Fowler: Okonkwo ‘de facto WR2' for Commanders

Henderson traveled with the team to Seattle as it prepares for Wednesday’s game against the Seahawks, but he was unable to get on the practice field. That’s now back-to-back DNPs for Henderson, who is trending toward missing the season opener. Unless he can log a limited practice on Tuesday, it wouldn’t be surprising if Henderson was ruled out well before Wednesday’s game, paving the way for Rhamondre Stevenson to have a busy Week 1 in this rematch between last year’s Super Bowl contenders.

Mitchell missed the last six practices due to an undisclosed injury but was on the field Monday participating in drills. The Chargers don’t need to disclose any specifics regarding Mitchell’s injury until Wednesday, when they release their first official injury report of the season, but his return on Monday is an encouraging sign. Mitchell is expected to work into the mix with Omarion Hampton, who will serve as the unquestioned RB1 for the Chargers this season. Whether or not Mitchell sees enough work to be fantasy viable is to be determined, but there’s some belief he could see some work in the passing game, which could establish a decent floor for him in half and full-PPR leagues. Mitchell is an intriguing stash in fantasy leagues, but managers shouldn’t be rushing to put him in their starting lineups just yet.

This, of course, is in reference to the civil lawsuit that was filed against Nacua that alleges he bit a woman and made an “unprovoked antisemitic sentiment.” The Rams receiver avoided being placed on the commissioner’s exempt list and will travel with the team to Australia to play in their season opener against the 49ers. Nacua has been dealing with a psoas injury since August, but head coach Sean McVay said they expect him to play in Week 1. Nacua profiles as a high-end WR1 against a familiar foe in the Niners.

Porter has been seeking a new contract from the Steelers all offseason, but all reports indicate the two sides are far apart on a deal. While Porter has been noncommittal about playing without a new contract, he was seen on the field during Monday’s practice and was activated from the PUP list last week. These encouraging signs, coupled with McCarthy’s confidence in him playing, are more than enough to suggest Porter will be on the field for the season opener on Sunday against the Falcons. Porter totaled 52 tackles, 14 pass breakups, and one interception last season while earning a PFF coverage grade of 74.1. Update: Steelers beat writer Nick Farbaugh later noted that McCarthy said the team will “see what happens” if Porter doesn’t play, while also adding that there are “definitely still business conversations” going on regarding an extension.

Pierce missed most of training camp while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, but the fifth-year speedster is expected to be on the field when the Colts take on the Ravens in the season opener. ESPN’s Stephen Holder noted that “it’s very possible” some of Pierce’s workload will be split between Keenan Allen and Ashton Dulin as he continues to ramp up after an extended absence, but Pierce will be on the field in some capacity on Sunday. Unfortunately, this makes him a risky bet for fantasy purposes unless Steichen can alleviate any concerns about Pierce being on a pitch count to start the season.

The All-Pro guard started all 16 games he appeared in last season and has been named to the Pro Bowl each of the last three seasons. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Smith “has been bothered by the injury for some time and was trying to avoid surgery.” Now, fourth-year guard and former UDFA T.J. Bass will fill in at left guard for Smith, who will land on injured reserve, forcing him to miss a minimum of three games.

Speaking on Monday, Ryans said Boutte has been “picking up the playbook really well.” The fourth-year receiver was acquired in a trade with the Patriots back on August 24th and is expected to have an immediate role in the offense after the Texans lost Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL earlier this offseason. Boutte has served primarily as a field stretcher during his first three years in the league and shouldn’t be trusted in start/sit leagues this week.

Bond suffered a concussion last week and has been sidelined ever since. On Monday, however, the second-year receiver was spotted at practice and participating in team drills. Bond is currently stuck behind Jerry Jeudy, KC Concepcion, and Denzel Boston on the depth chart after totaling 18 receptions for 338 scoreless yards as a rookie last season. He doesn’t have any fantasy value at this time.

Odunze suffered a leg injury on Thursday. The Athletic’s Dan Wiederer said later in the day that the belief is that Odunze “should be all good” after the injury scare, but it’s something to keep an eye on this week. The Bears won’t release their first injury report until Wednesday, which could serve as the first clear look at where things stand for Odunze for Week 1 against the Panthers. If he is unable to go, second-year players Luther Burden and Colston Loveland could both see a slight uptick in target volume.

After missing a few weeks of practice with a hyperextended knee he suffered in camp, Monangai was back at practice on Monday to begin prepping for Week 1’s game against the Panthers. Monangai’s status will be worth checking when the Bears release their first injury report on Wednesday, but it sounds like he’ll have a chance to play this week barring any setbacks. In addition to Monangai, D’Andre Swift, who left last Thursday’s practice with cramps, also returned to the field.