Introduction
The second week of the NFL preseason has brought significant movement to fantasy football rankings, driven largely by injuries and roster changes rather than on-field performance. With joint practices reducing starter participation, fantasy analysts are sifting through a week dominated by health concerns and backfield shakeups. The most prominent storyline involves Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, whose status for the upcoming season remains unclear after leaving practice on Sunday.
Jeanty's Injury Casts a Shadow Over Draft Boards
Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders' star back and former No. 6 overall pick, left practice on Sunday, and as of Monday afternoon, no details on the severity of the injury had been released. CBS Sports' Dave Richard, who was at the practice, described the scene: "His teammates immediately froze as he lay on the ground. Trainers tended to him, then helped him up and aided him off the field. As he left, the entire team got down on a knee and stayed silent for a while before finishing practice."
CBS Sports acknowledged the uncertainty, noting that while the injury "doesn't sound good," no official word had come from the team. The outlet's fantasy analyst stated he would not draft Jeanty before pick No. 35 in one-quarterback leagues until more is known, despite Jeanty being a borderline first-round pick before the injury. The analyst emphasized the range of possibilities: "At this moment there is both a chance he plays Week 1 and a chance he won't play all year. We just don't know."
Sports Illustrated also flagged Jeanty as a player with overvalued average draft position (ADP), which it placed at 10.0 overall, making him the seventh running back off the board. The outlet noted that Jeanty's ADP has "plummeted" in real-time projections as a result of the injury, the short-term severity of which has not been revealed.
Rookie Running Backs on the Rise
The injury has opened the door for rookie Mike Washington Jr. in Las Vegas. CBS Sports reported that Washington has 119 rushing yards on 15 carries in two preseason games, and would rise to a Round 5 pick or higher if Jeanty's injury proves season-ending. Sports Illustrated similarly noted that Washington is "stepping up in a big way" during the preseason and could establish a role that takes touches away from Jeanty if he misses time.
Arizona Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love is also dealing with an injury that could sideline him early in the season, according to Sports Illustrated. Love, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 draft, carries an ADP of 27.0 (RB13). The outlet noted that James Conner will take touches away from Love, potentially limiting his production in the first few games. Sports Illustrated's analyst said he doesn't "hate his current ADP," but acknowledged factors working against the rookie's immense expectations.
Backfield Changes in New York and New Orleans
The Giants' backfield has become more crowded with the addition of veteran Najee Harris, a four-time 1,000-yard rusher. Sports Illustrated highlighted Harris as a player who "has shown flashes," while noting the Giants also have Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Jaxson Dart, who has rushing upside. CBS Sports reported that the Harris signing makes a bad preseason for Tracy worse, dropping the second-year back outside the first 10 rounds. The outlet also suggested that Cam Skattebo, an Arizona Cardinals running back with an ADP of 38.8 (RB18), becomes riskier with the Harris acquisition, recommending managers wait until Round 5 to draft him.
In New Orleans, running back Travis Etienne signed a significant deal with the Saints, and the team restructured Alvin Kamara's contract, according to CBS Sports. With Kamara possibly missing the start of the season, Etienne is now ranked as a top-12 running back and projected for 290 touches. CBS Sports noted this as a significant riser.
Texans' Receiver Shuffle
The Houston Texans' receiving corps has taken a hit with the loss of Jayden Higgins, opening opportunities for other pass-catchers. CBS Sports reported that Nico Collins' target share has been boosted to a Round 2 pick, while Tank Dell and Jaylin Noel are battling injuries. Xavier Hutchinson is likely to be the Texans' second-best receiver to start the season. Tight end Dalton Schultz is now a borderline top-12 option worth a Round 10 pick, according to CBS Sports, which noted he was second on the team with 106 targets last year. The outlet added that the Texans threw 120 passes to Higgins and Christian Kirk last year, with Kirk no longer on the roster.
Other Notable Movers
CBS Sports reported several smaller adjustments: A.J. Brown moved up slightly after his performance in team camp against Philadelphia; Kyle Monangai fell behind Blake Corum and out of Round 8 due to a knee injury; D'Andre Swift remains a favorite in Round 4 and could move into Round 3 if Monangai gets a negative report; Jalen Coker moved up to Round 9 as a high-end WR4; and Dalton Kincaid, having maintained health through preseason, is pushed into the top 12 tight ends for the first time this offseason.