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Rico Dowdle Logs Full Practice on Thursday, Poised for Week 6 Return?
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle (toe) practiced in full on Thursday, per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. Dowdle has been sidelined since Week 2 with a toe injury, but it appears he could be trending toward returning in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Before suffering the injury, Dowdle recorded 65 yards from scrimmage on 19 touches across two games. The 28-year-old was splitting backfield work relatively evenly with fellow Steelers back Jaylen Warren. However, Warren has taken off as the lead back in Dowdle's absence, totaling 490 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns over the past three weeks. While Dowdle will surely play a role in the Steelers' offense upon his return, he's unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload while Warren remains healthy.
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Source: The Athletic - Mike DeFabo
Malik Nabers Believes He Still Has Another Level to Reach
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) believes he still has another 20 to 30 percent to reach as he works his way back from last year's torn ACL and meniscus, according to ESPN's Jordan Raanan. That's an encouraging assessment considering the 23-year-old has caught 17 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 27 targets over his last two games. Nabers followed a six-catch, 112-yard performance against Arizona in Week 4 with 11 receptions for 121 yards and another touchdown in Sunday's 27-27 tie against Washington. His 20 targets against the Commanders were a career high, demonstrating how heavily quarterback Jameis Winston has leaned on him in the passing game. Nabers experienced some additional soreness in his surgically repaired knee last week but played through it without an apparent reduction in his workload. After a relatively quiet start to the season, he's beginning to resemble the receiver who caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards as a rookie in 2024. His recent target volume makes him a strong fantasy option heading into Sunday's Week 6 matchup against New Orleans.
Source: Jordan Raanan
Source: Jordan Raanan
Caleb Williams' Week 6 Status Uncertain
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) said he had a tear in his injured hamstring and that he is still uncertain whether he will be able to return for his team's Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, per Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune. Williams has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury late in Chicago's Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old had a monster game in his lone fully healthy outing of the season in Week 1 against the Carolina Panthers, throwing for 269 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 65 yards and two scores. However, he may not be operating at full strength even if he is able to play in Week 6. If Williams remains sidelined, Chicago could turn to either Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum to take over under center against Atlanta.
Source: Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Source: Chicago Tribune - Sean Hammond
Ashton Jeanty Feeling His Best Ahead of Week 6
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (foot) told reporters Thursday that he feels great and is feeling better physically than at any previous point this season, according to Ryan McFadden. The second-year back has battled an ankle injury since August and more recently developed a foot issue that left him questionable for Sunday's loss to New England. Jeanty managed just 27 rushing yards on 10 carries in that contest but added three receptions for 50 yards. He practiced in full Wednesday, with his ankle no longer appearing on the injury report, and head coach Klint Kubiak has dismissed the possibility of resting him for Sunday's Week 6 matchup against Buffalo. Jeanty has rushed for 291 yards on 88 carries through five games without a touchdown, although his 22 receptions for 215 yards and two receiving scores have helped his fantasy production. His improving health is encouraging, particularly after concerns about a potential absence surfaced earlier this week. Jeanty remains a viable fantasy starter against Buffalo, but Las Vegas' struggling rushing attack continues to limit his upside.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Mike Evans Missing Practice on Thursday with Achilles Soreness
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that wide receiver Mike Evans (Achilles, ribs) will not practice on Thursday due to Achilles soreness, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Evans has also been playing through a rib issue. The 33-year-old has been highly productive so far in 2026, recording 24 catches for 326 yards and three touchdowns on 34 targets across five games. However, Evans is now battling multiple ailments that could put his availability for San Francisco's Week 6 matchup against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football in question. The 49ers lost WR2 Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) to a hamstring injury in Week 5, so the team could be without its top two wideouts in Week 6. If Evans is inactive, 49ers wide receivers Jacob Cowing, Brandin Cooks, and Jordan Watkins could all see increased workloads.
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Source: ESPN - Nick Wagoner
Darren Waller Remains Limited With Toe Injury
Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller (toe) was limited in Thursday's practice, according to Joe Person, matching his estimated participation from Wednesday's walkthrough. Waller dealt with the same injury ahead of Carolina's Week 4 victory over Detroit but was able to play, catching three passes for 36 yards. The 34-year-old has recorded 13 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns on 19 targets through four games, with both scores coming against Atlanta in Week 2. His involvement has increased recently, drawing 14 targets over his last two appearances and turning those opportunities into eight catches for 87 yards. That usage offers some encouragement for fantasy managers, although Waller hasn't found the end zone since Week 2. Fellow tight end Tommy Tremble (ribs) has also been limited this week, leaving Carolina with some uncertainty at the position ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Waller remains a potential streaming option in deeper leagues.
Source: Joe Person
Source: Joe Person
Jonathon Brooks Spotted Jogging at Thursday's Practice
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) was spotted jogging at Thursday's practice, according to Sheena Quick, an encouraging development in his recovery from a core-muscle injury. Brooks aggravated a lingering groin issue during Carolina's Week 2 victory over Atlanta and underwent surgery after being placed on injured reserve September 23. Head coach Dave Canales initially estimated a six-to-eight-week recovery period, so Thursday's activity shouldn't be confused with a return to regular practice. The 23-year-old has appeared in just five NFL games since being selected in the second round of the 2024 draft, having previously endured two ACL tears. He managed nine carries for 30 yards and two receptions for 43 yards in two appearances this season before getting hurt. Chuba Hubbard continues to lead Carolina's backfield, while AJ Dillon (ankle) is dealing with an injury of his own. Trevor Etienne (ankle) also had his practice window opened earlier this week. Brooks remains without a confirmed return date, and his immediate redraft value is limited until there's more substantial progress in his recovery.
Source: Sheena Quick
Source: Sheena Quick
Caleb Williams Logs Another Full Practice Ahead of Week 6
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (hamstring) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, according to Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune, providing another encouraging sign that a Week 6 return is approaching. Williams was also listed as a full participant Wednesday, although that was only an estimate because Chicago held a walkthrough. Thursday's session marked a more meaningful step for the 24-year-old, who has missed three consecutive games since injuring his hamstring against Minnesota in Week 2. Through two appearances this season, Williams completed 36 of 55 passes for 407 yards, two touchdowns and one interception while adding 107 rushing yards and two scores on 15 carries. His mobility accounted for a significant portion of his early fantasy production, making his ability to run effectively an important consideration whenever he returns. Head coach Ben Johnson has yet to officially name his starting quarterback for Sunday's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, but Williams' continued progress puts him in a strong position to reclaim the job. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's injury report for further confirmation of his availability.
Source: Sean Hammond
Source: Sean Hammond
Kyle Schwarber to See More Time at First Base in 2027
The Philadelphia Phillies are planning for outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber to work at first base in spring training and play around 30 games there during the season, according to The Athletic's Matt Gelb and Charlotte Varnes. In the games that Schwarber is at first base, Bryce Harper will serve as the DH. Harper played in all 162 regular-season games in 2026, but he dealt with nagging pain at times after moving to the outfield in the second half. Schwarber appeared at first base only eight times in 2026, starting six games there. If the Phillies follow through with their plan to use the 33-year-old left-handed slugger more at first base, he will add first base eligibility to his fantasy profile, making him even more attractive for his elite power. In his 12th year in the majors in 2026 (fifth with the Phillies), Schwarber continued to be a force to be reckoned with, leading the league with 45 home runs while also leading the league with 220 strikeouts. He had a .232/.354/.503 slash line with an .857 OPS, 97 RBI, 95 runs scored, and three steals in 156 regular-season games played.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb, Charlotte Varnes
Source: The Athletic - Matt Gelb, Charlotte Varnes
Christian Kirk Has 21-Day Practice Window Opened
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Christian Kirk (calf) had his 21-day practice window opened Thursday, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, moving him closer to making his debut with the team. Kirk has been on injured reserve since the start of the season after straining his calf during training camp in July. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated earlier this week that Kirk was unlikely to resume practicing, making Thursday's development an encouraging sign. The 29-year-old caught 28 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown in 13 games with Houston last season, then added 10 receptions for 164 yards and two scores during the playoffs. His potential return comes at a welcome time for San Francisco, which expects Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) to miss multiple games and still has Ricky Pearsall (knee) on injured reserve. Mike Evans remains the team's top receiving option, while Brandin Cooks is expected to handle additional work during Samuel's absence. Kirk could eventually factor into the receiving rotation, but he still needs to be activated from injured reserve. His availability for Monday's Week 6 matchup against Washington remains uncertain, making him a speculative fantasy option for now.
Source: Matt Maiocco
Source: Matt Maiocco
Yu Darvish Still Rehabbing, No Clarity on his Future
San Diego Padres general manager AJ Preller said that veteran right-hander Yu Darvish (elbow) is still doing his rehab, but there is no clarity yet on what the future holds for him, according to Marty Caswell of Foul Territory. "He's been doing the work to at least give himself the option," Preller said. The 40-year-old veteran had internal-brace surgery on his right elbow in October of 2025 and did not pitch at all for the Padres in 2026. However, he did throw off a mound a few times during his rehab, most recently in late August. Depending on how he fares with the rest of his rehab, there is a chance that Darvish decides to continue his playing career. If he does, he will be extremely hard to rely on, especially from a health perspective. Darvish has two years and $30 million remaining on his contract with San Diego. The Japanese superstar and five-time All-Star has made only 31 appearances for the Friars since the start of 2024, and he had an ERA over 5.00 with 68 strikeouts and 19 walks in 72 innings across 15 starts in his last season in 2025.
Source: Foul Territory - Marty Caswell
Source: Foul Territory - Marty Caswell
Brenton Strange Commands 16 Targets in Two Games
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange has drawn eight targets in consecutive games, a substantial change after seeing just 10 across the first three weeks. Strange followed his seven-catch, 95-yard performance against Cincinnati with another seven receptions for 68 yards in Sunday's 19-17 victory over Philadelphia. He has accounted for a team-high 26.2% target share over those two contests, catching 14 of 16 targets for 163 yards. That production translated into 16.5 and 13.8 PPR points without a touchdown in either game, an encouraging development for a tight end who previously struggled to see consistent opportunities. Jacksonville still has several established receiving options, and Parker Washington remains a prominent part of the passing attack, so eight targets shouldn't automatically be considered Strange's new weekly expectation. However, Trevor Lawrence has been looking his way frequently enough to make him a viable streaming option, especially in full-PPR leagues. Strange is worth starting for managers short on established tight end options against Houston in Week 6, although Jacksonville's Week 7 bye limits his immediate appeal as a pickup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Troy Melton Will Have Normal Offseason
Detroit Tigers right-hander Troy Melton (forearm), whose season ended early in mid-September with right-forearm tightness, went through follow-up evaluation after the season, and no issues were found, according to Jason Beck of MLB.com. Melton is starting a normal offseason workout routine and should be a full-go for the start of spring training in 2027. The 25-year-old former fourth-round selection in 2022 from San Diego State looked solid again in his second major league season, going 8-5 with a 2.76 ERA (4.09 FIP) and 1.13 WHIP with a career-high 94 strikeouts and 37 walks in 114 1/3 innings pitched across 20 starts. Melton has gone 11-7 with a 2.76 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 130:52 K:BB in 160 frames across 36 appearances (24 starts) for Detroit in his first two years in the majors. He might have been even better had he not gotten a late start to the season due to an elbow strain. If healthy next season, Melton will be a popular starting pitcher breakout candidate in what would be his first full season in the majors.
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Source: MLB.com - Jason Beck
Phillies Plan to Keep Trea Turner at Shortstop
Philadelphia Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said on Thursday that he plans to have veteran infielder Trea Turner open the 2027 season at shortstop, but he told him personally that he must play well to stay there, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Turner, who has never been a particularly strong defender at the 6, had his worst defensive showing with the glove in 2026 after looking solid the year prior. The 33-year-old three-time All-Star and two-time batting champion also took a step back offensively for the Phillies in 2026, slashing .242/.297/.378 with a .675 OPS, 19 home runs, 58 RBI, 21 stolen bases, and 101 runs scored across 645 at-bats in his 12th year in the big leagues. Turner really struggled against left-handed pitchers, batting .219 (46-for-210) against them with only three of his 19 homers on the year. He picked things up in September and October after a slow August, going 24-for-98 (.245) with two home runs, seven RBI, and three stolen bases in 24 games since the start of September.
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Source: MLB.com - Todd Zolecki
Malik Nabers Returns to WR1 Form After Quiet September
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers has put his slow start behind him, catching 17 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns on 27 targets over the past two games. Those numbers are a sharp departure from his opening three outings, when he managed 12 receptions for 96 yards without a score. Sunday's 27-27 tie with the Washington Commanders offered the clearest evidence yet, as Nabers drew a career-high 20 targets, turning 11 into catches for 121 yards. He also hauled in a 17-yard touchdown with less than two minutes remaining to force overtime. The Giants won't throw 54 passes every week, and tight end Isaiah Likely's 13 targets against Washington show that Nabers isn't the only prominent receiving option. Even so, his connection with quarterback Jameis Winston has helped restore the heavy workload that made him such a valuable fantasy receiver before his 2025 knee injury. Nabers wasn't listed on Wednesday's injury report and enters Sunday's home matchup with the New Orleans Saints as a strong WR1 option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
