Week 1 injury update: George Kittle, Xavier Worthy at risk of missing time

Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.

Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.

Key links: Fantasy depth charts | Cheat Sheet Central
Rankings | Projections | Join a fantasy league today

Week 1 injury update: Kittle, Worthy at risk of missing time

Notebook by Stephania Bell

George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers: Kittle injured his hamstring with just over 10 minutes left in the first half of Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks while running a sideline route. He limped off the field and over to the medical staff for evaluation, and that turned out to be the end of his day. Kittle is scheduled for an MRI on Monday, but it would not come as a surprise if he were to miss a week, perhaps longer, depending on the severity of the strain.

Kittle missed Weeks 3 and 11 last season because of hamstring issues and has missed short windows of time over his career with soft tissue injuries. Overall, he has been relatively durable for his position, playing in all but one or two games in the last three seasons (not to mention that in two of those years the 49ers played in three additional postseason games). In fact, outside of 2020 when he missed eight games as a result of a knee (MCL) sprain and a foot fracture, Kittle hasn't missed more than three games in a season in his entire eight year career. And, it was just two years ago that he led all tight ends in regular-season receiving yards with 1,020.

Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers: Jennings left Sunday's game in the fourth quarter, holding his left shoulder. An MRI is scheduled for Monday and it is unclear as of yet whether he will miss time. Although Jennings injured his calf during OTAs and then aggravated the injury just four days into training camp, he returned to practice (and shortly thereafter arrived at a contract deal that would add money for play-time incentives) and was deemed ready for Week 1. It is important to note that these injuries, while unfortunately closely-timed, are not related.

Brock Bowers, TE, Las Vegas Raiders: Bowers delivered as expected in terms of production, posting 103 yards on five receptions in Week 1. Unfortunately he also sustained a knee injury that forced him out of the game early. Bowers told reporters after the game that he took a hit on the knee but was not concerned about it affecting him going forward. Coach Pete Carroll in his postgame comments indicated that Bowers wanted to return to the game but the medical staff held him out. The postgame reaction is encouraging, but practice reports will be important. The Raiders play the Chargers next Monday night, meaning the first official injury report will not be issued until Thursday.

Evan Engram, TE, Denver Broncos: The Broncos' newly-acquired tight end had three receptions in his debut but also injured his calf in the second half. Although he was listed as questionable to return in the fourth quarter, he remained out for the rest of the game. Regardless of the severity (which is not yet known), this was probably a wise move for the 31-year old veteran, especially this early in the season. Engram's 2024 season as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars was marred by a hamstring injury that cost him four weeks early on and ended prematurely when he suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder and underwent season-ending surgery. He only played in nine games last year but was healthy upon arrival in Denver. Engram is just two seasons removed from his career-best 114 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs: Worthy was on the field in Brazil for just three snaps before a massive collision with teammate Travis Kelce ended his night. According to a report from NFL Network, Worthy suffered a dislocated right shoulder. Coach Andy Reid addressed the issue in his first press conference after returning to the states saying, "I know Xavier's the big question, and he's rehabbing and working his shoulder. We'll just see where it goes day by day here, see where we end up."

The biggest concern initially, beyond the obvious pain, swelling and stiffness the athlete experiences, is what the extent of tissue damage to the shoulder joint is as a result of the dislocation. Common associated trauma includes labral or capsular tears, cartilage injuries and/or fractures. The extent of trauma can dictate the treatment options along with the recovery time. If surgery is the option, it would be season-ending. If conservative treatment is the option, return to play time is driven primarily by restoration of adequate position-specific function (range of motion, strength in the shoulder and its surrounding muscles to allow return to play as a wide receiver) and protection, which can come in the form of a brace or harness. Players don't typically love wearing harnesses because the goal of the harness is to restrict motion (and therefore hopefully prevent re-dislocation), which then hampers their ability to play the position as effectively as they otherwise would. But it's a compromise that can allow a player to return to action and postpone stabilization surgery until the offseason.

Reid's comments would suggest that Worthy is undergoing physical therapy with the goal of returning to play, a timetable that is usually measured in weeks, not days, following an initial traumatic dislocation, although it can vary widely from one individual to the next. Worthy's ability to progress through the various benchmarks will ultimately dictate his timeline.

Sept 8: Breece Hall, Travis Etienne Jr. roles come into focus and other Week 1 notes

Notebook by Eric Moody

Jets RB Breece Hall leads the backfield with 145 total yards: The Jets ran for 182 yards at 4.7 per carry, and Hall was clearly the lead back, finishing with 107 rushing yards on 19 carries plus two catches for 38 yards. It was his highest number of rushing attempts since December 2023, and his first 100-yard rushing game of the season which already matches his total from last year. Drafted as the RB20 in ESPN leagues amid concern of how the Jets would distribute the ball with Justin Fields under center, Hall looks like a value pick and sits on the RB1/RB2 borderline heading into Week 2 against the Bills who gave up 245 yards on the ground in Week 1 to Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.

Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. is back in the RB2 discussion: Etienne carried 16 times for 143 yards and caught all three targets for 13 more in the Jaguars' win over the Panthers, his second-highest rushing total ever and his best since Week 8 of 2022. Tank Bigsby and Bhayshul Tuten combined for just 23 yards on eight carries and failed to catch a pass, leaving Etienne as the clear lead back. With new head coach Liam Coen, the architect behind Bucky Irving's epic 2024 rookie season in Tampa Bay, Etienne looks poised for a big year if he holds on to the lead role. He's on the RB2 radar in Week 2 against the Bengals.

play

0:41

Why Travis Etienne Jr. is worth flex consideration in Week 2

Liz Loza breaks down Travis Etienne Jr.'s performance in Week 1 and what it means for his fantasy stock in Week 2.

Other Week 1 usage notes

• Michael Pittman Jr. deserves more attention after finishing Week 1 with eight targets and 20 fantasy points. Despite being drafted as the WR42 in our trends, he was always projected to lead the Colts in targets. He's best viewed as a weekly flex option, though managers should keep in mind he won't get to face a banged-up Dolphins secondary every week.

• Jakobi Meyers was an afterthought in many fantasy drafts as the WR37, but in his first game with Geno Smith he saw 10 targets and finished with 17.7 fantasy points. Smith isn't shy about attacking defenses with the vertical passing game, which benefits Meyers. He should be viewed as a weekly flex matchup option.

• Harold Fannin Jr., a standout at Bowling Green with 117 catches for 1,555 yards and 10 TDs last year, caught seven passes for 63 yards on 9 targets, primarily working from the slot and outperforming starter David Njoku in Week 1. Fantasy managers should monitor Fannin closely as a potential waiver-wire target heading into the byes.

• Dylan Sampson led the Browns backfield in Week 1, finishing with 12 carries for 29 yards and catching all eight of his targets for 64 yards, outperforming Jerome Ford. With rookie Quinshon Judkins now signed but not yet active, Sampson is a waiver-wire candidate and holds short-term fantasy upside in Cleveland's thin backfield.

• Brenton Strange led the Jaguars in receiving for Week 1 against the Panthers, catching all four of his targets for 59 yards while playing over 70% of the snaps and nearly every two-TE set. Now the clear starter in Jacksonville after Evan Engram's departure, Strange saw heavy early- and third-down usage, making him a top deeper-league waiver-wire target at the TE position.

• Hunter Henry played a higher percentage of the Patriots' offensive snaps in Week 1 than in previous seasons. He also ran a high percentage of New England's routes on both early downs and third downs, tying for the team lead in looks from quarterback Drake Maye. With this expanded role, he offers a safe TE2 floor, though his touchdown upside remains limited.

• Juwan Johnson caught eight of 11 targets for 76 yards in Week 1, tying his career high in receptions while leading the Saints in catches and yards. With Foster Moreau and Taysom Hill on the PUP list, Johnson played nearly all of the snaps, making him a borderline TE1 for Week 2 against the 49ers.

• Kenneth Gainwell surprisingly led Steelers RBs in Week 1 with snaps, handling 11 touches for just 37 yards. Rookie Kaleb Johnson was barely on the field. The efficiency wasn't there, but the usage was. Gainwell profiles as a volume-based Flex in deeper leagues as the Steelers face the Seahawks in Week 2.

• Kayshon Boutte caught six of eight targets for 103 yards in Week 1, leading the Patriots in receiving. The third-year WR looks poised for a breakout and is worth adding in deeper leagues.

• DJ Giddens proved he's the Colts' clear backup RB with 12 rushing attempts and 41 yards against the. With Jonathan Taylor's injury history (has managed just one full season so far in his career), Giddens is a valuable bench stash for fantasy managers if Taylor misses time.

• Mark Andrews had a disappointing Week 1 against the Bills despite the absence of Isaiah Likely, splitting early-down snaps with Charlie Kolar and seeing most of his work in 11 personnel on third downs. The TE7 in our draft trends caught just one pass for four yards, highlighting the run-heavy offense. Fantasy value remains volatile, reliant on touchdowns, and dips once Likely returns.

• Dalton Kincaid caught all four of his targets for 48 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 against the Ravens, flashing efficiency and red-zone upside, but his snap rate hovered near 50%, with Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes cutting into it. Limited usage and modest targets make Kincaid a volatile fantasy play. Managers who were looking to depend on Kincaid would be wise to look elsewhere.

For more observations, see Tristan H. Cockcroft and Matt Bowen's Week 1 fantasy football winners and losers

Sept. 7: Justin Fields, Garrett Wilson rekindle Buckeye connection

Notebook by Liz Loza

As expected, the New York Jets installed a run-focused approach to the team's opening tilt versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. While Fields carried the ball for a fantasy-friendly 12 times for 48 yards and two rushing scores, his chemistry with Wilson is what really turned heads. The former Ohio State teammates linked up on 7 of 9 attempts for 95 yards and a score.

It's worth noting Wilson's production came largely against the coverage of Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey did get the last laugh, with a hard hit on Wilson forcing an incompletion on fourth down to clinch the victory for Pittsburgh, but from a fantasy perspective the QB-to-WR relationship looks refreshingly solid. Expect the duo to be squarely on the starting radar when the Jets host the Bills in Week 2.

Liz Loza's rookie impressions

• Ashton Jeanty scores first career TD: Jeanty helped lead the Las Vegas Raiders to the team's first win in the Pete Carroll era. The former Boise State standout wasn't particularly efficient, with 40 scrimmage yards on 21 touches, but demonstrated awesome power as he muscled his way to 12.0 fantasy points. Jeanty will take on the Los Angeles Chargers on "Monday Night Football" in Week 2. His overall volume and involvement in the passing game will only increase if Brock Bowers (knee) misses time.

• Tyler Warren emerges as a go-to option for Daniel Jones: The Danny Dimes-led Indianapolis Colts stunned a listless Miami Dolphins squad, managing a decisive 33-8 victory at home. Key to Indy's success was the consistent usage of Warren. The Penn State product led the Colts' pass catchers in targets, converting 7 of 9 looks for 76 yards. He'll be in the TE1 conversation again vs. Denver in Week 2.

• Emeka Egbuka makes good on offseason hype with a pair of scores: Egbuka was hailed as one of the most polished and pro-ready receivers in this year's class. The former Buckeye looked to be the real deal in his professional debut, grabbing two of Baker Mayfield's three TD passes, including what proved to be the game winner with 59 seconds left. One of the hottest ADP climbers of the summer, Egbuka will continue to offer WR2 fantasy appeal while Chris Godwin Jr. (ankle) is sidelined.

• Jacory "Bill" Croskey-Merritt leads Commanders committee as a rusher: The seventh-rounder flew up draft boards on the heels of Brian Robinson Jr.'s exit from Washington. The rookie was listed as the Washington Commanders' RB4 on the team's depth chart, but he out-carried Austin Ekeler 10 to six, although Ekeler was more productive via the air as expected. Croskey-Merritt finished with 10 carries for 82 yards and a score. It's worth noting that Chris Rodriguez Jr. was a healthy inactive for the game, indicating Bill's hold on the short-yardage role.

Week 1 scoring leaders through 1 p.m. ET games
1. Justin Fields, QB, Jets -- 29.52 points
2. Daniel Jones, QB, Colts -- 29.48
3. Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers -- 27.92
4. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs -- 26.02
5. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Steelers -- 25.66
6. Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers -- 24.9
7. Bijan Robinson, RB, Falcons -- 24.4
8. Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles -- 24.28
9. Michael Penix Jr., QB, Falcons -- 24.02
10. Emeka Egbuka, WR, Buccaneers -- 23.6

Sept. 6: Rookie RB Judkins signs with Browns

Eric Moody: The Cleveland Browns and Quinshon Judkins have agreed to a four-year deal. While he may need time to get back into football shape, Judkins is a talented, powerful runner who dominated in college at Ole Miss and Ohio State, totaling over 1,000 rushing yards in each of his collegiate seasons with consistent touchdown production. He also brings pass-catching ability, giving him additional fantasy upside.

The Browns backfield currently features veteran Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson, but Judkins has the talent and draft pedigree to carve out a significant role, especially as the team looks for a lead back. His upside as a three-down back is high. When healthy and fully integrated, he could easily outproduce Ford and emerge as a flex option with upside.

With only a 53.4% roster percentage in ESPN leagues, Judkins is worth adding now if available. He shouldn't be inserted into starting lineups in Week 1, but his talent, opportunity, and upside make him a potential breakout back once he earns snaps and touches.

Sept. 5: Javonte Williams scores two, A.J. Brown invisible in season opener

Eric Moody: Javonte Williams was the clear leader in the Dallas Cowboys backfield against the Eagles on Thursday night, finishing with 17 touches and 20.4 fantasy points. Williams should remain a matchup-dependent fantasy starter until we see how rookie Jaydon Blue (who did not dress for this game but was not on the injury report) becomes more involved. Next week, the Cowboys face the New York Giants at home, which is a scenario where you can confidently start Williams.

Eagles WR A.J. Brown had a quiet game with just one target and 1.8 fantasy points, a pattern that popped up several times last season. He didn't see his first target until 1:51 remaining in the 4th quarter, the longest stretch of his career to start a game without a target, according to ESPN Research. Although he posted six top-10 weekly fantasy finishes in 2024, he was held below 13.5 points in six of his other seven games. It's a dreadful way to start the season for managers, but players as dynamic as Brown bounce back quickly. Week 2 brings a Super Bowl rematch with the Chiefs, giving Brown a chance to do just that. No need to panic.

• Eagles WR Jahan Dotson caught all three of his targets for 59 receiving yards. He had just 122 receiving yards in his first 17 career games with the Eagles but has already totaled 153 in his past two games. If Brown or DeVonta Smith misses time, Dotson is capable of filling the void.

• Eagles RB Will Shipley's usage suggests he's the insurance back for Saquon Barkley. He suffered a rib injury and was deemed questionable to return, the second-year running back finished with three rushing attempts for 26 yards, including a 20-yard run.