Fantasy Football News
Mike Evans Cleared To Play On Thursday Night
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (calf, knee) won't carry an injury designation into Thursday night's divisional contest against the Atlanta Falcons to kick off Week 5 action. Evans was held out of practice on Monday but was limited on Tuesday and Wednesday and is good to go. Fellow receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) will not play, which means veteran Sterling Shepard will serve as the WR3 for Tampa behind Evans and Chris Godwin against Atlanta. Now that we know for sure that Evans is good to go, he should be locked into all starting fantasy lineups as he looks for a second straight strong week. In the win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, Evans had season-highs in catches (eight) and yards (94) while finding the end zone for the third time in 2024. It was a nice bounce-back after catching just two passes for 17 yards the week prior.
0 hour ago
David Njoku Limited In Wednesday's Practice
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was able to put in a limited practice on Wednesday. Njoku is slowly working his way back from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Njoku hasn't played in a game since, but he could be tracking toward his return in Week 5 this Sunday to face the Washington Commanders. The Browns coaching staff still wants to see a little more out of Njoku in practice the rest of the week before clearing him, so fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his progress before throwing him back into starting lineups as a low-end TE1 in what has been a mediocre Browns offense to this point. Backup Jordan Akins hasn't been an answer for fantasy managers as a streamer the last three weeks, as he's caught just six passes for 49 yards and no scores in the three games that Njoku has missed.
0 hour ago
Travis Etienne Jr. On The Week 5 Injury Report
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) is on the team's Week 5 injury report after being limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Fellow RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was also listed as limited. Etienne injured his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans before eventually returning, but it led to a bigger role for Bigsby, who had seven carries for a season-high 90 yards on the ground. The 25-year-old Etienne had 11 carries for 50 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards. Both RBs should be available to play in Week 5 versus the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but Bigsby's efficient performance last week could lead Jacksonville to give him a bigger piece of the backfield pie as the Jags look for their first win of 2024. Etienne should be viewed as an RB2 in fantasy, with Bigsby becoming a more appealing RB3/flex in deeper formats.
0 hour ago
Evan Engram Back At Practice
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Engram injured his hamstring before the Week 2 contest and hasn't played since. However, the fact that he's back on the practice field should at least give him a shot to play this weekend in a divisional contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Engram will likely need to put in a full practice later this week to avoid a questionable tag on Friday. The 30-year-old caught just one of his four targets for a five-yard gain in the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. When he returns, Engram should become a bigger part of Jacksonville's offense as they look for their first win of the season. Backup Brenton Strange has caught eight of his 14 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown in an elevated role the last three weeks with Engram sidelined.
1 hour ago
Tank Dell Limited In Wednesday's Practice
Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Dell is reportedly expected to return in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday after missing the Week 4 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that the 24-year-old is already back at practice is a great sign. Through the first four weeks of his second year in the NFL, Dell has been the clear No. 3 wideout in Houston behind Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, which has limited his fantasy upside considerably as a WR4/flex. The former third-rounder in 2023 out of Houston has nine catches on 17 targets for 99 yards and no scores through his first three games in 2024. The Week 5 contest against Buffalo lines up as a potential shootout, so Dell will have boom/bust appeal if he returns on Sunday.
1 hour ago
Raheem Mostert Limited On Wednesday
Miami Dolphins running backs Raheem Mostert (chest) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) were both limited in practice on Wednesday. Mostert injured his chest in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and hasn't played since despite being limited in practice all of last week as well. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback this week, though, Mostert should have a good chance to return on Sunday in Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots. The 32-year-old doesn't offer a ton of flex appeal for fantasy managers behind De'Von Achane and now that Miami's offense is being run by quarterback Tyler Huntley for at least one more week. Wilson hurt his knee in pre-game warmups before Monday's loss to the Titans and played only two offensive snaps as a result. The 28-year-old should be available this Sunday but is well off the radar for starting fantasy lineups, especially if Mostert comes back in Week 5.
1 hour ago
Anthony Richardson Puts In Limited Practice
Updating a previous report, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) was officially limited in Wednesday's practice. Richardson said he wasn't going to practice earlier on Wednesday, but he was just referencing the team portions of practice. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson wouldn't necessarily need to practice in order to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The fact that the 22-year-old is practicing at all in the first session of the week is good news for his status this weekend. The second-year signal-caller was injured in the Week 4 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and had veteran Joe Flacco replace him. After a tough start to his second year in the NFL in 2024, including a league-high six picks, the dual-threat QB has fallen to fringe QB1/2 territory. The good news is he has a great matchup on tap if he's cleared to play in Week 5.
1 hour ago
Keaton Mitchell Expected To Play This Year
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is "right on schedule" and is expected to play at some point this year. "It's impossible to put a timetable on it exactly right now. He isn't close enough yet to talk about it," Harbaugh said when asked when Mitchell could be activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 22-year-old began the year on the PUP list after suffering a torn left ACL last year. He has already missed the first four games of the year and isn't anywhere near a return, so fantasy managers in shallow formats can probably continue to let him ride the waiver wire. Barring a setback, Mitchell may not make his season debut until November, and when he does, he may be no better than the RB3 behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill in the backfield. Mitchell averaged an eye-opening 8.4 yards per carry in eight games in his rookie year in 2023 and is a strong dynasty/keeper stash.
1 hour ago
Brian Robinson Jr. Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. The Alabama product did not show any sign of an injury during their Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Robinson's status throughout the week ahead of their matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, as he has found the end zone in all but one game and averaged 15.9 PPR points. No. 2 running back Austin Ekeler (concussion), who did not suit up last week, was a limited participant on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend. If both running backs were to miss this weekend's game, Jeremy McNichols could be in line to lead the backfield. McNichols is coming off a career game where he totaled 68 yards on the ground with two scores.
1 hour ago
Russell Wilson Logs Limited Practice On Wednesday
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) logged a limited practice session on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Earlier in the week, head coach Mike Tomlin expressed that he hopes to get the veteran QB through more work during practice. If Wilson continues to progress well he could officially be active as the backup quarterback as Justin Fields has claimed the starting role. Through the first four weeks of the season, the former Super Bowl champion has served as the emergency QB behind Kyle Allen. Fantasy managers in 1QB leagues should leave Wilson on the waiver wire, but superflex managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Wilson for now, as he could find his way onto the field later in the season.
1 hour ago
Jaylen Warren Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Warren did not suit up in Week 4 due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Warren's status throughout the week. Warren suffered a hamstring strain before the season opener and was limited in the first week of the season. However, in Week 2, Warren returned to his regular role in splitting work with Najee Harris, totaling 61 all-purpose yards. In addition, No.3 running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Najee Harris should see a heavy workload if Warren and Patterson miss Sunday's match against the Dallas Cowboys and would be a high-end RB2 simply off potential volume.
1 hour ago
Joe Mixon, Dameon Pierce Do Not Practice On Wednesday
Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Mixon suffered an ankle injury during Week 2 and has not returned to the field since. Pierce suffered a hamstring injury following Week 1 and has also remained sidelined. As a result, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have served as the top backs over the past two weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Mixon's and Pierce's status before their Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Even though Akers has averaged just 37 yards on the ground while serving as the starter, he could be a solid flex option if Mixon and Pierce remain out this weekend.
2 hours ago
Diontae Johnson Expected To Play This Week
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is expected to play this week despite not practicing on Wednesday, according to Darin Gantt of the Carolina Panthers. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Johnson's status throughout the week, but this is a promising sign that the team is exercising caution with their No.1 pass catcher. The 28-year-old has put his slow start behind him as he has caught at least seven passes and averaged 102.5 yards over the past two weeks with Andy Dalton under center. Johnson has also found the endzone in each of these games. If Johnson is able to suit up as expected on Sunday, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 facing the Chicago Bears.
2 hours ago
Khalil Shakir Does Not Practice On Wednesday
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The 24-year-old did not show any signs of a previous injury during their Week 4 match against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week. Shakir has operated as the No.1 option for Josh Allen in the Buffalo passing attack, as he has averaged 4.5 receptions with 57.5 yards per game. He caught a season-high six passes with 72 yards and a score in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Shakir were to miss Sunday's game, tight end Dalton Kincaid and wideouts Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Mack Hollins could see an increase in targets.
2 hours ago
Ray-Ray McCloud III Logs Full Practice On Wednesday, Off The Injury Report
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) logged a full practice on Wednesday and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud was a limited participant on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury but was able to practice in full on Wednesday, suggesting the injury was minor. Last week, McCloud caught a season-high six passes for 52 yards and ran a season-high 31 routes. Fantasy managers should view the 27-year-old as a WR3 with upside, as he has begun to have a significant role in the Atlanta passing attack. DFS players should consider using McCloud as a flex play, as he should be on the field quite often.
2 hours ago
Bijan Robinson Off The Injury Report
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) is off the injury report and will suit up on Thursday evening when the Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Robinson was limited during Monday's and Tuesday's practice sessions due to a hamstring injury, but seeing that he does not carry an injury designation into Thursday's game suggests the injury was not serious. Fantasy managers should feel confident slotting Robinson into their lineup as a high-end RB1. The 22-year-old has had a slow start to the season, averaging just 14.2 PPR points per game, but has an excellent opportunity to get back on track on Thursday as the Buccaneers have allowed the 24th-most points to opposing running backs.
2 hours ago
David Andrews To Undergo Potential Season-Ending Surgery
New England Patriots center David Andrews (shoulder) will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder and is likely to miss the rest of the 2024 season, according to head coach Jerod Mayo. This is a significant loss for the struggling Patriots offense, as Andrews has played in 124 games dating back to 2015 with New England. The Patriots already have a young and banged-up offensive line, and potential run-blocking and protection issues will only exacerbate the lack of high-end skill players on the roster. Andrew's absence could also give New England more reason to refrain from starting rookie quarterback Drake Maye this year.
3 hours ago
Aaron Rodgers Limited At Wednesday's Practice
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) will be listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, but head coach Robert Saleh is not concerned about his availability for Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings in London. Rodgers reportedly missed the team's stretching period, which will cause him to be labeled as limited, but his injury is considered minor. The four-time NFL MVP was sacked five times in the ugly Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos and said he is dealing with a little bit of swelling in his knee. Even if Rodgers was fully healthy, he would not be worth starting in single-quarterback fantasy football leagues against Minnesota, who leads the NFL in sacks (17) through four weeks. Rodgers is the QB18 on the season and is averaging just 14.3 fantasy points per game.
3 hours ago
Vikings Opening T.J. Hockenson's Practice Window This Week
The Minnesota Vikings are opening tight end T.J. Hockenson's (knee) practice window this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Last year's PPR TE1 in fantasy points per game is working his way back from a late-season ACL tear and began the 2024 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He has missed the required four games to be able to return and is now set to get back on the practice field. While this is a promising development for fantasy managers who are stashing him, it would be somewhat of a surprise if he's active for the game against the New York Jets on Sunday. The organization has 21 days from his return to practice to move him to the active roster, and he'll likely need a ramp-up period. That said, given the lack of production at the tight end spot this season, Hockenson is arguably a must-start as soon as he's ready to play. Minnesota's offense led by Sam Darnold is far exceeding expectations so far, so Hockenson could finish as a high-end TE1 in 2024.
3 hours ago
Antoine Winfield Jr. Won't Face Falcons In Week 5
Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) has not played since Week 1 against the Washington Commanders, and he has already been ruled out of the Week 5 Thursday Night Football contest against the Atlanta Falcons with a foot injury. Winfield was able to get a limited practice session in on Wednesday, but he evidently is not ready to suit up. There is optimism that he will be able to return in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints given the mini-bye ahead after a Thursday night game, but for now, the Pro Bowler remains sidelined, and Christian Izien will continue to see extended playing time.
4 hours ago
