Fantasy analysts assess preseason injuries and player roles ahead of Week 1
Preseason Week 2 highlights include Ashton Jeanty's ankle sprain, shifting RB depth charts, and varied starter usage across multiple teams, influencing fantasy draft strategies.
Fantasy analyst Hayden Winks evaluated the second week of NFL preseason action, focusing on injury updates and emerging player roles that could affect fantasy drafts. He noted that Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty suffered an ankle sprain, likely sidelining him for two to ten weeks, prompting fantasy owners to consider backup Mike Washington Jr., who has been praised for his athleticism and could serve as a bell-cow if Jeanty remains unavailable.
Winks highlighted several positional battles: Washington Jr. is projected as a high-upside RB, while the Titans’ rookie quarterback Cam Ward continued to struggle with accuracy and turnovers. The Browns saw quarterback Shedeur Sanders display improved poise, though veteran Deshaun Watson’s performance remained inconsistent. In Washington, the Commanders appeared to relegate Stefon Diggs to a slot role, potentially limiting his fantasy value.
Other notable observations included the Chiefs’ renewed use of under-center runs with Kenneth Walker III, the 49ers’ strong showing from receiver De'Zhaun Stribling and running back Kaelon Black, and the Chargers’ decision to start tight end Charlie Kolar over Oronde Gadsden II. Across the league, many teams rested starters, giving depth players like Raiders wideout Tre Tucker and Chargers wideout Brenen Thompson more exposure.
Winks concluded that the preseason provides valuable tape for assessing snap rates, alignments, and performance, but cautioned that injury reports remain fluid, especially with Jeanty’s situation still uncertain.