Preseason Updates On Terry McLaurin, Deshaun Watson & More

The preseason gives us more than just TDs and dopamine.

While some of the action was … bad, I like to keep my cup half-full. Football is back, baby! And I won't ever take that for granted.

So, leaning heavily into that optimistic spirit, here are some half-full takeaways from Preseason Week 2:

Ashton Jeanty's Got Time

Sometimes, it's a bit harder to remain optimistic. And Sunday felt like one of those times.

On Sunday, Ashton Jeanty left the field with a lower leg injury. He was reportedly unable to put any weight on his leg when leaving the field. Thankfully, it sounds like Jeanty escaped with an ankle sprain. While there's still some time left before Week 1 kicks off, you'll need to monitor his health as you move into your drafts.

But if you want the cup half-full for this one, at least you aren’t this guy.

Ted Hurst Stepping into Mike Evans' Role in TB

Mom! Wake up! We've got a new WR/CB rivalry.

With Mike Evans no longer playing for the Buccaneers, it looks like Ted Hurst is stepping seamlessly into his viral role in Tampa. Because on Saturday, Hurst received a 15-yard penalty for slapping KC rookie Mansoor Delane. Or he "smacked" him, depending on how you label open-handed hits. (Remember, the heated Evans vs. Marshon Lattimore rivalry began during Lattimore's rookie year, too.)

Are we witnessing the birth of the next great WR/CB feud?

Terry McLaurin Models Game after 2021 DK Metcalf

I'll keep this one PG.

The facts: Terry McLaurin used the blue tent this Saturday.

Completely unrelated, but DK Metcalf finished with a stat line of 90-1,048-6 the year of his incident.

Deshaun Watson Plays Like Himself

In this world, nothing can be certain … except for death, taxes, and Deshaun Watson interceptions.

While the Browns' QB competition is still alive on paper, rookie WR Denzel Boston seems to have some strong feelings about it.

But like I said last week, there's still hope for fantasy goodness in Cleveland despite the mess.

UPDATED RANKINGS FOR YOUR MONDAY NIGHT DRAFTS

Are You A Frustrated Fantasy Football Player? Join the Fantasy Life League on Renegade Fantasy

Renegade Fantasy is the ONLY app that lets you substitute players in real-time, stop the clock and participate in second-season drafts … just like a real coach.
Join the Fantasy Life Football League on the Renegade Fantasy Football app.
We are giving away $10,000 to the overall league winners.

Are you ready to take your fantasy team to the next level? That means … no more losing Sundays, seasons or wasted lineups.

Need Injury Protection? Our $49 season pass automatically subs out players when officially ruled out due to injury.

Need even more protection? Our $79 season pass automatically subs out players during games for both poor performance AND injuries, giving you maximum hands-off coverage for active managers.

And here's the best part: when you purchase an in-game subscription package, you'll also receive a FREE Fantasy Life subscription. Receive a Tier 1 sub (with an in-game sub package of $25 or $49) or a Tier 2 ($79). Unlock the offer with code LIFE. Offer only available for new Fantasy Life subscribers.

JOIN THE FANTASY LIFE RENEGADE LEAGUE FOR $10K NOW

Around the Watercooler

Your favorite football nerds are back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …

✍️ BOOKMARK THIS! The PERFECT draft strategy for every position.

📈📉 So. Many. Drafts … who’s rising and falling on the ADP board?

🤔 What can water teach us about fantasy football? Lessons ahead of 2026 drafts.

📝 Bye Week cheat sheet for your drafts. Everything you need in one place.

👀 Drafting on Sleeper this week? Targets, fades and more to know.

💯 ICYMI: Matthew Berry’s 100 facts for the 2026 fantasy season.

Preseason Week 2 Utilization Takeaways

Okay okay. My preseason takeaways up above were fun, but Dwain's got the real goods from Week 2.

Focusing on player utilization and usage, Dwain is breaking down some of the biggest takeaways from each team.

Jalen Royals is trending up.
Bucky Irving is holding steady.
And a few players with the dreaded "Trending Down" tag …

Keep this article close. Especially if you plan on drafting before next weekend.

UTILIZATION BREAKDOWN OF EVERY WEEK 2 PRESEASON GAME

Predicting Rookie Disappointments

I love the rookies. I do. But they can't all hit.

This is your final warning.

Sam Wallace is predicting three rookies from Round 1 to disappoint in 2026. Find out why they might not live up to their high price tags:

Carnell Tate | WR TEN
Omar Cooper Jr. | WR NYJ
Jadarian Price | RB SEA

PUMP THE BRAKES ON SEATTLE’S CURRENT RB1?

Published Aug 24, 2026, 6:00 AM ETUpdated Aug 24, 2026, 9:10 AM ET