Falcons Could Take A Tight End On Day 2 Of The Draft
Apr 21, 2025, 11:26 PM ET
The Athletic's Josh Kendall thinks that it wouldn't be a surprise if the Atlanta Falcons select a tight end on Day 2 of this year's NFL draft, and he projects that they'll select LSU tight end Mason Taylor in third round at pick No. 81. Kyle Pitts, the former fourth overall pick in 2021, is heading into the final year of his rookie contract, and head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot have been clear that 2025 is a critical season for Pitts. Backup Charlie Woerner has just 18 catches in five NFL seasons. Taylor, who is 6-foot-5, 246 pounds, could be the eventual replacement for Pitts if he doesn't figure it out next season. He is Dane Brugler's No. 3 TE and the No. 33 overall prospect in this year's class. In his three seasons with the Tigers, Taylor had 129 catches for 1,308 yards.--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Josh Kendall
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Tyler Shough Practices in Full on Thursday
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 8, 2026, 6:14 PM ET
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (hand) was limited in practice on Wednesday with a left-hand injury but upgraded to a full participant on Thursday, according to the team's official website. Shough is in the clear to suit up this Sunday at home against the Minnesota Vikings in a challenging matchup, and he should not have any physical limitations. The second-year signal-caller is the QB3 overall through the first four weeks of 2026, behind only Josh Allen and Brock Purdy. Shough leads the league in both completions (121) and attempts (180) in head coach Kellen Moore's high-tempo offense while throwing for 1,203 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions to begin his sophomore campaign. The health of top receiver Chris Olave (foot) needs to be monitored going into the weekend, but as long as Olave is active, Shough should be on the QB1/2 borderline for fantasy managers. Running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve, and Alvin Kamara is banged up with a back injury, so the Saints could lean even more heavily on the passing attack against Minnesota.--Keith HernandezSource: NewOrleansSaints.com
Alvin Kamara Returns to Limited Practice on Thursday
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 8, 2026, 6:05 PM ET
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (back) returned to a limited practice on Thursday after he was a non-participant on Wednesday due to a back injury, according to the team's official website. Kamara tweaked his back in the Week 4 Monday night loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. The veteran RB had only seven carries for 23 yards, but he saved his fantasy day with his first two rushing touchdowns and also added five receptions on seven targets for 35 yards as a receiver. Remember, Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve and will miss at least three more games, so Kamara will operate as New Orleans' primary backfield option if his back injury does not keep him from suiting up this weekend at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Kamara's fantasy managers need to have Kendre Miller rostered as a handcuff right now, as Miller would jump into lead-back duties if Kamara's back injury keeps him limited or out in Week 5. The 31-year-old Kamara does not have the upside he once did, but with more volume with Etienne out, he will continue to have RB2 upside. He is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry on 25 rushing attempts for 74 yards in three games, adding 11 catches for 47 yards.--Keith HernandezSource: NewOrleansSaints.com
Justin Jefferson Limited Again on Thursday
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 8, 2026, 5:55 PM ET
Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Jefferson hurt his ankle in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then did not play this past Sunday in the Week 4 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The 27-year-old is at least practicing this week, but he is not a lock to return for the Week 5 game on Sunday on the road against the New Orleans Saints. Fellow receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) is also dealing with an injury, but he returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Fantasy managers will hopefully have a better idea of Jefferson's Week 5 status on Friday. If the four-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro is active this weekend, he will need to be deployed in all starting fantasy lineups as one of the top pass-catchers in football. Jefferson and quarterback Kyler Murray have not had a ton of time yet in the regular season to develop chemistry because of their injuries. The Louisiana native will likely be pushing hard to return this weekend as he returns home to the Big Easy.--Keith HernandezSource: Minnesota Vikings
Brock Bowers Practicing in Full Ahead of Week 5
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 8, 2026, 5:47 PM ET
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) was a full participant in practice on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday, according to the Silver & Black Sports Network's Jesse Merrick. Bowers underwent a meniscus trim in his knee just before the start of the 2026 regular season and missed the first two games of the year. The 23-year-old made it up to his fantasy managers by immediately producing 10 catches on 14 targets for 116 yards and a touchdown in the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints on the road. Bowers found the end zone again in last week's loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs while catching six passes for 86 yards. He should not be in any danger at all of missing a Week 5 contest on the road against the New England Patriots, where he will be heavily targeted by veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins if receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion) is ruled out. Nailor has not practiced at all this week. Leave Bowers, one of the top fantasy TEs in the game, locked into all starting lineups.--Keith HernandezSource: Silver & Black Sports Network - Jesse Merrick
Ashton Jeanty Listed as Limited With Pair of Injuries
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 8, 2026, 5:42 PM ET
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle, foot) was added to the Week 5 injury report and was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday after he was a full-go on Wednesday, according to Jesse Merrick of Silver & Black Sports Network. Jeanty's status is now worth closely following leading up to Sunday's tilt on the road against the New England Patriots on Sunday. If Jeanty's ankle and foot injuries are serious enough to limit him or keep him sidelined entirely, rookie Mike Washington Jr. would become a must-start in fantasy as at least an RB2 option. The 22-year-old former sixth overall pick last year from Boise State has seen plenty of volume through the first four games of his sophomore season, rushing the ball 78 times for 264 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and no rushing touchdowns. The volume has made up for his lack of efficiency, and Jeanty has added 19 receptions on 24 targets for 165 yards and two receiving touchdowns. If his ankle/foot injuries are not too serious, he should be left in all starting fantasy lineups this weekend in Boston.--Keith HernandezSource: Silver & Black Sports Network - Jesse Merrick
Dontayvion Wicks Added to Injury Report With Hamstring Injury
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 8, 2026, 5:31 PM ET
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (hamstring) was added to the team's injury report with a hamstring injury on Thursday, according to Jeff McLane of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Wicks was limited in practice, which suggests he suffered the injury on Thursday after he was a full participant on Wednesday. Top wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) missed last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and has not practiced yet this week, although he was seen getting some running in on a side rehab field on Thursday. With both of Philly's top pass-catchers questionable to play in London on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, rookie first-rounder Makai Lemon could be thrust into a big pass-catching role in a tough matchup this weekend. Veteran Hollywood Brown (ankle) is also banged up, so alongside Lemon, Darius Cooper could have an expanded role as the Eagles look to bounce back against another tough opponent. If the 25-year-old Wicks ends up suiting up this weekend and Smith sits a second straight game, he should have a much better game than his three-catch, 18-yard performance against the Rams with Smith out last weekend. Wicks had 147 receiving yards and a touchdown in the first two weeks of the season but has produced just five catches for 50 yards in the last two games.--Keith HernandezSource: The Philadelphia Inquirer - Jeff McLane
Kyle Monangai Dealing with Turf Toe, Hopeful to Play Through Injury
Andy Smith
Andy Smith
Oct 8, 2026, 5:20 PM ET
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (toe) is dealing with turf toe, which makes his status for the next 1-2 weeks in serious doubt. While Fowler noted that the second-year running back is attempting to play through the injury, his status for this Sunday's contest against the Packers is in question. So far, the running back hasn't participated in practice, which already makes his path to being cleared this weekend challenging. The Rutgers product is also dealing with a thumb injury, as per the team's injury report. Monangai is coming off the best outing of his season, when he ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns against the New York Jets. D'Andre Swift (hip/knee) is also on the injury report, but he practiced in limited capacity Thursday, suggesting he is still on track to suit up Sunday. If both Monangai and Swift can't play, Roschon Johnson would slide into the lead role and get the bulk of the opportunities.--Andy SmithSource: Jeremy Fowler
Jeremiyah Love Practices Again on Thursday
Will Brady
Will Brady
Oct 8, 2026, 4:58 PM ET
Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) was on the practice field for the second straight day on Thursday, per Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Love suffered an ankle injury during Arizona's Week 4 loss to the New York Giants, but it appears as though he's trending toward being active for his team's Week 5 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Across the first four games of his NFL career, Love has recorded 259 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 66 touches. The 21-year-old opened the year splitting work fairly evenly with veteran Cardinals back Tyler Allgeier, but Love has seen his usage ramped up over the last two weeks. Assuming he's able to play in Week 5, Love profiles as a borderline top-12 fantasy running back in a favorable matchup against the struggling Lions defense.--Will BradySource: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
Stefon Diggs Officially Listed as a Non-Participant in Practice on Thursday
Will Brady
Will Brady
Oct 8, 2026, 4:46 PM ET
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (hamstring) is listed as a non-participant in practice for the second straight day on Thursday, per the team's official injury report. Earlier reports indicated that Diggs was spotted back on the practice field, but it appears the veteran wideout was unable to log an official practice as he battles a hamstring injury. Diggs has been productive through four games so far in 2026, recording 18 catches for 170 yards and three touchdowns on 31 targets. Fellow veteran Washington wideout Terry McLaurin (hamstring) has also yet to practice this week due to a hamstring issue, so the Commanders could be without their top two pass-catchers in Week 5 against the New York Giants. If both Diggs and McLaurin are unavailable, rookie wide receiver Antonio Williams could be poised for a major workload increase on Sunday.--Will BradySource: Washington Commanders
Zay Flowers Remains Limited in Practice on Thursday
Will Brady
Will Brady
Oct 8, 2026, 4:33 PM ET
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (foot) was listed as a limited practice participant due to a foot injury for the second straight day on Thursday. The 26-year-old has been remarkably productive when on the field so far this season, recording 18 catches for 352 yards and two touchdowns on 22 targets across three games. However, Flowers spent much of the first four weeks battling through a hamstring injury and now appears to be dealing with a new ailment. If Flowers is unable to play in Baltimore's Week 5 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (shoulder) would likely see a significant increase in targets. However, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is unlikely to play against the Falcons, creating major uncertainty for the overall health of the team's passing game. Between Jackson's potential absence and Flowers' shaky health, fantasy managers may want to downgrade expectations for Flowers in Week 5.--Will BradySource: Baltimore Ravens
Chris Olave Limited in Practice on Thursday with Foot Injury
Will Brady
Will Brady
Oct 8, 2026, 4:24 PM ET
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (foot) was limited in practice on Thursday with a foot injury, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. Olave did not practice on Wednesday, which the team described as a rest day. However, it appears as though the 26-year-old could actually be dealing with an injury that may impact his availability for the Saints' Week 5 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Olave has been one of the most productive wide receivers in football so far this season, recording 35 catches for 491 yards and a touchdown on 48 targets across four games. He's recorded double-digit targets in every game and 100 receiving yards in three out of four contests. If Olave is unable to play against Minnesota, Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson could vault into must-start territory for fantasy managers.--Will BradySource: NewOrleans.Football - Nick Underhill
Kaytron Allen Waived by Commanders
Will Brady
Will Brady
Oct 8, 2026, 4:16 PM ET
The Washington Commanders have waived rookie running back Kaytron Allen, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. A sixth-round pick out of Penn State, Allen recorded 12 carries for 41 yards across four games with Washington. The 23-year-old received some preseason buzz as a potential difference-maker in the Commanders' backfield, so it's a bit surprising to see the team move on from him this quickly. However, the Commanders have a bit of a logjam in their running back room after signing veteran back Austin Ekeler. Jacory Croskey-Merritt looks like the team's clear preferred option on early downs, while Ekeler and Rachaad White (shoulder) are capable pass-catchers and pass-blockers out of the backfield. As a result, Allen was left on the outside looking in. If Allen winds up going unclaimed on waivers, it's possible Washington could sign him back to its practice squad.--Will BradySource: ESPN - Adam Schefter
D'Andre Swift Makes Limited Return to Practice
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 8, 2026, 4:13 PM ET
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (hip, knee) returned to practice Thursday on a limited basis, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Swift has played through injuries before this season, but his health isn't the only thing fantasy managers have to consider heading into Sunday's matchup with Green Bay. He lost a fumble in the third quarter against the Jets last week and didn't receive another touch, finishing with 58 rushing yards on 15 carries. Kyle Monangai wound up handling 30 attempts and scored twice. Swift still leads the backfield with 69 carries for 311 yards and three touchdowns through four games, and he's added 10 catches for 84 yards. Getting back on the practice field is encouraging. How Chicago divides the work after last week's game is a separate question, particularly with Monangai having made a strong case for more carries.--Bruno MuléSource: Brad Biggs
Jordan Addison Returns to Practice on Thursday
Will Brady
Will Brady
Oct 8, 2026, 4:08 PM ET
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (hamstring) returned to practice on Thursday, per Kevin Seifert of ESPN. Addison missed practice on Wednesday with hamstring soreness, but it appears he is trending towards being active for Minnesota's Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Across four games this season, the 24-year-old has recorded 11 catches for 163 yards and a touchdown on 22 targets. Most of his production has come in the last two weeks, when star Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson (ankle) has been sidelined by an ankle injury. Jefferson could be in line to return for Minnesota in Week 5, which would definitely impact Addison's fantasy outlook. If Jefferson is unable to play, Addison profiles as a likely starter for fantasy managers in three-wide receiver league formats. UPDATE: Addison was limited in his return to practice.--Will BradySource: ESPN - Kevin Seifert
Kyle Monangai Still Sidelined With Thumb, Toe Injuries
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 8, 2026, 3:55 PM ET
Chicago Bears running back Kyle Monangai (thumb, toe) missed his second straight practice Thursday, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. The absence comes after Monangai handled a career-high 30 carries in Sunday's win over the Jets, rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Head coach Ben Johnson downplayed the thumb injury Wednesday, saying it wasn't a concern, but acknowledged Monangai was feeling the effects of the heavy workload. The toe issue is another matter, and there's been little indication of how much it's bothering him. Monangai had carried the ball exactly 10 times in each of Chicago's first three games before taking over much of the backfield work last Sunday. He has 324 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the season. Another missed practice puts some uncertainty around his availability against Green Bay, although Johnson has sounded optimistic about his recovery.--Bruno MuléSource: Brad Biggs
Jalen Nailor Misses Another Practice
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 8, 2026, 3:54 PM ET
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (concussion) was the only player on the team not present on Thursday during the media-viewing portion of practice, according to Sam Warren of The Athletic. Nailor suffered a concussion on Sunday in the loss to the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs, and he is looking unlikely to play this weekend when the team heads to New England to face the Patriots. He still has one more day to get back on the practice field, but as of right now, he is on the wrong side of questionable. The Raiders' offense has looked way better this year under veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, but it has not been because of Nailor at all. The 27-year-old pass-catcher has only five receptions for 52 yards and has yet to find the end zone in his first year in Sin City. Nailor had one catch apiece in Weeks 2 and 3 and put up a donut for his fantasy managers in Week 4 after suffering a concussion. Tre Tucker will have a higher ceiling as the team's WR1 if Nailor is inactive this weekend, and it would also force Cody White and Malik Benson into bigger roles behind star tight end Brock Bowers.--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Emari Demercado Waived by Cowboys
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 8, 2026, 3:45 PM ET
The Dallas Cowboys waived running back Emari Demercado on Thursday to make room for offensive lineman Tyler Smith, who was activated from injured reserve. Demercado had already fallen out of the backfield picture after receiving five carries for 15 yards in the first two games. He was inactive the past two weeks, with Tyler Goodson taking over the backup work behind Javonte Williams. Goodson has nine carries for 34 yards in those games, so the change had essentially happened before Thursday's roster move. Dallas claimed Demercado off waivers from Kansas City at the beginning of September, but his stay lasted just over a month. He had a bigger role during his three seasons with Arizona, totaling 819 rushing yards and 50 receptions for another 324 yards. Demercado is off the fantasy radar for now and will need to find another opportunity elsewhere.--Bruno MuléSource: Joseph Hoyt
Mack Hollins Not Spotted at Thursday's Practice
Keith Hernandez
Keith Hernandez
Oct 8, 2026, 3:42 PM ET
New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins (calf) was not spotted at Thursday's practice during the portion open to the media, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Hollins also missed the first practice of the week on Wednesday, so as of now, he is trending in the wrong direction to be available in Week 5 at home against the Las Vegas Raiders. Top wideout A.J. Brown (ankle) remains on Injured Reserve and will miss a fourth straight game this weekend, so the Patriots receiving room could be pretty thinned out against Vegas if Hollins cannot play. The 33-year-old Hollins has merely been a flex play in deeper fantasy leagues, even with Brown out, and he is still searching for his first touchdown of the year. In the three games without Brown, Hollins has caught 11 of his 15 targets for 158 yards. Romeo Doubs will have at least one more week as the top dog at WR for the Pats, and DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III will have bigger roles against the Raiders if Hollins does not play in Week 5.--Keith HernandezSource: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Caleb Douglas Remains Out of Practice Thursday
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 8, 2026, 3:35 PM ET
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) missed another practice Thursday, according to C. Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald. The rookie hasn't practiced since injuring his right ankle against San Francisco in Week 2 and has already missed two games. Douglas made a strong first impression with five catches for 94 yards in his NFL debut against Las Vegas, but his season has been on hold since the injury. He has seven receptions for 113 yards through two appearances. Malik Washington has been Miami's most reliable receiver in Douglas' absence, catching five passes in each of the last two games. Fellow rookie Chris Bell had four catches for 67 yards against Kansas City in Week 3 before being held without a reception on three targets last Sunday. Douglas hasn't been ruled out against Cincinnati, but another missed practice leaves his Week 5 availability in question.--Bruno MuléSource: C. Isaiah Smalls II
Tee Higgins Remains on Rehab Field Thursday
Bruno Mulé
Bruno Mulé
Oct 8, 2026, 3:25 PM ET
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (groin, neck) was working on the rehab field Thursday, according to ESPN's Ben Baby. Higgins wasn't dressed for regular practice, having already sat out Wednesday's session. He suffered an adductor injury late in Sunday's loss to Jacksonville, finishing that game with 11 catches for 157 yards on 16 targets before leaving. There's still a chance he plays against Miami in Week 5, but he hasn't been able to get back into team drills yet. Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) was back in uniform Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice, although he still needs to clear concussion protocol. Higgins has 25 receptions for 401 yards and one touchdown through four games. Cincinnati has its bye next week, and Friday's practice should provide a better indication of whether Higgins will be available Sunday. UPDATE: Higgins was a non-participant for a second straight day on Thursday despite getting in work on a side rehab field.--Bruno MuléSource: Ben Baby
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