NFL Player News

McLaurin went down with the quad injury in Week 2 and has not played since. This is his first practice in roughly a month. The Commanders could still hold him out for another week, but it’s looking more likely than not that he is out there on Sunday. Assuming he does suit up. McLaurin will return to the WR2 ranks for a phenomenal matchup versus a Dallas defense allowing the most fantasy points to opposing wideouts this year.

Underhill notes that Kamara practiced fully on Friday, “so he’s cleared, but the team is deep at running back.” This is good news for starting RB Travis Etienne, who should lead the team in carries easily and potentially hog snaps in scoring position since Kamara will be less than 100 percent healthy, if active. Saints RB3 Kendre Miller is the next man up.

Overall, these comments are positive, but this is the first time in a while that Kubiak has added a qualifier when complimenting his rookie running back. The Raiders head coach said Washington is “a talented man that we’re going to keep giving opportunities to,” yet notes that the team is now about to go against live defenses “for 17 weeks in a row here before the playoffs, so he’s got to keep maturing.” This serves as a helpful reminder that despite Washington’s strong preseason showing, RB Ashton Jeanty is still the clear-cut starter. Washington can return FLEX value against the Dolphins’ defense, but perhaps Kubiak is considering easing Washington into a rotational role a little more so than he previously indicated. Regardless, Washington remains one of the highest-valued backups in fantasy football and should be rostered in all formats.

Onwuzurike, 28, tore an ACL in July 2025, ending his season before it began. His 2026 salary would have been fully guaranteed if he remained on the roster when Week 1 kicked off, so it is possible that this is just a salary cap maneuver, and we will see the Lions re-sign him to a team-friendly deal soon.

Mafi entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft with the Patriots. He made his way to Las Vegas last year, but was unable to secure a long-term role. He could end up on the practice squad in Tennessee.

Sweat upgraded to full participation today, which is good news. The Cardinals’ pass rusher was reportedly unhappy with the team this offseason and was ultimately placed on the physically unable to perform list. Today, GM Monti Ossenfort revealed that Sweat had an “offseason procedure,” presumably on his knee. The two sides appear to have resolved their issues, and Sweat is seemingly good to go after a successful rehab.

Allen was expected to take on an expanded receiving role, in addition to his pass-protection duties, but a hip injury has stalled that plan. If active, he is unlikely to do more than help keep QB Trevor Lawrence upright. If he is inactive, the team could employ a committee approach in addressing his vacated duties.

Melton rejoins the Packers via the taxi squad after roughly two hours away. He is not on the fantasy radar at this time.

Meyers remained limited all week and was seen wearing a non-contact jersey on Wednesday. It is fair to wonder if both WR Parker Washington and WR Brian Thomas will get more plays dialed up for them this week, but Meyers notably led the Jaguars in targets after last year’s in-season trade, so he should not be written off. Treat him as a FLEX against the Browns, potentially operating in the team’s WR3 role.

Van Lanen should at least be active, although he is not guaranteed to start. The veteran blocker broke out last year, playing all across the line before settling in at left tackle. He suffered a knee injury in Week 18, which forced the coaching staff to get OT Anton Harrison for left tackle duties while penciling Van Lanen in at right tackle. The team also has capable OT Walker Little at the ready. Unfortunately, Harrison appeared on the injury report with a foot injury and was unable to practice on Friday. Hopefully, his sidelining was a precaution and he is not seriously injured. Stay tuned.

Jones was officially limited today, which likely means he injured his calf in practice. Depending on the severity, this injury could cost him Week 1. He is one of the best interior defenders in the league. This one is worth watching.