Read ESPN's fantasy football daily notes every weekday to stay caught up on the news you need to know and get a head start on the fantasy football content coming today and tomorrow to ESPN.com and the ESPN Fantasy App.
The news: Kenneth Walker III will miss the remainder of the preseason after undergoing a "procedure" for his injury.
What it means in fantasy: Now that Walker is out, Rashaad Penny is the lead back in the Seahawks' committee. Travis Homer and DeeJay Dallas will help on passing downs. Penny is currently the RB35, but that is sure to rise given the news surrounding Walker as the Seahawks are built to run the ball.
Going deeper: The Seahawks have ranked within the top five in total rushing attempts In five of the last nine seasons.
The news: Melvin Gordon III said that the Broncos want Javonte Williams "to be the guy" after practice on Wednesday.
What it means in fantasy: News like this can be interpreted differently, but let's look at the facts. The Broncos' backfield was evenly split between Gordon and Williams last season. Gordon re-signed with Denver earlier this year. It has been publicly announced by the Broncos coaching staff that the backfield will remain a committee in 2022. A better Denver offense with Russell Wilson at the helm still makes Gordon a solid flex option.
Going deeper: In two seasons with Denver, Gordon has rushed for more than 1,900 yards and 17 touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. That's impressive playing alongside Phillip Lindsay in 2020 and Williams in 2021. The Gordon and Williams duo became only the second pair in franchise history to each surpass 900 rushing yards in a season last year.
The news: Mecole Hardman suffered a groin injury in practice Wednesday
What it means in fantasy: Although the initial thought is that the injury is not serious, fantasy managers may have viewed Hardman as a potential breakout candidate for the Chiefs following the trade of Tyreek Hill to Miami, but he is projected to receive only 69 targets and this will not help him exceed those expectations.
Going deeper: Consider rookie Skyy Moore in your fantasy draft if you are looking for a Kansas City player to target late.
The news: Joshua Kelley is the frontrunner to be Austin Ekeler's backup.
What it means in fantasy: This news comes as a surprise since the Chargers drafted Isaiah Spiller in the fourth round. It was assumed that Spiller would be the backup, but not so fast my friend. Kelley is quickly becoming one of the fantasy football running backs you never knew you needed late in drafts.
Going deeper: This will be Kelley's third season and the year when things finally come together for him since he's constantly learning and growing. At his final season at UCLA in 2019, Kelley started all 11 games and became the eighth running back in school history to have consecutive seasons with 1,000 or more rushing yards.
The news: Darren Waller returned to practice for the first time since late July
What it means in fantasy: Waller is the TE5 in our draft trends right now. Having a new head coach, Josh McDaniels, and a new wide receiver, Davante Adams, makes him a great fit with the Raiders. Waller is a mismatch nightmare who should cause havoc on opposing defenses in the middle of the field. It is possible for McDaniels to use him in a similar manner to what he did with Rob Gronkowski with the Patriots. You shouldn't overlook Waller in your fantasy draft if you prefer to prioritize an upper echelon tight end early.
Today on ESPN.com/Fantasy and in the ESPN Fantasy App
Eric Karabell's tiered rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE
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Tomorrow:
The ESPN+ Cheat Sheet
• Latest mock draft: 12-team 1/2 PPR
• Liz Loza on how to make autodraft strategy work for you.
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