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Tyjae Spears Misses Practice Again on Thursday
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (knee), who missed the team's Week 7 loss to the Browns with a knee injury, was absent again on Thursday after missing the first practice of the week. Also missing practice on Thursday, according to beat writer Terry McCormick, is starting running back Tony Pollard, who was given a veteran rest day on the Thursday leading up to his season-best 155-yard, three-touchdown Week 7 performance. Fantasy managers will need to monitor the team's official injury report, but if Pollard's absence is again non-injury related and Spears is unable to suit up for a second week, the veteran becomes a high-floor play against a Bengals defense that has been more beatable on the ground than through the air.
Source: Terry McCormick
Source: Terry McCormick
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Bucky Irving's Absence Chalked up to Rest
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (rest) was not spotted at Thursday's practice, but beat writer Greg Auman has since reported that his absence was a simple rest day for the third-year veteran. Irving is coming off a dominant 110-yard, two-touchdown performance against the Panthers and is the fantasy RB13 through seven weeks, so any missed time is a rightful cause for concern after injuries limited him to only 10 games in 2025 while sapping him of the explosiveness put on display both before and since. That said, he appears to be well on track to suit up for a Week 8 matchup with the Falcons and is RotoBaller's RB13 ahead of the divisional clash.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Carnell Tate Still Not Practicing Thursday
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate (shoulder) did not practice on Wednesday after suffering a shoulder injury in the team's Week 7 loss to the Browns, and he will miss his second consecutive session on Thursday, according to senior team writer Jim Wyatt. The fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Tate has become the unquestioned focal point of the Titans' passing attack. His 413 receiving yards are more than double the next closest player on the team, but if he is unable to suit up for a Week 8 matchup with the Bengals, veteran Wan'Dale Robinson should see an influx of opportunities and becomes an intriguing flex play.
Source: Jim Wyatt
Source: Jim Wyatt
Lamar Jackson Practicing Again on Thursday
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) is practicing again on Thursday after logging a full participation on Wednesday. Jackson has missed the last three games with the ankle injury sustained in a Week 4 win over the Titans, with the Ravens going 1-2 in his absence. After returning to practice on a limited basis ahead of the Week 7 loss to the Bengals and now looking to string together a number of unencumbered sessions, he appears to be on track to return for a heavyweight Week 8 matchup against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Jackson was the fantasy QB9 through the first four weeks of the season, and while managers will still need to wait for an official injury designation, he is RotoBaller's QB4 heading into Sunday.
Source: Jamison Hensley
Source: Jamison Hensley
Jordan Mason Back in Lead Role, Could Handle Even More Volume
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason returned from injured reserve last week and immediately stepped back into his No. 1 role with 15 carries. He was also targeted twice in the passing game, but he didn't convert either opportunity into a reception. Mason now has an opportunity to handle even more volume going forward, as teammate Aaron Jones Sr. (knee) suffered an injury in Week 7 and didn't practice on Wednesday. It's too early to tell whether Jones will miss time, but if he does, Mason should handle even more volume on the ground and through the air than before. In such a scenario, he would theoretically increase his snap share from last week's 64% mark to at least 75% in Week 8. He's averaging nearly five yards per carry since the start of the 2023 season, vaulting himself into high-end RB3 or low-end RB2 territory going forward.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jakobi Meyers Remains a Usable Floor Play Coming Off Big Game
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is coming off his most involved game of the season and should continue to provide a usable fantasy floor moving forward. Before a Week 7 bye, Meyers saw 10 targets in a narrow loss to the Texans, his highest total since the mid-season trade that landed him in Jacksonville in 2025, while his 83 receiving yards were his second-most as a Jaguar. Fourth-year player Parker Washington has emerged as the star of Jacksonville's passing offense, but Meyers remains one of the most consistent complementary pieces in the NFL, and he is RotoBaller's WR40 ahead of a Week 8 divisional matchup with the Colts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Carnell Tate Consistently Among the Titans' Top Contributors
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate has solidified himself as the top target for quarterback Cam Ward. Ward is just seven games into his rookie season, but he has already produced at a high level while maintaining a consistent target share. He has seven targets in each of his last two games, totaling 11 catches, 139 yards, and one touchdown during that span. He currently ranks as the WR24 in PPR scoring this season, and he will continue to be a WR2 in fantasy football going forward. Tate benefits from playing in an offense that has to throw the ball a lot because they often find themselves trailing on the scoreboard. Plus, he's the No. 1 target in Tennessee, ahead of players like Wan'Dale Robinson, Calvin Ridley, and Gunnar Helm. Not only does the 21-year-old rookie have impressive long-term dynasty value, but he's a very intriguing rest-of-season option in redraft leagues, too. He should continue to produce as he and Ward solidify their rapport in Year 1 together.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenny Gainwell Returns to Practice on Thursday
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell (hip) returned to practice on Thursday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Meanwhile, fellow RB Bucky Irving (undisclosed) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media after he was a full-go on Wednesday. The Buccaneers' backfield has some question marks right now as they prepare to take on the division-rival Atlanta Falcons in Week 8 this Sunday. If Gainwell is cleared to play and Irving is inactive this weekend, Gainwell would instantly have RB2 upside after a disappointing start to his first year with the team. The 27-year-old came out of nowhere to catch a career-high 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 2025 with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but so far through seven weeks this season, he has just 12 catches on 17 targets for 61 yards and one score, adding 33 carries for 149 yards (4.5 yards per attempt). The efficiency has been there, but the volume is lacking with Irving settled in as the lead back. Gainwell had a season-high 14 carries for 88 yards on the ground in the Week 7 blowout win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, but fantasy managers cannot count on that happening every week as long as Irving is healthy.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Jonathan Taylor Meets With Ownership Amid Trade Speculation
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has met with owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon to discuss his role with the franchise amid rampant trade speculation as the Nov. 10 deadline nears, according to Mike Chappell of FOX 59. Taylor was clear with the media that he has demanded a trade out of town, although he acknowledges that his future is out of his hands at this point. The 2-5 Colts traded Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, and they might not be done selling. Taylor would be the biggest piece to be moved, but reports suggest that the Colts would prefer to keep the star RB around as they build for the future. Despite the Colts' offense struggling in the first half of the season, JT has been a constant source of production on the ground, rushing for 587 yards on 140 carries (4.2 yards per attempt) with a league-high eight rushing touchdowns. He has also added 17 catches for 178 yards on 26 targets through the air. A trade to a contender would likely raise his already high fantasy ceiling, but it remains to be seen if the Colts will pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal.
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
Source: FOX 59 - Mike Chappell
Bucky Irving Not at Thursday's Practice
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (undisclosed) was not seen at the portion of practice open to the media on Thursday, according to Pewter Report. Meanwhile, fellow RB Kenny Gainwell (hip) was back on the field after not participating in practice on Wednesday. It is unclear what is keeping Irving off the field for the team's second practice of the week, but if he cannot play this weekend against the division-rival Atlanta Falcons, both Gainwell (if he is active) and Sean Tucker would have expanded backfield roles for the Bucs on Sunday. Irving had his second 100-yard rushing game in the last three weeks and scored two times on a season-high 24 carries in the Week 7 blowout win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers, and he has been the clear leader of Tampa's backfield through the first seven weeks of the season. Check back for an update on the 24-year-old RB as to why he was not on the field for practice on Thursday. If he is active this weekend, he will be a must-start fantasy RB against the Falcons.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Courtland Sutton Remains Difficult to Roster
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has disappointed all season, and Week 7 in Arizona was no exception. Sutton finished with just three receptions for 45 yards, bringing his season totals to 16 receptions for 168 yards and one touchdown. That's a good afternoon for Jaxon Smith-Njigba; that's a whole season for Sutton. The Broncos' passing game has struggled all year (to put it politely). Bo Nix averages just 181.6 passing yards per game, which severely limits his wide receivers' production. Sutton's production has cratered largely because of this. In 2025, when Bo Nix averaged 231.2 passing yards per game, Sutton got 7.3 targets per game and finished with 74 receptions, 1,017 yards, and seven touchdowns. In 2026, that has fallen to 4.7, a roughly 36% decrease. Jaylen Waddle's arrival hasn't helped. He's been Bo Nix's favorite(ish) target, seeing 45 targets to Sutton's 33. Even with Waddle questionable for Week 8, Denver's struggling passing game gives little reason to trust Sutton. He belongs on the bench and is cuttable in shallower leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emeka Egbuka Moves to Contact Jersey, Nears Return
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (concussion, foot) took a clear step toward a Week 8 return, wearing a contact jersey at Thursday's practice after working in a non-contact jersey Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The second-year receiver drew 25 targets across his last two appearances before the injury, so a return would give quarterback Baker Mayfield one of his primary receiving options back against the Atlanta Falcons. He was officially limited Wednesday, another encouraging development after missing the Week 7 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Thursday's official participation level has not yet been announced, and Egbuka still needs to clear concussion protocol before being eligible to play Sunday.
Source: Greg Auman
Source: Greg Auman
Trevor Lawrence Earns a Firm QB1 Look With Passing Surge
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has earned a firm spot in the QB1 conversation heading into Sunday's Week 8 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, where RotoBaller ranks him fifth among quarterbacks for the week. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback has paired impressive touchdown production with a notable jump in passing volume, averaging 26 attempts through his first four starts before throwing 39 passes against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 and 41 against the Houston Texans in Week 6. Those two games produced 637 yards and six touchdowns, including a 306-yard, four-score performance against the Texans. Lawrence has now thrown 14 touchdowns against four interceptions through six games without the rushing scores that helped his fantasy value in 2025, when he recorded nine rushing touchdowns. The passing volume of Weeks 5 and 6 may not continue at the same rate, but the production backs the case for treating him as a QB1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Harold Fannin Jr. Turning the Corner After Six-Catch Performance?
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is trending up in fantasy football after an impressive Week 7 performance. Fannin made an enormous impact as a rookie last year, and although he started this season strong, he cooled off in Weeks 5 and 6. Now, he's back on track after catching six of nine targets for 91 yards last Sunday. The Browns have plenty of solid weapons on offense, but Fannin seems to have solidified himself as one of quarterback Deshaun Watson's preferred targets, especially after Week 7. Plus, although his productivity briefly dipped, his usage was never affected; he has played at least 82% of the snaps in every game this season. Fannin is firmly entrenched as a low-end TE1 with additional upside. He'll look to remain productive, starting with Week 8 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his last outing against Pittsburgh, Fannin tallied 27 yards and a touchdown.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ja'Marr Chase Expected to Play in Week 8
Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (ankle) was rested in Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury, but it is not considered to be a major deal, and Chase is expected to be out there for the team's Week 8 game this Sunday against the visiting Tennessee Titans, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The Bengals apparently held Chase out of the first practice of the week more for rest purposes, so he should be back at practice on Thursday and Friday and be available for fantasy managers this weekend as a must-start WR1 in a smash spot against the one-win Titans. The 26-year-old five-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro has caught 32 of his 45 targets for 351 yards and five touchdowns through his first six games in 2026, and although he does not have a 100-yard game yet, he remains an elite, high-end WR1 that should be locked into starting fantasy lineups this week despite nursing an ankle injury. He caught five of seven targets for 62 yards and scored for the second straight week in Sunday's 35-13 win over the division-rival Baltimore Ravens.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Tony Pollard Likely Staying Put Before Trade Deadline
Running back Tony Pollard looks likely to stay with the Tennessee Titans, who reportedly prefer to keep him ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline, according to Ari Meirov. Tennessee has informed teams it does not want to move offensive contributors such as Pollard while continuing to evaluate quarterback Cam Ward, who has yet to throw a touchdown pass in the first three quarters of a game in 2026. Despite his potential value to interested teams, Tennessee appears reluctant to weaken an offense that relies heavily on Pollard while Ward develops. Thursday's trade of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons to the Chicago Bears has raised further questions about the Titans' plans. Pollard is in the final year of his contract and has rushed for 478 yards and four touchdowns through seven games, including 129 yards and three scores against the Cleveland Browns in Week 7.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Patrick Mahomes Has Lost His Must-Start Status
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes struggled in Sunday's 20-3 loss to Seattle, throwing for just 165 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. After throwing nine touchdowns in his first four games of the season, he has had zero touchdowns in his last two, adding just 437 passing yards and two interceptions in those outings. This lack of production continues to show Mahomes is no longer the key cog in the Chiefs' offense. Instead, they now rely on Kenneth Walker and the ground game. With a depleted receiving room (Rashee Rice remains questionable for Week 8), don't expect those vintage Mahomes performances to return anytime soon. Mahomes will still have weeks where he produces QB1 numbers, but with an offense no longer solely reliant on him and his production declining, he no longer warrants an automatic start tag. And with a Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos, he should remain on your bench.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonah Coleman Making Case for Larger Backfield Role
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman is a priority waiver add in 10-team and deeper leagues after returning from a four-game absence as the busiest running back in the Broncos' backfield. He played 49% of the offensive snaps against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7, up from 40% in his previous appearance before the injury, and his 30 snaps outpaced the 16 for RJ Harvey and 14 for J.K. Dobbins. Coleman led the group with nine carries for 54 yards and added two receptions for 15 yards. He had practiced fully throughout the week before his return, and head coach Sean Payton afterward praised his explosiveness and said he had earned additional opportunities. Dobbins still handled a goal-line carry for a touchdown, and Harvey scored on a 52-yard reception, so both remain involved. Yet Coleman getting the largest workload of the three right away is an encouraging sign, and he could develop into a more dependable flex option if his touches keep increasing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Holds Lead Role as Steelers Backfield Evens Out
Running back Jaylen Warren remains a dependable fantasy RB2 because the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to feed him, even with Rico Dowdle back. He rushed 18 times for 101 yards and caught three passes for 36 yards in Pittsburgh's Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints, with Dowdle finishing at nine carries and six receptions. Warren has logged at least 14 carries in five consecutive contests after combining for just 21 rushing attempts in the first two games, and he's topped 100 scrimmage yards four times in that span. Dowdle's role is expanding elsewhere, though. He played 44% of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps against the Saints, led the team with six catches, and head coach Mike McCarthy said he liked how the workload was distributed. That growth is what keeps Warren from the near-every-down role he held before Dowdle's return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Ferguson Gives Fantasy Managers Little Reason to Roster Him
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson didn't record a single reception on just one target in Monday's 38-21 Week 7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. It's just the latest underwhelming box score in an already frustrating season. What's truly concerning, though, is his lack of usage. He only ran a route on 52% of dropbacks in Week 6 and 54% in Week 7, earning measly 6% and 4% target share in those two weeks. And it's no longer just CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens working ahead of him. Ryan Flournoy is becoming an increasingly important part of this passing attack. Flournoy ran a route on 91% of dropbacks in Week 6 and 75% in Week 7, earning a respectable 17% and 15% target share in those two weeks. Even fellow tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford is eating into Ferguson's role, outearning him in targets in back-to-back games. With his routes limited and his target share nearly nonexistent, Ferguson shouldn't be rostered in any standard league and should only be rostered in the deepest of TE-premium leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
D'Andre Swift Currently Operating as a Workhorse
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift ascended into a workhorse role during a Week 7 win over the New England Patriots. After consistently playing a slight majority of the snaps for most of this season, Swift exploded last Thursday with an 86% snap share and 26 total touches. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, but he also impressed with four receptions and a rushing touchdown. Swift's larger workload lately is the direct product of a key injury within the Chicago backfield. Kyle Monangai (thumb, toe), who averaged 15 carries per game when healthy, has now missed three consecutive games and is trending toward missing Week 8. Roschon Johnson wasn't very involved last week, so if Monangai does sit out Monday's game, Swift should see 20+ touches again in a workhorse role. That increased volume, coupled with the fact that he has four touchdowns in his last three games, vaults Swift to the high-end RB2 tier with additional upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More News About Tyjae Spears
