RADIO
Stefon Diggs Back at Practice on Thursday
Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (hamstring) is back on the practice field on Thursday, according to Zach Selby of the team's official website. Diggs was a non-participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, putting his status in question for Week 5 against the division-rival New York Giants on Sunday. The 32-year-old veteran is now back at practice, though, which is good news, with fellow wideout Terry McLaurin (hamstring) also questionable after missing the loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London in Week 4. Diggs did not really take advantage of McLaurin being out on Sunday against the Colts, as he caught five of his nine targets for 35 yards in the 30-13 loss. With that said, Diggs should see plenty of targets in the passing game in an offense that is getting starting quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) back this weekend. In his first four games with the Commanders this year, the four-time Pro Bowler has 18 catches on 31 targets for 170 yards and three touchdowns, after scoring four touchdowns in the regular season last year with the New England Patriots.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Quinshon Judkins' Fantasy Floor Rising Due to Receiving Work
Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is an intriguing buy-low candidate in fantasy football leagues as the Browns head into a very favorable Week 5 matchup against the New York Jets. Judkins saw 17 carries for 53 yards and his first rushing touchdown of the season in last Thursday night's 27-24 win over the division-rival Pittsburgh Steelers, and he added a season-high six catches on seven targets for 43 yards as Cleveland's clear workhorse back. The second-year back out of Ohio State has not found a ton of running room, averaging just 3.0 yards per carry on his 59 rushing attempts through four games, after he averaged 3.6 yards per rushing attempt in 14 starts as a rookie in 2025. The former second-rounder had a team-high six catches, though, and if he continues to be used more like that in the passing game in this Browns offense, Judkins will continue to have a higher floor as an RB2 for fantasy football managers. In a Week 5 matchup this Sunday on the road against the Jets, Judkins should be locked in as a starter in all leagues.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Roschon Johnson Worth Monitoring in Deep Leagues With Injuries at RB
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson is a name to monitor in deep leagues with Chicago's backfield currently banged up as they head into an important divisional clash this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. Both D'Andre Swift (hip, knee) and Kyle Monangai (thumb, toe) are dealing with multiple injuries and did not practice on Wednesday. Head coach Ben Johnson downplayed Monangai's thumb injury, so at the very least, he should be able to suit up at Lambeau Field on Sunday. The 25-year-old Johnson had four carries for 16 yards in Sunday's 23-12 win over the New York Jets in Week 4, adding one catch for seven yards on his only target in the passing game. Swift and Monangai had 45 rushing attempts for 204 yards and two touchdowns as the bulk of the offense for the Bears on the day. Johnson is still probably a long shot to be a standalone fantasy play in Week 5 with quarterback Tyler Bagent running the offense for at least one more week. He has just four carries for 16 yards through four games in 2026.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Rico Dowdle Up in the Air to Return in Week 5
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy said on Thursday that running back Rico Dowdle (toe) will continue to work towards a return in Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts, according to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live. McCarthy also said that Dowdle's status is still up in the air for Sunday. A dislocated toe has been the reason why Dowdle has missed each of the team's last two games. He was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, though, so if he can upgrade to a full practice by Friday, Dowdle could have a good shot at returning and sharing backfield work with Jaylen Warren. Dowdle's return would be bad news for Warren's fantasy managers, as McCarthy has said that he plans to return to a platoon in the backfield with both RBs once Dowdle has healed from his toe injury. The 28-year-old Dowdle is now a long shot to record a third straight 1,000-yard season with his third different team in 2026. He had 15 carries for 37 yards (2.5 yards per carry) and caught four passes for 28 yards in his first two games as a Steeler before dislocating a toe. At best, Dowdle will be in the RB3/flex conversation if he returns this weekend against Indy.
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Source: Penn Live - Nick Farabaugh
Michael Pittman Jr. Reportedly Out Multiple Weeks With Foot Injury
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (foot) is expected to miss multiple weeks, according to Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Pittman was seen moving around the locker room on a scooter Wednesday with his left foot elevated. He already missed Week 2 with the injury, and his return hasn't brought much production, with just four catches for 31 yards on nine targets over the past two games. He now looks set to miss Sunday's matchup with his former team, Indianapolis. Roman Wilson is worth a look if he's still available in fantasy leagues. He's drawn six targets in every game this season and has scored in consecutive weeks, including a three-catch, 74-yard performance against Cleveland last Thursday. Rookie Germie Bernard also saw eight targets when Pittman missed Week 2, though Wilson has made the stronger case for fantasy consideration behind DK Metcalf.
Source: Chris Adamski
Source: Chris Adamski
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Expresses Desire to Stay with Yankees
New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. expressed a desire to return to New York in free agency, saying that he had "great times as a Yankee." The 28-year-old profiles as one of the top position players in the upcoming free agent market, even after a down year in which he hit .231/.312/.399 with 19 home runs, 55 RBI, 69 runs scored, and 41 stolen bases across 532 plate appearances. Chisholm Jr. carries significant upside, as he logged a 30-30 season with 80 RBI across 531 plate appearances with the Yankees in 2025. However, he made a few notable defensive blunders in Game 2 of the Yankees' three-game sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series and was not in New York's starting lineup for the deciding Game 3. The lefty-swinging Chisholm Jr. has also been a significantly worse hitter against same-handed pitching in his career, posting a .227/.286/.376 slash line with a 29% strikeout rate across 814 plate appearances against lefties. If the Yankees decide to move on from Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe could be poised to take over as the team's everyday second baseman in 2027.
Source: SNY Yankees
Source: SNY Yankees
Chase Brown's Receiving Role Could Grow Amid Bengals Injuries
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown has struggled to get much going on the ground this season, but his receiving work is becoming an increasingly important part of his fantasy value. Brown caught all 11 of his targets for 71 yards against Jacksonville in Week 4, setting a career high in receptions after totaling 10 catches over his first three games. He managed only 10 rushing yards on nine carries, but the receiving production gave him a productive afternoon for PPR managers. There could be more opportunities coming, too. Ja'Marr Chase remains in concussion protocol, while Tee Higgins is dealing with groin and neck injuries. Both missed Wednesday's practice, and Cincinnati is already without Andrei Iosivas (thumb), who is on injured reserve. Brown now has 21 receptions on 24 targets through four games, giving Joe Burrow another option if the Bengals remain short-handed. Cincinnati threw 54 passes Sunday, so that kind of receiving volume isn't something Brown can count on every week. Still, his involvement as a pass-catcher gives his fantasy value another way to climb while the running game continues to struggle.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Mahle Hoping to Return to Braves in Free Agency
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Tyler Mahle said, "It'd be crazy not to want to play here," when asked about a potential return to Atlanta during the upcoming offseason, per Jesus Cano of The Athletic. The 32-year-old is set to hit free agency this winter. Mahle began the 2026 season with the San Francisco Giants and struggled, recording a 3-9 record with a 4.38 ERA and 1.39 WHIP across 94 2/3 innings (18 starts). However, the veteran right-hander completely turned his season around after a midseason trade to Atlanta, logging a 1.99 ERA and 0.96 WHIP with 48 strikeouts across 54 1/3 innings (nine starts). Mahle pitched well in his two postseason starts for the Braves as well, allowing just two hits and two earned runs across 13 1/3 innings. Given his strong close to the season, Mahle may be able to secure a multi-year deal in free agency.
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Source: The Athletic - Jesus Cano
Matthew Golden Solidifying His Place in Packers' Passing Game
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden didn't put up much yardage in Week 4, but he still found the end zone for the second straight game. Golden caught three of seven targets for 21 yards against Tampa Bay, including a two-yard touchdown on fourth down. The second-year receiver now has 18 catches for 274 yards and two scores through four games, already putting him within 87 yards of his entire rookie-season total. More importantly, the targets have been there. Golden has drawn 37 looks, five more than Christian Watson and the most on Green Bay's roster. He saw 12 targets in both Week 1 and Week 3, turning the latter opportunity into his first 100-yard receiving game of the season. Watson remains the more productive receiver, but Golden has established himself as a regular part of the passing attack rather than a complementary option. His catch rate still leaves room for improvement, though the opportunities have been consistent. RotoBaller ranks him WR18 for Week 5 against Chicago, reflecting how much his fantasy value has grown.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Ashby Dominates in Bulk-Relief Appearance on Wednesday
Milwaukee Brewers left-hander Aaron Ashby picked up his first win of the postseason on Wednesday, pitching three scoreless innings out of the bullpen in his team's 3-1, series-clinching win over the San Diego Padres in Game 4 of the National League Division Series. Ashby entered the game in the fifth inning and took the Brewers through the seventh, allowing two walks but surrendering zero hits while striking out three. Ashby was extremely valuable as a bulk reliever for Milwaukee all season long, recording a 13-3 record with a 3.12 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 116 strikeouts, and four saves across 89 1/3 innings (75 games). Ashby's 10.7% walk rate was slightly elevated, but he posted excellent ground-ball (56.3%) and strikeout rates (30.3%). With the Brewers' playoff rotation looking a bit shaky behind top starters Jacob Misiorowski and Logan Henderson, Ashby should be expected to play a key role in the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Paul Goldschmidt Wants to Keep Playing in 2027
New York Yankees impending free-agent first baseman/designated hitter Paul Goldschmidt has expressed a desire to keep playing at age 39 in 2027, according to Gary Phillips of the New York Daily News. It is unclear if the Yankees will make an effort to re-sign the former MVP and seven-time All-Star in the offseason. Goldy had a nice bounce-back campaign in 2026 in his 16th year in the big leagues after he hit just 10 homers and drove in 45 runs in 146 games in 2025 in his first year in pinstripes. In 105 regular-season games across 380 plate appearances this year, Goldschmidt hit .252/.313/.452 with a .765 OPS, 18 home runs, 52 RBI, and 44 runs scored for the Yankees. He went hitless in eight plate appearances with two walks and a run scored in four postseason games for New York this year. Goldschmidt is obviously no longer in his prime and is no longer an everyday player, but he should still attract interest across the league for his ability to hit lefties. In 183 plate appearances against southpaws in 2026, he hit .299 (47-for-157) with 11 of his 18 home runs and 24 RBI.
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Source: New York Daily News - Gary Phillips
Bryan Baker Notches Third Postseason Save to Send Rays to ALCS
Tampa Bay Rays closer Bryan Baker shut the door in his team's 4-3 win over the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday, pitching a scoreless ninth inning with two strikeouts. Baker was a key part of Tampa Bay's three-game sweep of New York, logging saves in all three games while allowing just one baserunner to reach. The 31-year-old emerged as one of the best closers in baseball during the regular season, recording a 1.44 ERA and 0.91 WHIP with 63 strikeouts and 41 saves across 62 1/3 innings (65 games). Heading into the American League Championship Series, Baker's dominance at the end of games gives Tampa Bay a significant advantage if it can get an early lead on its opponents.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Jayden Daniels a Full-Go for Week 5 Against Giants
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough doesn't anticipate any game-plan restrictions for quarterback Jayden Daniels (elbow) in Week 5. Asked by ESPN's John Keim whether Daniels' return posed any challenges for the offense, Blough's answer was brief: "He's full go." Daniels has missed the past two games with a dislocated left elbow, but was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and is expected back Sunday against the Giants. He'll wear a brace on his non-throwing arm, which the team says won't interfere with his throwing motion. Daniels rushed 12 times for 100 yards across his first two games, and how much Washington asks him to use his legs will be of particular interest for fantasy managers. The Commanders have also been working on ways for him to protect his elbow when going to the ground.
Source: John Keim
Source: John Keim
Jakob Marsee Having UCL Repair With Internal Brace
Miami Marlins outfielder Jakob Marsee (elbow) will get a UCL repair with an internal brace of his left elbow on Monday, according to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com. The estimated return-to-play timeline for Marsee is around six months. Marsee battled through elbow issues down the stretch in 2026 in his first full season in the majors with Miami. In his first taste of the big leagues in 2025, Marsee hit .292 (61-for-209) with five home runs, 33 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and 28 runs scored in 55 games and 234 plate appearances. In 155 games and 616 plate appearances this year, Marsee slashed .231/.348/.359 with a .706 OPS, 11 home runs, 41 RBI, 23 stolen bases, and 83 runs scored for the Fish. The 25-year-old former sixth-round pick by the San Diego Padres in 2022 from Central Michigan University has a very intriguing power/speed profile as an outfielder in all fantasy leagues, but his availability for Opening Day in 2027 could be in question, depending on how he fares during his rehab after going under the knife early next week.
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Source: MLB.com - Christina De Nicola
Garrett Mitchell Stars in NLDS-Clinching Game 4 Win on Wednesday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Garrett Mitchell had a big game in his team's 3-1, series-clinching win over the San Diego Padres in Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday. At the plate, Mitchell went two-for-four with a triple, an RBI, and a run scored. In the field, Mitchell robbed Padres third baseman Manny Machado of what would have been a game-tying two-run home run in the eighth inning. The 28-year-old Mitchell was finally able to stay mostly healthy in 2026, hitting .262/.354/.416 with 11 home runs, 65 RBI, 74 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases across 531 plate appearances in the regular season. He was productive in the NLDS as well, logging four hits, three runs scored, an RBI, and a stolen base across 15 at-bats.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
