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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

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

Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Chris Olave Oct 3 5:20pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hamstring) was listed on the first injury report of Week 5 but he was able to put in a full practice and should be just fine to play on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to Olave, receivers A.T. Perry (hamstring) was limited, and Cedrick Wilson Jr. (ankle) practiced in full. It's worth noting for Olave, but his hamstring shouldn't limit him at all for a showdown with the defending Super Bowl champions. The 24-year-old got off to a slow start in Week 1 but has now gone over 80 receiving yards in each of the last three games. He had eight catches on 10 targets for 87 yards in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans figures to have to throw the ball plenty against KC on the road on Monday night, making Olave a good bet for solid production for his fantasy managers again. He's a solid WR2 in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Blake Grupe Oct 3 5:20pm CT
Blake Grupe

New Orleans Saints kicker Blake Grupe (hip) is dealing with a right-hip injury and was unable to take part in the first practice of the week on Thursday. Grupe's status for the Week 5 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night is now in question, but he still has two more days to get back onto the practice field. If Grupe cannot get back on the practice field in the next two days, the Saints could call up Charlie Smyth from the practice squad to serve as their kicker on Monday night. Through four weeks in 2024, Grupe checks in as the No. 5 fantasy kicker, having made all eight of his field-goal attempts and 13 of his 14 extra-point tries in a much-improved Saints offense. Fantasy managers might need to pivot at the kicking position in Week 5 if Grupe is out or listed as questionable for Monday's contest.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 3 5:10pm CT
George Kittle

For the second straight day this week, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) was not participating in practice on Thursday. Kittle was seen in full gear on a side field. Kittle missed Week 3 with a hamstring injury but returned in the Week 4 win over the New England Patriots and caught a touchdown pass, but two DNPs to begin the week put him back up in the air to suit up for a Week 5 tilt against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. The 30-year-old is probably going to need to put in some work at practice on Friday to have a shot at playing this weekend. It's a bit surprising that he has missed two practices after head coach Kyle Shanahan called him day-to-day earlier in the week. If Kittle is active, he's a must-start TE1 in fantasy. If he's limited or out, tight end Eric Saubert would have a bigger role again, although that led to just two catches for 41 yards in Week 3 when Kittle was sidelined. Check back on Friday for Kittle's designation for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 3 5:10pm CT
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (hip, ribs) remains on the injury report for Week 5 and put in a limited practice on Thursday. Kamara was also limited before the Week 4 contest against the Atlanta Falcons but ended up playing and saw 26 touches for 119 scrimmage yards and a rushing touchdown. Unless he's downgraded at practice in the next few days, Kamara should be just fine to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football to close out Week 5 action. The 29-year-old has exceeded expectations through the first four weeks in the Saints' new offense and has been the RB1 in half-PPR scoring with 80 carries for 362 yards and five touchdowns, adding 17 receptions for 174 yards and another score. As long as he doesn't have a setback with his injuries later this week, Kamara should remain locked into lineups as a must-start.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 3 4:13pm CT
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | The Chiefs have placed wide receiver Rashee Rice on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Rice will miss at least the next four weeks with a knee injury and the Chiefs are still waiting for the swelling to subside to see if he'll be out for the year. Chances are Rice has torn his ACL, but that hasn't been confirmed as of yet. Regardless, dynasty managers need to make alternate plans as Rice isn't going to be anywhere near fantasy lineups for a while, as expected.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Kareem Hunt Oct 3 4:00pm CT
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (shoulder) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Hunt's status before their game on Monday evening against the New Orleans Saints, but seeing him on the practice field this early in the week suggests the injury is not serious. The 29-year-old logged a team-high 14 carries in his season debut last weekend. No. 2 running back Samaje Perine logged only five carries, which implies that Hunt should be viewed as the lead runner for the time being. With Isiah Pacheco (leg) on Injured Reserve, Hunt could become a solid flex play going forward if he continues to have a prominent role in the Kansas City offense.

From RotoBaller

Luke Musgrave Oct 3 3:50pm CT
Luke Musgrave

Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (ankle) remained sidelined during practice for the second straight day, according to Jason B. Hirschhorn. This is not a good sign for Musgrave, as he has just one more opportunity to log a practice before Sunday's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as Musgrave will likely carry a designation into the weekend. The 24-year-old has taken a step back this season as Tucker Kraft has emerged as Green Bay's No.1 tight end. Musgrave has caught just five passes over the first four weeks compared to Kraft's 12. If Musgrave misses Sunday's game, Kraft should be viewed as a TE1 with upside, as he should have plenty of opportunities facing a weak Los Angeles Rams defense.

From RotoBaller

Kendre Miller Oct 3 3:40pm CT
Kendre Miller

New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (hamstring) returned to practice for the first time this season on Thursday, according to Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times. Miller has been on the injured reserve with a hamstring injury since the beginning of the season, as he missed most of training camp. In his rookie campaign last fall, Miller carried the ball only 41 times for 156 yards and a score. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Miller's progress through the week, as he could make his season debut on Monday evening. When Miller does return, he should be expected to split time with Jamaal Williams as the No.2 option out of the backfield while Alvin Kamara sees the majority of opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 3 3:30pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) has rib fractures and was held out of Thursday's practice, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Head coach Dennis Allen did not explain any detail regarding the severity of the injury, but this will now jeopardize Hill's status for Monday's game. The 34-year-old was previously sidelined in Week 3 due to a bruised lung. However, before suffering the rib injury last weekend, Hill was able to find the end zone twice on six rushing attempts. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Hill's status over the weekend in case he can suit up. If not, Juwan Johnson and Foster Moreau should see the majority of snaps at the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Oct 3 3:20pm CT
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) logged a full practice on Thursday, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. The 25-year-old returned to the field last weekend after missing two games with a knee injury. In his return, Love went 32-for-54 with 389 passing yards and four scores. Even though Love was limited on Wednesday, seeing him log a full practice on Thursday suggests the team was being cautious with their franchise quarterback. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's practice report in case Love faces a setback but should plan on locking him in all lineups this weekend as he faces a weak Los Angeles Rams defense.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 3 3:10pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) was placed on the injured reserve on Thursday afternoon. The sophomore wideout suffered a knee injury last weekend and was initially feared to have torn his ACL. However, the team has yet to confirm the severity of the injury and plans to continue to perform tests to see its extent. This move to the IR will sideline the 24-year-old for at least the next four weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to follow any updates regarding his status for the remainder of the season. Before the injury, Rice continued his strong finish to his rookie season, averaging 21.6 PPR points across the first three weeks. Fantasy managers should expect Xavier Worthy, Justin Watson, and tight end Travis Kelce to see a drastic uptick in targets while Rice remains sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Romeo Doubs Oct 3 3:10pm CT
Romeo Doubs

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (personal) did not practice on Thursday due to personal reasons, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal. Silverstein further reported that the team is taking it "day-to-day" regarding Doubs' status for Sunday's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to any updates regarding Doubs during Friday's practice, as they should provide clarity on his status during the weekend. The Packers will likely be without Christian Watson (ankle) this weekend, as he suffered a high ankle sprain last week and has yet to return to practice. If the Packers are without both Watson and Doubs this weekend, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks could be in store for a high volume of targets in a favorable matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

From RotoBaller

Zaire Franklin Oct 3 3:03pm CT
Zaire Franklin

Indianapolis Colts C Ryan Kelly (neck), CB Kenny Moore II (hip), DE Kwity Paye (quad) and RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 3. QB Anthony Richardson (oblique) was limited. LB Zaire Franklin (illness), OT Braden Smith (knee) and LB Grant Stuard (heel) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Jadeveon Clowney Oct 3 2:43pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers LB Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin), LB Shaq Thompson (Achilles), C Andrew Raym (concussion), RB Miles Sanders (illness), WR Jalen Coker (foot), TE Tommy Tremble (knee) and OT Taylor Moton (rest) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 3. WR Diontae Johnson (ankle), LB Charles Harris (shoulder), OG Robert Hunt (hip), OG Damien Lewis (elbow), S Nick Scott (shoulder), DT Shy Tuttle (foot), CB Lonnie Johnson (hip), TE Ian Thomas (calf) and CB Dane Jackson (hamstring) were limited. DE Jadeveon Clowney (rest), CB Troy Hill (rest) and DE A'Shawn Robinson (rest) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Tyus Bowser Oct 3 2:33pm CT
Tyus Bowser

Seattle Seahawks practice squad LB Tyus Bowser is being signed to the Miami Dolphins 53-man roster, according to sources.

From TheHuddle

DaQuan Jones Oct 3 2:33pm CT
DaQuan Jones

Buffalo Bills DT Austin X. Johnson (oblique), DT DaQuan Jones (rest), S Taylor Rapp (concussion) and WR Khalil Shakir (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 3. LB Terrel Bernard (pectoral), OT Dion Dawkins (hamstring), CB Taron Johnson (forearm) and DT Ed Oliver (hamstring) were limited. QB Josh Allen (hand), TE Quintin Morris (shoulder) and QB Mitchell Trubisky (knee) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Taysom Hill Oct 3 2:33pm CT
Taysom Hill

New Orleans Saints TE Taysom Hill (ribs) is dealing with fractured ribs, according to head coach Dennis Allen.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation to see when Hill will be able to return to the lineup. He has fantasy value because of his running ability and could also see a few targets in the passing game. He can be a possible starting option in some leagues when cleared to play.

From TheHuddle

Zamir White Oct 3 2:30pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is not practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. White's status for Sunday's divisional clash against the Denver Broncos is now firmly up in the air. The 25-year-old will probably have to practice on Friday in some fashion to have a shot to suit up. It's bad news for a player whose fantasy stock was already on the decline. He has so far averaged a career-worst 3.1 yards per carry on 49 rushing attempts through four games in 2024, with head coach Antonio Pierce saying after last week's win over the Cleveland Browns that Alexander Mattison deserves more touches. Even if White practices on Friday and is active in Week 5 against Denver, it would not be a surprise to see White play second fiddle to Mattison in Vegas' backfield. If White is ruled out entirely, Mattison would have RB2 upside this weekend, with Ameer Abdullah backing him up.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Oct 3 2:23pm CT
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (hand) fully participated in practice Thursday, Oct. 3.

Fantasy Spin: Allen has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the NFL during the first quarter of the season and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues as long as he is healthy.

From TheHuddle

Davante Adams Oct 3 2:20pm CT
Davante Adams

Teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs are all monitoring the situation with Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams and are more likely to get involved if the Raiders are willing to take on some of the money owed to Adams, according to sources. Adams is owed $13.5 million the rest of the 2024 season, which is why teams like the Chiefs aren't in all-out pursuit of the six-time Pro Bowler. A trade within the division of a player of Adams' caliber is unlikely to begin with, but this makes the Chiefs even more of a long shot for Adams, even though they may have lost top receiver Rashee Rice (knee) for the rest of the season. The 31-year-old Adams prefers to go to the New York Jets to reunite with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Adams didn't play in Week 4 and is unlikely to suit up in Week 5 against the Broncos, but his rest-of-season fantasy value figures to see a boost if he is traded out of Vegas.

From RotoBaller