Rice’s case regarding a multi-car crash will be heard by independent arbitrator Judge Sue L. Robinson, who issued Deshaun Watson’s initial six-game suspension after considering the matter for more than a month in 2022. Two weeks later, the NFL appealed Robinson’s suspension and agreed to an 11-game suspension with the NFLPA. Judge Robinson’s lengthy previous deliberation period could be an issue for Rice and the Chiefs. The NFL has again shown a willingness to operate on the Judge’s time, scheduling Rice’s hearing for September 30th because that is when her schedule allowed it. The Chiefs face the Ravens on September 28th, in Week 4. Should a similar timeline play out, it is possible Rice’s potential suspension is not imposed until after the Chiefs’ Week 10 bye.

Campbell didn’t give any specifics on the injury, only calling it a minor issue. Barring a setback, it doesn’t sound like this is something that will have any effect on LaPorta for Week 1. Still, it’s something for fantasy managers to monitor. LaPorta got off to a slow start last year after suffering an ankle injury in Week 3. He didn’t top 53 yards in a game until Week 15. LaPorta then surpassed 60 yards three times in his final four appearances. He should be able to ride that momentum into the start of the 2025 season as long as this current injury doesn’t spiral.

Head coach Sean McDermott hinted at the extension yesterday when Cook returned to practice, telling reporters, “Things have changed.” According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal includes $30 million guaranteed. It’s the same length and value as Josh Jacobs’ contract, putting the two backs at sixth in the yearly salary rankings among running backs. Unlike Jacobs, a large chunk of Cook’s deal is guaranteed. Cook broke out with 16 rushing touchdowns and over 1,000 yards on the ground last year, though he ran for fewer yards and was less involved as a pass-catcher compared to his previous season. Cook sits on the RB1/2 border heading into his fourth year, with touchdown regression likely preventing him from pushing any higher in the ranks.

Who said back is, Roman says, is “wide open.” We’d guess the Chargers would probably go to Hassan Haskins as a between-the-tackles sledgehammer in that scenario. This isn’t exactly breaking news — every team rotates running backs — but it does look like we shouldn’t look at Hampton’s Week 1 assignment as a clear runway to 30 touches if Harris is out.

Despite this, he thinks the Browns may let Dillon Gabriel start Cleveland’s second preseason game on Saturday against the Eagles. Gabriel missed the first preseason game with a hamstring injury, but returned to 11-on-11s today. Meanwhile, Sanders is “the only one of the primary four yet to take any snaps with the No. 1 offense.” The priors have guided Cleveland so far and Gabriel remains above Sanders on the depth chart — but this looks to be a big week for Gabriel, who will have to assert himself as deserving of the No. 3 job.

We didn’t get to see Williams work with the 1s in Sunday’s preseason tune-up against the Dolphins, but it’s not exactly a glowing endorsement from Fishbain on the behind-the-scenes work. Fishbain also gave a “stock down” update to the entire Bears passing game, saying it “hasn’t been a smooth camp” for them. This doesn’t necessarily mean a whole lot — it’s just practice — but we’d love to be reading more positive updates on Williams and the Bears right now as we search for breakout quarterbacks at lower ADPs.

The Ammortal Chamber awaits Stafford for another day, apparently. With every day that passes sans Stafford practicing, we get a little more concerned that he won’t be ready for the opener. Jimmy Garoppolo is Los Angeles’ backup quarterback. We’ll continue to monitor what Sean McVay called a “flexible and fluid” situation on Stafford’s back.

The team hopes Taylor will be ready for Week 1, Rapoport said. The veteran journeyman was slated to serve as Justin Fields’ backup. If he’s sidelined for the start of the regular season, Adrian Martinez or Brady Cook would be Fields’ backup. Whoever serves as New York’s QB2, Fields’ starting gig won’t be nearly as precarious as it was last year in Pittsburgh, when he was benched for reasons never fully explained.

This confirms reporting from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that Watson, who suffered a torn ACL last January, will begin the year on PUP. Look for the Packers to ease Watson into the wideout rotation when he’s eligible for return from PUP. He could be a strictly situational downfield option for Jordan Love — who’s undergoing thumb surgery — with Matthew Golden reportedly emerging as Green Bay’s No. 1 wideout. Jayden Reed (foot) could also be iffy for the start of the regular season. The Packers offense is a banged-up unit.