Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson avoided a bigger scare this week as the Ravens begin to park the injury chatter ahead of the stretch run of fantasy drafts. Jackson is dealing with a foot issue but x-rays came back negative, with head coach John Harbaugh calling the update a big relief and saying there’s no damage. Jackson did not practice, but the news is encouraging for fantasy managers who plan to rely on him as a perennial top-tier quarterback this season.
Moving to the rest of the league, Washington pulled off a notable trade, sending Brian Robinson Jr. to San Francisco for a sixth-round pick in 2026. The deal is pending a physical, and it reshapes the Commanders’ backfield for the coming season. With Robinson out of Week 2 of the preseason and Austin Ekeler also seeing limited action, the backfield duties in Week 2 went to Chris Rodriguez and Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who combined for 17 carries and 108 yards, with Croskey-Merritt scoring a rushing touchdown and Rodriguez ripping off a 40-yard run to set up a TD for Jayden Daniels.
Croskey-Merritt’s fantasy stock has shot up in the last week, with his average draft position rising to about 120.3 and climbing into the top 100 of many rankings. He’s currently viewed as the RB35 in Justin Boone’s top 300, and the trade could push his role further into the spotlight depending on Week 3 outcomes. Dan Quinn has even hinted that Rodriguez could be a goal-line option, which could give him some late-round value, while Ekeler continues to be a high-floor pick in drafts, often going later than Croskey-Merritt in many formats.
For the 49ers, Robinson steps in as an insurance policy behind Christian McCaffrey. If you’re planning to draft CMC in the first round or early second, Robinson could be a stash-type pick to guard against McCaffrey’s lengthy workload and injury history. His presence could also allow San Francisco to mix in a change-of-pace back and keep McCaffrey fresh throughout the season. On the flip side, Isaac Guerendo’s role took a hit in the deal and he has slipped down positional rankings in many fantasy boards.
Chris Godwin was activated off the PUP list by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, though he’s still expected to miss time and is projected out until October. Adam Schefter’s timeline provides a clearer target, giving fantasy managers a framework for planning their rosters around Tampa’s receiving corps. With Godwin sidelined, Emeka Egbuka has emerged as a hot name in training camp chatter and preseason hype. The rookie has drawn attention as a potential heir apparent to Tampa Bay’s passing game, especially if Godwin’s return timeline pushes him back into the lineup. Egbuka carries a mid-round ADP around the 96.1 mark, offering upside for those willing to roster a guard-as-you-go option. Godwin, meanwhile, remains an intriguing late-draft target. In shallow leagues, rostering Godwin and using an IR stash could be a viable strategy while you monitor his recovery and plan to replace him as needed.
Quarterback battles that have reached conclusions across the league also created new expectations. In Indianapolis, Daniel Jones earned the starting job ahead of Anthony Richardson, a development that could provide a clearer path for the Colts’ pass catchers like Josh Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., and rookie Tyler Warren. If Richardson eventually takes the field, the passing game could face some volatility, but the immediate boost goes to the veterans who should see more consistent targets.
In Cleveland, a veteran was named the starter after camp, which settles the job and brings some stability to the offense as they navigate a cast of young weapons. The move tightens the offense’s immediate fantasy prospects, though the surrounding cast remains a work in progress behind a still-developing offensive system.
New Orleans may have found a clear signal at QB as Spencer Rattler appears to have the edge for the opening role, with him set to start the preseason finale. If Rattler wins the job, look for a healthier baseline for the Saints’ passing game, with Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara likely to be the primary options in the target share. Rashid Shaheed is a sleeper to watch if the Saints’ offense opens up more downfield looks, but much depends on how effectively the quarterback can distribute consistently.
Over in Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford returned to practice, signaling he’s on track to be the Week 1 starter after dealing with a back issue that cropped up this offseason. He’s reportedly practicing and preparing to lead a Rams attack that also features Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The back has shown resilience in the past, but fantasy managers should still approach the situation with caution given the potential for flare-ups. Kyren Williams figures to maintain steady touches, regardless of who’s throwing.
Bottom-line implications for fantasy managers
– Lamar Jackson remains a top fantasy QB option, but monitor his practice status and any lingering foot concerns as the season nears.
– The Brian Robinson trade to San Francisco creates a crowded backfield in the 49ers and could spur a late-round swing on Rodriguez or Croskey-Merritt if Week 3 performances hint at a larger role.
– Chris Godwin’s absence creates opportunity for rookie Emeka Egbuka in Tampa Bay, making Egbuka a compelling mid-round target in drafts and a potential breakout candidate if Godwin’s return is delayed.
– Daniel Jones leading the Colts at QB provides a reliable floor for Colts receivers and running backs, while the dynamic of Richardson’s eventual usage remains a wildcard for the offense.
– Veterans stepping into starting roles in Cleveland and New Orleans could offer steadier floors for surrounding playmakers, but the level of risk remains tied to how quickly those offenses adapt.
– Matthew Stafford’s return in Los Angeles is a positive signal, but the Rams quarterback situation should still be evaluated with an eye toward health, particularly for high-upside targets like Nacua.
If you’re drafting now, consider landing:
– A reliable quarterback with a high floor and upside, such as Daniel Jones in the near term, while keeping an eye on Lamar Jackson’s practice status and potential sneaky upgrades from roster moves.
– Emeka Egbuka as a late-mid round target in deeper leagues, especially if Godwin’s return timeline pushes him into upside potential.
– Chris Rodriguez or Jacory Croskey-Merritt as late-round stashes in 49ers-leaning rosters depending on how Week 3 shows the backfield roles.
– A veteran anchor behind your early-round picks in case of injury risk, such as a Browns-related starter with a safer floor or a Saints QB with a clear plan.
Overall, the landscape remains fluid as teams finalize rosters and coaches refine game plans. Stay flexible, weigh latest practice reports, and align your draft strategy to the most up-to-date depth charts and injury timelines. If you’d like, I can distill this into a concise week-by-week ranking or draft cheat sheet tailored to your league format.