NFL Player News

Daniels was in a “competition” with Marcus Mariota to be named the Commanders’ Week 1 starter, but the No. 2 overall pick was always expected to get the ball, barring a catastrophic camp and preseason. Daniels has received high praise throughout the offseason. The reports of him looking sharp and in command at camp have rung true throughout the preseason. Daniels has completed 12-of-15 passes for 123 yards on the three drives he’s played on, and put the offense in position to score on every drive. Whether or not he plays in the final preseason game is to be determined, but the real test for Daniels and the Commanders will come on Week 1 at the Buccaneers.

This was the expectation all along after Jordan Love was injured Week 1 in Brazil, but coach Matt LaFleur has done what head coaches do and tried to confuse the issue heading into Sunday against the Colts. There has been zero actual indication Love could start this Sunday, and fantasy managers should indeed continue to plan on a multiple-week absence.

As he should. “I just don’t understand why fans think I’m faking an injury, when for me to get an extension for a contract, the deadline is over,” Higgins told ESPN Thursday. “I just don’t understand why they think I’m faking an injury. It doesn’t make sense to me.” The Higgins “chatter” is related to the poor timing of his latest ailment, which popped up Sept. 5, the same day he opened by raving about how good he felt heading into the regular season. The problem for Higgins has remained that his injuries are all too real. Four months shy of his 26th birthday as he plays on the franchise tag, he’s becoming a more questionable long-term commitment by the day as he prepares to hit free agency in March.

With fellow rookie Audric Estime placed on injured reserve, UDFA Watson will serve as the No. 3 back. 24-year-old Watson is known for having some pass-catching chops. With the Broncos in “figure it out” mode, Watson might actually get a touch or two on Sunday.

That makes it five straight “limited” sessions to begin rookie Lloyd’s regular season career. He probably needs to go “full” before the Pack will activate him on game day, though perhaps they will be willing to push the envelope this week with a far greater need for a robust rushing attack with Malik Willis likely starting in Jordan Love’s (knee) place.

Jacobs is a player who gets in a lot of limited sessions then almost always suits up on Sunday. Jacobs is dealing with a classic “dual-edged sword” for Week 2, as he’s become much more important to the Packers’ offense in Jordan Love’s likely absence, but will also be in a far worse overall environment with Malik Willis at quarterback. He should be treated as a high-floor, limited-ceiling RB2 for Sunday’s game against the Colts.

Garrett was a surprise DNP for Thursday with a foot injury, but it sounds like this was more precautionary than anything else. Those who roster Garrett in IDP leagues might want to check on the 28-year-old’s status for Friday’s practice ahead of Week 2 against the Jaguars, but this does not appear to be a long-term injury.

Vele missed his second consecutive practice while dealing with his rib injury, and seems to be on the wrong side of being able to play Sunday against the Steelers. Josh Reynolds was also limited with an Achilles injury, so arguably the league’s worst receiving unit could be in a lot of trouble for a game against a tough Pittsburgh defense. On the bright side, Garret Bolles (ankle) was able to get in a limited practice Thursday, and he’s expected to be able to play in Week 2.

Wilson gets the full go after being limited Wednesday and missing Week 1 against the Falcons with his ankle issue. The 2024 third-round selection has a good chance of making his season debut against the Broncos on Sunday, but doesn’t seem like a good option for fantasy players for that contest if he does go.