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Dynasty $250 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1

Injury Status: Championship Games

Thu Jan 25 9:02am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

The good news is the injury reports aren’t too long this week. Now there are a few key players hurting, though, which could impact the game. The Chiefs have some injuries along the offensive line and the 49ers could be without one of their best offensive players. So it isn’t all great when it comes to injuries. There are a few to watch.

Here is the latest. . . .

Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens. It is looking more and more like Andrews will make his return this week. He is practicing in full and seems closer to full strength than last week. He has yet to be activated from Injured Reserve but look for that to happen before the week is out. Andrews still might not play his usual role in the game but look for him to be out there and helping the team.

Isiah Pacheco, RB, Chiefs. Pacheco has a toe injury and is out of practice to start the week. He is resting more than anything, though, and it seems the toe injury isn’t too serious. It would be a shock if Pacheco is not active for the big game this week. He should be ready to go.

Marlon Humphrey, CB, Ravens. Humphrey has not played since Week 17 because of a calf strain. He is back at practice this week, though, and trending towards being ready for the game. It would be a big boost to the secondary to have Humphrey back in the lineup for the Ravens.

Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. Moore seemed finally close to returning last week, returning to some practice. But he seemed to have a setback late last week with the knee injury. He missed Friday’s practice and has not practiced since. This is not a good sign for a return for Moore. He should miss another week of action.

Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers. Samuel has the big injury to watch this week. He was knocked from last week’s game because of a shoulder injury. He is out of practice to start this week. He is apparently not dealing with a significant injury but it is serious enough that it could sideline him this week. He is truly up in the air to play. It might come down to a game-time decision for Samuel.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
Isaiah Buggs Jun 24 2:10pm ET
Isaiah Buggs

The Kansas City Chiefs informed defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs of his release on Monday, according to a source. The move was expected after Buggs was arrested on June 16 on charges of domestic violence and burglary less than a month after he turned himself in for misdemeanor animal-cruelty charges. It remains to be seen if he'll get picked up by another team on the open market before the start of the 2024 season. The 27-year-old was originally a sixth-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2019 draft out of Alabama. Buggs played the first three years of his career in Pittsburgh before joining the Detroit Lions for the last two seasons. Detroit waived him earlier this year. In his five years in the NFL, Buggs has 89 tackles (42 solo), two sacks, four tackles for loss, 12 QB hits, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 56 games (23 starts).

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Vita Vea Jun 24 10:05am ET
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The Athletic's Dan Pompei thinks Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea could have a career year in 2024. The seven-year veteran is entering the prime of his career at 29 years old after losing a significant amount of weight in the offseason while working out with former teammate Ndamukong Suh. Vea has been listed at 347 points but probably weighed closer to 367 pounds. The Buccaneers have wanted him to slim down for a while. Over the last three seasons, he has missed games with toe, groin, pectoral, calf, foot and knee injuries. In addition to being quicker and more explosive, Vea could also be healthier in 2024. The 29-year-old inside pass-rusher is hoping to play increased snaps on defense now that he's lighter after recording a career-high 43 tackles (28 solo) last year while picking up 5.5 sacks, one shy of his career-high.

Stefon Diggs Jun 23 9:30pm ET
Stefon Diggs

According to Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum, wide receiver Stefon Diggs has impressed his teammates this offseason. "It's really cool to get back out there and see Stefon on the practice field and to watch him absolutely do some dirty things on some routes that I haven't seen anybody be able to do," said Keenum during his annual youth football camp. "He's a dynamic player, and he hasn't lost a step." Diggs has been one of the league's top wideouts for years, and he finished the 2023-24 campaign by amassing 1,183 yards and eight touchdowns off 107 catches. The 30-year-old will have the luxury of catching passes from C.J. Stroud, an up-and-coming signal-caller, in 2024-25. However, Diggs will have plenty of competition for targets in Houston, so he could have a tough time hitting the 1,000-yard receiving mark for a seventh-consecutive season.

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Dallas Goedert Jun 23 9:20pm ET
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Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert isn't concerned about it potentially being his last year with the team. "I feel really good," the veteran said in an interview with the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I'm not too worried about it. I love being in Philadelphia. I'm going to give them everything I've got and let the chips fall where they may fall." Goedert also believes he'll benefit from the hiring of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore. "He's been doing a great job of just making the offense make sense," commented Goedert. "I feel like it'll play in favor of the tight end, the quick game a little bit, getting back to the pivots. I'm really excited for how he uses the tight end and how he feels like they can be a big part of the offense and help win games. Goedert, who signed a four-year, $57 million contract extension in 2001, finished last season by amassing 592 yards and three touchdowns off a career-high 59 catches. With the tight end spot historically known for its volatility, fantasy managers certainly shouldn't look beyond the 29-year-old in drafts, considering he appears enthusiastic and ready to produce in 2024-25.

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Dallas Goedert Jun 23 3:53pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert had high praise for the offense under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and expects a bigger role in the passing game. 'I'm really excited for how he uses the tight end and how he feels like they can be a big part of the offense and help win games,' Geodert told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Saturday, June 22.

Fantasy Spin: Goedert posted 592 yards and just 42.3 yards per game in 2023, finishing as the TE12 in PPR points per game. His ceiling remains limited given the wide receiver duo in Philly, and the addition of Saquon Barkley is likely to eat into Goedert's target share. He's a low-end TE1 for fantasy.

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Mac McCain Jun 23 2:00pm ET
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The New Orleans Saints signed free-agent cornerback Mac McCain to an undisclosed deal earlier this week, according to executive vice president/general manager Mickey Loomis. In a corresponding move, the team waived defensive end Nathan Latu. McCain became a free agent last September when he was waived by the Carolina Panthers with an undisclosed injury. The 26-year-old defensive back entered the NFL in 2021 as an undrafted free agent out of North Carolina A&T. His only two games played in the NFL came in his first year in the league in 2021 with the Philadelphia Eagles. In New Orleans, McCain will merely be competing for a roster spot in training camp and the preseason for a Saints secondary that is already pretty stacked.

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JuJu Smith-Schuster Jun 23 1:40pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (knee) said his injured knee is much healthier than last year, but to the untrained eye, The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that it didn't appear as if Smith-Schuster had the same explosiveness that he did in 2021 or 2022. If he's going to make the 53-man roster out of training camp and the preseason this year, he's going to need to outplay both Kayshon Boutte and Tyquan Thornton this summer while hoping that Jalen Reagor loses the competition for the top kick-returner job. Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne (knee), K.J. Osborn and rookies Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker appear to be roster locks at the position. The 27-year-old Smith-Schuster had just 260 receiving yards in 11 games in 2023 for New England and is well off the fantasy radar entering the 2024 campaign, even if he does somehow make the final roster.

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Bailey Zappe Jun 23 1:40pm ET
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Toward the end of organized team activities this offseason, New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye overtook Bailey Zappe as the team's No. 2 QB behind veteran Jacoby Brissett. Nothing about that comes off as surprising, but with sixth-rounder Joe Milton III also in the fold in New England, is seems that Zappe's days with the team could be close to over. To earn the No. 3 job this year, Zappe would have to drastically outplay Milton, which didn't happen during spring workouts. The Patriots also have Nathan Rourke competing for a roster spot this summer. The most likely scenario at this point is that the 25-year-old Zappe is traded away to a team with more of a need for quarterback depth once training camp and the preseason begin.

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Tank Bigsby Jun 23 1:20pm ET
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SI.com's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars second-year running back Tank Bigsby had some issues with drops during offseason workouts and didn't have the standout offseason program that he had last year. The Jaguars have done nothing but insinuate that Bigsby will have a bigger role in the backfield in 2024 as they look to give lead back Travis Etienne Jr. more of a break, but nothing is guaranteed as training camp approaches. It's not like Bigsby really impressed in his rookie year, either, as he carried the ball only 50 times for 132 yards (2.6 yards per carry) and two touchdowns, adding only one reception for a six-yard gain in 17 games played. Still, Bigsby should have more of a role in his second year in the NFL, although it remains to be seen if it will be enough to give him standalone fantasy value in 2024.

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Malik Cunningham Jun 23 1:20pm ET
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Baltimore Ravens quarterback turned wide receiver Malik Cunningham hasn't looked out of place as he makes the position transition in offseason workouts, although he still probably faces an uphill battle to make the final roster out of training camp. Cunningham made a few plays in just about every practice this offseason and has shown good awareness and quickness. The amount of one-on-one attention he's gotten from head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken indicates that they see potential in Cunningham at his new position. The 25-year-old won't be a fantasy consideration entering the 2024 season, but the fact that Baltimore's receiving depth isn't all that great gives him a fleeting chance to make an impact this year.

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Shaquille Leonard Jun 23 11:33am ET
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Free-agent LB Shaquille Leonard (Eagles) has continued doing offseason training in the hopes of making an NFL roster this year. He ended the 2023 season with the Philadelphia Eagles but has only played in 17 games over the last two years due to various injuries.

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Russell Wilson Jun 23 9:53am ET
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Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson was 'clearly the better quarterback' during minicamps and organized team activities, in the opinion of Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. He took the overwhelming majority of meaningful reps, including on the final day of mandatory minicamp, when most other veterans took off. In addition, DeFabo wrote that QB Justin Fields 'doesn't often shine in seven-on-seven situations.'

Fantasy Spin: Barring an injury during training camp, it appears as though Wilson will be Pittsburgh's No. 1 quarterback to begin the 2024 season. He's an upgrade over last year's starter (Kenny Pickett) but should only be viewed as a starting option in deeper two-quarterback fantasy leagues.

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Breece Hall Jun 22 8:10pm ET
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New York Jets running back Breece Hall is eager to show what he can do this season. As such, he wants to play up to the level of San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. "It's on me," Hall said in an interview with the New York Post. "To me, he sets the standard. I've gotten better this offseason. I'm a lot leaner, I feel a lot healthier. My knee feels a lot better. I just feel like I'm back to my old self." The 23-year-old was solid as a rookie before going down seven games into the season because of a knee injury. He finished last season by running for nearly 1,000 yards and totaling nine touchdowns. With that said, Hall will get a chance to showcase his talent immediately, with the Jets meeting the 49ers in Week 1 for Monday Night Football. If the 2022 No. 36 overall pick stays healthy, he may be on tap to have his best season yet.

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Jacoby Brissett Jun 22 11:33am ET
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New England Patriots QB Drake Maye still has a chance to win the starting quarterback job during training camp, even though veteran QB Jacoby Brissett took all of the reps with the first-team offense at the Patriots' mandatory minicamp and was referred to as the starter by offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt.

Fantasy Spin: Maye finished minicamp as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart but would need to clearly outplay Brissett by a wide margin in training camp to earn the starting nod for Week 1's game against the Cincinnati Bengals. For as long Brissett is in a starting role, he should be viewed as a low-end QB2 for fantasy purposes because of the lack of offensive weapons on New England's offense. Maye will likely take over as starter before the end of the 2024 regular season and could be viewed as a QB2 option in most fantasy leagues once this happens.

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Evan Engram Jun 21 9:43pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars TE Evan Engram said he wants to become more than just an underneath target this season. 'Making more explosive plays, downfield, more touchdowns, being a bigger red zone target,' Engram said. 'Those are my goals. I think that can take it to a whole other level.'

Fantasy Spin: Engram just missed out on a 1,000-yard season in 2023, and even he doesn't generate more big plays, he should remain one of the busiest targets in the Jacksonville passing game. He should be a reliable TE1.

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Jaleel McLaughlin Jun 21 7:40pm ET
Jaleel McLaughlin

Denver Broncos running back Jaleel McLaughlin has reportedly looked more explosive during offseason workouts and mandatory minicamp. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi has praised McLaughlin for his speed and explosiveness. It certainly appears that McLaughlin could earn himself a bigger role next season. However, he still has to compete in a crowded backfield with Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and rookie fifth-rounder Audric Estime. McLaughlin might be able to earn more snaps, but it probably won't be anything that will raise his draft stock by much.

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Demario Douglas Jun 21 7:30pm ET
Demario Douglas

New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas has reportedly looked like the best and most explosive playmaker this spring. The former sixth-round pick was impressive during his rookie season with the Pats last season. He finished with 49 receptions and lead the team with 561 receiving yards in 14 games. The Pats failed to add much depth this offseason, which means Douglas should have a similar role once again. The hope is that the Pats offense is better under head coach Jerod Mayo and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt. Douglas is worth a look in the later rounds of PPR fantasy drafts.

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Cedric Tillman Jun 21 5:00pm ET
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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman had a quiet rookie campaign after being selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Tennessee. He ran just 343 routes (74th) and hauled in 21 of his 44 targets for 244 yards and no touchdowns. However, Zac Jackson of the Athletic suggests he will get more opportunities in Year 2, despite the additions of Jerry Jeudy and rookie Jamari Thrash. "It's my belief that the Browns plan to open the season with Jeudy in the slot and [Amari] Cooper and Cedric Tillman out wide. Jeudy can play outside, too, and Elijah Moore will also see snaps inside and outside." Although Tillman could have limited upside if Deshaun Watson fails to bounce back to form from his time with the Houston Texans, this is an encouraging report for dynasty managers holding onto him. Tillman is usually available well into the late 200s in fantasy drafts, so he could be an underpriced sleeper candidate.

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Elijah Moore Jun 21 5:00pm ET
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Cleveland Browns wide receiver Elijah Moore showed flashes of upside in his 2021 rookie season, but over the last two years, he has failed to make a significant impact. In his last 33 games with the Jets and Browns, he's hauled in 96 receptions for 1,086 yards and three touchdowns. Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy are likely locked into the WR1 and WR2 roles for quarterback Deshaun Watson, and Zac Jackson of the Athletic suggested Cedric Tillman will occupy the WR3 role. "It's my belief that the Browns plan to open the season with Jeudy in the slot and Cooper and Cedric Tillman out wide," Jackson wrote. "Jeudy can play outside, too, and Elijah Moore will also see snaps inside and outside." Moore is going well ahead of Tillman in 2024 fantasy drafts, and that might be a mistake based on offseason reports. Moore was once a potential top-24 dynasty wide receiver, but he is now trending toward fantasy irrelevance.

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Tim Patrick Jun 21 4:50pm ET
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Denver Broncos wide receiver Tim Patrick (Achilles) has had an unfortunate run of injury luck. He suffered a torn ACL during the 2022 offseason before a devastating Achilles tear leading up to the 2023 campaign. However, the 30-year-old said he's feeling back to full strength this year. "I felt like myself," Patrick said after practice "I felt twitchy. I felt like I was running [full speed]. Honestly, I think I'm right there where I was three years ago, right now." Patrick was a decent fantasy football contributor in his last full season (2021), as he racked up 53 receptions for 734 yards and five touchdowns. He posted a WR42 finish in PPR leagues. The last time he was on the field for a regular season game, Teddy Bridgewater was his quarterback. A lot has changed since then, and it will be interesting to see if he has any ability left after two major injuries. All that said, Denver has one of the weakest wide receiver groups in the NFL, so he could make at least a small impact in 2024. He should be left on waivers in traditional fantasy leagues, but fantasy managers in ultra-deep leagues can get him in the late rounds of drafts, as he's being selected outside the top 130 wide receivers.

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