Injury Status: Week 1

Thu Sep 4 9:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Unfortunately, the injury list is a little more populated than normal for Week 1 of the fantasy football season. We have a few more players returning from major injuries, though, and others were banged up in camp. This shouldn’t come as a huge shock because it is football. Injuries are going to happen. Let’s just hope it isn't a sign of things to come for the season.

Here is the latest. . . . .

Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills. Shakir suffered a high ankle sprain a few weeks back but is practicing in full this week. He seems to be right on track to play and without restrictions in Week 1. Shakir should be fine to use.

Jayden Reed, WR, Packers. Reed is out of practice because of a foot injury. He has been out of practice because of this injury and seems a good shot to miss this week. He will need to get in some work before the week is out if he hopes to play. We would get other options ready.   

Isaiah Likely, TE, Ravens. Likely remains out of practice because of his foot injury. He is not expected back this week, but might not be out as long as first thought. Likely could be back in another week or two. Mark Andrews handles all the work at tight end while Likely is sidelined.

Tyreek Hill, WR, Dolphins. Hill has been out with an oblique injury, going little in recent weeks. He is practicing on a limited basis to start the week, though, and is expected to be ready for Week 1. As long as he is playing, Hill should be in fantasy lineups.

De'Von Achane, RB, Dolphins. Achane has been limited because of a calf injury in recent weeks. He has missed a lot of practice time but is back on a limited basis to start this week. Achane is trending the right way and seems on track to play Week 1, barring a late-week setback.

Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers. Jennings is trending towards being ready for Week 1. He has a calf injury but is back practicing on a limited basis. Things are looking up for him. We expect Jennings to be in the lineup.

Keon Coleman, WR, Bills. Coleman is battling a groin injury but is practicing on a limited basis. This injury doesn’t appear to be too serious. Coleman is expected to be ready to go for Week 1. There is a chance he gets in a full practice or two before the week is out.

Darnell Mooney, WR, Falcons. It was thought that Mooney was going to miss some time after suffering a shoulder injury in training camp. But he is practicing on a limited basis this week and has a shot to play. We wouldn’t rule him out just yet. He likely misses a game or two, but keep an eye on the notes for the latest. He hasn’t been ruled out just yet. 

Chris Godwin, WR, Bucs. There was a thought that Godwin would be placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to start the season, but he avoided that. This is a positive sign, but that doesn’t mean he will be ready to go this week. Godwin is still expected to miss a few games as he recovers from his terrible ankle injury suffered late last season. Plan accordingly.

Stefon Diggs, WR, Patriots. Diggs has made great progress from the torn ACL he suffered last year. It was thought that Diggs might miss a few games to open the year, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Diggs isn’t even listed on the first Injury Report of the week. Diggs is right on track to play Week 1.

Najee Harris, RB, Chargers. Harris has been out all of camp until recently because of an eye injury suffered in a fireworks accident. We still aren’t sure what is going on there, but Harris is finally back practicing this week. He is expected to be ready for Week 1 and will likely serve as the top backup to rookie Omarion Hampton.

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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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 1

Player Notes
Michael Wilson Sep 6 10:00am CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson has been quite disappointing through the first two seasons of his career. He was healthier last season and suited up for three more games than his rookie year, yet he put up fewer yards and only one more touchdown with 13 more targets and nine more receptions. He's borderline third/fourth in the receiving pecking order if you include the backfield, after James Conner saw 55 targets compared to Wilson's 71. In Week 1, Wilson is better left off of fantasy lineups, unless it's a very deep league. Currently, RotoBaller has him projected as WR67 with 6.3 fantasy points against a weaker defense in the New Orleans Saints.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Sep 6 10:00am CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave enters the season as the clear No. 1 option in the passing game, but he remains difficult to trust as a weekly fantasy starter. Now in his fourth season, Olave has already suffered four concussions, including one that sidelined him for the final eight games in 2024. Before that, he topped 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. While he's likely to see a high target share, Spencer Rattler under center makes it uncertain whether Olave can replicate the 72.7% catch rate he posted last year. Against the Cardinals, Olave profiles as a boom-or-bust WR3 in a sneaky difficult matchup.

From RotoBaller

Braelon Allen Sep 6 10:00am CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen is set to work behind incumbent starter Breece Hall in the team's opening matchup with the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. The Wisconsin alum handled a modest workload during his rookie season, combining for 482 yards and three total touchdowns on 111 touches. 2025 will be a different story, though, as the second-year pro should see a sizable workload rotating in behind Hall. New York projects to funnel most of their offense through the rushing attack, though that will include quarterback Justin Fields, and potentially third-string rushing option Isaiah Davis. Allen doesn't figure to seize the starting role outright with Hall healthy, but head coach Aaron Glenn has made it clear that he plans to use multiple running backs in their offensive scheme. We don't yet know if the 21-year-old will garner standalone fantasy value, but he's currently one of the upper-echelon options as far as handcuffs go. He comes in at RotoBaller's PPR RB40 for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 6 9:50am CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. entered his rookie year in 2024 with insane expectations as his ADP in fantasy drafts was a late first-round pick. If that price tag weren't so high, a rookie year with 62 receptions, 885 yards, and eight touchdowns on 116 targets would probably have been a little more appreciated. His connection with Kyler Murray was very disjointed in that first season as well, but that seems to be changing heading into his second season. Harrison and Murray looked like they were on the same page through joint practices and training camp, and the former fourth-overall pick put on around 10 pounds of muscle. Against a lower-level defense like the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, this is Harrison's chance to start off with a bang. RotoBaller's projections have him sitting around WR20 in Week 1, but he carries some big upside if he does take that second year leap.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Sep 6 9:50am CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III set new career highs in targets (87), receptions (62), and yardage (686) in 2024, sailing past his previous career marks. However, with just a single touchdown reception, the 5-foot-9 receiver was primarily only viable in PPR leagues. With a low average depth of target (aDOT) of 6.77 yards, the 28-year-old relies on yards after the catch to pad his stats. He'll take on a Tampa Bay defense that was porous against the pass in 2024, and with Darnell Mooney (shoulder) a game-time decision, McCloud could see an extra target or two in this matchup, however, he'll still be the third or fourth receiving option, with running back Bijan Robinson involved in the passing attack as well in addition to WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts. Unlikely to find the end zone, the seventh-year pro sets up as no more than an option in deep PPR leagues as a WR4/5 on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 6 9:50am CT
Justin Fields

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields will face stiff competition in Week 1 when he squares off against his former team, the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers. New York's offense figures to take a run-centric approach this season, and that includes their new signal caller, who is capable of wondrous fantasy feats with his legs. His prowess as a thrower, however, is the asset in question, as Fields has yet to completely take the reins of an offense using primarily his arm. Whether that takes place in 2025 remains to be seen, but the 26-year-old could have trouble finding room on the ground during his first appearance in Jets green. Pittsburgh was a top-12 unit against opposing ground attacks in 2024 (109.8 yards per game), and they yielded the seventh-fewest points per game (20.8). Fields comes in at RotoBaller's QB8 this week due to his upside as a rusher, but fantasy managers will want to temper expectations in a contest with the lowest projected combined point total of the week (38.5).

From RotoBaller

Riley Patterson Sep 6 9:40am CT
Riley Patterson

Miami Dolphins kicker Riley Patterson will take the place of an injured Jason Sanders (hip) as the team's starting kicker in Week 1 against the Colts. The journeyman is suiting up for his sixth team in the last three seasons after stints with the Browns, Jets, Jaguars, Falcons, and Lions. He was signed to the practice squad and is expected to be elevated for kicking duties in Week 1. He'll be kicking on his 26th birthday on Sunday, and the veteran is 63-for-74 (85%) on field goal attempts in his career and has made 109 of his 113 extra-point attempts. He is the K22 this week in RotoBaller's rankings, making him nothing more than a one-week desperation fill-in for fantasy until he secures a more permanent role. He is kicking indoors in a decent matchup, though, so he isn't the worst option as a one-week patch.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Sep 6 9:40am CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson will be put to the test in Week 1 when his team squares off against the Pittsburgh Steelers at home on Sunday. Wilson is the clear-cut No. 1 option in Gang Green's passing attack and should again benefit from enormous volume in his fourth professional season. However, he'll again have a new quarterback at the helm, this time in his ex-college teammate, Justin Fields. The former Buckeyes will hope that their collegiate chemistry spills over onto the NFL field, although that isn't a guarantee. Despite the duo's familiarity with each other, they're still essentially brand-new teammates in a new offensive system. If Fields can take a step forward in 2025, Wilson would project to have a tremendous season. As of now, he'll be a bit of a riskier option than he has been in years past. The 25-year-old is RotoBaller's PPR WR30 ahead of Sunday's slate of action.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Sep 6 9:40am CT
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall draws an unfavorable matchup this weekend against the Pittsburgh Steelers in his team's home opener. The Iowa State product is an uber-talented athlete, but he's set to share a larger portion of New York's backfield touches this season with second-year pro Braelon Allen, and potentially even Isaiah Davis in the fold. Hall's skill as a pass-catcher should help keep his fantasy value afloat in 2025. However, he'll be subject to Allen and even quarterback Justin Fields vulturing goal-line opportunities. It's still possible talent wins out here, but Hall owners should expect the situation in New York to be more fluid than in years past. He's a mid-low-end RB2 ahead of Sunday's slate of action, and officially RotoBaller's PPR RB20 for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Trey Benson Sep 6 9:30am CT
Trey Benson

Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson produced a very forgettable rookie season in 2024. He registered a total of 69 touches (63 carries, six receptions), 350 yards from scrimmage, one rushing touchdown, and one fumble. The Cardinals hope he eventually becomes the successor to James Conner, but the veteran set career highs in yards and carries last year while Benson gave up touches to Emari Demercado and Michael Carter. During training camp and preseason, the team did talk about getting Benson more involved, but his upside currently revolves around whether or not Conner can stay healthy. In 12-team leagues, it's better to avoid Benson in Week 1 until we see how their game plan shakes out.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Sep 6 9:30am CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler won the starting job over rookie Tyler Shough and will lead Kellen Moore's new-look offense against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1. In three preseason games, Rattler completed 30 of 43 passes for 295 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while adding 41 rushing yards on seven carries. He's still trying to rebound from a rough rookie year in 2024 that saw him complete just 57% of his passes with four touchdowns, five interceptions, and five fumbles. Facing an Arizona defense that allowed the fifth-fewest passing scores last season, Rattler belongs on waivers in standard leagues and is only a fringe option in deeper two-QB or superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 6 9:30am CT
Alvin Kamara

It's no surprise that New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara is locked in as the Saints' lead back ahead of Kendre Miller and rookie Devin Neal. Despite coaching changes, offensive line struggles, and shaky quarterback play, Kamara has averaged over 1,440 total yards and 10 touchdowns per season across eight years. The Saints' offense is likely to run through him, with Kamara handling the bulk of carries and seeing heavy involvement in the passing game. At 30, he enters the "dreaded" age for running backs, and it remains to be seen if his production as a pass-catcher will start to decline. With second-year QB Spencer Rattler under center, the offense as a whole is questionable, but Kamara profiles as a high-upside RB2 for Week 1 against the Cardinals.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Sep 6 9:30am CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller appears locked into the backup role behind starter Alvin Kamara. Miller came through the preseason healthy, and head coach Kellen Moore has expressed excitement about the third-year back, saying, "What we've seen has been awesome." With the Saints potentially leaning on a committee approach and Kamara entering age 30, Miller is best viewed as a deep-league stash for now, valuable only if Father Time starts catching up to Kamara.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Sep 6 9:20am CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua remains a must-start in fantasy football, and he could be a legitimate mid-range WR1 in his upcoming matchup against the Houston Texans. Not only is Nacua a star receiver, averaging 6.6 catches and 88 yards per game throughout his young career, but he also benefits from a favorable matchup. The Texans allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to wide receivers last year, as well as the second-most touchdowns to the position. While Nacua isn't known for being a touchdown threat, his odds to find the end zone certainly increase against this Houston defense. Start him with confidence.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 6 9:20am CT
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams will make his team debut against the Houston Texans on Sunday, and he carries significant value as a mid-to-low WR2 option. While Puka Nacua is expected to be the No. 1 receiver in Los Angeles, Adams will step in as an immediate contributor alongside him. Splitting last year between the Raiders and Jets, the veteran averaged 6.1 catches, 75.9 receiving yards, and 0.6 touchdowns per game. Now, with the Rams, he gets a quarterback upgrade while playing in an offense that should find the end zone far more often. Plus, he opens the year with a favorable matchup; the Texans allowed the eighth-most fantasy points and second-most touchdowns to wide receivers in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Sep 6 9:10am CT
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is healthy for the 2025 season, and he'll have some low-end fantasy appeal when he takes the field in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. While Stafford lacks the rushing upside needed to be a top fantasy quarterback, his strong and accurate arm puts him in the conversation as a starter in two-quarterback leagues. The Texans ranked near the middle of the league in most metrics against quarterbacks last year, although their 19 interceptions did rank second-most in the NFL. However, Stafford has a track record of playing clean, turnover-free football, so this matchup isn't a major concern. The presence of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams should elevate his game (and his fantasy production) in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Sep 6 9:10am CT
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine came to Miami this past offseason on a two-year, $6.5 million contract, but he doesn't look like he'll be very involved in Week 1. Westbrook-Ikhine showed a nose for the end zone in his five seasons in Tennessee and had nine touchdowns last year on just 32 catches for 497 yards. He's a big red-zone target that could emerge as a goal-line favorite for Tua Tagovailoa, but he doesn't have a clear path to a role coming into the year. One potential spot he could step into would be to fill in for Darren Waller (hip), since the Dolphins don't have any obvious pass-catching options at tight end. He's a long shot to be involved, though, so Westbrook-Ikhine is the WR99 coming into the week in the RotoBaller rankings, since he's behind at least Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and Malik Washington in the Dolphins' receiver room.

From RotoBaller

James Conner Sep 6 9:10am CT
James Conner

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner has quietly built a solid career as he enters year number nine in the NFL. The former Pitt Panther is only 30 yards away from 6,000 and one touchdown shy of 60, which he could reach in the first week of the season, making him the 55th running back in NFL history to reach those marks (fifth on the active RB list). To open up the 2025 season, the Cardinals take on the New Orleans Saints, who finished as the D/ST22 last season and come into this year projected as the D/ST23. Conner should be able to find some running room and will likely continue to receive red zone touches despite Trey Benson being projected to get some more work. RotoBaller's rankers have him projected as the RB19 this year with a very enticing 17 fantasy point prediction in Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Sep 6 9:10am CT
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has been the topic of many backfield discussions this offseason, and there was plenty of speculation that the team could look to bring in running back competition. While the presence of Blake Corum and Jarquez Hunter can't be ignored, there's no doubt that this backfield belongs to Williams and that he should continue to have an every-down role. That will benefit him this week against the Texans, who allowed the sixth-fewest rushing touchdowns to running backs last year. Therefore, a high-volume role is necessary to justify starting a running back against the Texans in fantasy football. Williams fits that description, and he also has a track record of scoring touchdowns against stingy defenses. He belongs in fantasy lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Sep 6 9:00am CT
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington is set to start the season as the team's third receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The second-year receiver could be in for a more involved role in 2025 after catching just 26 passes for 223 yards as a rookie. Washington was Miami's sixth-round pick out of Virginia and was able to work extensively with starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa this training camp and preseason, while Hill and Waddle dealt with injuries. Washington showed his playmaking ability in the return game last year, and offensive coordinator Frank Smith praised his growth and understanding of the offense over the offseason. He's only the WR102 in RotoBaller's Week 1 Rankings, so he shouldn't be starting in any format yet. However, he is definitely a player to keep an eye on and possibly stash from waiver wires since he brings a lot of upside if he secures a big role in Miami's offense.

From RotoBaller