2026 NFL Preseason Week 2 Recap: Immediate fantasy football takeaways from Thursday's games

Key Points:

• The Las Vegas Raiders appear to consider Tre Tucker their top wide receiver, as he rested with starters in the preseason game while Jalen Nailor played, indicating Tucker’s higher ranking and fantasy value. Rookie Malik Benson is emerging on the depth chart, potentially ahead of Dont’e Thornton Jr., while veteran Noah Brown was signed to add outside receiver depth.
• The Houston Texans face a significant setback with second-year receiver Jayden Higgins out for the season due to an ACL tear, elevating Xavier Hutchinson to the starting Z receiver role and likely increasing playing time for Jaylin Noel in the slot once healthy. Houston’s tight end room remains unsettled behind Dalton Schultz, with a competitive rotation among Marlin Klein, Foster Moreau, and Cade Stover limiting fantasy upside for backups.
• On the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers side, Oronde Gadsden II’s fantasy value is diminished as the Chargers favored tight ends David Njoku and Charlie Kolar in early drives, suggesting Kolar could emerge as a sleeper option in a potential two-tight end rotation. Running back Keaton Mitchell is solidifying his role as the Chargers’ RB2, likely seeing more snaps than Kimani Vidal.
• De’Zhaun Stribling is making a strong case for significant playing time with the 49ers due to injuries to key receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, catching multiple passes in preseason action and likely to be a notable contributor during the season. The 49ers continue to manage injuries at running back and tight end, with George Kittle’s status still uncertain but optimism for Week 1 availability.
• Several key players across teams rested or missed preseason games due to injuries, including Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins, Texans running back David Montgomery, and Chargers wide receivers Quentin Johnston and Tre Harris, impacting early depth chart evaluations.