NFL Player News

Specifically, the Rams hope to allow Williams to “stay fresh.” Williams himself admitted to initial worry when the team used a third-round pick on Michigan RB Blake Corum, but the Rams’ exact intentions remain unclear. They have talked up the similarities between the two backs, leading to a belief that coach Sean McVay can “stay in the rhythm and how he calls the game.” That quote is via RBs coach Ron Gould. For his part, Williams seems to be preparing for a different workload this season. “Obviously it’s not going to be good for me (if I take every carry),” Williams admitted. We aren’t entirely sure how to guide fantasy managers here — it’s dangerous to over-interpret summer comments — but at the very least, it seems as if all parties are at least preparing to spell Williams more than they did during his fantasy dominant 2023. He’s a high-reward, moderate-risk proposition as a mid-range RB1.

Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the deal is worth “up to” $19 million with over $13 million guaranteed. Phillips was set to hit free agency next offseason but is now under contract for two more years. He started all 34 regular season games for the Vikings over the past two seasons and tallied 4.5 sacks plus five TFLs during that stretch. He came away from Week 1 with a sack and a TFL, setting him up for a potential career year.

The Browns also hosted free agent tight ends Tommy Sweeney and Geoff Swaim for visits. David Njoku suffered an ankle injury in Week 1 and the visits suggest Cleveland expects him to miss some time. He is currently considered week-to-week. Smith was most recently cut by the Chiefs. Despite his second-round pedigree, Smith has failed to make much of an impact in the NFL. He would not be a fantasy option if he signs with Cleveland.

Hudson entered the league as a fifth-round pick for the Commanders in 2020. He was a high-volume special teams player in Washington for four years and made eight starts at linebacker in 2023. Hudson didn’t make the Saints final roster after signing with them this offseason but landed on the team’s practice squad and was called up for Week 1. He will now be a permanent fixture of the Browns’ 53-man roster.

The Giants gave Johnson an extended look in their final preseason game but cut him at the roster deadline. He then landed on the team’s practice squad. With Daniel Jones being sacked five times in Week 1, Brian Daboll may see Johnson’s blocking as a necessity to protect his quarterback. The veteran fullback should also see some work on special teams.

Ferguson suffered an MCL sprain in Week 1 and was initially expected to miss some time. The reports have since gotten more optimistic, including that of Jerry Jones. Fantasy managers should still have a contingency plan for Ferguson, but he appears to have a legitimate shot at suiting up this week despite the injury scare. If he can’t go, backup Luke Schoonmaker would be in line to start.

Schefter said McCaffrey is dealing with a calf and an Achilles issue that could keep him sidelined for Week 2. CMC was a last-second scratch Monday night against the Jets, leaving Jordan Mason to run roughshod over New York’s defense to the tune of 147 yards and a touchdown. It appears McCaffrey’s injury is far more serious than first thought. Mason will be a top-12 running back option until CMC can return.

Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the move clears up $4.5 million in cap space for Dallas. The Cowboys’ long-term right tackle signed a five-year, $86.8 million extension last offseason.

The deal clears up roughly $4.9 million in cap space for Atlanta and is largely a procedural move. Teams can almost always perform a simple restructure whenever they see fit. Onyemata spent the first seven years of his career with the Saints before joining Atlanta in free agency last year. He totaled four sacks and six TFLs in his first season away from The Big Easy.

Morris said that Cousins was just knocking off the rust in his nightmarish Atlanta debut. Cousins threw for 155 yards, one touchdown, and two picks in the Falcons’ Week 1 loss to Pittsburgh. The veteran quarterback was playing in his first game back from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in Week 8 of the 2023 season. Film watchers and casual fans alike were quick to note his inability to drive off his plant foot and put velocity on the football. Morris may be right and Cousins is just getting back into the swing of things, but this is a situation to monitor going forward. Should Cousins not regain his form, No. 8 overall pick Michael Penix Jr. is waiting in the wings.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, the Vikings created $7 million in cap space by restructuring Hockenson’s deal. Hockenson is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered last year and is currently on the PUP list. The latest reports suggest he is eying a Week 7 return, but that timeline is obviously malleable.