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QB Michael Penix Jr., Falcons agree to contract terms

Fri Jun 21 8:20pm ET
Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to contract terms with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., their first-round pick, according to multiple media reports on Friday.

Penix, selected eighth overall out of Washington, is getting a four-year rookie deal valued at $22.88 million, including a $13.46 million signing bonus.

All contracts involving first-round selections include a fifth-year team option.

The Falcons have invested heavily in the quarterback position. Six weeks before the draft, they signed veteran free agent Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million deal that includes $100 million guaranteed.

Cousins, who will turn 36 before the regular-season begins, is looking to come back from a right Achilles tendon tear that ended his 2023 season in October with the Minnesota Vikings.

That commitment made all the more surprising Atlanta's decision to use a first-round selection on a quarterback. Penix was the fourth signal caller drafted out of a record-tying six first-round QB picks.

Penix, 24, is coming off a spectacular senior season in which he led the Huskies to the national championship game. He threw for a national-high 4,903 yards and had 36 touchdown passes while getting intercepted 11 times.

He wound up as the Heisman Trophy runner-up behind LSU's Jayden Daniels, and Penix captured the Maxwell Award, which goes to the country's top college football player. Each of the past two seasons, Penix broke Washington's single-season passing record.

Penix is expected to formally sign the contract on Friday, according to media reports, and complete the Falcons' eight-player draft class signings. He has participated in every offseason training session from rookie minicamp to OTAs and the mandatory minicamp.

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The Paur Report

Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 5

Player Notes
Anthony Richardson Oct 6 11:00am CT
Anthony Richardson

As expected, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) is officially inactive for Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Richardson was initially listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report before being downgraded to doubtful on Saturday. Fantasy managers should have already moved the second-year signal-caller to their benches for this weekend. He's been a disappointment as a QB1 in fantasy so far through his first four games in 2024, and it remains to be seen if he can return in Week 6 to face the division-rival Tennessee Titans. The Colts will be missing both Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) in this one against Jacksonville. With Richardson out, veteran Joe Flacco will make his first start of the season and could be a boost to Indy's receivers. Flacco should be in play as a QB2 streamer in superflex leagues in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Odell Beckham Jr. Oct 6 11:00am CT
Odell Beckham Jr.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (knee) is officially active for Week 5 against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The Dolphins' decision to activate him from the PUP list on Saturday essentially confirmed that he would be able to suit up against New England. Going forward, Beckham will likely operate as Miami's No. 3 wide receiver behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. He could get on the fantasy radar once Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) returns to the offense, but that won't happen before Week 8 at the earliest. Until then, Beckham should remain on fantasy waivers.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Oct 6 11:00am CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) will miss yet another game as he's been ruled out for Week 5 against the division-rival Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Engram injured his hamstring during pre-game warmups before Week 2 and hasn't played since the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. The good news is that he was limited in practices this week, so he figures to have a good shot at returning in Week 6 against the Chicago Bears on the road. Fantasy managers need to leave Engram on their benches until then. With the 30-year-old veteran on the bench again in Week 5, Brenton Strange is worth consideration as a TE2 streamer. The 23-year-old has seen an elevated role the last three weeks with Engram sidelined and has gone for eight receptions on 14 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown. Receiver Christian Kirk should also have more upside again with Engram out.

From RotoBaller

DeAndre Carter Oct 6 11:00am CT
DeAndre Carter

Chicago Bears left guard Teven Jenkins (ribs) and wide receiver DeAndre Carter (ribs) are active for Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers. Both players had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Jenkins has been an offensive staple for the Bears this season, playing every offensive snap through the first three weeks before an injury took him out of the game early in Week 4. Meanwhile, Carter has been productive this season, too. In addition to catching seven passes for 60 yards, he also has five kick returns (34 yards per return) and nine punt returns (9.4 yards per return). However, he's off the fantasy radar in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

Kendrick Bourne Oct 6 10:50am CT
Kendrick Bourne

New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (knee) is officially active for Week 5 against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after the Patriots activated him from the PUP list on Saturday. Bourne tore his ACL during the middle of last season and hasn't played since then. At the time of his injury, he had been averaging 4.6 catches, 50.8 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game. It's unclear if Bourne can return to his 2023 form in his first game back with the Patriots' offense struggling. However, at the very least, he should inject some much-needed life into a passing game starving for talent right now. He's worth monitoring in redraft leagues but can be left on fantasy waivers for the time being.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Oct 6 10:50am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) is officially active for the Week 5 game on Sunday versus the Washington Commanders. Njoku came into this game questionable but was expected to play and will return for the first time since injuring his ankle in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to Njoku, running back Pierre Strong Jr. (hamstring), who was also questionable to play, is active. The 28-year-old Njoku will be a big boost to a Browns offense that has underwhelmed through the first four weeks of the 2024 season. In Week 1 before getting hurt, Njoku had four catches on five targets for 44 yards. He will take back over primary tight end duties in Cleveland from Jordan Akins, who did very little in the three games that Njoku missed. Fantasy managers should consider Njoku at least in play as a low-end TE1 now that he's back.

From RotoBaller

Jeff Wilson Oct 6 10:50am CT
Jeff Wilson

Miami Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr. (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He had recovered from a rib injury but evidently doesn't have a spot on Miami's gameday roster with Raheem Mostert returning to the fold and both De'Von Achane and Jaylen Wright playing well. Going forward, Wilson will likely be stashed on the Dolphins' roster as mere depth in the event that any other running backs miss time due to injury. Wilson can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Oct 6 10:43am CT
Joe Mixon

The Houston Texans have declared RB Dameon Pierce, WR Steven Sims, RB Joe Mixon, DE Derek Barnett, OT Tytus Howard and LB Jake Hansen inactive for Week 5.

From TheHuddle

Josey Jewell Oct 6 10:43am CT
Josey Jewell

The Carolina Panthers have declared OG Andrew Raym, OT Jarrett Kingston, DL Jayden Peevy, RB Mike Boone, LB Josey Jewell and S Russ Yeast inactive for Week 5.

From TheHuddle

Jordan Poyer Oct 6 10:43am CT
Jordan Poyer

The Miami Dolphins have declared DB Ethan Bonner, LB Channing Tindall, C Andrew Meyer, QB Skylar Thompson, RB Jeff Wilson Jr., S Jordan Poyer and LB Mohamed Kamara inactive for Week 5.

From TheHuddle

Jordan Hicks Oct 6 10:43am CT
Jordan Hicks

The Cleveland Browns have declared QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, OG Javion Cohen, LB Jordan Hicks, OT Jack Conklin, CB Kahlef Hailassie, LB Khaleke Hudson and WR Jamari Thrash inactive for Week 5.

From TheHuddle

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 6 10:40am CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is officially active for Week 5 versus the Cleveland Browns. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to suit up. Robinson should have a normal workload without any injury limitations this week, but he might not be able to replicate last week's 100-yard performance now that Austin Ekeler is healthy again. Still, Robinson is a fringe top-12 fantasy running back given his volume, touchdown upside, and role within the Commanders' highly productive offense.

From RotoBaller

K.J. Osborn Oct 6 10:40am CT
K.J. Osborn

New England Patriots wide receiver K.J. Osborn (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction after missing Friday's practice. The 27-year-old has been uninspiring this season, catching just five of 13 targets for 31 yards through four games. He has been outproduced by Demario Douglas and Ja'Lynn Polk, and now he could also lose opportunities to veteran Kendrick Bourne, who was activated from the PUP list this weekend. Between his injury, limited role, and the Patriots' struggling offense, fantasy managers should leave Osborn on waivers in all leagues.

From RotoBaller

Trenton Irwin Oct 6 10:40am CT
Trenton Irwin

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson and wide receiver Trenton Irwin are both healthy scratches for the big Week 5 divisional clash on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. Hudson hasn't been active for the Bengals since the Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, when he caught two of his three targets for 18 yards. For now, he remains well off the fantasy radar in all leagues behind Mike Gesicki, rookie Erick All Jr. and Drew Sample. Irwin is inactive for the second straight week after Tee Higgins returned to the fold for the Bengals in last week's win over the Carolina Panthers. In two games in 2024, Irwin has just two receptions on eight targets for 11 yards. The Bengals will roll forward with Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, rookie Jermaine Burton and Charlie Jones at the receiver position versus Baltimore.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 6 10:33am CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) will not be activated from the Reserve/Injured list prior to Week 6's game against the Seattle Seahawks, when he is eligible to return, according to multiple league sources. However, there is mild optimism because his calf and Achilles issues did not flare up after he resumed on-field work this week.

Fantasy Spin: It remains uncertain when McCaffrey will be activated from injured reserve or when he can begin practicing again. Fantasy owners should keep tabs on this situation to see when he'll be ready to return. RB Jordan Mason will continue to be the starting back for the 49ers and is a weekly starting option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Noah Brown Oct 6 10:33am CT
Noah Brown

The Washington Commanders have declared QB Sam Hartman, QB Jeff Driskel, S Dominique Hampton, WR Noah Brown, S Tyler Owens, OT Chris Paul and DE Clelin Ferrell inactive for Week 5.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Jones Oct 6 10:30am CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings in London. He suffered the injury during the first half and was unable to re-enter the contest. The television broadcast showed a camera angle of Jones limping on the sideline while expressing discomfort and frustration when he tried to run. He finished Sunday's contest with seven rushing yards for 29 yards on the ground, as well as a 24-yard reception. If there's any good news here, it's that the Vikings conveniently have a Week 6 bye, meaning Jones will have a full 14 days to recover before his next game. In the interim, Ty Chandler will lead the Minnesota backfield. Chandler figures to operate as a mid-range fantasy RB2 in the Vikings' productive offense.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 6 10:13am CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hip) suffered a hip injury during the Week 5 game and is considered questionable to return.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to keep an eye on the situation to see if Jones will be able to return in the second half. Ty Chandler will be the main back while Jones is sidelined and can be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Joe Flacco Oct 6 10:13am CT
Joe Flacco

Indianapolis Colts QB Joe Flacco is expected to start Week 5's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to a source.

Fantasy Spin: QB Anthony Richardson (hip, oblique) was downgraded from questionable to doubtful Saturday, Oct. 5, despite being able to take part in all three of the team's practice sessions during the week on a limited basis. Although Flacco was solid in a relief performance against the Steelers in Week 4, going 16-for-26 with 168 passing yards and two touchdowns, he shouldn't be started outside of two-quarterback fantasy leagues or as a bye-week replacement.

From TheHuddle

Emanuel Wilson Oct 6 9:50am CT
Emanuel Wilson

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson wasn't able to do much damage against the Minnesota Vikings last week. The 25-year-old rushed eight times for 27 yards as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs. This was a disappointing outing for Wilson after a 50-yard performance in Week 3. The assumption is that Wilson should continue to remain involved during the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. However, Wilson will have a limited ceiling as the backup to Jacobs, so fantasy managers should be able to find a more viable option elsewhere.

From RotoBaller