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
October 2, 2025
The Cleveland Browns could be turning more to rookie running back
Quinshon Judkins now that the team has formally made a change at quarterback, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. Cleveland's offense has been one of the very worst in the league, prompting the club to bench quarterback
Joe Flacco in favor of rookie
Dillon Gabriel for this week's game against Minnesota, which will be played in London. Judkins looks to be a benefactor of the switch, as the Browns likely will look to their running attack to give the first-time starting quarterback some help against a good defensive line. Judkins has drawn 19 and 25 touches, respectively, during the past two weeks, opening the possibility he's going to get feature-back work as long as he's healthy.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: The Athletic
October 2, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter is a suddenly relevant fantasy name who is sending managers rushing to the waiver wires this week ahead of a matchup against the lowly Tennessee Titans. The fifth-year back told reporters on Wednesday that he's poised to start the game after the Cardinals lost their top two runnings backs,
James Conner (ankle) and
Trey Benson (knee), in back-to-back weeks. While Benson should return this year, the Arizona Republic reports the Cards could turn to a committee approach with Carter,
Emari Demercado, and Zonovan Knight, but it was Carter who took snaps first at Wednesday's practice. Carter was a top-30 fantasy running back in 2021, and the opportunity gives him the chance at becoming a valuable fantasy add, especially during bye weeks.
--Nick PiotrowiczSource: Arizona Republic
October 2, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop
Bo Bichette (knee) has not been able to resume running yet, according to manager John Schneider, who added, "Hopefully soon." Bichette has been hitting on the field and throwing, but he may still not be ready for the ALDS, which starts this Saturday against either the Yankees or the Red Sox in Toronto.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said that he hopes the team can win this series so Bichette can return "for the next one," which seems to indicate Bichette is unlikely to play this weekend. Nothing is official yet until the Blue Jays release their roster with or without their starting shortstop on it, but it seems to be trending towards him being sidelined. Bichette has been sidelined since September 6 with a PCL sprain after hitting .311 with 18 home runs, 94 RBI, and 78 runs scored in 139 regular-season games. If Bichette isn't ready to return,
Andres Gimenez will continue to fill in at shortstop.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Keegan Matheson
October 2, 2025
Detroit Tigers first baseman
Spencer Torkelson (foot) was sent for a precautionary X-rays on his right foot after fouling a ball off it in the fourth inning of Game 2 against the Guardians. The X-rays returned negative for any fractures, and manager A.J. Hinch said that he thinks Spencer Torkelson will be good to go for Game 3. In a rough day for Torkelson, he went 0-for-3 with a walk, and he was also hit by a pitch on the hand in the ninth inning. He'll hope for a better and less painful result to Thursday's decisive Game 3, as he and the Tigers look to advance to face the Mariners in the ALDS.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Evan Woodbery
October 2, 2025
Cincinnati Reds first baseman/third baseman
Sal Stewart went 2-for-4 with three RBI and a stolen base in his team's 8-4 loss to the Dodgers. While the loss ended the Reds' season, fans have to be excited about what they saw from Stewart, who made a great first impression in the majors after his September call-up. He hit .255 in his 18 games in the regular season with five homers, a .355 wOBA, and a 52.5% hard-hit rate. The 21-year-old lefty came off the bench and walked as a pinch-hitter in Game 1 of the series before his big game Wednesday night. He'll be a key part of the Reds' future plans and has a good shot of filling an everyday role out of Spring Training next year.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
October 2, 2025
Chicago Bulls guard
Coby White (calf) did some shooting and bike riding during Wednesday's practice, Will Gottlieb of CHGO Sports reports. White arrived at training camp with a calf strain, and the Bulls are exercising "an overabundance of caution" to prevent the issue from becoming a lingering problem. With three weeks to go until opening night, White has a good amount of time to recover. We probably won't see much of him during the preseason, though. 2025-26 could be a big year for White, who averaged 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.3 assists after the All-Star break last season, coinciding with
Zach LaVine's move to Sacramento.
--Taavi PailkSource: Will Gottlieb
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop
Mookie Betts went 4-for-5 with three doubles, three RBI, and a run scored to help carry his team to an 8-4 victory over the Reds on Wednesday night. The win completed a Wild Card series sweep for the Boys in Blue and moved them on to a great National League Division Series against the Phillies. Betts went 6-for-9 in the series, continuing his momentum from a strong finish to the regular season. Even though his overall numbers for the season were down, he finished the season by hitting .299 with six homers, 23 RBI, and a .376 wOBA in his 23 games in September. He looks locked in and ready to be a key part of the Dodgers' postseason run, heading into a tough matchup with the Phillies starting on Saturday.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
October 2, 2025
Chicago Bulls forward
Patrick Williams (ankle) left Wednesday's practice early, Will Gottlieb of CHGO Sports reports. Williams tweaked his left ankle during the session. After practice, he was seen riding a stationary bike. Initial signs suggest he avoided a bad injury. "I don't think it's too serious," Bulls head coach Billy Donovan said about Williams' issue. Injuries have limited Williams to just 106 games over the past two campaigns. He had a tough year last season, shooting under 40 percent from the field and averaging 9.0 points with 3.8 rebounds per game. The 24-year-old still has time to improve, but he needs to stay healthy to elevate his game and become a more attractive option in fantasy basketball.
--Taavi PailkSource: Will Gottlieb
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher/designated hitter
Shohei Ohtani will take the mound for Game 1 of his team's NLDS series against the Phillies on Saturday. Ohtani would have been the starter for Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Reds, but the Dodgers made that game unnecessary by winning Game 2 by the score of 8-4 on Wednesday night. Ohtani pitched in 14 games this season, posting a 2.87 ERA and 2.45 FIP over his 47 innings. He stacked up 62 strikeouts while allowing just a .223 batting average against him. He faced the Phillies in one of his starts and threw five no-hit innings with five strikeouts. He worked up to six innings in his most recent appearance, so he should be able to go as deep as the Dodgers' need him to on Saturday, as he goes head-to-head with
Cristopher Sanchez in what should be an awesome Game 1.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Jack Harris
October 2, 2025
Phoenix Suns center
Mark Williams will not play in Friday's preseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic reports. Williams hasn't yet participated in any five-one-five work during training camp. "He does everything in practice that we ask except live five-on-five at this point," Suns head coach Jordan Ott said Wednesday. "We have a plan for him. We know what his previous three years were (in Charlotte). So we have a plan for him going forward." Williams has faced health issues throughout his three-year NBA career, playing in only 106 games. It appears the Suns plan to be especially cautious with him, and rushing him into preseason action would not be wise. When healthy, Williams can be a significant contributor in fantasy basketball, having averaged a double-double last season with 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in 26.6 minutes.
--Taavi PailkSource: Duane Rankin
October 2, 2025
Brooklyn Nets forward/center
Noah Clowney (ankle) is healthy for the start of the season and has reshaped his body, Brian Lewis of the New York Post reports. "That's been the whole goal, being a better driver," Clowney said. "I have to get stronger, I have to be able to drive through contact and be able to still be able to explode." A year ago, Clowney was listed at 210 pounds when he started training camp. He's now at 234 pounds and is expected to take on a bigger role on the team this season. Clowney is an intriguing talent and could be ready for a breakout fantasy year in 2025-26. He tallied 9.1 points and 3.9 rebounds in 22.7 minutes last season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Brian Lewis
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Gabe Vincent (knee) participated fully in Wednesday's practice, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. Vincent arrived at training camp with a knee problem but was able to shake it off quickly. Vincent will continue to serve as a backup in Los Angeles this season and may see reduced playing time following the addition of
Marcus Smart (Achilles). However, the 29-year-old has an opportunity to boost his stock during the preseason, as Smart deals with an Achilles issue and is ruled out for at least a week. During the previous campaign, Vincent logged 21.1 minutes per game, putting up 6.4 points.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Trudell
October 2, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (glute) did individual on-court work during Wednesday's practice, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. The veteran superstar is dealing with nerve irritation in his glute at the start of training camp and may see limited action during the preseason. However, the Lakers appear confident that they can get James healthy for opening night on Oct. 21 against the Golden State Warriors, so fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he's on track to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 campaign. James is set to begin Year 23 in the National Basketball Association, an all-time record.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mike Trudell
October 2, 2025
San Francisco 49ers kicker
Eddy Pineiro recovered well from his introduction to the team back in Week 2. In his first scoring opportunity after replacing the volatile
Jake Moody, Pineiro hooked an extra point attempt. He has since made each of his subsequent tries - four extra points, and seven field goals, one of which came as time expired to give the 49ers their Week 3 win over the Cardinals. Known more for his accuracy than for his range, Pineiro makes for a reliable floor play. He's no lock to drive home the 50-yarders that can really make a difference in fantasy football, but he can be counted on to convert the kicks he makes in his opponent's territory. In 2025, he ranks eighth in the league in fantasy points per game. In Week 5, he is a serviceable streaming candidate against the Rams.
--Dan StephensSource: NFL.com
RADIO
