The season is here. We move from the dynasty offseason to waivers and trades. In today’s “Dynasty News,” we will examine some of the larger happenings of the week from a dynasty perspective.
Dynasty News: RB Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
Ace beat writer Cam Inman broke the news of Christian McCaffrey's calf issue last Thursday:
BREAKING: Christian McCaffrey limited at 49ers practice with calf issue, a year after Achilles tendinitis shelved him the first two months of a lost season https://t.co/iCJRtSDb5w
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) September 5, 2025
The injury occurred in Thursday's practice. McCaffrey played Sunday, but dynasty managers should keep an eye on the situation. After last year's injury - and lost season - we are very leery of McCaffrey and calf or Achilles injuries. For those thinking ahead, Brian Robinson Jr is not the answer for anything more than a flex play. Do not go all-out in acquiring him in dynasty leagues. Let others chase Robinson. Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James would be great upside stashes for deep dynasty rosters if McCaffrey misses time. James looked good in training camp before injuring his finger. He was a fifth-round pick in this year's NFL Draft out of Oregon and could surprise later this season if McCaffrey misses time.
Dynasty News: RB Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
After Judkins was cleared in his legal battle last week, we expected him to join the Browns soon. On Saturday, Ian Rapoport broke the news of Quinshon Judkins signing his rookie contract:
The #Browns are signing second-round RB Quinshon Judkins to his fully guaranteed deal, sources say. All draft picks are now under contract.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 6, 2025
Judkins legal situation is behind him after no charges were filed, though the NFL is still conducting its investigation. pic.twitter.com/eqE7h0TuGf
It will take a few weeks for Judkins to get into football shape after missing the entire offseason. Until then, we expect Jerome Ford and Dylan Sampson to be fringe fantasy options. Both looked merely average against a porous Bengals defense. Ford is a dynasty sell if he has a good week, knowing that Judkins will lead the backfield soon. By the way, Adam Schefter reported that Judkins will meet with Commissioner Roger Goodell soon:
Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins is scheduled to meet with the NFL this week about its investigation, but there is a real possibility, and even likelihood according to one source, that he will make his NFL debut next Sunday at Baltimore.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 7, 2025
Even if he is able to play, it may take a few weeks to get up to playing speed. The positive is that the Cleveland offense looked better than expected ... even if some of that was due to the Cincinnati defense.
Dynasty News: RB Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles
Ian Rapoport broke the news of this trade right before the Monday Night Football kickoff.
Sources: The #Eagles are at it again, trading for #Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby. The champs continue to build. pic.twitter.com/vEW86peKRq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 8, 2025
This trade is telling for both teams. The Eagles made the trade after realizing the extent of Will Shipley's rib injury that occurred on opening night against the Cowboys. For the Jaguars, this clears the path for rookie Bhayshul Tuten to see more touches after a promising Week 1. Also, fellow rookie, LeQuint Allen Jr. played well in a receiving-back role. Adam Schefter reported on the air that the price was a 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks. Philadelphia may be wishing they had held onto Kenneth Gainwell.
Dynasty News: RB Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
Much ink has been spilled regarding the Steelers extending the contract of tailback Jaylen Warren last week. Many are assuming that he will be the long-term lead back for the Steelers. Coach Mike Tomlin weighed in:
Mike Tomlin on Jaylen Warren:
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) September 2, 2025
"His progress has been very evident and he's to be congratulated ... Certainly he'll be our featured runner. Certainly you'll see [Kaleb Johnson/Kenneth Gainwell], but at what time and at what degree [will depend week-to-week]."#Steelers
This news, combined with Kenneth Gainwell playing very well in preseasson, have led many to jump off the Kaleb Johnson bandwagon. Yes, both veterans are better in pass protection. But, we should acknowledge that Johnson played on a college team - Iowa - that rarely threw the ball, so he will need to learn that skill as a rookie. We are using this news as an opportunity to acquire a very good rookie running back at a steep discount. He will get his chance ... though it may take a few months. The best dynasty managers invest in talent over the situation.
Dynasty News: RB Roschon Johnson, Chicago Bears
There had been sparce news regarding the health of Chicago tailback Roschon Johnson until he returned to practice Saturday.
Roschon Johnson (foot) returned to practice for the first time since Aug. 5. He's listed as QUESTIONABLE, but seems like a stretch that he'll be available after one day of practice on what was a shorter day.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 6, 2025
The good news for the Bears backfield: Kyle Monangai was a FULL…
We expect Johnson and rookie Kyle Monangai to split snaps with D'Andre Swift on early downs and Swift to get the passing-down work. Johnson looked good last year, but it will take him a few weeks to get back into playing shape. Foot injuries also have a high incidence of reinjury so the Bears will take it slow ramping him up to game shape. While every analyst talks up how well Monangai has looked, now is a great time to stash Johnson on dynasty benches.
Dynasty News: WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Much was expected of Xavier Worthy after his promising rookie season, especially with Rashee Rice missing the first six games. In Friday's night's game against the Chargers, Worthy ran into teammate Travis Kelce on a crossing pattern, injurying his shoulder. He will miss extended time as shoulder injuries take a few weeks - at a minimum - to heal. We expect Marquise Brown to continue to be a target hog as the team's top receiver until Worthy and Rice return.
Dynasty News: WR Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
Last week, the San Francisco 49ers sweetened Jauan Jennings' contract, giving him $3 million more for this season, bumping his salary to $10.5 million, per beat reporter Nick Wagoner. Wagoner wrote, "Jennings' agents, Drew and Jason Rosenhaus, told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday night that the Niners and Jennings have agreed to add $3 million in play-time incentives to his contract for this season. Jennings, who is entering the final season of the two-year contract he signed last offseason, can now earn up to $10.5 million. He is slated to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, as he and the Niners didn't come to an agreement on a long-term extension." So, Jennings chose to take a little extra cash over what the team was offering for a long-term deal. We doubt Jennings will find the market he expects will be there. There is still a solid chance that he returns after finding a lacking market for his services. Jennings injured his shoulder in Sunday's victory over Seattle. He will need to stay on the field in order to command a big contract next offseason. Possibly in response to Jennings' injury, San Francisco signed ex-49er, Kendrick Bourne, on Monday, according to his agents at Disruptive Sports. Bourne had been slowed by foot injury but may play this week.
Dynasty News: WR Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
Williams signed a contract extension this past Saturday. Jordan Schultz broke the news:
BREAKING: The #Lions and star WR Jameson Williams have agreed to a 3-year, $83M extension with $67M guaranteed, multiple sources tell me.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 7, 2025
Jamo is coming off a career year — his first 1,000-yard season with 8 TDs. One of the league’s premier young talents just got paid. pic.twitter.com/t407ZHgjFP
This is an interesting extension for a player with just 83 catches for 1,396 yards and 10 touchdowns through his first three years as a professional. The Lions front office has bragged about Williams' work ethic and professionalism this offseason. While this new deal looks like a lot of money, it could look paltry if he has a big season.
Dynasty News: WR Christian Kirk, Houston Texans
Kirk signed with the Texans this offseason and hopes to man the slot position in the prolific Houston offense. However, he missed several days of practice last week before Adam Schefter tweeted:
Texans WR Christian Kirk has a strained hamstring that is expected to sideline him for at least Sunday’s opener vs. the Rams and possibly longer, per sources. One source estimated it to be a two-week injury for Kirk, but the Texans will be “cautious” with him. pic.twitter.com/2nkyFGUhI8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 4, 2025
Houston will rely heavily on Nico Collins until Kirk returns. The Texans have a myriad of injuries to overcome for a playoff run. Kirk will be a high-volume receiver when he returns so he makes a great player to acquire, knowing that the offensive line is porous and Stroud will have little time to throw, yielding many short middle-of-the-field targets.
Dynasty News: WR Amari Cooper, Retired
Tom Pelissero broke the news on Amari Cooper's retirement. Pelissero reported, "Cooper had struggled to ramp up toward game readiness in the last week as the Raiders prepped for their regular-season opener against the Patriots on Sunday. Thus, the 31-year-old Cooper decided it was best for him to walk away from the game after 10 seasons." Many times, when a players plays well into their 30s, we forget how prolific they were throughout their career. As a refresher, Cooper was a five-time Pro Bowler with 711 receptions for 10,033 receiving yards and 64 receiving touchdowns. He had seven 1,000-yard seasons and averagedd 14.1 yards per reception. So, congratulations are in order on a great career. As for the Raiders, we are left to believe that they signed the veteran because they need a veteran presence across from Jakobi Meyers. Las Vegas drafted two promising rookies in this year's NFL Draft in Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr., but they may not be ready for prime time just yet.
Dynasty News: WR Arian Smith, New York Jets
Beat reporter Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt wrote in the athletic that the Jets need Arian Smith to have “a significant role ... quickly.” The rookie has speed to get downfield, something that neither Garrett Wilson nor Allen Lazard possess. While we believe that Wilson will be the only fantasy-viable receiver with Justin Fields under center in the run-oriented offense, Smith is a player to monitor.
Dynasty News: TE Cade Stover, Houston Texans
Stover started in Sunday's loss to the Rams and was in a boot after the game. Aaron Wilson had more on Stover's injury. We expect this to be a committee the remainder of the season, frustrating most dynasty managers.
Sources: #Texans starting tight end Cade Stover broke his foot against #Rams and is out indefinitely. Stover, who was in a boot after the game, caught a team-high four passes for 22 yards on four targets Sunday @KPRC2 https://t.co/8iRlBx7Nqv
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 8, 2025