RADIO
Christian Kirk Has 21-Day Practice Window Opened
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) had his 21-day practice window opened Thursday, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, moving him closer to making his debut with the team. Kirk has been on injured reserve since the start of the season after straining his calf during training camp in July. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated earlier this week that Kirk was unlikely to resume practicing, making Thursday's development an encouraging sign. The 29-year-old caught 28 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown in 13 games with Houston last season, then added 10 receptions for 164 yards and two scores during the playoffs. His potential return comes at a welcome time for San Francisco, which expects Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) to miss multiple games and still has Ricky Pearsall (knee) on injured reserve. Mike Evans remains the team's top receiving option, while Brandin Cooks is expected to handle additional work during Samuel's absence. Kirk could eventually factor into the receiving rotation, but he still needs to be activated from injured reserve. His availability for Monday's Week 6 matchup against Washington remains uncertain, making him a speculative fantasy option for now.
Source: Matt Maiocco
Source: Matt Maiocco
Yu Darvish Still Rehabbing, No Clarity on his Future
San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller said that veteran right-hander Yu Darvish (elbow) is still doing his rehab, but there is no clarity yet on what the future holds for him, according to Marty Caswell of Foul Territory. "He's been doing the work to at least give himself the option," Preller said. The 40-year-old veteran had internal-brace surgery on his right elbow in October of 2025 and did not pitch at all for the Padres in 2026. However, he did throw off a mound a few times during his rehab, most recently in late August. Depending on how he fares with the rest of his rehab, there is a chance that Darvish decides to continue his playing career. If he does, he will be extremely hard to rely on, especially from a health perspective. Darvish has two years and $30 million remaining on his contract with San Diego. The Japanese superstar and five-time All-Star has made only 31 appearances for the Friars since the start of 2024, and he had an ERA over 5.00 with 68 strikeouts and 19 walks in 72 innings across 15 starts in his last season in 2025.
Source: Foul Territory - Marty Caswell
Source: Foul Territory - Marty Caswell
Brenton Strange Commands 16 Targets in Two Games
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has drawn eight targets in consecutive games, a substantial change after seeing just 10 across the first three weeks. Strange followed his seven-catch, 95-yard performance against Cincinnati with another seven receptions for 68 yards in Sunday's 19-17 victory over Philadelphia. He has accounted for a team-high 26.2% target share over those two contests, catching 14 of 16 targets for 163 yards. That production translated into 16.5 and 13.8 PPR points without a touchdown in either game, an encouraging development for a tight end who previously struggled to see consistent opportunities. Jacksonville still has several established receiving options, and Parker Washington remains a prominent part of the passing attack, so eight targets shouldn't automatically be considered Strange's new weekly expectation. However, Trevor Lawrence has been looking his way frequently enough to make him a viable streaming option, especially in full-PPR leagues. Strange is worth starting for managers short on established tight end options against Houston in Week 6, although Jacksonville's Week 7 bye limits his immediate appeal as a pickup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Troy Melton Will Have Normal Offseason
Detroit Tigers right-hander Troy Melton (forearm), whose season ended early in mid-September with right-forearm tightness, went through follow-up evaluation after the season, and no issues were found, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Melton is starting a normal offseason workout routine and should be a full-go for the start of spring training in 2027. The 25-year-old former fourth-round selection in 2022 from San Diego State looked solid again in his second major league season, going 8-5 with a 2.76 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with a career-high 94 strikeouts and 37 walks in 114 1/3 innings pitched across 20 starts. Melton has gone 11-7 with a 2.76 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 130:52 K:BB in 160 frames across 36 appearances (24 starts) for Detroit in his first two years in the majors. He might have been even better had he not gotten a late start to the season due to an elbow strain. If healthy next season, Melton will be a popular starting pitcher breakout candidate in what would be his first full season in the majors.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Phillies Plan to Keep Trea Turner at Shortstop
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said on Thursday that he plans to have veteran infielder Trea Turner open the 2027 season at shortstop, but he told him personally that he must play well to stay there, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Turner, who has never been a particularly strong defender at the 6, had his worst defensive showing with the glove in 2026 after looking solid the year prior. The 33-year-old three-time All-Star and two-time batting champion also took a step back offensively for the Phillies in 2026, slashing .242/.297/.378 with a .675 OPS, 19 home runs, 58 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 101 runs scored across 645 at-bats in his 12th year in the big leagues. Turner really struggled against left-handed pitchers, batting .219 (46-for-210) against them with only three of his 19 homers on the year. He picked things up in September and October after a slow August, going 24-for-98 (.245) with two home runs, seven RBI, and three stolen bases in 24 games since the start of September.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Malik Nabers Returns to WR1 Form After Quiet September
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers has put his slow start behind him, catching 17 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 27 targets over the past two games. Those numbers are a sharp departure from his opening three outings, when he managed 12 receptions for 96 yards without a score. Sunday's 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders offered the clearest evidence yet, as Nabers drew a career-high 20 targets, turning 11 into catches for 121 yards. He also hauled in a 17-yard touchdown with less than two minutes remaining to force overtime. The Giants won't throw 54 passes every week, and tight end Isaiah Likely's 13 targets against Washington show that Nabers isn't the only prominent receiving option. Even so, his connection with quarterback Jameis Winston has helped restore the heavy workload that made him such a valuable fantasy receiver before his 2025 knee injury. Nabers wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report and enters Sunday's home matchup with the New Orleans Saints as a strong WR1 option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Shane Drohan Making the Start in Game 4 of NLCS Against Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers rookie left-hander Shane Drohan will make the start in Game 4 of the National League Championship Series on Thursday night in Los Angeles against the Dodgers, according to MLB.com. Drohan will be looking to repeat the success of fellow lefty starter Robert Gasser, who tossed five shutout innings against L.A. in the Game 3 victory on Wednesday evening. A win by Drohan on Thursday would send the Brewers to the World Series for the first time since 1982. Drohan will be opposed by Dodgers right-hander Tyler Glasnow. The 27-year-old Drohan has not pitched since Sept. 27 after making 33 appearances (19 starts) for the Brew Crew during the regular season. During his 33 outings, he had a 4.19 ERA and struck out 125 batters while walking 44 in 124 2/3 innings pitched. Milwaukee will go right back to the lefty well and hope that Drohan can continue to keep the Dodgers' bats silent. Drohan will continue to lean on his impressive fastball/sinker combination. He faced the Dodgers three times (one start) this year, allowing six runs (five earned) against them while giving up six hits (one homer), walking five, and striking out 12 in 9 2/3 innings pitched.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Rashee Rice Not Practicing Again on Thursday
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (hamstring) is not practicing for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com. Coming out of the bye, it is not a good sign that Rice has missed two straight practices in advance of Sunday's Week 6 divisional clash against the winless Los Angeles Chargers. The 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 from SMU injured his hamstring in the Week 4 win over the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders and could be tracking towards missing his first game of the season. Rice has predictably been one of quarterback Patrick Mahomes' favorite targets this year, catching 13 passes for 190 yards and a touchdown in his four games played. It is not looking good for Rice this week, but that could all change if he returns to practice on Friday. With the Chiefs-Chargers not kicking off until the later window on Sunday, Rice will become riskier this weekend if he picks up a questionable tag on Friday's final injury report. Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce could be heavily targeted if Rice is unavailable against L.A.
Source: ChiefsDigest.com - Matt Derrick
Source: ChiefsDigest.com - Matt Derrick
TreVeyon Henderson Present for Thursday's Practice
New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) was present for the team's practice on Thursday, according to Evan Lazar of the team's official website. Henderson was surprisingly listed as limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, and the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed reports that the 23-year-old was in pads before Thursday's session. After the second-year back was injured in the Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, it was expected that he would be headed for a multi-week absence. However, Henderson's ankle injury might not be as bad as initially feared, potentially giving him a chance to play this Sunday against the division-rival New York Jets in Week 6. The former Ohio State star will still be a risky RB3/flex option if he is active this weekend against the Jets, but it would be great news overall for his fantasy managers going forward. Henderson has not been able to get into a groove yet in 2026, averaging 3.9 yards per carry for 163 yards and one touchdown on 42 rushing attempts. He has added only two catches for 22 yards. If Henderson cannot play against New York, backfield mate Rhamondre Stevenson would be a must-start in fantasy lineups.
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Source: Patriots.com - Evan Lazar
Jalen Hurts "Out Indefinitely" With Blood Clot
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said on The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (calf) is out for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6 due to a superficial blood clot and cannot play football until his situation is solved. He is "out indefinitely." It is unclear how much time Hurts will miss, so in the meantime, fantasy managers should hold onto him. Backup Tanner McKee will take over under center and lead a banged-up Eagles offense this weekend against the Panthers. Not only is Hurts sidelined indefinitely with his medical condition, but both starting running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and top wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring) could miss another game this weekend, so McKee could have one hand tied behind his back as he tries to help the Eagles avoid a fourth straight loss. Hurts initially requested treatment for his calf after practice on Oct. 8, after he was cleated in the leg during the team's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. A recent ultrasound this week revealed the blood clot, and the Eagles are not going to take any chances.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
DeVonta Smith Still Not Practicing
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was not seen during warmups before Thursday's practice, according to The Athletic's Brooks Kubena. Smith injured his hamstring in the Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears and has missed each of the last two contests. It looks like he will go down as a non-participant for the second straight day this week, putting his status firmly in question for the Week 6 tilt this Sunday at home against the Carolina Panthers. The 27-year-old is a must-start when healthy as the Eagles' unquestioned WR1, but Smith's injury and quarterback Jalen Hurts' -- he has been ruled out for Week 6 due to a superficial blood clot -- have dropped his fantasy value for the time being. If Smith is not cleared to play this weekend, Dontayvion Wicks and rookie first-rounder Makai Lemon would once again have bigger roles while working with backup QB Tanner McKee. Through the first five games in 2026, Smith has caught 19 of his 27 targets for 235 yards and one touchdown in only three games played.
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
College Football Playoff Nearing Deal to Expand Again
Per sources, the College Football Playoff is nearing a deal to expand to 24 teams, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel. The new playoff format would begin in 2027 and is expected to be finalized in the near future, pending final approvals. While details are yet to be finalized, discussions have mentioned the 24-team field would include 19 at-large bids, the Power 4 conference champions (as determined by each conference) and the highest-ranked Group of 6 team. The new playoff field is expected to eliminate Power 4 conference championship games and also lead to the season starting a week earlier. From 2014-23, a committee was in place to choose the top-four teams, and things have expanded to a 12-team field since.
Source: Pete Thamel - ESPN
Source: Pete Thamel - ESPN
Saquon Barkley Not Seen at Thursday's Practice
For the second straight day, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) was not seen during warmups on Thursday, according to Brooks Kubena of The Athletic. Barkley injured his hamstring in the Week 4 win over the Los Angeles Rams and was held out of the Week 5 loss in London to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With two missed practices under his belt already this week, the 29-year-old is not looking good to be available to play this Sunday against the visiting Carolina Panthers. Additionally, top receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) has yet to practice and is also looking like he will miss a second straight day. To top it all off, starting quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for Week 6 with a superficial blood clot. Philly's offense is in shambles right now and will have backup QB Tanner McKee leading it this Sunday. With Will Shipley (foot) expected to miss several weeks now, Dameon Pierce would be in line for lead-back duties this weekend against Carolina if Barkley cannot return to practice in some form on Friday.
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
Source: The Athletic - Brooks Kubena
Jayden Daniels Proves he's Back With Strong Week 5 Performance
Fantasy managers were a bit unsure what to expect from Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in his return from a dislocated left (non-throwing) elbow in the team's Week 5 tie to the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday, especially with one of his top receivers, Stefon Diggs, sidelined with a hamstring injury. Daniels returned to form, going 17-for-25 passing for 199 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions, but he made plenty of noise with his legs, carrying the football nine times for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The 25-year-old former second overall pick from LSU also threw a successful two-point conversion. In three games so far in 2026, in his third year in the NFL, Daniels has thrown for 459 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, adding 21 rushing attempts for 203 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. Daniels has averaged 20.9 fantasy points in his three games, which puts him as the QB8 overall. His risk of reinjuring his left elbow is real, but Daniels sets fantasy managers apart given his rushing abilities. Daniels will be on the QB1/2 borderline for the team's Week 6 tilt on the road against the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tanner McKee on the Superflex Sleeper Radar With Start Upcoming
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts has been ruled out for Sunday's Week 6 game at home against the Carolina Panthers due to a superficial blood clot, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Until Hurts' medical situation is resolved, backup Tanner McKee will lead Philadelphia's offense. That will make McKee a potential sleeper in two-QB superflex leagues, beginning this weekend against Carolina, which is coming off its bye. The 26-year-old former sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from Stanford will be making just his third NFL start against the Panthers, and he could be without top running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and top receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring). In his six games played with the Eagles since 2024, McKee has gone 54-for-88 passing (61.4%) for 597 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception. It is unclear if the Eagles will consider re-signing veteran Andy Dalton to give them insurance behind McKee. McKee will definitely have an opportunity, but we would recommend avoiding him if both Barkley and Smith are inactive for a second straight week.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
