NFL Player News

Since OTAs and minicamps were over, this is fairly irrelevent. It’s just weight training. Lane Kiffin spinned it positively, “I was notified that the players’ union believes our total commitment to improving our football team has resulted in some violations of rules regarding practice standards.”

Sean McVay was unsure if Nacua would be able to play in Week 3 when asked about it on Tuesday. A DNP today suggests Nacua will need at least one more week of rest before returning to the lineup. Terrance Ferguson finished second on the Rams in targets last week with nine. He caught six passes for 54 yards and a score. No receiver outside of Davante Adams was targeted more than two times. Adams was utterly dominant, turning his 10 targets into 195 yards and two scores. Those are the only two major beneficiaries of Nacua’s likely absence.

Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur said on Monday that Johnson (neck) could miss the remainder of the season. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news today about Johnson being placed on injured reserve, though he did not specify whether Johnson’s season is for sure over. Cardinals slot CB Garrett Williams (Achilles) and perimeter CB2 Max Melton (toe) are also dealing with injuries.

Garafolo notes that a meniscus repair typically requires a 4-6 month recovery timeline. If Dart heals at the fastest possible speed, he could return in late January. This seems somewhat unlikely, given the fact that he will also have his MCL surgically fixed and must rehab the injured PCL, but apparently Harbaugh is feeling optimistic. In the meantime, QB Jameis Winston has been named the starter.

Winston played poorly in QB Jaxson Dart’s (knee) stead last week. If he can bounce back, the trade talk might calm down. If not, it will only get louder. The Giants face the Titans in Week 3, which should provide Winston with an opportunity to reasonably support one or two pass catchers in fantasy. Stay tuned.

Hendrickson recently broke his finger “into several pieces.” Ouch. Hendrickson played through the pain last week, collecting six quarterback pressures and one sack. We expect him to suit up again in Week 3, though the team will manage his reps.

Wright and Ollie Gordon each have three carries this year. De’Von Achane has 31. Even if the backup role gets narrowed to just Gordon, there isn’t any fantasy value to be had behind Achane.

This could just be maintenance for a player who is likely still on a pitch count as he continues to put distance between himself and his 2025 torn ACL. On the other hand, Bell has not been on the injury report before today, so we’re at least a little bit concerned. With Caleb Douglas banged up, Bell would have been in line for more routes this week. That’s far less likely now.

Jones played through the injury last week. His continued practice participation this week is a good sign. He should be good to go for a favorable D/ST matchup against the Dolphins this week.

Brown generally contributes as a gadget receiver and in the return game. Were he to sit out in Week 3, his absence would likely be a bigger deal for the Saints than it would be for fantasy managers.

Porter was technically ruled out because of his back injury last week. The Steelers aren’t even bothering to list it this time around. The two sides remain at an impasse over a contract extension, and their relationship seems to be spiraling toward a point of no return. We would not expect Porter to return to action for Week 3 versus the Bengals.