NFL Player News

Freiermuth secured all three of his targets for 28 yards during Sunday's 34-32 win over the Jets.

Freiermuth led the Steelers' tight ends in snap count over his first four seasons in the league, but he has increased competition for playing time in 2025 after the team acquired Jonnu Smith from the Dolphins. Smith was on the field for 66 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps in Week 1 compared to 50 percent for Freiermuth, and Smith also outpaced Freiermuth in targets (six) and receptions (five) while reaching the end zone once. However, Freiermuth was slightly more efficient from a yardage standpoint, averaging 9.3 yards per reception compared to 3.0 for Smith. While Freiermuth likely will continue to have a role in the Steelers offense in 2025, his fantasy upside will presumably be more limited than it has been in previous seasons as long as Smith remains healthy.

Bullard tallied nine tackles (seven solo) in Sunday's 27-13 victory over the Lions.

Bullard started at safety alongside Xavier McKinney and finished second in tackles among Packers defenders in Week 1. When Green Bay puts extra defensive backs on the field, Bullard will generally be used in the slot while Evan Williams works at safety, but playing closer to the ball could allow the former more opportunities to rack up stops.

Thomas had three total tackles, including a tackle for a loss, in Sunday's win over Miami.

Thomas played on just 10 of the defense's 47 snaps, but he had an outsized impact. He'll get limited snaps as a reserve safety.

Ward started at cornerback opposite Xavier Howard and had six total tackles in Sunday's win over Miami.

Ward played on 31 of the defense's 47 snaps as he looked at full speed after missing time in the preseason due to a leg injury. The veteran will give Indy needed stability in the secondary.

Lewis posted five total tackles (three solo) and three passes defended, including one interception, in Sunday's 26-10 win over the Panthers.

Lewis immediately proved why Jacksonville made him the NFL's highest-paid nickel cornerback this past offseason, leading the team in passes defended while also picking off Bryce Young in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win. The Michigan product spent his 2024 campaign with the Cowboys, logging 71 total tackles and eight passes defended, including one interception, and one forced fumble across 16 games. He's expected to remain one of the Jags' top defensive playmakers in a Week 2 matchup against the Saints.

Gary recorded seven tackles (three solo), including 1.5 sacks, in Sunday's 27-13 victory over the Lions.

Gary immediately benefited from the presence of Micah Parsons on the other side of the defensive line, tying his career high in the tackles column while recording more sacks than he put up in any game during the previous campaign. Gary is still seeking the first double-digit sack season of his career, and with offenses paying plenty of attention to Parsons, he might be primed to get there in 2025.

Bachie started at linebacker opposite Zaire Franklin and had six total tackles in Sunday's win over Miami.

Bachie is one of two linebackers on the field in Indy's base defense and played on 22 of the defense's 47 snaps. He'll likely come off the field in nickel and dime formations, which will limit his fantasy upside.

Gainwell rushed seven times for 19 yards while securing three of four targets for four yards during Sunday's 34-32 win over the Jets.

While rookie Kaleb Johnson drew plenty of buzz during training camp and preseason action as a complementary back alongside Jaylen Warren, Gainwell was on the field for 54 percent of the Steelers' offensive snaps in Sunday's regular-season opener, while Johnson played just two offensive snaps. Gainwell's playing time was encouraging, but he was inefficient with his opportunities. As long as Pittsburgh's backfield remains relatively healthy, it seems unlikely that the 26-year-old will have much fantasy upside in 2025, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Johnson take some of Gainwell's snaps as the season progresses.

Oluokun recorded 10 total tackles (six solo) and one interception in Sunday's 26-10 win over the Panthers.

Sunday's Week 1 win marks the third consecutive regular-season game in which Oluokun has posted double-digit tackles going back to the end of last season. He's been one of the best tacklers in the NFL since entering the league in 2018, tallying 108 total tackles and seven passes defended, including one interception, over just 13 contests in 2024. Oluokun will look to carry over the Jaguars' strong defensive performance into Week 2, when the team travels to Cincinnati.

Latu had a tackle, a QB hurry and his first career interception in Sunday's win over Miami.

Latu started at defensive end and played on 31 of the defense's 47 snaps. He dropped into coverage on five snaps as a new twist in Indy's defensive scheme. He dropped into coverage just eight times last season, according to Pro Football Focus. The 2024 first-rounder enters Year 2 with a near every-down role bookending the defensive line.