Fantasy Football News Roundup: Luther Burden Injury, Extensions and More

We have some NFL news to discuss today, so let's dive into several different topics.

We will cover notable things that have happened since August 5, which was the last time we went over NFL news.

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Bears' Wideout to Miss Time with Injury

Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III is expected to miss the entire preseason because of a strained groin he suffered on Sunday. The team expects him to be ready for the regular season.

Burden currently sits 42nd on the FantasySP Average Draft Position list, and that could go down now because of the injury. Sure, he's expected to be back for the start of the regular season, but pre-season injuries should always be at least a bit concerning for fantasy owners.

The 22-year-old Burden showed some promise during a 15-game rookie year in 2025. He went for 652 yards and two scores across 47 receptions and 60 targets.

He's expected to take on more in his second season, but the injury could slow him a bit, at least. I thought Burden was overrated at that ADP, so hopefully he drops a bit after the injury news. If he doesn't drop too much, I'd let someone else take the risk on him.

Despite trading D.J. Moore away, Chicago still has Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland, plus rookie Zavion Thomas, Kalif Raymond and Jahdae Walker. I'm not saying Burden isn't going to be a big offensive piece, but there's just too many mouths to feed, and I don't think he's worth the 42nd pick in drafts.

Henry Re-Ups with Patriots

Tight end Hunter Henry signed a two-year extension with the New England Patriots - it's worth up to $20 million.

The 31-year-old has spent the past five years with New England. He's been a good asset, and a pretty steady contributor, while not missing many games.

He had 768 yards and seven scores over 17 games last season. Henry had 60 receptions over 87 targets, turning in his best fantasy season ever.

Henry will remain a big part of the team's offensive gameplan for 2026, at least, even after A.J. Brown was traded for. Romeo Doubs, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams and Efton Chism are some other wideouts on the team.

Re-signing Henry likely means 2026 third-round pick Eli Raridon is more of a secondary tight end for the next couple seasons. It doesn't put much pressure on the rookie, and means he can ease into things the next couple years. It's a blow to his dynasty stock though.

Henry being around a couple more years helps the Patriots' chances at contending for a Super Bowl, while giving quarterback Drake Maye another viable target in the passing game. Henry has a solid fantasy outlook, but isn't being taken in most fantasy drafts, going at pick 147 on average. Look for him to be a streaming option, or waiver wire pickup, especially if he picks up where he left off in 2025.

Commanders' Lineman Out

Washington Commanders left tackle Laremy Tunsil is out because he needs surgery to repair a torn triceps. He's expected to miss significant time, but doesn't have a timeline to return yet.

That's a major blow for Washington, which is already trying to bounce back from a down 2025 season. Brandon Coleman will replace Tunsil in the meantime.

It might not seem like a big deal for fantasy purposes, but the Washington offense could struggle a bit without its star left tackle. That could mean less efficiency in the passing and running games, so be mindful of that when drafting any Commanders in fantasy this season.

Two Colts' Wideouts Out

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs and Alec Pierce are dealing with injuries.

Downs has been out recently with a groin injury, while Pierce still has not practiced this summer after offseason ankle surgery.

Those are two projected starting wideouts, and easily the best two wideouts on the team, so that's a big concern for the Colts and their offense. The other wideouts atop the depth chart right now are Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Anthony Gould and Laquon Treadwell.

The Colts need Pierce and Downs to be healthy if they want a chance at making the postseason. If they miss time, look for the team to go add some other pass catchers, and rely more on tight end Tyler Warren and running back Jonathan Taylor. Not having Downs or Pierce out there could really hamper the fantasy outlook for quarterback Daniel Jones.

Be tracking the status of each wideout, and adjust your fantasy outlooks a bit on each guy. Pierce is going around pick 85 so far, while Downs is around pick 108. I'd drop each guy a bit, especially if I were drafting now, or soon.

Two Backs Extended

Indianapolis' Taylor and Detroit Lions Jahmyr Gibbs signed extensions on Thursday.

Taylor got a two-year extension worth $44 million. Gibbs signed a three-year extension worth up to $75.75 million.

We already discussed Taylor and how big of a role he could hold in 2026. Despite being 27 years old, he still has a good dynasty outlook. He sits seventh on the ADP list so far, so he's a great option for redraft leagues too.

Gibbs is an even better fantasy asset, both now and for the long haul. He's the top pick right now on the ADP list, and he's just 24, so his long-term outlook is fantastic. 

Both are first-round picks now, and dynasty backs to build around. Expect big things out of both running backs for the next several seasons yet.