Tony Pollard Limited Wednesday With Neck Issue
Updating a previous report, Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (neck) had his reps limited in Wednesday's practice due to a neck injury. Pollard's status for the Week 9 contest on Sunday against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers is now in question, although the fact that he was on the field on Wednesday is a good sign that his injury isn't too serious. Still, Pollard has been trending down in fantasy in recent weeks after Tyjae Spears returned from an early-season injury. The Titans have every intention of keeping Spears involved out of the backfield, too, which will cap Pollard's fantasy upside the rest of the way. With an injury to boot, the 28-year-old should be considered a low-upside RB3/flex, at best, this weekend if he's active. Not only is Pollard now in a timeshare, but he resides in one of the NFL's least efficient offenses.
Source: Titans PR
Source: Titans PR
Rhamondre Stevenson Misses Practice With Toe Injury
Updating a previous report, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) is on the Week 9 injury report due to a toe injury that kept him from practicing on Wednesday. It's unclear if his toe injury is serious enough to keep him from playing this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, but it's worth noting that Stevenson didn't play in the final seven minutes of the Week 8 blowout win over the Cleveland Browns. It will be a situation that should be monitored closely this week. If Stevenson is limited or unable to play this weekend, rookie TreVeyon Henderson would be a must-start with RB2 upside as New England's lead back. Despite ball-security issues, Stevenson has remained the Pats' primary RB in 2025, but his toe injury could open the door for Henderson to take over going forward.
Source: New England Patriots
Source: New England Patriots
Lamar Jackson Removed From Injury Report, Will Return on Thursday
The Baltimore Ravens officially removed quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) from their Week 9 injury report on Wednesday, and he will make his return for a Thursday night clash against the Miami Dolphins. Fantasy managers have been without Jackson since he tweaked his hamstring in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The two-time MVP was a full participant at practice during the short week of preparation and should be without limitations in his return to the gridiron. Jackson said on Tuesday that he is 100% healthy and ready to go. The four-time Pro Bowler should be put back into all starting fantasy lineups for Week 9 action against a Dolphins defense that has been a top-12 matchup for opposing QBs this season. Jackson comes into Thursday's game with 869 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and only one interception in his four starts, adding 166 yards and a score on the ground.
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Source: Baltimore Ravens
Daniel Gafford Unlikely to Suit Up Versus Indiana
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Wednesday's matchup with the Indiana Pacers. Gafford is in danger of missing another game and has yet to suit up this season due to a right ankle sprain. Dereck Lively II (knee) is likely to miss this evening's contest as well. If Gafford is sidelined again, Anthony Davis (Achilles) will continue to hold things down in the frontcourt despite dealing with an Achilles issue.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
D'Andre Swift Absent From Wednesday's Practice
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) was listed as a non-participant during Wednesday's practice, the first of the week. Swift also missed practice last Wednesday before two straight limited practices. He ultimately played in the Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, but played under half of the offensive snaps while totaling 73 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on his 13 touches. His DNP to begin the week is notable, but as long as he returns to practice on Thursday or Friday, he should be active this weekend in a very favorable matchup on Sunday on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. The 26-year-old has been a focal point of head coach Ben Johnson's offense in 2025, making him a must-start in fantasy lineups if he's active. If for some reason Swift is limited or out in Week 9, rookie Kyle Monangai would be a plug-and-play option at RB in fantasy.
Source: Bears Communications
Source: Bears Communications
Andy Dalton Does Not Practice on Wednesday
Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, according to the team. Dalton struggled mightily in his first start of the season in Week 8 against the Bills, completing 16 of 24 pass attempts for 175 yards and no touchdowns while turning it over three times and taking seven sacks. It's unclear when the 38-year-old suffered the injury to his right thumb, but his practice status will be monitored as the week goes along. It may end up being just a one-week fill-in for Dalton, as starting quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) practiced in full on Wednesday and appears to be trending toward playing in Sunday's matchup against the Packers.
Source: Carolina Panthers
Source: Carolina Panthers
Tyler Shough to Start at QB the Rest of the Season
New Orleans Saints head coach Kellen Moore announced on Wednesday that rookie quarterback Tyler Shough will start for the team for the rest of the season. Moore said that he feels Shough is ready and that he is "really excited for him." The Saints benched Spencer Rattler in last week's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Shough went 17-for-30 passing for 128 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in relief in just his second NFL appearance. The second-rounder out of Louisville will now lead the Saints offense for the rest of the year, and he'll get a tough matchup on the road against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend in his first career start. Shough has a strong arm and good size at 6-foot-5, 219 pounds, but he won't give fantasy managers any additional upside with his legs in what has been a very inconsistent Saints offense. Expect plenty of growing pains. Shough should remain on the waiver wire in single-QB, 12-team redraft leagues.
Source: Jeff Nowak
Source: Jeff Nowak
Dante Exum Out of Action Against Pacers
Dallas Mavericks guard Dante Exum (knee) won't be available for Wednesday's matchup against the Indiana Pacers. This comes as little surprise, as Exum continues to deal with a right knee issue and has yet to make his season debut. Health problems also limited him to just 20 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign, when he averaged 8.7 points and 2.8 assists. Given his extensive injury history, the 30-year-old is expected to have a minimal fantasy impact this season with restricted minutes when healthy.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
J.J. McCarthy to Have Full Week of Preparation, Will Start in Week 9
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) will have a full week to prepare before returning as the starter for Week 9 against the Detroit Lions, according to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune. McCarthy is expected to step back in as Minnesota's starting quarterback for the first time since Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons, when he suffered a high-ankle sprain that caused him to miss five games. The 2024 first-round pick struggled to adjust to the speed of the NFL in his first two games, completing 24 of 41 pass attempts for 301 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions to go with nine sacks taken. The 22-year-old will have plenty of growing pains after missing all of his rookie year with a knee injury, but head coach Kevin O'Connell has expressed confidence in him as their starter going forward. It's a tough spot to make his return, with a hostile road environment awaiting in Detroit for Week 9. UPDATE: McCarthy was a full-go in Wednesday's practice.
Source: Ben Goessling
Source: Ben Goessling
Jayden Daniels To Practice in Full All Week
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (hamstring) will practice in full all week, according to Tashan Reed of the Washington Post. Head coach Dan Quinn said on Tuesday that Daniels had a positive rehab session on Sunday and will be part of the practice plan this week, and now confirmed that the 24-year-old will be a full participant in practice ahead of their Week 9 matchup on Sunday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Daniels already missed two games earlier in the season with a knee injury, but could wind up only missing one game this time because of the hamstring injury suffered in their Week 7 loss at the Dallas Cowboys. His return will be a big boost to the entire Washington offense, as they scored only seven points last week against Kansas City, their lowest in a game since the 2023 season. Washington's QB1 will be without Terry McLaurin on Sunday, however, as he re-injured his quad and has been ruled out.
Source: Tashan Reed
Source: Tashan Reed
Jakob Poeltl Sidelined on Wednesday
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (back) is unavailable for Wednesday's matchup with the Houston Rockets. Poeltl has been dealing with a back issue since the preseason. He was unable to finish Monday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs due to lower back tightness. Poeltl has disappointed many fantasy managers so far this campaign, posting averages of 6.5 points and 5.3 rebounds in 23.0 minutes. With the 30-year-old out of action, Sandro Mamukelashvili will likely start at center, while Collin Murray-Boyles could also see extra minutes on the floor this evening for the Raptors.
Source: NBA Injury Report
Source: NBA Injury Report
Terry McLaurin Re-Injures Quad, Out for Week 9
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) has been ruled out for Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, according to JP Finlay of NBC4 Sports. McLaurin re-injured the quad that caused him to miss four consecutive games during Monday night's loss to the Chiefs. It's not great to see the 30-year-old wideout already ruled out for Sunday, but head coach Dan Quinn is hopeful that the setback won't "knock him out for a long time." McLaurin made multiple splash plays in his Week 8 return despite playing only 47.2% of snaps, catching three of his four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. He'll hope to return for their Week 10 matchup against the Lions. In the meantime, Deebo Samuel Sr. will take on a bigger target share with Chris Moore, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane all likely to see bumps in playing time as well.
Source: JP Finlay
Source: JP Finlay
John Metchie III Traded to Jets
The Philadelphia Eagles are trading wide receiver John Metchie III and a 2027 sixth-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for cornerback Michael Carter II and a 2027 seventh-round pick, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Metchie played the most offensive snaps of the season with the Eagles in Week 8 with A.J. Brown (hamstring) out, but it was only nine snaps, and he didn't record a target in the game. The 25-year-old will join his third team since August, beginning the offseason with the Texans before being dealt to the Eagles in August. Metchie mostly served as a special teamer with Philadelphia, but lands with a Jets team that needs help at wide receiver, with Garrett Wilson (knee) banged up. He could be in the mix for opportunities early in New York, and he gets a Week 9 bye to get up to speed with his new team.
Source: Dianna Russini
Source: Dianna Russini
Patriots to Target a RB at the Trade Deadline?
ESPN's Mike Reiss writes that the New England Patriots are most likely to target a running back and a veteran pass-rusher before next Tuesday's trade deadline, according to sources familiar with the team's thinking. The Patriots already have Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson in their backfield, but it sounds as though they'd like to add depth for the second half of the season as they look to make a run to the playoffs. It's purely speculation right now, and the Patriots added running back D'Ernest Johnson directly to their active 53-man roster on Wednesday. It could be a sign that they are standing pat at the position. Stevenson did miss practice due to undisclosed reasons on Wednesday, though, so everything remains on the table. If an RB is brought in to bolster the backfield, it will obviously be bad news for the fantasy values of both Stevenson and Henderson. Stay tuned.
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Tony Pollard Not Seen at Wednesday's Practice
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Wednesday, according to Terry McCormick of TitanInsider.com. The Titans never reported an injury for Pollard coming out of Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts, but Pollard did play only 46% of the offensive snaps, his second-lowest mark of the 2025 season. Fantasy managers will want to check back later for an update on why Pollard wasn't on the practice field. Tyjae Spears would have plug-and-play RB2 upside against the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend if Pollard is limited in any way or out completely. Pollard had only two more carries than Spears in Week 8 and finished with 44 rushing yards and nine receiving yards on his lone catch. Even if Pollard is fine heading into the weekend, his role is diminishing as Tennessee looks to get Spears more involved out of the backfield.
Source: TitanInsider.com - Terry McCormick
Source: TitanInsider.com - Terry McCormick
Rhamondre Stevenson Missing From Wednesday's Practice
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson was not seen on the practice field on Wednesday during the portion open to the media, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. It's unclear exactly why Stevenson wasn't seen at practice on Wednesday, but it's worth noting that he wasn't on the field for the final seven minutes of the fourth quarter in Sunday's blowout win over the Cleveland Browns. The 27-year-old played 72% of the offensive snaps in Week 8 and had 49 total yards on 15 touches. Fantasy managers will want to check back in later to see if Stevenson is dealing with an injury as the team begins preparations for a Week 9 tilt against the visiting Atlanta Falcons. If he is limited in any way this weekend or out altogether, rookie TreVeyon Henderson would finally be in line for a heavy workload as the team's RB1.
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Brock Bowers Practicing in Full, "Looking Great"
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) will be a full participant in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Meanwhile, head coach Pete Carroll said that Bowers has "looked great" and is "playing at full speed," per ESPN's Ryan McFadden. The Raiders were saying before their Week 8 bye that the second-year TE was expected back in Week 9 to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, and a full practice for Bowers on Wednesday confirms that. The 22-year-old initially suffered a PCL injury and a bone bruise in the season opener and tried to play through it. He hasn't played since Week 4, though, so fantasy managers are certainly itching to get him back into their starting lineups. As long as Bowers doesn't suffer a setback with his knee in practice this week, he should start on Sunday against the Jags, where he'll be a TE1 in all fantasy formats.
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Bryce Young Puts in Full Practice on Wednesday
Updating a previous report, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) was a full participant at Wednesday's practice, according to David Newton of ESPN. Despite Young's return to a full practice, head coach Dave Canales said that the team will decide on the starting QB in the next few days for Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. The 24-year-old is being considered day-to-day for now, but a full practice on Wednesday suggests he has a good chance of returning this weekend after missing the Week 8 loss to the Buffalo Bills due to a high right-ankle sprain that he suffered in Week 7 against the New York Jets. Veteran Andy Dalton was forced to make the start last weekend and came out of the blowout loss with a right-thumb injury. All signs are pointing toward Young making his return this Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Source: ESPN.com - David Newton
Source: ESPN.com - David Newton
Jayden Reed Getting Close to Practicing?
It looks as though Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) has "taken a step toward a return to practice," according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Reed was "running off to the side" while the rest of the team practiced on Wednesday. Although it appears as though Reed is making progress from a broken collarbone that he suffered in Week 2 against the Washington Commanders, he still has a way to go before being activated from Injured Reserve, as the Packers have yet to open his 21-day practice window. The 25-year-old had surgery to fix his broken collarbone and is also recovering from surgery to fix a Jones fracture in his foot. There remains no timetable for his return. When Reed returns, he'll be part of a crowded WR mix in Green Bay now that Christian Watson is back from his torn ACL that he suffered in the Week 18 regular-season finale in 2024.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Christian Kirk Returns to Practice, Could be Back in Week 9
Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) has been sidelined since the team's Week 5 matchup with the Ravens. Kirk returned to practice on Wednesday, ahead of the team's Week 9 showdown with the Broncos. The 29-year-old's availability would be a major addition to a passing game averaging just 215.3 yards per game. Kirk has tallied 10 receptions for 109 yards over just three games. The Texans have remained in contention, largely due to their defense. As the offense gets healthy, a strong second half could be on the horizon for quarterback C.J. Stroud and the passing game. UPDATE: Kirk was officially limited in Wednesday's practice.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Nico Collins Advances to Next Phase of Concussion Protocol
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (concussion) returned to practice as he continues to progress through concussion protocol ahead of the team's Week 9 matchup with the Denver Broncos. The 3-4 Texans hope to have their leading receiver back ahead of a difficult test against the stout Broncos secondary. Through six games, Collins has tallied 26 receptions for 339 yards and three touchdowns. Collins' availability could be a major blow to the usage of Jayden Higgins and Jared Wayne, who filled in during the team's victory over the 49ers last week. UPDATE: Collins remains in the concussion protocol, but he's expected to be cleared in the next few days. He was limited in Wednesday's practice.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
MarShawn Lloyd Far From a Return to Practice
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) won't be practicing anytime soon, according to head coach Matt LaFleur. Lloyd continues to be an enigma for fantasy owners, as his hype has been consistently derailed by one injury after another. Lloyd joined the Packers as a third-round pick in 2024, but has appeared in just one career regular-season game, gaining 15 yards on six carries last season. The team will continue to operate with Josh Jacobs and change-of-pace option Emanuel Wilson for the foreseeable future. Jacobs has managed 447 yards and nine touchdowns through seven games.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Dontayvion Wicks Remains Out of Practice, Questionable for Sunday
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf) missed another practice Wednesday, which is especially concerning following his absence in Week 8. Wicks has seen his role diminish in recent weeks, coinciding with the emergence of Matthew Golden. The Packers are taking on a Carolina Panthers team that allows just 198.4 passing yards per game, which will pose a stiff challenge for Jordan Love and the offense. If Wicks continues to miss time, the team will likely utilize Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Golden on most three-receiver sets.
Source: Rob Demovsky
Source: Rob Demovsky
Joshua Palmer Absent From Practice, Status Uncertain for Week 9
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) failed to practice on Wednesday ahead of a marquee matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Palmer hasn't played since Week 6, but the team is hoping to have its big-play threat back to stretch the field against an elite Chiefs defense. If Palmer is unavailable this week, expect another Elijah Moore to continue to see an expanded role. Last week, Moore appeared on a season-high 46% of the team's offensive plays. He was targeted four times, hauling in one reception for 14 yards.
Source: Maddy Glab
Source: Maddy Glab
Marquise Brown Misses Practice With Illness; Role Dwindling
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (illness) was absent from practice on Wednesday. Brown failed to haul in his lone target on Monday night against the Commanders and has struggled to remain fantasy relevant with the return of Rashee Rice. In the two games since Rice returned, Brown has seen a total of five targets, resulting in two catches for 14 yards and a touchdown. If Brown continues to miss time this week, fantasy owners should be comfortable benching the big-play receiver ahead of a Week 9 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
Source: Matt McMullen
Source: Matt McMullen
Bryce Young Returns to Practice, Could Play Sunday
Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday after missing Week 8 due to a high-ankle sprain. Young was seen practicing on a wet field, which bodes well for his availability this week. The Panthers have emerged as a playoff contender behind the 24-year-old signal caller. The team will face the Green Bay Packers on the road this week, in a pivotal NFC matchup. If Young can play, it will set up a matchup of rising signal callers as he takes on Jordan Love. Rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan could also benefit from a full-strength offense.
Source: David Newton
Source: David Newton
Isiah Pacheco Won't Practice on Wednesday
Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) will not be on the practice field on Wednesday, according to head coach Andy Reid. Pacheco suffered an MCL sprain late in the Monday night win over the Washington Commanders in Week 8 and is considered week-to-week, so it shouldn't be a surprise that he's not practicing. The 26-year-old is unlikely to be active for a Week 9 showdown against the Buffalo Bills, but the good news is that KC will head into their bye in Week 10, so it's possible Pacheco will only end up missing one game. With Pacheco unlikely to be able to play this weekend, veteran Kareem Hunt should take over lead-back duties, with rookie Brashard Smith also having an expanded role and being in play as a flex option for fantasy managers. Pacheco has been a big disappointment in fantasy leagues in 2025, running for 329 yards and just one touchdown on 78 carries over his first eight games.
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Broncos Not Planning to Put Patrick Surtain II on Injured Reserve
As of right now, the Denver Broncos are not planning to place cornerback Patrick Surtain II (pectoral) on Injured Reserve, a source told Luca Evans of The Denver Post. Surtain suffered an injury to his pectoral muscle in last week's win over the Denver Broncos and is unlikely to play in Week 9 this Sunday on the road against the Houston Texans. If Surtain were to land on Injured Reserve, last year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year would be required to miss at least four games. After this weekend's game against the Texans, the Broncos have home games against the Las Vegas Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs before going on their bye. The 25-year-old defensive back is expected to miss anywhere from four to six weeks with his injury, so Denver's secondary will be a little more vulnerable in the coming weeks without their star defender. Jahdae Barron is expected to have an increased role with Surtain sidelined.
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans
Source: The Denver Post - Luca Evans
Calvin Ridley Won't Practice on Wednesday
Tennessee Titans interim head coach Mike McCoy said that wide receiver Calvin Ridley (hamstring) will not practice on Wednesday, per Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. Ridley was injured in Week 6 and hasn't practiced or played since, and he's trending in the wrong direction early in the week to make his return this Sunday to face the visiting Los Angeles Chargers. Even if the 30-year-old returns to practice in the next couple of days and suits up in Week 9, fantasy managers won't be in a rush to throw him back into their starting lineups. Ridley just hasn't shown much chemistry with rookie first-round quarterback Cameron Ward this year when he's been on the field, catching 16 of his 35 targets for 290 yards and no touchdowns in six games. If Ridley misses another game, rookies Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike will have elevated roles for the third straight contest.
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
Source: TennesseeTitans.com - Jim Wyatt
"No Chance" Myles Garrett Gets Traded
According to a source, there's "no chance" that Cleveland Browns All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett gets dealt ahead of next Tuesday's trade deadline, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. "People have a better chance of winning the lottery," the source said. The Browns surely would be asking for much more than any team is willing to offer for Garrett, so he will remain with Cleveland for at least one more season. The 29-year-old defensive end is having another fantastic season and is coming off an absolute dominant performance in the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots, in which he had five sacks, six tackles, and a forced fumble. Garrett and the Browns will be on bye in Week 9, but he should be right back in starting fantasy lineups in IDP leagues in Week 10 against the New York Jets. He is already at 10 sacks through eight games in 2025.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
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