September 29, 2025

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) is still week-to-week with a serious quadriceps injury that has kept him out for the first four weeks of the season, according to David Newton of ESPN. Coker opened the year on Injured Reserve. The 23-year-old is now eligible to come off IR for the Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins, but it doesn't sound like that is going to happen. In fact, he might not even be a lock for Week 6. Once Carolina opens Coker's practice window, they'll have 21 days to officially activate him to the active roster. The Panthers could use some help in the passing game behind rookie first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan, as veteran Hunter Renfrow hasn't done much outside of a pair of touchdowns, and Xavier Legette (hamstring) has missed the last two games. Coker became a big part of the team's offense in his rookie year in 2024, so he's worth stashing in an IR spot with his return potentially coming in several weeks.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - David Newton

September 29, 2025

Anaheim Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal (lower body) is day-to-day, the team announced Monday. Dostal has logged only 31 minutes of preseason action and may now be done for the remainder of the preseason due to a lower-body injury. Anaheim will likely want to avoid all risks with their No. 1 netminder, who earned a five-year, $32.5 million contract extension this offseason. Last term, Dostal had a 23-23-7 record over 49 starts. He collected one shutout and produced a 3.10 goals-against average with a .903 save percentage. Petr Mrazek and Ville Husso will serve as Dostal's backups this season.--Taavi Pailk
Source: Anaheim Ducks

September 29, 2025

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (upper body) is week-to-week after aggravating his injury. The 25-year-old sustained an upper-body injury at practice last week and has been off the ice since Thursday. Buffalo begins its regular-season slate against the New York Rangers next Thursday, and Samuelsson will likely have a question mark hanging over him leading up to the game. If Samuelsson isn't ready for opening night, the Sabres will need Ryan Johnson or Jacob Bryson to step in. With Bowen Byram (undisclosed) also nursing an injury, the team might start the season without two of its backline regulars.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

September 29, 2025

San Antonio guard De'Aaron Fox (hamstring) shared with the media on Monday that he does not expect to be ready for the start of the regular season, according to Spurs' broadcaster Jacob Tobey. Fox has been involved in basketball activities and is feeling well, but he is still experiencing issues with his right hamstring. He also had surgery on his left pinkie finger back in March. With the 27-year-old likely missing in action early in the regular season, rookie guard Dylan Harper could get extra minutes on the floor.--Andrew Lennox
Source: Jacob Tobey

September 29, 2025

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (undisclosed) is considered day-to-day. He sustained an undisclosed injury in Saturday's 5-2 preseason win against the Detroit Red Wings. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said Byram might skate on his own Tuesday and won't play against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. The Sabres begin their regular season against the New York Rangers on Oct. 9, so Byram still has around a week and a half to get healthy. He's expected to deliver a big season after signing a two-year, $12.5 million contract extension in the summer. In 2024-25, Byram had a career-high 38 points (seven goals, 31 assists) with 94 shots, 116 blocks, and 75 hits across 82 outings.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

September 29, 2025

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg (wrist) will sit out the start of the 2025-26 NHL season. Jets head coach Scott Arinel announced Monday that Samberg will be sidelined for 6-8 weeks with a broken wrist. Samberg was injured on Saturday during a preseason contest against the Calgary Flames from a hit by Flames forward Ryan Lomberg. Unfortunately, Samberg will miss a significant portion of the season for the second consecutive year. He broke his foot early in the previous season, playing in only 60 games. In the games he played, Samberg was very effective for the Jets, producing a plus-34 rating. He recorded 20 points (six goals, 14 assists), 95 shots, 120 blocks, and 56 hits.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

September 29, 2025

New York Rangers forward J.T. Miller (lower body) was injured during Monday's practice. He appeared to sustain a lower-body injury while lunging forward for a puck during a power-play drill. Miller grabbed the back of his left leg before getting up and skating off the ice slowly. This doesn't look good for Miller, but with over a week until the regular season begins, he might be able to recover if the injury isn't serious. Miller was named the Rangers' new captain earlier this month, and his productive performance last season should excite fantasy managers. After returning to New York in January, Miller posted 35 points (13 goals, 22 assists) in 32 games.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

September 29, 2025

According to Joey Mistretta of ClutchPoints, Dallas Mavericks forward/center Anthony Davis (eye) has been cleared for training camp. Davis underwent surgery back in July to repair a detached retina. The 32-year-old averaged 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals across 51 regular-season contests last campaign between the Lakers and Mavericks. Despite still performing at an All-Star level, Davis has dealt with nagging injuries in the past few seasons. Questions about his health may prompt fantasy managers to explore other options as the upcoming season approaches.--Andrew Lennox
Source: Joey Mistretta

September 29, 2025

Philadelphia Flyers left wing Tyson Foerster (elbow) will play in Monday's preseason encounter against the Boston Bruins. He will log his first preseason minutes after recovering from an elbow procedure. Following Monday's action, the Flyers have two more preseason games scheduled, giving Foerster a good opportunity to find some rhythm before the regular season starts. Foerster has improved year after year and could make another leap in 2025-26 as a top-six regular. He looks set to start the season on a line with Noah Cates and Bobby Brink, which new head coach Rick Tocchet has praised during training camp.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

September 29, 2025

On Monday at Media Day, Clemente Almanza of USA Today reports that Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (wrist) said he still has a way to go with his wrist recovery. Williams underwent offseason surgery due to a ligament tear in his right wrist. There is no timetable for when he will return, despite recently dribbling with both hands and shooting in practice. The 23-year-old averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per contest while shooting 36.5 percent from beyond the arc during the 2024-25 campaign. Only time will tell if Williams will be available for the Thunder on Opening Night as they host the Rockets on Oct. 21.--Andrew Lennox
Source: Clemente Almanza

September 29, 2025

Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin (lower body) took part in a full-contact practice on Monday. This was his first full practice since training camp began, as Ovechkin has been dealing with a lingering lower-body injury. "Obviously, it was kind of like day to day, but we don't want to push it because it's training camp and we still have time to get ready for regular year," Ovechkin said. "So, I'll be ready and hope my body is going to feel good." Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery said it's unlikely Ovechkin will play in Tuesday's preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, it's a possibility that he will feature in the team's final two preseason outings this week. The injury was a setback for Ovechkin, but all indications suggest he will be ready for opening night.--Taavi Pailk
Source: NHL.com

September 29, 2025

According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (shoulder) has been cleared for training camp on Monday. In March, Dosunmu underwent surgery due to instability in his left shoulder. The 25-year-old is no longer the subject of trade rumors and had a career year with his hometown team during the 2024-25 season, averaging 12.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. However, health issues limited him to 46 outings. Now healthy, Dosunmu has extra motivation and could be a solid contributor for fantasy managers, as he is in the final year of his contract.--Andrew Lennox
Source: K.C. Johnson

September 29, 2025

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. could have a larger role coming, with head coach Dave Canales saying, "Yeah, we'll get to see Jimmy Horn Jr." Canales added that he's excited for Horn to get this opportunity this week, according to Sheena Quick. Xavier Legette (hamstring) could miss a third straight game, while Jalen Coker (quadriceps) remains on Injured Reserve. Horn has been a healthy scratch for the first four weeks of his rookie season, but it sounds like he could make his NFL debut in Week 5 against the visiting Miami Dolphins. Outside of rookie first-rounder Tetairoa McMillan, the Panthers haven't really had anyone step up in the passing game. The 23-year-old Horn is fast and could provide quarterback Bryce Young with a nice deep threat, but fantasy managers in 12-team leagues can't realistically consider him a worthwhile waiver-wire pickup just yet.--Keith Hernandez
Source: FOX Sports - Sheena Quick

September 29, 2025

With Fred VanVleet (knee) expected to miss the 2025-26 season, the Houston Rockets will rely on a committee approach to handle point guard duties, with Amen Thompson taking on a key role. Thompson and Reed Sheppard are likely to see the most time initiating the offense, while head coach Ime Udoka also plans to lean on Alperen Sengun and Kevin Durant as secondary playmakers. That versatility gives Houston multiple options to keep the offense flowing, but Thompson's usage and development will be under the spotlight. The 22-year-old guard impressed last season, averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, and his ability to push the pace and distribute should make him a focal point in VanVleet's absence. Thompson's value is trending up heading into the season.--Shaun Albin
Source: Danielle Lerner

September 29, 2025

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that the team is going to open the practice window for running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) this week, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. Getting Spears would be a big help to Tony Pollard in the Titans' backfield, but opening Spears' practice window doesn't guarantee he'll return in Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Titans will now have a 21-day window to officially activate the 24-year-old from the Injured Reserve after he missed the first four weeks of the season with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered during the preseason. So far, Pollard has been an every-down back for a struggling Titans offense, but his snap share will most likely go down when Spears is back in the fold. Spears should be scooped up off the waiver wire if you're searching for backfield depth, especially in PPR leagues. Just don't expect him to be active this weekend.--Keith Hernandez
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt

September 29, 2025

San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges (shoulder) caught his second touchdown of the season in the team's 26-21 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday. Tonges left the game just six plays in due to a possible shoulder injury but returned near the end of the first quarter. He finished the game with three catches on five targets and had 58 receiving yards, good for second-most on the team in Week 4. Tonges has emerged as the preferred pass-catching tight end in George Kittle's (hamstring) absence. Both Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ribs/ankle/shoulder) suffered injuries on Sunday, and on a short week (the 49ers face the Rams on Thursday), their status is up in the air. If either or both are limited or absent, then Tonges could see a greater target share than usual.--Dan Stephens
Source: NFL.com

September 29, 2025

The Denver Nuggets may experiment with more lineup flexibility this season thanks to the unique skill set of Nikola Jokic. The three-time MVP averaged a triple-double last year with 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor and initiate offense. That versatility could open the door for Denver to pair Jokić with new addition Jonas Valančiūnas in certain lineups. With Jokić drawing defenders outside and creating space in the paint, Valančiūnas would have room to operate inside while providing additional size and rebounding. The 33-year-old big man split time with the Wizards and Kings last season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in just 18.8 minutes per game. Deploying both centers together would also give the Nuggets more defensive coverage options as they look to pursue another title.--Shaun Albin
Source: Brendan Vogt

September 29, 2025

When asked if running back Bucky Irving (undisclosed) was among the injured players he was concerned about following Sunday's Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said, "Yeah, he's one of them," per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Bowles added that Irving underwent an MRI exam on Monday, and the team is awaiting the results. The 23-year-old had his most productive day of the year in the 31-25 loss to Philly on Sunday, carrying the ball 15 times for 63 yards and adding five receptions for a season-high 102 receiving yards and a touchdown. However, he apparently suffered an undisclosed injury along the way that could put his status in jeopardy for a Week 5 road tilt against the Seattle Seahawks. We'll monitor Irving's status closely this week. If Rachaad White is available on your league's waiver wire, pick him up immediately.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud

September 29, 2025

Washington Wizards point guard Bub Carrington has noticeably bulked up this offseason, adding 11 pounds of muscle to bring his frame from 193 to 204 pounds. The 20-year-old second-year guard admitted that attacking the rim and finishing in traffic was the "weakest part" of his game, and his added strength should help address that area. Carrington started 57 of 82 games as a rookie, averaging 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per contest while flashing versatility across multiple categories. However, his 40.1% shooting from the field highlighted an area in need of improvement as he transitions into a larger role. Entering his sophomore campaign, Carrington will look to take a step forward as he teams with fellow second-year standout Alex Sarr to headline Washington's youth-driven rebuild.--Shaun Albin
Source: Bijan Todd

September 29, 2025

The New Orleans Saints are designating tight end Taysom Hill (knee) to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list this week, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. To be clear, this doesn't mean that Hill is officially activated from the PUP or that he'll make his 2025 debut in Week 5 against the New York Giants, but only that he will be available to practice this week as the team opens up his 21-day practice window. If the 35-year-old veteran isn't activated from PUP by the time his 21 days are up, he'll be forced to miss the entire season. In addition to Hill, fellow tight end Foster Moreau (knee) will return to practice this week. Hill is trying to make it back after tearing the ACL in his left knee in Week 13 of last year. It's unclear exactly how new head coach Kellen Moore will use the versatile offensive weapon when he's healthy enough to return, but Hill can remain on the waiver wire for now in 12-team fantasy leagues.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov

September 29, 2025

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ribs, ankle, shoulder) sustained yet another injury in the team's 26-21 loss to the Jaguars on Sunday. Jennings was sandwiched between two defenders while making the catch on a successful two-point conversion in the third quarter. He held onto the ball but was writhing on the ground in pain after the play. Jennings returned to action on the next drive but saw only one target for the rest of the game. He finished the day with two catches for 24 yards on four targets. San Francisco is playing on Thursday night in Week 5, meaning less time for Jennings to recover, and leaving his status up in the air per Matt Barrows of The Athletic. With Ricky Pearsall (knee) also suffering an injury on Sunday, Demarcus Robinson and Kendrick Bourne might see an increased role against the Los Angeles Rams.--Dan Stephens
Source: Matt Barrows - The Athletic

September 29, 2025

Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan said that wide receiver Calvin Ridley (undisclosed) was dealing with an undisclosed in-game injury on Sunday in the shutout loss to the Houston Texans and played through it, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. Ridley had played at least 86% of the offensive snaps through the first three weeks, but he played a season-low 54% of the snaps on Sunday because he wasn't 100% healthy. The 30-year-old veteran continued to be a disappointment for his fantasy managers, catching two of his three targets for 30 yards and no touchdowns. He has failed to exceed 30 yards in three of four games so far in 2025 and has caught just 10 passes for 141 yards and no scores on 24 targets so far this year. Ridley has not been efficient with rookie quarterback Cameron Ward and the rest of the Titans' offense struggling, and now he could be in danger of missing Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals.--Keith Hernandez
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt

September 29, 2025

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (knee) is set to undergo surgery on his left knee, leaving his availability for opening night on October 21 in question. The Thunder have not provided a clear timetable for his recovery, but the versatile forward could be sidelined to begin the season. Williams played in 69 games last year, making seven starts, and averaged 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per contest. The 30-year-old also missed time at the start of last season due to back spasms, emphasizing durability concerns heading into 2025-26. With Williams out, Oklahoma City may look to spread his minutes across several young players, including Dillon Jones, Ousmane Dieng, and Jaylin Williams.--Shaun Albin
Source: Clemente Almanza

September 29, 2025

Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond has seen his targets and receiving yards increase in each of his four games this season. With Cedric Tillman (hamstring) now sidelined for multiple weeks, Bond could be leaned on more heavily as part of the Browns' passing attack. Tillman left Sunday's game against the Lions in the second quarter, and Bond ended the day as the team's leading receiver, bringing in three of his six targets for 58 yards. With five NFL teams on a Week 5 bye, now is the time in the schedule for fantasy managers to get creative, and Bond at least offers big-play upside for those in a roster bind. With the Browns traveling to London to play the Vikings in Week 5, any Cleveland players will need to be inserted into lineups early, stymying flexibility and making Bond a player to monitor rather than play for at least one more week.--Patrick McGrath
Source: ESPN

September 29, 2025

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams caught only two of his seven targets in Sunday's win over the Browns, and he has not topped two receptions in a game since the season opener. In speaking with reporters on Monday, head coach Dan Campbell addressed the connection between Williams and quarterback Jared Goff, saying, "We're just a little bit off." Campbell was quick to downplay any issues of chemistry, saying the team will get back to the drawing board, and "Those guys are gonna be fine." Although Williams has caught only 10 balls on the season, his 21.4-yard average reception is among the highest in the league, so he has not been completely irrelevant for fantasy managers. The Lions face the Bengals in Week 5, and Cincinnati has been one of the most favorable matchups for wide receivers through four weeks. With bye weeks starting around the NFL this week, Williams should make for a fine flex option.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Eric Woodyard

September 29, 2025

Cleveland Browns third-year wide receiver Cedric Tillman (hamstring) exited during the second quarter of his team's loss to the Lions on Sunday and is now expected to miss multiple weeks. Through four games, Tillman's 20 targets are the third most on the team, and trail only Jerry Jeudy among wide receivers, and he is the only Cleveland pass-catcher with multiple touchdowns. Rookie wide receiver Isaiah Bond, who led the team in receiving yards on Sunday, is expected to see an increased workload, but Browns quarterback Joe Flacco has not topped 200 passing yards since the team's season-opener against a porous Bengals defense. With Cleveland's offensive line dealing with a rash of injuries and murmurs of a quarterback change coming soon, this is not a passing game in which fantasy managers should currently be looking to invest.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Daniel Oyefusi

September 29, 2025

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday morning that quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) is "complaining of some real soreness" in his toe, per Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. Purdy returned to action on Sunday after missing the previous two games with turf toe and went 22-for-38 for 309 yards with two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a lost fumble late in the fourth quarter that sealed San Francisco's fate in their 26-21 loss to Jacksonville. The 49ers play on Thursday night in Week 5, giving Purdy less time to recover than he would usually see. Wide receivers Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jauan Jennings (ribs) also got banged up in Week 4, leaving their status up in the air. Fantasy football managers rostering Purdy should take a long look at the waiver wire for help in Week 5.--Dan Stephens
Source: Eric Branch - San Franciso Chronicle

September 29, 2025

Houston Texans rookie running back Woody Marks is coming off the best game of his young career, and head coach DeMeco Ryans is excited to see how much more he can handle. Marks ran for 69 yards and a touchdown while adding 50 yards and another score through the air in the team's first win of the season on Sunday. For the first time this year, Marks handled the majority of the team's rushing work, seeing 17 carries to Nick Chubb's 13. Having seemingly passed that test, a pleased Ryans suggested to reporters that more will be put on his young back's plate. Marks was a prolific pass-catcher in college, keeping his fantasy floor high even in less favorable matchups. Now, with an increased workload on the horizon and no timeline for Joe Mixon's return, Marks becomes a high-priority waiver add wherever he is still unrostered.--Patrick McGrath
Source: Aaron Wilson

September 29, 2025

Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports won the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway on Sunday. Elliott started fourth at the beginning of the race on Sunday, and ran inside the top five during the entire first stage outside of pit stops. He placed third at the end of the first stage behind Denny Hamlin and his teammate, Kyle Larson, but earned stage points as a result. In the second stage, Elliott ran as high as second through the stage, but just could not pass Hamlin for the lead. Larson and Christopher Bell passed him before the end of the stage, leaving him in fourth, but with more stage points at the end of the stage. In the final stage, Elliott continued running well, maintaining a top-10 position through most of the stage. With 10 laps to go, Elliott employed a contrarian strategy compared to other top contenders, where he took four tires instead of two and restarted towards the back of the top 10. Elliott took advantage of his four tires through the final restarts and was much faster than his competition, especially after Brad Keselowski gave him a push on the second-to-last lap. Elliott made it back to the top five on the final lap and on the final corner, as Hamlin and Bubba Wallace drove each other up the track, Elliott zipped by both of them to claim the victory. Elliott's victory was his second of the 2025 season and the second of his career at Kansas, which also allowed him to automatically advance to the Round of 8 in the 2025 playoffs.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com

September 29, 2025

Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing finished in the fourth position in Sunday's Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. Briscoe originally started in first and led the opening 19 laps of the race. Through the rest of the first stage, however, Briscoe would get passed by several drivers, and despite cleanly executing his pit stops, he ended the first stage in sixth, collecting a couple of stage points. In the second stage, Briscoe quietly continued to run inside the top 10 and keep his car out of trouble. He ended the second stage in fifth and gathered even more stage points. The final stage, much like the second stage, had Briscoe continue to run around the top five for the majority of the stage. Although he would never make it back to the lead, he played a role in the final two restarts, pushing his teammate Christopher Bell to keep up with Bubba Wallace. Briscoe passed Wallace on the final lap while Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe got by him, leaving him in the fourth position. With 21 points over the cut line heading into the final race of the Round of 12 of the playoffs at the Charlotte Roval, Briscoe holds a decent chance of advancing, but cannot afford to have a bad performance.--Sean Engel - RotoBaller
Source: NASCAR.com