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Brandin Cooks the Next Man Up in San Fran's Banged-Up WR Corps
San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) suffered a significant hamstring strain in the third quarter of Sunday's Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks and will miss "some time." It points to a bigger role for veteran Brandin Cooks, who played almost every snap after Samuel left, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The 33-year-old Cooks caught one of his two targets for a seven-yard touchdown after not catching his only target in the Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos in his debut with the 49ers. Ricky Pearsall (knee) is out for the season, and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle), Demarcus Robinson (ankle), and Christian Kirk (calf) all remain on Injured Reserve, so the 49ers' receiving corps is among the most banged-up units around the league. Veteran Mike Evans continues to battle injuries as well, so Cooks should become a much bigger part of the team's passing attack now that Samuel will also miss a couple of weeks. Cooks has six career 1,000-yard receiving seasons and caught 24 passes for 279 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games last year with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills. He is not currently rostered in any Yahoo leagues, but Cooks is worth a look for WR depth in deeper formats, with his role set to grow, starting in Week 6 on Monday night versus the Washington Commanders.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
More Recent News
Chargers Not Considering Trading Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers have never discussed the idea of potentially trading quarterback Justin Herbert, a team source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Schefter admitted that the idea of the Chargers trading Herbert for three first-round picks would be intriguing and would allow the 0-5 team to rebuild for the future, but it sounds as though the Bolts have no interest in trading away their franchise signal-caller despite the bad start and injuries piling up around him on offense. Things could change if the Chargers continue to lose -- they face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 -- but as of now, it is a non-starter for the organization, and it does not even sound like they are willing to listen to trade offers for Herbert. The 28-year-old has struggled in new coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme through five weeks, but L.A.'s grinder of a schedule has not made it any easier. Herbert is completing 59.4% of his passes for 937 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions, and is already working with a patchwork offensive line in front of him. He has quickly fallen down to low-end QB2 status, and it is going to be difficult for him to bounce back this weekend against KC given all the injuries to the Chargers' WR corps.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Tanner Hudson Expected to Miss Entire Season With Torn Pec
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (pectoral) suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season, his agent told WLWT's Charlie Clifford. Hudson only had seven receptions for 33 yards and one touchdown in four games played this year with the Bengals, but it is a big loss in the team's TE corps behind starter Mike Gesicki. The good news for the Bengals is that they have a deep group of tight ends behind Gesicki, which also includes Drew Sample and Erick All Jr. Hudson had the best season of his career in 2023 in his first year with the Bengals, catching 39 of his 50 targets for 352 yards and one touchdown in 12 games played. He has never scored more than two touchdowns in any of his eight seasons in the league, but he is a well-respected pass-catching backup TE when he is healthy.
Source: WLWT - Charlie Clifford
Source: WLWT - Charlie Clifford
Caleb Douglas Working on the Side on Tuesday
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) was seen working off to the side during the team's unofficial practice on Tuesday as they head into their bye week, according to Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post. Douglas injured his ankle in the Week 2 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and has not played since, missing the team's last three games. The Dolphins are bringing the third-rounder out of Texas Tech along slowly, but hopefully the 23-year-old will be ready to play when the Dolphins return to action in Week 7 against the division-rival New York Jets. Fellow rookie Chris Bell has seen more playing time with Douglas banged up, although it has not led to him being a realistic standalone starting option in fantasy football in Miami's lackluster offense. Douglas will have an opportunity to become a key member of the passing attack when he returns, but he is mostly just a stash option in dynasty/keeper leagues in 2026. In his first two NFL games to begin the season, Douglas caught seven of his 10 targets for 113 yards (16.1 yards per catch).
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Darren Waller Carries Limited Week 6 Streaming Appeal
Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller returns from his Week 5 bye having drawn 14 targets over his last two games, but a difficult matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles makes him a risky fantasy option. Waller has caught 13 of 19 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns through four games, with both scores coming against Atlanta in Week 2. His involvement increased against Cleveland and Detroit, although those 14 targets produced only eight receptions for 87 yards. Waller also played just 53% of Carolina's offensive snaps against the Lions, with Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans continuing to see substantial playing time. The Panthers could also welcome back Jalen Coker (quadriceps), who is reportedly on track to return after missing Week 4. Philadelphia has generally defended opposing tight ends well, adding another obstacle for a player whose fantasy production has been inconsistent outside his two-touchdown outing. Rostered in just 16% of leagues, Waller remains worth considering in 14-team formats, but his uncertain workload makes him a touchdown-dependent streaming option rather than a priority waiver addition.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Christian Kirk Best Viewed as an IR Stash Entering Week 6
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) has yet to make his 2026 debut, and his continued absence is becoming particularly frustrating given the team's mounting injuries at the position. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated Monday that Kirk is unlikely to return to practice this week after suffering a calf injury during training camp. Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) is expected to miss multiple weeks, Ricky Pearsall (knee) is out for the season, and both Demarcus Robinson (ankle) and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) remain on injured reserve. The depleted receiving corps could eventually provide Kirk with a meaningful opportunity, although Mike Evans remains San Francisco's primary receiving option. Kirk also struggled to make an impact with Houston in 2025, catching just 28 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown across 13 games. There is no established timetable for his return, and the 49ers have a Week 8 bye approaching. Kirk is worth considering for an available injured-reserve spot in deeper PPR leagues, but managers without that flexibility have little reason to prioritize him over healthy waiver-wire options.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malachi Fields Remains a Deep-League Waiver Stash Entering Week 6
New York Giants wide receiver Malachi Fields remains a speculative waiver-wire stash heading into Week 6, although his limited involvement makes him difficult to trust in fantasy lineups. The rookie caught both of his targets for 20 yards in Sunday's 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders, bringing his season totals to 10 receptions for 146 yards and one touchdown on 17 targets. Fields has caught exactly two passes in each of his five games, and his target totals have dropped from four and six in Weeks 1 and 2 to just seven combined over the past three contests. Even with Jameis Winston attempting 54 passes against Washington, Fields saw only two targets while Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely combined for 33. The third-round pick showed some big-play potential with a 52-yard, one-touchdown performance against Arizona in Week 4, but his opportunities remain too limited for reliable fantasy production. Rostered in just 7% of leagues, Fields is worth stashing in 12-team PPR formats with deeper benches, though he isn't a viable Week 6 streamer against New Orleans.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Devin Neal Joining Commanders' Practice Squad
The Washington Commanders are signing former New Orleans Saints running back Devin Neal to their practice squad, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz. A sixth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, Neal appeared in 10 games with three starts as a rookie, rushing for 206 yards and two touchdowns on 57 carries while adding 17 receptions for 104 yards. His season ended in December after he suffered a hamstring injury, and he eventually reached an injury settlement with New Orleans in September. The 23-year-old briefly joined Minnesota's practice squad before being released on October 6. Neal now lands in a Washington backfield featuring Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and Austin Ekeler, leaving him with no immediate path to meaningful offensive touches. He showed some ability to handle a larger workload when injuries created opportunities with the Saints last season, but he'll need to earn a promotion from the practice squad before competing for playing time. Neal has no immediate redraft appeal, although he's worth monitoring if Washington's backfield situation changes.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Sam Darnold a Risky Week 6 Streaming Option Against Denver
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold offers limited waiver-wire appeal heading into Thursday night's Week 6 matchup against the Denver Broncos. Darnold completed 18 of 29 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions in Sunday's 32-29 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. He was also sacked five times, continuing an inconsistent stretch since his four-touchdown, 379-yard performance against Washington in Week 3. Over his past two games, Darnold has thrown for just 363 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, while offering little production as a runner. The matchup isn't particularly inviting, either. Denver held Justin Herbert to 121 passing yards and forced an interception in its Week 5 victory over the Chargers. Darnold still has enough receiving talent around him to deliver an occasional strong fantasy performance, but his turnover issues and limited rushing contributions make him difficult to trust on a short week. Rostered in 50% of leagues, he is best viewed as a streaming option in 14-team formats or a depth quarterback in two-QB and superflex leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
TreVeyon Henderson Suffers High-Ankle Sprain, Set to Miss Multiple Weeks
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson is expected to miss multiple weeks due to a high ankle sprain. The running back exited their contest against the Las Vegas Raiders early and is now set to be on the sidelines for at least the next few weeks. Schefter noted that the second-year back is not expected to undergo surgery, and the Patriots hope he can return "sooner rather than later." It is worth noting that Henderson missed the season opener due to an ankle injury as well. This season, Henderson enjoyed one productive effort back in Week 2, where he ran for 76 yards and scored, but averaged a modest 4.0 PPR points in Weeks 3 and 4. While he remains out, Rhamondre Stevenson projects to see a massive workload and could push for mid-end RB2 upside.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Daniel Jones Can Help Navigate Bye Weeks
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones isn't typically a regular top option at QB, but he can definitely help if you need to patch your way through injuries or bye weeks in the coming weeks. Jones and the Colts host the Titans this week before two tough road games against the Vikings and Jaguars. After that, though, his schedule gets more favorable with the Cowboys in Week 9, the Dolphins in Week 10, the Texans in Week 11, and the Giants in Week 12. The 29-year-old quarterback has thrown three touchdowns and four interceptions this season, but he does have an average of over 200 passing yards per game and has added a rushing score. If you need a QB replacement in a week when he has a favorable matchup, Jones gets enough volume under coach Shane Steichen to be a viable option from the waiver wire. This week's matchup with the Titans should be a good spot to utilize him if necessary.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyreek Hill Remains Unsigned But Worth Stashing
Free agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill still hasn't determined which team he'll be joining this season, but he is worth a look in deep leagues if you need wide receiver depth. Hill brings a high ceiling if he lands in the right spot and can show that he's past his devastating knee injury that cut his 2025 season short. He suffered a dislocated knee, torn ACL and LCL, along with other ligament damage in Week 4 last season, but he could be ready to return sometime this month, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. The Chiefs seem like the most obvious landing spot, reuniting him with QB Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid. Hill has the potential to be a solid contributor in the second half of the fantasy season, although he may need time to ramp up before his debut since the injury was so severe.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Adonai Mitchell Is Worth Stashing in Deep Leagues
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger) has missed the last three games for the Jets after a strong start to his first full season with the team. Coach Aaron Glenn confirmed that Mitchell hasn't undergone surgery and said the receiver is "progressing faster than we thought." In Week 2, just before sustaining the injury in practice, Mitchell snagged six of 12 targets for 63 yards against Green Bay to bring his season total to nine catches for 123 yards. He makes sense as an option to stash since the Jets' offense has looked better under Geno Smith and offensive coordinator Frank Reich, which makes Mitchell a breakout candidate when he returns, which could be soon. The Jets are on the road against the Patriots this week before home games against the Dolphins and Raiders.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kalif Raymond Still a Deep-League Option
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond has cooled off after a red-hot start to the season, but he could still be a valuable deep-league option, especially with Caleb Williams (hamstring) potentially nearing a return. Raymond went off in Week 1 with Williams at QB, catching eight of nine targets for 84 yards against the Panthers. He also had a long touchdown against the Eagles with Case Keenum at quarterback, finishing with six catches for 90 yards and the score. He has cooled off since Tyson Bagent came in to start against the Jets and Packers, totaling just five catches for 12 yards in those two games. When Williams comes back, he could still have deep-league value from the waiver wire, though, based on the upside he showed in Ben Johnson's offense when Williams is at the helm.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Antonio Williams a Solid Depth Pickup at Wide Receiver
Washington Commanders rookie Antonio Williams caught all three of his targets in his team's 27-27 tie with the Giants in Week 5. He played 68% of snaps, which was second on the team at receiver behind only Treylon Burks. Stefon Diggs (hamstring) missed that contest, and Terry McLaurin was limited to 58% of snaps while playing through a hamstring injury of his own. With both veterans working through injuries, Williams could continue to step into a more expanded role. The third-round pick has 15 catches for 155 receiving yards and a touchdown in his five games and is a solid waiver wire option in deep leagues while he stays so involved and the Commanders focus on his development. He's still a high-risk starter in standard-sized leagues, but he can be rostered to help navigate bye weeks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacoby Brissett Still a Great Target on Waivers Despite Wide Receiver Trade
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett may be down one of his receivers going forward, but he still ranks as a mid-range QB2 with significant QB1 upside. Brissett has the 12th-most fantasy points among quarterbacks this season, and he's coming off a strong fantasy performance against the Lions in which he threw for 292 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. There's a bit of concern that Brissett's value could dip slightly after the Cardinals traded away Marvin Harrison Jr., but the impact of that move is relatively minor. Brissett still has Trey McBride and Michael Wilson at his disposal, giving him two highly talented weapons who will keep this Arizona passing offense playing at a high level going forward. Brissett could benefit from another negative game script against the Rams in Week 6, although it won't come easy against a defense anchored by veteran lineman Aaron Donald.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Davante Adams Remains an Enormous Weapon Around the Goal Line
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams caught five of his seven targets for 51 yards and two touchdowns during Monday's Week 5 loss against the Buffalo Bills in overtime. Adams' first touchdown tied the game in the second quarter, and his next touchdown pulled the Rams within one point before an extra point tied it up. The 33-year-old has now scored 20+ fantasy points in three of his last four games, although two of those contests were somewhat skewed by the absence of Puka Nacua. With that being said, Nacua and Adams have shown that they can coexist as fantasy-relevant options, with the former ranking as a high-end WR1 and the latter checking in as a mid-range WR2. Adams, who has 18 touchdowns over his last 18 games, will look to remain an elite scoring threat in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, who most recently allowed Jameson Williams to find the end zone twice.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Stafford's Huge Effort Comes Up Short in Week 5
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford completed 40 of his 54 pass attempts for 383 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Monday's Week 5 loss against the Buffalo Bills in overtime. He also took one sack along the way. Stafford put up a valiant effort against the Bills, setting a new career-high for completions in a single game. A late touchdown pass forced overtime, and Stafford got the Rams in position to win the game with an overtime field goal, but the kick was no good. Stafford now has nine touchdowns over his last four games, and Monday also represented his first game this season without an interception. Even though the 38-year-old doesn't have any rushing upside, he's still a flashy QB1 in fantasy football because of his passing prowess.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Cook III's Touchdowns Make Up for Fumbling Issues in Week 5
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III logged 25 carries, 111 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns during Monday's Week 5 win over the Los Angeles Rams in overtime. He also converted his lone target into a seven-yard reception. Although Cook scored twice and handled an enormous workload against the Rams, he also dealt with some serious ball security issues. The 27-year-old finished with two fumbles (one fumble lost), nearly costing the Bills the game. This is nothing new for Cook, who has 10 fumbles over his last 22 games. On a more positive note, he has five touchdowns over his last four games and remains a high-end RB1 option in fantasy football. He continues to trend upward ahead of Week 6 against the Las Vegas Raiders, who just surrendered a whopping 45 points to the Patriots.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Puka Nacua Smothered with Dozens of Targets in Loss
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua caught 17 of his 24 targets for 138 yards and one touchdown during Monday's Week 5 loss against the Buffalo Bills in overtime. Although Los Angeles didn't win, it was no fault of Nacua's. The superstar receiver handled an extraordinarily large role, as his 24 targets amounted to a staggering 44.4% target share. Nacua has only played three games this season, and Monday's was easily his best. He's now averaging 10.3 catches, 112.3 receiving yards, and 0.7 total touchdowns per game so far. It's no secret by now that Nacua will continue to operate as a high-end WR1 as long as he stays healthy. The 25-year-old should continue to feast in Week 6 against the Arizona Cardinals, who just allowed Jameson Williams to rack up 47 yards and two touchdowns.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Allen Snaps Overtime Losing Streak with Elite Rushing Performance
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 12 of his 19 pass attempts for 210 passing yards, one passing touchdown, and one interception during Monday's overtime win against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 5. He also logged 10 rushing attempts, 121 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown. While it was a modest day for Allen passing, he turned heads with an elite performance on the ground as he led the team in rushing yards. The future Hall of Famer also pulled off an impressive overtime win; it was the first of his career, and he now owns a 1-7 record in overtime between the regular season and playoffs. In this potential Super Bowl preview, Allen reminded fantasy managers that he's a strong weekly QB1 option in fantasy football. He'll look to keep the momentum going as the Bills stay out west to face the Las Vegas Raiders, who just surrendered five total touchdowns to Drake Maye.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More News About Brandin Cooks
