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WR Xavier Gipson now cut by both New York teams in two weeks

Sat Sep 20 9:50pm ET
Field Level Media

Wide receiver/return specialist Xavier Gipson's time with the New York Giants was short, as the team waived him on Saturday before he could appear in a game.

The Giants had signed Gipson on Sept. 11, one day after he was cut by the New York Jets, who share the same home stadium, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.

Gipson, 24, had fumbled a kickoff return in that stadium that contributed to the Jets' 34-32 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener Sept. 7. He averaged 9.5 yards on two punt returns and 28.4 yards on five kick returns as well as the fumble.

The Jets signed Gipson as an unrestricted free agent before the 2023 season. Primarily a special teams contributor, Gipson appeared in 35 games and made 27 catches for 268 yards and one touchdown. He added one rushing touchdown.

Gipson also returned 68 punts with an average of 8.9 yards per return and a touchdown. As a kick returner, he averaged 26 yards on 44 chances.

The Giants waived Gipson to recreate a roster spot for outside linebacker Tomon Fox, who was signed from the practice squad. The Giants (0-2) host the Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) on Sunday night.

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 3

Player Notes
Tee Higgins Sep 21 9:21am CT
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins pulled in three of his four targets for 33 yards in the Week 1 win over the Browns. As expected, that performance didn't sit well with fantasy managers. In all fairness, the entire offense struggled in that one. While the wideout caught as many passes in Week 2 against Jacksonville, he totaled 56 yards. Even better, he scored a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Bengals will need to navigate their way forward without quarterback Joe Burrow (foot). In his place, Jake Browning will get the start. Naturally, many are concerned about how Burrow's absence will impact the offense. However, Higgins will need to piece together more than a few subpar showings with Browning under center before fantasy managers should consider benching him. For now, he's still a starting fantasy option, so managers in all formats can keep him rolling in Week 3 versus the Vikings.

Cooper Kupp Sep 21 9:21am CT
Cooper Kupp

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp looks like a flex play in Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints. Kupp delivered in Week 2 with seven catches for 90 yards against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kupp and quarterback Sam Darnold clearly found chemistry together after a lackluster debut in Week 1. Kupp displayed the savvy and excellent route running that allowed him to carve up zones during his days with the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp's role as Seattle's slot receiver is valuable in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system. He should continue to see upwards of five-plus targets per game moving forward. Although the Seahawks may be ahead for most of the game on Sunday, Kupp will be a flex option as long as his chemistry with Darnold sticks.

Joe Flacco Sep 21 9:00am CT
Joe Flacco

Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco will draw at least one more start under center for the Week 3 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. However, it sounds like the 40-year-old could be on a short leash. The Browns respect what Flacco brings to the roster and his veteran leadership. Although, Flacco isn't bringing great results under center at the moment. That being said, Dillon Gabriel could be making his NFL debut soon. The Browns believe Gabriel can bring a different environment to the football field than Flacco. Gabriel is able to move more with his feet and extend plays on the ground, which is something Flacco hasn't been able to do. If Flacco plays well this weekend, he could extend his time, but eventually Gabriel should take over at some point in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 21 8:40am CT
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones will draw the start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. This will mark two straight starts for Jones while Brock Purdy (toe, shoulder) is sidelined. However, Ian Rapoport believes Purdy is in line to return versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4. The 49ers are going to take the cautious approach and hold out Purdy for one more week. That's not a terrible decision given Jones did have success during last week's win. Fantasy managers should be able to ride with Jones as a QB2 for one more game. Once healthy, Purdy should be considered a solid QB1 for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Sep 21 8:10am CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hip, groin) is currently listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets. Despite that, Egbuka is in line to play, but could have his snap count monitored, according to Adam Schefter. Egbuka missed the first two practices of the week before getting in a limited session on Friday. It sounds like he's in good enough shape to play, but his value could take a dip. He has been excellent through the first two games of the season. Egbuka has hauled in eight receptions for 96 yards and three touchdowns in two contests. Fantasy managers will need to check back for a final update on his status after warmups.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Sep 21 8:10am CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) has been already ruled out for the Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. The good news is that the Commanders have ruled out a possible MCL sprain for Daniels. Hopefully, this issue will only result in a one-game absence for him. Fantasy managers will have a better idea on his status when they resume practice ahead of Week 4. In the meantime, Marcus Mariota will take over under center and is a possible streaming option for fantasy managers who lost Daniels.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Sep 21 8:00am CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice continues to serve his six-game suspension, but is able to return to the team facility this week. Rice isn't allowed to practice while suspended, but can still do some team activities. He's allowed to attend meetings and stay involved with the team as he ramps up for his return in Week 7. The Chiefs offense has certainly missed having Rice as a top target. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Rice on their IR as he should make a big impact once he's back in the mix.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Sep 21 7:20am CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (illness) has been downgraded to questionable ahead of Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints. Smith-Njigba is reportedly dealing with a bug that shouldn't impact his availability for this game. However, the team wants to be cautious, so they downgraded him to questionable. It sounds like the Seahawks aren't going to make a decision until closer to kickoff. If he sits, Cooper Kupp and Tory Horton would see their value skyrocket.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Sep 21 6:40am CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (calf) will play through the injury when his team plays host to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The running back is listed as questionable on the final injury report, but he'll be in Chicago's starting lineup come game time against Dallas. Swift has been solid for the struggling Bears, ranking as the No. 22 overall running back through two weeks despite the 0-2 start. Due to his steady receiving workload and a middling Cowboys defense against running backs, Swift is a startable flex option in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Quinshon Judkins Sep 21 6:30am CT
Quinshon Judkins

Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins will start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The rookie missed Week 1 but was impressive in Week 2 against Baltimore, catching all three of his targets and racking up 61 rushing yards on just 10 carries. Though Judkins will be the first man up, the winless Browns are likely to use a rotation that includes fellow rookie Dylan Sampson and veteran Jerome Ford. Judkins' first start also comes against a top-10 defense against fantasy running backs, putting him in low-end RB3 territory for this week.

From RotoBaller

Emeka Egbuka Sep 21 6:20am CT
Emeka Egbuka

According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hip, groin) will play Sunday against the New York Jets without any restrictions caused by his injuries. The rookie from Ohio State missed two days of practice this week and is listed as questionable, but it appears he'll play as normal come game time. The lack of limitations is great news for managers who roster Egbuka, who already has three touchdowns to his name through two games. He's solidly in WR2/Flex territory against a middling Jets pass defense.

From RotoBaller

Trey Sermon Sep 21 12:10am CT
Trey Sermon

The Pittsburgh Steelers have promoted running back Trey Sermon from the practice squad to the active roster ahead of their road contest with the New England Patriots, Teresa Varley of the team reports. It's unclear what prompted Pittsburgh to call upon the 26-year-old's services, as there hasn't been an injury to his backfield mates. Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell have dominated the Steelers' snap share across the first two weeks, with rookie Kaleb Johnson barely sprinkling in (four total snaps). Sermon isn't likely to be of any use for fantasy, though it's worth keeping an eye on how involved he is. Warren has been a weapon out of the backfield as a receiver, but neither he nor Gainwell has been effective as a runner -- totaling a combined 124 yards on 37 totes (3.4 YPC).

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 20 11:50pm CT
Chris Godwin

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) has a "strong chance" to make his season debut in Week 4's outing with the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. It's excellent news for him and the team, as Schefter notes that Godwin is expected to begin running reps with the starters in next week's practice. There remains a strong likelihood that the veteran will be eased back into a full workload. However, he should be a boost for quarterback Baker Mayfield and the rest of Tampa Bay's offense. Despite the encouraging news, expectations need to be tempered for Godwin's return, particularly with rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka (hip, groin) looking unfazed by NFL defenses.

From RotoBaller

Cam Akers Sep 20 11:30pm CT
Cam Akers

According to the team, the Minnesota Vikings have elevated running back Cam Akers and offensive lineman Henry Byrd to the active roster ahead of their Week 3 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. Akers joined Minnesota's practice squad a few days ago, with veteran rusher Aaron Jones (hamstring) heading to IR. In an interesting turn of events, the 26-year-old is listed ahead of teammate Zavier Scott on Minnesota's depth chart, and could immediately see work behind lead back Jordan Mason. Over the first two weeks, head coach Kevin O'Connell had deployed a fairly even split between Jones and Mason. That may not be the case with Akers, but he's exceedingly familiar with the system, making him an excellent choice to spell Mason. The Florida State product will be on the radar as a low-end handcuff in deep leagues if he garners decent work this weekend. At least, until Jones returns, that is.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Sep 20 11:20pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders relayed via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com that he is cherishing his time spent on the team's practice squad. As of now, the 23-year-old is behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow first-year signal-caller Dillon Gabriel on Cleveland's depth chart. However, Gabriel and Bailey Zappe, along with Sanders, all emulate their opposition for the Browns' defense throughout the week, and Sanders is making the best of the situation. Instead of being forelorn in his backup part, the University of Colorado alum is approaching his practice time as his "game day" and notes he's ready for "my opportunity" when it comes. Sanders may very well see the field this season, though when that may occur is anyone's guess. He's a better bet in dynasty formats for now.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Loop Sep 20 9:20pm CT
Tyler Loop

Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop has played well so far this season. He made both attempts in Week 1 in the loss to the Bills, with one of them taking place from beyond the 50-yard mark. The 24-year-old followed up that performance by sinking as many kicks in the Week 2 win over the Cleveland Browns. While the season is still young, Loop is already one of the top fantasy kickers going. With the Ravens and Lions expected to feature plenty of scoring on Monday night, Loop could continue to have plenty of opportunities to produce for fantasy managers. Keep him starting.

From RotoBaller

Mark Andrews Sep 20 9:10pm CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews had a career-high 11 touchdowns last season. As a result, many expected another stellar campaign out of the 30-year-old in 2025. However, things didn't gone well for Andrews in the Ravens' first two contests of the year. He had only one catch for five yards in the Sunday night loss to the Buffalo Bills. Andrews got a free pass from fantasy managers for that one, although he didn't do much to make amends in Week 2 against Cleveland, finishing with one reception for two yards. While it's only been two games, managers are already sounding the alarm. Still, Andrews should be allowed a few more chances to turn things around, so he's worth considering for fantasy lineups ahead of the Monday night encounter with the Lions.

From RotoBaller

Kalif Raymond Sep 20 9:10pm CT
Kalif Raymond

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond has recorded three catches for 30 yards on four targets through his first two games of 2025. Raymond has been the team's primary WR3 alongside Amon Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, but he could eventually fall behind rookie wideout Isaac TeSlaa. After playing 44 snaps in Week 1, Raymond played 32 snaps in Week 2. In contrast, TeSlaa's snap count went up by 14 plays from Week 1 to Week 2. The veteran Raymond will likely still see the field a decent amount in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens, but he should remain off the radar of fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Isaac TeSlaa Sep 20 9:00pm CT
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa only has two catches in 2025, but both have been ridiculous one-handed grabs. TeSlaa saw his snap count jump from just three in Week 1 to 17 in Week 2, so it appears Detroit is slowly working him in as a rookie. The 23-year-old brings contested-catch ability as an outside receiver that potentially differentiates him from Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond. Detroit may be forced to throw the ball a lot in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens in a game that could turn into a high-scoring affair. Still, TeSlaa has a ways to go before he can be trusted as a productive fantasy wide receiver. TeSlaa should be stashed on the end of deeper-league benches, but he should not be started by fantasy managers in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jake Bates Sep 20 9:00pm CT
Jake Bates

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates recorded his first missed field goal attempt of 2025 in Week 2, a 55-yard try against the Chicago Bears. Still, Bates had a solid fantasy day by knocking in all seven of his extra-point attempts and nailing a 34-yard field goal. The Lions will leave the friendly confines of Ford Field and head outdoors in Week 3 for a road matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The weather shouldn't be an issue for Bates on Monday night, and the Lions may be forced to push the ball downfield and hunt points to keep up with the high-powered Baltimore offense. Bates profiles as a low-end top-12 fantasy kicker in Week 3.

From RotoBaller