October 20, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) remains day-to-day on Monday, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Njoku injured his knee in the Week 6 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and was unable to practice all of last week before being ruled out of the blowout win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The 29-year-old's knee injury isn't all that serious, so he could have a chance to play in Week 8 against the New England Patriots if he's able to return to practice this week. If Njoku makes it back to face New England on Sunday, he'll be in play as a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 for fantasy purposes. Impressive rookie tight end
Harold Fannin Jr. had the best game of his career against Pittsburgh with a 7-81-0 line, but disappointed with four catches for 36 yards against Miami with Njoku sidelined. Njoku's upside as a TE1 in fantasy has been capped in 2025 with Fannin involved.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
October 20, 2025
Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon reiterated on Monday that quarterback
Kyler Murray (foot) will be the team's starting QB when he is healthy, but it's "too early to say" whether he'll be ready to return coming out of the bye to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9, according to Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. A mid-foot sprain has kept Murray out of the Cardinals' last two games, and although backup
Jacoby Brissett has played well in his two spot starts, the team isn't ready to bench the struggling Murray. The 28-year-old Murray gives the Cardinals' offense more options because of his rushing abilities, but he has mostly underwhelmed in his five starts in 2025, failing to go over 220 yards passing in any game while tossing only six touchdowns and three interceptions. Meanwhile, Brissett has thrown for 599 yards, four TDs, and one pick the last two weeks with Murray inactive.
--Keith HernandezSource: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
October 20, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers will continue to monitor wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee) this week, and there is no certainty that he will return to face the Houston Texans on Sunday in Week 8, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Pearsall sprained his knee in the Week 4 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars and has missed the last two games as a result. It sounds like the former first-rounder is in danger of missing a third straight game in Week 8, too, depending on how much he can do at practice this week. The 25-year-old didn't practice at all last week, so he'll just be trying to get on the practice field this week as the team begins preparations for the Texans. With Pearsall out,
Jauan Jennings and
Kendrick Bourne have been the team's top two wideouts, but most of quarterback
Mac Jones' passes have been going to do-it-all running back
Christian McCaffrey.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
October 20, 2025
The San Francisco 49ers will continue to monitor quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe) this week, and there is no certainty that he will return for the Week 8 contest on Sunday against the Houston Texans, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Purdy has been sidelined since aggravating his turf-toe injury in Week 4, and he has only played in two games through the first seven weeks due to the injury. According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, it could be a stretch for the 25-year-old to return this weekend, but it will all depend on how much he can do in practice leading up to Sunday's contest. Purdy was limited in three practices last week, and he will probably need to put in a full practice this week to have a realistic shot at returning. Fantasy managers should consider him on the wrong side of questionable as of right now.
Mac Jones would make his third straight start in a tough matchup against Houston if Purdy misses a fifth game.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Nick Wagoner
October 20, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (hamstring) remained sidelined at Monday's practice, the team's first practice since coming off their Week 7 bye, according to Jamison Hensley of The Baltimore Sun. The two-time MVP hasn't suited up since injuring his hamstring in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs back on Sept. 28. The Ravens have expressed optimism that Jackson will return for the Week 9 game against the Chicago Bears, but the 28-year-old is going to need to return to practice at some point this week to be cleared by the weekend. For now, fantasy managers should consider Jackson to be questionable this week. Check back on Wednesday when the Ravens hold their first official practice of the week. Jackson is a must-start, high-end QB1 in fantasy if he returns to action this Sunday. But if he misses another game,
Cooper Rush will be forced to make another start.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
October 20, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers running back
Kimani Vidal couldn't capitalize on last week's breakout, rushing nine times for only 20 yards and adding four catches for 15 yards in Sunday's 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. A negative game script forced the Chargers to abandon the run early, giving Vidal little room to operate. With a short week ahead against the Minnesota Vikings, the Bolts may need to rely more on the ground game to balance their offense. The Vikings are much more vulnerable against the run than the pass, providing Vidal a potential opportunity for rebound, but only if the Chargers can keep the game close. He remains the clear RB1 until
Omarion Hampton (ankle) returns from IR.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
October 20, 2025
Veteran wide receiver
Tyler Lockett asked for and received his release on Monday from the Tennessee Titans, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Lockett is expected to be on the open market and free to sign with another team after 4 pm ET on Wednesday. The 33-year-old veteran won't even make it a full season in Tennessee after joining them via free agency back in March. In his seven games with Tennessee, he had a small role in a struggling offense led by rookie quarterback
Cameron Ward, catching only 10 of his 21 targets for 70 yards and no touchdowns. Lockett is clearly nearing the end of his NFL career, but another NFL team will likely take a chance on him as a veteran voice for their locker room after he caught 49 passes for 600 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games in 2024 in his final year with the Seattle Seahawks. It's unlikely he'll suddenly resurface on the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues, though.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
October 20, 2025
Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks
J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and
Carson Wentz (shoulder) were both listed as limited on Monday's estimated injury report ahead of the Week 8 game this Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. McCarthy has been sidelined since suffering a high right-ankle sprain in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons, but the 22-year-old former first-rounder resumed practicing last week and put in three limited showings. If he can upgrade to a full participant over the next couple of days, the Vikings could consider starting him under center again this week. Meanwhile, Wentz has been dealing with a left (non-throwing) shoulder injury since before the Week 6 bye, although it's probably not serious enough to keep him sidelined this Thursday if Minnesota elects to sit McCarthy for one more week.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
October 20, 2025
Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver
Ladd McConkey saw a heavy workload in Week 7, catching nine of 15 targets for 67 yards in the team's 38-24 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He led the team in targets for the second straight week, continuing to earn Herbert's trust on short and intermediate routes, although he didn't score after back-to-back games with a touchdown. In Week 8, the Bolts face a tough Minnesota Vikings secondary allowing just 26.9 PPR points per game to wide receivers. With a short week and tired legs, McConkey's ceiling might be limited, but his growing role and target share keep him in the FLEX/WR3 consideration for most leagues.
--Don FanelliSource: NFL
October 20, 2025
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher
Justin Steele (elbow) resumed throwing the baseball on Monday. It's nice to see Steele throwing again after he underwent UCL surgery in April. He was only able to make four starts during the 2025 season before needing his ligament repaired. It's unlikely that Steele is ready for Opening Day, but it'll likely depend on his level of progress over the winter. If not, Steele should be ready in the early part of the 2026 season.
--Andy WebbSource: Justin Steele
October 20, 2025
Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher
Shelby Miller (elbow) recently underwent surgery to repair the UCL and flexor tendon in his right elbow. Miller was hopeful to avoid surgery, but sadly he wasn't able to do that. This means Miller will likely miss most of the 2026 campaign. He posted a 2.74 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 54/15 K/BB ratio across 48 appearances between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Brewers this season. The 35-year-old is set to hit free agency this winter. We'll see what kind of interest he draws considering he might miss all of 2026.
--Andy WebbSource: Adam McCalvy
October 20, 2025
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (knee) and left tackle Taylor Decker (shoulder) are both active for the Monday night showdown in Week 7 against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. McNeill is making his 2025 debut after recovering from a torn right ACL that he suffered in December of last year. Although the 25-year-old could be eased back into the rotation on the interior of Detroit's defensive line on Monday night, he is fully expected to reprise his starting role. It's a boost for Detroit's run defense against a Tampa team that will be missing running back
Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) for a third straight game. Decker will make his return after missing the last two games. The 31-year-old veteran will take over starting left-tackle duties while protecting quarterback
Jared Goff's blind side.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
October 20, 2025
Seattle Mariners first baseman
Josh Naylor will move into the three-hole in the lineup ahead of Monday's Game 7 of the ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays. Naylor has mainly been batting cleanup or fifth during this series. However, he'll move into the third spot with
Jorge Polanco sliding into the cleanup spot during this elimination contest. Naylor has been on fire at the plate with a .341 batting average and three home runs during the postseason. The Mariners want to keep their hot hitting left-handed slugger near the top of the order for this one. We'll see if he's able to do any damage against right-hander
Shane Bieber and help send his team to their first ever World Series.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
October 20, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran wide receiver
Mike Evans (hamstring) is officially active for the Monday night contest against the Detroit Lions in Week 7, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Evans came into Monday's contest with a questionable tag, but he will officially return after straining his left hamstring back in Week 3. Additionally, Tampa will have impressive rookie first-round wideout
Emeka Egbuka on the field after he strained his hamstring in the Week 6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Chris Godwin (leg) and running back
Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) will be out. Evans and Egbuka should be quarterback
Baker Mayfield's top target in the passing game in what could easily be a shootout under the lights. Still, there's also a chance that Evans doesn't play his usual number of offensive snaps, given his long layoff. Still, Evans should be in starting fantasy lineups in redraft leagues now that he's cleared.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Tom Pelissero
October 20, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round rookie wide receiver
Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) came out of pre-game warmups feeling good and is officially active for the Monday night showdown against the Detroit Lions in Week 7, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Bucs won't have receiver
Chris Godwin (leg) and running back
Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), but they will have Egbuka and
Mike Evans (hamstring), who will be active for the first time since straining his hamstring back in Week 3. The 23-year-old Egbuka strained his hamstring in the Week 6 win over the San Francisco 49ers, but despite a questionable tag, he will not miss a game. Evans could be on a limited snap count in his first game back, so Egbuka could very well lead Tampa's receiving corps in targets in a game that has shootout written all over it. Get Egbuka back into your starting lineups against Detroit.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
October 20, 2025
The Dallas Mavericks announced Monday that they have exercised their fourth-year team option on center
Dereck Lively II for the 2026-27 season. With the 20-year-old now under contract through 2026-27, he's expected to play a significant role in the Mavericks' frontcourt this season especially early on if
Daniel Gafford (ankle) is unable to suit up. However, Lively has been limited to just 91 regular-season games through his first two seasons, which could raise some concern for fantasy managers regarding his long-term reliability.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Mavs PR
October 20, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays outfielder
George Springer (knee) will remain in the leadoff spot ahead of Monday's Game 7 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners. Springer made an early exit during Game 5 of this series on Friday night. Luckily, he was able to return in Game 6, but went 0-for-4 at the plate. Despite his struggles on Sunday, Springer will remain in the leadoff spot for this elimination contest. He'll serve as the designated hitter and get the first crack at right-hander
George Kirby on Monday night.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
October 20, 2025
Seattle Mariners outfielder
Dominic Canzone is absent from the starting lineup ahead of Monday's ALCS Game 7 against the Toronto Blue Jays. Canzone has been in the lineup almost exclusively against right-handed pitching this postseason. However, he has struggled with only three hits during those nine games. That being said,
Victor Robles will take over in right field and bat ninth against right-hander
Shane Bieber on Monday. Robles has actually been worse as he's 1-for-12 during this series, so it's possible we see both players during this elimination contest.
--Andy WebbSource: mlb.com
October 20, 2025
Montreal Canadiens winger Patrik Laine (lower body) will be absent for a second consecutive game on Monday versus the Buffalo Sabres. Laine has struggled at the start of the season and suffered a new blow at the weekend when he was forced to exit Montreal's lineup due to a lower-body injury. In five appearances, Laine has contributed only one assist on the offensive end. Kirby Dach (lower body) will also be out for a second straight contest. Joe Veleno and Owen Beck have grabbed the open spots in the lineup, but they only see fourth-line minutes, making them irrelevant in fantasy hockey.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 20, 2025
According to Shams Charania of ESPN Atlanta Hawks guard
Dyson Daniels agreed to a four-year, $100 million rookie contract extension with the franchise on Monday. Daniels was named NBA's Most Improved Player of the Year last season after averaging 14.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists across 33.8 minutes per contest in 76 appearences. He also made first-team All-Defense and finished second-place for Defensive Player of the Year after leading the NBA with 3.0 steals per game.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
October 20, 2025
Seattle Kraken forward Jared McCann (lower body) will miss Monday's matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers and is considered day-to-day. His absence is a bad blow for the team, as McCann has been Seattle's biggest offensive threat for several years. This season, he has contributed three goals and one assist in five outings. Berkly Catton, the eighth pick of the 2024 draft, will make his NHL debut on Monday as McCann's replacement on the first line. While Catton is unproven on this level, he was a highly productive player in junior hockey. The 19-year-old could make an instant impact as a linemate of Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 20, 2025
New York Rangers defenseman Carson Soucy (upper body) is back at 100 percent and ready to return to action on Monday night against the Minnesota Wild, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. The towering blue-liner has missed four games due to an upper-body injury. Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan has labeled Soucy a game-time decision. However, the team has activated Soucy from Injured Reserve, which is a strong indication that he will be in the lineup. Soucy has registered one goal, three shots, three blocks, and three hits with a plus-two rating in three games this season. His return will result in Urho Vaakanainen being sent to the press box on Monday.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mollie Walker
October 20, 2025
Damichael Cole of The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports that Memphis Grizzlies point guard
Ja Morant (ankle) is expected to be available to suit up for Wednesday's regular season opener versus the New Orleans Pelicans. Morant sprained his left ankle during practice in early October and has had a long list of injuries the last few seasons. During the 2024-25 campaign he averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1.2 steals in 30.4 minutes per contest across 50 appeearences. Despite playing in just 58 games in the last two seasons the 26-year-old still remains a top fantasy asset when he is healthy.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Damichael Cole
October 20, 2025
Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (lower body) will be sidelined for a second consecutive game on Monday against the New York Rangers. He was knocked out of the lineup last week by a lower-body injury. Although Bogosian has zero points in five games this season, the Wild are certainly feeling the absence of his physical presence and defensive play. He has registered nine blocks and six hits while logging a plus-three rating. David Jiricek, who is also scoreless for the season, will make his third appearance of the year on the third defensive pairing against the Rangers.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 20, 2025
Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi (lower body) will exit the lineup for Monday's tilt against the New York Rangers. He suffered a lower-body injury while blocking a shot in Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Working as the top-line center, Rossi has amassed five points (one goal, four assists) in six games this season. Monday will mark his first absence in three seasons. Joel Eriksson Ek is expected to replace Rossi on the first line against the Rangers, with Ryan Hartman set to skate as the second-line center. Eriksson Ek has scored all four of his points this season on the power play. He is now better positioned to contribute during even-strength situations, as he joins forces with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, who have already combined for 18 points in six games.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
October 20, 2025
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (lower body) won't be in the lineup on Monday against the Vegas Golden Knights. He was injured on Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings and has landed on the shelf after having a red-hot start to the season. Gostisbehere has recorded seven points (one goal and six assists), along with eight blocks in five games, and currently sits among the league leaders with a plus-nine rating. With Gostisbehere out on Monday, Charles-Alexis Legault will have the opportunity to make his NHL debut. He will join Mike Reilly on the third defensive pairing, while K'Andre Miller will take Gostisbehere's place on the top power-play unit.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
October 20, 2025
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that Denver Nuggets guard/forward
Christian Braun agreed to a five-year, $125 million rookie contract extension with the organization on Monday. Last campaign during 79 appearences Braun averaged 15.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 58.0 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from beyond the arc in 33.9 minutes per contest. He will likely remain in a starting role even after the Nuggets re-tooled a lot of their lineup this offseason.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
October 20, 2025
Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (wrist) has been labeled as week-to-week. The Golden Knights lost their captain to a wrist injury in Saturday's matchup against the Calgary Flames. The injury forces Stone to pause what has been a very successful campaign for him so far. 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) through six games puts Stone second on the NHL's scoring charts. Vegas is expected to use Brandon Saad in Stone's place on the top line Monday night against the Carolina Hurricanes. Saad has gone scoreless in six appearances, but he could get a boost by linking up with the league's top scorer, Jack Eichel.
--Taavi PailkSource: TSN
October 20, 2025
Atlanta Falcons quarterback
Michael Penix Jr. completed 21 of his 38 pass attempts for 241 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions and a lost fumble in Sunday night's 20-10 loss to the 49ers. Despite a banged-up San Francisco defense, the Falcons were only able to muster 10 points, a disappointing trend that has plagued the Falcons and Penix on the road this season. In three home matchups, the team has put up 78 points, compared to a paltry 16 points in three road contests. Thankfully for the 25-year-old QB, Atlanta will be at home in Week 8, and it brings a fantastic get-right matchup with the Dolphins. Miami has been one of the most fantasy-friendly defenses to play against this year, allowing at least 27 points in six of seven games thus far. On the downside, per Ian Rapoport, head coach Raheem Morris stated that the 2024 first-round draft pick is dealing with a bone bruise in his foot and ankle, which he suffered in Sunday's loss, and for now is considered day-to-day. Fantasy managers considering streaming Penix against the Dolphins should monitor his practice status throughout the week.
--Jarod RuppSource: Ian Rapoport
October 20, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) has officially been ruled out through at least the end of October and will be re-evaluated on November 3. While the team hopes he can ramp up shortly after, there is no guarantee of an immediate return, and Chicago may opt for caution with its lead guard. White is coming off a breakout campaign in which he averaged a career-high 20.4 points per game while starting 73 contests and steadily improving his efficiency. In his absence,
Josh Giddey is expected to handle primary point guard duties, with
Ayo Dosunmu and
Tre Jones also seeing expanded playmaking roles. Fantasy managers should keep White stashed in all formats, but those in need of short-term guard production can look to Jones or Dosunmu as viable streaming options until White is cleared to return.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Chicago Tribune Sports
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