NFL Player News

Returning from his second torn Achilles in three years, Akers will now look to make the Texans’ 53-man roster this summer. The former second-round pick struggled last season while splitting time between the Rams and Vikings, running for 167 yards and two touchdowns on 60 carries (2.8 YPC) before seeing his season come to an end in Week 9 against the Falcons. Even if he makes the Texans’ roster, Akers will presumably be buried behind Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce on the depth chart. As of now, this signing doesn’t move the fantasy needle for any of the three backs.

The 49ers’ defense deserves credit, but Walker was simply outplayed by backfield-mate Zach Charbonnet. Walker was on the field for the Seahawks’ first drive. Charbonnet was featured on the second. Curiously, Walker out-targeted Charbonnet three-to-zero, but it was Charbonnet who was on-field for the majority of the Seahawks’ final drive, as Seattle’s two-minute offense attempted to generate a comeback. Walker subbed in once the unit entered the red zone but a fumble lost by Sam Darnold ended that brief sequence unceremoniously. Ultimately, Walker totaled just 21 offensive snaps to Charbonnet’s 30. Walker is best viewed as an RB3/FLEX option against the Steelers next week.

We don’t know the severity of Andrews’ injury, but the third-year center was carted off the field in the third quarter and did not return to the field. Andrews was claimed off waivers by the Texans earlier this offseason and earned the starting job in training camp. Andrews appeared on 45 snaps in his Week 1 outing against the Rams, earning a blocking grade of 72.7 on the day, per PFF.

The Lions’ offense was in a funk from the start of this contest and spiraled downward as the quarters passed. Jared Goff was under pressure often and looked to his running back Jhamyr Gibbs more often than not. He peppered Gibbs with a team-high 10 targets. Because all of the check-downs were going to Gibbs, there wasn’t much meat left on the bone for St. Brown. Things should improve as the Lions settle in under first-year coordinator John Morton, but St. Brown could fall a few spots in the wide receiver ranks if that doesn’t happen soon. He will look to rebound versus the Bears in Week 2.

His red zone play-action catch was the only receiving score for the Rams against a tough Texans defense. Tyler Higbee handily outsnapped Allen 35 to 22, but Higbee was held without a target. There’s probably not enough oxygen here for any non-Puka/Adams receiver to flourish in fantasy football.

Atwell and Xavier Smith (1/36 on his only target and snap) were the only non-Puka Nacua and Davante Adams receivers to have a catch in Week 1. Jordan Whittington was third on the team amongst receivers in snaps with 30, while Atwell had 25. Atwell is on pace to earn $580,000 per target on his one-year, $10 million contract. He’s not on pace to be fantasy relevant barring injuries ahead of him in the pecking order.

Adams played 55 of 60 snaps and hauled in some vintage Davante Adams receptions despite a lack on-field training with Matthew Stafford in training camp. The Rams pooled 19 of their 28 targets between Adams and Puka Nacua. We don’t know if the Rams can actually create two fantasy WR1s this year, but they sure seem to be trying. We’d prefer Adams on the WR2 line against the Titans, but it’s a good spot regardless.

Smith-Njigba’s fantasy outpouring was stymied when a 49ers defensive lineman punched the football loose after Smith-Njigba turned upfield on a screen pass. Aside from that blemish on his fantasy record, Smith-Njigba was marvelous. The third-year wide receiver was getting open at will in the center of the field and Sam Darnold continued looking his way from start to finish. Smith-Njigba ended the day with five explosive 15-plus-yard gains. Although he faces the Steelers’ top-tier defense next week, his talent and target volume keep him on the WR1/2 border.

He did this on only 38 snaps after being pulled for a concussion evaluation once — he left with a bloody head — and then being pulled a second time by the independent spotter. NFL players: They aren’t like us! Nacua smashed in a tough matchup and should again be on the WR1 line in Week 2 against the Titans.

Montgomery had no room to run in this game, limiting him to a dreadful 2.3 yards per carry. On the other hand, that was actually slightly better than Jahmyr Gibbs’ mark of 2.1 YPC. Montgomery also out-carries his teammates 11-9, though Gibbs managed 10 receptions on the day. Even with Gibbs seeing the bulk of the backfield targets, Montgomery was involved on some play-action looks and was again more efficient than Gibbs. The Lions’ line struggled against a stout Green Bay defense, tanking the entire offense. They should manage a better showing versus the Bears next week, though it’s clear they have taken a step back compared to 2024. Montgomery will cling to RB2 status for one more week for now.

He’s up to speed in a hurry. Schultz was actually outsnapped by Cade Stover (4/22 on four targets) 36 to 34. Neither player is worth a TE1 dart throw at this point.