RADIO
Pat Freiermuth Primed for Featured Role in Week 6
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth scored twice in Week 5 and should remain a focal point of the team's passing attack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 6. The Steelers' wide receiver room is thin, with Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) out and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable to suit up. If Metcalf can't go, Freiermuth and rookie receiver Germie Bernard will be expected to lead the way for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, with running back Jaylen Warren and fellow tight end Darnell Washington also contributing in the passing game. The Buccaneers are surrendering the 10th-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, making this a matchup worth targeting. Freiermuth leads all Steelers offensive weapons with four touchdowns and five red-zone targets already this season. The 27-year-old checks in as the TE12 in RotoBaller's Week 6 rankings and carries plenty of upside as a starting option on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Austin Ekeler Remains Limited on Friday
Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (chest) remained a limited participant during Friday's practice session, per John Keim of ESPN. The veteran back has been limited in back-to-back days ahead of Monday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. Lead back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) hasn't practiced yet this week, and Rachaad White (shoulder) was downgraded to limited on Friday. Ekeler could see a larger role than normal if one or both backs are unable to play this week. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on his status.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
AJ Dybantsa Exits Preseason Finale with Ankle Injury
Washington Wizards forward AJ Dybantsa (ankle) left Friday's preseason finale against the New Orleans Pelicans in the second quarter after rolling his ankle while landing on a running jumper, according to The Athletic's Josh Robbins. The 19-year-old walked to the locker room on his own, and Washington has yet to provide an update on the severity. Dybantsa averaged 13.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.0 steals through his first three exhibitions despite going 1-for-8 from three. With Wednesday's opener against Milwaukee approaching, his status is worth watching closely. Bilal Coulibaly could see more wing minutes if Dybantsa can't go.
Source: Josh Robbins
Source: Josh Robbins
Germie Bernard Trending Up, Carries Flex Value Against Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Germie Bernard had his most productive outing yet in Week 5 and will look to carry that momentum into a Week 6 meeting with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Although Tampa Bay's defense has been solid, it ranks in the middle of the pack against fantasy wideouts. Bernard should earn plenty of looks on Sunday with teammates Michael Pittman Jr. (foot), Roman Wilson (finger), and Ben Skowronek (calf) inactive and DK Metcalf (illness) questionable to play. The rookie's early chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been on display when he sees an uptick in snaps. In two games this season with more than 70% of offensive snaps, Bernard has earned a total of 17 targets. While running back Jaylen Warren and tight end Pat Freiermuth are also sure to be involved in the passing game, Bernard's opportunity is hard to ignore, making him an intriguing WR3 or flex option in most fantasy formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cam Christie Returns to Clippers on Two-Way Deal
The Los Angeles Clippers have signed guard/forward Cam Christie to a two-way contract after he cleared waivers, according to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto. Los Angeles waived the 21-year-old Wednesday before his $2.3 million salary became guaranteed. Christie appeared in 55 games last season, averaging 2.8 points and 1.4 rebounds in 8.7 minutes while shooting 24.5% from three. He showed more as a rookie with the G League's San Diego Clippers, averaging 18.2 points per game. The two-way deal keeps him in the organization, but he'll need injuries or a big developmental jump to earn enough NBA minutes for fantasy consideration.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Rachaad White Gets Through a Limited Practice Session
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White (shoulder) practiced in a limited capacity on Friday, per John Keim of ESPN. White practiced in full on Thursday, but now he gets downgraded to limited due to a shoulder injury. This could be the team just being cautious with White, who has been dealing with this shoulder injury since Week 4. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the next few days. Lead back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (groin) hasn't practiced yet this week. There's a chance that White operates as the lead back for Monday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
Stefon Diggs is Limited During Friday's Practice
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (hamstring) was spotted back on the practice field on Friday. Diggs was able to get through a limited practice session on Friday, per John Keim of ESPN. The veteran wideout missed practice to begin the week on Thursday, but a limited session on Friday is encouraging ahead of the Monday Night matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Diggs wasn't able to play last week, and it looks like he'll be questionable for Monday's game. The Commanders are banged up on offense right now, so his return to the field would be huge for this offense. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on his status.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
Aday Mara's NBA Debut Challenged by Former Spanish Club
Oklahoma City Thunder center Aday Mara is facing a contract dispute with former Spanish club Basket Zaragoza ahead of Tuesday's season opener at San Antonio. Zaragoza claims the 21-year-old remains under contract through 2026-27, but Oklahoma City says the NBA advised the team that no clearance is required after Mara spent three seasons in the NCAA. There is no indication yet that he will be forced to sit. Mara averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 blocks in five preseason games while shooting 78.8% from the field, so fantasy managers should monitor the situation without overreacting.
Source: Donatas Urbonas
Source: Donatas Urbonas
Mikel Brown Jr. to Remain on Minutes Restriction
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. will remain on a minutes restriction for Wednesday's season opener against Charlotte, according to the New York Post's Brian Lewis. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said he wants a player cleared for more than 24 minutes before putting him in the starting lineup, and Brown isn't there yet. The No. 6 overall pick missed Brooklyn's first three preseason games with a sprained left ankle before scoring 15 points with three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 18 minutes against Miami. Egor Demin is in line to start at point guard, while Brown's fantasy upside should grow as the restriction eases.
Source: Brian Lewis
Source: Brian Lewis
Julian Strawther to be Re-Evaluated in Six Weeks
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Julian Strawther (knee) will be re-evaluated in six weeks after suffering a left knee sprain in Wednesday's preseason loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, according to Katy Winge. The 24-year-old had been one of Denver's better preseason performers, averaging 13.3 points in 18.5 minutes while shooting 43.5% from three. Strawther also averaged 7.2 points across 57 games last season and is entering a contract year. With Spencer Jones (hamstring) still limited to non-contact work, Alpha Diallo has a better chance to earn rotation minutes while Strawther is sidelined.
Source: Katy Winge
Source: Katy Winge
Deebo Samuel Sr. has Not Practiced This Week
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) missed a second straight practice on Friday, according to Harrison Rich of The San Francisco Chronicle. Although the 49ers do not plan to place Samuel on Injured Reserve at this time following his hamstring injury on Sunday in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, the 30-year-old veteran is expected to miss several weeks, including Monday night's clash against the Washington Commanders in Week 6. Fantasy managers should not realistically expect him to make a return until their Week 9 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Nov. 8 after their bye in Week 8. San Francisco is running out of healthy bodies at the receiver position, with veteran Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) also hobbled and not practicing yet this week. It is possible that Christian Kirk (calf) makes his return from Injured Reserve this weekend to give the team some reinforcements. Samuel was seeing increased usage in 2026 in his return to the Niners given all their injuries and had 16 catches on 20 targets for 206 yards and three touchdowns before his hamstring injury on Sunday.
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle - Harrison Rich
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle - Harrison Rich
Christian Kirk Limited in Friday's Practice
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) was listed as a limited participant in Friday's practice, according to The San Francisco Chronicle's Harrison Rich. It was originally believed that it was unlikely that Kirk would have his 21-day practice window opened to return from Injured Reserve this week, but the 29-year-old veteran returned to the field on Thursday and is now an option to make his 2026 season debut on Monday night against the visiting Washington Commanders. The 49ers' receiving corps is among the most banged up in the league, and the team is expected to be without veteran Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) for multiple weeks after he was injured in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Veteran Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) continues to play through injuries, but he has not practiced yet this week. Kirk may not return in Week 6, but he is a sneaky waiver-wire pickup in deeper fantasy leagues for those looking for WR depth. When he returns, Kirk has a clear path to WR2 duties in the Bay Area with everyone else literally injured.
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle - Harrison Rich
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle - Harrison Rich
Quinshon Judkins Looks To Play Through Injury Against Ravens
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) is officially listed as questionable for the team's Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens with an ankle injury. Judkins missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday before receiving the questionable designation. The Ravens are 12th in the NFL in run defense, allowing 102.0 rush yards per game and have given up six rushing touchdowns this season. If Judkins is good to go, he will have a tough matchup against a solid Baltimore rush defense and is off to a bit of a slow start to the season through five games. The Ohio State product has run 73 times for 221 yards and one rushing touchdown. Judkins will look to get going as his 3.0 yards per rush attempt this season has not been overwhelming. Browns backup running back Dylan Sampson has been ruled out for Week 6, and the Browns signed Audric Estime as a precaution in case Judkins is unable to suit up. Estime should also see some carries even if Judkins is healthy enough to play.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Trey Smack Has Streaming Appeal In Week 6
Green Bay Packers kicker Trey Smack is looking to bounce back after an uneven performance against Chicago. Smack made a 35-yard field goal but missed two other attempts and an extra point in the 31-7 victory. He is 7-for-10 on field goals through five games, including 2-for-2 from at least 50 yards with a season-long 59-yard make. Head coach Matt LaFleur expressed confidence in the rookie following last week's misses and said Smack was trying to compensate for the swirling winds at Lambeau Field. Green Bay's offense is coming off a 428-yard performance, while Dallas ranks 31st in total defense. Smack's recent misses add some risk, but his leg strength and role in a productive offense give him a favorable Week 6 outlook. RotoBaller ranks Smack K12 for Week 6, making him a viable streaming option against Dallas.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Evans Misses Another Practice on Friday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (ribs, Achilles) was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day on Friday, according to Harrison Rich of The San Francisco Chronicle. Evans is trending towards being at least questionable for Monday night's contest at home against the Washington Commanders, even if he returns to the practice field for the final session of the week on Saturday. The 33-year-old has been playing through a painful rib injury and is also now dealing with soreness in his Achilles. The 49ers cannot afford to have their best pass-catcher join the list of wideouts on Injured Reserve this year, which is why he has not been practicing much during the week. If Evans returns to practice on Saturday, he could have a good chance of playing in Week 6. The future Hall of Fame receiver will have an even higher target share if he is active on Monday night, with Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) expected to miss time with a hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Despite battling nagging injuries in his first year in San Fran, Evans has secured 24 of his 34 targets for 326 yards and three touchdowns and has continued to be a must-start WR2 in fantasy.
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle - Harrison Rich
Source: The San Francisco Chronicle - Harrison Rich
