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Austin Ekeler Is an Intriguing Deep-League Pickup
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler just joined the Commanders last week, but he stepped right into a significant role in Week 4. He played 27% of snaps against the Colts in London, which was the second-most of the running backs available. The 31-year-old veteran had four carries for 29 yards and tacked on an 11-yard catch on his two targets. He was a passing-down back last year in Washington before sustaining a torn Achilles, and he's rejoined the team in a similar role. Ekeler may have gotten extra playing time with Rachaad White (shoulder) out, and when White returns, it will be an interesting three-back rotation with Jacory Croskey-Merritt likely getting most of the early-down work and White and Ekeler rotating in. Ekeler is worth a look in deep leagues since he will have a role, but he'll be a high-risk play on a week-to-week basis if all three running backs are healthy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More Recent News
Lamar Jackson Questionable at Best for Week 5
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is uncertain to play against the Falcons in Week 5, and he is "sounding questionable at best," according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Jackson sustained a sprained ankle injury on the final play of the first half against the Titans last week and was replaced by Tyler Huntley for the second half. Before departing, Jackson looked sharp, completing 15 of 20 passes for 222 passing yards and two touchdowns. According to another report by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jackson could end up missing multiple games based on how rehab goes, but at this point, the injury is not considered long-term or surgical. If Jackson misses time, Huntley would be worth considering in two-QB leagues after he completed 8-of-9 pass attempts for 63 yards and added 16 rushing yards in the second half against the Titans.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
MarShawn Lloyd's Larger Workload Finally Coming Around
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd got off to a relatively slow start this season, but he seems to have turned the corner after the first four weeks. Lloyd is coming off his highest-volume game this year, as he played 55% of the snaps and logged 12 touches (including five catches) in Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His rushing numbers were quite poor, averaging just 1.9 yards per carry. However, he was much more valuable as a receiver, turning his five targets into five receptions for 36 receiving yards. The Packers have been looking for someone to separate themselves from the rest of the backfield ever since Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list, and it seems like they have finally found their new lead running back, even if he looked better as a receiver than a ball-carrier. Lloyd is still a very solid waiver wire target, especially since he has RB3/flex appeal from now until Jacobs' return. He has managed to rank as the overall RB36 in PPR scoring this fall and can be a low-end fantasy starter for Week 5 against Chicago.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Rodriguez Jr. a Sneaky Waiver Wire Target for Touchdown Upside
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. has now scored a touchdown in back-to-back games, making him an appealing option for fantasy managers seeking a higher-ceiling player on the waiver wire. The waiver wire can run pretty dry at times, and the opportunity to get someone with touchdowns in two consecutive games doesn't come around very often. That's why Rodriguez is worth adding, despite the fact that he has just 14 touches over his last two games and hasn't played more than 25% of the snaps since Week 1. We expect Rodriguez's touchdown streak to earn him more volume going forward, and he might even find the end zone again. Plus, even in the worst-case scenario, he's still a solid handcuff given his role in a highly productive offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kendre Miller Highly Underwhelming with Poor Efficiency Numbers in Week 4
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller rushed for just nine yards on six carries during Monday's Week 4 loss against the Atlanta Falcons. He also caught two of three targets for 10 receiving yards. Outside of the moderate pass-catching role, Miller had a very frustrating performance. Many managers scrambled to add him off waivers after the team placed Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) on injured reserve, thinking that the 24-year-old could lead the backfield or at least have a sizable role alongside Alvin Kamara. For what it's worth, he had just one fewer carry than Kamara, but the veteran back had two touchdowns and also accrued seven targets. Rookie CJ Donaldson also carved out a role, logging 18 rushing yards on three carries. Miller's inefficiency, lack of touchdown volume, and uninspiring receiving contributions will keep him out of the top-36 running back conversation for Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. Doesn't Need to Do Much in Week 4 Win
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had a relatively smooth and uneventful performance in Week 4, completing 15 of his 20 pass attempts for 223 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and zero interceptions as the Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints. He took just one sack and didn't have a rushing attempt until his kneel-downs on the final two plays of the game. Atlanta cruised to a huge 45-24 victory, allowing them to focus their efforts on controlling the clock with the rushing attack. That explains why Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson combined for 207 rushing yards and a whopping five touchdowns. Penix played extremely clean football, but the highly positive game script lowered his ceiling in this one. Nevertheless, in his two games since returning from injury, he has shown that he can lead a successful offense, throw and run the ball, and limit turnovers. He's a high-end QB2 with additional upside heading into Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brian Robinson's Three Touchdowns Give Fantasy Managers a Late-Week Boost
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson totaled 14 carries, 62 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns during Monday's Week 4 win over the New Orleans Saints. He also converted his lone target into a five-yard reception. It was quite the night for Atlanta's Robinson running backs, as Brian and Bijan combined for five total touchdowns in the win. Brian Robinson has now scored four touchdowns over his last two games, and he has at least 8.7 fantasy points (PPR) in each of his last three games. The 27-year-old seems to be an intriguing matchup-based play going forward, with higher upside and more RB3/flex appeal in games where the Falcons might enjoy a positive game script. As a result, we wouldn't be shocked to see Robinson's momentum tail off slightly in a much more difficult matchup against the Baltimore Ravens next week. With that being said, he will still have RB3/flex appeal in plenty of weeks going forward, and he remains one of the most intriguing handcuffs in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Micah Parsons Won't Practice This Week
Green Bay Packers pass rusher Micah Parsons (knee) will not practice ahead of Week 5 against the Chicago Bears, head coach Matt LaFleur told Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's digital staff. Parsons is working his way back from a torn ACL and meniscus damage. Although he's technically eligible to be activated from the PUP list this week, it sounds like he needs a little more time. The Packers' defense has allowed an average of 26.3 fantasy points per game to the Vikings, Jets, Falcons, and Buccaneers this year, so they'd certainly like to get Parsons back to inject some life into the unit. After all, the 27-year-old defender has registered 12+ sacks in each of his five seasons since entering the NFL. With that being said, Green Bay won't want to rush him back before he's ready.
Source: Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Weston Hodkiewicz
Nick Bosa Unlikely to Play in Week 5
San Francisco 49ers pass-rusher Nick Bosa (calf) is unlikely to suit up for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, per Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News. Bosa has missed two games in a row due to a strained calf that he suffered during practice. It looks like Bosa is trending towards missing a third game in a row as he continues to nurse this lingering calf issue. His absence will certainly hurt this defensive unit as they head into a big divisional game against the Seahawks. Ogbo Okoronkwo and Keion White will likely be asked to step up if Bosa is unlikely to go this weekend.
Source: Cam Inman
Source: Cam Inman
Rachaad White is Expected to Practice This Week
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White (shoulder) is expected to get back on the practice field this week, per Tashan Reed. Head coach Dan Quinn believes White will be able to practice this week after missing practice all last week due to a lingering shoulder issue. White sat out during Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts, but he has a chance to return for the Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants. If he remains out, Jacory Croskey-Merritt will handle the bulk of the rushing attempts with Austin Ekeler and Kaytron Allen mixing in as well. Fantasy managers should check back on White's status once they begin practicing again on Wednesday.
Source: Tashan Reed
Source: Tashan Reed
Terry McLaurin is Still Being Evaluated
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said on Monday that the team is still evaluating what wide receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) will be able to do during Wednesday's practice, per John Keim. McLaurin popped up on the injury report with a hamstring issue last Friday. He was ultimately unable to suit up against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4. McLaurin reportedly pushed to play, but the Commanders decided to play it safe with the veteran wideout. It sounds like McLaurin is day-to-day, but the Commanders should give more information once they begin practicing on Wednesday. For now, fantasy managers should consider McLaurin as questionable ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the New York Giants.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
MarShawn Lloyd Could See Expanded Role in the Backfield
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd was significantly involved during Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lloyd carried the ball seven times for 13 yards, while hauling in all five targets for an additional 36 yards through the air. That was the most Lloyd has been involved in the passing game this season. His role in the backfield could be expanded going forward, with fellow back Chris Brooks (ankle) leaving early in Week 4. If Brooks is unable to play in Week 5, Lloyd could end up being an interesting flex option in deep leagues against the Chicago Bears.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chris Rodriguez Jr. is Gaining Value After Scoring in Back-to-Back Games
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. is beginning to turn a corner after a slow start to the season. Rodriguez has been quiet during the first two weeks, but he has found the end zone in each of the last two games. So far across four games, Rodriguez has carried the ball 26 times for 108 yards and two scores. He usually only gets six carries per game, but he has salvaged his fantasy value with two trips into the end zone. Fantasy managers who are looking for running back help should consider adding Rodriguez. He would see an increased role if Bhayshul Tuten ever goes down with an injury. Until then, Rodriguez is a touchdown-dependent option who might be able to help fantasy managers in deep leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Paris Johnson Jr. Out for the Year With Torn Biceps
Arizona Cardinals left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. (biceps) will miss the rest of the regular season with a torn biceps muscle that he suffered in the Week 4 loss to the New York Giants on Sunday, head coach Mike LaFleur told Bo Brack of PHNX Sports. The 25-year-old's loss for the rest of the year is a significant one for the Cardinals' offense and veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett. The former sixth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from Ohio State has proven to be injury-prone early in his NFL career, also ending each of the last two seasons on Injured Reserve due to knee injuries. Johnson will now have played in only 47 games in his first four years in the league. With Johnson out the rest of the way, Josh Fryer or Jayden Williams will be the candidates to take over for Johnson to protect Brissett's blind side. Johnson's season-ending injury early in the year is a notable downgrade for Brissett going forward.
Source: PHNX Sports - Bo Brack
Source: PHNX Sports - Bo Brack
Tyler Allgeier Carries Waiver-Wire Appeal Amid Backfield Uncertainty
Across four games in 2026, Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier has recorded 147 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 42 touches. After starting Arizona's first two games of the season, Allgeier has given way to Cardinals rookie back Jeremiyah Love (ankle). The third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Love clearly profiles as the future of the Arizona backfield. However, Love battled an ankle injury during the preseason, and it was revealed on Monday that he is battling renewed ankle discomfort. Allgeier has proven he can be productive when given the opportunity, as he rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie in 2022. If Love ends up missing time, Allgeier could work his way into must-start territory in a favorable Week 5 matchup against the awful Detroit Lions defense. With Love's health uncertain, fantasy managers may want to target Allgeier on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rams "Hope" Aaron Donald Will be Back in Week 5
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said the "hope" is that defensive tackle Aaron Donald (back) will return for the Monday Night Football game to close out Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, according to Stu Jackson of the team's official website. "That's the direction it looks like it's trending in," McVay said. The 35-year-old veteran All-Pro pass-rusher did not play in the team's Week 4 win over the Philadelphia Eagles due to a back injury that is not considered long-term. As long as Donald is able to get back on the practice field this week, he would have a good shot at returning to the starting lineup for L.A.'s pass rush against quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills. If the 10-time Pro Bowler returns to action under the lights in primetime on Monday, he will continue to be in a rotational pass-rushing role for the Rams after coming out of retirement. The former first-rounder has played in only two games in 2026, playing in just over half of the defensive snaps. Donald has four combined tackles (one solo) but is still searching for his first sack since his return.
Source: TheRams.com - Stu Jackson
Source: TheRams.com - Stu Jackson
Kyle Monangai is "Going to be OK," Deemed "Day-to-Day"
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson thinks that running back Kyle Monangai (thumb) is "going to be OK" and called his right-thumb injury a "day-to-day deal," according to Courtney Cronin of ESPN. Monangai stayed on the sideline for the end of the Week 4 win over the New York Jets on Sunday after suffering a thumb injury, but it does not appear to be much of a concern as the Bears head into their big Week 5 divisional clash at the Green Bay Packers this weekend. In the win over the Jets, Monangai had a huge workload, carrying the ball 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns while also catching a four-yard pass as a receiver. The 24-year-old former seventh-rounder last year out of Rutgers already has two 100-yard rushing performances in his second NFL season through four weeks and has found the end zone three times on the ground. Monangai should be available against the Packers, and if he is, he will be a strong fantasy play against a Packers defense that has allowed 139.3 rushing yards per game, which is the fourth-highest in the league.
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Source: ESPN.com - Courtney Cronin
Roman Wilson Emerging as an Intriguing Waiver-Wire Target
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson had his best game of the 2026 season so far in Week 4, recording three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown on six targets. Wilson has emerged as a downfield threat in the Pittsburgh passing game, as he's now logged at least 60 receiving yards and a touchdown in back-to-back weeks. The 25-year-old has also seen exactly six targets in all four of the Steelers' games this season. With Wilson's ability to make big plays over the top of defenses, he could have a chance to provide consistent production if he can continue seeing steady target volume. In deeper fantasy leagues, Wilson could be an intriguing waiver wire target for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordyn Tyson Remains a Top Stash Candidate Ahead of Injury Return
The eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) has yet to make his professional debut as he recovers from a hamstring injury. While the 22-year-old is technically eligible to return from Injured Reserve in Week 5, Tyson is reportedly still multiple weeks away from being healthy enough to play. Still, recent reports indicate that Tyson is making good progress and should be back on the field at some point in the middle of the season. Tyson was a highly productive pass-catcher in his final two collegiate seasons at Arizona St., recording over 1,800 receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns. In deeper leagues or league formats with IR spots, fantasy managers may want to consider stashing Tyson now and holding him until his eventual return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Shipley Could See Lead Role in Eagles Backfield in Week 5
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley has seen most of his usage on special teams since entering the NFL in 2024, recording just 76 total touches across 35 career games with the Eagles. However, the 24-year-old could get his chance to lead the Philadelphia backfield in the team's upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) is considered unlikely to play against Jacksonville with a hamstring injury, and RB2 Tank Bigsby (core) is set to undergo core muscle surgery and will be placed on Injured Reserve. As a result, Shipley could be called upon to play a three-down role against the Jaguars. In leagues where he remains available on the waiver wire, Shipley profiles as a must-add running back for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Saquon Barkley "Unlikely" to Play in Week 5
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) is "unlikely" to play in his team's Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, per Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Barkley suffered a hamstring injury during Philly's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams and is considered week-to-week. The Eagles also lost top backup running back Tank Bigsby (core) in Week 4, as he suffered a core muscle injury and has been placed on Injured Reserve. Without Barkley and Bigsby against Jacksonville, Eagles RB3 Will Shipley appears likely to be the team's lead back. McLane also notes running backs Dameon Pierce, Jaydon Blue, and Carson Steele are all on the Eagles' practice squad and could be candidates for elevation to the active roster in Week 5.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
More News About Austin Ekeler
