RADIO
Matt Duchene Out for Three Months After Core Surgery
Dallas Stars forward Matt Duchene underwent surgery to repair a core injury and will be unavailable for three months, the team announced Monday. Duchene dealt with a lower-body injury at training camp and hasn't seen any action this season. Dallas placed him on long-term Injured Reserve on Oct. 1. Unfortunately, we won't see Duchene back on the ice before 2027. This injury has ruined Duchene's hopes of reaching his 1,000th career point this season. He has produced consistently throughout his career, with 387 goals and 549 assists in 1,195 games. Duchene's long-term absence elevates the fantasy value of Sam Steel and Justin Hryckowian.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Vikings Work Out Receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster
The Minnesota Vikings worked out veteran free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Monday, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Smith-Schuster has not signed with an NFL team for the 2026 season despite also working out for the New York Jets in the middle of September. The 29-year-old could be brought in by the Vikings for extra receiver depth if Jordan Addison (hamstring) is forced to miss more time after the team's bye in Week 6. The 29-year-old Smith-Schuster was released by the New York Giants on Aug. 18 after he suffered a knee injury in training camp, but he has recovered from his knee injury and is still seeking an NFL job for the remainder of the season. The former Pro Bowler played in 17 games (12 starts) for the Kansas City Chiefs last year and hauled in 33 of his 45 targets for 345 yards and a touchdown in his ninth year in the league. Smith-Schuster is a long shot to become fantasy-relevant again in Minnesota or anywhere else.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
John Tavares Rejoins Practice
Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (personal) practiced on Monday and is on track to return for Tuesday's matchup with the Utah Mammoth. Tavares didn't play in Saturday's win over Colorado after the birth of his son. Nicholas Paul moved to the second line and contributed two assists in an impressive 6-3 road triumph. Tavares' return will bump Paul to the third line, but he should still see plenty of ice time. After five appearances, Tavares sits on one goal and two assists.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Connor Bedard Likely to Make His Season Debut Tuesday
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (knee) is likely to make his season debut in Tuesday's matchup with Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins, ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports. The Blackhawks captain fully participated in Sunday's practice, and on Monday, head coach Jeff Blashill said Bedard is "trending toward" playing against Pittsburgh. This is huge news because Bedard wasn't initially expected to play this month after offseason shoulder surgery. Bedard is set to skate alongside Patrick Kane and Roman Kanstserov on Chicago's top line in Tuesday's game. He has recorded four points (one goal, three assists) in five career games against Crosby's crew.
Source: Emily Kaplan
Source: Emily Kaplan
Jake Sanderson Still Sidelined Monday
Ottawa Senators defenseman Jake Sanderson (lower body) will miss a fifth consecutive game on Monday night against the New Jersey Devils. The 2026 Olympic champion took part in the morning skate, but he isn't ready to return from a lower-body injury. Artem Zub (knee) will also remain out, increasing the fantasy value of Thomas Chabot, Jordan Spence, and Carter Yakemchuk. Chabot has averaged a whopping 27:07 of ice time, recording three points, 15 SOG, and 16 blocks in five games. Yakemchuk has also made a strong impression offensively, landing on the score sheet twice in the last three games.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Luke Evangelista Expected to Play Monday
New Jersey Devils winger Luke Evangelista (illness) missed Monday's morning skate but looks set to play against the Ottawa Senators. The former Predator is feeling under the weather, but Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe was optimistic after the morning skate that Evangelista would be available. In his first four outings with the Devils, Evangelista has contributed two goals and one assist. He has logged time on the second line and the first power-play unit. Compared with his final season in Nashville, Evangelista's average ice time has increased by nearly two minutes. The Devils have Stefan Noesen ready to step in for Evangelista if he doesn't feel well enough to play.
Source: NHL.com
Source: NHL.com
Zach Charbonnet Listed as Limited in Monday's Estimated Practice
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) was estimated as limited on the team's Monday practice report, according to The Seattle Times' Bob Condotta. Charbonnet had his 21-day practice window opened last week to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list following a torn ACL in the postseason in January, but he did not return for the Week 5 loss to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, and he is not expected to make his 2026 debut this Thursday night in Denver against the Broncos. Seattle will most likely want to see Charbonnet practice in full for an entire week before bringing him back. His next chance to return will come in a Week 7 tilt on Sunday Night Football on Oct. 25 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Seahawks could ease Charbonnet back into the backfield when he returns, but eventually, he is expected to be the primary ball-carrier in a RB room that also includes Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, and rookie first-rounder Jadarian Price (chest). Charbonnet should be stashed in most fantasy football leagues with his return on the horizon.
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Jacob Markstrom Fine Despite Early Exit
Florida Panthers goaltender Jacob Markstrom did not sustain an injury in Monday's loss to Buffalo, George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reports. The Panthers' No. 1 unexpectedly departed the game after the first period, finishing with nine saves. "There's no injury there," Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said postgame. "There's nothing we can't deal with. Just standard stuff." Since Markstrom played only one period against Buffalo, he might be back between the sticks on Tuesday night against Columbus. The Swedish netminder has been in good early-season form, posting a 2-1-1 record, a 2.03 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage.
Source: George Richards
Source: George Richards
Rasmus Dahlin Won't Play Tuesday
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (upper body) has been ruled out for Tuesday's contest against the Montreal Canadiens, Heather Engel of NHL.com reports. The Swedish defensive star was injured in Monday's win over Florida and won't travel to Canada with the team. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff labeled Dahlin day-to-day. Dahlin is a huge piece for the Sabres at both ends of the ice and will be sorely missed in Tuesday's matchup. With Dahlin on the shelf, we will likely see Owen Power move to the first power-play unit, while Louis Crevier will be in a position to get more ice time.
Source: Heather Engel
Source: Heather Engel
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Dealing With Ankle Injury on Short Week
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (ankle) was estimated as a limited participant in practice on Monday due to an ankle injury, according to Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times. Smith-Njigba had his ankle wrapped up during the Week 5 loss to the division-rival San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, but he remained in the game and had his fourth 100-yard game in the first five weeks of the 2026 season and added his seventh touchdown reception on five catches. The 24-year-old's ankle injury did not really slow him down in the 32-29 loss in Seattle, and we would be surprised if it kept him from playing on a short week this Thursday night in Denver against the Broncos. Through five games in his fourth season in the NFL, the two-time Pro Bowl and last Year's Offensive Player of the Year leads the league in receiving yards (583), touchdowns (seven), and yards per game (116.6) on 37 receptions (50 targets). Even if All-Pro Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II returns from his ankle injury in Week 6, JSN should be started with confidence in all fantasy football leagues.
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Germie Bernard a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Amid Wide Receiver Injuries
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard had the best game of his young career in Week 5, recording six catches for 80 yards on nine targets in his team's 34-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Heading into Week 5, Bernard had recorded just seven catches across the Steelers' first four games. However, Bernard's Week 5 workload increase may be more than just a one-week blip. Pittsburgh wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is currently on Injured Reserve, and wideout Roman Wilson (finger) has already been ruled out for Week 6 after suffering a finger injury in Week 5. As a result, Bernard could profile as the number two option in the Steelers' passing game behind WR1 DK Metcalf for at least one week. If the young wideout can take advantage of the opportunity, he could establish himself as a season-long contributor in Pittsburgh. Particularly in deeper leagues, Bernard profiles as an intriguing waiver wire candidate for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Samaje Perine a Deep League Waiver-Wire Target Following Week 5
Across five games so far in 2026, Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine has recorded 171 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 34 touches. The veteran back has largely operated as the clear RB2 in Cincinnati behind Bengals RB1 Chase Brown. However, Perine played a much larger role in the Cincinnati offense in Week 4, logging 78 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown on 16 touches. At 31 years old and now in his 10th NFL season, Perine may not offer fantasy managers much high-end upside. Still, Brown is currently averaging just 3.5 yards per carry and has logged just one touchdown through five games. If the Bengals start to shift more work onto Perine's plate, he could have some standalone appeal in the right matchups while playing within Cincinnati's explosive offense. In deeper fantasy league formats, Perine could be worth targeting on the waiver wire coming out of Week 5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bears Not Committing to a Starting QB for Week 6
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is not committing to any quarterback for the Week 6 contest this Sunday on the road against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Sean Hammond of The Chicago Tribune. When asked who would take starting reps in practice this week if Caleb Williams (hamstring) is not available, Johnson did not commit to either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum. Williams suffered a Grade 2 right-hamstring strain in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings and has missed the last three games as a result. Keenum earned the start in the surprising Week 3 win over the Philadelphia Eagles and went 24-for-34 passing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. Bagent has started under center for the Bears in each of the last two weeks. He threw for 268 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in the Week 4 win over the New York Jets but struggled in Sunday's blowout loss to the division-rival Green Bay Packers, throwing for only 87 yards and two touchdowns. All signs are pointing to Williams returning in Week 6 after returning to practice late last week. If Williams needs one more week to recover, Keenum could make his second start of 2026 after Bagent's ugly performance at Lambeau Field.
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Source: The Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Emmett Johnson Still Carries High-End Handcuff Appeal
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson has played a limited role in his team's offense so far this season, recording 130 yards from scrimmage on 21 touches across four games. Johnson is stuck on the Chiefs' running back depth chart behind superstar back Kenneth Walker, who is currently averaging a ridiculous 134.3 rushing yards per game. As long as Walker remains healthy, Johnson is unlikely to see enough work to provide fantasy-relevant production. However, Walker is also currently on pace to log 420 touches this season, which would blow past his previous career high of 255. If Walker were to get hurt at any point this year, Johnson would immediately vault into the top-24 conversation at the running back position for fantasy managers. With the Chiefs' Week 4 bye now behind them, Johnson profiles as a priority handcuff option to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kirk Cousins Still the Raiders' Starting QB
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said on Monday that veteran Kirk Cousins is still the starting quarterback, but if Fernando Mendoza's number is called, "we have confidence in him," according to Levi Edwards of the team's official website. Cousins went 19-for-28 for 243 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions in Sunday's 45-17 blowout loss to the New England Patriots and gave way to the first overall pick out of Indiana late in the second half. In Mendoza's first regular-season game action in the NFL, he went 6-for-8 passing for 48 yards and also ran the ball once for three yards. The 38-year-old Cousins did not have a terrible performance by any means in Week 5, and although he is just keeping the seat warm for Mendoza, he has earned a longer leash as Vegas' starter due to the team's 3-2 record to open the 2026 campaign. The Raiders will be looking to avoid a third straight loss in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills in a game in which Cousins could be forced to throw the ball often to keep up with Buffalo's high-octane offense. Cousins has surprisingly been the QB7 overall in fantasy with 1,269 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and four interceptions through five games.
Source: Raiders.com - Levi Edwards
Source: Raiders.com - Levi Edwards
