Colts QB Leonard, Richardson to play preseason W1

Diggs was most recently a member of the Packers, spending less than a month with them after signing in Week 18 last year. The Packers’ secondary is a defensive weak point at the moment. Diggs’ best days are behind him, but he might be able to contribute in Detroit.

Young enters his fourth NFL season with a lot riding on the line. If he can prove himself worthy of a long-term extension, he could receive one in-season. This week’s game against the Bills gives us a first glimpse at the receiving corps, as well as the rotation between RB Chuba Hubbard and RB Jonathon Brooks.

Hopefully, this ends up being a non-issue, but we do need to keep an eye on it. Fortunately, if Reed does need to miss a few practices, he should have ample time to get right before Week 1. Reed has a chance to take on a larger role than he has had in previous seasons with the Packers’ front office thinning out the wide receiver corps this offseason.

No word yet on the severity, but we should get clarity on this at some point. Golden fared well at the Packers’ recent Family Night event, and according to QB Jordan Love, is set to assume the X-receiver role vacated by former Packers WR Romeo Doubs. Golden turned in a disappointing rookie season, but a second-year breakout is certainly possible, good health pending.

Late in June, The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr. reported that QB Joe Burrow had agreed to try out more under-center concepts in spring practices. The Bengals’ quarterback prefers to operate from shotgun, but the offense has struggled to generate explosive pass and run plays in recent seasons. Meanwhile, 2025 playoff teams notably thrived under center, prompting a potential schematic switch in Cincinnati this year. Dehner previously reported on Brown’s efficiency leaps when switching from shotgun to under center. Burrow and his wide receiver should, theoretically, receive an efficiency bump from the intended changes as well. This is exciting for fantasy football purposes.

Pittman was seen talking to trainers after leaving the field. They were seemingly focused on his right leg. Pittman has a chance to lead the team in targets, operating as a short-to-intermediate threat while WR DK Metcalf frequently stretches the field. The Steelers have the day off on Sunday and are scheduled to resume practicing on Monday. If he’s back in action then, this is likely a non-issue.

Please don’t let Slivon’s corny phrasing distract you from the fact that Hurst is playing well in the X-receiver role that the team drafted him to fill. While WR Jalen McMillan (knee) sits out, Hurst is reportedly displaying “amazing body control” while making leaping grabs, effectively “using his 6-foot-4 height to his advantage.” The third-round rookie is a no-brainer dice roll as a late-round draft target. He is not guaranteed to be a hit, but reports continue to be positive, and in-season rookie breakouts are always a big fantasy factor down the stretch.

According to Slivon, Gainwell “has not toted the rock much,” which sounds like good news for RB Bucky Irving’s rushing workload. Slivon believes OC Zac Robinson clearly trusts Gainwell “to turn those plays at or behind the line of scrimmage into bigger gains.” He could have a tough time delivering huge performances if he is only minimally involved in the run game, but in an era where the RB2/FLEX-viable receiving backs are becoming less common, Gainwell may be able to buck that trend.

Rapoport adds that he “would not be surprised” if Richardson has played his last down as a Colt, and believes he could be traded or waived, seemingly soon. Richardson was recently seen taking third-team reps at practice, and Rapoport wonders whether Richardson can really see pass rushers on either side of him or the receivers running routes downfield. Richardson famously injured his eye in a pre-game mishap with a resistance band last year, which Rapoport describes as “one of the most absurd and ridiculous injuries of all time.” He really didn’t hold back here. Back in May, The Athletic’s James Boyd used the “questions remain” line regarding Richardson’s eyesight as well, but follow-up reports have been difficult to come by. Richardson’s time as a Colt may be coming to a close, but finding a new team could be harder than expected if there is more to this eyesight story.

Colts coach Shane Steichen did not indicate who will start the game, nor did he rule out QB Daniel Jones (Achilles). Per Erickson, holding Jones would be unsurprising. Richardson was recently seen working with the third-team offense, so Leonard could have the inside track to start on Thursday.