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Emmett Johnson Remains a Priority Handcuff Running Back Target
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson recorded just one touch in his team's Week 4 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, hauling in a 10-yard reception on his only target. Johnson is stuck on the depth chart behind superstar running back Kenneth Walker, who has gotten off to a dominant start to the 2026 season. However, Johnson has been effective in his limited opportunities, averaging 6.2 yards per touch on his 21 total touches. Walker is also currently on pace to record over 400 touches, which would blow his previous career high of 255 touches out of the water. If the Chiefs decide to scale back Walker's workload, Johnson could get a chance to prove he can be a reliable contributor. At worst, Johnson profiles as a premier handcuff running back option who fantasy managers should target on the waiver wire in leagues where he remains available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Bucs Focused on Getting Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr. More Touches
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that the team has to do a better job of getting the ball to wide receivers Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin Jr., per Pewter Report. Both Tampa Bay wideouts have gotten off to underwhelming starts to the season. Egbuka has recorded 15 catches for 154 yards and a touchdown on 24 targets, while Godwin Jr. has hauled in 16 catches for 142 yards and zero touchdowns on 18 targets. Even if the team makes a more concerted effort to get the ball in the hands of its playmakers, Egbuka and Godwin Jr. could be facing an uphill battle to consistent fantasy production. Tampa Bay started undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback in Week 4, who threw for 148 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions on 27 pass attempts. With QB1 Baker Mayfield (thumb) potentially out for several more weeks due to a thumb injury, the fantasy outlook currently looks bleak for Buccaneers pass-catchers.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
NFL Suspends Referee and Line Judge Following Unprofessional Conduct
The NFL has suspended two officials following separate incidents involving players during Sunday's games. Ian Rapoport reported Monday that line judge Jeff Seeman received a two-game suspension, while referee Adrian Hill was suspended for one game, with both disciplined for unprofessional conduct toward a player. Seeman's incident came during Arizona's loss to the New York Giants, when video showed him directing profanity toward tight end Trey McBride after McBride argued for a flag on a third-down play. Hill's incident occurred during Minnesota's win over Miami. Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II pushed Vikings linebacker Eric Wilson into Hill, knocking the referee down, and Hill confronted Wilson after getting back to his feet. The suspensions were issued by NFL Vice President of Officiating Ramon George.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Mike Washington Jr. Remains a Priority Waiver-Wire Option
Four games into his NFL career, Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. has recorded 24 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown. Washington Jr.'s workload has been limited by his RB2 status in Las Vegas behind running back Ashton Jeanty. However, Washington Jr. reached double-digit touches for the first time in the Raiders' Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Jeanty has also struggled with rushing efficiency for the second straight season, averaging 3.4 yards per carry so far in 2026 after averaging 3.7 yards per carry in 2025. For now, Washington Jr.'s fantasy upside is limited as long as Jeanty is healthy. Still, Washington Jr. is a premier handcuff running back option, and he may even work his way into some standalone value if Jeanty continues to struggle. In the vast majority of league formats, Washington Jr. should be rostered by fantasy managers heading into Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
J.J. McCarthy Could Move Into No. 2 Quarterback Role
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy could move into the No. 2 spot behind Jameis Winston this week. Head coach John Harbaugh told Pat Leonard on Monday that having McCarthy serve as the backup against Washington is a "possibility" and something that's "on the table." McCarthy was one of three active quarterbacks in Sunday's 36-24 win over Arizona, but the Giants weren't ready to make him the full-time backup only days after acquiring him from Minnesota. Jake Haener filled that role while McCarthy was available for a possible situational package that was never used. Winston remains the starter after throwing for 250 yards and three touchdowns against the Cardinals. A move ahead of Haener would still be another step for McCarthy as he gets more comfortable in the offense ahead of Sunday's game in Washington.
Source: Pat Leonard
Source: Pat Leonard
Rico Dowdle Making Progress From Toe Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) is making progress after missing the past two games. Head coach Mike McCarthy told Nick Farabaugh on Monday that Dowdle is working his way back, though there still isn't a firm return date. Jaylen Warren has made the most of Dowdle's absence, piling up 302 scrimmage yards over the last two games while getting 17 carries in each. That workload could change once Dowdle is ready. McCarthy said he still expects the two backs to operate as a "one-two punch," pointing toward a shared backfield rather than Warren continuing to handle the same amount of work. Dowdle had 15 carries for 37 yards and four catches for 28 yards before the toe injury. His practice participation this week should give a better idea of when that committee might be back together.
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Source: Nick Farabaugh
Lamar Jackson's Week 5 Status Remains Uncertain
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) remains up in the air for Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Head coach Jesse Minter told Jamison Hensley on Monday that he doesn't know Jackson's chances of playing yet, though he added that he doesn't expect the injury to be "crazy long-term." Jackson left Sunday's 24-18 win over Tennessee late in the second quarter and did not return. He had been sharp before the injury, completing 15 of 20 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Through four games, Jackson has thrown for 967 yards, six touchdowns, and one interception while adding 144 rushing yards and another score. Tyler Huntley finished the game in his place and would be the next option if Jackson can't go. For now, fantasy managers will need to watch how much work Jackson is able to do once Baltimore returns to practice.
Source: Jamison Hensley
Source: Jamison Hensley
Tee Higgins Day-to-Day With Adductor Injury
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (adductor) is considered day-to-day after leaving Sunday's loss to Jacksonville late in the fourth quarter. Head coach Zac Taylor told Paul Dehner on Monday that Higgins has not been ruled out for Week 5 and that the team will see where he is as the week goes on. Higgins tried to return for one play after the injury but could not continue. Before leaving, he had already put together his best game of the season, catching 11 passes for 157 yards on 16 targets. He now has 25 receptions for 401 yards and one touchdown through four games. Cincinnati visits Miami on Sunday before its Week 6 bye, so the next few practices should give a much better indication of whether Higgins can avoid missing time.
Source: Paul Dehner Jr.
Source: Paul Dehner Jr.
Ja'Marr Chase Remains in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) remains in the league's concussion protocol after leaving Sunday's loss to Jacksonville. Head coach Zac Taylor told Jay Morrison on Monday that Chase is considered day to day, but there is still no timetable for his return. Chase was injured in the second quarter after taking a hard hit following a reception and did not return, finishing with three catches for 27 yards. He now has 21 receptions for 212 yards and three touchdowns through four games. Cincinnati visits Miami in Week 5, but Chase will need to clear the protocol before he can play. His status should become clearer once the Bengals return to practice later this week.
Source: Jay Morrison
Source: Jay Morrison
A Tyreek Hill Reunion With Chiefs Looks Increasingly Likely
Free-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) appears headed toward a reunion with the Kansas City Chiefs. Ian Rapoport said Monday on NFL Network's The Aftermath that he expects Hill to sign with a team within the next few days and would be surprised if that team isn't Kansas City. Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, had already confirmed that negotiations with multiple clubs were beginning Monday and that the Chiefs had stayed in contact. Nothing has been signed yet, but Kansas City's need at wide receiver grew quickly after Rashee Rice suffered a hamstring injury and Tyquan Thornton dislocated his ankle Sunday. Hill is still working back from the major left knee injury that ended his 2025 season and is reportedly targeting a November return to game action. RotoBaller has the 32-year-old at No. 55 in its Week 5 waiver rankings, making him a stash while the possible reunion continues to take shape.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Teams Calling About Marvin Harrison Jr.
NFL teams are calling about the availability of Arizona Cardinals struggling wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, ESPN's Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday. Schefter mentioned the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants as two teams that are potentially interested in acquiring Harrison from the Cardinals. Harrison's father, Marvin Sr., played all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Colts before being inducted into the Hall of Fame. The 24-year-old former fourth overall pick from Ohio State in 2024 has not at all lived up to the hype that came attached to his name coming out of college, catching 103 passes for 1,493 yards and 12 touchdowns on 189 targets through his first two seasons in the desert. Through four games this year, Harrison has caught only five of 13 targets for 85 yards and one touchdown for the Cardinals. He found the end zone for the first time in 2026 in Sunday's loss to the Giants, but he caught just one of his four targets for 12 yards. A change of scenery might be the only thing to bring his fantasy football value up from rock bottom at this point early on in his third season in the NFL.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Joe Mixon Could Quickly Become a Waiver-Wire Target
Free-agent running back Joe Mixon is working out for the Seattle Seahawks on Monday afternoon, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Mixon missed the entire 2025 season with the Houston Texans due to a mysterious foot injury, but the 30-year-old veteran is apparently recovered and ready to join a new team for the 2026 campaign. It would be a curious fit with the reigning Super Bowl champions, as they already have rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price, George Holani, and Emanuel Wilson, with Zach Charbonnet (knee) eventually returning from the torn ACL that he suffered in the postseason in January. Even if Mixon were to find himself in a significant role with the next team he signs with, he will likely take a while to get his legs under him, and he could also be a shell of the former RB that he was before his foot injury. The former second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2017 from Oklahoma has had plenty of success in the NFL in his eight years, though, reaching the 1,000-yard rushing mark five times while scoring 60 rushing touchdowns over 111 total games. Mixon is merely a speculative deep-league stash as he gets close to re-emerging in the NFL.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Keon Coleman a Top Waiver Target in Week 5
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman caught six of seven targets for 116 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Patriots, and in a week that saw a number of top fantasy performers go down with injuries, the third-year wideout becomes a priority waiver target ahead of a primetime matchup with the Rams. Teammate DJ Moore reaggravated the shoulder injury that has now knocked him out of two games and kept him limited in practice for the past two weeks. In both games that Moore left early, Coleman found himself on the receiving end of six Josh Allen passes, and if the veteran misses time, Coleman could become a necessary focal point of one of the league's most explosive offenses.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jerry Jeudy Could Be a Trade Target for Receiver-Needy NFL Contenders
Cleveland Browns veteran wide receiver Jerry Jeudy has caught only five passes through the first four weeks of the 2026 season, and NFL insider Adam Schefter believes he could be a potential trade candidate ahead of the NFL's Nov. 10 trade deadline. The Browns have spent significant draft capital to get younger and more explosive at the skill positions, and the emergence of rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion has made Jeudy an afterthought in the offense only two seasons after recording a career-high 1,229 receiving yards in his first year with the team. Jeudy's contract runs through 2027, but with a manageable cap hit, the 27-year-old could find more involvement with a receiver-needy contender, with Schefter specifically floating the Kansas City Chiefs as a potential fit.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Tony Pollard a Potential Trade Candidate
Tennessee Titans veteran running back Tony Pollard ran for 48 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Ravens, and NFL Insider Adam Schefter believes he is one of the first running backs a contending team could target ahead of the NFL's November 10th trade deadline. Pollard is in the final year of the deal he signed in 2024, and he has topped 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past four seasons while presently pacing toward a 939-yard campaign for an 0-4 Titans team. Any potential change of scenery could revitalize Pollard's fantasy prospects while also clearing opportunities for both Tyjae Spears and fifth-round rookie Nicholas Singleton.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Keaton Mitchell Forcing a Committee Approach for Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell has seen his usage increase week over week, and in Sunday's close loss to the Seahawks, he led all Chargers backs with a 36.6% snap share. Mitchell, Omarion Hampton, and Kimani Vidal all saw at least 25 snaps on Sunday, signaling a potential shift to a true committee approach. Through four weeks, both Mitchell and Vidal have been more efficient than the more highly touted Hampton while seeing more involvement in the passing game, though none can currently be relied on as a weekly fantasy start. However, with Mitchell having the most obvious big-play ability and earning more trust from the coaching staff each week, he's a Week 5 waiver target with long-term upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet Will Not Play in Week 5
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) is eligible to return after spending four weeks on the Physically Unable to Perform list at the start of the year, and while he will get reps in practice this week, head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Monday that he will not play in the team's Week 5 matchup with the 49ers. Charbonnet tore his ACL in the Divisional Round of the 2025 playoffs and returned to practice for the first time ahead of Sunday's win over the Chargers. The Seahawks' 2026 first-round pick Jadarian Price (chest) is currently on injured reserve with a chest injury, and in his absence on Sunday, Emanuel Wilson delivered the team's best running back performance of the season, totaling 120 yards and two touchdowns. Until Charbonnet is made active, Wilson remains a viable flex play, but a potentially messy committee could soon lower the fantasy value of all Seattle running backs.
Source: Brian Nemhauser
Source: Brian Nemhauser
Marcus Mariota Diagnosed With MCL Sprain
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) suffered an MCL sprain on Sunday in the team's 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London in Week 4, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. It is Mariota's second MCL sprain of the year, with the first coming in the preseason. In Mariota's second straight start for the injured Jayden Daniels (elbow), he went 3-for-4 passing for 46 yards before injuring his knee. Athan Kaliakmanis took over under center for Washington and went 15-for-33 passing for 186 yards, a touchdown, and one interception the rest of the way. Mariota did not miss much time with his right-knee injury during the preseason, but the veteran 32-year-old should be expected to miss a little time going forward, which means the Commanders could be in trouble at the QB position for a Week 5 game against the visiting New York Giants if Daniels is not yet cleared from the dislocated left elbow he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. The good news for the Commanders is that Daniels was limited in practice last week, so if he can upgrade to a full practice this week, he could be cleared to return this weekend.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Texans Expected to Open Tank Dell's Practice Window
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that the team expects to open the practice window for wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) to return from Injured Reserve this week, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Once the Texans open the practice window for Dell this week, they will have 21 days to officially activate him from IR so that he can make his 2026 season debut. It is great news that Dell is expected to resume practicing with the team this week, but it does not mean that he will be ready to play in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans this Sunday. And when Dell eventually makes his season debut, the Texans will most likely ease him back into their offense after he suffered a catastrophic knee injury in 2024 that caused him to miss all of the 2025 season. But in a Texans offense that could use some help behind WR1 Nico Collins, Dell could eventually have a sizable role in the team's passing attack by the end of the 2026 campaign, making him stash-worthy right now in deeper leagues. The 26-year-old former third-rounder from Houston has 98 catches for 1,376 yards and 10 touchdowns in 25 games for the Texans in his two NFL seasons.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Tyreek Hill Remains Under Active Personal Conduct Policy Review
Free-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) could sign with an NFL team sooner rather than later (and possibly return to the Kansas City Chiefs), but per the NFL, Hill remains under an active personal-conduct review, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The investigation was sparked by the divorce filing initiated by his wife, Keeta Vaccaro, after she made specific allegations of domestic violence in October of last year. Hill has past off-the-field incidents, including a 2015 guilty plea to domestic violence and battery by strangulation in an incident involving his then-pregnant girlfriend. It could result in an enhanced suspension if the NFL finds a personal-conduct violation in connection with Vaccaro's allegations. There is no firm timetable for when the league will conclude its personal-conduct investigation of Hill, making it more of an unknown as far as when Hill might be able to return to a regular-season NFL game if he signs with a new team soon. There is less urgency for the NFL to resolve the situation since he currently is not with an organization.
Source: Pro Football Talk - Mike Florio
Source: Pro Football Talk - Mike Florio
Tyson Bagent to Start in Week 5 Against Packers
Chicago Bears backup quarterback Tyson Bagent will start in Week 5 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, head coach Ben Johnson said on his weekly radio spot at ESPN 1000, per The Chicago Tribune's Sean Hammond. With starting QB Caleb Williams (hamstring) still on the mend from a hamstring strain that will cost him a third straight game, Bagent will make a second straight start for Chicago after helping lead the team to a 23-12 win over the visiting New York Jets on Sunday in Week 4. The 26-year-old went 25-for-34 passing for 268 yards and an interception. Bagent did not do a whole lot through the air with the Bears leaning on the ground game, but Johnson will stick with him for another week over third-stringer Case Keenum. It could be Bagent's final start, though, with Williams potentially making his return in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain in Week 2 in the loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Bagent will once again be a low-upside, low-end QB2 option for desperate fantasy managers in two-QB superflex leagues this weekend against Green Bay.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
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