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Goal is for Jayden Daniels to Start in Week 5
The goal is for Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) to have a full week of practice and start on Sunday in the Week 5 contest versus the division-rival New York Giants at home, head coach Dan Quinn told Zach Selby of the team's official website. Daniels dislocated his left (non-throwing) elbow for the second time in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys and has missed the last two games as a result. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU returned to limited practice last week, though, and as long as he can upgrade to full practice this week, he should be in line to play this weekend. It is good timing for the Commanders, too, with veteran backup Marcus Mariota (knee) spraining his MCL in Sunday's blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London in Week 4. Mariota is expected to miss some time going forward after spraining the same knee in the preseason, which means that Athan Kaliakmanis would serve as Daniels' backup under center if he returns to face the Giants.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
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Jeremiyah Love Dealing With New Ankle Injury
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said on Monday that the ankle that was giving rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) discomfort in Sunday's loss to the New York Giants is not the same ankle from the sprain he suffered in the preseason, according to Dani Sureck of the team's official website. The 21-year-old suffered a high-ankle sprain back in August in the early portion of spring training and did not play again until the start of the 2026 regular season. Love limped off the field late in Sunday's game and never returned, finishing with 14 carries for 63 yards while catching his only target for a loss of eight yards. Love has been splitting backfield work with Tyler Allgeier to begin the season, with James Conner (foot) on Injured Reserve and Trey Benson (knee) done for the season. He has not scored since his NFL debut in the Week 1 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, and he has averaged 4.1 yards per carry for 223 rushing yards on his 55 attempts in his first four games. Love has added 11 receptions for 36 yards and another score through the air. We should have a better idea of his status for Week 5 once the Cardinals resume practicing on Wednesday. If Love should miss any time, Allgeier would essentially become a must-start in fantasy.
Source: AZCardinals.com - Dani Sureck
Source: AZCardinals.com - Dani Sureck
Saquon Barkley's Injury Status to be Updated on Wednesday
When asked about running back Saquon Barkley's hamstring injury that he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni did not have any real answers on Monday, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. "We'll see. We'll have more answers Wednesday for you probably with that stuff," Sirianni said. The Eagles' backfield is suddenly very thin after Barkley was injured early in the Week 4 game. Backup Tank Bigsby (core) took over, but he was also injured and is heading to Injured Reserve due to a core-muscle injury that will require surgery. Will Shipley would become the RB1 for the Eagles this weekend on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars if Barkley is unable to play. Behind Shipley, other options for the Eagles' backfield would be Jaydon Blue, Dameon Pierce, and Carson Steele. Fantasy managers should consider Barkley to be questionable right now for the Week 5 game in Jacksonville. Before getting hurt, Barkley had only two carries for eight yards and caught his only target for a two-yard gain against the Rams.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Tank Bigsby to Undergo Core-Muscle Surgery, Set to Hit Injured Reserve
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Philadelphia Eagles running back Tank Bigsby (core) is set to undergo core muscle surgery following the injury he suffered during Sunday's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Rapoport noted that the running back will be placed on the injured reserve and is hoping to return in six weeks. Bigsby was projected to see a potentially large share of the backfield opportunities as top running back Saquon Barkley exited Sunday's contest with a hamstring injury. However, with Bigsby now set to miss at least the next four games and Barkley in danger of missing time, Will Shipley now sits alone on the team's depth chart. In relief on Sunday, Shipley took six carries for 23 yards and is viewed as a priority pickup across all formats ahead of Week 5.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
AJ Dillon Spotted in Walking Boot on Monday
Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon (foot/ankle) walked into his team's locker room on Monday wearing a walking boot on his right foot, according to ESPN's Mike Kaye. Dillon has played a limited role in the Carolina backfield so far this season, recording 43 rushing yards on 17 carries across four games. However, the 28-year-old currently profiles as the Panthers RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard while fellow Carolina back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) remains on Injured Reserve. If Dillon is forced to miss time, unproven back Anthony Tyus III would be the lone healthy back remaining behind Hubbard on Carolina's active roster. Hubbard has already dominated backfield touches for the Panthers this season and been productive, recording 390 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns through four games. Without any competition for him in Carolina, Hubbard profiles as a must-start running back for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Will Shipley Emerging as a Waiver-Wire Target Amid Eagles' Backfield Injuries
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley has played a minimal role in his team's offense so far in 2026, recording 75 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches across four games. However, injuries could be opening the door for Shipley to see more opportunities going forward. Eagles RB1 Saquon Barkley (hamstring) left the team's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with a hamstring injury and could now be looking at additional missed time. Additionally, Eagles RB2 Tank Bigsby (groin) left the game late in the fourth quarter and may now be battling a groin injury. Neither Barkley nor Bigsby is guaranteed to miss time, which is likely what it would take for Shipley to emerge as a must-start fantasy running back. Still, Shipley offers a three-down skill set, and he could have a chance to play a lead role in the Philadelphia backfield. In most fantasy leagues, Shipley is worth targeting on the waiver wire just in case Barkley and Bigsby are unable to play in Week 5.
Update - According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Bigsby is set to undergo core muscle surgery and will be placed on the injured reserve. As a result, Shipley could lead the backfield in Week 5 if Barkley remains sidelined, making him a top waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyquan Thornton to Have Surgery, Facing 12-to-16-Week Recovery
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (ankle) is expected to miss 12 to 16 weeks after undergoing extensive testing Monday. Ian Rapoport reported that Thornton will have surgery within the next week for the dislocated left ankle he suffered during Sunday's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. There is a real chance he could return late in the season or during the playoffs, though that will depend on how his recovery progresses. Thornton was having his best game of the year before the injury, catching five of eight targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns. He has 11 receptions for 219 yards and two scores through four games. The timetable takes Thornton out of the fantasy picture for the foreseeable future, while Kansas City will have to replace one of its top deep threats as he begins a lengthy recovery.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Kaelon Black Remains an Appealing Running Back Stash on the Waiver Wire
Across the first four games of his NFL career, San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black has recorded 31 carries for 120 yards. Black's production upside in San Francisco is firmly capped by the presence of superstar 49ers back Christian McCaffrey. As long as McCaffrey remains healthy, Black is highly unlikely to provide fantasy managers with consistent production. However, Black has clearly established himself as San Francisco's RB2. McCaffrey is in his age-30 season, has a history of significant injuries, and is coming off an NFL-leading 413 touches in 2025. If McCaffrey were to get injured, Black could immediately vault into must-start running back status as the lead back in the potent 49ers offense. In fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams, Black remains a worthy waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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
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
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