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FFL: Week 2 | NFL: Week 2

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 2

Player Notes
Isiah Pacheco Sep 16 4:00pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula) is expected to miss six to eight weeks after suffering a fractured fibula late in Sunday's 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, the injury is a massive blow to the Chiefs' backfield and for fantasy managers. Pacheco played 72.3% of the snaps over the first two weeks, accounting for 79.1% of the rushing attempts and 72.7% of the targets out of the backfield. Rookie Carson Steele and Samaje Perine are the other two running backs on the active roster, with Clyde Edwards-Helaire (mental health) on the Non-Football Injury list. Kansas City is bringing in Kareem Hunt for a visit on Tuesday. Steele is the most appealing waiver-wire target currently on the roster after an impressive preseason performance, while Perine should gain more attention in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Sep 16 4:00pm ET
Kareem Hunt

The Kansas City Chiefs are bringing in a familiar face for a visit on Tuesday. Kareem Hunt is set to visit the team after the Chiefs lost Isiah Pacheco (fibula) to a significant injury in yesterday's 26-25 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. With Pacheco expected to miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured fibula and Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the non-football injury list (mental health), Carson Steele and Samaje Perine are the only two healthy running backs on the roster. Hunt hasn't played for the Chiefs since the 2018 season. However, the veteran running back averaged 7.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game last year with the Cleveland Browns, totaling nine rushing touchdowns. If he signs with the team, Hunt, Steele, and Perine will all see meaningful touches until Pacheco is healthy.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Sep 16 3:20pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that he believes wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) is moving in a positive direction and that the extra day this week will help as the team prepares to face the Washington Commanders in Week 3 next Monday night. Higgins injured his hamstring in practice just days before the season opener and has missed the first two games of the season as a result. The 25-year-old's status for next Monday's game will depend on how much he can do in practice this week. If Higgins draws a questionable tag on the final injury report on Saturday, fantasy managers probably won't want to take any chances with him in their starting lineups. Andrei Iosivas scored two touchdowns in the Week 2 loss to the Chiefs on his two receptions, while tight end Mike Gesicki saw more involvement with Higgins out. The 0-2 Bengals could certainly use their WR2 in Higgins back sooner than later.

From RotoBaller

Isiah Pacheco Sep 16 3:13pm ET
Isiah Pacheco

Dynasty | Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco is headed to injured reserve after breaking his fibula in a win against Cincinnati. Dynasty Analysis: He'll miss at least a month but it's likely going to be more like 6-8 weeks as he recovers. It's a big blow to the offense and for those counting on Pacheco this season in their dynasty leagues. Carson Steele is going to be the hottest pickup in leagues this week as it looks like he'll serve as the early down option with newly signed Samaje Perine picking up major work moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tank Dell Sep 16 3:13pm ET
Tank Dell

Dynasty | Texans wide receiver Nico Collins had eight catches for 135 yards and a touchdown in Houston's win against Chicago. Dynasty Analysis: There seems to be little doubt who is the top target in this offense after two weeks. Collins now has 18 targets and 252 receiving yards through two games. His yardage total is tops in the NFL and his targets rank him seventh overall. In other words, the Texans may have talented players like Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, but this passing offense is seemingly going through Collins. He's a WR1 moving forward.

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Cam Akers Sep 16 3:13pm ET
Cam Akers

Dynasty | The Texans could be without Joe Mixon in the short-term, leaving the backfield to Cam Akers. Dynasty Analysis: Mixon is dealing with an ankle ailment that has him day-to-day. Should he fail to return this week, it looks like Akers could draw the start as Dameon Pierce is dealing with an injury of his own. This would potentially be a career-saving moment for Akers, who has simply been awful the past two years as he's struggled to return from multiple injuries. He should be rostered everywhere as we wait and see Mixon's status.

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Caleb Williams Sep 16 3:13pm ET
Caleb Williams

Dynasty | Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed 23-of-37 passes for 174 yards and two interceptions in a loss against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The game line is misleading as Williams routinely made plays with both his arm and his legs in this one. He also looked to be in control of the offense from the start. While his stats leave a lot to be desired at the moment, Williams looks like an NFL quarterback and better days are clearly ahead. He's a strong hold and an even better buy-low for dynasty managers.

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Lamar Jackson Sep 16 3:13pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Dynasty | The Dolphins have signed quarterback Tyler Huntley off the Ravens practice squad. Dynasty Analysis: Huntley has bounced around the league a bit after failing to really impress during his short starting stints with the Ravens in place of Lamar Jackson. Still, he gives Miami another veteran presence behind Skylar Thompson while we await the return of Tua Tagovailoa. He doesn't belong on rosters at the moment.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jordan Addison Sep 16 3:10pm ET
Jordan Addison

When asked about wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle), Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said he's "hopeful" about his progress this week regarding his return to practice. Addison picked up an ankle injury in the team's 28-6 Week 1 victory over the New York Giants. Still, he hadn't made enough progress throughout the week to appear at practice in even a limited fashion. Giants linebacker Darius Muasau took down the second-year wideout with a "hip-drop" tackle -- one that has recently been deemed illegal -- and was fittingly fined for the unnecessary roughness. Expect an update on the 22-year-old over the coming days when the Vikings release their first official injury report of the week. If he cannot play, wide receiver Jordan Nailor will continue to fill in for Addison when the team takes on the Houston Texans at home in Week 3. Nailor has caught a touchdown in back-to-back weeks and hauled in 3-of-4 targets in Week 2 for 54 yards. He would be a low-end WR3/FLEX play.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 16 2:50pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel offered an encouraging update on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's (concussion) status on Monday. "He's downstairs today, smiling with his teammates," said McDaniel. "As far as I'm concerned, you're in the protocol and he's doing well today and we take it day by day." His coach also noted that he's been working diligently with the training staff. Tagovailoa has been the center of much controversy after suffering his third (official) concussion since the beginning of 2022, with many speculating he may hang it up due to the most recent injury. It's excellent news for the fifth-year QB, though -- who is on record saying he has no plans to retire from football. We'll unlikely see the Alabama product suit up in Week 3 when Miami squares up for a road tilt against the hosting Seattle Seahawks. However, this news at least opens the door for his potential return in Week 4 against the Titans.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 16 2:50pm ET
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is considered week-to-week as per coach Doug Pederson. Engram was a surprise addition to the Jags' injury report after sustaining a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups ahead of yesterday's home tilt against the Cleveland Browns. Jacksonville is now 0-2 on the season and will be without their returning target leader for at least the foreseeable future. In his stead, backup tight end Brenton Strange caught 3-of-6 passes for 65 yards, while Luke Farrell caught both his targets for 13 yards. The two will continue to fill the gap in the lineup while Engram is deemed unfit to suit up. Additionally, wide receivers Gabe Davis, Brian Thomas Jr., and Christian Kirk could see more work now that the injury is known ahead of time. The Jaguars will head to Buffalo to take on the Bills in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 16 2:30pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (quad) is officially labeled day-to-day per coach Kevin O'Connell. Jefferson picked up a minor injury in the team's 23-17 victory over the San Francisco 49ers this past Sunday. The superstar wideout reeled in 4-of-7 targets for 133 yards and scored in the team's win, including a 97-yard bomb delivered by quarterback Sam Darnold standing in his end zone. Fantasy managers should anticipate the 25-year-old to appear on the team's injury report ahead of their Week 3 home matchup against the Houston Texans. It does not appear that he is in danger of missing time, though this is a situation to monitor for the time being. If Jefferson were to sit out, WR Jalen Nailor would assuredly see a more prominent role, especially if Jordan Addison (ankle) were still sidelined.

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Bryce Young Sep 16 2:10pm ET
Bryce Young

The Carolina Panthers are benching quarterback Bryce Young in favor of veteran Andy Dalton ahead of the team's Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, Tom Pelissero reports. Yikes. The news comes after Carolina's disappointing 0-2 start, with Young leading the team to just 13 total points across the two contests. Over the two games, the former first-overall pick completed just 31-of-56 passes (55.4%) for 245 yards (4.4 avg), tossing three interceptions to no touchdowns. Despite coach Dave Canales stating he was sticking with the young QB moving forward just a day ago, after reviewing the game tape, they're opting to go in a different direction. Dalton hopes to inject some life into the league's worst offense through the season's first two matchups. For now, the 36-year-old can be avoided by fantasy managers -- including the remainder of the Panthers' offense -- until he has proven a better option than the Alabama product.

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Haason Reddick Sep 16 2:00pm ET
Haason Reddick

New York Jets linebacker Jermaine Johnson (Achilles) confirmed on Monday that he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the Week 2 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The Jets feared this was the case when Johnson was forced to leave Sunday's contest, and now it is confirmed that they will not have Johnson for the rest of the year. It's an especially tough blow for a Jets defense that continues to be without All-Pro pass-rusher Haason Reddick as he continues his contract holdout into the regular season. The 25-year-old Johnson, a former first-round pick in 2022 out of Florida State, was a first-time Pro Bowler in 2023 while recording 55 total tackles, a career-high 7.5 sacks and an interception in 17 games. It's a notable loss for the Jets defense this year, but it shouldn't knock their defense/special teams unit from being a weekly play in fantasy lineups.

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Graham Gano Sep 16 1:50pm ET
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) will miss "a few weeks" with a hamstring injury, according to head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants scored three touchdowns in their Week 2 loss to the division-rival Washington Commanders, but not having a kicker left them short after a missed extra point from their punter and two failed two-point conversions in a three-point defeat. The 37-year-old veteran was included on the Week 2 injury report but suited up on Sunday against Washington before injuring his hammy early in the game and being ruled out. Gano seems likely to miss at least Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns, and he'll probably be held out with a short turnaround in Week 4 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys on Thursday, Sept. 26. With Gano out, the Giants could elevate kicker Jude McAtamney from their practice squad. Fantasy managers should avoid this kicking situation.

From RotoBaller

Bo Nix Sep 16 1:40pm ET
Bo Nix

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton said he saw improvements from rookie quarterback Bo Nix from Week 1 to Week 2. "I feel a confident player. From that standpoint, I'm encouraged," Payton said. Through his first two regular-season NFL games, Nix has struggled, going 46-for-77 (59.74%) for 384 yards with no touchdowns and four interceptions. He's carried the ball nine times for 60 yards and one touchdown. The 24-year-old first-rounder from Oregon did move the ball through the air better in the Week 2 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he failed to lead a single TD drive and isn't really testing defenses down the field. Fantasy managers weren't really expecting much out of Nix in his first NFL season, and he should have a long leash. Going into Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he'll be a QB3 in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 16 1:40pm ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan on Monday that tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) was "real close" to playing in the Week 2 blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints. "The expectation is for him to be back" in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. Ferguson suffered an MCL sprain and a bone bruise in his left knee in the Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns but was not cleared to play against the Saints. The 25-year-old should be considered day-to-day heading into this week, and we should have a better idea of his availability for this weekend when the Cowboys start practicing later this week. Luke Schoonmaker caught all six of his targets for 43 yards in the 44-19 drubbing by the Saints, but he's probably not worth much attention on the waiver wire with Ferguson having a shot to return soon. When healthy, Ferguson is on the TE1 radar in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Sep 16 1:30pm ET
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers second-year quarterback Bryce Young had a historically bad day in the 26-3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 2, passing for only 84 yards to tie for the fourth-fewest in team history for a QB with at least 25 pass attempts. Young became the third player in the last 20 seasons to average four or fewer yards per dropback in four straight starts. He has three interceptions and no touchdowns in two starts in 2024. However, head coach Dave Canales said Young would be the team's starter in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raider at Allegiant Stadium. Carolina has been outscored 72-13 by the Chargers and Saints, and Young, the top pick in 2023, is now 2-16 as a starter. The 23-year-old Young has yet to really show any improvement in Year 2, completing only 55.4% of his 56 pass attempts with no TDs and three interceptions. He'll remain off the fantasy radar in Week 3 against Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Sep 16 1:20pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is day-to-day and doesn't appear to have suffered a very serious injury in the Week 2 loss to the New York Jets in the team's home opener. Still, Spears' practice status will be worth watching later this week as they prepare to play the Green Bay Packers in Week 3. If the 23-year-old is limited at all or eventually ruled out, it would mean a bigger workload for Tony Pollard. Before getting hurt on Sunday, Spears had six carries for only 20 yards while catching two of his three targets for 11 yards against the Jets. Through two games, Spears hasn't been much more than a low-upside RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in what has been a less-than-impressive Titans offense. Julius Chestnut would become Tennessee's RB2 behind Pollard if Spears is forced to miss Week 3.

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Taysom Hill Sep 16 1:20pm ET
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end/fullback Taysom Hill (chest) returned home to New Orleans on Sunday night on the team's charter after being transported from the stadium to the hospital due to a chest injury he suffered in the Week 2 blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys. Hill is scheduled for more tests on Monday, but at the moment, the Saints don't think his injury is overly serious. We'll have a better idea of the 34-year-old's status for a Week 3 showdown with the Philadelphia Eagles once the Saints start practicing later this week. But if Hill is limited or out this weekend, expect to see more pass-catching opportunities for Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau at tight end and more backfield work for running back Jamaal Williams behind Alvin Kamara. In two games in 2024, Hill has eight carries for 53 yards and has caught just two of three targets for two yards through the air.

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