Matthew Stafford (QB - LAR)
The Los Angeles Rams are still waiting for quarterback Matthew Stafford to return to action.
Stafford has yet to participate in training camp as he continues to recover from a lingering back injury. Despite completing a workout last weekend that sparked hope for a quick return, he's still sidelined, and the team remains unsure of his exact timetable.
Sean McVay offered a candid update, saying Stafford will go through another workout on Saturday in hopes of better progress. "Hopefully it responds a little bit better, and then I'll have more information for you guys then," McVay noted. When asked whether the issue was more about pain or functionality, he admitted it's "probably a little bit of both" and that the staff is still exploring different approaches to get him back on the field.
For now, the uncertainty lingers. While there's optimism Stafford could be ready by Week 1, there's no firm answer on when he'll actually be under center again.
His absence leaves fantasy managers wondering how it will impact Puka Nacua and Davante Adams.
At this time, out of an abundance of caution, we're fading Stafford even in SuperFlex formats.
Justin Jefferson (WR - MIN)
Justin Jefferson (hamstring) is set for another check-in next week, and head coach Kevin O'Connell says the star receiver is trending in the right direction. All signs point to Jefferson being ready for Week 1, so fantasy managers shouldn't be overly concerned. His ceiling remains unchanged at this time, and he should be in line for heavy targets - especially in the first three games with Jordan Addison out. If your draft is coming up, take advantage - he's slipped to as low as sixth overall in some leagues, making him a rare value for one of the best receivers in the game.
At this time, we're drafting him as normal.
Chris Godwin (WR – TB)
Chris Godwin has yet to practice. Earlier this spring, he underwent a second surgery on his left ankle. At this time, he's looking at potentially being placed on the reserve PUP list meaning that he'll miss the first four games. Godwin's fantasy outlook is a bit of a mixed bag. He could be a valuable low-end WR2 or high-end WR3 if he returns to form, but there are also significant risks involved. His ADP will likely reflect these uncertainties, making him a potentially high-upside, but risky, pick. Players with similar injuries haven't always returned to their previous fantasy levels. Plus, he's got Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan nipping at his heels for playing time. If either player shines during Godwin's abscence, the Bucs may be inclined to ease Godwin back into the game when he returns out of an abundance of caution.
At this time, we're fading Chris Godwin in our drafts.
A.J. Brown (WR – PHI)
A.J. Brown (hamstring) sat out Wednesday's practice, joining the growing list of receivers nursing hamstring issues. At this stage, there's no indication his Week 1 availability is in jeopardy. With Philadelphia likely leaning more on the passing game this year thanks to a tougher slate, Brown could be in line for even bigger production in 2025.
We could be reading too much into it, but the fact that Nick Sirianni wouldn't go into any of the details wasn't the sign we were looking for. "Our goal is to get all these guys ready to be firing on all cylinders once the season hits," Sirianni told reporters. "Not gonna get into too much of that stuff. He's working through some things, and he'll be back out there when he can."
At this time, we're drafting him as normal.
Malik Nabers (WR – NYG)
Malik Nabers (shoulder/toe) was sidelined from Wednesday's practice, but there's no real cause for panic just yet. While it's never ideal to see one of the league's most electric young receivers nursing multiple ailments, all signs point to him being ready when it counts. Nabers remains a strong late first- to early second-round target in fantasy drafts. Plus, Jaxson Dart's promising debut only boosts optimism for Nabers' outlook.
At this time, we're drafting him as normal.
Tyjae Spears (RB – TEN)
Following up on earlier reports, Titans head coach Brian Callahan confirmed recently that Tyjae Spears (ankle) is expected to miss several weeks after sustaining a high ankle sprain in the preseason matchup against Tampa Bay. Spears won't be back this preseason, though the team hopes he'll be ready for the opener.
From a fantasy perspective, Week 1 against Denver is far from a lock - there's a real chance Spears could be limited or sidelined. In the meantime, Tony Pollard's early-season value gets a bump, while Spears slides down the list of late-round upside RB stashes. His "injury-prone" label, fair or not, isn't going away anytime soon.
At this time, we're less bullish on Spears and would draft only if the value presents itself.
Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE)
Rhamondre Stevenson (unspecified) is dealing with a minor issue, and head coach Mike Vrabel doesn't anticipate him missing extended time. While rookie TreVeyon Henderson has been soaking up much of the preseason buzz, Stevenson's physical, between-the-tackles style should ensure he remains a key part of New England's ground game. He's shaping up as a sneaky veteran value in fantasy drafts.
At this time, we're drafting him as though he'll be the starter for at least the first several games. If he sputters, TreVeyon Henderson could battle for more playing time.
Marquise Brown (WR – KC)
Hollywood Brown (foot/ankle) won't suit up for Friday's preseason matchup with Seattle as he continues to battle lower-leg injuries. The veteran speedster's struggle to stay on the field remains a concern that will likely continue to impact his ADP.
At this time, we're fading Hollywood.
Najee Harris (RB – LAC)
Najee Harris (eye) was back on the field Tuesday, participating in drills. While his bizarre Fourth of July injury sparked plenty of concern, there's always been a realistic path to him suiting up for the opener. Now that he's ramping up activity, Harris looks on track to share backfield duties with Omarion Hampton when Week 1 rolls around.
At this time, we're drafting him as normal though it would not surprise us to see Omarion Hampton eventually take the starting job.
Mike Gesicki (TE – CIN)
Mike Gesicki (hamstring) was sidelined from Wednesday's practice as he continues to manage the injury. With Noah Fant now in the mix, Cincinnati's tight end depth is stronger than in past seasons. While Gesicki's Week 1 status doesn't appear to be in serious doubt, it's worth monitoring - any setback could open the door for Fant to see a bigger role early on.
At this time, we're drafting him as normal.
Jonnu Smith (TE – PIT)
Jonnu Smith (knee) sat out Tuesday's practice, not exactly the start you want for a player adjusting to a new team. The silver lining? He already knows Arthur Smith's system from their time together in Atlanta and Tennessee, so a brief absence shouldn't set him back much in learning the offense.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin minimized concern over the injury, and Smith was back the next day for a light, non-padded session. He's still being held out of full-speed work, but there's plenty of time for him to get fully healthy before Week 1. When the season kicks off, he and Pat Freiermuth could give Pittsburgh one of the stronger tight end tandems in the league.
At this time, we're drafting him as normal.
