New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) practiced in full Wednesday, another significant step in his return from last season's torn ACL. Head coach John Harbaugh said afterward, "I think he's ready to go," according to Art Stapleton, but stopped short of confirming Nabers will play Sunday night against Dallas. Harbaugh indicated that competitive advantage is part of the reason for keeping the final call open and said the Giants will see how Nabers responds as the week goes on. Nabers played four games last season before the injury, catching 18 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns. He has steadily increased his workload over the past few weeks, and Wednesday was his first full practice of game week. The Giants are still leaving the final decision for Sunday.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) is expected to play in Sunday's season opener against Chicago. Brooks was back in uniform and pads at Wednesday's practice after spending recent sessions working off to the side with trainers because of general soreness, although he was officially a limited participant. After practice, head coach Dave Canales said he is "very confident" Brooks will play, according to Joe Person. That's a significant step forward after Canales was taking Brooks' status day by day earlier in the week. The third-year back missed all of 2025 following his second right ACL tear but returned this summer and played in two preseason games. Carolina has never connected the recent soreness to a specific body part. With Brooks back in pads and Canales sounding confident afterward, he appears set to join Chuba Hubbard in the Panthers' backfield against the Bears.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington enters 2026 with a much better opportunity than he had a year ago. Miami's current depth chart lists him with the first-team offense alongside Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell, giving Washington a real chance to turn a part-time role into something more useful for fantasy. He caught 46 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns last season and also added 110 rushing yards and another score on 17 carries. The receiving efficiency was modest, but the situation around him has changed. Washington also built some chemistry with new starting quarterback Malik Willis during camp, including multiple downfield connections and a late-camp touchdown. Being listed with the starters doesn't guarantee a big target share, especially with Douglas and Bell both pushing for work. Still, Washington has moved from rotational depth into a legitimate starting opportunity. If the routes and targets follow, his fantasy value could rise quickly.

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid might finally get the playing time fantasy managers have been waiting for. Kincaid caught 39 passes for 571 yards and five touchdowns in only 12 games last season despite spending much of the year in a part-time role. His efficiency was among the best at the position whenever he actually ran routes. Now there is belief around Buffalo that Kincaid could push into the 60% to 65% snap range after going through his healthiest training camp in years. He looked the part this summer too, repeatedly finding the end zone with Josh Allen and earning praise for both his receiving work and improvement as a blocker. Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes are still involved, so the increased workload isn't guaranteed. That's really the only thing holding this back. Kincaid has already shown what he can do with limited opportunities. If Buffalo finally keeps him on the field consistently, he has the kind of ceiling that can swing fantasy leagues at tight end.