October 2, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers center
Adem Bona stepped into the starting lineup for Thursday's exhibition opener in Abu Dhabi. True to form, Bona had a few highlight-reel plays but also struggled with foul trouble. He only ended up logging 14 minutes and contributing four points, two rebounds, an assist, and a block.
Andre Drummond only played eight minutes off the bench and chipped in two points and three rebounds. Bona could have streaming or DFS value if (or when)
Joel Embiid (knee) misses any time and he fills in the starting lineup, but he'll need to avoid foul trouble. Bona and Drummond will continue to compete for the backup center role, but Bona has more dynamic upside for fantasy if he can win the job.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
October 2, 2025
Philadelphia 76ers forward
Dominick Barlow started at power forward for the Sixers on Thursday afternoon and continued his strong training camp with 10 rebounds, six points, two assists, and one steal. He made significant contributions defensively in the Sixers' 99-84 loss and could be playing his way into a larger role in the rotation, especially since he brings some of the size the team lacks overall. Coach Nick Nurse identified Barlow as a training camp standout after signing a two-way deal with the Sixers this offseason. He spent last year with the Hawks, playing 35 games and averaging 4.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 10.7 minutes per contest in 35 games. Barlow is a bargain big man to watch this preseason to see how much of a role he can carve out for himself, and he could be a streaming or DFS value early in the year.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN
October 2, 2025
Knicks guard
Miles McBride played a team-high 21 minutes off the bench in the team's exhibition opener in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. He also led the way with 12 points while adding five rebounds, three steals, and two assists. He was very efficient, knocking down 5-of-7 shots overall and 2-of-4 from long range. Coming off a strong statistical season last year, McBride is a player who may be worth taking a late-round flier on in drafts, especially with a new-look rotation under coach Mike Brown. He can be a late-round source of steals and three-pointers, especially if he builds on this strong start to the preseason.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
October 2, 2025
76ers guard
VJ Edgecombe started and played 31 minutes in his team's exhibition against the Knicks in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. He scored 14 points to go with six rebounds and three assists. He was an inefficient 4-for-13 from the floor and 1-for-6 on three-point attempts, but he played more minutes than any other Sixer and actually had a +1 point differential in his time on the floor. The No. 3 overall pick made multiple exciting plays on both ends of the floor and brings great energy to the Sixers' lineup. He started alongside Maxey in the backcourt and even slid over and took some minutes at point guard, which could boost his value if it's a trend that continues. While there's still room for improvement, it was a great showing for Edgecombe in his exhibition debut.
--Zach ThompsonSource: ESPN.com
October 2, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back
Brashard Smith is gaining more trust in the coaching staff as he produces on the field. "He's willing to listen, very humble kid, and works hard," head coach Andy Reid said. It's become clear that the Chiefs are looking for more ways to use Smith to jumpstart their struggling backfield in 2025. Although
Isiah Pacheco and
Kareem Hunt are still very much involved, Smith's rise is certainly bad news for them. The 22-year-old had four carries for nine yards and caught three of his four targets for 27 yards in the Week 4 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, seeing a season-high 19 offensive snaps in the process. While the production doesn't exactly jump off the page, Smith is a name worth watching in fantasy leagues. If you're desperate for RB depth, he might even be worth a pickup off the waiver wire heading into the team's Week 5 tilt against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night.
--Keith HernandezSource: Sports Radio 810
October 2, 2025
New York Knicks forward
Josh Hart (back) was forced to leave his team's exhibition game in Abu Dhabi with what head coach Mike Brown said was "lower-back soreness." Hart fell to the ground after grabbing a rebound and trying to lead a transition break. He clutched at his lower back and threw the ball into the stands in frustration while trying to keep the ball away from the 76ers'
Kennedy Chandler. For throwing the ball into the stands, Hart was ejected from the game, although he was probably going to have to leave the game due to injury. He limped to the locker room, holding his back and wincing after the non-contact injury. Hart was already dealing with a finger injury he re-aggravated in training camp, but is planning to play through. Hart's availability will be important to monitor since
OG Anunoby (hand) was also inactive Thursday because of a sprained hand, according to the team.
--Zach ThompsonSource: Stefan Bondy
October 2, 2025
Following his season-ending knee injury suffered on Monday night in the win over the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver
Tyreek Hill (knee) said he wants to continue his career with the organization after he returns from a dislocated knee and torn ACL in 2026, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Rosenhaus said that Hill "would love to stay with the Dolphins. We would love to get together with them after the season and figure something out that works for both sides, and continue his career here in Miami. There's no reason why we can't." Hill is due to make $29.9 million next year, so if the two sides get something worked out for him to return, it will almost certainly come on a restructured contract. If he's on the roster still in mid-March, he'll be guaranteed $11 million in 2026. Hill's contract carries a salary cap hit of over $50 million, so either way, a restructure was coming. With Hill done for 2025,
Jaylen Waddle becomes Miami's No. 1 wideout, with
Malik Washington moving to WR2 duties.
--Keith HernandezSource: Miami Herald - Barry Jackson
October 2, 2025
Arizona Cardinals running backs
Emari Demercado and
Michael Carter are splitting reps at practice on Thursday out of the backfield during individual work in the portion of practice open to the media, according to Tyler Drake.
James Conner (ankle) was lost for the year in Week 3, and now
Trey Benson (knee) is on Injured Reserve (out at least four games), paving the way for Demercado and Carter to take over backfield duties in the desert. Carter said on Wednesday that he will start for the Cardinals in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans, but fantasy managers should take those comments with a grain of salt. Based on what is transpiring in practice, it looks like the Cardinals could employ a committee approach this weekend, splitting the workload down the middle among Demercado and Carter. Both RBs have been popular waiver-wire additions this week, but fantasy managers may want to temper expectations if they're splitting touches down the middle.
--Keith HernandezSource: Arizona Sports - Tyler Drake
October 2, 2025
Dallas Cowboys rookie running back
Jaydon Blue could finally see meaningful action in Week 5 with
Miles Sanders (knee/ankle) continuing to miss practice. Selected in the fifth round out of Texas, Blue has flashed big-play ability throughout camp and preseason, but has been blocked on the depth chart by
Javonte Williams and Sanders. With Sanders' availability in doubt, Blue is in line to handle change-of-pace duties. Blue's combination of speed, vision, and versatility makes him a compelling fantasy stash, especially in deeper leagues or best-ball formats where a single explosive run can swing a week. Cowboys fans and fantasy owners alike will be watching closely to see if Blue can turn his opportunity into a breakout performance.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Tommy Yarrish
October 2, 2025
Dallas Cowboys running back
Miles Sanders (knee/ankle) was not spotted during the media's viewing portion of Thursday's practice, putting his availability for Sunday's matchup against the New York Jets in question. Sanders has provided a spark in change-of-pace duties this season, rushing for 117 yards on just 20 carries while flashing efficiency in limited opportunities. If he is unable to suit up, rookie
Jaydon Blue could be activated for the first time this season to help fill the void behind
Javonte Williams. The Cowboys' high-octane offense has leaned heavily on its ground game to set up explosive passing plays, and this week presents an appealing matchup against a Jets defense ranked 25th in the league against the run. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Sanders' practice participation heading into the weekend, as his absence would open the door for Williams to handle a heavier workload with Blue mixing in.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Tommy Yarrish
October 2, 2025
Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Dallas Goedert (knee) returned to practice Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday, putting him on track to play in Sunday's matchup against the Denver Broncos. The veteran missed Week 2 while dealing with injuries but has suited up in the team's last two contests, including a two-touchdown performance against Tampa Bay that brought his season total to three. While Goedert is no longer a big-play threat at age 30, he remains one of the most reliable targets in Philadelphia's passing game, catching 12 of 13 targets to start the season. His red-zone usage makes him a touchdown-dependent fantasy starter, particularly in standard leagues, though his limited yardage upside caps his ceiling. The Broncos are tied for ninth in the NFL against the pass, but Goedert's scoring role keeps him in the low-end TE1 mix for Week 5 lineups.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Dave Zangaro
October 2, 2025
Detroit Tigers outfielder
Parker Meadows has been dropped to ninth in the batting order on Thursday for the deciding Game 3 of the wild-card series against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians. Meadows will patrol center field and will face Guardians right-hander
Slade Cecconi. The 25-year-old will drop all the way from leadoff to the nine-hole after going 1-for-8 with a walk and three strikeouts in the first two games of the series. With Parker moving to the bottom of the order, second baseman
Gleyber Torres will move from the two-hole to leadoff for the Tigers as they look go advance to face the Seattle Mariners in the American League Division Series this weekend. Against right-handed pitchers during the regular season in 2025, Meadows hit only .220 with all four of his home runs on the year. He will obviously be much less attractive in playoff DFS formats in the nine-hole.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
October 2, 2025
Carolina Panthers running back
Chuba Hubbard (calf) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, leaving his status for Sunday's matchup very much in question. Hubbard has been a bright spot for the Panthers' offense, totaling 217 rushing yards on 53 carries while adding reliability as their lead back. If he is unable to go, Carolina is expected to turn to
Rico Dowdle and
Trevor Etienne to share the workload. Dowdle has handled the bulk of the backup duties with 28 carries on the season, but Etienne has been more explosive, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. When Hubbard exited last week, the pair split touches nearly evenly, with Dowdle seeing nine carries to Etienne's seven. Fantasy managers should monitor Hubbard's status closely, but both Dowdle and Etienne could emerge as deep-league or desperation flex options depending on how Carolina divides the touches in Week 5.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Joe Person
October 2, 2025
Detroit Tigers first baseman
Spencer Torkelson (foot) is starting at first base and will hit cleanup for Thursday's deciding Game 3 of the wild-card series against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians and right-hander
Slade Cecconi. X-rays came back negative on Torkelson after he fouled a ball off his foot in the Game 2 loss at Progressive Field on Wednesday. The former first-rounder was also hit by a pitch on his hand/wrist, but he's all good and will hit in the heart of the batting order as the Tigers look to vanquish the Guards and advance to the American League Division Series to face the Seattle Mariners. In the first two games of the wild-card series, Tork has one hit in six at-bats with an RBI, a walk, and three strikeouts. The 26-year-old will be looking for a big hit in the winner-take-all game on Thursday, and he'll be a more risky DFS pick while potentially being at less than 100% with his foot.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com
October 2, 2025
Cleveland Browns tight end
David Njoku (knee) was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday, putting him firmly on track to play in Sunday's London matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Njoku's ability to bounce back quickly from the midweek injury concern is encouraging for both the Browns and fantasy managers, especially with rookie quarterback
Dillon Gabriel expected to make the start. The veteran tight end has caught 14 of 21 targets for 128 yards through four games and could serve as a key security blanket for the rookie under center. Njoku's role in short-to-intermediate routes and the red zone should make him a steady PPR option, and with the Browns likely simplifying the offense for Gabriel, Njoku projects as a viable streaming candidate in deeper leagues for Week 5.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Scott Petrak
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander
Shane McClanahan (triceps) is expected to be "fully ready" for the start of spring training in mid-February of 2026, according to president of baseball operations Erik Neander. McClanahan was expected to be a full-go going into spring training this year, too, after having Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in 2023. However, the talented southpaw suffered a left triceps nerve injury in spring training and did not pitch at all for the team in 2025. He made two rehab starts in the minors before eventually going under the knife in August. The Rays have similar optimism that McClanahan will be good to go next year, but at this point, despite the high upside, fantasy managers should be wary of spending too much on the oft-injured Rays ace. Remember, McClanahan has not pitched in the big leagues since August of 2023, so he's sure to have restrictions if he's healthy in 2026, at least early on.
--Keith HernandezSource: Tampa Bay Times - Marc Topkin
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Rachaad White could be in line for an increased workload in Week 5 if starter
Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) is unable to suit up. White logged 10 touches in last week's loss to the Eagles and has been the most efficient runner in Tampa Bay's backfield, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on 23 attempts while also drawing nine targets in the passing game. With the Buccaneers showing a more balanced offensive attack this season, White's versatility as both a rusher and receiver keeps him positioned for expanded snaps, particularly on third downs and in two-minute situations. The matchup won't be easy against a Seahawks defense that ranks sixth in the NFL against the run, allowing just 89.8 rushing yards per game, but White would still carry flex appeal in fantasy formats if Irving is forced to miss Sunday's contest.
--Shaun AlbinSource: Pewter Report
October 2, 2025
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop
Bo Bichette (knee) seems unlikely to be ready to play for the start of the American League Division Series against either the Boston Red Sox or New York Yankees on Saturday, according to Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. Bichette has been limited in his baseball activities, and he has yet to resume running, which will likely be the last step he needs to take to be cleared. "I hope we win this series and he comes back for the next one," first baseman
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. said. Vlad's comments seem like a pretty good indicator that Bichette won't be on the roster for the ALDS. Manager John Schneider left the door more open for Bichette to return, but he also didn't exude much confidence that Bichette would be ready. It will be a big loss if Bichette cannot play in the ALDS, with the light-hitting
Andres Gimenez likely to continue to man the 6 in his absence.
--Keith HernandezSource: Toronto Star - Rob Longley
October 2, 2025
Baltimore Ravens quarterback
Lamar Jackson (hamstring) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. It's a bad sign for Jackson's chances of suiting up in Week 5 on Sunday against the Houston Texans after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Reports earlier this week suggested that Jackson could miss up to two to three weeks with his injury, so fantasy managers should have already picked up another QB as insurance if they didn't already have a backup on the roster. With Jackson looking unlikely to play this weekend, Cooper Rseemsooks headed for his first start with the Ravens against a strong Texans defense that shut out the Tennessee Titans last week. Only in deep two-QB superflex formats should Rush be a realistic streaming option if Jackson is ruled out on Friday.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
October 2, 2025
New York Giants running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) doesn't look particularly close to returning to action in Week 5 on the road against the New Orleans Saints after he missed a second straight practice this week on Thursday, according to Evan Barnes of Newsday Sports. Tracy dislocated his right shoulder in the Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has yet to practice or play since. Barring a quick recovery in the next couple of days, it's looking like the second-year back will miss a second straight game this weekend. Rookie
Cam Skattebo is lined up for clear RB1 workhorse duties for the second straight contest in a plus matchup against the Saints, making him a high-end RB2 play in fantasy, at worst. Tracy began his second year in the NFL as New York's lead back, but even before his shoulder injury in Week 3, he was quickly losing his grasp as the lead back. When Tracy returns from his shoulder injury, he very well could be the change-of-pace option behind Skattebo for the rest of the season.
--Keith HernandezSource: Newsday - Evan Barnes
October 2, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) was spotted on Thursday on the field stretching with his teammates, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. It's a good sign that McLaurin is on the practice field in the portion open to the media, but it doesn't mean he'll officially return to practice with the team after being listed as a DNP on Wednesday. The 30-year-old appears to be progressing from a quadriceps injury he sustained in Week 3, but it's looking more likely that he's going to be unavailable for the second straight game in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. Fantasy managers should keep McLaurin on their benches until further notice and check back on Friday for his official Week 5 status. If he's ruled out again this weekend,
Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel),
Luke McCaffrey, and
Jaylin Lane should start in three-wide sets again for Washington with quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) making his return.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Washington Post - Nicki Jhabvala
October 2, 2025
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has returned to the practice field on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Tashan Reed. It's unclear if Samuel was able to practice in full, but regardless, it puts him on track to play in Week 5 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers after he sat out of practice on Wednesday. Still, Samuel's status going into the weekend is worth monitoring, especially since it's looking like
Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) will miss a second straight game. If Samuel can play against the Bolts, he should once again be in line for WR1 duties and will have an even higher fantasy ceiling with quarterback
Jayden Daniels (knee) set to return after a two-game absence due to a knee sprain. The veteran pass-catcher has been solid for fantasy managers through four weeks and had 81 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old has caught 22 of his 27 targets so far for 204 yards and two touchdowns in his first year in D.C.
--Keith HernandezSource: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
October 2, 2025
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said that coaches felt it was the "right time" to make the switch at quarterback from veteran
Joe Flacco to rookie
Dillon Gabriel after the Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. Rees also said that the team is trying to "spark the offense" with the QB shakeup as they head into a Week 5 international matchup in London against the Minnesota Vikings. For now, Flacco will hold the clipboard on the sideline as the QB2, with rookie fifth-rounder
Shedeur Sanders sticking as the QB3. Gabriel undoubtedly will give the Browns more mobility at the position going forward, but with injuries on Cleveland's offensive line, it's not going to be easy, especially in his starting debut this Sunday across the pond against a very capable Vikings D. At best, Gabriel is a low-end QB2 streaming option in superflex fantasy leagues in Week 5.
--Keith HernandezSource: Browns Zone - Scott Petrak
October 2, 2025
Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said that veteran quarterback
Joe Flacco is going to remain as the team's No. 2 QB for now, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "Just feel like Joe's gonna stay the No. 2 right now and has done a lot to prepare and be ready to go in a pinch," Rees said. Flacco was benched in favor of rookie signal-caller
Dillon Gabriel after four weeks of rough play for the Browns. He will remain ahead of rookie fifth-rounder
Shedeur Sanders on the QB depth chart for now as Gabriel's backup, but as things progress this season, Sanders could leapfrog him if the coaching staff continues to like what they see from Sanders' development. In his four starts, Flacco threw for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has no business being rostered in fantasy leagues outside of two-QB superflex formats as bench depth.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Daniel Oyefusi
October 2, 2025
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the New York Jets have signed running back
Khalil Herbert to an undisclosed contract. Per Rapoport, the team placed running back
Braelon Allen (knee) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. The Virginia Tech product was recently signed to Seattle's practice squad, but he'll now add depth in New York's backfield. With Allen out, and backfield mate
Kene Nwangwu's (hamstring) status up in the air, it's possible that Herbert will see work right away behind starter
Breece Hall and backup
Isaiah Davis. The 27-year-old doesn't figure to be slated for a fantasy-relevant role, but he's at least on the deep handcuff radar in case the assets in front of him were to miss any time. The Jets will take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.
--Alex CiullaSource: Ian Rapoport
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Sterling Shepard (foot) is back on the practice field on Thursday after he was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Shepard's status is worth watching going into Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but the fact that he's back on the field on Thursday is a good sign.
Mike Evans (hamstring) is likely to miss a second straight game this weekend, but the 32-year-old Shepard is still going to be a hard sell as a flex play in fantasy now that
Chris Godwin is back. With Godwin back in the Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Shepard played 62% of the offensive snaps and caught just two passes for 14 yards on four targets, while Godwin was targeted a team-high-tying 10 times. Godwin and rookie
Emeka Egbuka will be Tampa's top two wideouts until Evans is able to return.
--Keith HernandezSource: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Baker Mayfield was out there practicing with the team on Thursday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The former Cleveland Brown was limited all last week with a biceps injury, but his ailing knee held him out of Wednesday's session. It's excellent news that he's back out there the next day, hinting that it may have been more of a day of rest for the veteran. His participation in Friday's session will be telling of his status for Sunday's outing with the hosting Seattle Seahawks, though, as of now, it appears that Mayfield is on track to suit up. Seattle has been one of the better teams against the rush thus far, so the Bucs could be forced to air it out a bit more in Week 5, particularly with running back
Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) trending in the wrong direction.
--Alex CiullaSource: Greg Auman
October 2, 2025
FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back
Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) was tagged with a DNP for Thursday's team practice. Irving was spotted in a walking boot and crutches on Wednesday, so seeing him sit again the following day wasn't all that surprising. He's considered day-to-day, and head coach Todd Bowles noted that the Oregon product could still suit up for Week 5's road contest with the Seattle Seahawks. However, he'll need to shed his boot before that comes to fruition. Fantasy managers will want to monitor the 23-year-old's status as the weekend approaches, as he's on the wrong side of questionable with just one practice day remaining. Backfield mate
Rachaad White would handle primary RB duties in his absence, with
Sean Tucker mixing in as the second option.
--Alex CiullaSource: Greg Auman
October 2, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver
Mike Evans (hamstring) was not spotted at Thursday's team practice, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The 32-year-old missed his fifth consecutive practice while working back from a hamstring injury, an issue he's all too familiar with at this point in his career. Tampa Bay was fortunate to have teammate
Chris Godwin's return coincide with Evans' absence, as it seems the latter is still at least another week away from potentially returning to his team. With Evans expected to miss Week 5,
Sterling Shepard and
Tez Johnson will again operate behind Godwin at rookie
Emeka Egbuka when Tampa Bay takes on the hosting Seattle Seahawks.
--Alex CiullaSource: Greg Auman
October 2, 2025
Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Minnesota Vikings quarterback
J.J. McCarthy (ankle) was throwing off to the side during warm-ups, but was unable to practice on Thursday. Minnesota will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, and all signs are pointing to the 22-year-old missing his third consecutive contest. It's good news that McCarthy seems to be progressing, but he isn't quite ready to retake the practice field. Minnesota is likely just being cautious with its franchise QB, but he'll need to log at least a limited session before he's considered for their next outing. Veteran teammate
Carson Wentz will again operate the offense in the second-year pro's stead.
--Alex CiullaSource: Dane Mizutani
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