Aireontae Ersery’s rookie season is shaping Houston’s O-line into a gritty, smash‑mouth unit. With four new starters and Ersery locking down a blindside, the Texans aim to reduce sacks and boost Stroud’s development behind a tougher, more cohesive line. The blend of Ersery, Tomlinson, Ingram, Andrews, and Fisher signals a reset in both pass protection and run blocking, framed by Popovich’s finish‑and‑drive coaching style.

Stroud’s praise of Ersery captures the vibe: trust, back‑to‑back toughness, and a willingness to grind. The preseason hints at a more cohesive pocket and improved run lanes, even as Laremy Tunsil’s move to Washington looms in the background. If the chemistry sticks, fantasy managers could see a sturdier Texans offense elevating Stroud and Houston’s skill players in 2024.

Dalton exited Carolina's Saturday preseason game against Houston with a right elbow sprain after a late hit by Danielle Hunter, and he did not return. He played seven plays across one series, going 2-of-4 for 22 yards and not taking a sack. Bryce Young led two early drives (0-for-2) before Dalton was sidelined, and Jack Plummer stepped in for Carolina. The Panthers fell 20-3 as Plummer and Young rotated through the remainder of the game. Dalton will be evaluated tomorrow as Carolina shifts its attention to QB depth and the early-season plan. In the prior first preseason game, Dalton went 13-of-19 for 101 yards with an interception and no TDs. Dalton’s career arc includes a stint with Cincinnati, followed by time with Dallas before landing in Carolina in 2023. This injury adds uncertainty to the Panthers’ quarterback group as they head toward Week 1 preparations.

Dalton elbow injury shutters the Panthers’ preseason night in Houston, forcing Carolina to rely on Bryce Young and rookie Jack Plummer as backups. Dalton exited after a seven-play series, finishing 2-of-4 for 22 yards, with no sacks charged. Carolina trailed 7-0 when the injury occurred and went into halftime down 10-3 as Young and Plummer rotated in unfinished drives. Tetairoa McMillan drew a Dalton target on a third-and-8 that fell incomplete to cap the first Panthers series before the injury.

Dalton, 37, signed with Carolina in 2023 and has compiled long NFL experience (175 games, ~39,500 yards, 253 TDs). In the season opener of the 2025 preseason he went 13-of-19 for 101 yards with a pick. The injury creates a sharp hinge point for Carolina’s QB depth and may accelerate Young’s development path, with Plummer stepping in behind him and McMillan potentially earning more trust in the passing game.

From a fantasy lens, the setback tightens Carolina’s early-quarterback uncertainty. If Dalton misses time, Young’s reps could surge, and Plummer’s late-week opportunities may be pivotal for roster planning. The hit by Danielle Hunter underscored Houston’s push, while Young’s minimal stats leave a wait-and-see mood around the Panthers’ Week 1 plan.

Matthew Stafford hasn’t practiced in nearly three weeks because of a back injury, and the Los Angeles Rams are still trying to lock in a Week 1 left tackle. Alaric Jackson hasn’t practiced at all after battling blood clots, opening a four-man competition in camp between Warren McClendon, D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry, with Jackson’s status up in the air. McVay has signaled Humphries as the likely starter if Jackson can’t go, while McClendon has flashed capability at left tackle and Quessenberry remains a versatile depth option. Stafford threw about 60 passes in a recent session and didn’t appear rusty, but the team wants him practicing again soon to ease the protection concerns. Houston’s defensive front, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, looms as a serious Week 1 test, especially if the left tackle situation lingers.

Jackson’s potential return is a big variable as the opener nears, and the Rams are using the camp period to evaluate multiple bodies who can play either tackle spot. McVay praised the competition and noted the trio’s recent strides, while acknowledging the need for more practice reps for whoever lines up at left tackle. The Rams’ protection plan hinges on Stafford’s health and a quick ramp back into full practice, with Week 1 against the Texans appearing as a challenging first test for the revamped line.

Stafford’s back issue adds another layer of risk as the Rams try to balance a fragile line with a stout Texans pass rush. With McClendon and Humphries pushing for the left side and Quessenberry’s familiarity, L.A. has depth, but the lack of certainty could influence fantasy lineups and game scripts. The Rams will continue evaluating daily, taking a day-by-day approach as they near the season’s start.

The Cincinnati Bengals and defensive end Trey Hendrickson are in active negotiations to end his holdout as the team prepares for training camp. ESPN's Tom Pelissero reported that discussions are ongoing, with both sides exchanging offers regarding Hendrickson's contract. The crux of the negotiations centers on the Bengals' traditional policy of not guaranteeing money beyond the first year of a contract. This approach was notably altered when they guaranteed money to star quarterback Joe Burrow, which could set a precedent in discussions with Hendrickson.

Rumors suggest that while the financial aspects should be straightforward, the Bengals' stance on guarantees complicates matters. Players like Maxx Crosby and Danielle Hunter have recently secured lucrative deals, and Hendrickson's expectations are likely influenced by these contracts. The Bengals face a pivotal moment as they seek to solidify their defense while adhering to their financial philosophies.