NFL Player News

Likely is on track to play, but his status is worth following for fantasy managers who roster TE Mark Andrews. The latter player could see a decent target share increase if Likely were to sit out in Week 11 against the Browns. Andrews has largely been relying on touchdowns to score his fantasy points in recent weeks. An uptick in targets between the 20s would be helpful.

“We’ve obviously been preparing for that in case that happens,” Gutekunst said when asked about Jacobs, who in May was arrested on domestic abuse charges. “But at the same time, I feel really good about the guys we have in that room.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said in August that the league would likely suspend Jacobs, though the length of the suspension had yet to be determined. MarShawn Lloyd would likely function as Green Bay’s lead back if Jacobs — who’s dealing with a lingering groin issue — misses regular season games. The oft-injured Lloyd has stayed healthy this offseason and has reportedly run well in training camp and joint practices. In last week’s preseason game against Denver, Lloyd Lloyd played on 5-of-7 snaps during the first drive with the team’s starters.

Reich has reportedly added wrinkles to the offense he deployed as head coach of the Colts and Panthers. At both of those stops his offenses were near the bottom of the league in most basic offensive metrics. Smith, meanwhile, has looked sharp as the team’s starting quarterback throughout training camp and in limited preseason snaps. He’ll look to bounce back from a nightmarish statistical 2025 season in Vegas. Jets players, including Garrett Wilson, told The Athletic that they have enjoyed the “player empowerment” that comes along with Reich’s coaching style and his offensive scheming, which leaves room for improvisation. The Jets offense could be functional as long as Smith, 35, is healthy and upright.

It looks like the Packers are ready to ease Kraft back into competition following the serious knee injury that ended his 2025 season. Kraft said recently that the team would “probably” keep him on a snap count to begin the regular season. That would make Kraft — one of the game’s most efficient tight ends — a dicy bet for fantasy purposes. Kraft might not be playable for the first month of the regular season, or even longer depending on his progress and the Packers’ strategies for keeping him healthy.

Smith reportedly suffered a serious lower body injury during a joint practice with the Panthers. His loss would be significant for the Texans after Smith this offseason signed a two-year deal worth $20 million with Houston. The Texans last season had one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines, ranking 30th in pass blocking win rate and 32nd in run blocking win rate.

Schefter said Bain, the 15th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, should be ready to go for Week 1 against the Bengals. Bain has wowed Bucs coaches and beat writers throughout the summer with his work ethic and intensity and should be a key part of a Tampa defense that struggled through parts of the 2025 season, allowing the league’s 11th highest offensive success rate. The Bucs ranked last in QB pressure rate last season. That should change with Bain in the lineup.

It’s a devastating blow both for Austin and the Giants offense. Austin, who had impressed throughout training camp, was “going to play a significant role” in the New York offense, per Raanan, operating as the team’s primary slot receiver. He suffered the knee injury on Tuesday. Austin had 84 receptions for 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns over three seasons with the Steelers before signing a one-year deal with New York this offseason. Malachai Fields could see a bigger role with Austin done for the year. Austin’s absence could also create an opportunity for Odell Beckham, Jr. if he makes the team.

Delp is dealing with a hamstring injury, missing the Saints’ practice on Tuesday. With Jordan Tyson (hamstring) slated to miss at least the next couple months, NFL Network’s Steve Wyche and Garafolo believe the Saints will lean on their tight ends. The rookie Delp is behind Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant on the depth chart. Based on Garafolo’s report, he won’t miss too much time with his hamstring strain; he has upside as a Dynasty stash but Juwan Johnson should be the top tight end as a low-end fantasy TE1 heading into the 2026 season.

The Chiefs add interior offensive line depth in Ezeudu, who was on the roster bubble for the Giants offensive line. The 26-year-old was a third-round pick of the Giants in 2022 and appeared in 33 games over the course of his New York tenure. He becomes guard depth for the Chiefs as roster cut-down day nears.

Gonzalez and the Pats have continued negotiations on a top-of-the-market extension for the 24-year-old cornerback, but are not yet close to an agreement. Fellow corner Devon Witherspoon signed his deal earlier in August but Gonzalez has still yet to sign a similar or slightly larger deal. He said, “it’s frustrating, but I’m focused on the season.” A deal can still come before the Patriots play in Week 1 but it’s clear Gonzalez is disappointed in negotiations despite not holding out.

Stowers missed his second straight practice Tuesday as he deals with a hamstring issue. There is no indication this is a major injury yet, but something to keep an eye on as the Eagles prepare for preseason Week 3. The rookie second-round pick has struggled in camp and comes into the NFL as a raw tight end prospect. Don’t expect the Eagles’ tight end rotation to change drastically should Stowers miss time in the 2026 regular season.