October 1, 2025
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, forward
Nikola Jovic agreed to a four-year, $62.4 million contract extension with the Miami Heat. The 22-year-old was selected in the first round (No. 27 overall) by the Heat in the 2022 NBA Draft. He had a few rough seasons to begin his tenure in the National Basketball Association. However, Jovic played much better last season, averaging a career-high 10.7 points with 3.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting 37.1% from deep. Unfortunately, he was limited to only 46 games, mostly due to a broken right hand, and missed the remainder of the season. Jovic was cleared for action and returned to the court during FIBA EuroBasket 2025, where he averaged 12.8 points for Serbia. With
Jimmy Butler III now in Golden State, Jovic has an excellent chance to carve out a meaningful role in Erik Spoelstra's rotation in 2025. He may even get some run in the starting lineup, especially with
Tyler Herro (foot) out a few months. All things considered, even with the opportunity for an expanded role, Jovic may have trouble being a consistent producer, although he is certainly worth adding late in fantasy drafts.
--Dennis ClausenSource: Shams Charania
October 1, 2025
New York Islanders left wing Anders Lee (upper body) is expected to join the lineup for Thursday's preseason finale against the Philadelphia Flyers, Andrew Gross of Newsday reports. The Islanders captain was ruled out for 1-2 weeks with an upper-body injury on Sept. 24 and has progressed well enough that the team is ready to give him some action before the regular season begins. Lee has a significant role to play in the Islanders' success and will be looking to earn a new contract for next season. He will complete a seven-year, $49 million deal with the upcoming campaign.
--Taavi PailkSource: Andrew Gross
October 1, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running back
Michael Carter told Cardinals' beat reporters on Wednesday that he will be starting at running back in Sunday's game against the Titans. Carter wasn't explicitly asked if he was going to start, but he indirectly said it when answering a question about the rollercoaster of a year he's had. There was plenty of intrigue and uncertainty around Arizona's backfield following
Trey Benson (knee) surprisingly being placed on IR. Some assumed that
Emari Demercado would operate as the primary back after seeing most of the snaps in Benson's absence last week against the Seahawks. But Demercado played primarily in his normal role on special teams and on pass downs as the Cardinals were in comeback mode. Carter doesn't play special teams and was inactive for the first three games, then played only four snaps last week. He operated as a lead back late last season when all the Arizona backs were hurt, and it looks like he'll get another opportunity. Carter feels like an RB that fantasy managers can pick up and then plug and play into their lineup this week as he gets a dream matchup against the lowly Titans.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Tyler Drake
October 1, 2025
Washington Capitals winger Alex Ovechkin (lower body) is expected to play in Thursday's preseason contest against the Boston Bruins, Sammi Silber of The Hockey News reports. The Capitals have included Ovechkin in the roster for the game. This is great news from a fantasy perspective, considering Ovechkin has been dealing with a lower-body injury during training camp, leaving his status for opening night uncertain. Assuming he comes through the action unscathed, Ovechkin should be ready for the first game of the season next week, and he might even see some additional time on the ice during Washington's final preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets this weekend.
--Taavi PailkSource: Sammi Silber
October 1, 2025
Seattle Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans (upper body) will miss the start of the season, the team announced Wednesday. He has been ruled out for 6-8 weeks with an upper-body injury. The Kraken are set to be without him until at least mid-November. Brandon Montour (ankle) and Vince Dunn (undisclosed) aren't fully healthy either, leaving Seattle's blue line in a bad spot ahead of next week's season opener. Luckily for the team, Montour is expected to be available against the Anaheim Ducks on Oct. 9, and Dunn could also be good to go, as he's regarded as day-to-day. Evans' injury will likely give Josh Mahura or Ville Ottavainen a chance to impress early in the year.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 1, 2025
Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end
Terrance Ferguson has been working primarily with the scout team during practice and has caught the eye of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. LaFleur talked about how even though he has just been running on the scout team, they are always watching and evaluating as a staff. He specifically noted a moment when Ferguson went immediately to veteran tight end
Tyler Higbee after a scout team rep to ask for feedback and what he saw on the play. LaFleur seemed encouraged by the growth and accountability that he displayed in that setting. The 2025 second-round pick has been active for two of four games and has played almost exclusively special teams with just four offensive snaps all season. Ferguson should still be well-regarded in dynasty leagues, but he's nowhere near relevancy in redraft leagues.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Adam Grosbard
October 1, 2025
Montreal Canadiens right wing Ivan Demidov (wrist) appears to have avoided serious injury. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports that there isn't "any long-term injury concern" for Demidov, who was slashed on the wrist in Tuesday's preseason matchup against the Ottawa Senators. Demidov left the game early, but Friedman's words indicate that fantasy managers shouldn't be overly concerned about his availability for the start of the season. The 19-year-old Russian is expected to be one of the top rookies for the 2025-26 NHL season. He will be part of Montreal's top-six group and should gobble up a lot of power-play time.
--Taavi PailkSource: Elliotte Friedman
October 1, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Sean Tucker could have an opportunity for more work in Week 5 if star
Bucky Irving ends up being ruled out. Tucker said that he's "always ready and prepared" when asked if he would be ready to take on a bigger role on Sunday. Tucker has proven that to be true in the limited sample where he has gotten a decent number of touches. In a game against New Orleans last season that
Rachaad White missed with injury, Tucker totaled 191 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he has six career games with at least five carries. He's averaging over five yards per carry across those games. White would be likely to handle the bulk of the work if Irving were to miss, but Tucker could mix in and steal some touches because he is the better runner. He's a decent stash ahead of Week 5 as more news trickles out.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Greg Auman
October 1, 2025
New Jersey Devils defenseman Luke Hughes signed a seven-year, $63 million contract with the team on Wednesday. This marks the end of a lengthy contract saga, as Hughes spent the entire offseason as a restricted free agent and hasn't been with the team during training camp. Due to his absence, Hughes might be slow out of the gate at the start of the season. However, Hughes' potential makes him an appealing fantasy option. At 22 years old, Hughes already has 155 games under his belt, having collected 93 points (17 goals, 76 assists). 41 of his points have come on the power play.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
October 1, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
KaVontae Turpin (foot) could wind up missing Sunday's game against the Jets after suffering a foot injury in the Cowboys' tie against the Packers in Week 4. Turpin was not present for practice on Wednesday, but, positively, the Cowboys don't think that this is an injury that would require a trip to the Injured Reserve list. Dallas is already down their superstar wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb, and that receiver room was not very deep to begin with. Turpin was off to a productive start to 2025, catching 11 of 13 targets for 159 yards and a touchdown. This is the second time this year that Turpin has been banged up, hurting his neck in Week 2 against the Jets and not returning. He ended up playing in Week 3, but it may not be the same case this week with a new injury. More targets will be directed
George Pickens' way, and maybe we will see rookie
Jaydon Blue active for the first time this season to mirror Turpin's skillset.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Dallas Cowboys
October 1, 2025
Baltimore Ravens running back
Keaton Mitchell has an opportunity to be in uniform in Week 5 against the Texans, according to head coach John Harbaugh. Mitchell has been a healthy inactive for every game so far this season, but Harbaugh indicates that this week could look different for the speedy back. Mitchell played one game during the preseason and looked electric anytime he touched the ball, rushing for 68 yards and a touchdown on nine carries in his only action of the preseason. He missed most of 2024 recovering from an ACL injury, but we saw him in limited action in 2023, and he was equally dynamic. He rushed for a ridiculous 8.4 yards per carry, easily the most of any running back with at least 47 carries that season. Mitchell is a player to put on watch lists to see what the usage looks like if he plays this week.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Brian Wacker
October 1, 2025
Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is in line to miss his third straight game after suffering a high-ankle sprain in their Week 2 loss to the Falcons. The hope coming into the week was for McCarthy to be able to practice, but he was unable to go on Wednesday. Head coach Kevin O'Connell indicated that he is entering "the next phase of his rehab" where he is getting more active to ensure that the high ankle sprain is fully healed, and then he can start working back on the field. Before getting injured, McCarthy struggled, completing 58.5% of his passes for 301 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions. He has the worst EPA/Play among 36 qualified quarterbacks this season. Starting in his place,
Carson Wentz has the weapons and scheme to take advantage, but he's not a recommended play in Week 6.
--Kyle McCarthySource: ProFootballTalk
October 1, 2025
Carolina Panthers tight end
Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) was listed as a DNP in Wednesday's practice, according to David Newton of ESPN. Sanders missed Week 4 against the Patriots as he has been dealing with a high ankle sprain that he suffered against the Falcons in Week 3. He is currently seen as week-to-week to week by the team. Sanders was moderately productive when he played, catching 11 of 14 targets for 92 yards. His best game came during Week 2 when he caught seven of nine targets for 54 yards. But it's worth pointing out that a lot of that production came during garbage time. Sanders caught five of his seven balls in the second half when the Panthers were getting blown out. It doesn't seem like Sanders will be healthy enough to go this week, and fantasy managers should avoid the Panthers' tight end situation entirely.
--Kyle McCarthySource: David Newton
October 1, 2025
New York Giants quarterback
Jaxson Dart (hamstring) was listed as a full participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Dart reportedly hurt his hamstring at some point during his first career win over the undefeated Chargers. However, it doesn't appear to be anything serious, as he finished out the game. It's still important to be aware of, as his legs were a huge part of his performance and drove most of his value generated. If the hamstring injury impacts his willingness to run or effectiveness as a runner, he'll be less appealing as a fantasy starter. And of course, he will also be without his superstar wide receiver
Malik Nabers. Dart is right on the QB1/QB2 line for Week 6 in a soft matchup against New Orleans.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Jordan Raanan
October 1, 2025
Carolina Panthers wide receiver
Xavier Legette (hamstring) logged a full practice on Wednesday after missing the past two games. Legette injured his hamstring in Week 2 against the Cardinals and has not practiced since then. He now appears set to return from his multi-week absence and reclaim his spot as one of the team's starting receivers. It hasn't been the best start to the season for the second-year wideout, catching just four of his 15 targets on the season for 8 yards. He'll look to turn things around and help lift a Carolina offense that has not gotten off the ground yet. Legette is best left on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues as he gets set to return in Week 6.
--Kyle McCarthySource: David Newton
October 1, 2025
According to Sam Gordon of the San Francisco Chronicle, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports that Golden State Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy said he doesn't expect guard
De'Anthony Melton (knee) to be ready for the beginning of the regular season, "but it's not going to be a lengthy absence." Melton tore his ACL last campaign and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. With the 27-year-old likely out of action until November, the Warriors' backcourt will likely rely on 32-year-old veteran
Buddy Hield to take on a larger role at the start of the upcoming season.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Sam Gordon
October 1, 2025
According to Mike Trudell of Spectrum Sports, Los Angeles Lakers forward/center
Maxi Kleber (quadriceps) tweaked a quadriceps muscle during the team's second day of training camp on Wednesday. Kleber became a Laker in the blockbuster deal that shipped
Luka Doncic from Dallas to L.A. However, the 33-year-old played in just one game for the Lakers, which was Game 5 of the first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves. It's unclear if Kleber will miss a significant amount of time due to the injury. Regardless, he will not make much of an impact in fantasy once he is ready to return.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Mike Trudell
October 1, 2025
Shams Charania of ESPN reports that free agent guard
Quentin Grimes is signing a one-year, $8.7 million qualifying offer to return to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Initial negotiations between Grimes and the 76ers appeared to be off track during the offseason. Nonetheless, the 22-year-old will now head into the upcoming season with a new contract that includes a no-trade clause. Now that he is on board, it is unclear if he will suit up for any preseason games. Grimes started the last campaign with the Mavs and was traded to the 76ers back in February. In Philadelphia, he averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest while shooting 37.3 percent from three-point range across 28 appearances.
--Andrew LennoxSource: Shams Charania
October 1, 2025
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver
Alec Pierce (concussion) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice, but is still in the concussion protocol. Pierce missed the Colts' Week 4 game against the Rams after slamming his head into the ground on a leaping catch in their Week 3 win over the Titans. A full practice on the team's first practice of the week is a positive sign for Pierce's chances to suit up on Sunday, but he ultimately must clear concussion protocol before anything can be decided. Pierce was off to a strong start in the first three games of the season, catching nine of 13 targets for 171 yards. He continues to be one of the league's most dynamic deep threats, and his 19 yards per reception ranks second-highest in the league, only behind
Jameson Williams. Pierce is likely only relevant in deeper leagues for Week 5.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Indianapolis Colts
October 1, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Jauan Jennings (ankle, ribs) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Jennings is dealing with multiple injuries and will sit out as the team goes on the road on a short week. The 28-year-old took a big shot to the ribs in Week 4 that left him down on the ground for a bit afterwards. He didn't miss any game action, but had a quiet day overall, catching just two of four targets for 24 yards. Fantasy managers could pivot to
Kendrick Bourne if they are desperate, as he is set to run a lot of routes with the 49ers' receiver room wiped out by injury. Jennings will have an extended amount of time to recover from his list of injuries and hopefully be good to go in Week 6.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Ian Rapoport
October 1, 2025
San Francisco 49ers quarterback
Brock Purdy (toe) has been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup against the Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Purdy made his return in Week 4 against the Jaguars after missing two games in a row, but is experiencing some lingering soreness and won't be ready to go on a short week. Purdy's return in Week 4 wasn't the cleanest of games as he turned the ball over three times in their home loss to Jacksonville. But he still managed to throw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns despite the miscues. Purdy will likely be good to go in games beyond this week, as the short week plays a big factor.
Mac Jones will make his third start of the season in his place and will look to stay undefeated as a 49er.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Ian Rapoport
October 1, 2025
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Ricky Pearsall (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday night's game against the Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Pearsall was already questionable while managing a knee injury heading into Week 3's matchup against the Jaguars, and then he left the game in the third quarter. He was testing it out on the sidelines and was ultimately able to return to the game, but had to shut it down after one snap. The short week made it unlikely for Pearsall to turn around and recover fast enough. But it does give him a longer period to rest, leading into Week 6. The San Francisco wide receiver room has been decimated by injury, leaving
Kendrick Bourne as a potential target if you are desperate.
--Kyle McCarthySource: Ian Rapoport
October 1, 2025
According to Steve Reed of The Associated Press, Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard (calf) is viewed as day-to-day. However, Reed noted that Hubbard still needs more time to recover from this injury. The top running back was sidestepping during Wendedya's initial practice session. While he was able to play out the past weekend during their loss to the Patriots, Hubbard's workload was limited due to this injury. In this contest, the 26-year-old logged just 10 attempts for 49 yards and caught all three of his targets for 20 yards. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his status during practice this week, as he could be in danger of missing their contest against the Dolphins if he faces a setback. If he were to miss time,
Rico Dowdle would take the lead role.
--Andy SmithSource: Steve Reed
October 1, 2025
Washington Commanders quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) expects to be back in action on Sunday when the Commanders travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers. When asked about his recovery, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year said, "I plan on going out there Sunday." Daniels has missed the last two contests due to a knee sprain. In his absence, veteran
Marcus Mariota has taken over QB1 duties in D.C. While he led the Commanders to victory in Week 3, he fell short against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4. During this two-game stretch, Mariota has tossed three passing scores and added one with his legs. If Daniels can return to action, fantasy managers should view him as a high-end QB1 in all leagues, despite potentially beginning without his top wideout,
Terry McLaurin, who is sidelined with a quadriceps injury.
--Andy SmithSource: John Keim
October 1, 2025
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver
CeeDee Lamb (ankle) was not seen wearing a boot during Wednesday's practice. This is an excellent sign for his status, as he was unable to play in Week 4 in their contest against the Green Bay Packers due to a high ankle sprain. While Lamb will face an uphill battle to be ready in time to face the New York Jets this weekend, he appears to be trending in the right direction. Fantasy managers should continue to keep a close eye on his stats during practice this week, as it will likely provide clarity on his potential availability. This past weekend,
George Pickens operated as the team's primary wideout, catching eight of his 11 targets for 134 yards and two scores. While Lamb remains sidelined,
Jalen Tolbert figures to serve as the WR2 and carry FLEX appeal in deeper formats.
--Andy SmithSource: Tommy Yarrish
October 1, 2025
According to Theo Mackie of AZCentral Sports, Cardinals running back
Michael Carter was seen taking first-team reps during Wednesday's practice. This is important to note as the team placed starting running back
Trey Benson (knee) on the injured reserve on Wednesday. Carter figures to split work with
Emari Demercado. However, seeing that Carter is already taking first-team reps, the coaching staff may favor him as their primary back. The 26-year-old logged just one carry during their Week 4 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, while Demercado was given a slightly more prominent role. Fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor this backfield leading up to their contest against the Tennessee Titans this weekend. Fantasy managers should look to add Carter to their roster in all standard formats ahead of their Week 5 matchup.
--Andy SmithSource: Theo Mackie
October 1, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard (calf) did not practice Wednesday and is listed as questionable for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. Hubbard has had a strong start to the season, totaling 53 carries for 217 yards and adding 13 receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns. His absence could create an opportunity for
Rico Dowdle to see increased touches, making him a handcuff to target in fantasy leagues, especially in deeper formats. The matchup is favorable for the Panthers' ground game, as Miami ranks 30th in rushing defense, allowing 158 yards per game. Fantasy managers should monitor Hubbard's practice status late in the week, as Dowdle's potential for an expanded role makes him a valuable speculative option if Hubbard is forced to miss the game.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Joe Person
October 1, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Sr. (undisclosed) missed Wednesday's practice, adding to the team's injury woes with
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) also sidelined. If both top receivers are unavailable, the Commanders will likely lean heavily on
Zach Ertz, while backups
Luke McCaffrey,
Jaylin Lane, and
Chris Moore could see increased target shares. Quarterback
Jayden Daniels, who has been dealing with his own injuries, practiced fully on Wednesday for the first time since Week 2, providing some relief to the offense. Fantasy managers should monitor Washington's injury report closely, as the availability of Samuel and McLaurin will directly impact target distribution and opportunities for both starters and secondary receivers. With multiple pieces of the passing game in flux, planning for potential boom-or-bust performances is crucial heading into Week 5.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Lynnell Willingham
October 1, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) remained sidelined at Wednesday's practice after missing the team's Week 4 loss to the Falcons, putting his Week 5 status against the Chargers in doubt. If McLaurin is unable to suit up, the Commanders are likely to continue leaning on Deebo Samuel as the focal point of the passing attack. Through three games this season, McLaurin has posted just 10 receptions for 149 yards, leaving fantasy managers frustrated with his slow start. His availability will likely come down to late-week evaluations, so managers should closely monitor Washington's injury reports for clarity heading into Sunday.
--Shaun AlbinSource: John Keim
October 1, 2025
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor doubled down on his support for quarterback
Jake Browning on Wednesday, stating, "I've got a ton of confidence in Jake. I'm unwavering in that." The Bengals have dropped back-to-back games, scoring just 13 total points in the process, fueling speculation about a possible trade to address their offensive struggles. However, Taylor's comments suggest the team will remain committed to Browning for now. The 29-year-old quarterback owns a 67.9 passer rating this season, while star receiver Ja'Marr Chase has been limited to 73 yards on 10 catches over the last two weeks. With the Bengals built to win now, Browning's leash may be short if the offensive woes continue, but for the moment, the organization appears determined to stay the course with him at the helm.
--Shaun AlbinSource: James Rapien
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