Daily Dive: Training Camp Buzz – August 28, 2025
The preseason is behind us, the rosters are trimmed, and the news cycle refuses to slow down. Welcome back to the Daily Dive, your go-to rundown of everything that shook up the NFL in the last 24 hours. Suspensions, trades, injuries, waiver claims — it’s been a busy one. Let’s get right into it.
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Rice Suspended 6 Games
The saga is over. Rashee Rice accepted a six-game suspension and will miss the start of the season before returning in Week 7 against the Raiders. To those saying “Wait, I thought he was playing the first four weeks?” That was only if this went to the hearing with Judge Sue Robinson. An agreement now precludes the hearing. For fantasy managers, it’s a headache. Rice becomes a stash candidate with WR1 upside for the back half of the fantasy regular season, while Patrick Mahomes will lean even more heavily on Travis Kelce and rookie Xavier Worthy to open 2025. Rice is still draftable in fringe-WR3 territory, but it’s going to be a long wait for him to get back on the field.
Thielen Returns to Minnesota
The Vikings are bringing back fan favorite Adam Thielen, acquiring him from Carolina in exchange for a package of late-round picks. Minnesota gets a reliable veteran who can fill in while Jordan Addison serves his three-game suspension. Thielen’s fantasy ceiling is limited at age 35, but he’s in line for steady targets early. For the Panthers, it’s about moving on and giving young wideouts Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker a bigger stage.
Achane on Track for Week 1
Dolphins GM Chris Grier says De’Von Achane is expected to play against the Colts despite the calf issue that’s kept him sidelined in camp. Miami has treated it as precautionary, and barring setbacks, the explosive third-year back should be ready to roll. Fantasy drafters can confidently grab him in the second round with the potential for a huge payoff.
Texans Cagey on Mixon
Nick Caserio says Joe Mixon will be re-evaluated after four weeks but stopped short of guaranteeing he’ll play this season. That’s an ominous sign for fantasy drafters. Mixon should be avoided, while Nick Chubb steps into the lead role with Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks waiting behind him. This backfield is shaping up to be one of the league’s least productive for fantasy purposes.
Najee a Maybe for Week 1
Jim Harbaugh called it a “possibility” that Najee Harris suits up to open the year, though Omarion Hampton is still likely to lead the way against the Raiders. Even if Harris plays, expect a timeshare while he ramps back up. Hampton remains the clear top fantasy option in the Chargers backfield.
Hunter Full Speed
Jaguars GM James Gladstone confirmed Travis Hunter is “rolling full speed” after sitting out the final preseason game. He’ll open Week 1 as a WR3 against the Panthers and continue to play both sides of the ball. For fantasy, he’s an intriguing option right away.
Jennings Status Unclear
John Lynch admitted the 49ers are “hopeful but not sure” about Jauan Jennings playing in Week 1. With Brandon Aiyuk already sidelined on PUP, San Francisco’s receiver depth is paper-thin. Newly signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling could sneak into early-season snaps, though his fantasy impact is minimal.
Reed and Mims Injury Notes
Jayden Reed returned to practice but admitted Week 1 “still feels uncertain.” Plan for the Packers slot receiver to miss at least the opener. In Denver, Marvin Mims Jr. left Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury. The team isn’t overly concerned, but it could limit him next week. Troy Franklin or Pat Bryant could see more work if Mims sits.
Bucs Tight End Setback
Cade Otton has another leg injury on top of his recent hamstring issue. His Week 1 status is questionable, which could open up early targets elsewhere in Tampa Bay’s offense. Those hoping for late-round TE value in Otton will want to make alternative plans.
Waiver Wire Carousel
Plenty of familiar names found new homes yesterday:
- Browns claimed RB Raheim Sanders (ex-Chargers), giving him a chance to work into the backfield while Cleveland still navigates the Quinshon Judkins situation.
- Saints picked up WR Trey Palmer (ex-Bucs), adding insurance behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
- Jets grabbed TE Jelani Woods (ex-Colts), a 6-foot-7 flyer who should slide in as depth behind rookie Mason Taylor.
- Patriots added QB Tommy DeVito (ex-Giants), slotting him in as QB3. The Giants hoped to sign DeVito to their practice squad, but New England had other ideas.
Practice Squad Updates
Notable veterans landed on practice squads, including Mecole Hardman (Packers), Clyde Edwards-Helaire (Chiefs), Audric Estime (Eagles), Xavier Restrepo (Titans), Malachi Corley (Browns), Hendon Hooker (Panthers) and Harrison Bryant (Texans). These aren’t impact names yet, but any of them could surface later in the season if injuries pile up.
Wednesday brought plenty of clarity but also more questions. Rashee Rice’s suspension reshapes Kansas City’s passing game, Adam Thielen is back in purple, and the waiver wire shuffle has created new opportunities for depth players. With Week 1 just around the corner, fantasy drafters need to stay locked in because these little moves now can turn into big storylines by midseason. That’s it for today’s Daily Dive. Buckle up, kickoff is almost here.
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