The second week of the NFL preseason provided critical insights into player usage and team strategies, shining a spotlight on increased risk surrounding several fantasy football candidates. Among these, Breece Hall’s fantasy football risk has notably risen as his role within the New York Jets‘ backfield appears more limited than initially expected. Managers should exercise caution with multiple players whose roles are complicated by injuries, rotations, and depth chart shifts.

Committee Backfields and Injuries Impact Running Back Values

Breece Hall remains a skilled running back, but the Jets’ offensive approach under coordinator Tanner Engstrand favors a multi-back committee similar to his Detroit days. Rookie Braelon Allen is not just a backup but actively siphoning carries, particularly in passing downs and short-yardage scenarios. The anticipated return of Isaiah Davis only adds to the shared workload. This three-man committee structure caps Hall’s upside, making his current average draft position near RB1/RB2 less appealing.

Joe Mixon’s status with the Houston Texans remains uncertain as a foot and ankle injury have sidelined him during training camp. While the Texans’ coaching staff has not offered a firm recovery timeline, Nick Chubb has received first-team reps and assumed a more prominent role. Yet, Houston’s offensive line, which ranked near the bottom in run blocking last season, adds further doubt to the effectiveness of the ground game once Mixon returns.

MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers faces significant health hurdles. Despite showing promising explosiveness, his recurring lower-body injuries culminated in a new hamstring setback this preseason. Backup Emanuel Wilson has taken advantage of additional snaps, and if Lloyd is forced to miss time, reliance on him in redraft leagues could prove costly given his limited consistency and durability concerns.

Wide Receiver Groups in Flux Due to Injuries and Emerging Talent

In Tampa Bay, Jalen McMillan’s preseason neck injury has landed him on injured reserve, removing him from consideration for early-season fantasy production. With Chris Godwin still recovering from an ankle problem, rookie Emeka Egbuka has emerged as a promising target opposite veteran Mike Evans. Additionally, tight end Cade Otton may see an increased share of targets as Tampa Bay’s wide receivers face ongoing changes. McMillan remains a player to monitor but is not recommended for draft consideration until his health status stabilizes.

Baltimore’s wide receiver Tylan Wallace has spent four years with the team but has yet to establish himself as a consistent contributor, accumulating fewer than 300 career receiving yards. He currently trails the Ravens’ top three pass catchers, and rookie Devontez Walker is already challenging Wallace for playing time.

Buffalo’s passing offense is crowded, particularly at the slot receiver position. Elijah Moore’s role this preseason has been limited to slot snaps, overlapping with rising talent Khalil Shakir, as well as the rotational efforts of Curtis Samuel and tight end Dalton Kincaid. Moore appears unlikely to break out unless injuries disrupt Buffalo’s depth chart.

For the Chargers, Quentin Johnston’s concussion adds to a series of setbacks during what was projected as a breakout campaign. While sidelined, rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith swiftly stepped in and demonstrated chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert. With veterans Keenan Allen returning to health and Ladd McConkey also available, Johnston may find himself further down the target priority list.

Younger Players Face Challenges in Securing Roles

Rookie Kaleb Johnson entered training camp with breakout potential but has struggled notably in pass protection, a critical weakness for a team aiming to protect veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren has not participated in preseason games, an indication that the coaching staff views him as the likely Week 1 starter over Kenneth Gainwell and Johnson. Johnson’s current average draft position likely overvalues his role, which remains unproven.

Implications for Fantasy Managers Moving Forward

The 2025 preseason has underscored the importance of reevaluating draft strategies, especially for running backs and wide receivers whose situations have evolved due to committee roles, injuries, and emerging competitors. Breece Hall’s diminished role in a three-back system reduces his ceiling compared to pre-draft expectations. Injuries to key players such as Jalen McMillan and Quentin Johnston also create uncertainty in their teams’ receiving corps, highlighting the necessity for fantasy managers to remain vigilant. As teams finalize rosters and roles become clearer, managers should monitor these players closely and adjust their draft priorities to mitigate risk and focus on more dependable options.