NFL Player News

The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman leads off his annual “Freaks” list highlighting McDonald. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound redshirt freshman excelled in both basketball and track back during his high school days in Wisconsin, winning a state title in discus while placing third in the high jump. On the basketball court, he averaged 18.3 PPG and 12.8 RPG. He did not take up football until his junior year. Feldman colleague Max Olson tagged McDonald as a potential breakout player for the fall earlier this offseason.

Swift also lost a game-changing fumble at the Vikings’ one-yard line in the third quarter. It would have been the only touchdown of a wet, windy game had he gotten in the end zone. Instead, the Bears mustered all of three points as Caleb Williams departed in the fourth quarter with a hamstring injury. Swift was also actually out-gained by Kyle Monangai on the ground, but he somehow led the team in receiving. It was just a no good, messed up day for the Bears’ offense after their 59-point Week 1 outburst. Swift would be a shakier RB2 for Week 3 against the Eagles were Williams to sit, which is probably likely for at least one game.

Branch’s primary duties still come on kick and punt returns, but Kevin Stefanski made it a point to get him more involved this week. He was held without a catch or even a target in Week 1. Branch isn’t on the fantasy radar yet, but dynasty managers can be pleased with his role taking a step in the right direction.

Robinson had three catches for 34 yards early on in this one, but appeared to hurt his ankle on a 19-yard catch in the second quarter. He tumbled down at the three-yard line and was unable to get up and get into the end zone. After he was touched down, he limped off the field and was taken into the locker room on a cart. He’s been listed as questionable to return.

Ward’s two scores on the ground doubled his previous career total, though he is now sitting on one passing touchdown through eight quarters. He is at least not turning the ball over, and has taken “just” five sacks. He has been so far unable to heat up his connections with offseason additions Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson, but he found Elic Ayomanor for two critical gains vs. Philly. Cutting out the negative plays was an absolutely essential first step for Ward, but he has yet to supplement them with big gains or consistent chain-moving. That included botching a Hail Mary in the fourth quarter this afternoon. Ward won’t be much of a superflex option for next week’s road date with the Giants.

Not only did Sadiq not make a huge impact on the field, but he also played fewer snaps and ran fewer routes than Mason Taylor. Sadiq is an incredibly athletic and talented rookie, but he’s also 21 years old and is going to need a while to adjust to the NFL game. His role will likely increase for the Jets as the year goes on, but he figures to be inconsistent in the early part of the season.

Bagent checked in with 7:15 remaining after Caleb Williams suffered a non-contact injury dashing for the end zone. Bagent did his best to rally the troops in windy, rainy weather, but his lack of arm strength relative to Williams was immediately apparent. Where it at first appeared Williams was dealing with a season-ending knee or achilles’ tendon injury, he has since been diagnosed with a hamstring issue. That means that even though Williams is probably on the wrong side of questionable for Week 3 against the Eagles, Bagent may only end up making a start or two. He will be a last-gasp superflex option if forced into duty next Monday.

Warren was the second back to enter the game behind Rico Dowdle, but he operated as the lead back for much of the day with Dowdle dealing with a toe injury. He averaged just under four yards per carry as his biggest play came on a 26-yard reception. With Aaron Rodgers’ inability to consistently push the ball downfield, Warren is the primary checkdown guy to benefit, seeing four targets in Week 2 after totaling six targets in Week 1. He dominated snaps when Dowdle was out and will rank as a fantasy RB2 should Dowdle miss time. Otherwise, Warren is an RB3 for Week 3 against the Bengals.

Williams operated as the clear third wide receiver, playing on 61 of the team’s 74 snaps and running a route on 43 of their 50 dropbacks, which was actually more than Adonai Mitchell. Almost all of Williams’ work is on screen passes and quick slants where he can use his speed, but if he’s going to be on the field this much, he could be a sneaky deep league play against the Lions in Week 3.

Wilson saw five fewer targets than Adonai Mitchell, but played more snaps and ran more routes. Mitchell simply sees more quick-hitter looks close to the line of scrimmage, while Wilson is used more over the middle of the field. The Packers also frequently sent safety help over to Wilson’s side, but the 26-year-old was still able to make a few big catches when they mattered. He should be in for a bigger day against the Lions next week.

Six of his 13 touches came on the final two drives of the game, after the Falcons pulled their starters. Robinson was not awfully involved in the offense before that. He is the clear backup to Bijan Robinson but nothing more.