Fantasy Football News
A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith Practice In Full Again On Thursday
Philadelphia Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) are both on track to return to action in Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns after putting in a second straight day with a full practice on Thursday. Brown hasn't played since catching half of his 10 targets for 119 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 win over the Green Bay Packers in Brazil, but he's made nice progress coming out of the bye week and should be returned to all starting fantasy lineups for a tilt against Cleveland this Sunday in Philly. Smith suffered a concussion in Week 3 and was held out of the Week 4 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He, too, should be returned to all fantasy lineups, although he still needs to gain final clearance from the concussion protocol. The return of both Brown and Smith is bad news for tight end Dallas Goedert but is great news for quarterback Jalen Hurts' fantasy value.
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49ers Not Looking To Jordan Mason As A Pass-Catcher
The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and the team clearly aren't looking for running back Jordan Mason as a receiver out of the backfield. Mason is still building his chemistry with Purdy as the team's lead back in 2024 with Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) injured. No RB who has run at least 50 pass routes has been targeted less than Mason this year. A lot of that could have to do with the fact that the Niners don't actually have a third-down option at the position. Although Mason has just seven receptions for 66 yards in five games this year, he's the RB5 in half-PPR scoring into the team's Thursday night divisional showdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mason lost the first fumble of his career in the Week 5 loss to the Arizona Cardinals but still had 89 rushing yards on 14 carries. He's a must-start in Week 6 on Thursday night in fantasy.
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Darnell Mooney Stays Limited On Thursday
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (knee) put in a limited practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. If Mooney doesn't upgrade to a full practice on Friday, he could be listed on the Week 6 injury report as questionable to play this Sunday against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. However, there doesn't appear to be too much worry that the 26-year-old is in danger of missing this weekend's game after he went off for nine catches, 105 yards and two touchdowns in the Thursday night win over the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. Mooney has surprisingly been the WR15 in half-PPR scoring through five weeks with 24 catches for 330 yards and three touchdowns. With quarterback Kirk Cousins now looking more comfortable in this offense, Mooney's fantasy stock is on the rise and he should be considered an attractive WR2/3 in Week 6 against Carolina.
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Bijan Robinson Pops Up On Thursday's Injury Report
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) was added to the Week 6 injury report after putting in a limited practice on Thursday. Robinson was a full-go on Wednesday. His downgrade on Thursday is most likely just the Falcons giving him a little rest as the team prepares to take on the division-rival Carolina Panthers in Week 6. The 22-year-old was also listed with a hamstring injury before last Thursday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he played and handled 15 touches for 77 scrimmage yards. Drafted in the first round in fantasy drafts this year, Robinson has been a bust so far as the RB21 in half-PPR scoring through the first five weeks. However, he won't have a better bounce-back opportunity this weekend than against the 1-4 Panthers, as they have allowed the most points to opposing RBs this year. Bijan is a must-start in all lineups.
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Josh Reynolds Misses Another Practice
Denver Broncos wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hand) missed his second straight practice this week on Thursday due to a hand injury. Reynolds' status for the Week 6 contest versus the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers this Sunday is firmly up in the air. He'll likely need to practice in some fashion on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely. If Reynolds is limited or out entirely this weekend, look for the likes of Lil'Jordan Humphrey, Marvin Mims Jr. and rookie Troy Franklin to battle for more targets behind WR1 Courtland Sutton. The 29-year-old Reynolds was much more involved in the first several games of the 2024 season. During the team's three-game winning streak, Reynolds only has three catches on six targets for 45 yards, although he did find the end zone for the first time this year in the Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Reynolds belongs on the waiver wire in most formats.
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Audric Estime Could Return For Week 6
Barring a setback, signs are pointing toward Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime (ankle) being activated from Injured Reserve for Sunday's Week 6 divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to a source. Estime missed the required four games while on IR and was designated to return on Wednesday. He was listed as a full practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. This isn't exactly what Javonte Williams' fantasy managers want to hear, even though he should continue to be Denver's lead back this weekend. Both Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin had more room to work in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders, but don't be surprised if the 21-year-old Estime carves out a small role once he gets up to speed. Estime is really only worth stashing in dynasty/keeper leagues for now.
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Mike Gesicki Returns To Limited Practice
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday but returned to a limited session on Thursday. Gesicki's status is still up in the air for Week 6 against the New York Giants on Sunday night, but his return to practice on Thursday is a good sign for his availability this weekend. If the 29-year-old carries a questionable status into the weekend, he'll be a much more risky fantasy play on Sunday night. In his first year with the Bengals, Gesicki has caught 17 of his 21 targets for 178 yards and no touchdowns through his first five games. He's currently the TE15 in half-PPR scoring and will most likely need to find the end zone to jump up into TE1 territory. If Gesicki doesn't end up playing in Week 6 or is limited, rookie Erick All Jr. would likely work as the primary pass-catching tight end and would have more TE2 streaming appeal.
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Zack Moss, Chase Brown Both Limited On Thursday
Cincinnati Bengals running backs Zack Moss (foot) and Chase Brown (quadriceps) were both limited in Thursday's practice. Moss did not practice on Wednesday, while Brown is a new addition to the Week 6 injury report. Moss' ability to return to practice a day later is good news for his status this week, but the Bengals' backfield is worth watching over the next couple of days. If one or both of Moss and Brown are questionable to play, fantasy managers will have some tough decisions to make with the Bengals facing the New York Giants on Sunday night. Fantasy managers will want to check back for Friday's final injury report for more clarity on the situation. If one or both are up in the air to face the G-Men, Trayveon Williams could be looking at a much bigger workload in Week 6. Moss checks in as the RB20 in half-PPR this year, while Brown isn't far behind as the RB26.
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Luke Musgrave "More Than Likely" Headed To Injured Reserve
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) "more than likely" will land on Injured Reserve due to his ankle injury, which will sideline him for at least four games. If the Packers put Musgrave on IR officially before the Week 6 game against the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, he won't be eligible to return until after the Week 10 bye for a Week 11 divisional contest against the Chicago Bears. The 24-year-old was active in the Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams but didn't actually play. With Musgrave out for the foreseeable future, it's more good news for Tucker Kraft (groin), who scored two touchdowns last Sunday against the Rams. Ben Sims and John FitzPatrick will now be the backups to Kraft. Musgrave had just five catches on seven targets for 22 yards and no touchdowns in four games this year before his ankle injury.
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Jabrill Peppers Placed On Exempt List
The NFL placed New England Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers (shoulder) on the commissioner's exempt list on Wednesday. Peppers may not practice or attend games while he's on the list. Peppers plead guilty on Monday after he was arrested last Saturday in Massachusetts on strangulation and drug-possession charges. The 29-year-old won't be available to the Patriots' defense for the foreseeable future. The former 25th overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2017 out of Michigan is in his third year with the Patriots and had 23 tackles (11 solo), an interception and two pass breakups in his four games played before being suspended due to off-the-field transgressions. New England's secondary will certainly be more vulnerable without Peppers, starting this Sunday against the Houston Texans and their explosive aerial assault.
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Russell Wilson Participates In Full On Thursday
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) was a full participant in Thursday's practice for the second straight day, according to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Wilson returned to full participation during Wednesday's practice for the first time since he suffered the calf injury prior to Week 1. This is an excellent sign for the 35-year-old, as he should be in line to serve as the NO.2 QB on the depth chart for the first time this season. Wilson was initially named QB1 after the preseason but ceded duties to Justin Fields after the injury, who has brought the Steelers to a 3-2 record. Last weekend, Fields posted his worst completion percentage (55.6%) and second-lowest yard total (131) in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Wilson will likely take over the starting role if Fields continues to struggle. Wilson is worth stashing in 2QB formats going forward.
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Pat Freiermuth Limited On Thursday
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (calf) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice due to a calf injury, according to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Freiermuth was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, so this injury is worth monitoring. However, seeing him participate in a limited fashion is a promising sign. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it will likely provide clarity on the 25-year-old's status heading into the weekend. After not scoring a touchdown through the first three weeks of the season, Freiermuth has found the back of the end zone in consecutive games and remains a low-end TE1 heading into Week 6.
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Jaylen Warren Remains Limited On Thursday
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) remained limited during Thursday's practice, according to Nick Farabaugh of PennLive. Warren was initially deemed "doubtful" earlier in the week for Sunday's game, according to his head coach, Mike Tomlin. However, seeing him at practice on consecutive days, albeit in a limited capacity, could open the door for him to suit up this weekend. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as the Oklahoma State product will likely carry a designation into the weekend. After totaling over 1,000 all-purpose yards last season, Warren has gotten off to a slow start in 2024 due to numerous injuries. However, if he can play, he should be viewed as a solid flex option in PPR formats, given his pass-catching abilities. If he is unable to play, Najee Harris should see a heavy workload against a weak Las Vegas defense.
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Justin Fields Expected To Start On Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is expected to remain the starting quarterback heading into Week 6, according to Mark Kaboly. After starting the season with three straight victories, Fields has dropped both of the past two games and could eventually be in danger of losing starting duties as Russell Wilson (calf) was a full participant during Wednesday's and Thursday's practices. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the depth chart heading into the weekend, as Fields could be on a very short leash going forward. Last weekend, in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Fields completed just 55.6% of his passes, his lowest mark of the campaign. However, given his ability to succeed as a runner, Fields remains a low-end QB1 for fantasy purposes this weekend, facing a Las Vegas defense that has allowed the 22nd-most points to opposing quarterbacks.
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Joshua Palmer Tough To Trust In Week 6 Lineups
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer is not much of a fantasy option in Week 6 lineups. The Bolts new run-first and run-often offense has limited Palmer to just seven catches total in the three games he's played so far this season. He has yet to record more than three catches or put up more than 36 receiving yards in a game this season, and has clearly fallen behind rookie Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston in the wide receiver pecking order. Fantasy managers rostering Palmer should hold on to see if he has a prove it game soon, but a matchup against an excellent Denver Broncos secondary is unlikely to provide that opportunity.
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Quentin Johnston Faces His Toughest Matchup In Week 6
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston will face his toughest matchup of the season so far in a Week 6 game against the Denver Broncos. Johnston got off to a great start this season, scoring three touchdowns in Weeks 2 and 3 combined, but he followed that up with a one-catch performance in Week 4 before the Bolts went on their bye week. This week, they'll face a Denver Broncos secondary that has had Patrick Surtain shadow receivers like Johnston and limit them to under 30 yards per game. Surtain has also yet to allow a touchdown in his coverage this season. Johnston has a dangerously low floor this week without much of a ceiling to make up for it, he should be benched in most formats.
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Rashid Shaheed Good To Go For Week 6
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (hip) said that he will be good to go for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times. Shaheed said, "I'll be all good. Just trying to take care of this hip. By the time game time comes around, I'll be alright." This is a great sign, as the 26-year-old was kept sidelined during Thursday's practice for the second straight day. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Friday's practice in case he faces a setback. Shaheed has eclipsed 15.0 PPR points in four out of five games this season and should be locked into all lineups as a WR3 with upside as he faces a Tampa Bay defense that has allowed the 24th-most points to opposing wideouts this season. UPDATE: Shaheed was limited in Thursday's practice.
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Alvin Kamara Returns To Practice On Thursday
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip/hand) was seen at practice on Thursday, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. This is a great sign, as the star running back did not participate during Wednesday's session. Fantasy managers should monitor the injury report as it should provide clarity on Kamara's status. The 29-year-old was dealing with a hip and hand injury on Wednesday, but seeing him return on Thursday suggests this injury is not overly serious. Kamara is coming off the worst outing of the season as he ran for just 26 yards on 11 carries. However, he should remain locked into all lineups if he is cleared to play as he has averaged an impressive 23.8 PPR points across the first five weeks of the campaign. UPDATE: Kamara was limited on Thursday.
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Devin Singletary Logs Limited Session On Thursday
New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) logged a limited session during Thursday's practice, according to Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Singletary was also a limited participant in Wednesday's session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend, but seeing him participate early in the week is a positive sign. Singletary did not suit up in last weekend's game due to a groin injury, which allowed rookie Tyrone Tracey Jr. to enjoy a breakout performance as he ran for 129 yards on 18 carries. If Singletary is able to suit up, he should be viewed as a high-floor RB2 against the Cincinnati Bengals. If not, fantasy managers should feel confident slotting Tracy back into their lineup for the second straight weekend.
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Malik Nabers Remains Sidelined During Thursday's Practice
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) did not practice for the second straight day on Thursday and is now in danger of missing his second consecutive game. The LSU standout suffered a concussion in their Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and has not taken the field since. It was reported earlier on Thursday that Nabers was seen doing side work with the coaching staff but has not progressed to the next step in concussion protocol. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's practice but should begin to look for another option on the waiver wire, as Nabers will likely face an uphill battle to suit on Sunday evening. If he does suit up, Nabers should be locked into your lineup as a high-end WR1. If not, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton should see an uptick in opportunities.
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