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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Terry McLaurin off PUP list, can practice with Commanders

Sat Aug 16 10:09am ET
Field Level Media

The Washington Commanders removed disgruntled wide receiver Terry McLaurin from the physically unable to perform list early Saturday.

And while the two sides have yet to agree to a contract extension, the transaction means McLaurin can return to practice and start preparing for the season.

Multiple outlets reported Saturday that there was no sign of movement on a deal. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury said Friday that time was running short before the season for McLaurin to start getting reps on the field.

The Commanders open the season at home Sept. 7 against the New York Giants, their NFC East rival.

McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, was put on the PUP list when he reported to camp on July 27, with the team citing an ankle injury.

He missed the start of camp and was fined $50,000 per day and $200,000 in total, as allowed by the collective bargaining agreement.

He is seeking an extension as he enters the final season of a three-year, $68.4 million deal. His average annual salary of $22.8 million ranks 17th among receivers. Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase is No. 1, earning an average of $40.2 million, per Spotrac.

"On the business side, (Commanders general manager Adam Peters) and his side are still working very hard with Terry and his reps on the business side of things," head coach Dan Quinn said when McLaurin reported. "While on PUP he'll be working with the trainers."

Washington selected McLaurin, a product of Ohio State, in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl twice and was named a second team All-Pro in 2024.

McLaurin is coming off a big year, amassing 82 catches for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 receiving touchdowns in 17 games. It was his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season.

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Player Notes
Elijah Arroyo Aug 16 9:50am CT
Elijah Arroyo

Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo caught two passes for 19 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The second-round rookie has now caught four passes for 33 yards in two preseason games this season. He has displayed the athleticism that made him a second-round selection in the first place. The learning curve at tight end is difficult in the NFL, but reports on Arroyo have been solid throughout the summer, and he has played well this preseason. With veteran tight end Noah Fant out of the way following his recent release, Arroyo has a chance to rise the ranks in this offense in a hurry. Additionally, the Seahawks will likely employ two tight end sets relatively often. As such, Arroyo should see a lot of run with second-year tight end AJ Barner. Arroyo is a deep sleeper for 2025 and a great bet in dynasty leagues.

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Damien Martinez Aug 16 9:50am CT
Damien Martinez

Seattle Seahawks seventh-round rookie running back Damien Martinez received 11 carries in Friday's preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Martinez turned those carries into 50 yards and a touchdown. He added two receptions for 14 yards. Martinez is fighting for Seattle's No. 3 running back spot with George Holani, who had a solid game in his own right. Martinez's performance was encouraging after a quiet debut last weekend in which he only recorded 10 yards on six carries. The Seahawks' running game as a whole was humming on Friday night. The success of the running game bodes well for the potential of this team to succeed in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Aug 16 9:50am CT
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba caught one pass for seven yards in Friday's preseason win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Seahawks' starting offense got its first run of the preseason on the team's opening drive. Smith-Njigba was lined up all over the field and caught his lone pass out of the backfield. It appears that offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's play-calling will be more creative than what the Seahawks had in 2024. With Smith-Njigba now entrenched as Seattle's No. 1 wide receiver, it was encouraging to see him moved around the field to create preferred matchups and manufacture touches. While JSN's time on the field on Friday was short, fantasy managers can come away from this game with more confidence to draft him.

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Sam Darnold Aug 16 9:50am CT
Sam Darnold

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold led a touchdown drive on Seattle's opening drive during Friday's preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. Darnold completed all four of his passes for 34 yards on a drive that ended in a touchdown run by running back Zach Charbonnet. The play calling provided Darnold with easy completions in an obvious effort to get him comfortable at game speed. Any quarterback can complete short passes. The question will be how much the Seahawks cut it loose downfield. However, Darnold was under center for much of the drive and was on the move for several of his throws. That type of play calling will cater to Darnold's strengths and take pressure off a questionable offensive line. If the Seahawks can play great defense and call plays similarly to Friday, Darnold will have a great chance to assuage the doubters this season.

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Easton Stick Aug 16 9:40am CT
Easton Stick

Atlanta Falcons third-string quarterbackEaston Stick garnered most of the playing time under center in Friday's 23-20 loss to the Titans. The 29-year-old completed 19 of 32 attempts (59.4 percent) for 173 yards and a touchdown as well as an interception, while adding two rushes for 14 yards. The touchdown was a nice-looking 52-yard catch-and-run down the sideline to wide receiver Chris Blair. It was a solid follow-up performance to last week when he went 15-for-18 for 149 yards and a touchdown, and the seventh-year pro appears to be the frontrunner for the third quarterback spot as he battles it out with 25-year-old rookie Emory Jones, who completed two of his five attempts for 16 yards in the game. Without a starting job, though, neither warrants any fantasy attention.

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Terry McLaurin Aug 16 9:00am CT
Terry McLaurin

The Washington Commanders have activated wide receiver Terry McLaurin (ankle) from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday. While this transaction does not suggest a contract agreement is near, it does open the door for the star wideout to return to practice. Through training camp, the Ohio State product has been participating in a "hold-in" while seeking a contract extension. McLaurin formally requested a trade as well. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, as this transaction could allow McLaurin to participate in light football activities, which could allow both sides to come to a contract agreement. Last season, McLaurin enjoyed a career year, catching 13 touchdowns and tallying 1,096 yards on 82 receptions. If he were to agree to a contract with the team, fantasy managers should feel confident viewing him as a high-end WR2 playing alongside superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels.

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Gardner Minshew II Aug 16 1:20am CT
Gardner Minshew II

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Gardner Minshew completed seven of nine passes (78%) for 70 yards and a touchdown in the 16-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Minshew found Robert Tonyan in the back of the endzone on a rollout for an easy score. It was a nice sign to see for Chiefs fans, knowing they have a capable backup behind Patrick Mahomes. That said, Minshew will not have any fantasy value this season unless Mahomes gets injured.

From RotoBaller

Carson Steele Aug 16 1:20am CT
Carson Steele

Kansas City Chiefs running back Carson Steele led the backfield in the 16-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Steele paced the team with seven carries but only managed 22 yards, good for 3.1 yards per carry. He also brought in one catch for a loss of a yard. Despite having the most carries, Steele tied with fellow backup Brashard Smith in rushing yards. Steele figures to be the third-string running back at best and could still be competing for that role. Steele is best left undrafted heading into the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Aug 16 1:10am CT
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco only had one touch in the 16-33 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, but he looked good on that play. Pacheco corralled a third-down reception and turned it into a 22-yard gain. Pacheco reached 17 miles per hour on that run, a good sign for his health. His work in the preseason has remained limited, which bodes well for his value in the regular season. After missing time due to injury last season, Pacheco is set to begin the year fully healthy and carry the load as Kansas City's lead back.

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Robert Tonyan Aug 16 1:10am CT
Robert Tonyan

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Robert Tonyan played a big role in the 16-33 preseason loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Tonyan had five catches for 41 yards and a touchdown in Friday's contest. It was the second week in a row that Tonyan led the Chiefs in receiving, which might mean that there is a role for him behind Travis Kelce as a backup tight end. The 31-year-old has been a red-zone threat in the past, so maybe he will be utilized in that area of the field in the regular season. Despite his production in the preseason, Tonyan's actual role is still undefined and should not be considered a fantasy asset during draft season.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Aug 15 9:30pm CT
Rashee Rice

According to NFL Media's Tom Pelissero, the NFL proposed a double-digit suspension for Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice. Of course, this proposal received some push back, with Rice's agents and attorney arguing against it. The NFLPA also isn't in favor of the lengthy suspension. A hearing is currently set for September 30, which would potentially allow the wideout to play in a few games to begin the 2025 campaign. However, per Pelissero, a settlement could be reached before then, meaning his suspension might start immediately. Without question, Rice is considered one of the most talented receivers in the National Football League. He began his career by finding the end zone seven times as a rookie. Unfortunately, the 25-year-old was limited to only four contests in 2024 before his season came to an abrupt end due to a knee injury. With a suspension on the horizon, his fantasy stock has taken a hit heading into the season. Still, he is expected to be an elite fantasy option once he's cleared to suit up. While Rice is off the field, Marquise Brown, Travis Kelce, and Xavier Worthy could be in line for more attention from Patrick Mahomes.

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Shedeur Sanders Aug 15 7:00pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

The Cleveland Browns are cautiously optimistic that rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders (oblique) could return to training camp practice next week and play in the presason finale next Saturday, Aug. 23, against the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Sanders injured his oblique on Wednesday and will not play in the second preseason game on Saturday against the Philadelphia Eagles, but the hope is fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel (hamstring) can start this weekend. The Browns are officially calling Sanders day-to-day. The 23-year-old looked good in his NFL debut in the preseason opener last week, but he was never realistically in the running to win the starting QB gig for the Browns going into the regular season. Until further notice, Sanders is strictly a dynasty/keeper league stash in fantasy formats.

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Calvin Ridley Aug 15 6:40pm CT
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Tennessee Titans wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett did not suit up for the team's second preseason game on Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. It remains to be seen if the Titans will allow Ridley and Lockett to take the field for the final preseason contest next Friday versus the Minnesota Vikings. Targets and volume shouldn't be an issue for Ridley as he goes into his second year in Tennessee, although he'll be working with rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. The 30-year-old caught 64 of 120 targets for 1,017 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games last year with poor QB play. Efficiency could once again be an issue in a weak Titans offense, which makes Ridley more of a WR3/flex in fantasy than a bonafide WR2 target. Ridley has back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and 12 combined TDs.

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Joe Mixon Aug 15 6:30pm CT
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Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) is "not considered a lock to be ready for the season opener against the Los Angeles Rams," league sources tell Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Mixon is dealing with a lingering ankle/foot injury and remains on the Non-Football Injury list. Wilson adds that the Texans aren't rushing things with Mixon and will not rush him back onto the field after he missed the entire offseason and the majority of training camp. If the 29-year-old is not ready for the start of the regular season, the Texans will have to lean on Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce, Dare Ogunbowale and rookie Woody Marks. Mixon's injury has obviously dropped his fantasy value significantly in 2025 despite the fact that he had his second straight 1,000-yard rushing campaign in 2024 in his first year with the team. RotoBaller currently has Mixon as the RB32 in fantasy.

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Kirk Cousins Aug 15 6:20pm CT
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Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins is not playing in the team's preseason game on Friday night against the Tennessee Titans, but he is finally healthy again and has been impressive during training camp, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. It remains to be seen if Cousins will ever play for the Falcons again, as Michael Penix Jr. is their starter under center moving forward, and Cousins has made it clear that he wants to play in 2025. The Falcons received some calls on the veteran signal-caller in the spring, but nothing worked out. Pelissero says it's possible he could be traded before the Nov. 4 deadline, possibly to a team like the Los Angeles Rams if Matthew Stafford's back issues linger. For now, though, Cousins is the QB2 in Atlanta and will be off the fantasy radar while on the bench. He's making $27.5 million guaranteed in 2025, making him easily the highest-paid backup in the league.

From RotoBaller

D.J. Moore Aug 15 6:10pm CT
D.J. Moore

Greg Braggs Jr. of CHGO Sports writes that he's still "trying to figure out how DJ Moore fits in this offense." It sounds like new head coach Ben Johnson is doing plenty of experimenting with Moore in training camp, as he's "giving him hand-offs in the backfield every day almost." In theory, Moore should be better in his third year in Chicago with Keenan Allen gone and with Johnson now the head coach, but it all depends on whether quarterback Caleb Williams can take the next step after a disappointing rookie season in 2024. Moore still managed a career-high 98 receptions for 966 yards and six touchdowns in 17 starts a year ago and will be a key member of the offense under Johnson, even if they have to manufacture his touches. The 28-year-old certainly has competition for targets from Rome Odunze, but he's still in play in fantasy as a WR2.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Aug 15 6:00pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has received clearance to travel with the team and be permitted to enter Brazil for Week 1 of the regular season against the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers on Sept. 5, a source tells The Washington Post's Mark Maske. Rice plead guilty last month to two felonies and is facing a possible suspension under the NFL's personal-conduct policy and has a hearing scheduled for Sept. 30 before disciplinary officer Sue L. Robinson. The fact that the 25-year-old's hearing is in late September means that he's likely to be available for fantasy managers and the Chiefs in Weeks 1-4 after his involvement in a multi-car crash in 2024. A suspension of anywhere from four to six games is still very possible, though, and now it might come later in 2025 or be deferred to 2026. Likely the WR1 in KC when available, Rice's looming suspension has dropped him to WR3/flex territory.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Aug 15 5:00pm CT
Elic Ayomanor

Tennessee Titans rookie fourth-round wide receiver Elic Ayomanor has "emerged as one of the top target-getters in the Titans offense this camp," according to Easton Freeze of A to Z Sports. Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett are among those expectd to sit out of the second preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons on Friday, so Ayomanor and fellow rookie Chimere Dike should see plenty of work alongside rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. The 22-year-old failed to corral either of his two targets in the preseason opener last weekend versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he is slowly solidying a key role in the Titans' passing attack in his first year in the NFL. Ridley is the unquestioned WR1 in this offense, but it's entirely possible that Ayomanor leapfrogs Lockett at some point as the WR2. Ayomanor is outside RotoBaller's top 100 wideouts right now.

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Brenton Strange Aug 15 4:20pm CT
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange was one of the players who "got the highest volume of targets from Trevor Lawrence" during training camp practice on Friday, according to John Shipley of SI.com. Strange found the end zone and put forth an impressive display of consistency. However, Shipley also notes that it was a light day of practice, so fantasy managers should take it with a grain of salt. He flashed "serious speed to beat the secondary after the catch on an impressive deep throw from Lawrence during team drills." The 24-year-old caught his only target for 11 yards in the preseason opener last week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Evan Engram out of town, has a real opportunity for a breakout season. Strange had a 40-411-2 line in 17 games (10 starts) in his second season in 2024. RotoBaller has him ranked as the TE21 for fantasy purposes.

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Dyami Brown Aug 15 4:20pm CT
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Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown was one of the players who "got the highest volume of targets from Trevor Lawrence" at training camp practice on Friday, per SI.com's John Shipley. Brown was able to score a touchdown and also showed impressive consistency. However, Shipley also notes that it was a light day of practice without pads, so it should be taken with a grain of salt. The 25-year-old was slow to begin training camp heading into his first season with the Jaguars, but he has turned it around as he seeks to win a depth role in the passing attack in 2025. He is projected to be the team's WR3 behind Brian Thomas Jr. and rookie Travis Hunter, and he's developed some strong chemistry with Lawrence. Unless Thomas or Hunter miss time with injury, though, Brown will probably reside on the waiver wire in 12-team fantasy leagues.

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