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Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols could be headed for an increased workload after teammate Austin Ekeler suffered a serious Achilles injury on Thursday night. Ekeler suffered the injury late in the fourth quarter and was quickly ruled out, indicating that the severity is serious. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport echoed these concerns postgame, telling the Amazon Prime broadcasters that the Commanders' front office is concerned about Ekeler's status. If the veteran running back misses extended time, McNichols could step into a much larger role. He didn't register an offensive touch Thursday night but should enter Week 3 as the Commanders' No. 2 running back behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt. With more snaps on the way, McNichols immediately becomes an intriguing waiver wire option in fantasy football.

Denver Broncos rookie running back RJ Harvey "really impressed" the coaching staff during his NFL debut last Sunday. During their victory against the Tennessee Titans, the second-round pick was deployed as the clear No. 2 option to veteran J.K. Dobbins, but was still effective when given the ball. On six attempts, the UCF product tallied 70 yards. In the air, Harvey caught his lone target for -1 yards. During this contest, Dobbins was given the lion's share in the Denver backfield as he took the ball 16 times for 63 yards and a score. While Harvey should continue to see his role grow as the season progresses, the workload may remain similar during their Week 2 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. As a result, Dobbins projects to be a low-end RB2 while Harvey carries flex appeal.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Washington running back Austin Ekeler injured his Achilles in Thursday Night's Game against the Packers. Dynasty Analysis: Ekeler went down with a non-contact injury as he tried to change directions on the field. While nothing is confirmed, this has the looks of a torn Achilles. If that's the case, it would be a tough one to come back from as a 30-year old running back. We'll await official confirmation but it really looks like Ekeler may be lost for the season, leaving this backfield to Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez, barring more moves by the Commanders. Stay tuned.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Washington Commanders LB Bobby Wagner led the team with 11 tackles (three solo) in a Week 2 defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers.

From TheHuddle

A lack of injury updates on Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) is creating a sense of concern and uncertainty for fantasy managers. The Texans have provided very few updates on Mixon since placing him on the non-football injury list, and general manager Nick Caserio was non-committal on the running back playing this season. That was two weeks ago, though, and a lack of chatter about the veteran ball-carrier puts managers in a difficult position. Roster spots are precious, so managers only want to stash Mixon if they think he's going to return later this year. Even in leagues with IR spots, there's no point in holding Mixon if the Texans don't expect him back. However, with the team declining to provide an update, managers have no choice but to keep him on the back end of their rosters. In the meantime, Nick Chubb will remain the team's primary running back with Dameon Pierce and Woody Marks also getting involved.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could handle a larger workload after the team lost Austin Ekeler to a suspected torn Achilles on Thursday. Rodriguez has been a healthy scratch through the first two weeks of the season, but he'll likely be active going forward as the Commanders' No. 3 running back behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Jeremy McNichols. Although he'll likely be third on the depth chart, Rodriguez could still carve out a significant, fantasy-relevant workload. Backfield roles in Washington have been quite fluid to start the year. For example, Croskey-Merritt went from 10 touches in Week 1 to just four in Week 2. The door is wide open for any of the three running backs to establish themselves in a higher-volume role, so don't close the book on Rodriguez just yet. He's an intriguing waiver wire option ahead of Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz had six receptions (on eight targets) for 64 yards and a touchdown during the team's 27-18 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 2.

Fantasy Spin: With the Commanders offense stuck in neutral for much of Thursday night, Ertz was the one player that made things happen before the Packers dropped into a soft shell late that allowed Washington to move the ball a bit. He made a nice move in the open field for a 20-yard touchdown -- the team's longest play of the night -- that cut the lead to 7, but that was as close as they'd get. Even at 34, Ertz continues to contribute, scoring touchdowns in each of the team's first two games. The veteran is still playable as a low-end TE1.

From TheHuddle

Updating an earlier report, Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (Achilles) is believed to have suffered a ruptured Achilles' tendon during the team's Week 2 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. He will undergo imaging to confirm the injury on Friday, Sept. 12. Prior to departing, Ekeler carried the ball eight times for 17 yards to go along with two receptions for seven yards.

Fantasy Spin: Unfortunately, this was expected after seeing the way Ekeler went down and his inability to put any weight on his leg coming off the field. Barring something unforeseen, Ekeler's 2025 season is over, which should increase Jacory Croskey-Merritt's usage as the lead back and move Jeremy McNichols into the No. 2 role. Croskey-Merritt is likely owned is most leagues, but if not, you'll want to add him immediately. McNichols becomes a priority addition as well as he should become an RB4/RB5 type in taking over for Ekeler.

From TheHuddle

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder) fractured his collarbone during Thursday's win over the Washington Commanders, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. He will be placed on injured reserve but is expected to return later this season. This is a crushing blow for the Packers, as Reed had been their best receiver so far this year. While it seems like his absence would benefit rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden the most, the Texas product finished Week 2 with just zero catches on two targets. Instead, the biggest beneficiary could be Dontayvion Wicks, who had six targets, four catches, and 44 receiving yards. Romeo Doubs, who scored a touchdown Thursday, should also see an uptick in volume. Of course, Jordan Love's favorite target going forward could end up being tight end Tucker Kraft, who has impressed with eight catches, 140 yards, and two touchdowns through two games this season.

From RotoBaller

The Washington Commanders fear that running back Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles during Thursday's loss to the Green Bay Packers, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. He will undergo an MRI. Ekeler suffered the injury on a non-contact play late in the fourth quarter. If the diagnosis is confirmed, the veteran running back will be shut down for the remainder of his age-30 season. Such an outcome would shake up the depth chart in Washington, D.C. Jacory Croskey-Merritt would remain the lead back while Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. handle larger roles behind him.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (Achilles) has been ruled out for the remainder of the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers after suffering an Achilles injury.

Fantasy Spin: Ekeler appeared to suffer an Achilles tendon tear, and if that injury is confirmed, he will miss the remainder of the season. If Ekeler is out, Jacory Croskey-Merritt will likely become the lead back in Washington and a potential RB2 for fantasy owners.

From TheHuddle

Austin Ekeler (Achilles) suffered what appeared to be a serious injury in the fourth quarter of the Thursday Night Football Game between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers, and had to be carried off the field. Due to the non-contact nature of the injury, and the fact that he immediately grabbed at his lower leg area, there is speculation that he may have suffered a torn Achilles. He has officially been ruled out for the game, and we would expect him to miss significant time if not the remainder of the season. Rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt should be elevated even further into a featured role, with Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. likely being involved as well. Look for further news updates as we hear more confirmation about the severity of Ekeler's injury after further medical testing.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders WR Noah Brown (groin) has been ruled out for the remainder of the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers after suffering a groin injury.

Fantasy Spin: Brown had ccumulated seven targets on the year before exiting, and if he misses time moving forward, most of his looks will likely be divided between Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz.

From TheHuddle

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Thursday's contest against the Washington Commanders. Reed suffered this injury in the opening quarter after making a catch along the sidelines. While Reed was able to find the back of the end zone on this play, the reception was reversed due to a holding penalty. In Week 1, Reed caught three of his five targets for 45 yards and a score. Leading up to the start of the regular season, Reed was recovering from a Jones fracture and now may have another significant injury. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status leading up to Week 3. Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Matthew Golden are expected to lead the WR room for the remainder of Thursday's game.

From RotoBaller

According to Browns insider Ken Carman, the NFL is expected to "come down hard "on a suspension regarding Browns running back Quinshon Judkins. Another Browns insider, Tony Grossi, noted that he expects the league to place a two-to-four game suspension on the young running back. The former second-round pick was arrested for domestic assault charges in the offseason. While his prosecutors did eventually drop the charges, Judkins met with league officials earlier this week regarding the incident. The Ohio State product signed his rookie contract last Saturday but was unable to suit up in their Week 1 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was able to log a full practice on Thursday, but his status for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens remains in doubt. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status, as a potential suspension would pave the way for fellow rookie Dylan Sampson to take the lead in the Cleveland backfield for an extended period.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (shoulder) is questionable to return to Thursday's contest due to a shoulder injury. Reed suffered this injury when making a catch along the sidelines, which ultimately resulted in a touchdown. However, this play was called back for holding. After making the catch, Reed was holding his shoulder in pain and needed assistance to walk off the field. Entering this game, Reed was also dealing with a fracture in his foot. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status. In Week 1, Reed found the back of the end zone and tallied 45 yards on three receptions. While he remains sidelined, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and rookie Matthew Golden will lead the WR room.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 11.

Fantasy Spin: McCaffrey is coming off an outstanding Week 1 performance and will likely have a significant role in the offense again this week because of the multiple injuries on that side of the ball. He is a must-start option in all leagues when healthy.

From TheHuddle

San Francisco 49ers WR Jauan Jennings (shoulder), QB Brock Purdy (shoulder, toe) and OT Trent Williams (knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, Sept. 11. OG Ben Bartch (elbow, knee), DE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), RB Jordan James (finger) and WR Jordan Watkins (ankle) were limited during practice. DE Nick Bosa (non-injury), LB Luke Gifford (knee), QB Mac Jones (knee), RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) and OG Dominick Puni (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Thursday that they placed running back Ty Chandler (knee) on Injured Reserve, which means he will be forced to sit out beyond the team's Week 6 bye. Chandler was active for the Week 1 win over the Chicago Bears on Monday night but only played on special teams as a return man. With Chandler's injury, the Vikings are now pretty thin in the backfield behind their top two options, Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason. Zavier Scott is currently listed as their No. 3. Myles Price (knee) and Tai Felton are the candidates to replace Chandler on kickoff-return duties moving forward, starting in Week 2 on Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. In three seasons with the Vikes, Chandler has 164 rushing attempts for 663 yards (4.0 yards per carry) and three rushing touchdowns in 38 games (four starts).

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (ribs) is on the Week 2 injury report and has had two limited practices on Wednesday and Thursday. If Renfrow is unable to upgrade to a full practice on Friday, he could be considered questionable for Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. In his Panthers debut in the team's Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Renfrow caught two of his six targets for 11 yards as the offense struggled to move the ball effectively. The 29-year-old has a clear path to starting slot duties in Carolina after the team traded Adam Thielen to the Minnesota Vikings, but at best, he's the WR3 behind rookie first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Leggette. Renfrow is currently rostered in only 1 percent of Yahoo leagues.

From RotoBaller