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Makai Lemon Still Carries Waiver-Wire Intrigue Despite Week 4 Dud
Across the first four games of his NFL career, Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon has recorded just 10 catches for 65 yards on 15 targets. With Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) and tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) both sidelined in Week 4, Lemon looked to have a golden opportunity to assert himself. However, the 22-year-old recorded just three catches for 27 yards in Philadelphia's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. On the bright side, Lemon saw a season-high six targets and was on the field for a season-high 74% of the Eagles' offensive snaps. Lemon missed a significant chunk of training camp with a hamstring injury, which could explain his slow start to the year. Given the injuries to Smith and Goedert, Lemon could continue to see his role scaled up and remains a worthy waiver wire stash in most fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Cyrus Allen An Intriguing Deep League Waiver Option For Week 5
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Cyrus Allen could see more playing time in the coming weeks due to two of the Chiefs top receivers suffering injuries in Week 4. WR Tyquan Thornton (ankle) suffered a season-ending ankle dislocation, and WR Rashee Rice (hamstring) picked up a hamstring issue. Rice will return, but it's unclear when. If he doesn't play in Week 6, we could see a significant uptick in Allen's usage. Thornton's absence will bump him up the depth chart anyway, which could potentially force the Chiefs to start throwing him the ball more. Allen has just two targets and zero catches through four games this season. He's a late-round rookie pick, so that's not much of a surprise. He flashed in training camp, though, and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is known for incorporating his rookies into the offense very slowly. In leagues with 14 or more teams, Allen is a nice speculative stash, though his upside will likely be very limited, especially if KC signs a free agent veteran like WR Tyreek Hill.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chase McLaughlin Misses Practice With Groin/Hip Injuries
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin (groin, hip) was added to the Week 5 injury report on Tuesday after missing practice due to groin and hip injuries, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. It is unclear how serious McLaughlin's injury is, but especially on a short week, a mid-week downgrade is not a good sign. The Buccaneers play the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 5 action. If the 30-year-old veteran's injury is serious enough to keep him from kicking this week, the Buccaneers will likely make a move to add a kicker quickly. McLaughlin has been a top-10 fantasy kicker through the first four weeks, but he was limited to just two points in the Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers in the first game without starting quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb). McLaughlin's short-term fantasy value has taken a big hit with Mayfield injured, and he is expected to miss at least two more games. Fantasy managers should be looking elsewhere at the kicker position, even if McLaughlin is able to play on Thursday.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Jaylen Wright Still Worth Stashing Despite Quiet Week 4?
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright disappointed fantasy managers in his team's first game since losing star back De'Von Achane (knee) to a season-ending knee injury, recording just seven rushing yards on five carries in a Week 4 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Wright was significantly outperformed by fellow Dolphins back Ollie Gordon II, who racked up 100 rushing yards and a touchdown on nine carries. Going forward, Wright may end up playing a secondary role to Gordon II in the Miami backfield. However, Wright may have another chance to make an impact in an easier matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5. Even if Gordon II takes over as the lead back, Wright carries some fantasy value as a handcuff option. In deeper league formats, Wright could still be worth stashing off the waiver wire heading into Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Najee Harris Has Emerged as the Clear Handcuff to Roster in New York
Across three games so far in 2026, New York Giants running back Najee Harris has recorded 22 carries for 88 yards and has yet to earn a single target as a receiver out of the backfield. Harris' path to consistent production in New York is blocked by the presence of Giants RB1 Cam Skattebo. As long as Skattebo remains healthy, he profiles as a three-down workhorse who should see the majority of the Giants' high-value touches. However, Skattebo's physical running style could eventually result in him getting injured. Harris appears to have established himself as the clear RB2 in New York, as fellow reserve running backs Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary have combined for just two touches over the last two weeks. In deeper league formats, fantasy managers may want to consider targeting Harris on the waiver wire for his handcuff upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Lane Johnson Retires From NFL Effective Immediately
Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson has announced his retirement from the NFL, effective immediately. Johnson confirmed the decision Tuesday in a statement, saying he had wanted to play one final season but realized after considerable reflection that his personal and family priorities had changed. The 36-year-old specifically cited the need to focus on his mental health and spend more time with his children and family. Johnson started Philadelphia's first three games this season before missing Sunday's loss to the Rams for personal reasons. His career ends after 14 seasons with the Eagles, 171 starts, six Pro Bowl selections, two first-team All-Pro honors, and two Super Bowl championships. Rookie Markel Bell started at right tackle in Johnson's absence Sunday and is the most obvious in-house option as Philadelphia adjusts to losing one of the defining players of its offensive line.
Source: Lane Johnson
Source: Lane Johnson
Kyler Murray Remains a Deep-League Add Despite Underwhelming Start
Since returning from the concussion that knocked him out of his team's season opener, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has thrown for 415 yards, one touchdown, and one interception across two games. Murray has not quite gotten going as a rusher yet either, recording 33 rushing yards on eight carries. While the 29-year-old's production has not been particularly useful for fantasy managers just yet, there's some reason to believe better days could be ahead. For one, Murray has barely shared the field with star Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson (ankle), who could return in the team's Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Murray could also start using his legs more as he gets further removed from the concussion. In his last fully healthy season in 2024, Murray recorded 572 rushing yards and five touchdowns over 17 games. In deeper league formats, Murray remains a viable quarterback streamer for fantasy managers heading into Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pat Freiermuth Still Only a Deep-League Streaming Option
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has scored twice in four games, but the weekly volume still makes him tough to push as anything more than a deeper-league option. He has 14 catches for 125 yards on 19 targets, with either four or five targets in every game. Darnell Washington has been right there with him, though, drawing 13 targets and turning them into 119 yards and a touchdown. That split has kept Freiermuth from separating himself even when he finds the end zone, as he did on a three-catch, 17-yard night against Cleveland. Pittsburgh gets Indianapolis in Week 5, and Freiermuth is at least usable for managers digging through the bottom of the tight end pool. RotoBaller ranks him TE20 for the week and lists him as an add in 14-team leagues. That is the right range. He is a deep-league streamer, not someone fantasy managers in standard 10- or 12-team formats need to prioritize.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Brooks Going for More Tests on his Ankle
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that the team is getting more tests done on running back Chris Brooks' ankle after he injured it in the Week 4 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, according to Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. Brooks finished Sunday's game with only four carries for 30 yards while catching his only target for a five-yard gain. Kaleb Johnson had a team-high eight carries for 42 yards, while MarShawn Lloyd had seven rushing attempts for 13 yards and caught five passes for 36 yards through the air. Brooks' status is firmly up in the air for the team's Week 5 tilt this weekend against the division-rival Chicago Bears. The 26-year-old has had a bigger role in Green Bay's backfield through the first four games of 2026 with Josh Jacobs still on the commissioner's exempt list, but his role alongside Johnson and Lloyd has not been significant enough to produce standalone fantasy value. Both Johnson and Lloyd will be more attractive as flex options for fantasy managers this week if Brooks is not cleared to play against Chicago.
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Dillon Gabriel Eligible to Return to Practice
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel (back) is eligible to return to practice after spending the first four games on injured reserve. Daniel Oyefusi reported Tuesday that Cleveland has opened Gabriel's 21-day practice window, giving the Browns three weeks to activate him to the 53-man roster or leave him on injured reserve for the rest of the season. Gabriel's back issue surfaced after the preseason finale against New England, when he completed 12 of 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. He was placed on injured reserve at roster cutdown with a designation to return. Cleveland currently has Deshaun Watson atop the depth chart, followed by Shedeur Sanders and rookie Taylen Green, so Gabriel's return creates more of a roster decision than an immediate fantasy opportunity.
Source: Daniel Oyefusi
Source: Daniel Oyefusi
Jauan Jennings Not a Priority Waiver Add for Week 5
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings got exactly the kind of opportunity fantasy managers were waiting for in Week 4, and almost nothing came of it. Justin Jefferson (ankle) was out, Kyler Murray attempted 37 passes, and Jennings finished with one catch for eight yards. T.J. Hockenson caught 13 passes for 119 yards and Jordan Addison added four catches for 52, which says plenty about where Jennings currently sits in this passing game. He now has only two receptions for nine yards in three appearances since joining Minnesota. Jefferson's status for Week 5 against New Orleans is still worth tracking, but even another absence would not make Jennings easy to trust after what happened Sunday. The Vikings also head into their bye immediately after this matchup. RotoBaller has Jennings down at WR74 in its early Week 5 half-PPR rankings. He is not a priority waiver add in standard leagues and is better left for deeper formats where managers can afford to wait for his role to change.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Henry Back on the Streaming Radar for Week 5
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry had been pretty quiet to open the season, but Week 4 was at least a reminder that he can still matter when the Patriots need him. The veteran tight end caught all five of his targets for 62 yards against Buffalo after totaling just 71 yards over the first three weeks. New England is also a little thin right now. A.J. Brown (ankle) is still on injured reserve, and Mack Hollins left Sunday's game with a calf injury. That does not suddenly make Henry a priority waiver claim, especially with no touchdowns through four games, but the matchup with Las Vegas puts him back in play for anyone scrambling at tight end. RotoBaller has Henry at TE14 for Week 5 and recommends him as an add in 12-team leagues. He makes more sense as a short-term streamer than someone fantasy managers need to hold onto once better options become available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darius Cooper Has a Window to Stay Involved
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Darius Cooper made the most of his expanded opportunity in Week 4, catching three of seven targets for 33 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. He was on the field for 90% of Philadelphia's offensive snaps, a major jump with DeVonta Smith sidelined by a hamstring injury. Cooper now has three touchdowns over his last three games, although the five catches for 59 yards on the season show why fantasy managers should keep expectations reasonable. The immediate appeal depends heavily on Smith's availability. If Smith misses another game, Cooper should again have a path to significant snaps when Philadelphia faces Jacksonville in Week 5. RotoBaller currently ranks him 42nd among all waiver options and recommends adding him in 12-team leagues. Cooper is worth a short-term claim, but his role could shrink quickly once the Eagles get healthier.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malachi Fields an Upside WR Stash After Scoring in Week 4
New York Giants rookie third-round wide receiver Malachi Fields was a popular late-round flier in deeper fantasy leagues going into his first year in the NFL, with fellow wideout Malik Nabers (knee) entering the 2026 season coming off a torn ACL in 2025. The 23-year-old has caught exactly two passes in each of his first four games in the league on 15 targets for 126 yards and his first career touchdown reception, which came in the Week 4 win over the Arizona Cardinals. There is a lot to like about the Notre Dame product in the long term, but as New York's WR3 behind Nabers and veteran Darnell Mooney, consistent fantasy production might be hard to come by. Additionally, starting quarterback Jaxson Dart (knee) is out for the year, so the Giants are down to veteran Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy at the position. Fields' upside makes him a worthwhile stash in deeper fantasy leagues, and he could potentially have WR2 upside if Nabers or Mooney miss any time with an injury. Fields is rostered in 7% of Yahoo leagues, so he is widely available.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Adonai Mitchell a Worthy Receiver Stash Despite Being Injured
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger) remains stash-worthy as receiver depth in fantasy football leagues despite missing the last two games due to a finger injury. With Mitchell out for a second straight game this past Sunday in the Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, Isaiah Williams played 90% of the offense's snaps but drew just two targets on the day. WR1 Garrett Wilson saw most of the looks from veteran quarterback Geno Smith. The 23-year-old Mitchell was looking like the clear No. 2 receiver for the Jets in the first two weeks of the 2026 season before he suffered a finger injury that has kept him sidelined for the last two weeks. Mitchell had nine catches on 15 targets through two games for 123 yards (13.7 yards per catch). It is unclear exactly when he might return, but it could be as soon as this week versus the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 11. Mitchell should have WR3/flex appeal as soon as he returns to action in an improved Jets offense. He is rostered in only 28% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Ladd McConkey Now Considered Day-to-Day
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh called wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) day-to-day on Tuesday, according to Kris Rhim of ESPN. It comes a day after McConkey was considered week-to-week after aggravating a foot injury and being pulled from Sunday's Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The 24-year-old gave his fantasy managers a donut over the weekend, failing to catch either of his two targets in Seattle before leaving the contest and not returning. McConkey's foot injury is not serious, but it remains to be seen if he will be able to do enough in practice this week to receive the green light to suit up this Sunday at home against the division-rival Denver Broncos. And if the former first-rounder from Georgia does play in Week 5, he could have his snaps managed, making him a risky option in starting fantasy lineups. McConkey had five catches for 82 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but he has caught only seven passes on 11 targets for 101 yards in the last three games combined. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on McConkey's practice participation this week.
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim
Durham Smythe Suffers Season-Ending Torn Achilles
Baltimore Ravens tight end Durham Smythe (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles tendon on Sunday in the Week 4 win over the Tennessee Titans and will now miss the rest of the 2026 season, an MRI exam confirmed, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Smythe, who has always been a blocking-first tight end, was not on the fantasy radar in his ninth season in the league. In four games in his first year with Baltimore, he caught just one of two targets for four yards. Mark Andrews will continue to be the Ravens' primary pass-catching tight end, but with Smythe now done for the year, rookies Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas will be forced into bigger roles behind Andrews. The loss of Smythe for the season does not move the fantasy needle at all, but it could hurt All-Pro running back Derrick Henry and the Ravens' rushing attack the rest of the way. Smythe, a former fourth-rounder in 2018 from Notre Dame by the Miami Dolphins, has only 137 catches for 1,257 yards and three touchdowns in his nine seasons in the NFL.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Eagles Planning to Keep Jalen Hurts Under Center
Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion is committed to keeping quarterback Jalen Hurts under center despite the team's early struggles with play action, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. When Mannion was asked if the Eagles will continue to keep Hurts under center, even though they have been among the worst in the NFL at it, the OC said that Hurts "can do it" and that "we believe in it." Through the first four weeks of the 2026 campaign, the 28-year-old three-time Pro Bowler is outside of the top 10 in overall fantasy points at the position, throwing for 713 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions while adding 21 carries for 105 yards and one score on the ground. Hurts ranks 31st out of 38 qualifying QBs in adjusted yards per attempt on passes while under center, and he has a putrid 18% success rate under center. The Eagles' offense was stuck in the mud in Sunday's loss to a tough Los Angeles Rams defense, and it did not help that both star running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) were injured. If both Smith and Barkley miss the Week 5 game in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hurts should be viewed as more of a high-end QB2 than a legitimate QB1 for fantasy lineups.
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Source: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Joe Mixon Remains a Free Agent Following His Physical with Seahawks
In a surprising turn of events, the Seattle Seahawks have decided not to sign two-time Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon to their practice squad after receiving his physical results. Mixon missed the entire 2025 season with a mysterious foot injury, and according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the physical he underwent with the team revealed enough for the Seahawks to change course, and Mixon will remain a free agent. Mixon has racked up nearly 10,000 yards and 74 touchdowns over an eight-year career, but given the latest news, it now seems unlikely we'll see him on a football field again.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Mike Gesicki a Waiver Priority Following Injuries to High-Profile Teammates
The Cincinnati Bengals lost All-Pro wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) early in their Week 4 loss to the Jaguars, and as he has done numerous times throughout his career, tight end Mike Gesicki stepped up to fill the void, finishing the day with 40 yards and a touchdown to make him the TE6 on the week. Chase's availability for Week 5 is unclear, and with Pro Bowler Tee Higgins (adductor) also leaving the game with an adductor injury that now has him considered day-to-day, Gesicki becomes a high-priority waiver add along with teammate Dohnte Meyers. The Bengals face a Dolphins team in Week 5 that has given up the fourth-most points above expectation to the tight end position, and if one or both of the team's top receivers should miss time, Gesicki slots in as a must-start.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Bell Remains a Stash-Worthy Waiver Option
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell officially caught zero passes in a Week 4 loss to the Vikings, but his day almost looked much different from a fantasy perspective. Bell had a 68-yard touchdown wiped off the board by an illegal touch penalty that came down to a fraction of an inch. While results have been inconsistent, Bell's usage has been on the rise after missing most of training camp while rehabbing the ACL tear that ended his collegiate career. He saw a season-high 82% snap share in Week 4, his second straight game topping 70%, and while the Dolphins passing offense is unlikely to support multiple fantasy options, Bell has the talent to emerge as the Miami receiver to roster, particularly if his snap counts keep rising.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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