5 Players Moving After the Latest NFL News:
Fantasy draft season is here, and late-August news can change a player’s value quickly. Injuries, depth-chart movement and players returning to practice are creating important developments fantasy managers need to know before drafting.
Here are five players whose fantasy stock is moving after the latest news from August 23.
Ashton Jeanty — Stock Down
The biggest development of the day came out of Las Vegas.
Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty suffered an apparent knee injury during Sunday’s practice after landing awkwardly while attempting to make a diving catch. He reportedly couldn’t put pressure on his right leg and needed help leaving the field.
The exact severity of the injury remains unclear, so fantasy managers shouldn’t overreact until more information becomes available. But when a player being selected early in fantasy drafts suffers a potentially significant injury this close to the season, the added uncertainty has to be considered.
Fantasy Takeaway: Jeanty’s talent and projected workload still give him major upside if healthy, but his status now needs to be monitored closely before drafts.
Mike Washington Jr. — Stock Up
Jeanty’s injury immediately puts Mike Washington Jr. on the fantasy radar.
The Raiders rookie has already impressed this preseason, producing 119 rushing yards on only 15 carries across two games.
More importantly, Las Vegas doesn’t have much proven competition behind Jeanty.
If Jeanty is forced to miss time, Washington could have an opportunity to take on a substantially larger role in the Raiders’ backfield.
That makes him one of the most important late-round names to monitor over the next several days.
Fantasy Takeaway: Washington goes from deep sleeper to legitimate late-round stash while fantasy managers wait for additional information on Jeanty.
Malik Nabers — Stock Up
There was encouraging news surrounding Malik Nabers on Sunday.
The Giants wide receiver has been working his way back from last year’s torn ACL and meniscus and has yet to be cleared for contact. However, head coach John Harbaugh indicated there is a possibility Nabers could shed his no-contact jersey this week.
That’s another positive step toward being available for Week 1.
Nabers still carries additional injury risk compared with other receivers being drafted in the same range, but his recent progress is encouraging.
Fantasy Takeaway: Nabers remains a high-upside WR1 target. Every step toward full-contact work makes it easier to invest an early-round selection in him.
Juwan Johnson — Stock Up
The Saints’ tight-end situation is becoming increasingly interesting.
Juwan Johnson is coming off a breakout 2025 season in which he caught 77 passes for 889 yards and has continued making plays during training camp.
New Orleans added Noah Fant and drafted Oscar Delp, so target competition remains a concern. However, Johnson continues to sit atop the depth chart and has done little this summer to surrender the lead role.
For fantasy managers who don’t want to spend an early selection on tight end, Johnson is becoming an increasingly interesting name later in drafts.
Fantasy Takeaway: Johnson’s combination of established production and a secure role keeps him firmly on the late-round TE radar.
Zach Charbonnet — Stock Down
The Seattle backfield has become one of the more important situations to monitor.
Zach Charbonnet remains on the PUP list while recovering from the torn ACL he suffered last season, and his availability for the beginning of the regular season remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, rookie Jadarian Price has impressed during training camp and appears to be establishing himself as an important part of Seattle’s backfield.
That combination creates considerably more uncertainty around Charbonnet’s fantasy value.
Fantasy Takeaway: Until there’s greater clarity regarding Charbonnet’s return, his draft-day risk has increased while Price continues to become a player fantasy managers need to know.
More Fantasy News We’re Watching
Several other developments could affect fantasy drafts over the coming days.
Christian McCaffrey returned to practice Sunday and indicated that his previous absence was part of San Francisco’s plan to keep him fresh for Week 1.
De’Zhaun Stribling returned to 49ers practice in a no-contact jersey after dealing with a shoulder injury.
Malik Davis appears to be emerging as the favorite for Dallas’ No. 2 running back job behind Javonte Williams.
Seth McGowan is positioning himself as the primary backup to Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis, potentially making him an important fantasy handcuff.
And Cleveland tight end Harold Fannin Jr. continues to generate considerable attention entering his second NFL season after producing 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie.
Don’t Draft With Yesterday’s Information
Fantasy values can change quickly at this point of the preseason. One injury, depth-chart decision or change in practice participation can alter a player’s outlook before your draft even begins.
FantasyLineups is continuing to update its fantasy football rankings as new information becomes available.
Before your draft — and especially before you’re on the clock — check the latest QB, RB, WR and TE rankings, along with breaking NFL news and fantasy analysis, to make sure you’re drafting with the most current information available.
Stay ahead of your draft with FantasyLineups.com.
