NFL Player News

Skowronek secured his lone target for a 22-yard touchdown in Sunday's 34-32 win over the Jets.

Although Skowronek played just 10 offensive snaps during Sunday's regular-season opener, Aaron Rodgers found him late in the first quarter for the team's first touchdown of the year. It was encouraging to see Skowronek reach the end zone to open the regular season, but he'll likely have to compete with Roman Wilson and Scotty Miller for playing time behind DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin as the season progresses.

McCloud caught three of five targets for 51 yards during Sunday's 23-20 loss to the Buccaneers.

Darnell Mooney (shoulder) was inactive, plus Drake London (shoulder) and Jamal Agnew (groin) both suffered injuries during the opener. London's injury came during Atlanta's final drive, while Agnew didn't see any offensive snaps before exiting, so the in-game injuries didn't boost McCloud's role. Mooney's absence may have funnelled a few more targets to McCloud, who finished fourth on the team in receiving yards behind Bijan Robinson (100), Kyle Pitts (59) and London (55). McCloud posted career highs in receptions (62), targets (87) and receiving yards (686) last season with Kirk Cousins at the helm until the final three games, and if Week 1 was any indication, the veteran wideout will also be a key part of the offense under Michael Penix, who threw 42 times against Tampa Bay and targeted McCloud on 12 occasions over the second-year signal-caller's trio of starts to finish the 2024 campaign. McCloud will be the primary slot receiver when everyone is healthy, but he may have expanded responsibilities if London and Mooney miss extended time.

Ajiake had two total tackles in Sunday's win over Miami. He played on just nine of the defense's 47 snaps.

Ajiake was elevated to the active roster from the practice squad ahead of the game. He had a tackle on special teams, where he'll get most of his playing time as a reserve linebacker if he stays on the active roster. Ajiake spent 2024 on Indy's practice squad after spending time on the practice squad or preseason rosters of the Packers, Raiders and Broncos in 2023 as an undrafted free agent from UNLV.

Wilson wasn't targeted during the Steelers' 34-32 win over the Jets on Sunday.

Wilson had a minimal role for the Steelers when healthy in 2024, and he was utilized sparingly during Sunday's regular-season opener, playing just 10 offensive snaps in the Steelers' victory. The 2024 third-round pick has yet to be targeted in the NFL, and he could have trouble carving out much fantasy production in 2025 as long as DK Metcalf and Calvin Austin remain healthy.

Niemann made four tackles (one solo) in Sunday's 27-13 victory over the Lions.

Niemann joined Green Bay in late August after being released by the Texans, and although he did not log a defensive snap, he was plenty busy on special teams. Green Bay has good depth at the middle-linebacker spots, so expect Niemann to continue seeing the bulk of his work when the specialists are on the field.

Buckner had three total tackles, a QB hit and a QB hurry in Sunday's win over Miami.

Indy dominated the Dolphins on defense but Buckner surprisingly didn't make major contributions. He was healthy after dealing with a back injury late in the preseason as he played on 32 of the defense's 47 snaps. It likely won't take him long to get his first sack of the season.

Wooden made a career-high six tackles (three solo) in Sunday's 27-13 victory over the Lions.

Wooden filled the starting defensive tackle job opened up by the departure of Kenny Clark, and he fared well in what was just his second career start. Roles along Green Bay's defensive line remain unsettled with Clark being swapped out for Micah Parsons less than two weeks ago, but it appears Wooden will be afforded the opportunity to nail down a starting job.

Jones tallied eight total tackles (three solo) and two passes defended, including one interception, during Sunday's 17-13 loss to the 49ers.

Jones tied Devon Witherspoon and Coby Bryant for the second-most total tackles on Seattle's defense while also picking off Brock Purdy early into the third quarter of Sunday's loss. Since being traded from the Rams to the Seahawks midway through last season, the South Carolina product has been one of the best inside linebackers in football, recording 102 total tackles and four passes defended, including two interceptions, and one forced fumble through 11 games. He's expected to remain one of the Seahawks' top defensive playmakers in a Week 2 matchup against the Steelers.

Smith secured five of six targets for 15 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's 34-32 win over the Jets.

Although Smith didn't have a particularly efficient performance during his team debut Sunday, he led the Steelers in receptions while reaching the end zone just before halftime. Smith was on the field for 66 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps, which outpaced fellow tight end Pat Freiermuth, who played 50 percent of the snaps. While the duo will likely continue to split some playing time this year, Smith is coming off a career-best season with the Dolphins in 2024 in which he secured 88 of 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, and he has some fantasy upside in 2025 if he can establish a rapport with Aaron Rodgers.

Blackmon had three total tackles in Sunday's win over Miami.

It was an encouraging game for Blackmon in his first action since 2023 after missing all of last season due to a knee injury. He played on 22 of the defense's 47 snaps, as he'll have a reserve role in the secondary. His playing time could increase due to Jaylon Jones suffering a hamstring injury in Sunday's win.