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Dylan Sampson Can be a Receiving Outlet for Veteran QB
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson remains in the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, but he should still carve out a role this season as a key pass-catching option for veteran starting quarterback Deshaun Watson. Sampson had 33 catches for 271 receiving yards (and just 175 rushing yards) as a rookie last year. For the most part, he operated behind fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins and mostly saw the field on passing downs. Judkins is expected to be the lead back once Week 1 comes around, so the big question is whether Sampson can have enough involvement to get on the weekly fantasy radar. It's not as simple as Judkins getting the early downs and Sampson getting the passing downs, as the former is a very capable pass catcher, and the latter does earn some carries from time to time, too. For now, Sampson has a little bit of RB3/flex appeal in deeper full-PPR leagues, but in all other formats, he's a better fit as a handcuff for fantasy managers who already have Judkins on their roster. Sampson is the RB53 in RotoBaller's latest half-PPR and full-PPR draft rankings for the 2026 fantasy football season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More Recent News
Emeka Egbuka Considered Doubtful for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) is doubtful to play on Sunday against the division-rival Carolina Panthers in Week 7, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Egbuka got back onto the practice field on Friday, but apparently it is not enough progress after the 24-year-old was held out of practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a concussion and a foot injury. The former 19th overall pick in 2025 from Ohio State needs to be removed from starting fantasy lineups for the weekend. It is a shame that he will not get a chance to keep his momentum going this weekend in a good matchup after he caught seven of a season-high 16 targets for 48 yards and his second touchdown of the year in last Sunday's overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Egbuka expected to be out on Sunday, rookie Ted Hurst III and Tez Johnson will be asked to step up in the passing game with quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) back behind veteran Chris Godwin Jr. Tight end Cade Otton will also be a more attractive TE2 streamer in Carolina.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Baker Mayfield Ready to Go for Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is ready to go for Sunday's divisional contest on the road against the Carolina Panthers, head coach Todd Bowles told Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Mayfield will return this weekend after missing the last three games after he dislocated the thumb on his throwing hand in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Undrafted rookie signal-caller Jalon Daniels will return to a backup role with Mayfield returning. The Panthers defense has allowed the most passing yards per game through the first six weeks of the season, so Mayfield will have a plus matchup in his return on Sunday. However, he is also expected to be without top wideout Emeka Egbuka, who is considered doubtful to play due to a concussion and foot injury. Mayfield will be back on the QB2 radar in superflex leagues against the Panthers, but fantasy managers may want to temper expectations. The two-time Pro Bowler was not exactly playing well before his thumb injury, throwing for 615 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in his first three games in 2026.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Brian Robinson Not Seen at Friday's Practice
Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson (hamstring) was not seen during the open-to-media portion of practice on Friday, according to Daniel Flick of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It would be Robinson's second straight missed practice this week after he was limited with a hamstring injury on Wednesday. The mid-week downgrade for the 27-year-old is bad news, and he could officially be ruled out for the Week 7 contest on Sunday against the visiting San Francisco 49ers. If B-Rob cannot play, the Falcons could elevate both Khalil Herbert and Jam Miller from the practice squad to the active roster to give Bijan Robinson some backup against the 6-0 49ers. In his first year with Atlanta as the backup to Bijan, B-Rob has been efficient and productive, taking 53 carries for 211 yards and four touchdowns in six games played. Fantasy managers who have been using him as a deep-league flex should be pivoting with Robinson looking like he will not play this weekend against San Francisco. Bijan Robinson will have an even higher ceiling this weekend if his backfield mate is inactive.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Daniel Flick
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Daniel Flick
NFL Could Play International Games in Tokyo
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell teased a future international game in Tokyo on Friday, according to Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com. "Listen, Tokyo is clearly on our list, whether it's next year or the year after," Goodell said. "It's coming at some point in the near future. We're going to continue to focus on our priority markets, which a lot of them they've been in, but there are other cities; this year, we went to Rio rather than São Paulo. We're planning on playing global. That's where we're going." Earlier this week, vice president of club business, international and league events Peter O'Reilly said the league was "considering" playing 10 international games in 2027. The NFL is playing a record nine games outside of the United States -- three in London, one each in Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, Madrid, Munich, and Mexico City. The Los Angeles Rams are currently the only team to have marketing rights in Japan under the league's Global Markets Program.
Source: NFL.com - Jeremy Bergman
Source: NFL.com - Jeremy Bergman
Lamar Jackson Ready for Friday's Practice
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) came out to the field for Friday's practice, which is an encouraging sign that he will return to action this Sunday to face the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Jackson has been limited in the last two practices and is dealing with a left-ankle injury that has caused him to miss the last two games. Backup Tyler Huntley has played well in Jackson's absence, but after losing a close battle to the division-rival Cleveland Browns last week, the Ravens look ready to bring the two-time MVP back for a big game against Cincinnati. The 29-year-old could be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report, but all signs continue to point to Jackson returning this weekend. If he is active on Sunday, Jackson will be a must-start in all fantasy football leagues against the Bengals. The four-time Pro Bowler has thrown for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception in four games this year, adding 144 rushing yards and one touchdown with his legs.
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Tyler Warren Still Not Practicing on Friday
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (groin) is still not practicing on Friday, according to Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated. Warren popped up on the team's injury report last Saturday with a groin injury and did not play in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tennessee Titans. With a full week of missed practices, it seems like only a matter of time before the Colts rule the talented pass-catching tight end out for a second straight game this weekend against the Minnesota Vikings. Veteran Mo Alie-Cox caught a touchdown pass on his only target of the game last Sunday against the Titans, but fantasy managers should be looking to avoid Indy's TE situation if Warren misses another game against Minnesota. The 24-year-old former 14th overall pick in 2025 from Penn State is a TE1 in fantasy when he is active, catching 30 passes for 213 yards and two touchdowns in five games so far this year. If he is ruled out again this weekend, Warren's next chance to play will be in a Week 8 divisional clash on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jake Arthur
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jake Arthur
Josh Jacobs "On Track to Play" in Week 7
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back Josh Jacobs is "on track to play" on Sunday in the Week 7 divisional showdown on the road against the Detroit Lions as long as he gets through Friday's practice and continues to trend in the right direction, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. After a legal battle kept Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list for the first six weeks of the 2026 season, the 28-year-old was reinstated on Monday and had his first full practice with the team on Thursday. Jacobs is trying to get his legs under him in order to make his season debut this weekend against the Lions. It looks like he will be active on Sunday, but fantasy managers have to wonder if the Packers will ease him back into a backfield that also includes MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson. The former first-rounder by the Raiders in 2019 from Alabama is a three-time Pro Bowler and the unquestioned lead back in Green Bay after finding the end zone a whopping 28 times over the last two seasons while also rushing for over 1,000 yards in his first season with the team in 2024. If Jacobs is officially active in Detroit, he should be considered an RB2 right away for fantasy purposes.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Ashton Jeanty Averaging Just 2.8 Yards Per Carry Since Week 2
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty was outgained on the ground by rookie Mike Washington Jr. in Week 6, rushing for 22 yards on 10 carries compared with Washington's 43 yards on nine attempts. Jeanty scored a touchdown and caught four passes for 36 yards against Buffalo, part of a 26-reception season total that keeps him in the RB2 range for PPR leagues. His rushing numbers tell a different story. Since opening the season with 102 yards against Miami, Jeanty has managed 211 yards on 75 carries, averaging 2.8 yards per attempt without reaching 60 yards in any of those five games. His workload has slipped from 23, 21 and 19 carries in Weeks 1-3 to 10 in each of his last two appearances. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Las Vegas needs production from all three running backs, giving Washington's stronger Week 6 showing added significance. Washington (foot/back) missed Thursday's practice, leaving his availability for Sunday's matchup with the Los Angeles Rams uncertain.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alvin Kamara Cleared to Play in Paris Against Steelers
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) was limited in practice all week but has been cleared from the final Week 7 injury report and will play in Paris on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Kamara tweaked his back in the Week 6 win over the New York Giants but ended up returning to the game and finished with seven carries for 34 yards while adding two receptions on four targets for 35 yards and his first receiving touchdown of the 2026 season. Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) will miss at least one more game while on Injured Reserve, so this could be the 31-year-old veteran's last game with an elevated workload in New Orleans' backfield. Kamara has been a shell of his former self so far this year in his 10th year in the league, and the five-time Pro Bowler is not much more than an RB3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 7, even with Etienne sidelined for another game. Kamara's healthy status will also make Kendre Miller a less attractive flex option in deeper fantasy setups this weekend. Kamara is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry for 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries through five games, adding 15 catches for 76 yards and another score.
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
David Montgomery Ruled Out for Week 7 Against Giants
Houston Texans running back David Montgomery (groin) will miss Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the New York Giants, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Montgomery has not practiced since injuring his groin against the Tennessee Titans in Week 5 and is set to miss his second consecutive game. Woody Marks should lead Houston's backfield again after playing 78% of the offensive snaps against Jacksonville last week, finishing with 15 carries for 56 yards and two receptions for 25 yards. With Jawhar Jordan (quadriceps) on the practice-squad injured list, Dare Ogunbowale is expected to handle the secondary role behind Marks, who offers RB2/flex appeal against New York. The Texans have a Week 8 bye, making their November 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers Montgomery's next opportunity to return.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Cole Kmet Feared to Have Suffered Season-Ending Knee Injury
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (right knee) is believed to have suffered a serious, likely season-ending injury during Thursday's 30-24 victory over the New England Patriots, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Kmet was carted off after injuring his knee on a fourth-quarter reception and finished with three catches for 28 yards. Head coach Ben Johnson said afterward that the injury did not look good, although further testing is needed to confirm the severity. Kmet has caught 10 passes for 87 yards and a touchdown through seven games, with Colston Loveland already serving as Chicago's primary receiving tight end. Loveland has caught 13 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns over the past two games, including seven receptions on 12 targets Thursday. If Kmet misses extended time, reserve Sam Roush could take on additional snaps in Chicago's multi-tight-end packages.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Emeka Egbuka Returns to Practice Friday, Week 7 Status Uncertain
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion/foot) returned to practice Friday ahead of Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Egbuka was officially listed as a non-participant Wednesday and Thursday, although he worked with a trainer on the side during Thursday's session. His Friday participation level has not been confirmed, and there has been no announcement that he has cleared concussion protocol. Egbuka drew a season-high 16 targets against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 6, catching seven passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. His return to practice is encouraging, but fantasy managers will need confirmation of his availability before considering him for Sunday's lineups.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Jaylen Warren's Workhorse Usage Takes a Hit
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren's snap share dropped to 75% against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6 after reaching at least 87% in each of the previous three games. Rico Dowdle returned from his toe injury and handled 10 touches, rushing seven times for 40 yards and catching three passes for nine yards. Warren logged 14 carries for 50 yards and two receptions for 28 yards, with both backs drawing four targets. Pittsburgh still leaned on Warren when the game tightened: he played all 13 third-down snaps and outcarried Dowdle 7-2 over the final 20 minutes. That usage keeps him firmly in the RB2 range, even after the return of a teammate who was absent for his 188-yard, two-touchdown performance against Indianapolis in Week 5. Dowdle (knee) is questionable for Sunday's matchup with the New Orleans Saints after being listed as limited on Pittsburgh's injury reports, giving Warren a chance to regain a larger share of the work if Dowdle sits.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Adonai Mitchell Set to Return Against Dolphins in Week 7
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger) will play Sunday against the Miami Dolphins after missing four consecutive games, according to head coach Aaron Glenn, as reported by Rich Cimini of ESPN. Mitchell is expected to practice in full Friday after being limited Wednesday and Thursday, completing his recovery from a finger injury that required a procedure on his hand. He caught nine passes for 123 yards on 15 targets across New York's first two games before getting hurt. Rookie Omar Cooper Jr. returned from his own injury last week and caught six passes for 103 yards and a touchdown against New England. With Garrett Wilson also commanding targets, Mitchell faces a more crowded receiving group than he did earlier this season and is best viewed as a deep-league bench option for his first game back.
Source: Rich Cimini
Source: Rich Cimini
Breece Hall Questionable for Week 7 Against Dolphins
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (quadriceps) will be limited in Friday's practice and listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 7 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Hall missed Wednesday's practice before returning in a limited capacity Thursday, his first participation since suffering the injury in Week 3. He has missed three consecutive games, with Braelon Allen handling the starting workload in his absence. Allen rushed for 116 yards and a touchdown against Cleveland in Week 5 before producing 104 scrimmage yards against New England last Sunday. Hall's three-game absence and Allen's recent production make his potential Week 7 workload difficult to project, leaving him a risky fantasy starter even if cleared to play.
Source: Rich Cimini
Source: Rich Cimini
Chase Brown's Rushing Role Under Pressure After Week 5 Split
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has a scheme-driven threat to his early-down workload after Samaje Perine outcarried him 14-13 in Week 5. Brown had 58 rushing attempts across the first four games compared with just 13 for Perine, who then gained 68 yards on 14 carries and caught a touchdown in the 31-24 win over Miami. Brown managed 39 rushing yards, caught three passes for 21 yards, and lost a fumble. His 3.5 yards per carry this season adds to the concern, with 24 receptions keeping him in low-end RB2 territory for Week 7 at Baltimore. Offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher said the downhill running approach used against Miami played to Perine's strengths and that the Bengals' weekly game plan would influence how the two share carries.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Jones Sr. Set to Lose Carries With Teammate Returning
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. has averaged more than 21 carries over his last four games, a workload born out of Jordan Mason's (thumb) absence. Minnesota originally planned to rotate the two, and their Week 1 split reflected that approach: Mason carried 15 times for 59 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay, while Jones rushed 12 times for 40 yards and a score. Jones then logged 23, 17, 20, and 25 attempts from Weeks 2-5, closing that stretch with 113 yards and a touchdown at New Orleans. Mason practiced fully Wednesday and Thursday ahead of Sunday's game against Indianapolis, with his return from injured reserve still awaiting activation. Jones also revealed this week that he has played through a sprained MCL in his left knee since Week 2. He recorded 34 receiving yards in both Weeks 3 and 4, giving him a continuing role in the passing game. A restored rotation would leave Jones closer to flex territory in PPR formats after four games as Minnesota's featured back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DeMario Douglas Disappoints After Two-Game Scoring Surge
New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas caught three of four targets for 23 yards in Thursday's 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears, giving him 5.3 PPR fantasy points after consecutive productive outings. He had totaled 11 receptions for 151 yards and three touchdowns against the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets, drawing eight targets against New York in Week 6. That total fell to four on Thursday, despite New England being without Romeo Doubs (shoulder) and Mack Hollins (calf). Drake Maye threw for 321 yards, with Hunter Henry drawing seven targets, A.J. Brown six, and Rhamondre Stevenson five. Douglas's receiving yardage was his lowest since Week 4, and his sudden drop in opportunities is the bigger concern for fantasy managers who started him on the strength of his recent production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Anthony Richardson Sr. Charged With Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. faces a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge following an October 12 traffic stop in Carmel, Indiana, according to Tyler Haughn of FOX59 News. The charge was filed October 19 after police reportedly discovered a small jar containing suspected marijuana and an open bag of THC-infused gummies in Richardson's vehicle. Both substances subsequently tested positive for THC, according to the report. The Colts had not responded to a request for comment when the story was published. Richardson remains listed behind Daniel Jones and ahead of Riley Leonard on Indianapolis' unofficial Week 7 depth chart, with no reported change to his availability.
Source: FOX59
Source: FOX59
Baker Mayfield Expects to Return With Protective Glove in Week 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (right thumb) expects to return Sunday against the Carolina Panthers after missing three games with a dislocated thumb. According to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, Tampa Bay Rays clubhouse attendant Nick Bond helped create a protective glove designed to prevent the joint from bending backward. Mayfield practiced in full Wednesday and Thursday, saying the glove feels comfortable despite requiring adjustments to his grip and release points. Head coach Todd Bowles plans to decide Friday whether Mayfield or rookie Jalon Daniels will start. Mayfield threw for 615 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in his first three games this season. That production leaves him as a QB2 option in Superflex leagues if he starts, with limited appeal in standard single-quarterback formats.
Source: Rick Stroud
Source: Rick Stroud
More News About Dylan Sampson
