NFL Player News

Thornton caught 19 passes for a career-high 438 yards and three touchdowns as the Chiefs’ deep ball receiver in 2025. The Chiefs’ receiving cupboard is bare but Thornton at least had a connection with Patrick Mahomes on deep targets. He returns to Kansas City on a two-year deal and will be in the mix for WR4 on the Chiefs’ depth chart in 2026. For fantasy purposes, Thornton will be a boom-or-bust dart throw again, but the Chiefs’ wide receiver moves later in the offseason will shape his value.

Winston played poorly in QB Jaxson Dart’s (knee) stead last week. If he can bounce back, the trade talk might calm down. If not, it will only get louder. The Giants face the Titans in Week 3, which should provide Winston with an opportunity to reasonably support one or two pass catchers in fantasy. Stay tuned.

Hendrickson recently broke his finger “into several pieces.” Ouch. Hendrickson played through the pain last week, collecting six quarterback pressures and one sack. We expect him to suit up again in Week 3, though the team will manage his reps.

Wright and Ollie Gordon each have three carries this year. De’Von Achane has 31. Even if the backup role gets narrowed to just Gordon, there isn’t any fantasy value to be had behind Achane.

This could just be maintenance for a player who is likely still on a pitch count as he continues to put distance between himself and his 2025 torn ACL. On the other hand, Bell has not been on the injury report before today, so we’re at least a little bit concerned. With Caleb Douglas banged up, Bell would have been in line for more routes this week. That’s far less likely now.

Jones played through the injury last week. His continued practice participation this week is a good sign. He should be good to go for a favorable D/ST matchup against the Dolphins this week.

Brown generally contributes as a gadget receiver and in the return game. Were he to sit out in Week 3, his absence would likely be a bigger deal for the Saints than it would be for fantasy managers.

Porter was technically ruled out because of his back injury last week. The Steelers aren’t even bothering to list it this time around. The two sides remain at an impasse over a contract extension, and their relationship seems to be spiraling toward a point of no return. We would not expect Porter to return to action for Week 3 versus the Bengals.

Etienne begins the week with a limited session, which is either good or bad, depending on when the injury occurred. If this is a lingering issue from Sunday, Etienne should be considered likely to play. Limited practices early in the week are generally a good sign. However, if he suffered the injury during today’s practice, his Week 3 availability would be in jeopardy. Veteran Saints RB Alvin Kamara would likely get the start, but RB Kendre Miller would be FLEX-viable if Etienne sits.

Pittman didn’t practice once last week, so a limited session today is a big step in the right direction. Germie Bernard took his spot in the lineup on Sunday and caught four passes for 35 yards, but he also coughed up a drop that was then intercepted by New England. The mistake all but guarantees his return to the bench once Pittman is healthy.

Spears and starting RB Tony Pollard were both sidelined by ankle injuries today. If the two players are unable to go, rookie RB Nicholas Singleton is the next player up. He is worth stashing on fantasy football benches at this time.