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    McDaniel could use all three RBs, ride ‘hot hand’

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    LAC Running Back #8
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    Chargers OC Mike McDaniel said he could use all three RBs in a game and that usage may depend on who has the “hot hand.”

    It’s the kind of thing fantasy managers hate to hear. When speaking about his running backs on Monday, McDaniel said, “I see all three producing at a very high level,” while saying the workload for each back could depend on the opponent and who has the “hot hand.” While it’s certainly concerning on the surface, we feel pretty confident in Omarion Hampton having the safest role as far as fantasy is concerned, while Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal could prove a bit more volatile. Their volatility has been baked into their ADP all offseason, as Mitchell is often going in the 12th or 13th round of drafts while Vidal often goes undrafted. It may take some time to get a good sense of McDaniel’s plans for the backfield, but we would expect a clear-cut RB1 and RB2 to emerge this season.
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  • LAC Running Back #34
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    Mitchell has been out of action for more than a week after experiencing a “minor setback” for an undisclosed injury. This could be a situation where we’re all left in the dark until the team is required to disclose injuries in the week leading up to Week 1, leaving fantasy managers to plan for contingencies. Any missed time from Mitchell would be a measurable boost to the weekly expectations of Omarion Hampton.
  • LAC Running Back #34
    This comes on the heels of a missed session on Sunday for the fourth-year back. The team has yet to release a complete injury update for Mitchell after failing to disclose an injury status the previous day, leaving fantasy managers stuck in limbo with less than three weeks until the start of the regular season. “We sustained a mild setback with Keaton, but realistically, that’s a position that you’re always wanting to have three, and I like what our young guys are doing to press into that group,” McDaniel said Monday. It is difficult to read too far into McDaniel’s remarks without further context, keeping Mitchell a strong streaming option in shallow leagues, for the time being.
  • LAC Running Back #34
    This is worth keeping an eye on. Mitchell’s preseason usage indicates he is the Chargers’ clear-cut No. 2 running back, operating in what could be a FLEX-viable role. Mitchell played on 10-of-10 possible snaps across the Chargers’ second and third drives in last week’s preseason game before taking a trip to the blue medical tent. He avoided a trip to the locker room and was allowed to return to the sidelines thereafter. Although the latter aspect is encouraging, today’s absence suggests he is at least a minor injury. The coaching staff is not required to divulge injury information until Week 1 practices begin. Hopefully, someone digs up something useful on this, though. For now, keep drafting him as planned, but be on the lookout for updates.
  • LAC Running Back #34
    Mitchell’s box score would have looked a lot better if his 21-yard reception on a route out of the backfield had not been called back due to a penalty. Chargers starting RB Omarion Hampton played all three snaps on the opening drive before giving way to Mitchell, who played 10-of-10 snaps on the second and third drives. Fellow backup RB Kimani Vidal took the field as the Chargers’ kick returner to begin the game. He made his first appearance on offense on the Chargers’ fourth drive. Mitchell could return standalone FLEX value with big-play upside in this role. He reportedly visited the blue medical tent, but was allowed to return to the sideline. Hopefully, this is a non-issue.
  • LAC Running Back #28
    Vidal stayed in for two drives and did not catch his only target. Tonight’s start suggests Vidal is behind RB Keaton Mitchell on the depth chart. Mitchell did not play, nor did starting RB Omarion Hampton. Vidal is a proven, capable fill-in starter, but he should only be drafted as the Chargers’ RB3 at this time.
  • LAC Running Back #8
    Earlier this week, McDaniel said he plans to employ a hot-hand approach at the running back position and plans to “use all three of those guys probably every game.” NFL Daily co-hosts Gregg Rosenthal and Jourdan Rodrigue helpfully followed up on those comments, specifically regarding their fantasy football implications. McDaniel encouragingly prefaced his response by saying, “no one has to worry,” adding that benching productive players is “bad business.” If you were already bullish on one or more of Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal, these comments can be taken positively. Reading between the lines, if Hampton, the starter, proves his value as the team’s RB1, he should receive a fantasy-friendly workload.
  • LAC Running Back #8
    Speaking to reporters Monday, Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel said that all three of Omarion Hampton, Keaton Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal will be featured in the backfield this season. “Good news is I see all three of those guys performing at a very high level,” McDaniel said. “Kinda play hot hand once you’re into games.” While that’s not the best news for fantasy managers that invested second round picks into Hampton, the opportunity for the Chargers to turn heads on the scoreboard could result in a case of “a rising tide raises all ships.” McDaniel famously, and recently, made two backs top-six producers in fantasy points per game in the same season, with both Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane finishing 2023 in that range. Whether a similar situation transpires in Los Angeles remains to be seen.
  • LAC Running Back #8
    McDaniel said you could see how focused Hampton was between the offseason program and the start of training camp. Coaches praising their players is nothing new, but it can’t hurt for a second-year back to catch the eye of one of the most successful play-callers in the NFL. Hampton appeared in only nine games as a rookie, and his role declined in the second half of the season. Currently going off the board as fantasy football’s RB8, Hampton needs to improve in year two to pay off his lofty ADP.
  • LAC Running Back #34
    Adding some passing-game viability would be excellent news for Mitchell’s fantasy value, and the fact that we’re getting it straight from the coach’s mouth is a big update. We still don’t know how often Mitchell will play behind Omarion Hampton and alongside fellow backup Kimani Vidal, but it sounds like McDaniel is working on ways to get Mitchell involved, calling him “a playmaker that I’m very excited about.”
  • LAC Running Back #34
    Per Popper, the Chargers really like Mitchell’s ability to “press the edge and get explosives to the outside.” That said, Popper believes Vidal will “give Mitchell a push” for the role. He also believes that both players will make the final roster, regardless. If this is how the depth chart shakes out, one wonders whether Vidal could sneak onto the field in certain passing situations, potentially reducing Mitchell’s standalone viability. Mitchell was seen working in the passing game last week, though — something he rarely did in Baltimore — so it is too early to tell.

Rotoworld

  • LA Wide Receiver #12
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    Rams coach Sean McVay said the expectation is that WR Puka Nacua (psoas) will play in Week 1 against the 49ers.

    McVay’s comments also relate to Nacua’s status with the league office. The 25-year-old wide receiver was at one point thought to be a suspension candidate, but the league has made no such ruling while doling out suspensions and Commissioner Exempt List placements elsewhere in the league. Rams LT Alaric Jackson was also a suspension candidate, but is expected to play in Week 1, per McVay. His presence positively impacts the Rams’ passing game outlook. Assuming he is active, Nacua can be treated as an elite WR1.
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    Giants signed OG Jon Runyan to a two-year, $22 million extension through 2028.

    According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal includes $21.5 million in guarantees. It’s a solid deal for the 29-year-old interior blocker.
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    ESPN’s Brady Henderson believes Seahawks LB Ernest Jones’ comments “seemed to convey doubt that” S Nick Emmanwori (ankle) will play in Week 1 against the Patriots.

    Henderson’s assessment is reasonable. Jones’ comments on Emmanwori’s abilities meandered, but he closed by saying the team is “focused on who’s out there, who’s available right now.” Emmanwori underwent surgery to deal with a nagging ankle issue in July. Seahawks GM John Schneider said recent trade acquisition CB Avery Smith had a “phenomenal preseason” and can line up on the perimeter and over the slot, making him a potential fill-in for Emmanwori’s hybrid nickel/safety role.
  • JAC Wide Receiver #12
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    Sports Illustrated’s John Shipley reports that Travis Hunter “is expected to be the Jaguars’ No. 1 cornerback in Week 1 and beyond.”

    Shipley leaves the light on for offensive contributions, entertaining the idea that Hunter can chip in “a few hundred yards and a few touchdowns” this season as well. That said, the early indications for Hunter’s FLEX viability in managed leagues are pretty bleak. Stash him if you wish, but understand that starting him in Week 1 against the Browns could result in zero points.
  • SEA Running Back #8
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    ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Seahawks RB Jadarian Price “is going to be a big factor,” but the team will use “two or three” running backs this year.

    This report largely affirms what we already believed to be true. Price can be expected to lead the backfield in carries, although Fowler thinks his workload will fall short of 20 carries per game. Few running backs hit that mark anyway, so that is hardly surprising. A report from The Athletic suggested RB George Holani could be trusted to handle high-value touches on passing downs and is scoring position, which hurts Price’s outlook. If only two running backs are involved, though, Price should provide usable stat lines. However, three-player rotations are fantasy-unfriendly situations.
  • LA Defensive End #95
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    The Athletic’s Nate Atkins reports that Rams EDGE Myles Garrett (knee) and DT Aaron Donald will practice today.

    Garrett, 30, has been sidelined by swelling in his knee since late July. His return to practice puts him on track to play in Week 1 against the 49ers on Thursday. Donald’s status is tougher to decipher. The fact that he is practicing is a great sign, but the Rams could still slow-play his return to action. Rams coach Sean McVay said he will provide an update on their Week 1 statuses on Tuesday. Stay tuned.
  • NYG Quarterback #19
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    Giants signed QB Jameis Winston to a two-year, $13 million extension through 2028.

    Winston, 32, will remain in New York as QB Jaxson Dart’s mentor for the foreseeable future. He is a capable, fantasy-friendly backup who can bridge the gap if Dart misses time. Winston started two games last year, completing 37-of-65 passes for 567 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, and rushing seven times for 23 yards and one touchdown while fumbling once.
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    ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson is “the clear-cut starter.”

    Stevenson’s position on the depth chart has been apparent for some time, but Reiss helpfully states it in plain terms after rhetorically asking how the Patriots will handle in-game running back reps if RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) cannot play in Week 1 against the Seahawks on Wednesday night. That said, if Henderson is unable to play, Stevenson will likely take on a larger-than-normal workload, with RB Corey Kiner and practice squad members RB Lan Larison and/or RB Hassan Haskins serving as his in-house touch competition. Although the Seahawks field a top-tier run defense, Stevenson can be treated as a high-end RB2 if Henderson is out, thanks to his hefty workload.
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    ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) is not present for the media-access portion of practice on Sunday.

    The injury has sidelined Henderson since August 24th. The Patriots face the Seahawks on Wednesday. At this point, Henderson must be considered questionable to play. Even if he were active, he would be slated for No. 2 duties behind starting RB Rhamondre Stevenson, and it is fair to wonder if the team would keep Henderson on a snap count. Reiss reported this morning that RB Lan Larison and/or RB Hassan Haskins would likely be elevated from the practice squad if Henderson cannot play, joining Stevenson and backup RB Corey Kiner on game day.
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    NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell finalized a four-year extension.

    The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Goodell’s new extension runs through the 2030 season and expires at the end of March 2031, the same time that the current Collective Bargaining Agreement is also set to expire. Goodell, 67, succeeded Paul Tagliabue as NFL Commissioner in 2006.