McCaffrey popped on the team’s injury report Thursday with a calf injury, something fantasy managers remember all too well prior to the 2024 season before the veteran back eventually missed the first half of the season. He would then sit out Friday’s session entirely. “Barring a setback, it’s likely he’ll go,” Rapoport stated on X Saturday amidst mounting rumors. McCaffrey continues to insist he is fine and will suit up, stating Friday the “feels great” and that everything has been “blown out of proportion. Even so, fantasy managers will want to monitor his situation closely and potential line up alternative plans considering the 49ers don’t kick off until the afternoon in Week 1.

Haener was the betting favorite to win the starting quarterback job for the Saints before they went with Spencer Rattler under center. He was released by the team as they trimmed down to 53, signed to the practice squad, and then re-signed to the active roster within a week before his eventual release. The team signed DE Fadil Diggs in a corresponding move.

Smith was absent from practice Thursday but upgraded to a limited showing Friday, ultimately drawing the doubtful tag after missing practice Saturday. LT Christian Darrisaw is listed as questionable as he works his way back from a devastating knee injury suffered in Week 8 of the 2024 season, while both RB Zavier Scott and DT Elijah Williams have both been ruled out.

Fellow running back Roschon Johnon is listed as questionable after getting in a limited session Saturday, potentially paving the way for Monangai to serve as the primary change of pace option in his first professional appearance for the Bears. Joining Johnson as questionable for Monday Night Football are DB Jaylon Johnson and DB Josh Blackwell, while LB T.J. Edwards is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury.

The criminal charges against Judkins were dropped relating to a domestic battery case in July, which allowed him to sign with the Browns earlier Saturday. That said, he still faces potential league discipline per the personal conduct policy, the proceedings of which are set to begin this week. The findings of the league investigation will be presented to Judge Sue L. Robinson, after which a recommended punishment will be handed down. Judkins can appeal any ruling but it certainly seems likely he will miss more time in Cleveland.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Judkins received a fully guaranteed deal. Now all draft picks are under contract for the season. Rapoport also adds that Judkins isn’t expected to play for the Browns in Week 1 against the Bengals, but could play in Week 2 against the Ravens. Expect Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford to handle the running back duties for the Browns until Judkins hits the field. While no charges remain in Judkins’ legal situation, the NFL investigation is ongoing. In the meantime, the Browns will receive a roster exemption that can last up to two weeks for Judkins and won’t have to make an additional roster move.

Worthy left the opening game of his second season in the first quarter after colliding with Travis Kelce on a crossing route. He was checked out by trainers before walking off the field and into the locker room. Worthy went in for X-rays and was ruled out shortly after. It might be a day or two before we know the nature of the injury, but the mechanism was that of a dislocated shoulder. With Rashee Rice sidelined for the first six weeks while serving a suspension, the Chiefs are down the Hollywood Brown as their No. 1 receiver. Travis Kelce will also be heavily involved until one of Worthy or Rice is available.

Mitchell’s deactivation suggests the Chiefs will roll with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and rookie Brashard Smith, who notably took a few first-team reps in preseason play last month. He might be worth stashing on benches before kickoff. The Chiefs also declared WR Jalen Royals (knee), TE Jared Wiley, DT Omarr Norman-Lott, OL Hunter Nourzad and DE Malik Herring inactive.

Becton was listed as questionable earlier today, after coming down with a last-minute illness. That Chargers’ right guard will be on the field for Week 1, though. The Chargers declared S RJ Mickens, TE Tucker Fisk, CB Nikko Reed, OLB Kyle Kennard, T Foster Sarell, TE Oronde Gadsden II and DL Naquan Jones inactive for Week 1. Gadsden impressed coaches in training camp but the rookie tight end needs a little more time before he is ready for live action.

Mims is expected to make his debut, operating as the Broncos’ No. 2 wide receiver behind Courtland Sutton. If he can maintain anything close to the elite efficiency and explosiveness he produced in a part-time role last year, he could fit into fantasy lineups as a WR3. The Titans’ secondary is a beatable unit. Consider him an upside FLEX play for Week 1.