Panthers continue to say they will ride hot hand at RB

Sep 08, 2026

Jonathon Brooks is expected to share the backfield workload in 2026 with Chuba Hubbard, the Panthers' returning starter, and as Rico Dowdle proved last season, having a tandem to ride the hot hand in the backfield is important in any offense.

"Yeah, we'll definitely roll it out just the way we have been," Canales said last month. "Where you have a lead back for the series, the other guy comes in on third down so they can be in there for the protection, and also we run the ball on third down. So those are good opportunities to just keep a guy into the game, while the other person, whether it's Chuba or [Brooks], we'll make that decision when we get closer.

"But whoever the lead guy for the base downs is, they'll get the bulk of that rhythm."

Related players: A.J. Dillon

Fantasy Impact:

The team said last week they are optimistic Brooks will play in Week 1, but we may have to wait until Wednesday for another update, based on the story. Many feel Brooks will end up as the team's lead back - most weeks, after Hubbard - most weeks - was behind Dowdle in the RB pecking order last season. But it remains to be seen what kind of workload Brooks gets early in the season, especially now coming off general soreness in camp. Until we know more, both backs may be a bit risky for lineups outside of deeper flex options.

today

Patriots rule out RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) for Week 1

WCVB-TV Boston on X

1 hour ago

The Patriots will be without one of their more versatile offensive players, TreVeyon Henderson, as they prepare to take on the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks Wednesday night.

Fantasy Impact:

Look for Stevenson to get a heavy dose of the workload in Wednesday night's Week 1 game against the Seahawks. It will be a tough matchup, but the volume should be there for Stevenson. Hopefully the extended time off from Week 1 to Week 2 will help Henderson get back on the field, but his status will be worth monitoring in that time.

Buccaneers, QB Baker Mayfield agree to extension

Pro Football Talk

1 hour ago

Apparently, Baker Mayfield is no longer feeling disrespected.

According to a joint report from NFL Network and ESPN, Mayfield and the Buccaneers have agreed to a three-year extension, putting him under contract through the 2029 season.

Fantasy Impact:

The deal is reportedly worth $165 million, which works out to $55 million a year, the story said. Mayfield had cut off extension talks at the beginning of training camp, telling reporters at the time that he had felt disrespected by the Bucs’ offer to him. But he also kept the door open to his agent potentially still talking numbers with the team, the story said. Those who follow the team reported things weren't as bad between the two sides as many thought, however. The story added Mike Garafolo reported the two sides weren't that far apart at the start of camp. From a fantasy perspective, Mayfield enters this season ranked 18th among our QBs, making for a lower-end QB2 option.

Two rookie WRs listed as starters for Dolphins

David Furones on X

4 hours ago

The Miami Dolphins listed Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Malik Washington as their starting WRs.

Fantasy Impact:

Both Douglas and Bell are rookies while Washington enters his third season. Bell was the lower draft pick and taken in the third round. He was coming off an injury in college and those who are dynasty league experts believe Bell could have gone higher if not for that, and, could end up a real value for the Dolphins. Douglas was taken higher in the third round, but many thought he'd be taken later in drafts. While both players would be risky to start in Week 1 in typical fantasy leagues, both may be worth stashing right now if you have the room on your roster, especially if one, or both, get off to hot starts to the season.