NFL Player News

FitzPatrick was a strong performer at the Rivals 3 Stripe Camp in Atlanta earlier this offseason. Rivals analysts Josh Helmholdt and Woody Wommack note that the 6-foot-6, 232-pounder was “hurdling linebackers, making catch after catch and he showed he is much more than just an inline blocker” during his camp showing. FitzPatrick ranks as the outlet’s No. 216 overall prospect in the 2018 cycle.

Ferguson was listed as doubtful for Week 2 after missing all three practices this week. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones expressed optimism that Ferguson would be able to play this week, so it’s possible he was close to giving it a go and will return to action in Week 3 against the Ravens. Luke Schoonmaker should make his first career start in place of Ferguson. Schoonmaker is an emergency TE2 option for Week 2.

Van Noy suffered a fractured orbital bone in Week 1. He missed two practices to start the week but was back on the field for a limited session on Friday. The team listed him as questionable for Week 2. Van Noy playing through the injury will make a tough for Garnder Minshew and the Raiders even tougher. the veteran linebacker totaled nine sacks and two forced fumbles in 14 games for the Ravens last year.

Lloyd missed Week 1 with the hamstring issue he suffered in training camp. He returned to practice before Week 1 but the Packers held him out, likely to give him a chance to fully heal before returning to action. A third-round rookie, Lloyd should step in as Josh Jacobs’ backup for his first NFL game. With Malik Willis under center, the Packers should be expected to run the ball early and often versus the Colts. Lloyd should see a handful of carries because of the run-heavy game plan.

Fields is expected to start versus the Broncos this week. Russell Wilson is listed as questionable because of his lingering calf injury, but the team has prepared for Fields to start all week. It would be too late in the process to make a change, even if Wilson is healthy enough to play. Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters earlier in the week that Pittsburgh’s depth chart remains unchanged, meaning Wilson is the QB1 when healthy. However, it will be nearly impossible to return to Wilson if Fields gets the team to 2-0 and doesn’t make any major mistakes. For fantasy purposes, Fields’ rushing production puts him on the QB1 border for any start he makes.

McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve on Saturday after his Achilles injury worsened in practice during the week. A six-week absence would have McCaffrey return to action in Week 8 versus the Cowboys. However, the 49ers get their bye in Week 9, making a return the following week a more pragmatic timeline for the superstar running back. Until he returns, Jordan Mason will be the focal point of San Francisco’s ground game. mason ran 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. He did not cede a single carry to a backup running back. Deebo Samuel saw eight carries and ran for 23 yards with a touchdown. Needless to say, Mason should be rostered in all fantasy leagues and will project for RB1 numbers until CMC is back in the lineup.

Rapoport noted that Lattimore is pushing to play in Week 2 against the Cowboys, but the season is long and the Saints want to have him at full strength for the entire year. Reading the tea leaves, it sounds like Lattimore, who has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons, may be held out this week as a long-term precaution. Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing attack should keep rolling versus an undermanned Saints defense this week.

Downs suffered a high-ankle injury in training camp and missed Week 1 because of the issue. He practiced in full on Friday, but, as Rapoport points out, ankle injuries are tricky and the Colts want to make sure there are no further issues after Downs returns. The team could hold him out one more week as a precaution. If they do, Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will start in three-receiver sets alongside Michael Pittman. Pierce posted the big game in Week 1, going for 125 yards and a touchdown, but both and Mitchell will get a few deep shots versus the Packers. Both receivers sit in the WR5 range for Week 2.

Reed was added to the injury report on Friday after being downgraded to a limited participant in practice. He was listed as questionable for Week 2. Reed appeared on the Week 1 injury report with the calf issue but played through it and went for 171 total yards and two touchdowns. The bigger concern for fantasy managers will be Green Bay’s quarterback play. Malik Willis is set to start, drastically reducing the expectation for the Packers’ passing output. Reed will top out at a WR3 ranking heading into Week 2.

Per Schefter, “Tagovailoa will be seeking their input into the severity of his latest concussion and the cumulative effect of the ones he has suffered in the past to make the most informed decision about his future.” Tagovailoa has an extensive and frightening concussion history and suffered yet another brain injury in Week 2 against the Bills. He walked off the field under his own power after colliding with Bills safety Damar Hamlin but did not return to the game. Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Skylar Thompson will take Tua’s place in the lineup if he can’t play in Week 3. That looks like a near certainty given Tua’s injury history.

Brown’s hamstring tightened up in practice on Friday and he was held out of Saturday’s session entirely before being listed as questionable. It’s a nightmare scenario for fantasy managers yet again as Brown and the Eagles play on Monday Night Football. If he is ruled out, managers will be left with almost no emergency options to swap to off the waiver wire. Falcons WR3 Ray-Ray McCloud caught 4-of-7 targets for 52 yards in Week 1 and would be the bet for those who take the gamble on Brown.