NFL Player News

Caesar (6’3/254) is a former four star recruit who saw limited action during his initial two years with the Cougars. While he posted impressive production in 2023 with 9.5 sacks and 13.5 TFL’s, he possesses athletic limitations that will hold him back in the NFL. At the combine he solely weighed in and ran a 49th percentile 4.89s 40 yard dash. The Ridge Point HS product spent the majority of his time lined up at EDGE, but played about 14% of his total snaps at off-ball linebacker, a pattern that will not continue at the next level. As a pass rusher his bull rush may be his best move, but as a subpar athlete, he fails to convert speed to power effectively, with his charge often being stunted by tackles with heavy anchors. Unfortunately, he fairs no better as a finesse rusher. Caesar earned a solid 76.6 PFF run defense grade, but would have likely scored better if he did not waste quite as many snaps off the ball. Due to his athletic ceiling he is unlikely to become an effective pass rusher in the NFL, but if he can continue to stack blockers and make plays in the run, he could eventually become a part of your early down edge rotation.

Moore is believed to have suffered an AC joint sprain in Week 2. He left in the first half after landing on his shoulder and did not return. His status for Week 3 remains up in the air, but an immediate return to practice would be a good sign. He got off to a hot start in Week 1 with 100 yards and a touchdown before being shut out in his brief Week 2 showing. The extra rest between Thursday’s game and Buffalo’s upcoming matchup with the Chargers will hopefully be enough to get more back on the field.

Rapoport did note that Darnold is expected to practice in some capacity next week. It sounds like the team will use next week’s sessions to give him an extended ramp-up ahead of Week 4, though a Week 3 return isn’t out of the question. Drew Lock will start this week and probably next week as well. He is in the QB2 mix for Superflex leagues, though managers without a second quarterback spot don’t need to worry about Lock for now.

The Browns open the year with a two-game road trip before returning to Cleveland for their home opener next week. Watson was a disaster in Week 1, turning the ball over twice while throwing for 205 yards and one score. Another showing like that versus the Bucs this week and he could be sent to the bench. Shedeur Sanders would then draw the start against Carolina in Week 3. It’s unlikely the Browns offense turns things around under Sanders, but things truly cannot get worse than they are right now.

Per Schefter and Ian Rapoport, Penix is the team’s preferred starter and is nearing a return. Once he is finally ready to suit up, the job is his. They also note that the Falcons won’t cut Tua Tagovailoa, even once the team has four healthy quarterbacks. There is a possibility that a team wants to trade for Tua ahead of the midseason deadline, though we’re skeptical that there’s much of a market for him after this disastrous start to the season.

Rapoport notes that Hendruckson broke his finger “into several pieces this week.” Ouch. He will play with a cast on his hand for Week 2 and likely much longer. With Hendrickson available, the Ravens’ defense is one of the better fantasy options versus a pass-happy Saints offense this week.

Jones was limited in practice throughout the week, though it was likely little more than maintenance for the NFL veteran. The Chiefs are also expected to have first-round rookie Mansoor Delane available for Sunday Night Football.

Young experienced some soreness in his calf during the week and left Thursday’s practice early. His departure was considered precautionary, though the team ultimately listed him as questionable for Week 2 on Friday. Having Young available is a good start for a Saints defense trying to slow down Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.

Atlanta is also going to have AJ Terrell (shoulder) available for Week 2. Both players were listed as questionable on Friday. It’s a good start for Atlanta, but what the team really needs is a healthy quarterback. Even third-stringer Cooper Rush is playing through a back injury, and the results were downright pitiful in Week 1.

The Bengals called up Josh Johnson from the practice squad over the weekend, raising some eyebrows regarding Burrow’s health. The move, however, was purely a precaution. Burrow has already said he is playing this week. He remains near the top of the QB1 ranks despite a tough matchup with the Houston defense.

Webb took over play-calling duties from Sean Payton this year. The results were disastrous in Week 1. Denver scored 10 points against the Chiefs, Bo Nix was held to 131 yards, and Jaylen Waddle caught one pass all night. It’s a little early for the Broncos to be reminding us that switching to Webb as play-caller wasn’t a bad decision, but the Week 1 results were alarming. If the team continues to struggle on offense, Payton could be back on the headset by midseason.