Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson has looked like the team's No. 3 in camp behind Nico Collins and Christian Kirk, Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle observes. Alexander pegs rookie second-round pick Jayden Higgins at No. 4 and rookie third-rounder Jaylin Noel fifth in the pecking order. Hutchinson - who, like Higgins and Noel, went to Iowa State - was a sixth-round selection in 2023. The 25-year-old caught just 20 passes for 207 yards and no touchdowns over 32 games in his first two seasons. Despite that, Alexander reports that Hutchinson worked hard in the offseason to get better and has "quickly become one of C.J. Stroud's go-to targets and looks much improved from a season ago." That doesn't mean it'll translate during the regular season, but for now, it seems possible that Higgins and Noel could take a backseat to Hutchinson to begin the campaign.

From RotoBaller

New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) missed practice on Thursday, Andrew Callahan of the Boston Globe reports. Gonzalez hasn't practiced since he injured his left hamstring on July 28, nor did he play in any of the team's three preseason games. It's unclear if he'll be ready to return when the Patriots get back on the field on Monday to prepare for their Week 1 showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 7. Since going 17th overall in the 2023 draft, the former Oregon Duck has emerged as an important cog in the Patriots' defense. He appeared in 16 games last year and totaled 59 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and a pair of interceptions. If Gonzalez is unable to suit up on Sept. 7, it would bode well for the Raiders' Geno Smith-led passing attack.

From RotoBaller

The Chicago Bears announced that they have re-signed wide receiver Devin Duvernay to their active roster one day after releasing him. A third-round pick in 2020, Duvernay spent the first four years of his career with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars last season. The 27-year-old hasn't posed much of an offensive threat, having totaled 105 receptions, 977 yards, and five touchdowns in 72 games. Duvernay has stood out on special teams, on the other hand, with a pair of Pro Bowl nods as a return man. He'll mainly serve as a return specialist for the Bears while providing depth in a WR corps led by DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Luther Burden III.

From RotoBaller

Free-agent wide receiver Kendrick Bourne will visit with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday and with the Washington Commanders on Tuesday, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The framework of a deal is in place with both teams, just in case. The interest from the 49ers was previously reported with San Francisco's wideout room currently decimated by injuries. The 30-year-old went undrafted out of Eastern Washington before joining the Niners back in 2017. He spent four years in the Bay Area and caught 137 passes for 1,769 yards and 11 touchdowns in 58 games (13 starts) there, but it wasn't until moving to New England where he really took off with a career year in 2021 (55-800-5 line). Bourne would definitely have more of a shot at a key role on offense if he were to return to the 49ers, but fantasy managers shouldn't be holding their breathe either way.

From RotoBaller

The San Francisco 49ers re-signed wide receiver Russell Gage Jr. (knee) to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday and released safety Richie Grant in a corresponding move, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Gage, who did not practice with the team on Thursday due to a knee injury, returns to the team after being released on cutdown day on Tuesday. The return of the 29-year-old speaks to how beat up their receiving room is right now with the Week 1 regular-season opener just over a week away. Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is on the PUP list, and Jauan Jennings (calf) and rookie Jordan Watkins (ankle) are up in the air to be ready on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. If both Jennings and Watkins are unavailable for the season opener, it's possible that Gage will be forced into a starting role early on.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans rookie running back Kalel Mullings (ankle) did not participate in the team's practice on Thursday, according to Terry McCormick of Titans Insider. Mullings suffered an injury to his right ankle in the team's preseason finale on Aug. 22 and has not practiced since, putting his availability for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos in question. With Tyjae Spears (ankle) set to miss at least the first four games of the year while on Injured Reserve, Tennessee's backfield depth behind starter Tony Pollard is quite thin. All signs are pointing toward Julius Chestnut serving as the RB2 for the Titans early in the year. The 22-year-old Mullings was a linebacker at Michigan for three years before he became a full-time RB in 2023. He's definitely stash-worthy in dynasty/keeper leagues, but those in redraft formats can avoid the sixth-rounder.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers rookie fourth-round wide receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) did not take part in Thursday's practice, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. In addition to Watkins, Jauan Jennings (calf) missed another practice. The 23-year-old Watkins hasn't played since suffering a high-ankle sprain in the team's preseason opener and is trending toward not being ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, Sept. 7. The Niners also have Brandon Aiyuk (knee) starting the year on the PUP list, so if Jennings isn't active for Week 1, Ricky Pearsall could be heavily targeted early and often by quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers re-signed Russell Gage Jr. (knee), but he, too, missed Thursday's practice. Watkins should be ignored in 12-team fantasy leagues for now.

From RotoBaller

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins "has probably been the best option" in training camp to start outside across from Stefon Diggs. DeMario Douglas is slated to start in the slot for the team in three-wide sets under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Graff guesses that Hollins will "get the most snaps there in Week 1." Kayshon Boutte had 589 receiving yards last year (Hollins had just 378). Beyond Hollins and Boutte, the best long-term option is rookie third-rounder Kyle Williams. Kendrick Bourne and Javon Baker were released on Wednesday. It's notable for the 31-year-old Hollins, but it won't be a big enough role for fantasy managers to take notice in 12-team leagues, especially with second-year quarterback Drake Maye expected to have plenty of growing pains in his first year as the full-time starter.

From RotoBaller

The Dallas Cowboys acquired defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks on Thursday from th Green Bay Packers in exchange for All-Pro pass-rusher Micah Parsons, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. It's unclear yet if the Cowboys acquired any other players in this blockbuster deal. Clark is no Parsons, but he was a former first-rounder himself (27th overall) in 2016 out of UCLA and has made three Pro Bowls in his first nine NFL seasons. In 140 games (126 starts) for the Packers, Clark has recorded 35 sacks, 417 tackles (236 solo), 51 tackles for loss, 76 QB hits, 12 pass breakups, seven forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. He had just one sack in 17 regular-season starts in 2024, but Clark will certainly be a boost to Dallas' interior defensive line going forward. Clark had a career-high 7.5 sacks in 17 starts in 2023.

From RotoBaller

The Green Bay Packers signed former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Clayton Tune to their practice squad on Thursday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Tune became available to all NFL teams when the Cardinals cut him earlier this week. The 26-year-old will now head to the NFC North, where he'll serve as QB depth for the Packers behind starter Jordan Love and backup Malik Willis. In three preseason games for the Cardinals before being cut, Tune went 30-for-49 passing for 186 yards, one touchdown and an interception while rushing nine times for 53 yards. The former fifth-rounder (139th overall) in 2023 out of Houston has thrown for just 70 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions in 13 games (one start) in his first two NFL seasons.

From RotoBaller

According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had "a relatively positive training camp" this summer, "but maybe he didn't take that huge leap that a lot of people expected him to -- or that I expected him to." Kyed also mentioned that there were "growing pains." Maye did a good job limiting turnovers in practice settings, but then he would turn the ball over in scrimmages or the preseason. A lot is expected of the 22-year-old after he was taken third overall in the 2024 draft out of North Carolina, but fantasy managers must remember that this will be his first full year as the starter under center, and Kyed even says that he could still be acclimating to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' system early on. More growing pains in 2025 should be expected, but Maye is still an midrange QB2 target with upside in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) has continued to be held out of practice, according to Jennifer Lee Chan of NBCS. The 28-year-old has been dealing with a calf injury throughout most of the month. Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to his status, as his participation in the season opener could continue to remain in doubt if he is unable to take the practice field. However, the 49ers could be exercising extreme caution with him as their top wideout, Brandon Aiyuk (knee), is already slated to miss at least the first month of the season. Last season, Jennings enjoyed a breakout campaign, totaling 975 yards and six touchdowns. If Jennings were to miss the start of the season, second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall and veteran tight end George Kittle will likely be given a hefty dose of targets.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka could be in store for a massive role in the passing attack early in the season. According to Greg Auman of FOX Sports, Tampa Bay veteran wideout Chris Godwin (ankle) is not expected to return to action until October. In addition, second-year wideout Jalen McMillan (neck) is slated to miss the vast majority of the season. As a result, Egbuka could slot in as the clear No. 2 option opposite Mike Evans for the better part of his debut season. The Buccaneers selected Egbuka out of Ohio State in the opening round of this year's draft. Egbuka finished his time at Ohio State, totalling 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final campaign. Given Tampa Bay's current wide receiver room, Egbuka's ADP will continue to climb as the regular season approaches. He should hold WR2 value with upside during their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden could be in store for an increase in opportunities in the Green Bay passing attack. According to Jason Wilde, Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot) is dealing with a Jones fracture in his left foot. While this injury is quite common in athletics, it often requires surgery. However, Reed is opting to play through it and plans to be ready for the season opener. However, Reed could be given a strict snaps count to improve his health and could even be at high risk of suffering a setback. If this occurs, Golden could be given ample opportunities, operating as the clear WR1 in the offense. The Packers selected Golden in the first round of April's draft out of Texas. During his final season in college, he totaled a career-best 987 with an SEC-leading nine touchdowns. Given his potential opportunities, Golden is worth viewing as a high-end WR3 in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) will miss the first month of the 2025 season and possibly more, according to general manager Jason Licht. The GM framed Godwin's return as likely October in Week 5 or later. On Wednesday, when asked about a potential timetable for Godwin's return, head coach Todd Bowles said anywhere from Week 2 to Week 5. Licht's statement is obviously much different and paints a much more pessimistic picture for when the 29-year-old pass-catcher will make his season debut after suffering a season-ending dislocated left ankle in Week 7 of 2024 that required surgery. The Bucs signing Godwin to a three-year, $66 million deal in March gave hope that he would be ready for Week 1, but that's just not going to be the case. The stock of rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka continues to rise, as he should be Tampa's WR2 for at least the first month.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins rookie running back Ollie Gordon II is expected to open the season as the RB2 behind De'Von Achane (calf) with Jaylen Wright (leg) likely sidelined for the first few weeks. Achane is trending toward playing Week 1, but Gordon should see rotational snaps and remains a valuable handcuff in case of setbacks. He'll face a Colts defense that ranked 24th against the run in 2024. While his short-term fantasy appeal is limited, Gordon is worth stashing as insurance and could become a plug-and-play option if Achane were to suffer any setbacks.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins remains unsigned but is not considering a return to college, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Earlier in the week, NBC's Mike Florio reported that the former Ohio State standout could begin to pursue a return to college, but Cabot's recent report suggests the running back is not planning to go this route. Earlier in the offseason, Judkins was arrested for domestic violence and battery charges. While his prosecutors dropped the charges against him, he has yet to agree to a rookie contract with the Broncos. Additionally, the NFL could still suspend him after conducting their own investigation. Given his uncertain situation, it is best to leave Judkins off your draft board for the time being. Throughout the preseason, fellow rookie Dylan Sampson and veteran Jerome Ford have shared the backfield and will likely open the season as the 1A and 1B in the running back room.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels expressed confidence in his continued chemistry with star wideout Terry McLaurin, noting, "It never leaves." McLaurin, who returned to practice this week, is coming off a 2024 season with 82 catches, 1,096 yards, and a career-high 13 touchdowns. His steady presence makes him Daniels' clear top target heading into 2025. Currently being drafted as WR16, McLaurin carries strong upside and could be one of the better value picks among mid-tier receivers this season.

From RotoBaller

The Philadelphia Eagles received a boost Thursday as wide receiver DeVonta Smith (groin) returned to practice alongside A.J. Brown. His presence is a positive sign for the offense heading into their Week 1 Thursday night clash with the Cowboys. Smith is coming off what many considered a "down" 2024 season, tallying 68 catches for 833 yards and eight touchdowns. Still, he remains a strong mid-round fantasy target with WR2 upside in one of the league's most explosive offenses. With questions surrounding the Cowboys amid the Micah Parsons storyline, Philadelphia's offense will look to set the tone early in the opener.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (undisclosed) has been out of practice since August 11, and his status remains uncertain as Week 1 approaches. While the team doesn't expect Smith to miss significant time, his absence is worth monitoring given his role as a six-time Pro Bowler and defensive leader. If Smith were sidelined for the opener, the Bears' rushing attack, led by D'Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai, could benefit from a softer matchup. Smith's health will be a key storyline for Minnesota's defense heading into the season.

From RotoBaller