October 2, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard (calf) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, leaving his status for Sunday's matchup very much in question. Hubbard has been a bright spot for the Panthers' offense, totaling 217 rushing yards on 53 carries while adding reliability as their lead back. If he is unable to go, Carolina is expected to turn to
Rico Dowdle and
Trevor Etienne to share the workload. Dowdle has handled the bulk of the backup duties with 28 carries on the season, but Etienne has been more explosive, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. When Hubbard exited last week, the pair split touches nearly evenly, with Dowdle seeing nine carries to Etienne's seven. Fantasy managers should monitor Hubbard's status closely, but both Dowdle and Etienne could emerge as deep-league or desperation flex options depending on how Carolina divides the touches in Week 5.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Joe Person
October 2, 2025
Detroit Tigers first baseman
Spencer Torkelson (foot) is starting at first base and will hit cleanup for Thursday's deciding Game 3 of the wild-card series against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians and right-hander
Slade Cecconi. X-rays came back negative on Torkelson after he fouled a ball off his foot in the Game 2 loss at Progressive Field on Wednesday. The former first-rounder was also hit by a pitch on his hand/wrist, but he's all good and will hit in the heart of the batting order as the Tigers look to vanquish the Guards and advance to the American League Division Series to face the Seattle Mariners. In the first two games of the wild-card series, Tork has one hit in six at-bats with an RBI, a walk, and three strikeouts. The 26-year-old will be looking for a big hit in the winner-take-all game on Thursday, and he'll be a more risky DFS pick while potentially being at less than 100% with his foot.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
October 2, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday, putting him firmly on track to play in Sunday's London matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Njoku's ability to bounce back quickly from the midweek injury concern is encouraging for both the Browns and fantasy managers, especially with rookie quarterback
Dillon Gabriel expected to make the start. The veteran tight end has caught 14 of 21 targets for 128 yards through four games and could serve as a key security blanket for the rookie under center. Njoku's role in short-to-intermediate routes and the red zone should make him a steady PPR option, and with the Browns likely simplifying the offense for Gabriel, Njoku projects as a viable streaming candidate in deeper leagues for Week 5.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Scott Petrak
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander
Shane McClanahan (triceps) is expected to be "fully ready" for the start of spring training in mid-February of 2026, according to president of baseball operations Erik Neander. McClanahan was expected to be a full-go going into spring training this year, too, after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in 2023. However, the talented southpaw suffered a left triceps nerve injury in spring training and did not pitch at all for the team in 2025. He made two rehab starts in the minors before eventually going under the knife in August. The Rays have similar optimism that McClanahan will be good to go next year, but at this point, despite the high upside, fantasy managers should be wary of spending too much on the oft-injured Rays ace. Remember, McClanahan has not pitched in the big leagues since August of 2023, so he's sure to have restrictions if he's healthy in 2026, at least early on.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Rachaad White could be in line for an increased workload in Week 5 if starter
Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) is unable to suit up. White logged 10 touches in last week's loss to the Eagles and has been the most efficient runner in Tampa Bay's backfield, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on 23 attempts while also drawing nine targets in the passing game. With the Buccaneers showing a more balanced offensive attack this season, White's versatility as both a rusher and receiver keeps him positioned for expanded snaps, particularly on third downs and in two-minute situations. The matchup won't be easy against a Seahawks defense that ranks sixth in the NFL against the run, allowing just 89.8 rushing yards per game, but White would still carry flex appeal in fantasy formats if Irving is forced to miss Sunday's contest.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Pewter Report
October 2, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop
Bo Bichette (knee) seems unlikely to be ready to play for the start of the American League Division Series against either the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees on Saturday, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. Bichette has been limited in his baseball activities, and he has yet to resume running, which will likely be the last step he needs to take to be cleared. "I hope we win this series and he comes back for the next one," first baseman
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said. Vlad's comments seem like a pretty good indicator that Bichette won't be on the roster for the ALDS. Manager John Schneider left the door more open for Bichette to return, but he also didn't exude much confidence that Bichette would be ready. It will be a big loss if Bichette cannot play in the ALDS, with the light-hitting
Andres Gimenez likely to continue to man the 6 in his absence.
--Keith HernandezSource: Toronto Star - Rob Longley
October 2, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (hamstring) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. It's a bad sign for Jackson's chances of suiting up in Week 5 on Sunday against the Houston Texans after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Reports earlier this week suggested that Jackson could miss up to two to three weeks with his injury, so fantasy managers should have already picked up another QB as insurance if they didn't already have a backup on the roster. With Jackson looking unlikely to play this weekend, Cooper Rseemsooks headed for his first start with the Ravens against a strong Texans defense that shut out the Tennessee Titans last week. Only in deep two-QB superflex formats should Rush be a realistic streaming option if Jackson is ruled out on Friday.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
October 2, 2025
New York Giants running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) doesn't look particularly close to returning to action in Week 5 on the road against the New Orleans Saints after he missed a second straight practice this week on Thursday, according to Evan Barnes of Newsday Sports. Tracy dislocated his right shoulder in the Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has yet to practice or play since. Barring a quick recovery in the next couple of days, it's looking like the second-year back will miss a second straight game this weekend. Rookie
Cam Skattebo is lined up for clear RB1 workhorse duties for the second straight contest in a plus matchup against the Saints, making him a high-end RB2 play in fantasy, at worst. Tracy began his second year in the NFL as New York's lead back, but even before his shoulder injury in Week 3, he was quickly losing his grasp as the lead back. When Tracy returns from his shoulder injury, he very well could be the change-of-pace option behind Skattebo for the rest of the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Newsday - Evan Barnes
October 2, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) was spotted on Thursday on the field stretching with his teammates, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. It's a good sign that McLaurin is on the practice field in the portion open to the media, but it doesn't mean he'll officially return to practice with the team after being listed as a DNP on Wednesday. The 30-year-old appears to be progressing from a quadriceps injury he sustained in Week 3, but it's looking more likely that he's going to be unavailable for the second straight game in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. Fantasy managers should keep McLaurin on their benches until further notice and check back on Friday for his official Week 5 status. If he's ruled out again this weekend,
Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel),
Luke McCaffrey, and
Jaylin Lane should start in three-wide sets again for Washington with quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) making his return.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala
October 2, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has returned to the practice field on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Tashan Reed. It's unclear if Samuel was able to practice in full, but regardless, it puts him on track to play in Week 5 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers after he sat out of practice on Wednesday. Still, Samuel's status going into the weekend is worth monitoring, especially since it's looking like
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) will miss a second straight game. If Samuel can play against the Bolts, he should once again be in line for WR1 duties and will have an even higher fantasy ceiling with quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) set to return after a two-game absence due to a knee sprain. The veteran pass-catcher has been solid for fantasy managers through four weeks and had 81 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old has caught 22 of his 27 targets so far for 204 yards and two touchdowns in his first year in D.C.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
October 2, 2025
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said that coaches felt it was the "right time" to make the switch at quarterback from veteran
Joe Flacco to rookie
Dillon Gabriel after the Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. Rees also said that the team is trying to "spark the offense" with the QB shakeup as they head into a Week 5 international matchup in London against the Minnesota Vikings. For now, Flacco will hold the clipboard on the sideline as the QB2, with rookie fifth-rounder
Shedeur Sanders sticking as the QB3. Gabriel undoubtedly will give the Browns more mobility at the position going forward, but with injuries on Cleveland's offensive line, it's not going to be easy, especially in his starting debut this Sunday across the pond against a very capable Vikings D. At best, Gabriel is a low-end QB2 streaming option in superflex fantasy leagues in Week 5.
--Keith HernandezSource: Browns Zone - Scott Petrak
October 2, 2025
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said that veteran quarterback
Joe Flacco is going to remain as the team's No. 2 QB for now, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "Just feel like Joe's gonna stay the No. 2 right now and has done a lot to prepare and be ready to go in a pinch," Rees said. Flacco was benched in favor of rookie signal-caller
Dillon Gabriel after four weeks of rough play for the Browns. He will remain ahead of rookie fifth-rounder
Shedeur Sanders on the QB depth chart for now as Gabriel's backup, but as things progress this season, Sanders could leapfrog him if the coaching staff continues to like what they see from Sanders' development. In his four starts, Flacco threw for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has no business being rostered in fantasy leagues outside of two-QB superflex formats as bench depth.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
October 2, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the New York Jets have signed running back
Khalil Herbert to an undisclosed contract. Per Rapoport, the team placed running back
Braelon Allen (knee) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. The Virginia Tech product was recently signed to Seattle's practice squad, but he'll now add depth in New York's backfield. With Allen out, and backfield mate
Kene Nwangwu's (hamstring) status up in the air, it's possible that Herbert will see work right away behind starter
Breece Hall and backup
Isaiah Davis. The 27-year-old doesn't figure to be slated for a fantasy-relevant role, but he's at least on the deep handcuff radar in case the assets in front of him were to miss any time. The Jets will take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ian Rapoport
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Sterling Shepard (foot) is back on the practice field on Thursday after he was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Shepard's status is worth watching going into Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but the fact that he's back on the field on Thursday is a good sign.
Mike Evans (hamstring) is likely to miss a second straight game this weekend, but the 32-year-old Shepard is still going to be a hard sell as a flex play in fantasy now that
Chris Godwin is back. With Godwin back in the Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Shepard played 62% of the offensive snaps and caught just two passes for 14 yards on four targets, while Godwin was targeted a team-high-tying 10 times. Godwin and rookie
Emeka Egbuka will be Tampa's top two wideouts until Evans is able to return.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Baker Mayfield was out there practicing with the team on Thursday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The former Cleveland Brown was limited all last week with a biceps injury, but his ailing knee held him out of Wednesday's session. It's excellent news that he's back out there the next day, hinting that it may have been more of a day of rest for the veteran. His participation in Friday's session will be telling of his status for Sunday's outing with the hosting Seattle Seahawks, though, as of now, it appears that Mayfield is on track to suit up. Seattle has been one of the better teams against the rush thus far, so the Bucs could be forced to air it out a bit more in Week 5, particularly with running back
Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) trending in the wrong direction.
--Alex CiullaSource: Greg Auman
October 2, 2025
FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) was tagged with a DNP for Thursday's team practice. Irving was spotted in a walking boot and crutches on Wednesday, so seeing him sit again the following day wasn't all that surprising. He's considered day-to-day, and head coach Todd Bowles noted that the Oregon product could still suit up for Week 5's road contest with the Seattle Seahawks. However, he'll need to shed his boot before that comes to fruition. Fantasy managers will want to monitor the 23-year-old's status as the weekend approaches, as he's on the wrong side of questionable with just one practice day remaining. Backfield mate
Rachaad White would handle primary RB duties in his absence, with
Sean Tucker mixing in as the second option.
--Alex CiullaSource: Greg Auman
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans (hamstring) was not spotted at Thursday's team practice, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The 32-year-old missed his fifth consecutive practice while working back from a hamstring injury, an issue he's all too familiar with at this point in his career. Tampa Bay was fortunate to have teammate
Chris Godwin's return coincide with Evans' absence, as it seems the latter is still at least another week away from potentially returning to his team. With Evans expected to miss Week 5,
Sterling Shepard and
Tez Johnson will again operate behind Godwin at rookie
Emeka Egbuka when Tampa Bay takes on the hosting Seattle Seahawks.
--Alex CiullaSource: Greg Auman
October 2, 2025
Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (ankle) was throwing off to the side during warm-ups, but was unable to practice on Thursday. Minnesota will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, and all signs are pointing to the 22-year-old missing his third consecutive contest. It's good news that McCarthy seems to be progressing, but he isn't quite ready to retake the practice field. Minnesota is likely just being cautious with its franchise QB, but he'll need to log at least a limited session before he's considered for their next outing. Veteran teammate
Carson Wentz will again operate the offense in the second-year pro's stead.
--Alex CiullaSource: Dane Mizutani
October 2, 2025
Baltimore Ravens running back
Justice Hill has made a significant impact in the Ravens' offense through four weeks. Hill is coming off a career-best performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, racking up 117 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on just eight touches. He's also out-snapped
Derrick Henry in back-to-back weeks, largely due to Baltimore leaning on a pass-heavy approach against the Lions and the Chiefs. The Ravens face the Texans in Week 5, and if Houston's offense can take advantage of Baltimore's banged-up defense, Hill could once again see elevated usage. For now, he looks like a sneaky flex option with upside in PPR formats.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 2, 2025
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said this week that his team must cut down on penalties to help backup quarterback
Carson Wentz and the offense stay in favorable down-and-distance situations against the Cleveland Browns in London. Wentz threw for 350 yards last week against Pittsburgh, but in part because Minnesota committed several costly offensive penalties, fell behind in the game, and attempted 46 passes. The Vikings will be without starting left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion), and starting right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee), and are likely to feature another game plan that includes more quick, high-percentage throws to stay away from the Cleveland pass rush. It's not an ideal situation for Wentz, though he still carries some Superflex value as long as starter
J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is out.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: The Athletic
October 2, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher Travon Walker (wrist) underwent surgery but is considered day-to-day, per head coach Liam Coen. Walker sustained the injury early in Week 4's 26-21 win over the San Francisco 49ers. While it was initially deemed week-to-week, the former first-overall pick opted for surgery and could still suit up in Week 5's primetime matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Walker notched sacks in back-to-back games before the injury and has been a key piece of Jacksonville's underrated defense. If active, he and Josh Hines-Allen will be critical in generating pressure on
Patrick Mahomes to keep the Chiefs' offense in check.
--Nathan HarveySource: Ian Rapoport - NFL Network
October 2, 2025
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver
Kyle Williams is still waiting for his breakout opportunity. Through four weeks, Williams has seen just two targets while playing only 16% of the team's snaps, slotting in as the fifth receiver in the rotation. The rookie has remained patient, saying, "I feel like I can do everything. At this point, it's just waiting for my turn." Encouragingly, Williams logged a season-high 31% snap share in Week 4, which suggests he may have leapfrogged
DeMario Douglas, who regressed from 37% in Week 3 to 16% in Week 4. Williams will look to carve out a larger role in Week 5's primetime matchup against the undefeated Buffalo Bills.
--Nathan HarveySource: NBC Sports - Boston
October 2, 2025
With the Minnesota Vikings once again facing major issues on the offensive line in Week 5, the team is likely to craft a game plan similar to last week, according to Alec Lewis of The Athletic. From a fantasy perspective, that would be a good thing for wide receiver
Justin Jefferson, who drew a season-best 11 targets, 10 catches, and 126 receiving yards in the Vikings' loss against Pittsburgh. Minnesota will have to find a way to neutralize the Cleveland Browns' excellent defensive line without starting left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), starting center Ryan Kelly (concussion), and starting right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee), and scripted targets to their best player would seem to be on menu once again.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: The Athletic
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers tight end
George Kittle (hamstring) is trending toward a Week 6 return from injured reserve. Kittle strained his hamstring in Week 1 after posting four catches for 28 yards and a touchdown, all in the first quarter. His return will be a major boost for San Francisco's offense, both as a pass catcher and as a blocker. Once active, Kittle should immediately reclaim his role as a high-end TE1, though fantasy managers should be more concerned about his health risks and the 49ers' crowded target distribution.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 2, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver
Rashee Rice is eligible to return in Week 7 after serving a six-game suspension stemming from hit-and-run charges before the 2024 season. Rice has already rejoined the team for meetings, although he cannot practice until he's reinstated by the NFL. The Chiefs leaned on
Xavier Worthy,
Marquise Brown,
Tyquan Thornton, and
JuJu Smith-Schuster during his absence, but Rice should immediately slide back into his role as
Patrick Mahomes' top target once active. The third-year wideout profiles as the WR1 in Kansas City's offense and is a strong buy-low candidate ahead of his return in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
--Nathan HarveySource: Pro Football Reference
October 2, 2025
Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver
Jimmy Horn Jr. is drawing praise from the coaching staff despite being a healthy scratch through the first four weeks. Offensive coordinator Brad Idzik highlighted Horn's "work ethic and explosiveness," noting that the rookie has impressed behind the scenes. However, Horn's path to playing time remains crowded with multiple receivers nearing a return.
Jalen Coker (quad) is eligible to return in Week 5, and
Xavier Legette has resumed practicing. For now, Horn is not on the fantasy radar, but his name is worth keeping in mind as a potential late-season stash if opportunities open up.
--Nathan HarveySource: Sheena Quick
October 2, 2025
New York Jets running back
Isaiah Davis is set for a possible increase in playing time with fellow Jets running back
Braelon Allen (knee) headed for injured reserve. Allen, as reported by Rich Cimini of ESPN, will be placed on IR on Thursday and will be out for longer than the minimum four weeks, and possibly could miss the rest of the season. While running back
Breece Hall is slated to get the majority of carries out of the Jets' backfield, Davis could see an increased work load as well. He played 33% of snaps after Allen departed Monday's game, which included two catches. He'll warrant some consideration, especially in deeper PPR formats.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
October 2, 2025
Miami Dolphins tight end
Darren Waller said Wednesday that his snap count is likely to increase in the coming weeks, according to Miami reporter Barry Jackson. The veteran tight had quite a debut for the Dolphins in Week 4, catching three passes for 27 yards and two touchdowns on just four targets and 16 total snaps. Miami has eased Waller back into action this season, but he figures to keep gaining more time after Monday night. With receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the foreseeable future, Waller could quickly become one of the team's top pass-catching options alongside receiver
Jaylen Waddle and running back
De'Von Achane.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Barry Jackson
October 2, 2025
New York Jets running back
Braelon Allen (knee) will be placed on injured reserve later Thursday, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Allen sustained the injury during the Jets' Monday Night Football loss at Miami and did not return to the game. Cimini said the club isn't certain if the injury will be season-ending, but it certainly will be more than the minimum four weeks required for an IR stint. Without Allen, it seems highly likely fellow running back
Breece Hall will receive the vast majority of work out of the Jets' backfield for the time being.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: ESPN
October 2, 2025
Coming off a monster Week 4, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
George Pickens could be an even more active part of the Week 5 game plan, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. The offseason trade acquisition had his best game of the season last week against Green Bay, going for eight catches, 134 yards, and two touchdowns in Dallas' first full game without
CeeDee Lamb (ankle). This week, with a matchup against the New York Jets and cornerback Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner looming, Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said the club plans to move Pickens all over formations to create favorable matchups. That should sound good to managers who roster Pickens, who figures to continue as the top option in Dallas as long as Lamb is out.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: The Athletic
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