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Jerome Ford Signs With Cardinals' Practice Squad
The Arizona Cardinals have signed running back Jerome Ford to their practice squad, the team announced Wednesday. Ford spent his first four NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns before brief stops with Washington and Minnesota earlier this year. His most productive season came in 2023, when he started 12 games and rushed for 813 yards and four touchdowns on 204 carries while adding 44 receptions for 319 yards and five receiving scores. The 27-year-old saw his role diminish considerably in 2025, finishing with just 73 rushing yards on 24 carries and 26 receptions for 103 yards across 13 appearances. Arizona already has Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier handling backfield duties, with Bam Knight also on the active roster. James Conner remains on injured reserve as he works toward a return. Ford gives the Cardinals an experienced option with a history of contributing in the passing game, but there is no immediate path to meaningful touches. He would need a promotion and a change in the backfield situation to become relevant in most fantasy leagues.
Source: Arizona Cardinals
Source: Arizona Cardinals
J.K. Dobbins Coming Off Respectable Showing
It was a solid week for Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins, who was limited to just 3.8 yards per carry but managed to find the end zone during Denver's divisional win over the cellar-dwelling Los Angeles Chargers. Dobbins totaled 18 carries, which he took for 68 yards, including a long run of 14 yards. This week, he will face a Seattle Seahawks run defense that has allowed just 100.4 yards rushing per game this season. Last week, Seattle limited the San Francisco 49ers' running game to just 3.9 yards per carry, but top running back Christian McCaffrey was able to enjoy a fruitful performance, consisting of 11 carries for 68 yards, an average of 6.2 yards per carry, and a touchdown. Dobbins is RotoBaller's 26th-ranked running back and is projected to score nine fantasy points this week against the Seahawks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keenan Allen Misses Practice on Wednesday
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen (groin) is not practicing on Wednesday, according to Nathan Brown of The Indianapolis Star. Allen was limited in the first two practices last week with a groin injury but practiced in full on Friday and was active for the Week 5 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The 34-year-old veteran did not play in the Week 4 blowout win over the Washington Commanders in London due to his groin injury. In his return this past weekend, he caught five of his nine targets for 45 yards. It was his second straight game with nine targets after he caught six passes for a season-high 63 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 3 win over the division-rival Houston Texans. After signing late in training camp with the Colts, the six-time Pro Bowler has 18 receptions on 29 targets for 145 yards and one touchdown through the first four games in 2026 in his 14th year in the NFL. Allen should be active this Sunday against the division-rival Tennessee Titans, where he will be a touchdown-dependent WR3/flex play.
Source: The Indianapolis Star - Nathan Brown
Source: The Indianapolis Star - Nathan Brown
Bo Nix's Limited Production Continues to Drag Down Broncos Offense
Once again, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix recorded a disappointing outing in this past week's win over the lowly Los Angeles Chargers. Nix managed just 123 yards passing and a touchdown while averaging a measly 4.6 yards per attempt. He also carried the ball four times, but managed to gain just 10 yards rushing. Nix remains a questionable play as RotoBaller's 21st-ranked quarterback going up against the vaunted Seattle Seahawks defense, which has limited opponents to 251.2 total yards of offense per game, the best mark in the NFL. Last week, the Seahawks limited MVP candidate Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers' passing game to just 189 yards while intercepting Purdy once and sacking him three times. Nix is projected to score 15 fantasy points against Seattle.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
David Montgomery Sidelined at Wednesday's Practice
Houston Texans running back David Montgomery (groin) was not practicing Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, putting his availability for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in doubt. Montgomery suffered the injury during Houston's 26-3 victory over Tennessee, exiting in the second quarter after recording five carries for 11 yards. Head coach DeMeco Ryans described the 29-year-old as week-to-week on Monday, although he has not officially ruled him out against Jacksonville. Montgomery has rushed for 138 yards and two touchdowns on 52 carries through five games, averaging just 2.7 yards per attempt. All three of his touchdowns, including one receiving score, came in the season opener. Woody Marks handled most of the backfield work after Montgomery departed Sunday, finishing with 62 rushing yards on 15 carries and four receptions for 23 yards. Ryans has already indicated that Marks will carry the load while Montgomery is sidelined, giving the second-year back an opportunity for a significant workload against Jacksonville. Montgomery's status remains uncertain, but fantasy managers should prepare for the possibility of Marks leading Houston's backfield this weekend.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Griffin Jax to Start Game 3 of ALCS in Cleveland
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Griffin Jax will start for the Rays in Game 3 of the American League Championship Series on Thursday in Cleveland against the Guardians, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Jax will toe the rubber for Tampa back in Cleveland with the series now tied 1-1 after the Rays outlasted the Guardians in Game 2 on Tuesday night. He will be making his first career postseason start after five relief appearances for the Rays, dating back to 2023. In his lone appearance this October for Tampa, Jax allowed an earned run on one hit while walking one and striking out four in two innings of work for a hold in Game 3 of the AL Division Series against the division-rival New York Yankees. The 31-year-old veteran began the 2026 campaign as a reliever for Tampa before being moved to a starting role mostly. He went 8-10 on the year with a 3.53 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 116 strikeouts in 112 1/3 innings pitched across 34 outings (23 starts). Jax did not have a single appearance during the regular season against the Guardians.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
Saquon Barkley Still Not Spotted at Practice
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) was not spotted at Wednesday's practice, according to Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice. Barkley hasn't played since suffering his hamstring injury during the opening quarter of Philadelphia's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and his availability for Sunday's matchup against Carolina remains uncertain. Head coach Nick Sirianni was hopeful about a potential return earlier this week, but Barkley has yet to be seen practicing since the injury. The 29-year-old has rushed for 182 yards on 36 carries through four appearances, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt without a touchdown. Philadelphia's running back situation has only worsened during his absence, with Tank Bigsby (core muscle) on injured reserve and Will Shipley (foot) potentially facing a multiweek absence after tearing part of his plantar fascia against Jacksonville. Dameon Pierce managed just 14 yards on 11 carries in Sunday's loss, and Carson Steele could also factor into the backfield if Barkley remains sidelined. Another missed game would leave Philadelphia relying on its remaining depth options, making Thursday's practice report especially important.
Source: Jimmy Kempski
Source: Jimmy Kempski
Robert Gasser Starting Game 3 of NLCS Against Dodgers
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Robert Gasser will get the nod for Game 3 of the National League Championship Series on the road against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, according to MLB.com. Gasser began the 2026 season at Triple-A Nashville but rode his high-quality sweeper and growing confidence late in the year to join flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski and right-hander Logan Henderson in Milwaukee's starting rotation. He will be opposed by Dodgers lefty Blake Snell as the Brewers look to take a convincing 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Gasser looked good in his start in Game 4 of the NL Division Series against the San Diego Padres, allowing just one run in his four innings of work. Overall in 2026, Gasser posted a 3.87 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 103 strikeouts and 35 walks in 109 1/3 innings for Milwaukee, but he was electric down the stretch, recording a 1.73 ERA in his last seven appearances (six starts). Gasser struggled in his two appearances against the Dodgers during the regular season, allowing seven earned runs on 12 hits (three homers) while walking five and striking out 11 in 10 2/3 innings pitched in his two starts (both losses). It is a tough assignment for the southpaw on the road with the Dodgers' backs against the wall.
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen, Adam McCalvy, and AJ Cassavell
Source: MLB.com - Sonja Chen, Adam McCalvy, and AJ Cassavell
DeVonta Smith Not Spotted at Wednesday's Practice
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (hamstring) was not spotted at Wednesday's practice, according to Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice. Smith has already missed two consecutive games, and his absence from the field Wednesday leaves his availability for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers uncertain. Head coach Nick Sirianni expressed optimism earlier in the week about potentially getting Smith back, while NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported that a return was possible depending on how the practice week unfolded. Smith hasn't played since Week 3 and finished his first three appearances with 19 receptions for 235 yards and one touchdown, including a 10-catch, 117-yard performance against Tennessee in Week 2. Dontayvion Wicks has handled additional receiving work in his absence, catching five passes for 63 yards against Jacksonville on Sunday, while Darius Cooper contributed a 62-yard touchdown reception. Smith remains one of Philadelphia's most important offensive weapons, but fantasy managers should have an alternative ready if he cannot resume practicing before the weekend.
Source: Jimmy Kempski
Source: Jimmy Kempski
Josh Jacobs' Extended Absence Creates a Difficult Cut Decision
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs remains worth holding in most 12-team fantasy leagues, even after spending the first five games of 2026 on the NFL's Commissioner's Exempt List. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that the team had received no update on his status, and another complication emerged Tuesday when police delayed releasing evidence related to his case pending potential court proceedings. There is still no timetable for Jacobs to return, making his roster spot increasingly difficult to justify for fantasy managers dealing with injuries and bye weeks. The 28-year-old rushed for 929 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last season, adding 36 receptions for 282 yards and another score. Green Bay has struggled to establish a reliable replacement, although MarShawn Lloyd scored twice against Chicago in Week 5 while sharing backfield duties with Pierre Strong Jr. and Kaleb Johnson. Chris Brooks (ankle) is also on injured reserve. Jacobs could regain a substantial workload if cleared to return, but there is no guarantee that happens soon. Managers with sufficient bench depth should continue holding him, while those in shallow leagues who need an immediate contributor can justify cutting him for a dependable replacement.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Lloyd Avant Is Difficult to Trust Outside Deep Leagues
Oklahoma running back Lloyd Avant finally returned to the end zone against Texas, taking 10 carries for 72 yards and a touchdown while catching two passes for 16 yards. The Sooners won 27-24, although Avant's short run accounted for their only offensive touchdown. Oklahoma's other touchdowns came on a blocked punt and an interception return. Avant has 236 rushing yards and two scores through five games, with 10 or fewer carries in four consecutive appearances. Kentucky is a more inviting opponent than Texas on the ground, having allowed 815 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns in six games. Even so, Avant has not shown the kind of touch volume that makes him a comfortable weekly fantasy starter. He is a deep-league flex consideration for Saturday's home matchup and a sit in most shallower leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bo Jackson Is a Risky Start Against Indiana
Ohio State running back Bo Jackson is coming off his best game of the season, rushing 23 times for 107 yards and two touchdowns against Maryland. The increased involvement matters, but Ja'Kobi Jackson also received 14 carries and gained 76 yards in that game. Now the Buckeyes travel to Indiana, which has allowed only 450 rushing yards across six games. Opponents are averaging just 2.31 yards per carry against the Hoosiers. Jackson has 460 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the season, and the 23 attempts against Maryland were a season high. It is difficult to project another two-score game with the workload still being shared and the matchup this tough. Jackson is a risky RB2 or flex, not a player managers need to force into every starting lineup.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
CJ Baxter Faces a Tough Test in Norman
Kentucky running back CJ Baxter needed only the Wildcats' first offensive play to make an impression against LSU, breaking a 77-yard run before finishing with 123 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. That long gain accounted for most of his yardage, and the second score came in overtime as Kentucky pulled off a 35-34 upset. Baxter has eight rushing touchdowns and 484 yards through six games. Next comes a trip to Oklahoma, whose defense has allowed only 584 rushing yards in five contests and held Texas without a rushing touchdown last Saturday. Baxter handled nearly all the meaningful backfield work against LSU, with Jason Patterson getting just two carries. He still belongs in the RB2 mix, particularly for managers who need touchdown potential, but Oklahoma's front makes his floor less comfortable this week.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DeSean Bishop's Workload Keeps Him a Strong Start
Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop has been doing the heavy lifting lately, with 53 carries for 358 yards and four touchdowns over the last two games. He followed 220 rushing yards against Auburn with 138 yards and the winning touchdown at Arkansas. Alabama will be a tougher test Saturday in Knoxville. The Crimson Tide have allowed 599 rushing yards in six games, an average of just 3.03 yards per carry, although Georgia managed 206 yards against them last week. Tennessee has continued to involve Daune Morris, but Bishop's 34 carries against Auburn and 19 against Arkansas show whose number is being called most often. Bishop has 678 rushing yards and eight scores on the season. RotoBaller ranks him 35th overall for Week 7, and he remains a strong RB2 start even with the difficult opponent.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Wayshawn Parker Is a Must-Start RB1 Against Colorado
Utah running back Wayshawn Parker is RotoBaller's No. 1 overall fantasy player for Week 7, and the numbers make the choice understandable. He ran for 174 yards and two touchdowns at Iowa State, then followed with 171 yards and two more scores against Kansas, including a 90-yard touchdown run. Parker has 499 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in five games, plus 17 catches for 190 yards and four receiving scores. Colorado has allowed only three rushing touchdowns and 3.58 yards per carry through five games, so Saturday's trip to Boulder is not quite the soft matchup the name might suggest. Parker has scored 11 total touchdowns already, though, and his receiving role gives him another route to production. Start him as an RB1 without hesitation.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
