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RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

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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Player Notes
Greg Dortch Oct 4 4:00pm CT
Greg Dortch

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Greg Dortch should remain on the waiver wire as the team travels to San Francisco to face the 49ers in Week 5. Dortch is rostered in just 3% of fantasy leagues, marking a season-low in ownership as many managers have dropped him. While he had a solid performance in Week 1 against the Bills, which gave some hope for the season, he has primarily been used in the slot as a check-down option and occasionally works the middle of the field on intermediate routes. With Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) back in the lineup, Dortch's target share will likely decrease further. He's not a viable fantasy option outside of deep leagues until he takes on a more significant role in the passing attack.

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Najee Harris Oct 4 4:00pm CT
Najee Harris

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (ankle) will not play on Sunday evening due to an ankle injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The star edge rusher was removed from last week's game due to a high ankle sprain. The Penn State product was unable to participate in any practice sessions this week and will set his sights on returning in Week 6. This is another tough blow to a Dallas defense that will be without DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) for at least the next four games, as he was placed on the IR on Tuesday. As a result, Chauncey Golston and KJ Henry will lead the Dallas pass rush against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Running back Najee Harris should have an easier time facing the Dallas defense this week and be viewed as a solid RB2.

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Braelon Allen Oct 4 4:00pm CT
Braelon Allen

New York Jets running back Braelon Allen will head to London to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 5. Allen ran for 34 yards on eight carries in Week 4, outproducing Breece Hall in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos. The rookie running back will have his work cut out for him in Week 5 as the Vikings are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs this season with only Jordan Mason notching double-digit fantasy points. Allen's workload as the change-of-pace back will fluctuate week-to-week and the matchup is a daunting one, but a case can still be made for him in starting lineups as a low-end flex option with several NFL teams on bye this week. Fantasy gamers relying on Jets and Vikings players will want to set their lineups early as the London game kicks off at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday.

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Evan Engram Oct 4 4:00pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Michael DiRocco of ESPN. Engram suffered a hamstring injury during warmups prior to their Week 2 matchup and has been sidelined since. He was able to participate in limited practice sessions this week, which is a promising sign for his status heading into the weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 30-year-old's status over the weekend. If Engram were to miss his third-straight game, Brenton Strange should be expected to serve as the No. 1 tight end. Strange has done well filling in for Engram, as he has seen at least five targets in two of the past three games and could be a solid replacement option in deeper formats.

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Mark Andrews Oct 4 3:50pm CT
Mark Andrews

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews has caused fantasy managers everywhere to cringe at the sound of his name. The 29-year-old was once one of the easiest set-it-and-forget-it type of players over the last few seasons. Now, he's coming off two games in a row with zero receptions and two total targets. Even though the coaching staff still trusts him, he's going up against the Cincinnati Bengals who are giving up the seventh-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends. On top of that, the game plan between him and Isaiah Likely is always hard to predict. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for tight end contributions in Week 5.

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Clyde Edwards-Helaire Oct 4 3:50pm CT
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs running backs Kareem Hunt (shoulder) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness) both practiced in a limited capacity on Friday afternoon. Both running backs were also limited participants during Thursday's session. Hunt made his 2024 season debut last weekend and operated as the lead runner in the Kansas City backfield, as he saw 14 carries. Edwards-Helaire has been on the reserve list through the early part of the season and logged his first practice of the season earlier this week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during Saturday's practice as it should provide clarity on their status heading into Monday's game. If Hunt can suit up, he should see the majority of attempts. However, if not, fantasy managers should expect Samaje Perine and Carson Steele to split the workload.

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Breece Hall Oct 4 3:50pm CT
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New York Jets running back Breece Hall is coming off his worst game of the season as he ran for just four yards on 10 carries in a loss to the Denver Broncos. Hall had found the end zone in his three previous games, so he will look to get back to the end zone in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Vikings will be a tough test for Hall as they are allowing the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs with only Jordan Mason managing double-digit fantasy points against them this season. Hall should see enough work in the passing game to insulate him against having a bad game but he is more of a mid to low-range RB1 heading into Week 5. Fantasy gamers relying on Vikings and Jets players this weekend will want to set their lineups early as the London game kicks off at 9:30 AM EST on Sunday.

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Zay Flowers Oct 4 3:40pm CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers put up two duds in back-to-back weeks when he registered finishes of WR81 and WR69 in half-PPR leagues. Coming into the season, his ceiling seemed to be closer to the WR1 level, but right now it seems to be low-end WR2. Lamar Jackson hasn't consistently proven that he can feed more than one pass-catcher per game, so Flowers will need to be efficient with the touches he receives. It may be a bit tough as the Cincinnati Bengals rank 22nd in points allowed to opposing receiving groups with 25.6 fantasy points per game. Since his potential is so game-script dependent, Flowers comes in as more of a low-level WR2 again for this AFC North matchup.

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Russell Wilson Oct 4 3:30pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Wilson has been sidelined all season with a calf injury but has begun to ramp up his activity during practice this week. Through the early part of the season, Wilson has served as the emergency QB, while Kyle Allen has operated as the true backup to Justin Fields. However, seeing his progression during practice, the 35-year-old could be on his way to making his Steeler debut. Fantasy managers should expect Justin Fields to continue operating as the QB1 for now. Wilson is worth stashing in deeper superflex formats, as he could get an opportunity later in the season.

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Derrick Henry Oct 4 3:30pm CT
Derrick Henry

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is fresh off of a 199-yard game on the ground against the Buffalo Bills and will experience his first AFC North divisional game. Over the last three weeks, Henry has finished as the RB1, RB3, and RB9 in half-PPR formats. The game plan has finally shifted to feeding Henry, and then finding openings after the defense tries to stop the run. The Bengals allow the 12th-most fantasy points to opposing backfields with 21.5 fantasy points per game. The King will continue to see a steady diet of carries unless this somehow turns into a lopsided game in Cincinnati's favor. Fantasy managers can consider Henry an RB1 heading into this matchup and will remain a must-start until further notice.

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Christian Watson Oct 4 3:30pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receivers Romeo Doubs (personal) and Christian Watson (ankle) are both listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Rams, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Doubs missed Thursday and Friday's practice due to a personal issue and Watson left last weekend's game early with a high ankle sprain and did not practice once this week. Fantasy managers should monitor their status over the weekend in case they are able to suit up. If not, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks should serve as the No.1 and 2 pass catchers for Jordan Love in a favorable matchup against a weak Los Angeles secondary. Tight end Tucker Kraft should also see an uptick in targets if both Doubs and Watson are unable to play.

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Lamar Jackson Oct 4 3:20pm CT
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is heading into a Week 5 matchup against a familiar foe in the Cincinnati Bengals. He's now led the team to two straight wins after two close losses to start the season, and he's put himself into the top fantasy quarterback conversation yet again. Currently, he's the QB3 on the season, and a matchup against the Bengals is exactly what could put him into the number-one spot. Last season, Jackson was 2-0 against the Bengals with 501 yards and four touchdowns through the air while throwing 40-for-59. He added 108 more yards on 21 carries but didn't score on the ground. This year's Bengals have a healthier Joe Burrow, but their defense has given up 24 or more points over the last three games. They also allow an average of 16.9 fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, and Jackson shouldn't have a problem breaking that number this week while continuing to be a must-start.

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Cordarrelle Patterson Oct 4 3:20pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) will not play on Sunday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network due to an ankle injury. The veteran running back left last weekend's game early with an ankle injury. During the week, Patterson did not participate in any team practices and will set his sights on returning in Week 6. The 33-year-old was pushed up to the No.2 spot on the depth chart last weekend with Jaylen Warren (knee) sitting out, which allowed him to see six rushing attempts and two targets before suffering the injury. Fantasy managers should expect Najee Harris to have a large workload on Sunday night when the Steelers host the Cowboys and should be started in all leagues as an RB2.

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Anthony Richardson Oct 4 3:10pm CT
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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game with an oblique injury. The sophomore quarterback exited last weekend's game early with the same injury and was considered "day-to-day" throughout the week. Richardson logged three straight limited practice sessions this week, which suggests that the injury may not be overly serious and that the team is leaning on the side of caution with their franchise quarterback. No.2 QB Joe Flacco was seen taking first-team reps during Friday's practice as well. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Richardson's status leading up to Sunday's game. If the 22-year-old is able to suit up, he should be viewed as a low-end QB1 facing a weak Jacksonville defense. If Richardson is unable to play, he will cede starting duties to Flacco, who threw for 168 yards and two scores in relief last weekend.

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Dalvin Cook Oct 4 3:00pm CT
Dalvin Cook

Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy hinted on 105.3 The Fan that running back Dalvin Cook could be getting closer to being promoted from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster. "He took some reps yesterday in the team periods, so we're definitely moving him forward. But the other part of it, too, is I think Rico Dowdle and (Ezekiel Elliott) they haven't been given a lot of opportunities too, so it isn't like they haven't done anything to warrant their opportunities decreasing right now. It's a great place to be. It gives us excellent depth. That's a hell of a situation to be in," McCarthy said. Neither Dowdle or Elliott have done much of anything to impress through the season's first four weeks, but based on how Cook looked last year with the Jets, the 29-year-old is no lock to be an improvement over what Dallas has right now. Cook signed with Dallas before the season opener and remains on the practice squad.

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A.T. Perry Oct 4 2:40pm CT
A.T. Perry

The New Orleans Saints waived wide receiver A.T. Perry (hamstring) on Friday, according to a source. Perry has been banged up early on in 2024 and wasn't able to get on the field at all for the Saints through the first four weeks of the season. The 24-year-old pass-catcher will now hope to latch on with another organization in his second year in the NFL. The sixth-round selection last year out of Wake Forest caught 12 of his 18 targets in his rookie season for 246 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games played (three starts). With Perry now gone, rookies Mason Tipton and Bub Means and Cedrick Wilson Jr. will continue to fight for playing time as the WR3 in New Orleans behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. If Perry signs with another team, he'll likely have to work his way up off the practice squad.

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Odell Beckham Jr. Oct 4 2:40pm CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters on Friday that wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) could make his 2024 debut in Week 5 on Sunday against the division-rival New England Patriots with modified repetitions. The Dolphins will determine Beckham's status for the weekend after seeing him practice on Friday. OBJ has been practicing in full this week for the first time all year and "has looked great," according to receivers coach Wes Welker. Miami must activate Beckham off the Physically Unable to Perform list before he can make his debut with the team. The 31-year-old did very little with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and won't be a realistic starting fantasy option whenever returns behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, at least until quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is able to return. OBJ is strictly a deep-league stash candidate.

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Robert Woods Oct 4 2:30pm CT
Robert Woods

Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (foot) popped up on the injury report this week on Thursday and was labeled as a DNP. Woods returned to practice in limited fashion on Friday but is now questionable to play in Week 5 against the visiting Buffalo Bills. The good news for Texans' receiving corps is that they are getting back second-year wideout Tank Dell (concussion) after he missed the Week 4 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. With Dell sidelined last weekend, Woods caught just one of his three targets for 10 yards. He was not targeted at all in the first two weeks of the season and has only three catches (five targets) for 28 yards through the first four weeks of 2024. The 32-year-old veteran is buried too far down on Houston's receiver depth chart to make a difference in the vast majority of fantasy leagues.

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Taysom Hill Oct 4 2:30pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) was missing from practice for the second straight day this week on Friday. Hill fractured his ribs in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons and is now looking doubtful to be able to play on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. He will need to return to some form of practice on Saturday to give himself a shot to suit up this week. Hill has already missed one game due to injury in 2024 and could be well on his way to another absence. The 34-year-old versatile offensive piece had his best game of the year last week, carrying the ball six times for 24 yards and two touchdowns, but he wasn't targeted in the passing attack. Hill has mostly been used as a runner (14 carries) moreso than a receiver (three targets) this year and remains a volatile boom/bust TE2 in fantasy when he's active.

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Tank Dell Oct 4 2:20pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (concussion) missed the Week 4 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars due to a concussion but he has cleared the league's protocol and will play in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. The Texans removed Dell from the final injury report on Friday after he upgraded to a full participant in practice. It's good news for a Houston offense that will be without starting running back Joe Mixon (ankle) for the third straight week. Dell impressed in his rookie season in 2023 with 709 yards and seven touchdowns on 47 catches in just 11 games, but so far in his sophomore campaign he's been playing third fiddle behind teammates Nico Collins and newcomer Stefon Diggs. There's no denying Dell's big-play abilities, but there is another big mouth to feed this year in Diggs. Dell has nine catches on 17 targets for 99 scoreless yards through three games and will be more of a boom/bust WR4/flex in his return against the Bills.

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