NFL Player News

The Niners will try to get all of the above on their practice squad, but doing so with Boone and Sheets will be difficult. Both have NFL caliber talent and weren’t overwhelmed in the preseason. With Pascoe and J.J. Finley both gone, San Francisco is carrying just two tight ends.

Kraft has been trending toward playing in Week 1 for a long time. Not appearing on the injury report in any capacity means he is good to go. Kraft may still have somewhat of a pitch count for his first game back from a 2025 torn ACL, but Matt LaFleur will be sure to get him the ball when he is on the field. Kraft is a fantasy TE1 for the Packers’ Week 1 game against Minnesota.

White’s hamstring strain is officially behind him. The veteran running back is expected to assume passing down duties with his new team, though starting RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) has reportedly been improving his receiving skills this summer. If Croskey-Merritt can play this weekend, White will only be a mild FLEX play in PPR formats.

Getting in a limited session to begin the week puts Croskey-Merritt on track to start in Week 1 against the Eagles. The second-year running back has reportedly improved his passing game chops, but RB Rachaad White will likely be the team’s primary receiving back to begin the year. If Croskey-Merritt can siphon away receiving snaps, it will make him less reliant on positive game scripts. For now, if active, he is a borderline RB2/3.

Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski has already said Penix will be inactive this week, so this does not alter Penix’s game status. That said, it is still good to see him practicing fully. The Falcons are rolling with QB Tua Tagovailoa to begin the year, but his starting stint may not last long.

LaFleur left the door open for Love to be listed as limited on the injury report, but it sounds like that would be nothing more than a formality. He wouldn’t comit to Love playing in Week 1 just yet, but it sounds like things are headed in that direction. Love will likely split work with Tyler Allgeier to start the year, though he remains a far better bet in all fantasy formats.

The Buccaneers listed McMillan as a starter on the official depth chart yesterday, which is seemingly a vote of confidence regarding his availability this week. McMillan is on track to play, but will likely be limited to FLEX status in fantasy, playing behind WR Emeka Egbuka and WR Chris Godwin.

The Buccaneers had Egbuka take almost a month off to let the toe heal, which turned out to be a great call. The Buccaneers’ No. 1 wide receiver is good to go for Week 1. Nagging injuries slowed Egbuka’s rookie season. Entering 2026 in good health sets the stage for a bounce-back campaign. He is a WR2 with WR1 upside.

Kamara suffered an MCL injury during a scrimmage three weeks ago. The issue was initially expected to sideline him for at least a month, but it looks like he has a shot at significantly beating that timeline. Even if he doesn’t play this week, there’s a good chance Kamara is back by Week 2 or 3. He will be a low-end FLEX play in PPR leagues once he is healthy.

The Bengals will have their top two wide receivers on the field for what should be a high-scoring game against the Buccaneers. Higgins is a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside, playing alongside WR1 Ja’Marr Chase this weekend.

Chase’s participation actually exceeds expectations. Beginning the week with a limited session would have been unsurprising. The Bengals’ star wide receiver hyperextended his knee on August 25th, but he is now good to go. Treat Chase as an elite WR1, per usual.