Chargers finalize their 53-man roster with Justin Herbert anchored as QB1 while Trey Lance slides in as his backup, a bold pivot that could unlock creative packages early in the season. Lance’s presence adds a dynamic upside if Herbert is limited, while Najee Harris sits on the initial roster as the backfield staple. A late trade nets Austin Deculus to shore up the tackle spot, signaling a clear emphasis on protecting the edge and improving Week 1 viability. Raheim Sanders was the notable cut, a tough break in a deep backfield. Asante Samuel Jr. remains a key health watch in the secondary, with updated return timelines shaping the defensive outlook.

Fantasy angles center on Lance’s potential Week 1 usage and how the Deculus addition could lift the offense’s ceiling. Harris’ continued presence offers a reliable floor, while Samuel Jr.’s health status could influence Chargers’ pass defense matchups. The moves collectively sketch a Chargers mindset: maximize Herbert’s window, lean into depth up front, and keep options at QB and in the backfield ready for action.

Samuel Jr. is eyeing a second-half signing after an October CT scan to confirm spinal fusion success, per Fowler. A Saints reunion hinges on a favorable start to the season, given their rough opening schedule. Samuel’s Chargers era (2021–24) under Staley is a crucial storyline as teams weigh health timelines against on-field impact.

The report frames him as a potential midseason boost for New Orleans’ secondary and fantasy rosters, with the timing sharpening his upside if he can return fully healthy. His presence could reshape depth in the Saints’ cornerback group and add a meaningful late-season dynamic for owners watching the waiver wire.

Miami’s preseason has become a chess match between culture, injuries, and the defensive rebuild. After a string of locker-room headlines, the focus shifts to a healthier secondary and a veteran infusion that could stabilize the unit. Mike Hilton’s arrival provides a bridge to reliability, while Jack Jones plugged in during the reporting period adds depth in a crowded Dolphins cornerback room. The potential addition of Asante Samuel Jr. would instantly raise the defensive floor, pairing with Jesse Minter’s blitz-heavy scheme and a Macdonald-tree lineage that promises cohesion. For fantasy enthusiasts, monitoring the CB rotation and the DST upside as these moves take shape is essential, especially with reports of injuries in the back end that could create late-season volatility. The Dolphins’ path to steady defensive production hinges on health, fit, and how quickly new pieces gel in a system that’s under pressure to prove its resilience.

Samuel Jr. represents a high-ceiling swing that could redefine Miami’s ceiling, if the timing and money align. The article notes the potential awkwardness given prior public critiques by Samuel Sr., but emphasizes football’s value add over history. If Samuel Jr. lands in Miami, he would bring immediate starter-grade upside, veteran savvy, and a track record of competence in press-man looks that could unlock more aggressive defensive play. For fantasy, the storyline is simple: better corner play translates to more turnovers, more sacks from the front, and a more formidable weekly DST profile in a division that rewards points for picks and stops.