Stafford threw upwards of 60 passes on Saturday in preparation for his return to the field on Monday. Instead, his much-anticipated return has again been delayed due to a back injury that required an epidural last week. Head coach Sean McVay said last week that Stafford was feeling well enough to play in games, which may still be the case, but the decision to hold him out on a day he was set to return is somewhat alarming. Hopefully, we’ll get more clarification on his status after practice, but this remains a story to monitor with Week 1 less than a month away.

It was reported late last week that Stafford could practice on Monday if his workout before Saturday’s preseason game went well. Stafford reportedly threw 60-plus passes in the workout and looked good, paving the way for a return to the field on Monday. Stafford will have just under four weeks to ramp things up for Week 1 when the Rams play host to the Texans. While it sounds like he’s trending in the right direction, it will be worth monitoring reports out of camp to see if his back responds well to the recovery and epidural he received to help mitigate the issue. If for some reason Stafford can’t play in the season opener, Jimmy Garoppolo would be the favorite to open Week 1.

Spears’ preseason is now over, as the third-year back will look to get right before Week 1 when the Titans visit the Broncos. Spears exited Saturday’s preseason game against the Buccaneers on a cart after totaling 12 yards from scrimmage on four touches. Tony Pollard will likely serve in a three-down role throughout the duration of Spears’ absence, but as far as the preseason is concerned, Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings will stand to see increased workloads over the final two preseason games.

Reed didn’t play in the contest but was spotted limping around Lambeau Field in a walking boot. “It’s something different (from what put him on NFI to start training camp),” LaFleur said. “Hopefully, we’ll get him back before the regular season.” Hopefully indeed. Coaches are at their least reliable on injury updates this time of year, but they usually err on the side of optimism. LaFleur sounded decidedly more pessimistic. At this point, Reed probably needs to be considered on the wrong side of questionable for Week 1, which badly damages his WR4 viability.

Hunter played a whopping 11-of-12 offensive snaps with the starters and didn’t play a defensive snap until the third defensive series, potentially hinting at where his focus will be in his rookie season. The Jaguars were able to move he and alpha wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. around the formation, something they were largely unable to do with Thomas Jr. last season due to the lack of a talented playmaker on his flank. Fantasy managers will want to to continue to monitor the snap rate and split of Hunter as the Jaguars continue their preparations for the regular season.

Head coach Sean McVay is notorious for taking it easy with expected starters while exploring the full depth of his roster in the preseason, potentially signaling that Whittington is in line to start for the Rams come Week 1. Look for seventh-round rookie Konata Mumpfield to see increased run in the team’s first preseason contest as he fights for a roster spot. Whittington stood out last preseason and eventually played his way into a meaningful role down the stretch for the Rams amidst mounting injuries at the wide receiver position.

Vaughn returns to the organization after playing for the 49ers for the 2024 season. The addition of another running back could indicate worry surrounding the status of Isaac Guerendo to start the season, who is currently dealing with a shoulder injury that is expected to sideline him for a few weeks. Jordan James is also dealing with an injury, leaving the 49ers with little depth behind starter Christian McCaffrey.

Olave sprained his ankle during Thursday’s practice but continued to practice through it. He was held out of today’s scrimmage in what is believed to be a “precautionary” move. Concerns over Olave’s concussion history have pushed his ADP into backend WR3 territory. The ankle issue will likely make him even more affordable. His upside likely falls in the mid-to-high WR2 but he is not without risk.

Parsons’ all-around discomfort continues. Hopefully, the back injury is easily rehabbed and becomes a non-issue before long. With Parsons sidelined, the Cowboys should have ample time to discuss contract extension details with both Parsons and his agent.