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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Injury Status: Super Bowl

Thu Feb 8 10:35am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

There are just a handful of injuries we are dealing with for the Super Bowl, which is great news. Both teams head into the game pretty close to having a full compliment of players. Sure, guys are banged up at this time of the season, but there aren’t many key guys that are going to miss this big game. It is good to see these teams near full strength. Now let’s hope it makes for a great game.

Joe Thuney, OG, Chiefs. Thunk is trying to return from a pectoral injury. He has been out the last few weeks and head coach Andy Reid said Thuney is a long shot to play. But there is speculation that Thuney still has an outside chance to play in the Super Bowl. He has not been ruled out yet and would be a great addition to the Chiefs offensive line if he happens to play.

Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs. Moore was activated from Injured Reserve on Wednesday. He has a chance to return from his knee injury this week. But even if he is active, it isn’t certain how much Moore plays after missing so much time. He will be a risk for fantasy teams to use.

George Kittle, TE, 49ers. Kittle has been limited in practice the last few weeks because of a toe injury. It is bothering him, but he will be ready for the Super Bowl. He probably won’t be too limited in the game despite the nagging toe injury. Expect him to get his usual amount of playing time.

Jerick McKinnon, RB, Chiefs.  McKinnon is trying to return from his groin injury. He remains on Injured Reserve and will need to be activated in the next day or two if he hopes to play this week. He is practicing on a limited basis, so things are trending the right way for him at the moment. He is another player that could be limited in the game if active after being out the last several weeks.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 4

Player Notes
Taysom Hill Sep 29 2:10pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints utility player Taysom Hill (abdomen) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. He had six rushes for 24 yards and two touchdowns at the time of his departure. Hill has been able to inject an element of life into the Saints' offense numerous times throughout his career, so losing him is bad news for New Orleans. With that said, the Saints will still be able to run the ball effectively thanks to the impact of Alvin Kamara out of the backfield. Kamara and Jamaal Williams should handle all rushing duties for the Saints until Hill is healthy enough to play again.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Sep 29 2:10pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) has officially been ruled out for the rest of Sunday's contest against the Indianapolis Colts. He'll finish as the team's leading rusher so far with six carries for 43 yards as well as two receptions for 19 yards. The 12-year veteran was the lone silver lining for the Steelers before leaving, and the offense has struggled even more since then. The Steelers have only managed to score three points through two and a half quarters so far. Najee Harris continues to get the starter's workload while Aaron Shampklin is the only other healthy back on the roster. They likely won't be running the ball much more as they'll attempt a comeback win in the third and fourth quarter.

From RotoBaller

Caleb Williams Sep 29 2:00pm CT
Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (ribs) has officially been listed as questionable to return after picking up a rib injury in the first half of the contest against the Los Angeles Rams. Since there aren't any more left guards on the depth chart, Matt Pryor will move over to fill that vacancy while Nate Davis has come in to play right guard. The offensive line play has already been quite abysmal for the Bears, so this may spell even more trouble for Caleb Williams and the offense. Jenkins' status will be monitored as the game goes on, and he's worth monitoring going into next week to see if the Bears have to make any moves to bolster the depth of the offensive line.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 29 2:00pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) is now considered active for the team's Week 4 contest against the New England Patriots. He was able to put in a couple of limited practices this week, so he may not receive the usual workload in this game. With Samuel back on the field, Jordan Mason and Jauan Jennings may not see the same amount of touches that they would have otherwise. The Patriots give up the 11th-most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers in half-PPR formats, so the 49ers receiver group could find plenty of open areas to operate. Samuel does present some risk to fantasy managers given how tricky calf issues can be though.

From RotoBaller

Cordarrelle Patterson Sep 29 1:50pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) has been one of the only bright spots for the team so far, but had to leave the game with an ankle injury and has been deemed questionable to return. The veteran back posted 43 yards on six carries and two receptions for 19 yards through the air. The Steelers' offense hasn't been able to move the ball at all except for some of the plays that Patterson put together. With him sidelined, the struggle will seemingly get worse as the only healthy running backs left are Najee Harris and Aaron Shampklin. Harris registered a measly 0.8 yards per carry before halftime while Shampklin received one carry for five yards. If Patterson can get back on the field, he may be the best option for the Steelers to sneak out a win.

From RotoBaller

C.J. Stroud Sep 29 1:40pm CT
C.J. Stroud

Houston Texans offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's game after suffering an ankle injury in the second quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tunsil has been a key part of C.J. Stroud's protection, but he has also hurt them often with false start penalties. Rookie Blake Fisher is the next left tackle on the depth chart, which could be worrisome if the Jaguars decide to attack that side and test the rookie out. Tunsil's status will continue to be monitored as the game goes on, and he'll likely receive some more tests on Monday to determine if he has to miss any extended time.

From RotoBaller

Trey Palmer Sep 29 1:30pm CT
Trey Palmer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Trey Palmer (concussion) has been ruled out for the rest of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles after suffering a concussion in the first half. The second-year wideout caught all three targets for 26 yards and a touchdown before leaving the game. At the time, he had the fourth-most targets on the team, but the third-most yards in this contest. Palmer had just moved up the depth chart for this game with Jalen McMillan (hamstring) ruled out right before game time. After Palmer, Sterling Shepard and rookie Kameron Johnson are the next two up. Cade Otton will also likely see some more opportunities if Mike Evans and Chris Godwin don't soak up all of the remaining targets.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Badie Sep 29 1:20pm CT
Tyler Badie

Denver Broncos running back Tyler Badie (undisclosed) was carted off the sidelines to the locker room during the second quarter of Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Badie went to the sidelines after losing a fumble and seemingly went down on the sidelines with some sort of issue. He was then put on a backboard and carted off to the team's locker room with the problem still unknown. The sixth-round rookie had one carry for zero yards and two receptions for -4 yards before leaving the game. He delivered a quality game the week before against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers which moved him into the third-string conversation. He's listed as questionable to return right now, so his status will be monitored as the game goes on.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Sep 29 1:10pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) is questionable to return to Sunday's NFC North clash with the Vikings. The wideout injured his ankle. However, he needed to be carted off, so his day could very well be over. If that's the case, Watson will finish without a catch (one target), with Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs potentially in line to see more attention from Jordan Love for the rest of the afternoon.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 29 1:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip) has been ruled out for the rest of the game after suffering a hip injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game. The young signal-caller was hit and fell a bit awkwardly on a scramble where he fumbled the ball. He returned to the game for a snap and limped off the field and into the locker room after taking another hit on another scramble. Joe Flacco has officially taken over as the quarterback and immediately scored to put the Colts up by two scores over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Richardson's status will be something to monitor as the team will likely perform some more tests later on Sunday and Monday to determine the severity. In the meantime, Flacco will likely be a popular waiver wire pickup.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 29 1:00pm CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) returned to Sunday's matchup with the Texans. He exited the contest because of a shoulder injury. However, Tank Bigsby appears to be the preferred option out of the backfield in Week 4, with the 23-year-old amassing three carries for 28 yards so far. As such, this situation will be monitored by fantasy managers throughout the remainder of the contest.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 29 12:50pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (hip) is questionable to return to Sunday's meeting with the Steelers. The signal-caller took a shot and briefly exited the contest. However, after returning for a few plays, it was obvious something was wrong. If Richardson doesn't return, he will finish Week 4 with 71 yards off 3-for-4 passing, adding three carries for 26 yards. Joe Flacco is in and will likely remain under center while Richardson is out of the contest.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Sep 29 12:40pm CT
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (undisclosed) exited Sunday's meeting with the Steelers. The signal-caller took a shot and exited the contest for a few plays before returning. However, he left the game again and headed to the locker room. With Richardson coming off a season-ending shoulder injury from 2023-24, this is concerning for fantasy managers. But there should be an update on his condition soon, although he will finish with 71 yards off 3-for-4 passing, adding three touches for 26 yards if he doesn't return. Joe Flacco will presumably remain under center while Richardson is out of the contest.

From RotoBaller

Devaughn Vele Sep 29 12:10pm CT
Devaughn Vele

Denver Broncos wide receiver Devaughn Vele (coach's decision) is a healthy scratch for Week 4 versus the New York Jets. The rookie impressed with eight receptions back in Week 1 but hasn't played since then due to a combination of injury and being a healthy scratch. Going forward, it seems as though he'll need to earn his way onto the gameday roster through competition in practice. Until then, he can be left on waivers in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 29 11:30am CT
Jordan Addison

Green Bay Packers defensive backs Jaire Alexander (groin, quadriceps), Carrington Valentine (ankle) and Kitan Oladapo are all inactive for the big Week 4 divisional clash at Lambeau Field on Sunday versus the undefeated Minnesota Vikings. The biggest name here is Alexander, who came into this contest listed as questionable with multiple injuries that kept him out of practice on Friday. His absence is a big blow to the Packers as they look to try and slow down All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson and the returning Jordan Addison (ankle). With Alexander out, the Packers called up Kamal Hadden and Robert Rochell from the practice squad on Saturday. The Packers defense/special teams unit should be considered a borderline starting fantasy option in 12-team leagues this weekend against a Vikings team looking to start 4-0.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Sep 29 11:30am CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) is officially active against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4 on Sunday. Johnson popped up on the Week 4 injury report on Thursday but will play, as expected. Johnson got off to a slow start with his new team in 2024 with just five catches for 34 yards with quarterback Bryce Young running the offense. In the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders with veteran QB Andy Dalton taking over, Johnson was a new man, catching eight of 14 targets for 122 yards and his first score of the year. Johnson has WR1 upside against a lackluster Bengals defense this weekend as the Panthers look to win two straight. Not only did Dalton get Johnson involved last week, to put it lightly, but fellow wideout Adam Thielen (hamstring) is on Injured Reserve, so Johnson should eat once again. Anyone that has Johnson rostered should have him in their starting lineups on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 29 11:20am CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) is officially active for the Week 4 tilt against the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at Soldier Field. With Allen back for the first time since the season-opening win over the Tennessee Titans, Velus Jone Jr. will be a healthy scratch for Chicago. Allen was sidelined the last two games with a heel injury that dates back to late last year in his final season with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 32-year-old veteran's return is good news for rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and bad news for rookie receiver Rome Odunze, who went off with Allen sidelined in the Week 3 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Allen did see a healthy 11 targets in the season opener from Williams, but he caught just four of those passes for 29 yards and no scores. In a game in which Allen's snaps could be limited in his return, he figures to be a shaky WR4/flex option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Sep 29 11:20am CT
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is officially active for Week 4 versus the Houston Texans. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's divisional contest. Davis has appeared in all three games this season, catching eight passes for 123 yards and zero touchdowns. At the moment, he's merely a bench stash in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Jalen McMillan Sep 29 11:10am CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) is officially out for Week 4 against the Philadelphia Eagles after he was listed as doubtful on the final injury report on Friday. McMillan tweaked his hamstring during practice on Friday and will miss the first game of his career after going for three receptions on six targets for 59 yards and one touchdown in his first three games. He has averaged 19.7 yards receiving per game and has effectively become the No. 3 behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But for Sunday's game at Raymond James Stadium, expect Trey Palmer to take over McMillan's duties against Philly. It's unclear if McMillan will be able to return on a short week in Week 5 versus the Atlanta Falcons next Thursday. For now, McMillan is merely a deep-league stash for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Sep 29 11:10am CT
Drake Maye

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is still several weeks away from playing, barring an injury to Jacoby Brissett, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. While Maye did see the field in garbage time against the New York Jets last week, the No. 3 overall pick has not yet been ramped up to NFL speed and continues to see roughly 30 percent of snaps in practice. The Patriots evidently aren't ready to make a change at quarterback yet, which means the starting job still belongs to Brissett. The veteran has completed 61 percent of his passes for 368 yards and one touchdown so far. Despite the low offensive numbers, Patriots fans and fantasy managers in deep leagues have to be excited that he hasn't turned over the football through three weeks. On a less positive note, he's taken nine sacks between a porous offensive line.

From RotoBaller