Barner ‘ascending’ in Seahawks offense

Despite an up-and-down training camp, Tagovailoa will get the nod as the starter when the Falcons kick off the season on Sunday against the Steelers. Given the fact that Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was still limited at the start of camp, Tagovailoa had long been assumed to have the inside edge on the QB1 job at the start of camp, but Penix was still given a shot to compete for the job despite not being cleared for 11-on-11 practice until August 22nd. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, part of the decision to name Tagovailoa the starter came down to the fact that Penix “did not believe that he was ready” to play on game days. Tagovailoa shouldn’t be counted on in standard 1QB leagues at this point, and fantasy managers looking to add him in 2QB and superflex leagues shouldn’t view him as a long-term solution. It would not be at all surprising if we saw both Tagovailoa and Penix start multiple games for the Falcons this season, with rookie UDFA Jack Stand also being a dark horse to see snaps at some point in the season after an impressive training camp and preseason.

Popper makes clear that RB Omarion Hampton will be an offensive centerpiece, but Mitchell should have his own helpful role as well. Mitchell will be involved in the passing game, at times lining up outside and getting involved “vertically” as a receiver. Mitchell will need to maximize his touches if he is going to warrant FLEX treatment as Hampton’s sidekick, and his health remains a question at the moment, as he deals with an undisclosed injury. On the plus side, Popper did not mention the ailment at all, which could be taken as a positive.

Popper fielded a question about Hampton’s top-10 chances as a guest on the Locked On Chargers show. The metrics for measuring this feat were left undefined, but rushing yardage or scrimmage yardage are the two most likely baselines. While OC Mike McDaniel has teased a potential hot-hand approach, Popper has remained steadfast in his stance that Hampton is set for bellcow duties thanks in part to speed, physicality and scheme versatility. He warrants RB1 treatment right out of the gate.

Tuipulotu, 24, led the Chargers with 70 quarterback pressures and 13 sacks last season. He is scheduled to enter free agency next offseason. According to Popper, the team would like to see Tuipulotu “do it again” before paying him like a top pass rusher. Tuipulotu has already proven himself. He totaled 40 quarterback pressures and nine sacks in 2024 and 51quarterback pressures and eight sacks as a 2023 rookie. An in-season extension is possible.

This outcome is unsurprising, given his absence during the portion of practice open to the media. If Henderson is unable to play on Wednesday night, starting RB Rhamondre Stevenson would take on a sizable workload. Backup RB Corey Kiner and practice squad players RB Lan Larison and RB Hassan Haskins are the Patriots’ remaining backfield members.

Barmore is a pivotal player in the Patriots’ defensive front. He racked up 20 tackles, 50 quarterback pressures and two sacks last season. If he is unable to face the Seahawks this week, his absence would be consequential.

Wilson is the wildcard in the Seahawks’ backfield. If he logs 6-8 touches, he can reduce RB Jadarian Price’s and RB George Holani’s fantasy-scoring outlook. That said, he is third on the depth chart for a reason and can only be viewed as a mildly interesting bench stash in very deep leagues.

Now we know what has kept Horton sidelined since mid-August. Although the speedy wide receiver has resumed practicing, which is a good sign, he is not guaranteed to suit up. If active, he is likely only relevant in single-game DFS contests.

The Seahawks’ starting tight end is firmly on track to play in the 2026 season opener on Wednesday night. Barner is reportedly set to handle a bigger role than he did last year, when he finished as the PPR TE14. He can only be viewed as a borderline TE1/2 early on, though.

Emmanwori’s participation is somewhat surprising. That said, The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell echoed ESPN’s Brady Henderson in a report issued at the end of practice, writing that Seahawks teammates seem to suggest that Emmanwori is doubtful to play this week. The team is still working through backup options at this time, though coach Mike Macdonald wants CB Devon Witherspoon to contribute as a nickel defender, both in coverage and via blitz packages, if Emmanwori cannot play. Fellow starting safety Ty Okada (hamstring) did not practice on Sunday.