Minnesota Vikings running back Cam Akers was traded from the Houston Texans last week. He was active for last week's game against the Detroit Lions but didn't handle any carries in the backfield. However, Akers could see some action with lead back Aaron Jones (hamstring) on the injury report ahead of Thursday's Week 8 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. The absence of Jones would likely mean that Ty Chandler takes over as the lead back. Akers figures to be the primary backup to Chandler and would probably see at least a handful of carries. Akers might be worth a stash in deep leagues, but it's hard to imagine him having much value as the third string.

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Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler has been quiet as the primary backup this season. In fact, Chandler has rushed for 30 yards or less in every game but one this season. Chandler only saw two carries during last week's loss to the Detroit Lions. However, Chandler could see a bigger role in Week 8 with lead back Aaron Jones (hamstring) on the injury report. It's a short week as the Vikings play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. The absence of Jones would mean Chandler likely becomes the lead back with Cam Akers being his primary backup. Chandler saw 14 carries in Week 5 and only managed 30 yards on the ground. Fantasy managers in desperate need of running back help should stash Chandler, but he's not worth even considering starting unless Jones sits out.

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Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has cooled off from his electric 11 touchdowns over the first four games. Since then, Darnold has one touchdown and two interceptions over his last two games. It's worth noting that Darnold did throw for nearly 260 yards during last week's loss to the Detroit Lions. He was consistent as he completed 22-of-27 passing attempts during the two-point loss. He'll get a Los Angeles Rams defense that has struggled to contain the pass. They currently rank 18th in the league, which is good news for Darnold. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Darnold to throw four touchdowns, but he should be a viable option for Week 8.

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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is expected to suit up for practice on Wednesday. This would be the first time that Tagovailoa has practiced since exiting the Week 2 matchup against the Buffalo Bills due to a concussion. There were rumors about Tagovailoa being done for the season if not having his career ended over concussions. However, Tagovailoa appears to be on track to start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8, barring any setbacks. His return to the field is a welcoming sight and he should boost the fantasy value of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle who are off to sluggish starts with the Dolphins backups.

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston is expected to be under center for the Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. Winston came in as the third string quarterback after Deshaun Watson (Achilles) and Dorian Thompson-Robinson (hand) went down last week. He completed 5-of-11 passing attempts for 67 yards and a touchdown in the defeat. The Browns are going to be without Watson for at least the rest of 2024. Thompson-Robinson is fine after a minor hand injury, but will serve as the backup to Winston for at least one week. The organization said starting Winston was strictly gameplan related, so we'll see if the former first-round pick can earn the full-time gig. The move from Watson to Winston should give this Browns offense a boost. However, Winston is known for his inconsistent play, so he won't be anything more than a deep league option.

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Los Angeles Rams rookie wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) was able to get in a limited practice session on Tuesday after he was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimate. Whittington also dealt with a shoulder injury last week but was active in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions. Even with Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) out on Sunday, Whittington was not targeted at all while playing just nine offensive snaps (16%). The 24-year-old sixth-round selection should be active on Thursday night versus the Minnesota Vikings to keep off Week 8 action, but fantasy managers should have him nowhere near starting lineups, if he's rostered at all. In his first six NFL games, Whittington has 18 catches for 201 yards and no touchdowns on 23 targets.

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The New Orleans Saints and running back Alvin Kamara agreed to a two-year, $24.5 million contract extension on Tuesday that puts him under contract through the 2026 season, according to sources. The deal was confirmed by Kamara's agent, Brad Cicala, and puts the 2017 third-round selection in a spot to retire with the organization. The five-time Pro Bowler had a career-low 694 rushing yards for the Saints in 2023, but he bounced back 362 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns on 80 carries in the first four games of 2024 before struggling the last three games. Kamara could continue to struggle on the ground as long as quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) remains out, but predictions of his demise after last season so far have proven unfounded. The 29-year-old trails only Derrick Henry in overall half-PPR fantasy points heading into Week 8.

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Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant on Tuesday for the second straight day this week. Jones injured his hamstring in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets in London and then conveniently had the Week 6 bye to rest his hamstring before returning to action in the Week 7 loss to the division-rival Detroit Lions, where the 29-year-old didn't look to have any issues with his hamstring on his way to 14 carries for 93 yards and his second rushing touchdown of 2024. He added three catches for 23 yards. There's nothing that would indicate Jones in danger of missing the Thursday night clash against the Los Angeles Rams, so fantasy managers should keep him locked into their starting lineups as a high-end RB2/low-end RB1.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) both practiced on Tuesday. Kupp was a full participant in practice and Nacua was limited. Kupp appeared to be on his way to playing in the Rams' Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders but he was likely held out with the quick turnaround to Thursday. Nacua was designated to return from injured reserve this week and any level of practice participation from him is a welcome sign. Kupp and Nacua are a formidable duo. The two combined for 2,223 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023 despite Kupp missing five games. Nacua recorded four receptions for 35 yards in Week 1 before his injury. Kupp has 18 receptions for 147 yards and a touchdown in his two games in 2024. While Kupp seems like a safe bet to return in Week 8 when the Rams face the Minnesota Vikings, fantasy managers will need to monitor Nacua to see how he fares at Wednesday's practice. Either way, it seems as though Nacua is close to returning to the field. Kupp will get to face the No. 32 defense against opposing wide receivers in fantasy upon his presumed return in Week 8. He should be right back in fantasy lineups if he plays.

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Minnesota Vikings LB Blake Cashman (toe) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Oct. 22. CB Akayleb Evans (hip) was limited. LB Patrick Jones II (shoulder), TE Josh Oliver (wrist) and DT Harrison Phillips (shoulder), S Theo Jackson (hand) and OG Dalton Risner (back) fully participated in practice. The Vikings did not hold a practice Tuesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) was limited in practice on Tuesday. Hockenson has been working his way back from a multiple-ligament knee injury suffered in Week 16 of 2023. Hockenson has been back at practice for a couple of weeks and there was even a chance for him to play in Week 7. With the Vikings turning around quickly and playing on Thursday night, it seems highly possible that Hockenson will make his anticipated season debut in Week 8 which would give Hockenson plenty of rest before Week 9. Hockenson is a stud at the tight end position in fantasy football. Before his injury in 2023, Hockenson had racked up 960 receiving yards and five touchdowns. It may take him a couple of weeks to ramp up to full strength. However, with the way this offense is playing with quarterback Sam Darnold, Hockenson should be a great boost for any fantasy managers who have been able to stash him to this point in the season.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness) was released from the hospital on Tuesday. Samuel hardly played in the 49ers' Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs after coming down with a "pneumonia-like" illness. He was revealed to have been admitted to a hospital on Monday with fluid in his lungs. It is a great sign that Samuel has been released from the hospital. Hopefully, he will make a swift recovery for the sake of himself and his family. The 49ers have put no timetable on Samuel's return to the field. They are hurting at wide receiver with the loss of Brandon Aiyuk (knee). Samuel has effectively missed two games in 2024. He has been solid in his five healthy games posting 335 receiving yards and a touchdown. He has added 51 rushing yards and a touchdown as well. Fantasy managers will need to monitor Samuel's progress as the week continues. Given that he is battling an illness, there is no telling how short or long his recovery could be.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton was involved in a car accident with his wife and three kids on Tuesday. Dalton is being evaluated by Panthers medical personnel. Neither Dalton nor his family were seriously harmed and did not require transport by emergency medical personnel. The incident puts into perspective the fine line between real life and football. Thankfully, everyone close to Dalton was able to walk away from the situation. The Panthers have provided no further details at this time. Dalton has been the starter since he took over for Bryce Young in Week 3. While he provided a jolt to the offense during his first few weeks as a starter, the offense has since stalled. Fantasy managers will need to monitor this situation as we head into the weekend because it could affect the fantasy value of other players. Currently, there are no details on the extent of injuries Dalton suffered or if he even suffered any. Either way, it is simply nice to know that Dalton and his family are ok.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers QB Andy Dalton was involved in car accident in Charlotte, according to sources Tuesday, Oct. 22. No injuries were initially reported, but Dalton is being evaluated by team medical personnel.

Fantasy Spin: Though Dalton likely wasn't going to be in fantasy lineups this week, this will be something for managers to monitor. If Dalton cannot play in Week 8, it's likely the Panthers turn to Bryce Young, which would lower the value of Diontae Johnson to a flex option.

From TheHuddle

Carolina Panthers DE Shaq Lawson and DT Jayden Peevy were released on Tuesday, Oct. 22, while DT T.J. Smith and LB Chandler Wooten were waived. The Panthers also signed free-agent LB Cam Gill and DE Jonathan Harris.

From TheHuddle

The Washington Commanders released former first-round linebacker Jamin Davis on Tuesday. The Commanders took Davis with the 19th overall selection out of Kentucky back in the 2021 draft, but he's now on the open market after disappointing in his four-plus years in the NFL. The 25-year-old did not enter this season as a starter with new head coach Dan Quinn's shift to a 3-4 defensive scheme, and he was also moved from linebacker to edge rusher. In his five games played in 2024, Davis had only 13 tackles (eight solo) and didn't record a sack. Another NFL team will surely take a chance on his talent on the open market, but it remains to be seen if he'll move back to linebacker or stay on the defensive line. Two citations for reckless driving didn't help Davis' standing in D.C.

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Pittsburgh Steelers DT Montravius Adams (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list on Tuesday, Oct. 22. The Steelers also signed CB CJ Henderson off the practice squad to replace him on the roster.

From TheHuddle

Detroit Lions WR Tre'Quan Smith (hand) was released from the Reserve/Injured list on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

From TheHuddle

Free-agent WR Phillip Dorsett was signed to the practice squad of the Atlanta Falcons on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) will be undergoing surgery on Tuesday to fix his dislocated left ankle and will likely be out for the rest of the season. However, there's a small chance that Godwin could make it back early in 2025 if the Buccaneers make a deep playoff run. The 28-year-old suffered a gruesome ankle injury late in the fourth quarter in Monday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers in single-year leagues can send Godwin to the waiver wire now for a healthy body. It's devastating news for Tampa and Godwin, as he was excelling in his return to the slot in 2024 with a league-high 50 catches, 576 yards and five TDs in seven games. With Mike Evans (hamstring) to miss at least three games, the Bucs will be forced to use rookie Jalen McMillan, Sterling Shepard and Trey Palmer in three-wide sets moving forward.

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