- Chig Okonkwo earns a larger role: The Washington Commanders’ new tight end is expected to play a larger role in Washington than he ever did with the Tennessee Titans.
- The Detroit Lions seem unsettled at wide receiver: Isaac TeSlaa is currently penciled in as the Lions' third wide receiver, but he played late into the second quarter alongside the rest of the third-string offense in this game.
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Washington Commanders @ Detroit Lions
The Commanders' wide receiver depth chart takes shape: All of Washington’s top wide receivers were active for this game, providing the clearest look yet at how the depth chart is taking shape.
Terry McLaurin leads a crowded receiver room. Washington has spent mid-round picks in each of the past three drafts on slot receivers Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane and Antonio Williams. The Commanders have also added several veterans over the past year, including Stefon Diggs, Treylon Burks, Dyami Brown and Van Jefferson.
On the first drive, McLaurin lined up at X, Burks at Z and Diggs in the slot in 11 personnel. Diggs had historically been an every-down receiver, but he played only 54.7% of the snaps last season with the New England Patriots. His usage in this game suggests he could again be limited primarily to 11 personnel, which would put a ceiling on his fantasy potential. Diggs’ slot role also increases the likelihood that Burks sees significant playing time rather than one of Washington’s younger slot receivers.
On the second drive, Brown took over at X, Burks remained at Z and McCaffrey played in the slot in 11 personnel. Jefferson also took two snaps in place of Burks at Z. On the third drive, McCaffrey moved outside to X, Jefferson played Z and Williams and Lane rotated in the slot.
That usage suggests Lane could be the odd man out if Washington keeps only seven wide receivers. It also indicates that Williams is unlikely to see much, if any, playing time early in the season.
Chig Okonkwo plays 12 of 14 snaps in the first quarter: Washington’s new lead tight end appears poised for a larger role than he ever had with the Tennessee Titans.
Washington used a three-man rotation at tight end last season with Zach Ertz, John Bates and Ben Sinnott. Ertz tore his ACL late in the season, and Washington opted not to re-sign him, instead bringing in Okonkwo. Okonkwo has posted impressive advanced metrics at times but never developed into a consistent fantasy starter in Tennessee, where he often worked in a rotation and played just 63% of the offensive snaps last season.
Okonkwo and Bates were among the starters who rested in last week’s preseason game, and they were the only two tight ends to play on the first two drives this week. They shared four snaps in 12 personnel, while Okonkwo played eight of 10 snaps in 11 personnel. Both exited after the second drive, with Sinnott, Colson Yankoff and Lawrence Cager taking over on the third drive.
That usage suggests Okonkwo and Bates are well ahead of Sinnott on the depth chart, while Okonkwo is positioned for a significant increase in playing time compared to his tenure in Tennessee. He should be one of the top sleeper tight ends this season and an excellent target for fantasy managers who wait at the position.
Isaac TeSlaa plays with the backups: The Lions rested their starters for a second straight week, but TeSlaa remained in the game until midway through the second quarter.
Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams have been locked into Detroit’s top two wide receiver spots. Last season, TeSlaa competed with veteran Kalif Raymond for the third receiver role in 11 personnel. Raymond left for Chicago in free agency, seemingly opening the door for TeSlaa to take over those snaps.
If the Lions fully trusted TeSlaa in that role, however, he likely would have rested with the starters in at least one of the first two preseason games. Detroit’s depth chart behind him remains unsettled, and ideally, those receivers would receive more playing time to help determine who makes the roster. Instead, TeSlaa played not only with the second-team offense that started the game but also alongside the third-team quarterback and offensive line. Greg Dortch and Cedrick Wilson Jr. appeared to be his closest competition last week, while Tay Martin was heavily involved this week.
TeSlaa should still receive significant playing time this season, but he is unlikely to have much fantasy value unless St. Brown or Williams misses time. Even in that scenario, Detroit could look to add a wide receiver via trade rather than significantly expanding TeSlaa’s role.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The Commanders announced before the game that quarterback Marcus Mariota (sprained MCL) and running backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White (hamstring) and Jeremy McNichols (quad) would not play. Croskey-Merritt’s absence was the biggest surprise, but ESPN’s John Keim reported that he may have suffered an injury during Thursday’s practice.
- Lions backup running back Isiah Pacheco (MCL sprain) and starting tight end Sam LaPorta (hip) did not play due to injury.
- The Lions also rested several starters, including quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.
Buffalo Bills @ Cleveland Browns
Denzel Boston is the Browns’ only offensive starter to play: Cleveland’s second-round rookie played throughout the first quarter despite the Browns resting the rest of their offensive starters.
Boston has secured Cleveland’s X receiver role after he, Jerry Jeudy and KC Concepcion started the first preseason game. Uncertainty remains about how snaps will be distributed in 12 personnel, as Cleveland has shown a willingness to use Concepcion in those formations despite his primary role in the slot.
Boston surprisingly played despite Cleveland resting its starters. The Browns have a legitimate quarterback competition, and having Boston on the field gave Shedeur Sanders another weapon as he made his case for the job. That provides a reasonable explanation for Boston’s usage, although it was unusual that he played only the first and last snaps of the second drive and none in between. He finished with a 75% snap rate over the first two drives before exiting ahead of the other Browns who played. His usage isn’t a major red flag, but his playing time in Week 1 will be worth monitoring.
Boston opened the game alongside Isaiah Bond, with Gage Larvadain joining them in three-receiver sets. Bond split his snaps between the slot and outside after playing almost exclusively in the slot last season. He appears to be the top backup at all three receiver spots and would be worth considering off the waiver wire if one of Cleveland’s starting receivers suffers an injury.
Don’t read into which Bills played: Buffalo rested its starters and key backups, which made it somewhat surprising to see Ray Davis and Jackson Hawes on the field.
Buffalo rested most of the players fantasy managers would recognize, with multiple undrafted rookies from the 2025 and 2026 classes playing on the opening drive. Davis and Hawes stood out among that group. Davis has been the primary early-down backup to James Cook III, while Hawes was part of a three-man rotation at tight end throughout last season.
However, the Bills had limited options at both positions. Buffalo has only five halfbacks on its roster, with Cook resting and third-down back Ty Johnson injured. That left only three running backs available. Resting Davis would have left Buffalo with two for the entire game, an unrealistic option given their additional special teams responsibilities and the possibility of an injury.
The situation was identical at tight end. Buffalo has five tight ends on the roster, with Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox sitting out. Hawes is clearly the third option, but resting him as well would have left the Bills with only two available tight ends.
Veterans playing alongside backups in these situations can typically be a red flag, but the circumstances suggest that isn’t the case with Davis or Hawes.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The Bills were without several wide receivers, including DJ Moore (lower body), Joshua Palmer (undisclosed), Khalil Shakir (undisclosed), Keon Coleman (foot), Skyler Bell (groin) and Dante Pettis (undisclosed). Tyrell Shavers remains on the PUP list. Third-down back Ty Johnson (undisclosed) also missed his second straight preseason game.
- Buffalo also rested healthy starters, including quarterback Josh Allen, running back James Cook III and tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox.
- The Browns were without running back Quinshon Judkins, fullback Michael Burton, wide receiver Cedric Tillman and tight ends Joe Royer and Dea’Quan Wright. They were listed out for personal/health reasons, though the specific reasons for their absences have not been disclosed. Todd Monken said Judkins is dealing with “a little something nagging, nothing big.” Tillman’s continued absence will only fuel speculation that he could be released.
- Browns backup tight ends Jack Stoll and Brenden Bates landed on injured reserve over the past week.
- Cleveland also rested running back Dylan Sampson, wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and KC Concepcion, and tight end Harold Fannin Jr.
Atlanta Falcons @ Indianapolis Colts
Zachariah Branch plays a limited role: The third-round rookie primarily played in 11 personnel in this game.
The Falcons remade their wide receiver room this offseason, retaining Drake London, signing Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency and drafting Branch in the third round. At 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Branch’s size could limit his fantasy upside.
Atlanta rested its starters, so Branch opened the game with the second-team offense. He played alongside Dylan Drummond and Chris Blair, who were the primary receivers in 12 personnel. Branch mostly joined them in the slot when Atlanta moved to 11 personnel. He has played exactly one snap in 12 personnel in each of the Falcons’ first two preseason games. While it wasn’t surprising that Branch would primarily be limited to 11 personnel, more preseason work in two-receiver sets would have increased the possibility of an expanded role if injuries strike during the regular season.
Branch played only the first two drives and exited before the other receivers, suggesting his spot in the rotation is secure.
While several third-round wide receivers are worthy of late-round fantasy picks this year, Branch shouldn’t be one of them because his upside appears limited. His best-case scenario is overtaking Zaccheaus as Atlanta’s primary slot receiver, but that role is unlikely to provide enough volume for him to become a consistent fantasy starter.
Laquon Treadwell locks into a roster spot: Treadwell played only one drive before exiting ahead of the rest of the Colts players who started the game.
The Colts’ top four wide receivers appear set when healthy, with Alec Pierce at X, Keenan Allen at Z, Josh Downs in the slot and Ashton Dulin as the top backup. It remains unclear whether Pierce will be ready for Week 1, as he hasn’t practiced in months. If he is unavailable, Dulin is the most likely candidate to take over at X, though that is no guarantee.
Treadwell has been the top X receiver among the backups throughout the preseason. He appeared to be competing with Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for playing time and potentially a roster spot, but Treadwell appears to have pulled ahead. He exited after one drive, while Westbrook-Ikhine remained in the game.
Treadwell could see significant playing time in Week 1, particularly if Pierce isn’t ready. The Colts have enough positional flexibility among their top three receivers that Treadwell could enter the game whenever one of them needs a break in 11 personnel. That would also leave him one injury away from a starting role.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The Falcons rested quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, running backs Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson, tight ends Kyle Pitts Sr., Charlie Woerner and Austin Hooper, and wide receivers Drake London, Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus.
- Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. continues to be eased back into action and didn’t play in this game.
- The Colts rested quarterback Daniel Jones, running back Jonathan Taylor, wide receivers Josh Downs, Keenan Allen and Ashton Dulin, and tight ends Tyler Warren, Mo Alie-Cox, Drew Ogletree and Will Mallory.
- Backup running back DJ Giddens (hamstring) and backup slot receiver Anthony Gould (groin) did not play due to injury, while Alec Pierce remains on the PUP list.
- Rookie Seth McGowan may win the backup running back job by default with Giddens sidelined. McGowan was the focal point of the Colts’ offense early in the game.
Baltimore Ravens @ Minnesota Vikings
More evidence that Ja’Kobi Lane is the Ravens’ WR3: Lane appears poised for a significant role in Baltimore’s offense this season.
Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have been the Ravens’ top receivers in recent years. Baltimore didn’t re-sign DeAndre Hopkins, creating a wide-open competition for the third wide receiver spot between Lane, fellow rookie Elijah Sarratt and recent draft picks Devontez Walker and LaJohntay Wester. Last week, the Ravens rested their starters, and Lane, Walker and Wester started while Sarratt worked with the backups. Sarratt did not enter the game until late in the third quarter, after Xavier Guillory and Chris Moore. That usage suggests he is well down the Ravens’ wide receiver depth chart.
The Ravens rested their starters again this week, with Lane and Walker serving as the primary wide receivers for the first four drives and Wester joining them in three-receiver sets. Lane’s day ended after the fourth drive along with quarterback Tyler Huntley, while Walker and Wester continued playing with Joe Fagnano. That usage suggests Lane is ahead of both on the depth chart. That was already the expectation based on Lane’s draft capital and reports from beat writers, but his preseason usage provides further confirmation.
Lane could even be elevated to the No. 2 receiver role after Bateman was arrested Friday on charges of family violence. It remains unclear how Bateman’s legal situation will affect his availability this season, but the possibility of him missing time only increases Lane’s chances of playing a notable role.
Lane is a worthwhile late-round dart throw, and his ADP is likely to rise.
Demond Claiborne locks into the RB3 spot: Claiborne is no longer rotating with Zavier Scott, suggesting he has secured the Vikings’ No. 3 running back job.
Claiborne was a sixth-round pick by Minnesota in this year’s draft. While Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason were locked into the top two spots, Claiborne was still competing with Scott last week. Scott appeared in 16 games for the Vikings last season, recording 32 carries and 14 receptions.
Last week, Jones and Mason played early in the first quarter before Claiborne replaced them late in the period. Scott began rotating with Claiborne in the second quarter, and both continued to play throughout the second and third quarters, with Scott remaining in the game briefly into the fourth. This week, Minnesota rested its starters, allowing Claiborne to start. He played every snap in the first quarter before Scott took over in the second.
It remains unclear how much Claiborne will play on offense during the regular season, but his spot as one of Minnesota’s top three running backs appears secure.
Miscellaneous Notes
- The Vikings rested quarterback Kyler Murray, running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason, wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings, and tight ends T.J. Hockenson and Josh Oliver.
- While Tai Felton played more snaps than Jennings last week, that was because the Vikings view Felton as their backup X receiver and Jefferson did not play. It did not necessarily indicate that Felton is ahead of Jennings on the depth chart.
- The Ravens rested quarterback Lamar Jackson, running backs Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, Rasheen Ali and Adam Randall, wide receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, and tight ends Mark Andrews and Durham Smythe.
- Most of those absences were expected, as they are veterans near the top of the depth chart. Ali has not been practicing for an undisclosed reason, explaining his absence. It is unclear why Randall is not playing. Considering he is a mid-round rookie and Baltimore played its other rookies who are expected to have larger roles, it is more likely that Randall is dealing with an undisclosed injury than receiving veteran-style rest.
New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Rams
Coming soon…
New York Giants @ Miami Dolphins
Coming soon…
Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals
Coming soon…
Philadelphia Eagles @ New England Patriots
Coming soon…
Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming soon…
Dallas Cowboys @ Arizona Cardinals
Coming soon…
Table Notes
- Snaps include plays called back due to penalties, such as offensive holding or defensive pass interference. The other three stats exclude these plays.
- Targets may differ from official NFL sources. The most likely discrepancy would be from a clear thrown-away pass, where the NFL may give the target to the nearest receiver, while this data will not.
- Carries are only on designed plays. Quarterback scrambles won’t count for the total number of carries in the game.
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