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Marquez Valdes-Scantling a Deep-League Waiver Option
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling could see another substantial snap share in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs, although his fantasy appeal remains limited to deeper leagues. With Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) sidelined, Ladd McConkey (foot) available only for emergencies, and Tre' Harris (hamstring) exiting early, Valdes-Scantling played 75% of the offensive snaps in Sunday's 23-17 loss to Denver. Despite the expanded playing time, he caught just two passes for 22 yards on three targets and has only five targets across three appearances this season. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh indicated Monday that McConkey could begin working back into the mix this week, while Johnston may remain limited in practice. Valdes-Scantling could continue seeing significant playing time if those injuries persist, but his lack of targets makes him difficult to trust in fantasy lineups. Managers in leagues with 14 or more teams can consider him for temporary receiver depth, although there's little incentive to invest heavily in a player who could see his opportunities disappear once the Chargers get healthier. Los Angeles also has a Week 7 bye approaching.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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Raheim Sanders' Waiver Value Hinges on Two Injuries
Cleveland Browns running back Raheim Sanders (hip) has a potential opportunity for additional work in Week 6 against Baltimore, but his own health could prevent him from taking advantage. Sanders exited Sunday's 17-12 loss to the New York Jets after recording three carries for 12 yards and one reception for one yard. Quinshon Judkins (ankle) was also seen wearing a walking boot following the game, although head coach Todd Monken described him as day-to-day Monday and did not rule him out against the Ravens. Sanders has operated as Cleveland's primary backup with Dylan Sampson (knee) on injured reserve, catching 11 passes for 74 yards through five games while handling just nine carries. The Browns could open Sampson's practice window this week and are reportedly adding Audric Estime, further complicating the backfield alongside Jaleel McLaughlin. Sanders would become more interesting if Judkins misses time, provided his hip injury doesn't limit him. For now, he's a speculative stash in deeper PPR leagues rather than someone fantasy managers should count on starting in Week 6.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Conner Getting Close to a Return
Arizona Cardinals veteran running back James Conner (foot) is getting close to a return but is not quite ready yet, sources told John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. The Cardinals already have rookie first-rounder Jeremiyah Love, Tyler Allgeier, and Bam Knight on their active roster at the position, so it will be hard to find a spot for Conner and get him any run when he is ready for his 2026 season debut. Gambadoro writes that Conner is basically an insurance policy coming off injury. He can practice, but he is unlikely to get 10 carries a game upon his return. Gambadoro believes that it is more likely that Conner is not moved at the Nov. 10 trade deadline. The Cardinals are not expected to open the 31-year-old's 21-day practice window this week, so he is unlikely to return for the Week 6 contest against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. Conner played in only three games last year before suffering a season-ending right-foot injury that required surgery. Unless injuries strike Arizona's backfield or Conner gets traded to a more favorable situation, the odds of him carving out any fantasy value in 2026 appear remote right now.
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Source: Arizona Sports - John Gambadoro
Roschon Johnson's Five-Catch Day Comes With a Major Caveat
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson caught five passes in Sunday's 31-7 loss to the Green Bay Packers, but all five receptions came in the fourth quarter with Chicago trailing by 24 points. Johnson finished with 34 receiving yards on seven targets and added just six yards on five carries, making his receiving production considerably less encouraging than the box score might suggest. He played a season-high 27 offensive snaps while Kyle Monangai (toe) was sidelined, although D'Andre Swift remained the primary option in Chicago's backfield. Monangai is considered week-to-week, potentially keeping Johnson in the backup role for Sunday's matchup against Atlanta. There is still little evidence of reliable standalone fantasy value, with Johnson managing only nine carries for 22 yards through five games. His increased playing time could lead to additional opportunities if Monangai remains unavailable, but counting on another seven-target outing would be risky. Rostered in just 5% of leagues according to RotoBaller's Week 6 waiver rankings, Johnson is worth considering in 14-team formats as a speculative depth option rather than an immediate fantasy starter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Charlie Kolar Isn't a Priority Add Despite Leading Chargers in Receiving
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Charlie Kolar returned from a fractured forearm to lead the team with 37 receiving yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Denver Broncos, although his performance wasn't without problems. Kolar caught three of four targets, but lost a fumble following a 19-yard reception on Los Angeles' opening possession that helped set up Denver's first touchdown. The veteran has now caught six passes for 58 yards without a touchdown across three appearances this season. His increased involvement came with Quentin Johnston (chest) and Brenen Thompson (quadriceps) sidelined, leaving the Chargers short on receiving options. David Njoku remains on injured reserve, although Oronde Gadsden II continues to compete for playing time, and Hayden Rucci caught the team's lone passing touchdown against Denver. Kolar has an opportunity to build on Sunday's production against Kansas City in Week 6, but his limited receiving history makes him difficult to trust. Rostered in just 1% of leagues, he's an emergency streaming consideration in 14-team formats, particularly with the Chargers heading into their Week 7 bye.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jerry Jeudy Available With Trade Deadline Approaching
Cleveland Browns veteran wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is available with the Nov. 10 trade deadline approaching, according to Jordan Schultz, with the Browns looking for something in the early third- to fourth-round range in return. It is unclear if the Browns will be able to get that in return for a declining pass-catcher, but what is clear is that Cleveland is excited about their young receiver group of KC Concepcion Jr., Denzel Boston, and Isaiah Bond. The 27-year-old Jeudy, the former 15th overall pick by the Denver Broncos in 2020 from Alabama, has caught only eight of his 15 targets for 81 yards and no touchdowns through five games in 2026 in his third year in Cleveland. Jeudy played a season-high 81% of the offensive snaps in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, but that was likely only because Concepcion left the game early with a concussion. He played only 38% of the offensive snaps the week prior in the Thursday night win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers. A trade out of town might be the only thing that makes fantasy managers consider adding Jeudy to their rosters off the waiver wire again this year.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Jalen Coker at Practice on Tuesday, "On Track" for Week 6
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) was seen on the practice field on Tuesday, according to Alex Zietlow of The Charlotte Observer. Head coach Dave Canales said that Coker is "on track" to play in Week 6 on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles, with the team coming off their bye week. The 24-year-old missed the Week 4 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday Night Football, but the week off has treated him well, and he looks ready to return against Philly this weekend. Coker could be limited in practice early in the week, but the expectation is that he will suit up against the Eagles, where he should at least be in the flex conversation for fantasy managers. The former undrafted free agent from Holy Cross has had a tough time staying healthy early in his NFL career, but he is the Panthers' clear WR2 when healthy, which gives him plenty of fantasy upside. Through three games so far in 2026, Coker has caught 18 of his 22 targets for 222 yards and three touchdowns. We will be closely following Coker's practice status this week from Wednesday through Friday.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Alex Zietlow
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Alex Zietlow
Will Campbell Avoids Major Knee Injury, Considered Week-to-Week
New England Patriots left tackle Will Campbell (knee) avoided a major knee injury on Sunday in the Week 5 blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Campbell is considered week-to-week and will likely be questionable to play this weekend at home against the division-rival New York Jets as the team looks for a third straight win. The 22-year-old is believed to be dealing with a sprained knee that he suffered in Sunday's 45-17 win. Campbell could very well miss time going forward, but the good news is that it does not look to be an injury that will force him to the Injured Reserve, which would require him to miss at least four games. If Campbell misses any time for the Pats, Caleb Lomu will be the top option to replace him as the starting left tackle. The Patriots selected Campbell with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of LSU.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Caleb Williams Looking "Pretty Good" for Week 6
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on Tuesday on The Pat McAfee Show that it looks "pretty good" for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) to return in Week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Head coach Ben Johnson has been non-committal on when the starting signal-caller will be able to return after he suffered a Grade 2 strained right hamstring in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old former first overall pick from USC returned to practice last week and was listed as questionable to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers, but he was ultimately held out on Sunday. If he can get in a full practice this week, it will look even better for Williams to make his return this weekend, when he would be back on the fantasy radar as a QB1. Third-stringer Case Keenum beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, and backup Tyson Bagent won a start as well for the Bears with Williams out, but Chicago's offense will be in much better shape when Williams returns to the field. Keep a close eye on Williams' practice status this week from Wednesday through Friday.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Jauan Jennings Could be Hot Name on the Trade Market
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday that there are a lot of trade conversations going on around the NFL right now, and a name that he has been wondering about is Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Rapoport expects Jennings' name to heat up over the next couple of days and weeks, especially after the San Francisco 49ers lost another receiver in veteran Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. The Niners let the 29-year-old Jennings walk in free agency last offseason, but they could be interested in a reunion with the former seventh-rounder because of all of the injuries to their WR corps early in the 2026 season. Even with star Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson missing Week 4 due to an ankle injury, Jennings has had a very minimal impact with the Vikes through four contests, catching two of five targets for only nine yards. A move back to the Bay Area might be the only thing that will get Jennings back on the fantasy football radar this year. Stay tuned. He had a career year in 2024 with San Francisco, posting a 77-975-6 line in 15 regular-season games, and he followed that up with a career-best nine touchdowns in 2025.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Michael Mayer Remains in the Streaming Conversation
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer caught only one pass for two yards in the team's Week 5 blowout loss to the Patriots, and he could hit waiver wires in Week 6 as a reactionary drop. While by no means an every-week starter, Mayer remains fantasy viable while still holding rare insurance value at the position. The Patriots came into the week as one of the most difficult fantasy matchups for tight ends and were able to limit Mayer more than All-Pro Brock Bowers, who has been used more as a large wide receiver through his three healthy games. That said, Mayer is still in the top 20 in targets and receiving yards among tight ends and will remain a streaming option against more favorable opponents. He is RotoBaller's TE23 ahead of a Week 6 matchup with the Bills.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kimani Vidal a Stash-Worthy Waiver Target Whose Role Continues to Expand
After a Week 4 touchdown reception against the Seahawks, Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal recorded his first score on the ground in a Week 5 loss to the Broncos, and he has legitimate stash appeal on this week's waiver wire. For the second week in a row, the Chargers deployed a near-even three-way split between Vidal, Omarion Hampton, and Keaton Mitchell, with Vidal actually leading the group with 28 offensive snaps. His 42-yard touchdown run helped him to finish with 57 rushing yards and a 7.1-yard-per-carry average on his eight attempts. While he still isn't seeing enough work to be a reliable weekly start, Vidal has been the team's most efficient runner on a limited sample size, racking up yards after contact. With Hampton disappointing through five weeks, and Vidal possessing multiple potential paths to an expanded workload, he's become a player worthy of an end-of-bench stash in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rams Moving on From Harrison Mevis After Overtime Miss
The Los Angeles Rams are moving on from kicker Harrison Mevis, according to NFL Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Mevis missed both of his field goal attempts in Monday night's overtime loss to the Bills, including a potential game-winner that was blocked by Greg Rousseau. Mevis has now missed four of nine field goal attempts, and with the Rams falling to 2-3, the team is signing fourth-year veteran Blake Grupe off the New York Jets' practice squad. Splitting time between the Saints and Colts in 2025, Grupe was perfect on nine field goal attempts and 25 extra points.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Keaton Mitchell Remains a Long-term Stash Despite a Quiet Week
Despite modest results in a Week 5 loss to the Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell remains heavily involved in what has been arguably the league's most disappointing offense, pointing to potentially brighter days ahead. For the second week in a row, the Chargers leaned on a three-way backfield split, with Mitchell, Omarion Hampton, and Kimani Vidal all seeing the field for at least 20 snaps, and each seeing at least nine opportunities. Vidal, while still the least utilized, has been the team's most efficient runner, but Mitchell remains the designated passing back, with his 14 targets through five weeks more than doubling the combined total of the other two. While the current split makes none of the Chargers' backs a reliable weekly start, Mitchell's big-play ability, coupled with multiple paths to an expanded workload, makes him a must-roster player and a waiver stash to target wherever he's still available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelon Black Potentially in Line for an Expanded Role
As injuries continue to mount for the San Francisco 49ers, rookie running back Kaelon Black could soon be tasked with handling a heavier workload, adding modest flex appeal to his potentially week-winning insurance value. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring), who has carried the ball nine times on the year, is the latest Niners player to succumb to injury, now expected to miss a handful of games with a hamstring injury. Through five weeks, Black has handled a 36.2% running back rush share, but with San Francisco's receiver room stretched so thin by injury, there is added potential for Black and Christian McCaffrey to share the field more frequently, with the latter split out wide. With four NFL teams on bye in Week 6, Black becomes a desperation flex option in deeper leagues and needs to be rostered in all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chig Okonkwo a Waiver Target at TE Now That He's Healthy
Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo was injured in his debut with the team in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles and missed the next two weeks, but now that he is back and healthy, the 27-year-old is in play as a waiver-wire pickup at the TE position as bye weeks begin to thin out fantasy managers' options. Okonkwo had his best game in the Week 5 overtime tie versus the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday, catching four of his six targets for 60 yards. He is even more appealing as a streamer at the position going into a Week 6 contest on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers with receiver Stefon Diggs (hamstring) banged up. The matchup against the undefeated 49ers on the road is not ideal, but Okonkwo will have sleeper appeal going into that game if Diggs misses a second straight contest. Before Okonkwo's early-season injury, he was considered a potential breakout at the TE position heading into his first year in D.C. The 49ers' defense has allowed only 6.0 half-PPR points to the position through five weeks, which is tied for the fourth-fewest in the league.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chargers Not Considering Trading Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers have never discussed the idea of potentially trading quarterback Justin Herbert, a team source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. Schefter admitted that the idea of the Chargers trading Herbert for three first-round picks would be intriguing and would allow the 0-5 team to rebuild for the future, but it sounds as though the Bolts have no interest in trading away their franchise signal-caller despite the bad start and injuries piling up around him on offense. Things could change if the Chargers continue to lose -- they face the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 -- but as of now, it is a non-starter for the organization, and it does not even sound like they are willing to listen to trade offers for Herbert. The 28-year-old has struggled in new coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme through five weeks, but L.A.'s grinder of a schedule has not made it any easier. Herbert is completing 59.4% of his passes for 937 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions, and is already working with a patchwork offensive line in front of him. He has quickly fallen down to low-end QB2 status, and it is going to be difficult for him to bounce back this weekend against KC given all the injuries to the Chargers' WR corps.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Tanner Hudson Expected to Miss Entire Season With Torn Pec
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (pectoral) suffered a torn pectoral muscle in the Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday and is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season, his agent told WLWT's Charlie Clifford. Hudson only had seven receptions for 33 yards and one touchdown in four games played this year with the Bengals, but it is a big loss in the team's TE corps behind starter Mike Gesicki. The good news for the Bengals is that they have a deep group of tight ends behind Gesicki, which also includes Drew Sample and Erick All Jr. Hudson had the best season of his career in 2023 in his first year with the Bengals, catching 39 of his 50 targets for 352 yards and one touchdown in 12 games played. He has never scored more than two touchdowns in any of his eight seasons in the league, but he is a well-respected pass-catching backup TE when he is healthy.
Source: WLWT - Charlie Clifford
Source: WLWT - Charlie Clifford
Brandin Cooks the Next Man Up in San Fran's Banged-Up WR Corps
San Francisco 49ers veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) suffered a significant hamstring strain in the third quarter of Sunday's Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks and will miss "some time." It points to a bigger role for veteran Brandin Cooks, who played almost every snap after Samuel left, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The 33-year-old Cooks caught one of his two targets for a seven-yard touchdown after not catching his only target in the Week 4 win over the Denver Broncos in his debut with the 49ers. Ricky Pearsall (knee) is out for the season, and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle), Demarcus Robinson (ankle), and Christian Kirk (calf) all remain on Injured Reserve, so the 49ers' receiving corps is among the most banged-up units around the league. Veteran Mike Evans continues to battle injuries as well, so Cooks should become a much bigger part of the team's passing attack now that Samuel will also miss a couple of weeks. Cooks has six career 1,000-yard receiving seasons and caught 24 passes for 279 yards and no touchdowns in 15 games last year with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills. He is not currently rostered in any Yahoo leagues, but Cooks is worth a look for WR depth in deeper formats, with his role set to grow, starting in Week 6 on Monday night versus the Washington Commanders.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Caleb Douglas Working on the Side on Tuesday
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) was seen working off to the side during the team's unofficial practice on Tuesday as they head into their bye week, according to Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post. Douglas injured his ankle in the Week 2 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and has not played since, missing the team's last three games. The Dolphins are bringing the third-rounder out of Texas Tech along slowly, but hopefully the 23-year-old will be ready to play when the Dolphins return to action in Week 7 against the division-rival New York Jets. Fellow rookie Chris Bell has seen more playing time with Douglas banged up, although it has not led to him being a realistic standalone starting option in fantasy football in Miami's lackluster offense. Douglas will have an opportunity to become a key member of the passing attack when he returns, but he is mostly just a stash option in dynasty/keeper leagues in 2026. In his first two NFL games to begin the season, Douglas caught seven of his 10 targets for 113 yards (16.1 yards per catch).
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Source: The Palm Beach Post - Joe Schad
Darren Waller Carries Limited Week 6 Streaming Appeal
Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller returns from his Week 5 bye having drawn 14 targets over his last two games, but a difficult matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles makes him a risky fantasy option. Waller has caught 13 of 19 targets for 148 yards and two touchdowns through four games, with both scores coming against Atlanta in Week 2. His involvement increased against Cleveland and Detroit, although those 14 targets produced only eight receptions for 87 yards. Waller also played just 53% of Carolina's offensive snaps against the Lions, with Tommy Tremble and Mitchell Evans continuing to see substantial playing time. The Panthers could also welcome back Jalen Coker (quadriceps), who is reportedly on track to return after missing Week 4. Philadelphia has generally defended opposing tight ends well, adding another obstacle for a player whose fantasy production has been inconsistent outside his two-touchdown outing. Rostered in just 16% of leagues, Waller remains worth considering in 14-team formats, but his uncertain workload makes him a touchdown-dependent streaming option rather than a priority waiver addition.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More News About Marquez Valdes-Scantling
