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J.J. McCarthy Serving as the Emergency Third Quarterback for Week 4
New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy will be inactive as the team's emergency third quarterback for Week 4 against the Arizona Cardinals, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. The Giants traded for McCarthy this past week, and while he should climb to first or second on the depth chart by midseason, he'll open this new chapter as a healthy scratch. Presumably, the Giants want to give McCarthy a little more time to acclimate to the Giants' offensive system before putting him in a position where he's one snap away from getting onto the field. Jameis Winston will start for a second consecutive week against Arizona, looking to improve upon last week's stat line of 114 passing yards, zero touchdowns, and zero turnovers. Jake Haener has been elevated from the practice squad to back up Winston this week.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
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Patriots Hope A.J. Brown Will Return in Week 6
The New England Patriots "hope" that wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) will be able to return from injured reserve after the minimum four weeks, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. If that happens, his first game back would be Week 6 against the New York Jets on Oct. 18. However, Garafolo cautions that the entire situation remains fluid, and given that Brown originally had a six-week recovery timeline after he exited the season opener, it's too early to guarantee that he'll be on the field in Week 6. New England won't rush the star receiver back, but they'd certainly love to get him on the field as soon as he's healthy. The Patriots' offense has looked abysmal for most of this season, and Brown would inject some much-needed physicality and playmaking upside into a unit that has just one passing touchdown through three games this season. Romeo Doubs and Mack Hollins have been operating as Drake Maye's top targets with Brown sidelined.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
Tyjae Spears Expected to Play Sunday Despite Ankle Injury
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Spears is officially listed as questionable but has been trending in the right direction after practicing in full on Friday. The 25-year-old has remained a non-factor in fantasy football this year due to the state of the Titans' offense and his role behind Tony Pollard. Through three games, he ranks as the overall RB49 in PPR leagues with 58 rushing yards and 41 receiving yards. Even Spears' well-known pass-catching profile seems to have declined, as he has been limited to a modest (by his standards) four catches on six targets this season. He should still be rostered in 12+ team leagues, but there's no reason to start him in fantasy lineups at this point.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Ladd McConkey Expected to Play Against Seahawks in Week 4
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. McConkey missed practice on Thursday, logged a limited practice on Friday, and was officially listed as questionable entering the weekend. However, Rapoport reports that McConkey's foot injury is not nearly as serious as his rib injury from earlier this season, and it's not expected to cost him any playing time. McConkey hasn't caught a touchdown since Week 1, but he has posted a respectable 10+ PPR points in two of his three games so far, ranking as the overall WR27. Los Angeles' offense has been tough to watch this year, but we'd still roll out McConkey as a solid WR2 option in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Mike Evans Pushing to Play in Week 4
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (rib) is "going to do everything he possibly can" to play in Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Denver Broncos, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. With that being said, Evans is listed as questionable and remains a true game-time decision heading into Sunday afternoon. The veteran wide receiver will undergo a pregame workout to determine if he's capable of playing against the Broncos. San Francisco has dealt with wide receiver injuries left and right, as Evans joins a list that also features De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle), Christian Kirk (calf), Demarcus Robinson (ankle), and Ricky Pearsall (knee). If Evans can suit up Sunday, he'll look to improve upon his ranking as the WR26 in PPR leagues. That won't be easy, though, as the Broncos' secondary is led by star cornerback Patrick Surtain II. In the event that Evans is inactive, Deebo Samuel Sr. would operate as the 49ers' No. 1 receiver.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Tanner McKee Named Backup Quarterback, Replacing Andy Dalton
The Philadelphia Eagles have tweaked their quarterback depth chart, naming Tanner McKee the backup over Andy Dalton, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com. Dalton had been the No. 2 behind Jalen Hurts through the first three weeks of the season, but he struggled when his number was called last week, throwing an interception on his only pass attempt with Hurts on the sideline. All offseason long, we heard that the competition between McKee and Dalton was incredibly close, so it shouldn't be much of a surprise that the Eagles are pivoting to McKee after Dalton's miscue. The change takes effect for Week 4, with Dalton now inactive as the emergency third-string quarterback. Of course, the Eagles hope they don't have to play either quarterback, as that would mean Jalen Hurts is injured. For now, Hurts is healthy, leaving both McKee and Dalton on the sideline.
Source: Mike Garafolo
Source: Mike Garafolo
Jalen Coker Not Expected to Play in Week 4
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) is not expected to play in Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Detroit Lions, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Coker is officially listed as questionable after logging back-to-back limited practices. The 24-year-old exploded for a whopping 16 catches, 204 yards, and two touchdowns through the first two games this season, but his Week 3 performance was cut short due to the quad injury. It seemed like there was a chance he might be able to play this week, but the Panthers will ultimately hold him out. After all, there's no reason to rush him back, especially since the Panthers are on bye next week. With this week's absence and next week's bye, the Panthers are giving Coker two full weeks to recover. Tetairoa McMillan will continue to operate as Bryce Young's No. 1 target on Sunday, while Brycen Tremayne likely steps up to fill Coker's role as a sneaky WR3 option in deeper fantasy leagues.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Marcus Mariota Questionable to Return Against Colts in Week 4
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) exited during the first quarter of Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts after being sacked by two defenders on third down. The team announced that he is questionable to return. At the time of his departure, he had completed three of four pass attempts for 46 passing yards, and he also had a 35-yard rush. For the second year in a row, quarterback injuries plague the Commanders up and down the depth chart. Mariota was only playing because Jayden Daniels (elbow) was sidelined for the second week in a row after dislocating his elbow. With Mariota sidelined, Athan Kaliakmanis, a seventh-round rookie from Minnesota, has entered the game at quarterback.
Source: Washington Commanders
Source: Washington Commanders
Puka Nacua Expected to Have a Full Workload in Week 4
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) is not expected to have a limited workload as he returns from a two-game absence against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The Rams were patient with Nacua's recovery, holding him out of back-to-back games and refusing to rush him back. Fantasy managers should be encouraged that Nacua has no limitations on Sunday. Not only does it mean that he's back to 100%, but it also indicates that he'll handle a full complement of snaps, which could help him excel offensively and rank as this week's overall WR1 in fantasy football. Presumably, Nacua will seamlessly take over for Davante Adams as quarterback Matthew Stafford's No. 1 target. In Nacua's two-game absence, Adams racked up a whopping 15 catches, 332 yards, and two touchdowns.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Bijan Robinson an Undisputed RB1 for Week 4 Against New Orleans
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson is coming off his best game of the young season, and he'll look to keep that momentum going in Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints. Robinson exploded for 213 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in the Falcons' first win of the season on Thursday in Week 3, bringing him to a whopping 467 scrimmage yards, three touchdowns, and the overall RB3 spot through just three games. The 24-year-old is a must-start high-end RB1 in fantasy football every week regardless of matchup, and that remains the case against the Saints, who have allowed the sixth-most rushing yards, second-most touchdowns, and eighth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2026. Robinson should enjoy another huge week and will push for the overall RB1 spot in total scoring once again.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Baker Mayfield Expected to Miss the Next Three to Six Weeks
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) is expected to miss anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on how quickly he is able to grip the football, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Mayfield has avoided an injured reserve stint for now, but the Bucs will give him at least a few weeks off after he recovers from a dislocated thumb and works to regain his grip strength. Mayfield is just two years removed from a QB4 fantasy finish in 2024, but he has taken a step backward since then. Through the first three games this year, he completed just 63.5% of his pass attempts for 615 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and two interceptions. He also had a rushing touchdown, 13 sacks, and three lost fumbles. Mayfield is a risky fantasy starter when healthy, and the same can be said of undrafted free agent Jalon Daniels, who will make his first career start as the Bucs' primary quarterback against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Lions Break Off Contract Talks with Sam LaPorta
The Detroit Lions and tight end Sam LaPorta "broke off contract talks after several weeks of discussions," according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The two sides had hoped to finalize an extension, but negotiations stalled, and the Lions will let LaPorta hit free agency in 2027. The 25-year-old is a huge part of the Detroit offense, catching 14 passes for 144 yards and one touchdown through the first three games this year. At just 25 years old, LaPorta will be one of the younger tight end options in free agency, and he'll offer premium production at the position, albeit at a premium price. From a fantasy football perspective, LaPorta has established himself as a mid-to-low TE1 as long as he's healthy. He'll look to continue his solid start to the season on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Zay Flowers Expected to Play in Week 4 Without Limitations
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Tennessee Titans, and he won't be on a snap count, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. The hamstring injury has sidelined Flowers for just one contest so far, but it also cut his season opener short and limited him to 33% of the snaps last week. Barring a re-aggravation or a new injury, Week 4 will be the first time that Flowers plays a complete game this season. That should be very exciting for fantasy managers, as Flowers showed a glimpse of his upside with five catches, 150 yards, and one touchdown in the first half alone back in Week 1. Without a pitch count, Flowers has the potential to feast as a fantasy WR1 against the Titans this week.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Darius Slayton Remains a Healthy Scratch for Week 4
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Darius Slayton (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Washington Commanders in London. It seemed like Slayton was in line to make his Colts debut after Keenan Allen (groin) was ruled out, but that's not the case. With Slayton, Allen, and Alec Pierce (heel, IR) on the sideline, the Colts will likely give more offensive snaps to Laquon Treadwell and Ashton Dulin. Both receivers will push for more targets in their role behind No. 1 receiver Josh Downs. Allen's absence creates an opportunity for Treadwell or Dulin to step in as the next man up, but we're not quite sure this offense can support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers every week. Downs remains the only Indianapolis wideout that should be started for now.
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Ashton Dulin Suiting Up Sunday Against Commanders
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (ankle) is officially active for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Washington Commanders. Dulin had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging two full practices to close out the week. With Alec Pierce (heel) on injured reserve, Keenan Allen (groin) inactive, and Darius Slayton (coach's decision) a healthy scratch, there's a real opportunity for Dulin to step up as the Colts' No. 2 receiver behind Josh Downs. With that being said, he doesn't have enough of a track record to get onto the fantasy radar, especially since we're still not convinced the Colts' offense can support multiple fantasy-relevant receivers every single week. For now, Dulin can be left on waivers in most leagues.
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Source: Indianapolis Colts
Terry McLaurin Inactive for Week 4 Against Colts
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts in London, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. McLaurin, who was listed as questionable, was a late addition to the injury report this week after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. The 31-year-old had a slower start to the season offensively, but he began to turn the corner last week with six catches, 77 yards, and one touchdown. His absence could be crucial as the Marcus Mariota-led Commanders look to win their second game in a row. Veteran wide receiver Stefon Diggs should take McLaurin's place as Mariota's primary target, while rookie Antonio Williams also steps into a larger role in London.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Michael Penix Jr. Enters Superflex Conversation in Matchup vs. the Saints
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made his season debut against the Green Bay Packers in Week 3 after tearing his ACL last November. It was his first game back since Week 11. The 26-year-old was solid in his season debut, completing 18-of-25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, while rushing twice for minus-2 yards. Penix will look to continue his solid play on Monday night against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are allowing about 229 passing yards per game. New Orleans was recently shredded by Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins for 248 passing yards and three touchdowns. Penix has a positive matchup and will only get more comfortable as the season wears on. He is a solid Superflex or QB2 option this week, with RotoBaller ranking Penix 24th among all quarterbacks in Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eli Stowers Likely Headed for a Developmental Season
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Eli Stowers (quad) opened his rookie season on injured reserve after a very disappointing training camp. The Eagles would surely like to have some extra tight end depth right now with Dallas Goedert (knee) injured, but even if Stowers returns before Goedert, he's still unlikely to occupy a sizable role. Stowers, who is eligible to play as early as next week, was reportedly taking a while to acclimate to NFL speed in his first training camp, and the quad injury didn't help his progression. Regardless of his exact position on the depth chart when he returns to the field, all signs point to Stowers focusing on his development this year, rather than producing at a fantasy-relevant level. He's a solid dynasty stash and perhaps even an intriguing buy-low in dynasty leagues where fantasy managers are losing faith. However, he can be dropped to waivers in all redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kimani Vidal Currently an Afterthought in Fantasy Football
Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal can be dropped to waivers in all redraft fantasy football leagues. The 25-year-old has taken a backseat on offense this year, and he didn't even log his first touch of the season until last week. His snap share did jump to a season-high 25% mark last week, but he's still buried behind Omarion Hampton and Keaton Mitchell on the depth chart. Given that the coaching staff has placed a significant amount of trust in those running backs, any path to weekly fantasy relevance for Vidal would likely require both Mitchell and Hampton to miss time. Barring anything unexpected, it looks like he will lack fantasy relevance for the rest of the 2026 season. Vidal can be left on waivers in all redraft leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ricky Pearsall Worth Trading in Dynasty Leagues Amid Recovery?
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (right knee) is working his way back from a PCL injury that will sideline him for the entire 2026 season. Injuries have plagued the start of Pearsall's career, but we certainly won't discredit him for the gunshot wound that forced him to miss time as a rookie in 2024. With that being said, he will have played in just 20 of his first 51 career regular-season games, calling his long-term durability into question. He's averaging a modest 5.0 catches, 46.4 receiving yards, and 0.2 touchdowns per game in his career, and he has yet to reach 100 career receptions and 1,000 career receiving yards. Upon his return from injury next year, Pearsall will slot into the No. 2 receiver role (at best) behind Mike Evans, and it's still too early to tell whether he'll even be ready for Week 1. At just 26 years old, there's still plenty of time for Pearsall to get back on track as a solid dynasty receiver, but for now, we wouldn't blame managers for trying to trade him away and recoup some of their initial investment.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juwan Johnson Remains a Reliable TE1 in Week 4 Against Falcons
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson hauled in all eight of his targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the team's Week 3 loss to the Raiders. Despite fellow tight end Noah Fant also seeing occasional involvement in the offense, Johnson continues to dominate the position in playing time, outsnapping Fant 158-109 through three weeks. He has clearly become one of Tyler Shough's favorite targets, and his current 78.9% catch rate, 57.7 yards per game, and 9.1 yards per target are all career highs. Through three weeks, Johnson has posted 15 receptions for 173 yards and three touchdowns on 19 targets, ranking as the PPR TE4. He remains a reliable TE1 heading into Monday night's matchup against the Falcons.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More News About J.J. McCarthy
