Detroit signed Andre Carter II to its 16-man practice squad, filling the Lions’ final spot as the 2025 roster pool tops out. Carter, a 6-6 edge from Army, went undrafted after military deferral rules, later landing with Minnesota and then Las Vegas. He flashed in camp and preseason, logging two sacks and multiple pressures, signaling potential depth on the defense’s pass rush. Fantasy players should note this is depth insurance for now, with real upside only if injuries mount.

The Lions’ 16-man group also highlights a concrete development focus, with Carter joining a mix of veterans and young bodies. While Carter isn’t an immediate fantasy asset, his path to the active roster could open if he translates training-camp buzz into season-long opportunity, especially in deeper dynasty leagues where raw pass-rush upside matters.

Miami shifts from a pure offense to a defense-forward approach, banking on a deeper, younger defense to carry the load while the passing game endures missing Armstead and Smith. Weaver’s unit ranked top-5 in yards allowed last season and could elevate further if Phillips and Chubb stay healthy, giving fantasy managers new paths to points through sacks, turnovers, and game-swing plays. Hill and Waddle remain high-end targets, Achane becomes a focal point in the run/PPR mix, and Ewers/Wilson provide insurance behind a thinner OL.

Fantasy pivots center on Hill, Waddle, and Achane, with the defense shouldering more responsibility for wins. If the rookie corners pop and the front-seven pressure mounts, the Dolphins could push for home playoff games. Armstead’s absence heightens risk on protection, so Week-1-lineup decisions will hinge on the health of Phillips/Chubb and the secondary’s improvable depth.

Detroit Lions linebacker Zach Cunningham is seizing a significant opportunity with the team as he gears up for training camp. Head coach Dan Campbell highlighted Cunningham's extensive experience and athleticism, noting his role in special teams and defensive units. With a solid performance displayed against Lions tight end Sam LaPorta during spring practices, Cunningham's adaptability and instincts position him as a crucial asset in the competition for a roster spot. He faces stiff competition from other linebackers, but his previous experience from stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos enhances his profile.

Detroit Lions are facing challenges as six players, including star names like left tackle Taylor Decker, defensive tackle Alim McNeill, and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez, have been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list ahead of training camp. This development raises concerns about their readiness for the upcoming season, particularly as McNeill and Rodriguez are recovering from substantial injuries.

Decker's addition to the PUP list is particularly surprising, as his injury details remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, McNeill and Rodriguez, both recovering from ACL tears last season, are expected to miss a significant portion of the year. The Lions appear to have depth at linebacker, having signed Grant Stuard and Zach Cunningham, while the defensive line received reinforcements with the addition of Roy Lopez. The departure of Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, who has officially retired, adds to the offensive line's challenges.