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Pat Freiermuth Gains Week 6 Waiver Appeal After Two-Touchdown Game
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has put himself back in the waiver-wire conversation after catching five of seven targets for 44 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 34-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. He scored from one yard out in the second quarter before adding a 17-yard touchdown in the fourth, giving him four receiving scores through five games. Sunday's seven targets were a season high, and Freiermuth has now found the end zone three times over his past two contests. The touchdowns have helped offset some modest receiving totals, as he has just 19 catches for 169 yards and hasn't exceeded 46 yards in a game this season. Darnell Washington continues to compete for opportunities at tight end, although Freiermuth has drawn more targets so far. Pittsburgh's Week 6 matchup against Tampa Bay gives him another opportunity to produce, particularly for fantasy managers navigating bye weeks. Rostered in just 15% of leagues, Freiermuth is worth considering in 14-team formats and offers touchdown-dependent streaming value.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren has Earned a Bigger Role in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has made a statement in the last three weeks as the workhorse RB1 for Pittsburgh with Rico Dowdle out due to a toe injury. Warren became the first player since Herschel Walker in 1986 to record a 50-yard touchdown run and an 80-yard touchdown catch in the same game in Sunday's Week 5 win over the Indianapolis Colts, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. He had 15 carries for 101 rushing yards and added six catches on six targets for 87 receiving yards and the two touchdowns. It was the third straight week (with Dowdle out) that Warren has had at least 125 all-purpose yards. No Steelers player has done that since James Conner did it four weeks in a row in 2018. Since Week 3, Warren has played at least 85% of the offensive snaps. Head coach Mike McCarthy said the Steelers hope to get Dowdle back in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he also admitted that Warren has been thriving with a heavier workload. "He's hauling it right now for us. There's a number you'd like to continue to give him. He's produced, so it's been heavy. It'd be great to get Rico back this week, too," McCarthy said. Dowdle's eventual return will hurt Warren's overall fantasy ceiling, but he has earned more touches in the Steelers' backfield.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Dre Greenlaw Suspended One Game for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dre Greenlaw has been suspended without pay for one game for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday's Week 5 win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, according to Tom Pelissero of The Ringer. Greenlaw could appeal the suspension, which could allow him to play next Monday night to close out Week 6 action at home against the Washington Commanders. The 29-year-old made a poor decision to headbutt Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones, who was not wearing a helmet, on the sidelines in Sunday's 32-29 win. Greenlaw was also suspended last year while with the Denver Broncos for unsportsmanlike conduct, so he will most likely lose his appeal. The former fifth-rounder by the Niners in 2019 from Arkansas has looked good so far in his return to the Bay Area, recording 37 tackles (18 solo) and a forced fumble in his five games played. If he is suspended for Week 6, Greenlaw's next chance to return will come on Oct. 25 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Packers Not Expecting Micah Parsons to Practice This Week
The Green Bay Packers are not expecting standout pass-rusher Micah Parsons (knee) to return to practice this week as the team prepares for a big Sunday night game in Week 6 against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. There is still uncertainty about exactly when Parsons will return from the torn ACL that he suffered in late December last year, but the hope still remains that he will make his 2026 debut in October. The 27-year-old five-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro was hoping he could make his return against his old team this weekend, but it looks like that will not happen after all. The following week -- a Week 7 date with the division-rival Detroit Lions -- could also be a long shot for Parsons, who will not necessarily return right away from the Physically Unable to Perform list once he begins practicing with the rest of the team. Parsons is a one-man wrecking crew when he is 100%, and the Packers are hoping that they can use him again sooner rather than later. In 14 games in 2025 after being acquired from Dallas, Parsons was on pace to shatter his career highs, recording 12.5 sacks, 41 tackles (19 solo), 12 tackles for loss, and 27 QB hits.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Browns Could Open Dylan Sampson's Practice Window This Week
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken said that there is a "possibility" that the team opens running back Dylan Sampson's (knee) 21-day practice window this week to return from Injured Reserve, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Sampson has missed the last four games with a knee injury. Cleveland's backfield depth is being tested with Sampson out and lead back Quinshon Judkins is now day-to-day after tweaking his ankle in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. Judkins was seen wearing a walking boot after the game on Sunday, and Raheim Sanders (hip) is also questionable for Week 6 against the division-rival Baltimore Ravens after he was injured against the Jets. The only other RB currently on the active roster is Jaleel McLaughlin, so at the very least, McLaughlin could be bumped up to the RB2 role this weekend. If Sampson returns to practice this week, it does not guarantee he will officially be activated from IR and play on Sunday against Baltimore. Sampson did not have a single touch in the Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Source: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
Quinshon Judkins Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken is not ruling anyone out for Sunday's divisional clash in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram. Monken added that Judkins is day-to-day after tweaking his ankle in the Week 5 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. The 22-year-old second-year back played only 52.9% of the offensive snaps in the 17-12 loss in New York and handled 14 carries for 44 yards (3.1 yards per attempt) while catching three of his four targets for six yards. Judkins was seen in a walking boot after the game. Backfield mate Raheim Sanders (hip) was also injured in the same contest and left the game, so Cleveland's backfield depth could be tested at a bad time against the Ravens' defense this weekend. Judkins has underwhelmed so far as an RB in fantasy so far in 2026 in his second year in the league, averaging 3.0 yards per carry for 221 yards and one touchdown in four games, adding 18 receptions for 102 yards as a receiver. The only other RB on the Browns' current roster is Jaleel McLaughlin. Fantasy managers will need to keep a close eye on Judkins' status from Wednesday through Friday.
Source: The Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Source: The Chronicle-Telegram - Scott Petrak
Jordyn Tyson Remains a Critical Stash Despite No Signs of Return
As NFL bye weeks continue to roll in and injuries pile up around the league, fantasy bench space becomes all the more critical, but New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) remains one of fantasy's most valuable stashes, despite no clear indication of a return from the hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve to begin the year. The eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Tyson was a training camp standout, and he has the potential to form one of the league's most productive tandems with Chris Olave upon his eventual return. Even after a poor Week 5 showing, Olave is the WR5 through five weeks, while quarterback Tyler Shough remains in the top 10, with Kellen Moore's up-tempo offense helping to create a rich fantasy environment in which Tyson is projected to thrive.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Coker "On Track" to Return in Week 6
Following the team's Week 5 bye, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quad) is on track to return for a Week 6 matchup with the Eagles, according to head coach Dave Canales and The Athletic's Joe Person. Coker has been dealing with a quadriceps injury and missed the team's Week 4 win over the Lions, but Canales told the media on Monday that he has a couple of big days of practice ahead of him. Coker led the team in receptions and yards through the first three games, but in his absence, 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan exploded for career highs of 14 catches and 192 yards, adding two touchdowns in the win over Detroit. The potential return of Coker likely hurts McMillan's overall ceiling, but if both receivers can stay involved, Carolina's surprising offense should remain one of the league's most fantasy-friendly moving forward.
Source: Joe Person
Source: Joe Person
Brian Robinson Remains One of Fantasy's Most Valuable Insurance Backs
After recording a career-high three rushing touchdowns in a Week 4 win over the Saints, Atlanta Falcons running back Brian Robinson became one of the most popular waiver pickups of the week, but he was unable to make a second straight fantasy contribution, rushing for only 16 yards in Sunday night's loss to the Ravens. As one of fantasy's premier handcuffs behind All-Pro running back Bijan Robinson, the former Robinson remains roster-worthy in almost all formats and is a player managers should be on the watch for after the week's first wave of drops. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (ribs) was injured late in the loss to the Ravens, and if veteran Tua Tagovailoa is forced into the starting role, the Falcons' entire offensive ceiling takes a hit, but in a Week 6 matchup with the Bears, both Robinsons should be able to find more open running lanes.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet a Must-Add Wherever Still Available
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) had his 21-day practice window opened on October 1, and while he is not expected to be activated ahead of the team's Week 6 Thursday night tilt with the Broncos, he still needs to be rostered in all league formats. First-round rookie Jadarian Price (chest) is on injured reserve with a chest injury, leaving the Seahawks to piece together the position with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. As a result, running back has become an obvious weak spot on an otherwise championship-caliber roster, particularly as ball-security issues continue to pop up. Price, Wilson, and Holani have combined for six fumbles through five games, and while Charbonnet has had his detractors, he has never fumbled on 432 professional carries, and he figures to earn a sizable role as soon as he is made active.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dameon Pierce a Worthwhile Waiver Pickup in Eagles' Thinning RB Room
Philadelphia Eagles running back Dameon Pierce led the team with a 61.1% running back rush share in a Week 5 loss to the Jaguars, and although he was only able to rack up 12 total yards on his 15 opportunities, he is a player who should be rostered ahead of the Eagles' Week 6 matchup against a more forgiving Panthers defense. With All-Pro Saquon Barkley (hamstring) sidelined with a hamstring injury, Pierce was elevated from the practice squad and more than doubled Will Shipley's opportunities and touches in what remained a relatively neutral game script. While the results were not there against a formidable Jaguars front, the Panthers have been the third-best fantasy matchup for running backs, and if Barkley misses another week, Pierce can be considered as a flex play in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Javon Hargrave Suffers Season-Ending Torn Achilles
Tests on Monday confirmed that Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (Achilles) suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the Week 5 blowout win over the division-rival Chicago Bears on Sunday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. It is another blow for the Packers' defense, which already lost star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper to the same injury earlier this season. Hargrave will now miss the rest of the season and could be delayed to begin the 2027 campaign, depending on how he does with his rehab in the offseason. The 33-year-old veteran interior defensive lineman will finish his 11th year in the league and his first with the Packers with only six tackles (two solo) and a pass breakup in four games played. The Packers are suddenly thin on the interior of their D-line, with Jordon Riley (Achilles) also out for the season. It means that they will be asking Jonathan Ford to play more snaps on defense at defensive tackle going forward.
Source: ESPN.com - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN.com - Adam Schefter
David Montgomery Considered "Week-to-Week"
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that running back David Montgomery (groin) is considered "week-to-week" with the groin injury that knocked him out of the Week 5 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Before injuring his groin in the 26-3 blowout victory, Montgomery handled a season-low five carries for just 11 yards on the ground, and he was not targeted in the passing game at all for the second straight week. With Monty getting hurt, second-year back Woody Marks took advantage of the extra opportunities to carry the football a season-high 15 times for 62 yards while catching all four of his targets for 23 yards through the air. However, he was unable to find the end zone on the ground for a third straight week. With Montgomery's status up in the air for the Week 6 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, Marks should be one of the most popular waiver-wire options this week. He is rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC 2 Sports - Aaron Wilson
TreVeyon Henderson Undergoing an MRI Exam on Monday
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said on Monday that running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) will have an MRI exam on Monday to determine if/how much time he will miss with an ankle injury that he suffered in the Week 5 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, according to the NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe. Backfield mate Rhamondre Stevenson was questionable going into the game against the Raiders on Sunday due to a knee injury, but he managed to suit up and took over the backfield duties once Henderson was injured. The 23-year-old Henderson had a season-low four carries for 22 yards and caught his lone target for a gain of 16 yards before leaving with injury and not returning. Henderson also dealt with an ankle injury at the end of the preseason that caused him to sit out the Week 1 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. His status is worth watching closely this week. If Henderson cannot gain clearance to face the division-rival New York Jets in Week 6, Stevenson should handle the lion's share of backfield work for the Pats this weekend.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
A.J. Brown Could Return to Action in Week 6
Updating a previous report, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters on Monday that there is "a chance" that wide receiver A.J. Brown (ankle) returns off Injured Reserve to play in Week 6 against the division-rival New York Jets, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Brown is very close to returning from the high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks. It is excellent news for a Patriots offense that has come alive in back-to-back wins over the division-rival Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders. When he comes off IR, Brown should go back to being the top aerial target for young quarterback Drake Maye. Before leaving Week 1 against Seattle, Brown caught three passes for 26 yards. He was acquired in an offseason trade from the Philadelphia Eagles to serve as Maye's go-to downfield target in 2026. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Brown's status this week during practice from Monday through Friday. If he is activated and makes the start on Sunday versus the Jets, he should be returned to most starting fantasy football lineups.
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
Source: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
