RADIO
Tee Higgins Set for Questionable Tag for Week 5
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that "we'll see" with wide receiver Tee Higgins (groin, neck) in regards to his Week 5 status against the Miami Dolphins, according to The Athletic's Paul Dehner Jr. The good news is that Higgins was able to practice some on Friday, but he will be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. Fellow star wideout Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) is also questionable to play this weekend, so the Bengals could be without their two best receivers in South Beach. The 27-year-old Higgins is a must-start in all fantasy football leagues when he is active, even in the shadow of Chase. Through four games in 2026, Higgins has 25 receptions for 401 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Joe Burrow's Week 5 value hinges on whether one or both of Higgins and Chase can play this weekend. If one or both of Higgins or Chase cannot play, Dohnte Meyers and Mitchell Tinsley could have massive roles alongside tight end Mike Gesicki. Hopefully, fantasy managers will have a better picture of Higgins' Week 5 status by Saturday evening.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Ja'Marr Chase Will be Questionable for Week 5
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor said that star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) is still in the league's concussion protocol, according to Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic. Chase was able to practice again on Friday, but he will be listed as questionable to play on Sunday in Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. It does not make fantasy managers' decisions any easier this weekend, and the 26-year-old All-Pro pass-catcher could end up being a true game-time decision on Sunday morning. Hopefully, we will have some clarification on his status by Saturday night. With fellow wideout Tee Higgins (groin) also questionable to play, the Bengals could be without their top two pass-catchers on the road against the winless Dolphins. Chase already has 21 catches for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the first four games of the season and will be a must-start in fantasy lineups if he is cleared from the concussion protocol by Sunday. Tight end Mike Gesicki's weekly value is trending up with both Chase and Higgins up in the air to play.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
Source: The Athletic - Paul Dehner Jr.
D'Andre Swift Should be Able to Go in Week 5
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (knee, hip) is dealing with multiple injuries, and after returning to practice on Thursday, the belief is that he should be able to go in a big divisional clash in Week 5 this Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Power backfield mate Kyle Monangai (toe, thumb) is dealing with turf toe and a thumb injury. After missing two practices so far this week, Monangai looks to be the one who is on the wrong side of questionable to play this weekend. If Monangai is ruled out for Sunday's contest, Swift will essentially be a must-start in all traditional fantasy football leagues, while Roschon Johnson would jump up into the RB2 role to help spell Swift. The 27-year-old Swift has carried the ball 69 times already for 311 yards and three touchdowns across four games in 2026, adding 10 catches for 84 yards through the air. Even with starting quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) missing another week, Swift will have clear RB1 upside this weekend if Monangai is inactive.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Carnell Tate Good to Go for Week 5
Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh said that rookie first-round wide receiver Carnell Tate (back) is good to go to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Houston Texans on Sunday, according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. Tate had some random back tightness on Thursday and was listed as limited in practice, but Saleh assures that he is fine. The young wideout should be removed from Friday's final injury report heading into the weekend, so fantasy managers can keep him in their lineups after his big game in Week 4 in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens, when he caught nine of his 12 targets for 145 yards. Tate is still searching for his first career NFL touchdown, but it is becoming clear that he has the most fantasy upside of any Titans receiver. The 21-year-old fourth overall pick in April's draft is going to have peaks and valleys, though, in his first NFL season with a second-year quarterback, Cam Ward, who is still trying to figure things out. Consider Tate an intriguing low-end WR2 with boom-or-bust tendencies this weekend against the Texans.
Source: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport
Source: ESPN.com - Turron Davenport
Stefon Diggs Not Spotted at Friday's Practice
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (hamstring) wasn't seen on the field during Friday's media viewing, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. Diggs has been listed as a non-participant both days this week, although he did some work off to the side with athletic trainers Thursday. His availability for Sunday's matchup with the Giants is becoming a real concern. The veteran has caught 18 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns through four games, but hasn't found the end zone since Week 2 and has totaled just 68 receiving yards over his last two outings. Terry McLaurin (hamstring) also missed practice Wednesday and Thursday, though he was spotted on the field Friday. Washington expects to have Jayden Daniels (elbow) back under center, but could be shorthanded at receiver. Diggs' official Friday designation has yet to be announced.
Source: Tashan Reed
Source: Tashan Reed
Caleb Douglas Unlikely to Play Despite Expected Practice Return
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas (ankle) is expected to get back on the practice field Friday, but head coach Jeff Hafley still considers him "unlikely" to play Sunday against Cincinnati, according to ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. Douglas hasn't practiced since hurting his ankle against San Francisco in Week 2 and has already missed two games. The rookie made a strong first impression with five catches for 94 yards in his NFL debut against Las Vegas, then added two receptions for 19 yards before leaving the following week's game with the injury. He's been sidelined ever since. Getting some work in Friday would be a positive step, even if he isn't quite ready for game action. Miami has its bye in Week 6, so Douglas could have another two weeks to recover before the Dolphins face the Jets on October 25.
Source: Marcel-Louis Jacques
Source: Marcel-Louis Jacques
Terry McLaurin Makes First Appearance on Practice Field This Week
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) was spotted on the practice field Friday for the first time this week, according to Tashan Reed of The Washington Post. McLaurin missed both Wednesday and Thursday's sessions, so his appearance is encouraging, although it's unclear whether he actually took part in drills. He suffered the injury during practice last Friday and wound up missing Washington's Week 4 loss to Indianapolis. McLaurin has 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown through three games, with six of those catches coming against Seattle in Week 3. The Commanders are expecting Jayden Daniels (elbow) back under center Sunday against the Giants, but their receiving corps remains banged up. Stefon Diggs (hamstring) has also missed practice time this week. McLaurin's official Friday designation will be important in determining whether he has a chance to return this weekend.
Source: Tashan Reed
Source: Tashan Reed
Sean Tucker's Role Remains Uncertain
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker isn't necessarily headed for more touches despite head coach Todd Bowles expressing interest in getting him more involved earlier this week. Asked Friday whether Tucker would see more work, Bowles said the backfield distribution will depend on who has the hot hand and could vary from game to game, according to Pewter Report. Tucker carried five times for 18 yards in Thursday's win over Dallas, including an unsuccessful fourth-and-goal attempt from the 1-yard line. He scored his first touchdown of the season against Green Bay just four days earlier, although he had only three carries in that game. Bucky Irving was the clear standout Thursday, rushing for 165 yards and a touchdown on 21 attempts while adding another score through the air. Bowles acknowledged there wasn't much reason to take Irving off the field while he was playing so well. Tucker has just eight carries through five games, making him difficult to trust in fantasy lineups without a more consistent role.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Tyrek Hill's Legal Issues Complicate Return to NFL
Free-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill (knee) may have a harder time returning to the NFL than anticipated. ProFootballTalk reports that Hill's ongoing civil trial could complicate his efforts to sign with a team, even after agent Drew Rosenhaus suggested earlier this week that a deal might happen within days. Hill testified Thursday in the case brought by his estranged wife, Keeta Vaccaro, acknowledging that he pushed her into a wall during an argument while denying her broader allegations of physical abuse. The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy investigation remains active, with no discipline announced. Kansas City has reportedly shown interest in bringing Hill back, but there's still no agreement in place. The 32-year-old hasn't played since suffering a serious knee injury in September 2025. He's worth monitoring as a potential stash in deeper fantasy leagues, although his playing status remains uncertain even if he signs with a team.
Source: ProFootballTalk
Source: ProFootballTalk
Adonai Mitchell Sidelined for Third Consecutive Week
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against Cleveland, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. It'll be his third straight missed game, although head coach Aaron Glenn offered some encouraging news about his recovery. Glenn confirmed Mitchell hasn't undergone surgery and said he's "progressing faster than we thought," but declined to clarify whether the injury is a sprain or fracture. Mitchell suffered the injury during practice ahead of Week 3 and hasn't played since. He was starting to establish himself as a bigger part of New York's passing attack, catching six of 12 targets for 63 yards against Green Bay in Week 2. The 24-year-old has nine receptions for 123 yards through two appearances this season. Isaiah Williams has been getting more opportunities in Mitchell's absence, including a 58-yard touchdown against Chicago last week. Mitchell remains week-to-week, with his next chance to return coming against New England in Week 6.
Source: Rich Cimini
Source: Rich Cimini
Breece Hall Will Miss Second Straight Game
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (quadriceps) has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Cleveland Browns, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini. It will be his second straight absence after suffering the injury against Detroit in Week 3. Hall had handled 51 carries for 163 yards and a touchdown through three games, adding 10 receptions for 102 yards. Braelon Allen did nearly all the work in his place last Sunday, playing 30 of New York's 32 offensive snaps and taking all 14 rushing attempts for 59 yards. He also caught two passes for eight yards, while Isaiah Davis barely saw the field. Allen should continue handling the majority of the backfield work against Cleveland and is worth starting in fantasy leagues where running back options are thin. The Jets managed only 32 offensive plays against Chicago, though, which shows how quickly things can go sideways for this offense. Hall remains week-to-week.
Source: Rich Cimini
Source: Rich Cimini
Omar Cooper Jr. Worth a Look as Week 6 Eligibility Nears
New York Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) is still on injured reserve, but the rookie is getting closer to being eligible to return. Cooper sprained his ankle in Week 1 against Tennessee and was placed on IR on Sept. 19, keeping him out through Sunday's game against Cleveland. Week 6 at New England is the earliest he can play, although the Jets haven't announced a timetable. The first-round pick played only five offensive snaps in his debut but turned his lone target into a 30-yard catch-and-run. New York's receiving situation has changed somewhat during his absence. Adonai Mitchell (finger) has missed two straight games and hasn't practiced this week, while Isaiah Williams has taken on more work. Tim Patrick has also returned to practice after opening the season on injured reserve. Cooper was selected 30th overall and should eventually get an opportunity to compete for meaningful snaps, but his role upon returning remains uncertain. He's worth considering as an IR stash in deeper fantasy leagues, particularly for managers who can afford to wait.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Sampson's Receiving Upside Makes Him Worth an IR Stash
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson (knee) is approaching his earliest possible return from injured reserve, making him worth a look for fantasy managers with an open IR spot. Sampson injured his knee on a kickoff return in Week 1 and was placed on IR on Sept. 15, leaving Week 6 against Baltimore as the earliest he can play again. Cleveland has not announced a return timetable, but the potential receiving role makes him interesting. Sampson caught 33 passes for 271 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, and the Browns have sent 25.2% of their targets to running backs through four weeks, the third-highest rate in the league. Quinshon Judkins remains the lead back, with Raheim Sanders handling much of the complementary work during Sampson's absence. There is no guarantee Sampson immediately takes those opportunities back, especially after missing several weeks. Still, his receiving ability gives him some appeal in PPR leagues, and managers who can afford to wait should consider stashing him before Cleveland gets closer to activating him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaac TeSlaa Emerging as a Big-Play Option for Lions
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has started making a bigger impact after a quiet first two weeks. He caught four of eight targets for 95 yards against Carolina, including a 57-yard gain, one week after a three-catch, 66-yard performance against the Jets. Those two games account for 161 of his 187 receiving yards this season. The playing time is worth watching, too. TeSlaa logged 58 snaps Sunday, an 82% share after playing 48% in Week 3. Detroit was using more three-receiver sets while trailing, though, so there is no guarantee he stays on the field that much every week. He also still has Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta competing for targets. TeSlaa has only nine catches overall, but he is averaging 20.8 yards per reception and just drew a season-high eight targets. His recent production has made him more interesting in deeper fantasy leagues, even if the weekly volume is not quite there yet.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Davis Mills' Contract Restructured by Texans
The Houston Texans have restructured quarterback Davis Mills' contract to create $2.707 million in salary-cap space, according to Aaron Wilson. Houston converted $3.721 million of his salary into a signing bonus, lowering his 2026 cap hit from $8.134 million to $5.427 million. The agreement also adds void years from 2027 through 2030 for accounting purposes, but Mills is still scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. His new base salary of $1.2 million is fully guaranteed. The 27-year-old remains C.J. Stroud's backup and hasn't attempted a pass through Houston's first four games. Mills made three starts last season while appearing in six contests overall, finishing with 915 passing yards, five touchdowns and one interception. The restructure doesn't change his role or immediate fantasy outlook.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
