San Francisco 49ers

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, speaking on Sunday's episode of SportsCenter, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back) is "one call away" from being traded to the Steelers. Pittsburgh is willing to pay the wideout. However, the 49ers are hoping to keep him on the roster. While both parties have agreed to portions of a new contract, the remaining parts of the deal need to be ironed out. Aiyuk is currently labeled as a "hold-in," although head coach Kyle Shanahan reported that the receiver is also dealing with a "back issue." But the clock is ticking, with Aiyuk potentially in line to miss time if things continue to be delayed.

New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda led the team with 29 rushing yards in Saturday's preseason victory over the hosting Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Abanikanda handled six carries in Saturday's win over the Panthers, rushing for 12 yards on his longest pickup. Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh, should be able to make New York's roster as a third- or fourth-string back behind workhorse starter Breece Hall and rookie fourth-rounder Braelon Allen this season, but he's likely to need a number of variables to fall into his favor in order to muster fantasy relevance in 2024. Next Saturday's preseason finale in the Meadowlands against the New York Giants will be Abanikanda's final chance to establish his role on the Jets.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (back) has been with the team despite not practicing while seeking a new contract. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that Aiyuk is considered a "hold-in." However, Shanahan added that the wideout hasn't been fined because he's also dealing with a "sore back." Without question, it has been a rocky offseason between both parties as a result of the contract dispute. But the latest revelation regarding Aiyuk's back is something that could negatively impact his fantasy value even more, at least until more information is released surrounding the severity of the ailment.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is expected to start for Sunday's preseason battle against the Saints. However, the signal-caller will likely play sparingly. Purdy spent all of last offseason recovering from an elbow injury. Yet, he still threw for 4,280 yards, 31 touchdowns, and 11 picks during the 2023-24 campaign, adding two scores off 39 carries. With Purdy coming off a Super Bowl appearance, expectations are higher than ever. Fantasy managers should view him as a week-to-week starter in most formats, especially with Christian McCaffrey (calf), George Kittle, Deebo Samuel Sr., and possibly Brandon Aiyuk at his disposal.

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (shoulder) is hopeful to be ready for Week 1, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The first-round selection in this year's draft recently suffered a shoulder injury last week at practice. This was the same injury that kept Pearsall on the Non-Football Injury list earlier this spring. This is a tough blow for the Florida product, as he could have cemented himself as the No. 2 wide receiver in San Francisco amid a contract holdout with Brandon Aiyuk. Seeing that Shanahan is hopeful the 23-year-old could be ready for opening week is a great sign. Fantasy managers should take a look at Pearsall at his current 131.0 Yahoo ADP, as he may be a value if Aiyuk is eventually traded. If not, fantasy managers should expect Pearsall to split time as the No. 3 wideout with Jauan Jennings.