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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Falcons’ Kaleb McGary to miss ‘significant time’

Sat Aug 23 10:02am ET
Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons right tackle Kaleb McGary will miss "significant time" with a lower leg injury and could wind up on injured reserve, coach Raheem Morris told reporters Friday.

McGary was hurt before practice started Wednesday. He was carted off the field and then appeared to favor his left leg as he was assisted into the building by a trainer.

"The thing I will say to you now is that he will miss significant time," Morris said Friday after the Falcons' 31-13 preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington. "Looks like it will be IR, whatever the case may be, we will have to see there, but he will miss significant time for us."

Ahead of Tuesday afternoon's deadline to cut the roster to 53 players, Atlanta can put up to two players on IR with the designation to return.

Should McGary go on IR, he will be required to miss at least the first four games of the regular season.

The injury comes just over two weeks after McGary signed a two-year, $30 million contract extension.

McGary, 30, is expected to serve as the blindside protector for the left-handed quarterback Michael Penix Jr. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound McGary has started 92 of his 93 games since being selected by the Falcons with the 31st overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Washington.

Top backup Storm Norton underwent ankle surgery Tuesday, with recovery time expected to be around two months.

Elijah Wilkinson, Brandon Parker and rookie Jack Nelson are candidates to step in for McGary should he sit out any length of time.

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2025 Fantasy Wide Receiver Preview

Player Notes
Van Jefferson Aug 23 9:40am CT
Van Jefferson

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson recorded 102 yards and a touchdown on three catches in his team's 23-13 preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Friday. Jefferson scored a 65-yard touchdown on a long catch-and-run in the second quarter. The 29-year-old is entering his first season in Tennessee after logging 24 catches for 276 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024. Jefferson projects to open the season as the WR3 in Tennessee alongside veterans Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett. However, he may struggle to hold off the team's pair of fourth-round rookie wide receivers, Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike. Jefferson should be off the radar of fantasy managers in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Aug 23 9:30am CT
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Dynasty | Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt moves up the depth chart with the trade of Brian Robinson to the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: It's now officially "Bill" season. Still, expectations should be tempered. Yes, Croskey-Merritt has torn up camp by all accounts and clearly should be on rosters everywhere. However, Chris Rodriguez may have already been tabbed as the goal-line and short-yardage back for the team and Austin Ekeler is still a great pass-catcher and option for a lead back. Croskey-Merritt has the looks of a late round rookie gem this year and that's exciting but his ADP could also skyrocket a little prematurely as people go overboard.

Isaac Guerendo Aug 23 9:30am CT
Isaac Guerendo

Dynasty | The trade of Brian Robinson to the 49ers creates an uncertain backfield in San Francisco. Dynasty Analysis: If there's a loser in the Robinson deal, it's probably Guerendo. He would likely split time with Robinson should Christian McCaffrey be injured but this deal makes it abundantly clear San Francisco is concerned about his injury history and not willing to leave themselves vulnerable should CMC go down. Guerendo has been a solid handcuff to own over the past two seasons but even if he was to remain the RB2, it's hard to see a situation where Robinson doesn't still split time with him. His dynasty ADP is going to slip over the next month.

Raheem Morris Aug 23 9:30am CT
Raheem Morris

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that right tackle Kaleb McGary (leg) will miss "significant time" and could be placed on injured reserve after injuring his leg in practice on Wednesday, per ESPN's Marc Raimondi. Atlanta signed McGary to a two-year, $30 million extension earlier this month. He's started 92 games across six seasons with Atlanta, and Pro Football Focus graded him as the 17th-best run-blocking tackle in the NFL in 2024. With backup tackle Storm Norton (ankle) set to miss six to eight weeks after undergoing ankle surgery, the Falcons now have a massive hole on the right side of their offensive line. With a left-handed quarterback in Michael Penix Jr., McGary's absence could be a major issue for the team's pass protection as well as its run game.

From RotoBaller

Easton Stick Aug 23 9:30am CT
Easton Stick

Atlanta Falcons third-string quarterback Easton Stick completed 20 of 28 passes for 198 yards and a touchdown in Friday's 31-13 preseason loss to the Cowboys, adding three rushes for 18 yards. He also threw one interception in the game. The 29-year-oldhas now thrown a touchdown pass in each of the team's three preseason games and appears to have solidifiedhimself as the third QB option behind Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins, especially with the team waiving Emory Jones this past week, who also had been used in the preseason. Without a starting gig, however, Stick won't be relevant for fantasy unless both of the other quarterbacks become unavailable.

From RotoBaller

Jordan James Aug 23 9:30am CT
Jordan James

Dynasty | The trade of Brian Robinson to the 49ers pushes rookie running back Jordan James down the depth chart. Dynasty Analysis: James has been a popular late round rookie pick but Robinson's arrival throws a big bucket of cold water on his short-term value. Should James make the team behind Christian McCaffrey, Robinson and Isaac Guerendo, his path to playing time looks murky. No longer fully guaranteed a roster spot, James is a player to monitor the last week of the preseason as he may need to show something to avoid the practice squad. Regardless, he looks to be fourth on the depth chart and that's not anything to get too excited about.

Brian Robinson Jr. Aug 23 9:29am CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Dynasty | The Commanders have traded running back Brian Robinson to the 49ers. Dynasty Analysis: San Francisco sends a sixth round pick in exchange for Robinson. It's a deal that seemed inevitable after he was inactive for this week's preseason game. Robinson clearly fell out of favor with Washington as he just didn't seem to fit their offense as well as others on their roster. It's a small price to pay for San Francisco, who now gets a capable backup to Christian McCaffrey. As for Robinson, his dynasty value is going to spiral as he's now simply a capable handcuff instead of a starter in the NFL.

Tyson Bagent Aug 23 9:20am CT
Tyson Bagent

Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent completed 20 of 28 passes for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the Bears' 29-27 comeback victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bears agreed on a two-year, $10 million extension with the backup quarterback on Wednesday, and then he overcame a two-score deficit in their final preseason game of the season. Bagent led a 10-play, 87-yard game-winning drive with under 90 seconds to go in the game, which ended in a six-yard touchdown to Jahdae Walker with seven seconds left in the game. Bagent will enter the 2025 season in relief of starting quarterback Caleb Williams, and he proved he can be productive given the opportunity this preseason.

From RotoBaller

Kalel Mullings Aug 23 9:20am CT
Kalel Mullings

Tennessee Titans rookie running back Kalel Mullings (ankle) injured his ankle during the team's preseason game on Friday against the Minnesota Vikings. However, Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that the injury should not result in significant missed time. Mullings rushed for 27 yards on six carries before getting injured on Friday and shared the field with quarterback Cameron Ward during Tennessee's second offensive series. With Tyjae Spears (ankle) currently sidelined, Mullings is battling with Julius Chestnut for carries behind Tony Pollard in the Titans' backfield. If Mullings is unavailable to start the season, Chestnut would have a clear path to the RB2 role early on.

From RotoBaller

Julius Chestnut Aug 23 8:10am CT
Julius Chestnut

Tennessee Titans running back Julius Chestnut got the start in his team's final preseason game on Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings and rushed for 28 yards and a touchdown on five carries. The 24-year-old played in 17 games for the Titans in 2024, recording 22 carries for 102 yards. With Tyjae Spears (ankle) currently sidelined, Chestnut could have an opportunity to open the season as the RB2 in Tennessee behind Tony Pollard. Sixth-round rookie Kalel Mullings figures to be Chestnut's biggest competition, so it could be telling that it was Chestnut who played the opening drive against the Vikings on Friday.

From RotoBaller

Cam Ward Aug 23 8:00am CT
Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward led a touchdown drive in his final possession of the preseason on Friday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Ward finished the night three-for-four as a passer for 36 yards and was sacked once for a loss of three. The number one overall pick played in all three of Tennessee's preseason games, completing 10 of his 19 passes for 145 yards with zero touchdowns, but also zero interceptions. Ward is the unquestioned starter for the Titans heading into his rookie campaign. He profiles as a low-end QB2 in redraft fantasy leagues who could have bursts of huge production but will likely struggle with inconsistency in his first NFL season.

From RotoBaller

Xazavian Valladay Aug 23 7:50am CT
Xazavian Valladay

In his first game action with the Minnesota Vikings, Xazavian Valladay led the team in rushing with 39 yards on eight carries and added one catch for two yards on Friday at Tennessee. It was a solid day for the new acquisition, who has bounced around the league since going undrafted in 2023. The Vikings have an opening for a third running back behind Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason, but Valladay will have an uphill climb to make Minnesota's final 53.

From RotoBaller

Bryson Nesbit Aug 23 7:50am CT
Bryson Nesbit

Tight end Bryson Nesbit scored the Minnesota Vikings' lone touchdown on Friday at Tennessee thanks to a 21-yard connection with quarterback Max Brosmer. The North Carolina product finished with two catches for 45 yards on four targets in the preseason finale for the Vikings. Minnesota will once again roll with T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver at tight end, but it's open season beyond that. Draft pick Gavin Bartholomew (back) is on the PUP list, leaving Nesbit, fellow undrafted rookie Ben Yurosek, and veteran journeyman Nick Vannett competing for the third spot formerly held by Johnny Mundt. After a strong showing Friday, Nesbit has a real shot of being on the Vikings' 53-man roster.

From RotoBaller

Deuce Vaughn Aug 23 7:50am CT
Deuce Vaughn

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn led his team in rushing on Friday night in preseason action against the Atlanta Falcons, recording 10 carries for 42 yards. Vaughn has been limited in training camp by a hamstring injury, but he earned the start at running back in the preseason finale. A sixth-round pick in 2023, Vaughn has just 40 career carries in 14 games played. However, there could be an opportunity for him to earn playing time in Dallas this season, given the team's muddled backfield situation. Veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are likely to open the season earning the majority of the reps, leaving Vaughn to battle with rookies Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah for a depth role. Blue (ankle) left Friday's game with an ankle injury, which could open a spot for Vaughn early in the year.

From RotoBaller

Max Brosmer Aug 23 7:50am CT
Max Brosmer

The Minnesota Vikings gave quarterback Max Brosmer a long look Friday, during which he completed 15 of 23 passes for 161 and a touchdown. The undrafted rookie nearly had an even better night statistically, but a perfect long ball that would have converted a fourth down and set up first-and-goal was dropped. Of the quarterbacks on the Vikings' current roster, Sam Howell still seems most likely to back up starter J.J. McCarthy, though Brosmer has made a compelling case to stick around in Minnesota.

From RotoBaller

Ryan Flournoy Aug 23 7:40am CT
Ryan Flournoy

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy led his team in receiving yards on Friday night in preseason action against the Atlanta Falcons, hauling in four of his five targets for 45 yards. A sixth-round pick in 2024, Flournoy had 10 catches for 102 yards in 11 games as a rookie. Heading into 2025, Dallas has a clear top four in its wide receiver room with CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin. The team's presumed WR5, Jonathan Mingo (knee), is expected to start the year on injured reserve with a knee injury. Mingo's injury could give Flournoy a better chance of making the roster.

From RotoBaller

Jaydon Blue Aug 23 7:30am CT
Jaydon Blue

Dallas Cowboys rookie running back Jaydon Blue (ankle) returned from ankle and heel injuries to make his preseason debut on Friday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Unfortunately, Blue was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter after injuring his right ankle. Before getting hurt, Blue logged nine carries for 25 yards and a touchdown. A fifth-round pick out of Texas, Blue is expected to push veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders for playing time in the Dallas backfield at some point in 2025. However, his inability to stay on the field during the preseason may limit his chances of earning playing time early in the year.

From RotoBaller

Joe Milton III Aug 23 7:20am CT
Joe Milton III

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III had an impressive showing in his team's final preseason game on Friday, a 31-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. Milton III completed 10 of 18 passes for 132 yards and one touchdown. He also had 33 rushing yards and a touchdown on four rush attempts. Milton III looks to be solidified as the backup quarterback in Dallas behind Dak Prescott. The 25-year-old has plenty of arm talent and offers some ability to make plays with his legs as well. If Prescott were to get injured, Milton III would become a priority waiver-wire target in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Aug 23 3:40am CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt had three carries for 15 yards in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Hunt tied with Isiah Pacheco for the most running back carries with the starting offense, but the latter finished with more yards and a touchdown. Hunt is in line to be the RB2 for Kansas City, but the extent of his role is still undetermined. Pacheco took the field with the starters first, but Hunt had a goal-line carry on the first drive. Hunt also received one target compared to none for Pacheco. If Hunt is the passing downs back with goal line opportunities, he could end up being the best fantasy option out of the backfield. This is all just speculation based on preseason usage, but it is an important situation to track once the regular season begins.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Aug 23 3:40am CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice caught two passes for 13 yards and a touchdown in the 27-29 loss to the Chicago Bears. Rice was not highly targeted in this contest, but that's not surprising since the starters only played the first three drives of the game. That said, Rice was the Chiefs pass catcher to find the endzone against the Bears. What was not in the box score is the fact that Rice was also targeted on a deep pass that led to defensive pass interference and flipped the field position. Rice is a difficult player to project given his eventual suspension, but he will be a key part of the offense when he is available. The 25-year-old was targeted by Patrick Mahomes on a four-yard out route, and the duo displayed their chemistry because the play was timed up perfectly. With the aging Travis Kelce on the decline, Rice's ability as a possession receiver should keep him heavily involved in the offense. Rice should be considered a high-end starter at the wide receiver position for every game he is eligible to play in.

From RotoBaller