Chicago Bears trim to 53 with five gut checks: Brittain Brown, Tre Flowers, Jordan McFadden, Zacch Pickens, Tyler Scott all hear their names called. Roschon Johnson also missed time due to injury, spotlighting a backfield still in flux. The moves underscore depth needs at CB, OL and D-line, while giving more responsibility to the rookies and veterans who made the cut. Chicago’s 53 signals week-to-week fantasy pivots as health, position battles, and special-teams roles shape Week 1 touchups.

Brown’s preseason production couldn’t overcome depth in the backfield; Flowers yielded to depth and injuries at corner; McFadden and Pickens both showed value but lacked a clear path to a full-time role; Scott failed to separate after multiple chances. Fantasy leagues watching Bears practice squad moves will note RBs and WRs with a chance to step in if injuries hit early.

From a fantasy lens, the Bears’ roster churn emphasizes upside bets on injury-free players who can step in quickly. Expect midseason shifts as Johnson returns, Brown latches on elsewhere, and WRs/CBs who flashed in August push for meaningful snap share when games matter most.

Justin Jefferson's health is the immediate drama in Minnesota's camp as a mild left hamstring strain keeps the star wideout on the sideline. The team stressed it’s not the leg that caused a seven-game absence in 2023, but the return to full practice could lag behind the rest of camp. An NFL insider hinted Jefferson might not practice next week ahead of the Patriots game, pushing ramp-up later in August. Minnesota opens the preseason against Houston, and Jefferson has sat preseason the last three years, so this season may mirror that pattern as the Vikings transition with J.J. McCarthy stepping in as QB1. The duo’s timing and trust will shape Minnesota's ceiling, especially with a rookie quarterback needing reps to click with the receiving corps. Minnesota also faces the Patriots and Titans before kicking off the 2025 campaign against the Bears on September 8, making every practice rep precious if Jefferson is delayed.

For fantasy, the missing camp reps could temper early target share and rhythm, nudging secondary options into deeper looks until Jefferson is fully ramped. The McCarthy era adds another layer of complexity, as the offense will rely on route timing and chemistry to maximize big-play ability and explosiveness at the position. The Bears loom as Week 1 opponents, highlighting how critical it is for Jefferson to reclaim timing with his quarterback in a year defined by transition and potential growth across Minnesota’s offense.

Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey did not play for the Los Angeles Chargers in their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs due to knee and shoulder injuries, marking his first missed game this season.

McConkey has had an impressive season, ranking third among NFL rookies with 58 receptions and fourth with 815 receiving yards, along with four touchdown catches.

Several other players were also inactive for both teams, including notable names like Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the Chiefs.

The Baltimore Ravens will be without inside linebacker Roquan Smith for their crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a hamstring injury. Smith, who has been a standout with 110 tackles this season, was ruled out after not practicing all week.

This marks the first game he has missed since 2019, and the Ravens' defense has struggled even with him on the field, ranking low in several defensive categories. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr emphasized that the team will need to step up collectively in Smith's absence.

The dynamics of NFL locker rooms can significantly impact team performance, as illustrated by the contrasting leadership styles of Jim Harbaugh and Brandon Staley with the Los Angeles Chargers. Following a recent victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, linebacker Daiyan Henley shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, reflecting on the team's supportive culture.

Staley's tenure was marred by incidents that alienated players, particularly a birthday oversight that highlighted his disconnect with the locker room. This culminated in a devastating loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, ultimately leading to his dismissal. Harbaugh's leadership has since fostered a more inclusive atmosphere, ensuring no player feels overlooked.