Fantasy Football

Rapoport made sure not to put it in stone that Fields is the starter, noting that Russell Wilson will test out his calf tomorrow before a final decision is made. However, he said Wilson would be held out “absent some sort of magic potion” that helps him make it through the Saturday morning workout. Fields got all of the starting reps and will undoubtedly get the first crack at the job despite the Steelers desperately wanting Wilson to be the starter throughout the offseason. Wilson dealt with the calf issue for most of camp. He appeared to be past the issue after getting some reps in the team’s final preseason game, but the injury flared up and now his status beyond Week 1 is up in the air. Fields’ elite rushing output alone puts him at the end of the QB1 ranks for his first start as a Steeler.

McKee is designated as the Eagles’ third-string quarterback. Kenny Pickett, acquired from the Steelers in the offseason, is serving as the backup to Jalen Hurts.

Lloyd is still working through the nagging hamstring injury that bothered him throughout camp. Fellow backup running back Emanuel Wilson, who was questionable with a hip injury, is active. He will serve as the backup to Josh Jacobs. Green Bay’s thin running back depth should ensure an elite workload for Jacobs in his first game as a Packer.

Third-string running back Isaac Guerendo (groin) was also limited. 49ers GM John Lynch told reporters earlier today that McCaffrey was “doing great.” McCaffrey was also limited in Thursday’s practice. Though the timing of the injury isn’t ideal, there have been no indications that the superstar running back is at risk of missing Week 1. With Elijah Mitchell on injured reserve, the 49ers may not even be able to scale back McCaffrey’s workload as much as they want to. Barring a sudden turn of events, CMC remains the top asset in all of fantasy land.

It wouldn’t be an NFL season with a surprise injury to Chargers defender. Samuel didn’t appear on the injury report until Friday when he was added as a limited participant. Per Jim Harbaugh, he suffered the injury in practice. Harbaugh told reporters he didn’t see the injury occur and didn’t give any more details. Samuel appears to be a true coin-flip for Week 1 given the lack of information.

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters earlier this week that Bowers was “good to go” for Week 1. Bowers practiced in a limited capacity on Wednesday and Thursday. He was upgraded to a full session on Friday before being cleared from the injury report. Bowers was the rare “generational prospect” who deserved the moniker and could immediately step in as the Raiders’ de facto No. 2 receiver opposite Davante Adams. He ranks as a low-end TE1 heading into his first NFL game.

Herbert suffered a plantar fascia injury in camp and missed some time while recovering. Herbert was listed as a full participant in all three practice sessions this week before being removed from the report. The injury could limit his mobility slightly, but there has been no indication that it will be a long-term issue. Herbert is a top-10 talent at quarterback, but Jim Harbuagh’s run-first style will severely limit his passing volume. Fantasy managers should treat him as a high-end QB2 going into the season.

Chark got plenty of run with the first-team offense in the summer and appeared to have a shot at playing ahead of former 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston. Despite a horrific rookie season, Johnston is now a safe bet to play in three-receiver sets to start the year. Fantasy managers can stash Johnston to see what he offers in Week 1, but he is not a viable starting option in redraft leagues.

Fant was limited during Wednesday and Thursday’s practice, but the 26-year-old will be able to role against his former team in the opener. Fant has a chance to be a TE2 with some potential TE1 games as the top option at the position in Ryan Grubb’s offefnse.

Toney was cut by the Chiefs as they got down to their 53-man roster. The Seahawks hosted him for a visit last week but nothing has materialized from the meeting. The Browns have made various efforts to add depth to their receiving room via the draft and the trade market in recent seasons. Jerry Jeudy is locked in as their No. 2 receiver but Toney could be a part-time third receiver if he signs in Cleveland. Toney could also find a new home later in the season once injuries start to take their toll on rosters.