That “around” is doing a lot of lifting, but this is the first gesture towards a real timetable we’ve had about Aiyuk’s potential return. He’ll almost certainly open the season on the PUP list with this estimate. Aiyuk’s ADP has fluctuated outside of the top 40 among wideouts at this point and he’s probably best-regarded as a dart throw at the moment. The fifth-year receiver will be at the top of the 49ers receiver pecking order when he’s healthy — we just don’t know when he will be.

It’s an incredibly vague response from McVay, who indicated over the weekend that Stafford would return to the field after going through a successful workout on Saturday. Instead, Stafford was spotted in street clothes on Monday and was also seen walking into an Ammortal chamber that specializes as a “wellness device that aims to optimize human performance and promote holistic health through a combination of non-invasive technologies.” So there’s that. McVay said surgery has not been talked about as an option for Stafford, but said his quarterback “didn’t feel good enough” to be on the field on Monday. There’s no way to know at this time if Stafford will or will not be available for Week 1, but there’s certainly reason to be skeptical. Like the Rams, we will also remain “flexible and fluid” with all news involving Stafford, and will check back in with any updates as they come. In the event Stafford is unavailable for any part of the regular season, Jimmy Garoppolo would be the favorite to draw starts.

White did not practice on Monday after suffering a groin injury in Saturday’s preseason game against the Titans, but it doesn’t sound like the third-year back is going to be out for too long. White led the Buccaneers’ backfield on Saturday with Bucky Irving held out, and rushed six times for 28 yards in the outing. While his calling card has been in the passing game, White is at risk of losing more work to Irving, who has reportedly impressed as a pass-catcher in camp. He remains a decent handcuff to Irving for the time being, but may not have the standalone value he still carried even after Irving stepped into the RB1 role.

It was reported late last week that Stafford could practice on Monday if his workout before Saturday’s preseason game went well. Stafford reportedly threw 60-plus passes in the workout and looked good, paving the way for a return to the field on Monday. Stafford will have just under four weeks to ramp things up for Week 1 when the Rams play host to the Texans. While it sounds like he’s trending in the right direction, it will be worth monitoring reports out of camp to see if his back responds well to the recovery and epidural he received to help mitigate the issue. If for some reason Stafford can’t play in the season opener, Jimmy Garoppolo would be the favorite to open Week 1.

Spears’ preseason is now over, as the third-year back will look to get right before Week 1 when the Titans visit the Broncos. Spears exited Saturday’s preseason game against the Buccaneers on a cart after totaling 12 yards from scrimmage on four touches. Tony Pollard will likely serve in a three-down role throughout the duration of Spears’ absence, but as far as the preseason is concerned, Julius Chestnut and Kalel Mullings will stand to see increased workloads over the final two preseason games.

Reed didn’t play in the contest but was spotted limping around Lambeau Field in a walking boot. “It’s something different (from what put him on NFI to start training camp),” LaFleur said. “Hopefully, we’ll get him back before the regular season.” Hopefully indeed. Coaches are at their least reliable on injury updates this time of year, but they usually err on the side of optimism. LaFleur sounded decidedly more pessimistic. At this point, Reed probably needs to be considered on the wrong side of questionable for Week 1, which badly damages his WR4 viability.

Hunter played a whopping 11-of-12 offensive snaps with the starters and didn’t play a defensive snap until the third defensive series, potentially hinting at where his focus will be in his rookie season. The Jaguars were able to move he and alpha wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. around the formation, something they were largely unable to do with Thomas Jr. last season due to the lack of a talented playmaker on his flank. Fantasy managers will want to to continue to monitor the snap rate and split of Hunter as the Jaguars continue their preparations for the regular season.

Head coach Sean McVay is notorious for taking it easy with expected starters while exploring the full depth of his roster in the preseason, potentially signaling that Whittington is in line to start for the Rams come Week 1. Look for seventh-round rookie Konata Mumpfield to see increased run in the team’s first preseason contest as he fights for a roster spot. Whittington stood out last preseason and eventually played his way into a meaningful role down the stretch for the Rams amidst mounting injuries at the wide receiver position.

Vaughn returns to the organization after playing for the 49ers for the 2024 season. The addition of another running back could indicate worry surrounding the status of Isaac Guerendo to start the season, who is currently dealing with a shoulder injury that is expected to sideline him for a few weeks. Jordan James is also dealing with an injury, leaving the 49ers with little depth behind starter Christian McCaffrey.