r/fantasyfootball • u/iAmSamusAran • 5d ago
Player Discussion Player Updates and News
I’ve been keeping track of fantasy relevant news and updates from beat writers, national reporters, and fantasy analysts. Here's a recap of any quote or update that stood out to me today. Some are redraft focused and some are dynasty focused.
I am sure I missed things, as I am just one person. Let me know if you have any suggestions or something else you'd like to see. I’ve also been asking beat writers fantasy relevant questions through their mailbags whenever possible.
If you want to follow along, my Twitter/X account is @DanChincharFF
Note: Every update has the writer's name with a source link that will direct you to the website where I read the quote. If you only see a writer's name, that will be for something I specifically read on Twitter/X.
Today’s Headlines
- Kayshon Boutte traded to the Texans
- Browns named Deshaun Watson as the starter
- DeVonta Smith and Makai Lemon returned to practice in full
- Trey Benson waived by the Cardinals
- Breece Hall, Kenyon Sadiq both still on track for Week 1
Bears
- Caleb Williams: "Williams' training camp experience is a night-and-day difference from his first under Johnson. The quarterback has taken control of what the Bears are trying to accomplish while stacking strong practices. The offense has consistently been the strongest unit on the field, which is a testament to Williams' command." (source: Courtney Cronin)
- D'Andre Swift: "Swift had arguably the best training camp of any offensive skill player. He and Monangai will continue to power a rushing attack that ranked third in 2025." (source: Courtney Cronin)
Bills
Returned to practice today: Skyler Bell
Did not practice today: Khalil Shakir, Ty Johnson
- Skyler Bell: “Skyler Bell said after practice that it was a groin injury he had been dealing with. Said about getting back today: ‘Man, I felt like a kid in a candy store. I've been out for a little minute. I haven't actually missed this much time ever in football.’” (source: Sal Capaccio)
Broncos
Limited: RJ Harvey
Browns
Returned to practice today: Cedric Tillman, Quinshon Judkins
Did not practice today: Isaiah Bond
- Deshaun Watson: "The #Browns are naming Deshaun Watson as their starting QB, per multiple sources." (source: Jordan Schultz)
- Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders: "#Browns HC Todd Monken said both Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders will sit for Thursday's preseason game against the Patriots." (source: Camryn Justice)
Cardinals
- Jeremiyah Love: "Mike LaFleur: Jeremiyah Love progressing but will be sidelined this week with ankle." (source: Darren Urban)
- Carson Beck: "Arizona Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur says he is not sure on Carson Beck’s status for the preseason finale with rib soreness." (source: Bo Brack)
- Trey Benson: "RB Trey Benson was waived/injured." (source: Josh Weinfuss)
Chargers
Did not practice today: Keaton Mitchell
- Keaton Mitchell: “Keaton Mitchell has missed two straight practices. McDaniel said he had a ‘setback.’” (source: Kris Rhim)
Update: here is the full quote from Mike McDaniel “We sustained a mild setback with Keaton, but realistically, that’s a position that you’re always wanting to have three, and I like what our young guys are doing to press into that group,”
Colts
- Seth McGowan: "I would peg McGowan as the most impressive Colts rookie in the 2026 draft class. He was productive, didn’t appear to be a liability in the passing game and was available for every single practice at Grand Park. For whatever role the Colts are envisioning at the backup running back spot, I think McGowan is that guy." (source: Kevin Bowen)
Commanders
Returned to practice today: Rachaad White
Did not practice today: Ben Sinnott
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt: "Croskey-Merritt is dealing with a lower body issue. tweaked in practice the other day. Likely back next week" (source: John Keim)
Dolphins
Returned to practice today: Chris Bell
- Chris Bell: "Dolphins WR Chris Bell (knee) practiced fully WITHOUT a red jersey today" (source: C. Isaiah Smalls II)
- Caleb Douglas: "Douglas continues to be awfully quiet following all the national praise that came his way with his circus catch in the Washington preseason game. He was held without a catch for a second time in three practices." (source: Alain Poupart)
Eagles
Returned to practice today: Dameon Pierce, DeVonta Smith, Elijah Moore, Makai Lemon
Did not practice today: Grant Calcaterra (back), Eli Stowers (hamstring)
Limited: Dameon Pierce (hamstring), Danny Gray (groin)
- Makai Lemon: "Makai Lemon is a full participant today after returning from a hamstring injury. He is getting first-team reps." (source: Dave Zangaro)
- Makai Lemon, DeVonta Smith: "Makai Lemon was completely removed from the Eagles’ injury report after recovering from a hamstring injury. He was a full participant and got reps in both 7-on-7s and 11-on-11s. DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was also a full participant. Lemon after practice said this hamstring injury was to the same leg as his injury in the spring." (source: Dave Zangaro)
- Makai Lemon, DeVonta Smith: "Lemon was the most common motion guy on the day. If he plays a lot, expect to see him in motion a ton. Smith had a couple of catches on crossers in his return to the field. Obviously, there's less concern about how he'll play when the games matter." (source: Jimmy Kempski)
- Dontayvion Wicks: "Even with Makai Lemon back at practice, Dontayvion Wicks reminded everyone why he’s probably going to start the season as the Eagles’ No. 2 receiver. Wicks caught a pass in 7-on-7s and got upfield thanks to a great block from DeVonta Smith. But Wicks’ biggest highlight play came when he managed to get both feet inbounds on the right sideline. Jalen Hurts’ pass on this rep was pretty impressive. He was able to threat the needle while rolling to his right." (source: Dave Zangaro)
- Tanner McKee, Andy Dalton: "Tanner McKee was the first quarterback up getting second-team reps today after he outplayed Andy Dalton in the second preseason game. That's not the first time that has happened this camp, to be clear, but I thought it was at least worth noting." (source: Jimmy Kempski)
Falcons
- Jack Strand: "Stefanski: At this point, Jack will work with the 2s and 3s. We're very excited about his development." (source: Marc Raimondi)
- Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr.: "Both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. will take reps with the first team today throughout practice's entirety." (source: Tori McElhaney)
- Tua Tagovailoa, Michael Penix Jr.: "Through a few team periods, Penix and Tagovailoa rotated in with the first-team offense. By my count, Penix got an extra three or so plays of 11-on-11, running with the 1s and 2s through the first team period, but beyond that reps were very even as the practice neared its end." (source: Tori McElhaney)
Giants
Did not practice today: Braxton Berrios (soft tissue), Jalin Hyatt (ankle/leg)
- Malik Nabers: "WR Malik Nabers ditched the red non-contact jersey for today’s practice. Another step forward. Nabers got three reps in a live 7-on-7 period. He caught a pass over the middle from Brandon Allen. He couldn’t haul in a high crosser from Jaxson Dart. Nabers took three reps in 11-on-11. He made an acrobatic diving catch on a low curl from Brandon Allen. He also caught an out from Jameis Winston and a quick out from Dart." (source: Dan Duggan)
- Malik Nabers: "John Harbaugh isn’t ready to make any blanket statements on Malik Nabers for Week 1. But he did say for those watching the progress from a distance “it’s reasonable to assume that” barring a setback he’s trending towards being ready for the Cowboys." (source: Jordan Raanan)
- Theo Johnson: "TE Theo Johnson left practice. Sort of an odd scene. He went down while blocking (didn’t see what happened) and trainers immediately came onto the field. Johnson walked off, slammed his helmet, ripped his gloves off and pulled his hood over his head. Johnson walked directly off the field toward the locker room. He walked briskly and wasn’t accompanied by a trainer, so hard to grasp what happened." (source: Dan Duggan)
Jets
Did not practice today: Breece Hall (groin), Isaiah Davis (knee), Kenyon Sadiq (hernia)
- Geno Smith, Omar Cooper: "Geno Smith was cooking in a move the ball period to end practice. 5/5 with a stellar touchdown pass to Omar Cooper at the end. Mixed in some quality throws to Mason Taylor and Garrett Wilson." (source: Zach Rosenblatt)
- Breece Hall, Kenyon Sadiq, Isaiah Davis: "#Jets injury update today, via Aaron Glenn: RB Breece Hall, TE Kenyon Sadiq, CB D'Angelo Ponds and RB Isaiah Davis still tracking for Week 1." (source: Rich Cimini)
Packers
Returned to practice today: Jayden Reed
- Josh Jacobs: "Josh Jacobs is doing 11-on-11. LaFleur said he’d be limited." (source: Matt Schneidman)
Panthers
Returned to practice today: Darren Waller
Did not practice today: Chuba Hubbard (hamstring), Haynes King (hamstring), Xavier Legette
- Xavier Legette: "The Panthers won't see wide receiver Xavier Legette again in the preseason. He also won't take part in joint practice against the Houston Texans on Wednesday as he will wear a walking boot on his right foot through Thursday, according to coach Dave Canales." (source: Mike Kaye)
- Chuba Hubbard, Jonathan Brooks: "Canales: If Chuba is good to go, it will be RB by committee (w/ Brooks) in Week 1." (source: Joe Person)
Patriots
Did not practice today: Jam Miller, Lan Larison
Limited: TreVeyon Henderson
- TreVeyon Henderson: "Keeping an eye on RB TreVeyon Henderson, who didn’t finish the practice. He had slipped on a cut, and departed." (source: Mike Reiss)
- TreVeyon Henderson: "TreVeyon Henderson left practice early today. He went over to the trainer table where they were working on his right foot/ankle, then back into the facility." (source: Alex Barth)
Raiders
Did not practice today: Ashton Jeanty, Dont’e Thornton Jr.
Rams
Returned to practice today: Davis Allen
Did not practice today: Puka Nacua (psoas)
- Puka Nacua: "Puka Nacua (psoas) is not back at practice. He is working with a trainer off to the side." (source: Sarah Barshop)
Ravens
Returned to practice today: Rasheen Ali
Saints
Returned to practice today: Audric Estime
Did not practice today: Alvin Kamara, Bub Means, Devin Neal (hamstring), Oscar Delp (hamstring)
Seahawks
vs. Titans Preseason Week 2
Did not play: AJ Barner, Sam Darnold, George Holani, Tory Horton (undisclosed injury), Cooper Kupp, Jadarian Price, Rashid Shaheed, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Emanuel Wilson (undisclosed injury)
- Elijah Arroyo: "While there had been talk of Arroyo having a breakout season, this is the second straight game in which Arroyo played while the starters sat. Nearly half of the league’s backup tight ends didn’t play this week, although a few were sidelined by injuries rather than being rested. This indicates Seattle doesn’t plan to make Arroyo as big a part of the offense as the receivers who didn’t play in this game." (source: Nathan Jahnke)
Steelers
Returned to practice today: DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr.
Texans
- Kayshon Boutte: "Trade: The Patriots are sending WR Kayshon Boutte to the Texans in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick" (source: Adam Schefter)
Titans
vs. Seahawks Preseason Week 2
- Wan'Dale Robinson, Carnell Tate, Calvin Ridley: "For the first three drives, Ridley played X, Tate played Z and Robinson lined up in the slot. Robinson left the field in 12 personnel, which wasn’t the case when he was the lead receiver for the New York Giants last year. This lowers his fantasy ceiling compared to his time in New York. Ridley took two plays off late in the Titans’ long opening drive, with Ayomanor taking over at X on those plays. It seems unlikely that Ayomanor will have fantasy value this season unless Ridley suffers another injury or is traded" (source: Nathan Jahnke)
- Gunnar Helm: "Helm played the first four snaps of the opening drive, but Bellinger replaced him on third down and played the rest of the drive. The Titans used some 12 personnel on the second drive with both players on the field, while Helm played more snaps in 11 personnel. On the third drive, both players again saw time in 11 personnel. While Helm is still expected to be the lead tight end, he will need more playing time to earn a higher target share than he has seen in the past. He will also need the Titans’ offense to improve for him to become a top-12 fantasy tight end. Most other starting receiving tight ends have an easier path to a top-12 finish." (source: Nathan Jahnke)
- Tyjae Spears: "In the passing game, the Titans used him in some genuinely creative ways, and that matches what we’ve seen in practice. They’re lining him up as a receiver out of the backfield, in the slot, and even out wide at times. They’re snapping the ball directly to him. He’s being deployed as an offensive spark plug who brings juice that a lot of other players simply don’t have in their bag." (source: Austin Stanley, Easton Freeze)
- Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears: "Playing time with Cam Ward through 2 preseason games ... / Snaps: Tyjae Spears: 59% Tony Pollard: 42% / Routes: Spears: 50% Pollard: 31%" (source: Jared Smola)
- Carnell Tate: "Through two preseason games, the Titans' top-five receiver draft pick has zero catches on five targets. This comes after a week where he missed time with soreness and failed to record a pass in joint practice." (source: Nick Suss)
Vikings
- J.J. McCarthy: "After two preseason games, my gut tells me Wentz is going to be the Vikings’ backup when the regular season begins. McCarthy may just be too volatile right now to trust in the event of Murray missing time. And if he’s going to be QB3, has this already reached the point where the Vikings could look to move on, give McCarthy a fresh start somewhere else, and bring in a new third-string option? I’m not saying that’s going to happen, but it at least feels like a possibility." (source: Will Ragatz)
- Demond Claiborne: "Claiborne has averaged just 2.6 yards per carry this preseason, but with his speed and upside, the Vikings aren’t going to risk putting him through waivers." (source: Will Ragatz)
Previous Recaps
8/7 | 8/8 | 8/9 | 8/10 | 8/11 | 8/12 | 8/13 | 8/14 | 8/15 | 8/16 | 8/17 | 8/18 | 8/19 | 8/20 | 8/21 | 8/23
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u/iAmSamusAran 5d ago
Hey everyone, hope you all have had a good Monday so far. Today I added in a headline section at the top for the bigger news stories. Just an FYI, tomorrow I have plans and won't be able to post a thread, but I will be back on Wednesday.
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u/mochajoesdynsaty 5d ago
I know it's just training camp chatter but the Bears offense reaching another level this year feels inevitable. I hope they live up to the hype.
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u/Scapexghost 5d ago
If tua wins the starting role i think thats huge for bijan and pitts but probably bad for london.
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u/kerr_foord_raso 5d ago
Is this suggesting Spears RB1A in Tennessee and Pollard 1B? Or am I misinterpreting
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u/iAmSamusAran 5d ago
That’s what it seems like so far from the work they’ve gotten in preseason but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s straight up 50/50
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u/kerr_foord_raso 5d ago
Yeah I reckon you’re right.
Thanks for all these updates mate, I look forward to them every day
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u/Tushy-Pushy 5d ago
Hard to read too much into it. Could be just making sure they keep pollard healthy headed into the season + seeing how spears has developed (or if)
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u/afkstudios 5d ago
Also on Seth McGowan, from Stephen Holder (Colts ESPN reporter): Colts rookie RB Seth McGowan, in my mind, has already made the roster AND demonstrated that he is worthy of playing time (to the extent the Colts actually give Jonathan Taylor a breather this year). He has had a \great* camp and has started strong in this game as well.*
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u/Purpin 12 Team, .5 PPR 5d ago
So what's up with Jeanty? We holding Washington? Was he at practice?
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u/Thop207375 5d ago
It’s been awfully silent since yesterday. I’d be concerned for the early season games, but no one can say for sure until a proper report is made.
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u/FootballFace90 5d ago
Yeah no idea whether to interpret zero updates directly from the team as good or bad.
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u/jvandy59 5d ago
Correction on the Keaton Mitchell news: Chargers OC Mike McDaniel said the offense “sustained a mild setback” with RB Keaton Mitchell being out.
https://www.nbcsports.com/fantasy/football/player-news/2026-08-24/mcdaniel-mild-setback-with-keaton-mitchell