RADIO
Ladd McConkey Will "Continue to Work Into Practice"
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said on Monday that wide receiver Ladd McConkey (foot) will "continue to work into practice" this week, according to Alex Insdorf. McConkey was active for Sunday's divisional clash against the Denver Broncos in Week 5 after receiving a questionable tag, but the 24-year-old did not play a single snap on offense in the 23-17 loss at SoFi Stadium. Quentin Johnston and Brenen Thompson were ruled out, and Tre' Harris injured his hamstring in the second half, leading to Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Theo Wease Jr. playing the most snaps of any of the team's pass-catchers on Sunday. McConkey will be out at practice again this week, but he might need to upgrade to a full practice by the end of the week to avoid another questionable tag going into the Week 6 divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals, McConkey got started strong with five catches, 82 yards, and a touchdown, but he has caught just seven passes for 101 yards and no touchdowns in his last four games, including putting up donuts in each of the last two weeks. It is becoming very hard to trust anyone in the Chargers' offense right now.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Quentin Johnston to Be Limited in Practice This Week
Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said that wide receiver Quentin Johnston (chest) will be limited in practice this week, according to Alex Insdorf. Johnston was inactive in the Week 5 loss to the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sunday and is up in the air to return for the Week 6 contest this Sunday, Oct. 18, against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs. Like most of the rest of L.A.'s banged-up offense, the 25-year-old Johnston has gotten off to a slow start for the winless Chargers in his fourth season in the NFL. The former first-rounder from TCU has caught only seven of his 19 targets for 108 yards and is still looking for his first touchdown of the year after scoring a combined 16 times in 2024 and 2025. Fellow wideout Ladd McConkey (foot) was active against Denver, but he did not play a single snap, with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Theo Wease Jr. playing the most snaps among the team's wideouts. Tre' Harris (hamstring) was also injured in Week 5, so the Chargers' WR corps is a mess right now. Even if Johnston is active against the Chiefs, fantasy managers should have better WR4/flex options to choose from.
Source: Alex Insdorf
Source: Alex Insdorf
Cardinals Not Discussing Moving Carson Beck to Backup Role
Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur was asked on Monday if rookie quarterback Carson Beck could be moved to the backup role, which would make him eligible to play on Sunday in the Week 6 game against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. According to Darren Urban of the team's official website, LaFleur said the Cardinals have not had those discussions yet. The 24-year-old Beck, a third-rounder back in April from Miami, has been the Cardinals' QB3 for the first five weeks of the season behind starter Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. It remains to be seen if Beck will get any action for the Cardinals in 2026 in his first year in the NFL. That discussion could become more relevant later in the year if the Cardinals continue to lose. Right now, Beck is merely a dynasty/keeper league stash in fantasy football leagues.
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Source: AZCardinals.com - Darren Urban
Seahawks Leaving the Door Open for Zach Charbonnet in Week 6
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald reiterated that the Seahawks do not expect running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) to play in Denver against the Broncos on Thursday Night Football, but that is "subject to change," according to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. The 25-year-old has yet to play in 2026 after suffering a torn ACL in the postseason back in January, but the Seahawks opened his 21-day practice window last week to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list. Charbonnet was limited all of last week and was listed as limited on Monday's estimated practice report. Plans could change, but Charbonnet will most likely need to upgrade to a full participant on Tuesday or Wednesday to have a chance to be activated and make his season debut on Thursday night in the Mile High City. If Charbonnet is surprisingly activated for this week, he would not be recommended as a fantasy starter in what would likely be a smaller workload alongside Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. Charbonnet should eventually lead Seattle's backfield by the end of this year, though, making him a must-add off the waiver wire if he is still available in your league.
Source: Emerald Spectrum - Corbin K. Smith
Source: Emerald Spectrum - Corbin K. Smith
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
