NFL Player News

Hutchinson (6'6/275) has been projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and to see him fall beyond No. 5 would be nothing short of shocking. Hutchinson’s relentless play style and the way he helped elevate an underdog Michigan team have earned him no shortage of looks in the pre-draft process. And he’s expected to make a difference as soon as he hits the field. “He’s the type of player you build an entire defense around,” coach Jim Harbaugh said of Hutchinson. That’s high praise, but it’s warranted.

He followed up by saying that the team will take it -day-by-day with him, but the early reports were that Engram would be week-to-week, and these comments from Pederson today don’t instill optimism that Engram can suit up this week. Given that the Jaguars play on Monday night, fantasy managers should be making other plans for their tight end spot in Week 3.

Jackson will serve as the fourth edge rusher for the Panthers on game days. The 26-year-old was originally drafted by the Eagles in the 6th round of the 2021 NFL Draft and was cut by Philadelphia in August. He didn’t appear in a game last season but has 18 tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble in his first two seasons in the NFL.

Leota was released on Tuesday despite currently leading the Panthers with one sack on the season. He could get another chance on the active roster at some point this season.

The 27-year-old cornerback had been on the practice squad, but when the Texans placed TE Brevin Jordan on the IR, a spot opened up on the 53-man roster for Ross. Ross was a practice squad elevation on Sunday against the Bears and played on 83 percent of the team’s special team’s snaps, so that will be his primary function in Houston.

One of Schefter’s sources said they “wouldn’t be surprised” if Love plays while another called it “50-50 at best right now.” Love returned to practice on Wednesday as a limited participant. Head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters it would be “ideal” for him to practice before returning a few days earlier. Fantasy managers holding onto Love should still enter the weekend with a backup plan, but it does appear as though Love is truly questionable for Week 3, unlike last week.

Kupp suffered a serious high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Cardinals, and while he avoided injured reserve, it would be surprising if he returns to the field in the next couple weeks. That leaves the Rams offense without its top two wideouts and an injury-marred defense. Patrick Daugherty and Denny Carter talked on the Rotoworld Football Show about what to expect from LA’s offense without Kupp and Puka Nacua.

Durant suffered an apparent toe injury in the Rams’ Week 1 loss to the Lions, but played with a decreased workload for Week 2. He starts out the week not practicing, adding to the Rams’ injury woes. With Durant’s Week 3 also in jeopardy, the 49ers offense will have a plus matchup against a weakened Rams secondary. K Joshua Karty (groin) and TE Davis Allen (back) also did not participate, all sitting out practice with WR Cooper Kupp (ankle). The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue mentions CB Ahkello Witherspoon as an elevation candidate heading into Week 3.

Samuel is expected to miss a few weeks due to a calf strain, so it is no surprise that he did not practice. He can safely be put on fantasy injured reserve spots for a couple weeks, though the 49ers are not putting him on the actual injured reserve for the time being.

As expected, Kupp did not participate in practice after suffering an ankle injury Week 2. The Rams currently do not anticipate placing him on injured reserve, though he will be out an extended period of time. Kupp will miss Week 3 and later updates could give a clearer view of his recovery timeline.

By this point, Fant starting out the week limited due to his toe injury is becoming a trend. Don’t be surprised if you see him limited again next week, barring any setbacks he should still play Week 3. Pharaoh Brown (foot) was also limited, while special teamer Brady Russell (shoulder) missed practice. The Seahawks’ tight end room has been a bit underwhelming this season, with Fant being the best option as a back-end TE2.