Fantasy Football News

Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) was able to get in a limited practice session on Tuesday after he was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimate. Whittington also dealt with a shoulder injury last week but was active in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions. Even with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) out on Sunday, Whittington was not targeted at all while playing just nine offensive snaps (16%). The 24-year-old sixth-round selection should be active on Thursday night versus the Minnesota Vikings to keep off Week 8 action, but fantasy managers should have him nowhere near starting lineups, if he's rostered at all. In his first six NFL games, Whittington has 18 catches for 201 yards and no touchdowns on 23 targets.

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant on Tuesday for the second straight day this week. Jones injured his hamstring in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London and then conveniently had the Week 6 bye to rest his hamstring before returning to action in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions, where the 29-year-old didn't look to have any issues with his hamstring on his way to 14 carries for 93 yards and his second rushing touchdown of 2024. He added three catches for 23 yards. There's nothing that would indicate Jones in danger of missing the Thursday night clash against the Los Angeles Rams, so fantasy managers should keep him locked into their starting lineups as a high-end RB2/low-end RB1.

The New Orleans Saints and running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension on Tuesday that puts him under contract through the 2026 season, according to sources. The deal was confirmed by Kamara's agent, Brad Cicala, and puts the 2017 third-round selection in a spot to retire with the organization. The five-time Pro Bowler had a career-low 694 rushing yards for the Saints in 2023, but he bounced back 362 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 80 carries in the first four games of 2024 before struggling the last three games. Kamara could continue to struggle on the ground as long as quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) remains out, but predictions of his demise after last season so far have proven unfounded. The 29-year-old trails only Derrick Henry in overall half-PPR fantasy points heading into Week 8.

Los Angeles Rams wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) both practiced on Tuesday. Kupp was a full participant in practice and Nacua was limited. Kupp appeared to be on his way to playing in the Rams' Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders but he was likely held out with the quick turnaround to Thursday. Nacua was designated to return from injured reserve this week and any level of practice participation from him is a welcome sign. Kupp and Nacua are a formidable duo. The two combined for 2,223 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023 despite Kupp missing five games. Nacua recorded four receptions for 35 yards in Week 1 before his injury. Kupp has 18 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown in his two games in 2024. While Kupp seems like a safe bet to return in Week 8 when the Rams face the Minnesota Vikings, fantasy managers will need to monitor Nacua to see how he fares at Wednesday's practice. Either way, it seems as though Nacua is close to returning to the field. Kupp will get to face the No. 32 defense against opposing wide receivers in fantasy upon his presumed return in Week 8. He should be right back in fantasy lineups if he plays.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Hockenson has been working his way back from a multiple-ligament knee injury suffered in Week 16 of 2023. Hockenson has been back at practice for a couple of weeks and there was even a chance for him to play in Week 7. With the Vikings turning around quickly and playing on Thursday night, it seems highly possible that Hockenson will make his anticipated season debut in Week 8 which would give Hockenson plenty of rest before Week 9. Hockenson is a stud at the tight end position in fantasy football. Before his injury in 2023, Hockenson had racked up 960 receiving yards and five touchdowns. It may take him a couple of weeks to ramp up to full strength. However, with the way this offense is playing with quarterback Sam Darnold, Hockenson should be a great boost for any fantasy managers who have been able to stash him to this point in the season.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) was released from the hospital on Tuesday. Samuel hardly played in the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after coming down with a "pneumonia-like" illness. He was revealed to have been admitted to a hospital on Monday with fluid in his lungs. It is a great sign that Samuel has been released from the hospital. Hopefully, he will make a swift recovery for the sake of himself and his family. The 49ers have put no timetable on Samuel's return to the field. They are hurting at wide receiver with the loss of Brandon Aiyuk (knee). Samuel has effectively missed two games in 2024. He has been solid in his five healthy games posting 335 receiving yards and a touchdown. He has added 51 rushing yards and a touchdown as well. Fantasy managers will need to monitor Samuel's progress as the week continues. Given that he is battling an illness, there is no telling how short or long his recovery could be.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton was involved in a car accident with his wife and three kids on Tuesday. Dalton is being evaluated by Panthers medical personnel. Neither Dalton nor his family were seriously harmed and did not require transport by emergency medical personnel. The incident puts into perspective the fine line between real life and football. Thankfully, everyone close to Dalton was able to walk away from the situation. The Panthers have provided no further details at this time. Dalton has been the starter since he took over for Bryce Young in Week 3. While he provided a jolt to the offense during his first few weeks as a starter, the offense has since stalled. Fantasy managers will need to monitor this situation as we head into the weekend because it could affect the fantasy value of other players. Currently, there are no details on the extent of injuries Dalton suffered or if he even suffered any. Either way, it is simply nice to know that Dalton and his family are ok.

The Washington Commanders released former first-round linebacker Jamin Davis on Tuesday. The Commanders took Davis with the 19th overall selection out of Kentucky back in the 2021 draft, but he's now on the open market after disappointing in his four-plus years in the NFL. The 25-year-old did not enter this season as a starter with new head coach Dan Quinn's shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme, and he was also moved from linebacker to edge rusher. In his five games played in 2024, Davis had only 13 tackles (eight solo) and didn't record a sack. Another NFL team will surely take a chance on his talent on the open market, but it remains to be seen if he'll move back to linebacker or stay on the defensive line. Two citations for reckless driving didn't help Davis' standing in D.C.

The Las Vegas Raiders signed free-agent wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. to an undisclosed deal on Tuesday. Marshall was waived by the Carolina Panthers at the end of training camp and then latched on with the San Francisco 49ers' practice squad before being released last week. The 24-year-old former second-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2021 out of LSU caught 64 of 110 targets for 767 yards and just one touchdown in 36 games (16 starts) in his first three years in the league. Marshall will now head to Vegas to serve as receiver depth for a team in freefall after just trading All-Pro wideout Davante Adams to the New York Jets. Right now, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner are the Raiders' top three wideouts, with Tyreik McAllister and Alex Bachman further down the depth chart. Marshall can continue to be ignored in fantasy.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) will be undergoing surgery on Tuesday to fix his dislocated left ankle and will likely be out for the rest of the season. However, there's a small chance that Godwin could make it back early in 2025 if the Buccaneers make a deep playoff run. The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome ankle injury late in the fourth quarter in Monday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues can send Godwin to the waiver wire now for a healthy body. It's devastating news for Tampa and Godwin, as he was excelling in his return to the slot in 2024 with a league-high 50 catches, 576 yards and five TDs in seven games. With Mike Evans (hamstring) to miss at least three games, the Bucs will be forced to use rookie Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer in three-wide sets moving forward.

The Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) is expected to miss at least the team's next three games against the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers. The Bucs aren't planning to put Evans on Injured Reserve, though, if there's a chance he can return after the bye to face the New York Giants in Week 12. Going on IR would require Evans to miss at least four contests. The 31-year-old future Hall of Fame aggravated his right-hamstring injury in Monday night's loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but he at least managed to find the end zone for his fantasy managers before limping to the locker room. With Chris Godwin (ankle) likely out for the rest of the year, Tampa is going to roll into their Week 8 game against the division-rival Falcons with rookie Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer in three-wide sets.

The Los Angeles Rams designated wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) to return from Injured Reserve on Tuesday, opening his 21-day practice window for him to officially be activated from IR. Though Nacua is not expected to come off IR to play this Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 8, he can now resume practicing with the team for the first time since suffering a PCL sprain in the season opener in Week 1. The 23-year-old second-year wideout should be stashed in all fantasy formats after his huge rookie year, when he had a 105-1,486-6 line in 17 regular-season games. The Rams are expected to get Cooper Kupp (ankle) back this Thursday, although they could be willing to deal him before the early-November deadline. If Kupp is traded away by the time Nacua returns, Nacua will have an even higher fantasy ceiling as a must-start pass-catcher.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (finger) injured a tendon on one of the fingers on his right (throwing) hand in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, although X-rays came back negative. The current belief is that Thompson-Robinson will not miss multiple weeks, but throwing the football will be a real test, according to a source. He will wear a split to help speed his recovery process when he's not throwing. Deshaun Watson is out for the year with a torn Achilles, so with DTR's status up in the air for Week 8 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens, the Browns signed Bailey Zappe to back up veteran Jameis Winston. The 24-year-old Thompson-Robinson probably won't play this Sunday, and he could serve as Winston's backup when he gets past his finger injury.

The Cleveland Browns placed quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) on Injured Reserve due to a torn Achilles, effectively ending his 2024 season. In a corresponding move, Bailey Zappe was officially signed to the active roster off of the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad. Watson could have played in his last career game with the Browns after suffering the serious injury. If so, his final numbers as Brown will read 3,365 yards passing, 19 passing touchdowns, and 12 interceptions in 19 games. Zappe, who spent the last two seasons with the New England Patriots, will likely back up Jameis Winston and Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

The New York Giants are working out free-agent offensive tackle D.J. Humphries on Tuesday, according to NFL.com. The former first-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2015 started 98 games over the last eight seasons for the organization but was let go this offseason. The Giants are without star left tackle Andrew Thomas (foot) indefinitely due to a foot injury. After Daniel Jones was sacked eight times in the Week 7 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the team is doing whatever it can to make improvements along the offensive line quickly.

Free-agent wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has been unsigned all season following his final year with the Las Vegas Raiders, which saw him catch 25 passes for 255 yards and no touchdowns in 2023. The former Clemson wideout posted 1,038 receiving yards in 2021 but battled through injuries in 2022 and never returned to form. Renfrow's name came up as a potential target for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the team lost Chris Godwin (ankle) to a serious ankle injury. However, Bucs insider Greg Auman checked on the situation and said he'd classify Renfrow as "retired" rather than "unsigned." Renfrow has not formally announced his retirement, but it could explain why he has not joined an organization in any capacity this season. If Renfrow has played his last snap in the NFL, he will finish with a total of 269 catches for 2,884 yards and 17 touchdowns across 73 career games.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was benched for veteran Andy Dalton after just two games in 2024, and he has remained the backup despite the Panthers' struggles in recent weeks. Young, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, has thrown for just 3,176 yards 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions through his first 20 NFL games. He has compiled a 2-16 record as a starter. While Carolina has not suggested Young is on the trade block, Dianna Russini of The Athletic said she thinks other organizations could be interested in acquiring him. "I think there's a lot of coaches and GMs out there kind of licking their chops going 'maybe we can do something with him'," Russini said. This is an early report, but it puts Young on the radar as a potential trade target worth monitoring. We've seen several highly-drafted quarterbacks dealt in recent seasons, so Young being moved is not completely off the table.

The Philadelphia Eagles are releasing wide receiver Parris Campbell on Tuesday, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The 27-year-old signed a one-year deal this offseason to join the organization, but his time in Philly ends after just four contests. He caught just six passes for 30 yards and a touchdown through Week 7. The Eagles' wide receiver room is headlined by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and the team traded for Jahan Dotson just before the start of the 2024 campaign. Wide receivers Britain Covey (shoulder) and Ainias Smith (ankle) could be activated from Injured Reserve soon, but neither is on the fantasy football radar unless Brown, Smith, or both get banged up.

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Foye Oluokun (foot) has been cleared to practice and has been designated to return from Injured Reserve, according to NFL.com. Oluokun suffered a foot injury in the Week 3 loss to the Buffalo Bills and is eligible to return to game action this week. The 2018 sixth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons out of Yale has been a tacking machine since signing with Jacksonville in 2022. The 29-year-old has collected at least 173 total tackles in each of the last three seasons and did not miss a game before this year. It remains to be seen if he'll return to face the Green Bay Packers in Week 8, but he's on track to be activated soon.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reports that the Los Angeles Rams have called multiple teams about possibly trading former Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp (ankle), according to sources. The Rams have indicated a willingness to take on some of Kupp's 2024 salary and are looking for a second-round draft selection in return. Kupp suffered an ankle sprain in Week 2 and hasn't played since, but he's expected to return for LA's Week 8 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings this Thursday night. The 31-year-old veteran was also looking more like the Offensive Player of the Year he was in 2021 in his first two games with 18 catches for 147 yards and one touchdown before his injury. The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the most banged-up teams at the receiver position, so they could make the most sense if the Rams are indeed dangling Kupp. Stay tuned.