Mike Washington Jr. operates as Raiders' lead back in preseason finale

Aug 28, 2026

With Ashton Jeanty sidelined, Washington started Thursday’s preseason finale and rushed eight times for 49 yards. He finished the preseason with 168 rushing yards and an average of 7.3 yards per carry.

Related Players: Dylan Laube, Dare Ogunbowale

Fantasy Impact:

The underlying usage was even more encouraging. Washington played 16 of the Raiders’ first 20 offensive snaps and opened each of their first two drives with six consecutive snaps. Laube primarily spelled him in passing situations, indicating that Washington is currently the preferred early-down replacement for Jeanty. Washington is currently ranked as a low-end RB4, but that could very easily slide up when we get more clearance on Jeanty's Week 1 (and beyond) availability.

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Saints RB Alvin Kamara expected to return in Week 2

Saints

3 hours ago

Alvin Kamara practiced fully Wednesday after missing the season opener with a knee injury. Head coach Kellen Moore indicated that Kamara probably could have played in Week 1 and is expected back against Baltimore.

Fantasy Impact:

Kamara’s return should reduce Etienne’s passing-down involvement and remove Miller from fantasy consideration. Etienne remains the better bet to lead the Saints in carries, but Kamara can immediately reclaim a receiving and hurry-up role, depending on how efficient he ends up being with those touches.

Vikings Beat: Demond Claiborne in line for larger role

Alec Lewis

3 hours ago

Demond Claiborne is expected to receive an expanded opportunity while Jordan Mason misses at least four games following thumb surgery. The sixth-round rookie was inactive in Week 1. Minnesota has also promoted DeeJay Dallas to the active roster and added Jerome Ford to the practice squad, so Claiborne’s precise place behind Aaron Jones remains unsettled.

Fantasy Impact:

Jones should lead the backfield, but Claiborne is the most interesting longer-term addition because of his speed and receiving ability. He is a deep-league stash rather than a Week 2 starting option. Dallas could initially handle more passing-down and special-teams responsibilities.

Texans WR Nico Collins’ hamstring injury "not believed serious"

Adam Schefter

3 hours ago

Texans WR Nico Collins injured his hamstring at Wednesday’s practice, met with doctors after and they “don’t believe it’s serious,” per source. Yet Collins’ status for Sunday’s game vs. the Bengals is in jeopardy.

Fantasy Impact:

The early medical assessment is reassuring, but this was a new injury suffered during practice rather than a maintenance limitation. Collins can remain in projected lineups for now, though a Thursday absence would create legitimate concern. Hutchinson, Boutte and Noel would compete for additional receiver reps if Collins cannot play, with Schultz also positioned for more targets. Stroud’s ceiling would take a noticeable hit.