Week 3 waiver targets center on Browns rookies Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Steelers depth options, and Raiders speedster Dont'e Thornton Jr., with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Brenton Strange drawing attention in deeper leagues. Calvin Austin III remains a boom-bust option for Pittsburgh, while Jerome Ford and Ollie Gordon II sit on the radar for fleshed-out timeshares. Look for usage cues, matchup stressors, and bye-week considerations to guide adds this week.

Judkins holds starter vibes but faces Green Bay’s stout defense; Austin III’s live-fire ceiling grows if Rodgers stabilizes the passing game. Sampson and Ford split roles with mixed on-field usage, while Thornton’s big-play speed makes him a stash in best-ball formats. Rodriguez could carve out value as Washington reshapes the backfield, and Strange profiles as a potential streamer at tight end in deeper leagues.

Austin Ekeler's season-ending Achilles tear strips Washington of a versatile backfield pillar, forcing a rapid reshuffle behind a rotating trio of backups. Croskey-Merritt, McNichols, and Rodriguez must absorb expanded roles after Brian Robinson Jr. was traded to San Francisco, reshaping Washington's backfield and its third-down and spread packages.

Fantasy managers should reassess Washington's ceiling, watching how workload splits and red-zone opportunities evolve as the new committee settles in, and which back emerges as the clearest value in the weeks ahead.

Austin Ekeler's Thursday night injury looms large for Washington. Early imaging is pending after a non-contact fall, with the Commanders fearing a torn Achilles. If confirmed, Ekeler's season is in jeopardy and fantasy rosters must pivot quickly. Washington cobbled together eight rushing attempts from Ekeler and turned to Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez Jr., and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt as backups. Ekeler's departure comes in a contract year after a long run with the Chargers, leaving the backfield depth chart unsettled as Week 4 looms.

Washington’s backfield shakeup after Ekeler’s exit could redefine Week 4 and beyond for fantasy managers. Rodriguez Jr. remains an intriguing depth piece, while McNichols provides veteran pass-down potential. Croskey-Merritt’s four carries for 17 yards hint at further opportunities, especially if Ekeler misses extended time. The Packers’ win adds urgency to updates on Ekeler’s status and how Washington reshapes its rushing attack.

Sean Tucker, Curtis Samuel, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jordan Whittington, Luke Musgrave, Keaton Mitchell and Bucky Irving headline the Week 2 dynasty drop list, a reminder that timing and roster depth drive dynasty value. Tucker and Irving sit behind Bucky Irving in Tampa Bay, making Tucker a clear cut in many leagues. Samuel’s target share has cratered in Buffalo amid a receiver parade, while Washington’s backfield is crowded and Rodriguez isn’t trusted for goal-line work. Whittington’s Rams role is minimal, Musgrave shares a tight end field in Green Bay with Kraft, and Mitchell is displaced by Henry and Hill in Baltimore. The piece flags sunk-costs and focuses on players whose dynasty value no longer warrants a spot, even in deep leagues.