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FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Raiders place DT Christian Wilkins on PUP list

Fri Jul 18 1:12pm ET
Field Level Media

The Las Vegas Raiders placed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins on the physically unable to perform list Friday.

Wilkins is working his way back from a season-ending injury to his left foot, suffered in the Raiders' 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos on Oct. 6.

He recorded 17 tackles and two sacks in five games (all starts) while playing in the first season of a four-year, $110 million contract with $84.75 million guaranteed.

Wilkins, 29, totaled 372 tackles, 22.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries in 86 career games (82 starts) with the Miami Dolphins and Raiders. He was selected by the Dolphins with the 13th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Clemson.

Players on the PUP list after the deadline for the 53-man roster must miss at least four games of the regular season before they can return to action.

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Player Notes
Malik Nabers Jul 24 12:00pm CT
Malik Nabers

The New York Daily News' Pat Leonard writes that New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll didn't exude confidence at training camp on Thursday when discussing the toe injury that wide receiver Malik Nabers is managing. Daboll wouldn't assuage concerns about Nabers' surgery or the day-to-day comments. It sounds like the 21-year-old's toe situation is fluid, and it could flare up at any moment. The second-year wideout is practicing to begin training camp this week, but don't be surprised if the Giants sit him out to protect him before the regular season. It's not exactly what fantasy managers want to hear for a player that is being taken in the first round in drafts. However, the good news is that it's something Nabers has dealt with since college, and it didn't slow him down at all in 2024, as he caught 109 of 170 targets for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie season.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Jul 24 11:40am CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, who is entering the final year of his current contract in 2025, said he never thought about holding out at training camp and is confident a deal will be reached eventually. "I'm never gonna give up. I deserve what I want. ... It's gonna get done, wherever it happens at," Cook said. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of Georgia easily had the best year of his career in 2024, rushing for 1,009 yards and a league-high 16 touchdowns on 207 carries while also adding 32 receptions for 258 yards and another two scores in 16 regular-season starts. With or without an extension, Cook is Buffalo's clear lead back, but Ray Davis and Ty Johnson aren't going away and will remain involved in an offense that likes to spread the ball around. One thing is for certain, fantasy managers cannot count on double-digit TDs again after Cook rushed for four touchdowns his first two seasons.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Jul 24 11:10am CT
Justin Fields

Updating a previous report, New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (toe) was carted off the field at training camp practice on Thursday with a dislocated toe on his right foot, a source tells NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Fields thankfully avoided a fracture after being stepped on in practice, but he will surely miss valuable practice time at camp going into the weekend and possibly beyond. A lower-body injury definitely isn't ideal for a mobile QB like Fields, but the good news is that he has plenty of time to heal up before the start of his first season in New York. In the meantime, veteran Tyrod Taylor will get work with the first-time offense in camp. Fields is still undergoing tests, so the severity of his dislocation is unclear. It remains to be seen how much time he'll miss, but unless we know for sure he won't be ready for the season opener, Fields should still be viewed as a high-end QB2/low-end QB1.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Jul 24 10:41am CT
Justin Fields

Jets QB Justin Fields was carted off the field early in Thursday's practice. He seems to have avoided anything too serious, though, suffering a toe injury. More updates to come.

Justin Fields Jul 24 9:00am CT
Justin Fields

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields appeared to injure himself and was carted off the field during Thursday's practice. Fields appeared to injure his lower leg after rolling right and throwing a pass in the direction of tight end Jeremy Ruckert. After the pass attempt, Fields went down to the ground and was helped off the field into the injury tent. A cart came out for him after he spent a few minutes in the tent and took him back to the locker room. It remains to be seen just how serious Fields' injury is, although this isn't great news for Jets fans early in training camp. Veteran Tyrod Taylor will run the first-team offense in Fields' absence. Stay tuned for updates.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Pitts Jul 24 8:30am CT
Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (foot) has been cleared to practice. Pitts missed time during OTAs earlier in the offseason with what was originally called an undisclosed injury but was later found out to be a strained foot. The veteran tight end's ability to practice at the beginning of training camp is a good indication that his injury was never very serious. Pitts turned in a disappointing 2024 season, catching just 47 passes for 602 yards and four touchdowns. He remains an elite athlete, but his involvement in the Atlanta offense is still a question, which leaves him in TE2 territory heading into fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Laviska Shenault Jr. Jul 24 8:20am CT
Laviska Shenault Jr.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. was placed on the non-football injury list on Wednesday. Shenault missed the first day of practice with a lower leg strain, with head coach Sean McDermott declining to offer a timetable for a return, instead calling Shenault "day-to-day". Shenault is beginning his first season with the Bills after the Seattle Seahawks released him following the 2024 season. Shenault will battle with several others to be one of the final receivers on the Buffalo roster, with his skills as a returner on special teams most likely giving him a leg up on the competition, assuming his injury doesn't linger.

From RotoBaller

Johnathan Hankins Jul 24 8:10am CT
Johnathan Hankins

Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins was placed on the non-football injury list on Wednesday with an issue with his back. The lineman was not spotted at practice on Wednesday, with the transaction explaining his absence. Head coach Mike MacDonald told reporters that Hankins will be fine that that his injury was not "long-term". Hankins joined the Seahawks in 2024 on a one-year deal with the team bringing him back on another one-year deal for the 2025 season. He posted 30 combined tackles and one sack last season.

From RotoBaller

Jihad Ward Jul 24 8:00am CT
Jihad Ward

The Tennessee Titans signed free-agent linebacker Jihad Ward on Wednesday, adding a veteran presence to their defense. Ward notched 10 total tackles and one sack in 17 games with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. The veteran will help replace Lorenzo Carter, who retired earlier in the week. Tennessee will be the seventh team Ward plays for across his nine-year career, where he has accumulated 168 total tackles and 19 sacks.

From RotoBaller

D'Andre Swift Jul 24 7:40am CT
D'Andre Swift

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is looking like the early leader to be the team's starter this season, according to team beat writer Jacob Infante. Swift ran for 959 yards and six touchdowns while adding 42 receptions in 2024, his first season with the Bears. That being said, the offense will look much different in 2025 with new head coach Ben Johnson leading the way on that side of the ball. The veteran back is the most explosive running back on the roster, with Roschon Johnson operating as the power and short-yardage option and seventh-round rookie Kyle Monangai still an unproven asset. For now, Swift looks like a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 with upside for more heading into fantasy drafts.

From RotoBaller

Jihad Ward Jul 23 9:33pm CT
Jihad Ward

Free-agent LB Jihad Ward (Vikings) has agreed to sign with the Tennessee Titans, according to sources.

From TheHuddle

Jake Moody Jul 23 9:00pm CT
Jake Moody

San Francisco 49ers kickers Jake Moody and Greg Joseph appear to be in a legitimate competition for the starting gig this fall. The two kickers are off to a strong start as they combined to go 8-for-8 on kicks during Wednesday's practice. They also both managed to knock down kicks from around 55 yards. Moody was selected 99th overall by the 49ers in 2023, but experienced a sophomore slump last season. He missed 10 field goal attempts and one extra point, which prompted the 49ers to bring in some competition. Joseph is a veteran kicker who has been around the league quite a bit. Last season, he knocked down 16-of-20 field goal attempts in eight games between three teams. Whoever wins this job should be worth rostering in fantasy leagues because it'll probably be a high-volume job.

From RotoBaller

AJ Dillon Jul 23 8:50pm CT
AJ Dillon

Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon was seen taking first team reps during the first day of training camp on Wednesday. It's only the beginning of camp, but it is interesting to see Dillon getting first team snaps over Will Shipley. Dillon was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason to replace Kenneth Gainwell who departed in free agency. Dillon did not play last season due to a neck injury, but appears to be at full health again. He posted three seasons with 600 rushing yards or more during his time with the Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old is certainly capable of being a viable backup to Saquon Barkley. Neither Dillon nor Shipley figure to have weekly value with Barkley healthy, but both could be on the radar if Barkley ever misses time. Whoever wins the backup job could be a solid stash option.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Jul 23 8:30pm CT
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk did not participate during Wednesday's opening training camp. This is an interesting development considering Polk wasn't placed on the physically unable to perform list. It's worth noting that Polk did undergo offseason shoulder surgery. It seems like the Pats are just being careful here and limiting Polk's reps early in camp. The former second-round pick had a disappointing rookie campaign with only 12 receptions across 15 games. Polk won't have an easy path to playing time with Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Mack Hollins likely all ahead of him on the depth chart. The Washington product is certainly going to need to earn his role during training camp.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Jul 23 8:20pm CT
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft is a player to keep an eye on as the summer rolls on. Recently, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur gave high praise to the third-year tight end. LaFleur said Kraft is an ascending player and that he has been putting the work in all summer long. Kraft is coming off a season where he posted 50 receptions, 707 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns in 17 games with the Packers in 2024. He was a part-time starter during his rookie year but took over as the full-time starter last season. Clearly, the coaching staff believes in him, so hopefully there are more good things to come from Kraft this upcoming season.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Jul 23 8:00pm CT
Noah Brown

The Athletic's Ben Standig reports that Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown (undisclosed) will join training camp practices soon but needs a bit of a ramp-up period and rest days. The Commanders placed Brown on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list to begin camp, but he could be back sooner than later. The 29-year-old was carted off the field on June 11 at minicamp, but the Commanders never specified what type of injury he was dealing with. It shouldn't really matter, though, as Brown should have enough time to get ready for Week 1 of the regular season if he can return to practice soon. When he does, he'll be competing for playing time as the No. 3 receiver behind Terry McLaurin and newcomer Deebo Samuel Sr. Brown missed the final two months of 2024 with a kidney injury and could face stiff competition from Luke McCaffrey.

From RotoBaller

Dont'e Thornton Jr. Jul 23 7:40pm CT
Dont'e Thornton Jr.

Las Vegas Raiders rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. continued to get first-team reps when the offense was in 11 personnel at training camp practice on Wednesday, according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN. Quarterback Geno Smith did throw a deep ball to Thornton, but it was broken up. Thornton, not second-rounder Jack Bech, has been getting reps with the first-team offense since the spring, so he could be a valuable deep threat with his speed for Smith in his first year in the NFL. Jakobi Meyers is the Raiders' WR1 entering the season, so there is plenty of opportunity for Thornton if he continues to impress the coaching staff and gain chemistry with Smith. Tre Tucker will be Thornton's primary competition for targets. At best, Thornton might be a boom/bust flex option for fantasy managers in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Jul 23 7:20pm CT
Kenneth Walker III

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle) was limited during spring workouts with an ankle injury but was a full-go on Day 1 of training camp on Wednesday. "He looks great. He's in a great spot mentally. Awesome to see him do all the things we want him to do from the get-go. I know he's really excited about what's going on. Great first day with Ken," head coach Mike Macdonald said. An ankle injury limited Walker to one appearance in the last five weeks of the 2024 season, but he appears to be recovered and ready to prove that he's still the team's No. 1 back over Zach Charbonnet. Walker has been plenty productive for fantasy managers when he's been healthy, but the problem is that he always seems to be dealing with a lower-body injury. Seattle could decide to give Charbonnet a bigger role in 2025 to help keep Walker healthy, making him a risk/reward RB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Pickett Jul 23 7:20pm CT
Kenny Pickett

The Akron Beacon Journal's Chris Easterling reports that Cleveland Browns quarterback Kenny Pickett spent most of the day on Wednesday in the first training camp practice working with the first-team offense, at least during 11-on-11 drills. However, Pickett went second behind veteran Joe Flacco during modified 7-on-7 work. The Browns have a QB competition going this summer, which is expected to come down to Pickett and Flacco, with rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders mainly looking to prove that the Browns should keep them around beyond 2025. Pickett and Flacco will most likely rotate work with the first team in the early portions of camp. Pickett has mostly been unremarkable in offseason workouts, and Flacco is the favorite to begin the year as the starting QB in Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Jul 23 7:10pm CT
Noah Fant

The Cincinnati Bengals will host former Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant on a visit on Thursday, sources tell FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Fant is making the rounds after being cut by the Seahawks, and the 27-year-old former first-rounder could give Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow another weapon in 2025. Fant wasn't as good the last three years in Seattle -- he had just one touchdown in the last two years -- as he was in his first three years with the Denver Broncos. He never had more than 50 receptions or 500 yards for the Seahawks, but he could give Cincy more depth behind Mike Gesicki with Eric All Jr. (knee) on the PUP list at training camp after tearing his right ACL in Week 9 of last year. Fant would be joining a much more explosive offense if he were to sign with the Bengals, but he wouldn't be guaranteed much of a role alongside Gesicki.

From RotoBaller