asked about a potential timetable for Godwin's return, head coach Todd Bowles said anywhere from Week 2 to Week 5. Licht's statement is obviously much different and paints a much more pessimistic picture for when the 29-year-old pass-catcher will make his season debut after suffering a season-ending dislocated left ankle in Week 7 of 2024 that required surgery. The Bucs signing Godwin to a three-year, $66 million deal in March gave hope that he would be ready for Week 1, but that's just not going to be the case. The stock of rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka continues to rise, as he should be Tampa's WR2 for at least the first month.

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Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II is expected to open the season as the RB2 behind De'Von Achane (calf) with Jaylen Wright (leg) likely sidelined for the first few weeks. Achane is trending toward playing Week 1, but Gordon should see rotational snaps and remains a valuable handcuff in case of setbacks. He'll face a Colts defense that ranked 24th against the run in 2024. While his short-term fantasy appeal is limited, Gordon is worth stashing as insurance and could become a plug-and-play option if Achane were to suffer any setbacks.

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Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned but is not considering a return to college, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Earlier in the week, NBC's Mike Florio reported that the former Ohio State standout could begin to pursue a return to college, but Cabot's recent report suggests the running back is not planning to go this route. Earlier in the offseason, Judkins was arrested for domestic violence and battery charges. While his prosecutors dropped the charges against him, he has yet to agree to a rookie contract with the Broncos. Additionally, the NFL could still suspend him after conducting their own investigation. Given his uncertain situation, it is best to leave Judkins off your draft board for the time being. Throughout the preseason, fellow rookie Dylan Sampson and veteran Jerome Ford have shared the backfield and will likely open the season as the 1A and 1B in the running back room.

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels expressed confidence in his continued chemistry with star wideout Terry McLaurin, noting, "It never leaves." McLaurin, who returned to practice this week, is coming off a 2024 season with 82 catches, 1,096 yards, and a career-high 13 touchdowns. His steady presence makes him Daniels' clear top target heading into 2025. Currently being drafted as WR16, McLaurin carries strong upside and could be one of the better value picks among mid-tier receivers this season.

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The Philadelphia Eagles received a boost Thursday as wide receiver DeVonta Smith (groin) returned to practice alongside A.J. Brown. His presence is a positive sign for the offense heading into their Week 1 Thursday night clash with the Cowboys. Smith is coming off what many considered a "down" 2024 season, tallying 68 catches for 833 yards and eight touchdowns. Still, he remains a strong mid-round fantasy target with WR2 upside in one of the league's most explosive offenses. With questions surrounding the Cowboys amid the Micah Parsons storyline, Philadelphia's offense will look to set the tone early in the opener.

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Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (undisclosed) has been out of practice since August 11, and his status remains uncertain as Week 1 approaches. While the team doesn't expect Smith to miss significant time, his absence is worth monitoring given his role as a six-time Pro Bowler and defensive leader. If Smith were sidelined for the opener, the Bears' rushing attack, led by D'Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai, could benefit from a softer matchup. Smith's health will be a key storyline for Minnesota's defense heading into the season.

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Denver Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims Jr. (groin) is expected to be back at practice Monday, head coach Sean Payton confirmed. Entering his third season, Mims produced 503 yards and six touchdowns on 39 receptions last year, and his role could expand as quarterback Bo Nix develops in year two. Mims is trending upward on fantasy draft boards and should be in line for standard usage in Week 1 against the Titans. Beyond his receiving work, Mims is also one of the league's most dynamic return specialists, adding sneaky value in leagues that reward return yardage and touchdowns.

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Veteran free-agent wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, who was released by the Carolina Panthers on roster cutdown day on Tuesday, is receiving interest from multiple teams, including the Panthers, a league source told David Newton of ESPN. Panthers general manager Dan Morgan said on Thursday that it's up to Renfrow to decide where he wants to be, and Morgan said the Panthers are open to adding Renfrow to the 53-man roster. However, if Renfrow was going to return to the Panthers, it would seem it would have happened already. Carolina just traded veteran Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings, so it makes sense why they'd be interested in bringing the 29-year-old Clemson product back for depth. Renfrow was a Pro Bowler in 2021 with the Raiders and had a 1,000-yard season, but he fell off a cliff in 2022 and 2023 due to health issues before being released.

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Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders will open his first NFL season as the third QB, which means he will be able to dress for regular-season games. Veteran Joe Flacco will open the year as the starter under center for Cleveland, with rookie third-rounder Dillon Gabriel serving as his direct backup after the Brown traded Kenny Pickett to the Las Vegas Raiders this week. The 23-year-old Sanders looked good in the team's preseason opener but then missed some time in training camp with an oblique injury, which didn't help his cause in passing Gabriel on the QB depth chart this summer. The Browns reunited with Bailey Zappe this week, but he will open the year on the practice squad. With two rookie QBs as their insurance policy, expect the Browns to giv Flacco a longer leash in 2025.

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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is at practice and in uniform on Thursday for the first time since July 24, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Mooney injured his shoulder on the first day of training camp and is just now returning. Although it's unclear if the 27-year-old will be ready for Week 1 of the regular season on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he was able to avoid landing on short-term Injured Reserve, which would have kept him out for the first four games of the year. Expect Atlanta to begin ramping Mooney back up in advance of next week's season opener. In his first year with the Falcons in 2024, Mooney had one of the best years of his career, posting a 64-992-5 line on 106 targets over 16 starts. It might be a stretch for him to duplicate those numbers in 2025, but he's at least worth a late-round flier for receiving depth in fantasy drafts.

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