Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) is expected to play in Week 5 versus the Buffalo Bills, barring a setback this week, according to a source. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said on Monday that Dell will be "day-to-day" this week. "We'll see this week with a week of practice," Ryans said. Dell suffered a chest injury late in the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and was held out of the Week 4 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars, mostly as a precaution. The 24-year-old second-year wideout also suffered a hand/wrist injury, but it's believed to be minor. We'll have a better idea of Dell's status later this week after a few practices, but fantasy managers should be getting him back this Sunday. Dell had a season-best 62 receiving yards before getting hurt in Week 3, but he has been the clear No. 3 so far behind both Nico Collins and newcomer Stefon Diggs in 2024. In Weeks 1 and 2, he had four catches for 37 yards.

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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said that running back Joe Mixon (ankle) will be "day-to-day" this week. "We'll see this week with a week of practice," Ryans said. Mixon injured his ankle in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears and has missed the last two games as a result. Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has missed the last three games, so it has forced Cam Akers into a starting role of late for the Texans' backfield. The Texans continue to say that Pierce is getting closer to a return, so it seems probable that Houston will at least have one of Mixon or Pierce available in Week 5 versus the Buffalo Bills. The 28-year-old Mixon looked good in his first two games with Houston before getting hurt, averaging 4.7 yards per carry with 184 yards on 39 attempts while also scoring a TD. We won't have a better idea about what the Texans' backfield will look like against Buffalo until later this week when we see if Mixon and Pierce have returned to practice.

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Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that wide receiver Christian Watson (ankle) will be out "at least a week or so" after suffering what is believed to be a high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. The oft-injured 25-year-old could be a candidate for Injured Reserve, depending on how he progresses in the coming days. If Green Bay were to place Watson on IR, he'd miss at least four games. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of North Dakota State can't seem to avoid the injury bug, as he also missed 10 games in 2023 due to hamstring issues. With Watson set to miss Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams at the very least, Dontayvion Wicks, who had two touchdowns on Sunday, will be a very popular waiver-wire pickup. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and tight end Tucker Kraft should also benefit from more targets from quarterback Jordan Love for however long Watson is sidelined.

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Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that the team is not considering placing running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) on short-term Injured Reserve after he suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 4 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. High-ankle sprains can keep players out for up to a month, but Taylor apparently suffered a "mild" high-ankle sprain on Sunday. If the 25-year-old went on IR, he'd have to miss at least four games. It's good news overall for the Colts and JT's fantasy managers, but it doesn't mean he won't miss time, starting with the Week 5 contest this weekend against the winless Jacksonville Jaguars. We'll have a better idea about his status later this week, but fantasy managers should be formulating backup plans now in case he cannot play in Week 5. Trey Sermon would become the starter in the backfield if Taylor misses any time, with Tyler Goodson also seeing an elevated role for Indy.

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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said on Monday that wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) will not play in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers. The Rams aren't going to take any chances with Kupp with their bye looming in Week 6. If Kupp recovers nicely over the next two weeks, he could be back for the Rams to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7 on Oct. 20. With Kupp out again this week and Puka Nacua (knee) still on Injured Reserve, it will be another week of elevated playing time for receivers Demarcus Robinson, Tutu Atwell and rookie Jordan Whittington. In the Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears, Atwell led the Rams in receiving with 82 yards on four receptions, while Whittington had a team-high eight targets and caught six passes for 62 yards. Kupp had 14 receptions on 21 targets for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 loss to the Lions and looked more like his 2021 Pro Bowl self. Fantasy managers can only hope he'll pick up where he left off whenever he's able to return.

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) has been dealing with bi-lateral Achilles tendinitis, meaning he has the tendinitis in both of his legs. McCaffrey recently traveled to Germany to meet with specialists and get treatment done on his legs. The 28-year-old could attempt to run this week to test out his injuries, but the fact is that he remains on Injured Reserve and doesn't have a clear timetable to return. If everything goes as planned and CMC doesn't have any further setbacks, he should be ready to return at some point in early November. It's been tough for fantasy managers that took McCaffrey with the first overall pick in drafts, but all they can do is remain patient and keep him stashed with hopes he return in the second half. Until then, Jordan Mason, who went over 100 yards rushing for the third time in four games in Week 4, will be a must-start RB1 in fantasy.

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The Atlanta Falcons have signed linebacker Rashaan Evans to their practice squad, per Adam Schefter. The former first-round pick of the 2018 NFL Draft recently spent time in Dallas last season when he started nine games for the Cowboys but played a full 17 for Atlanta the year prior -- totaling 159 tackles. With linebacker Nate Landman (quad/calf) on injured reserve and Troy Andersen (knee) forced from the team's 26-24 divisional victory over the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta has sought veteran help. Landman is expected back "sooner than later." Still, there is uncertainty around whether Andersen will be able to suit up for the team's Thursday night matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he can't, Evans will likely be signed to the active roster and soak up some snaps in the contest. The Falcons have other options at the position, but as of now -- Andersen and Landman are the only right-inside-linebackers on the active depth chart.

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Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (ACL) is still in the final stages of his return from an ACL injury and will not have his 21-day practice window opened this week, per Sheena Quick. It was initially anticipated that Brooks could return to the team in Week 5 before his NFL debut. However, he evidently still has "a couple of hurdles to clear." He'll now have to wait at least one more week. The Panthers may be playing it slow with their rookie second-round pick -- heeding more of a cautious approach with the 21-year-old coming off a severe knee injury. Additionally, the breakout of Chuba Hubbard over the last two weeks could play a part in this, too. With Brooks still sidelined, Hubbard will continue to see the majority of backfield touches, with Miles Sanders mixing in when he needs a breather. The former will look to continue to build on his back-to-back standout performances in Week 5 when the team visits Soldier Field and the Chicago Bears. Hubbard will be an RB2 with upside, while Sanders presents as just his handcuff for the contest.

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Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison is due to receive a larger share of the team's backfield touches moving forward, according to head coach Antonio Pierce. "He's deserved more reps," Pierce said, "and he'll get them." Mattison has been involved in the offense, but primarily as the "third-down" back and a change of pace behind backfield mate Zamir White. White has out-carried the former 49-to-17 through the season's first four weeks, but the former Viking has been more effective with his work -- sporting 5.1 YPC while White averages a whole two yards less. Mattison has looked like the better back, and now he'll get the opportunity to prove it. Fantasy managers may want to exhibit caution before slotting him into their lineup, as he's racked up just two double-digit fantasy point outings thus far. Still, the increased usage and his work in the passing game could keep him in the conversation of a weekly FLEX option moving forward. Las Vegas will gear up for a divisional road matchup when they head to Denver to take on the Broncos in Week 5.

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Dynasty | Tight end Mark Andrews dropped his only target in the Ravens win against the Bills. Dynasty Analysis: After two straight weeks with no production at all, Andrews currently sits at just six catches for 65 yards on the season. It's an unfathomable development for a player of his caliber, making many wonder if he's truly healthy or if there's more to the story somewhere. At this point, Andrews should be planted on fantasy benches and is getting to roster clogger territory quickly. He may need a trade to find value again.

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Dynasty | Ravens running back Derrick Henry ran for 199 yards, caught three passes for ten more yards and scored two touchdowns in a demolition of the Bills. Dynasty Analysis: Henry was a one-man wrecking crew and took the first carry of the game 87 yards to the house. He didn't slow down from there, churning out another 112 yards on the ground, punishing defenders who stood in his way. After some questionable usage the first two weeks, the King now has 49 carries the past two weeks, posting 350 yards and three touchdowns in the process. The 30-year old Henry is a prime target for a contending team as he looks poised for a big season.

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Dynasty | Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has a high ankle sprain. Dynasty Analysis: The news likely sounds worse than it is. The Colts are classifying this as a mild injury and are hoping to have him back in the fold this week. If he does miss time, Trey Sermon is going to be a hot desperation play for as long as Taylor misses time. One thing seems clear, though - this certainly doesn't seem like a repeat of the injury Taylor had last season that derailed his year. Stay tuned.

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Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson said that linebacker Josh Hines-Allen (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after being forced from the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans with a head injury. Before getting injured on Sunday in Houston, Hines-Allen had three tackles (two solo). The injury puts the 27-year-old pass-rusher's status for the Week 5 contest against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts firmly in question as the Jaguars seek their first win of 2024. The former seventh overall pick in 2019 out of Kentucky had a career-high 17.5 sacks in 17 games for the Jags in 2023 but has only taken an opposing quarterback down one time through the first four weeks of 2024. Fantasy managers in IDP formats will need to have a backup plan in place this week in case Hines-Allen isn't cleared for Week 5.

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The New York Jets situation with defensive end Haason Reddick still has no resolution in since, and some have wondered if the Jets could just trade him back to the Philadelphia Eagles. However, per NFL rules, that scenario is not possible. Teams cannot trade a player, then reacquire him via trade until two years elapse. The 30-year-old was expecting the Jets to give him a new long-term contract extension after they acquired him in the offseason, but that hasn't been the case, leading to his holdout extended into the 2024 regular season. Reddick has already requested another trade, but the Jets have no plans to accommodate him, although league sources believe eventually that will have to be the solution. An already strong Jets defense would benefit from the presence of Reddick, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen.

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The Kansas City Chiefs are saying that wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) is still undergoing tests on his injured knee on Monday, but he will not be available to play in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints. Rice injured his knee early in the Week 4 win over the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers and is feared to have suffered a season-ending torn ACL. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but fantasy managers need to be bracing for the announcement that the 24-year-old pass-catcher is indeed out for the year. With Marquise Brown (shoulder) also expected to miss the entire season and with running back Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve with a fractured leg, the Chiefs are running out of playmakers on offense. Rookie Xavier Worthy will now have a much bigger role, as well as receivers Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and tight end Travis Kelce.

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Denver Broncos promising running back Tyler Badie (back), who left the Week 4 win over the New York Jets on a backboard on Sunday, has full movement of his arms and legs and is back in Denver with the team, according to sources. Badie suffered a back injury that could land him on Injured Reserve, but there's a chance he can return this season. The 24-year-old would be forced to miss at least four games he he's placed on IR. A sixth-rounder in 2022 by the Baltimore Ravens out of Missouri, Badie had 11 carries for 86 yards in three games this year and was potentially going to have a shot at a bigger role with both Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin struggling early on out of the backfield. Before being stretchered off on Sunday, he lost a fumble on his only carry and recorded two catches for minus-four yards receiving against the Jets.

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Carolina Panthers standout linebacker Shaq Thompson (Achilles), who was playing his best football early on this year, is believed to have torn his Achilles in the Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and is out for the season, according to sources. Thompson is undergoing an MRI exam on Monday to confirm the devastating injury. The 30-year-old former 25th overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft out of Washington had recorded 35 tackles (19 solo) in the first four games in 2024 after playing in just two games last year. It's a massive blow the rest of the way for a Panthers defense that already had plenty of question marks. Thompson will eventually be placed on Injured Reserve and will have surgery on his torn Achilles. Fantasy managers will want to target Carolina's defense even more so moving forward in 2024.

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After the New England Patriots' blowout loss on the road to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 4 on Sunday, head coach Jerod Mayo once again reiterated that quarterback Jacoby Brissett is the starter moving forward. "Jacoby is 100% our starter, and that's how we're going to look at this going forward," Mayo said. Brissett went 19-for-32 for 168 yards, one touchdown and a pick-six in the 30-13 loss to the Niners and also fumbled once. A report surfaced before Sunday's game that rookie first-round quarterback Drake Maye isn't exactly close to being ready to take over, so it's more about Maye's progress than Brissett actually earning the gig. Through four weeks, Brissett checks in as the QB32 with 536 passing yards, two touchdowns and a pick in four games while leading New England to a league-worst 13.0 points per game. Even in superflex leagues, fantasy managers should be looking to avoid him in Week 5 against the division-rival Miami Dolphins.

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Carolina Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (Achilles) suffered a torn Achilles and will miss the remainder of the season, according to sources Monday, Sept. 30.

From TheHuddle

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a quiet outing in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, catching just one of his three targets for 10 yards. This performance was a letdown after his breakout game the previous week. The return of veteran receiver Keenan Allen (heel) likely affected Odunze's targets, as he shifted back to a No. 3 role with Allen coming off a two-game absence. Consequently, Odunze saw a notable decline in production. Throughout his rookie season, he has struggled to make a consistent impact, recording two or fewer receptions in three of four games. His target and yardage totals this week marked his lowest yet, leaving him with ample opportunity for improvement in a Week 5 home matchup against the Panthers.

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