NFL Player News

The Giants threw the ball 13 times in a losing effort against the Vikings last week, so even if Johnson were to play today, his target volume would be difficult to project. His absence gives No. 2 TE Daniel Bellinger a chance to operate as a full-time player, though, putting him on the touchdown-dependent TE1 radar.

Jordan Mason saw three more carries and also scored. Jones was only targeted once, but that was one more time than Mason, at least. Both backs logged nine routes. Jones is ultimately the lesser half of the committee, but he should see the ball enough to hang around the back of the RB3 ranks in Week 2.

Gadsden hardly saw the field against Arizona. He ran just seven pass routes while David Njoku logged 17 routes and caught all five of his targets. Gadsden is clearly an afterthought in the Chargers passing offense for now. He should remain on waiver wires ahead of the Bolts’ Week 2 game against the Raiders.

Garafolo’s colleague, Ian Rapoport, adds that Lane will be sidelined for “several weeks.” This is an unfortunate development for both the player and the team. Fellow Ravens WR Zay Flowers aggravated the hamstring injury he recently rehabbed as well. Expect rookie WR Elijah Sarratt to be active in Week 2 against the Saints.

Bourne led all Arizona wideouts in targets, catches, and yards. He ran a route on 82 percent of the Cardinals’ drop backs. Jacoby Brissett found Bourne in the short and intermediate areas throughout the first half — averaging a meager five air yards per target — while Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. worked mainly downfield. Bourne could be an interesting waiver add this week in deeper PPR formats if his usage keeps up.

Hockenson finished second on the team in targets, though his 17 percent target share isn’t much to write home about. He found paydirt late in the third quarter on a red zone strike from Carson Wentz over the middle of the field. Wentz was filling in for a concussed Kyler Murray, who will likely miss Week 2. Hockenson is more of a TE2 than a true TE1, but his strong Week 1 outing at least puts him on the border versus the Bears next week.

Though he wasn’t particularly efficient, Allgeier led the Arizona backfield with a heavy workload in the second half. Jeremiyah Love started the game strong and ended with 11 carries for 41 yards and a touchdown. It was Allgeier who took over with the Cards taking a big lead in the fourth quarter though. Allgeier’s role won’t be great for fantasy by any means. He will limit Love’s usage for now, however.

Benson’s day would have looked a lot different if QB Kirk Cousins had not overthrown him on a post route downfield on the Raiders’ second drive. The speedy rookie had gotten behind a Dolphins cornerback and was a step ahead of the safety. Benson is still buried on the depth chart, but he clearly possesses traits that can make him a contributor as a rookie. Benson also returned two punts for 35 yards. He should not be in fantasy lineups next week against the Chargers, but his usage should be monitored in the coming weeks.

Harrison was an afterthought in the Arizona offense as Jacoby Brissett threw for 277 yards and a score in the victory. MHJ was targeted on 11 percent of his routes. His lone grab came on a well-thrown sideline ball that was reeled in over tight coverage. Michael Wilson continued working as Brissett’s preferred downfield option and Trey McBride was a target magnet in the short areas. Harrison will be viable in deep leagues next week against a stingy Seattle coverage unit.

Harris saw a boost in playing time with Ladd McConkey sidelined with a chest injury. Most of Harris’ looks from Justin Herbert were of the short-area variety; he averaged 7.5 air yards per target and averaged 2.9 yards after contact per reception. Harris could have some draw in deeper leagues if McConkey misses time. The Chargers have a favorable matchup in Week 2 against the Raiders.

Things went off the rails in the first quarter when Kyler Murray left with a concussion, but one target is a bad omen no matter who is under center. Jennings was also a distant third on the team in routes behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He is not on the fantasy radar headed into Week 2.