NFL Player News

Olave suffered the ankle issue in Week 14 and missed last week’s game because of it. He appeared to have a shot at suiting up but was ruled out after pre-game warmups. Getting the game off undoubtedly ensured that he would be able to play on a short week as the Saints play on Thursday. Olave will rank as a low-end WR1 in a matchup with the pass-funnel LA defense.

Wright lived up to his pre-draft profile as an explosive and efficient prospect. He ranks sixth in yards per rushing attempt (5.3) and first in first-down and/or touchdown conversion rate (41.2 percent) among 31 NFL preseason running backs with at least 15 rushing attempts. He performed just as well through the air, averaging 9.3 yards after the catch per reception, the third-best among 19 NFL preseason running backs with at least five targets. Fantasy managers draft him as a late-round target or attempt to trade for him ahead of the Dolphins’ Week 6 bye.

The 28-year-old Wilson is unlikely to hold off fourth-round rookie RB Jaylen Wright for long. Wilson is a reliable player in the Dolphins’ scheme but lacks the play-to-play explosivity that Mike McDaniel prefers to feature.

Irving was the first Buccaneers’ running back off the bench but failed to log a first-team snap. He will be forced to earn that role in-season. Irving concludes the preseason averaging 0.17 missed tackles forced per rushing attempt and 3.2 yards after contact per rushing attempt. His 0.19 yards per route run average is entirely unthreatening to starter Rachaad White.

The coaching staff appears unbothered by White’s continued rushing inefficiency. He averaged 4.0 yards per rushing attempt this preseason and logged 100.0 percent of first-team snaps against the Dolphins.

McMillan and incumbent WR Trey Palmer have been battling for the No. 3 wide receiver role but Palmer was evidently sidelined for the preseason finale. McMillan made the most of the opportunity, playing 100.0 percent of first-team snaps before exiting. McMillan thrived as a college slot receiver with perimeter versatility but Buccaneers coaches have tasked McMillan with primarily playing on the outside thus far. He made a strong case for the No. 3 role in this one, winning a contested catch on the explosive pass play.

Godwin lined up in the slot on six-of-seven first-team snaps, though his lone target occurred when he was lined up on the perimeter pre-snap. Godwin is locked in as a two-wide receiver set starter and his inside/outside versatility allows for creative, interchangeable deployment with third-round rookie WR Jalen McMillan.

Blair delivered the least fruitful box score of his intriguing preseason stretch against the Jaguars, which could jeopardize his spot on the 53-man roster. Blair could be buoyed by his productivity in past games; he produced four explosive pass plays on six receptions in the first two preseason games.

Washington operated as the first-team offense’s primary slot receiver with Christian Kirk (calf) sidelined, catching 2-of-2 first-team targets for 23 yards. Washington concludes the preseason averaging 2.18 yards per route run, likely securing his role as the team’s No. 4 wide receiver.

Per PFF’s Nathan Jahnke, Bigsby played on 6-of-23 first-team snaps. He remained on-field with the second-team offense as well while averaging 5.0 yards per rushing attempt. The above-average efficiency bodes positively for his value contingent fantasy football value.

Etienne handled featured duties rather than operating at the full-time rate previously imposed upon him. Rotating backup Tank Bigsby in with the first-team offense helped keep Etienne (6.6 yards per rushing attempt) fresh. Should the trend continue into the regular season, it will help Etienne remain efficient late in the year.