San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) did not take part in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Kittle was forced from the Week 4 win against the New England Patriots with a rib injury but later returned to the contest and caught a jump-ball touchdown in the end zone in the blowout victory. The team considers him day-to-day for now, but a DNP in the first practice of the week isn't a great sign. The Niners could just be giving him the day off, but either way, the 30-year-old will need to return to practice in the next two days to give himself a chance to face the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in Week 5 on Sunday. When healthy and active, the five-time Pro Bowler is a must-start TE1 in fantasy. Kittle has missed one game due to a hamstring injury but has caught 15 of 17 targets in his three games for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (calf, knee) won't carry an injury designation into Thursday night's divisional contest against the Atlanta Falcons to kick off Week 5 action. Evans was held out of practice on Monday but was limited on Tuesday and Wednesday and is good to go. Fellow receivers Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and Trey Palmer (concussion) will not play, which means veteran Sterling Shepard will serve as the WR3 for Tampa behind Evans and Chris Godwin against Atlanta. Now that we know for sure that Evans is good to go, he should be locked into all starting fantasy lineups as he looks for a second straight strong week. In the win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 4, Evans had season-highs in catches (eight) and yards (94) while finding the end zone for the third time in 2024. It was a nice bounce-back after catching just two passes for 17 yards the week prior.

From RotoBaller

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (shoulder) is on the team's Week 5 injury report after being limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Fellow RB Tank Bigsby (shoulder) was also listed as limited. Etienne injured his shoulder in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Houston Texans before eventually returning, but it led to a bigger role for Bigsby, who had seven carries for a season-high 90 yards on the ground. The 25-year-old Etienne had 11 carries for 50 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards. Both RBs should be available to play in Week 5 versus the division-rival Indianapolis Colts, but Bigsby's efficient performance last week could lead Jacksonville to give him a bigger piece of the backfield pie as the Jags look for their first win of 2024. Etienne should be viewed as an RB2 in fantasy, with Bigsby becoming a more appealing RB3/flex in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was able to put in a limited practice on Wednesday. Njoku is slowly working his way back from a high-ankle sprain that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Njoku hasn't played in a game since, but he could be tracking toward his return in Week 5 this Sunday to face the Washington Commanders. The Browns coaching staff still wants to see a little more out of Njoku in practice the rest of the week before clearing him, so fantasy managers will need to continue monitoring his progress before throwing him back into starting lineups as a low-end TE1 in what has been a mediocre Browns offense to this point. Backup Jordan Akins hasn't been an answer for fantasy managers as a streamer the last three weeks, as he's caught just six passes for 49 yards and no scores in the three games that Njoku has missed.

From RotoBaller

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice. Engram injured his hamstring before the Week 2 contest and hasn't played since. However, the fact that he's back on the practice field should at least give him a shot to play this weekend in a divisional contest against the Indianapolis Colts. Engram will likely need to put in a full practice later this week to avoid a questionable tag on Friday. The 30-year-old caught just one of his four targets for a five-yard gain in the season-opening loss to the Miami Dolphins. When he returns, Engram should become a bigger part of Jacksonville's offense as they look for their first win of the season. Backup Brenton Strange has caught eight of his 14 targets for 96 yards and one touchdown in an elevated role the last three weeks with Engram sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) was listed as limited in the team's first practice of the week on Wednesday. Dell is reportedly expected to return in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills this Sunday after missing the Week 4 win over the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. The fact that the 24-year-old is already back at practice is a great sign. Through the first four weeks of his second year in the NFL, Dell has been the clear No. 3 wideout in Houston behind Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs, which has limited his fantasy upside considerably as a WR4/flex. The former third-rounder in 2023 out of Houston has nine catches on 17 targets for 99 yards and no scores through his first three games in 2024. The Week 5 contest against Buffalo lines up as a potential shootout, so Dell will have boom/bust appeal if he returns on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Updating a previous report, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (abdomen, oblique) was officially limited in Wednesday's practice. Richardson said he wasn't going to practice earlier on Wednesday, but he was just referencing the team portions of practice. Head coach Shane Steichen said Richardson wouldn't necessarily need to practice in order to play in Week 5 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The fact that the 22-year-old is practicing at all in the first session of the week is good news for his status this weekend. The second-year signal-caller was injured in the Week 4 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and had veteran Joe Flacco replace him. After a tough start to his second year in the NFL in 2024, including a league-high six picks, the dual-threat QB has fallen to fringe QB1/2 territory. The good news is he has a great matchup on tap if he's cleared to play in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Miami Dolphins running backs Raheem Mostert (chest) and Jeff Wilson Jr. (knee) were both limited in practice on Wednesday. Mostert injured his chest in the Week 1 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars and hasn't played since despite being limited in practice all of last week as well. As long as he doesn't suffer a setback this week, though, Mostert should have a good chance to return on Sunday in Week 5 against the division-rival New England Patriots. The 32-year-old doesn't offer a ton of flex appeal for fantasy managers behind De'Von Achane and now that Miami's offense is being run by quarterback Tyler Huntley for at least one more week. Wilson hurt his knee in pre-game warmups before Monday's loss to the Titans and played only two offensive snaps as a result. The 28-year-old should be available this Sunday but is well off the radar for starting fantasy lineups, especially if Mostert comes back in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) is "right on schedule" and is expected to play at some point this year. "It's impossible to put a timetable on it exactly right now. He isn't close enough yet to talk about it," Harbaugh said when asked when Mitchell could be activated off the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 22-year-old began the year on the PUP list after suffering a torn left ACL last year. He has already missed the first four games of the year and isn't anywhere near a return, so fantasy managers in shallow formats can probably continue to let him ride the waiver wire. Barring a setback, Mitchell may not make his season debut until November, and when he does, he may be no better than the RB3 behind Derrick Henry and Justice Hill in the backfield. Mitchell averaged an eye-opening 8.4 yards per carry in eight games in his rookie year in 2023 and is a strong dynasty/keeper stash.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) logged a limited practice session on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Earlier in the week, head coach Mike Tomlin expressed that he hopes to get the veteran QB through more work during practice. If Wilson continues to progress well he could officially be active as the backup quarterback as Justin Fields has claimed the starting role. Through the first four weeks of the season, the former Super Bowl champion has served as the emergency QB behind Kyle Allen. Fantasy managers in 1QB leagues should leave Wilson on the waiver wire, but superflex managers in deeper leagues should consider stashing Wilson for now, as he could find his way onto the field later in the season.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) did not participate in Wednesday's practice due to a knee injury. The Alabama product did not show any sign of an injury during their Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Robinson's status throughout the week ahead of their matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The 25-year-old has enjoyed an excellent start to the season, as he has found the end zone in all but one game and averaged 15.9 PPR points. No. 2 running back Austin Ekeler (concussion), who did not suit up last week, was a limited participant on Wednesday and remains questionable for this weekend. If both running backs were to miss this weekend's game, Jeremy McNichols could be in line to lead the backfield. McNichols is coming off a career game where he totaled 68 yards on the ground with two scores.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Warren did not suit up in Week 4 due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Warren's status throughout the week. Warren suffered a hamstring strain before the season opener and was limited in the first week of the season. However, in Week 2, Warren returned to his regular role in splitting work with Najee Harris, totaling 61 all-purpose yards. In addition, No.3 running back Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Najee Harris should see a heavy workload if Warren and Patterson miss Sunday's match against the Dallas Cowboys and would be a high-end RB2 simply off potential volume.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans running backs Joe Mixon (ankle) and Dameon Pierce (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Mixon suffered an ankle injury during Week 2 and has not returned to the field since. Pierce suffered a hamstring injury following Week 1 and has also remained sidelined. As a result, Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale have served as the top backs over the past two weeks. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Mixon's and Pierce's status before their Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. Even though Akers has averaged just 37 yards on the ground while serving as the starter, he could be a solid flex option if Mixon and Pierce remain out this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is expected to play this week despite not practicing on Wednesday, according to Darin Gantt of the Carolina Panthers. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring Johnson's status throughout the week, but this is a promising sign that the team is exercising caution with their No.1 pass catcher. The 28-year-old has put his slow start behind him as he has caught at least seven passes and averaged 102.5 yards over the past two weeks with Andy Dalton under center. Johnson has also found the endzone in each of these games. If Johnson is able to suit up as expected on Sunday, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 facing the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. The 24-year-old did not show any signs of a previous injury during their Week 4 match against the Baltimore Ravens. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the injury report throughout the week. Shakir has operated as the No.1 option for Josh Allen in the Buffalo passing attack, as he has averaged 4.5 receptions with 57.5 yards per game. He caught a season-high six passes with 72 yards and a score in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Shakir were to miss Sunday's game, tight end Dalton Kincaid and wideouts Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Mack Hollins could see an increase in targets.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Ray-Ray McCloud III (ankle) logged a full practice on Wednesday and does not carry an injury designation ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McCloud was a limited participant on Monday and Tuesday due to an ankle injury but was able to practice in full on Wednesday, suggesting the injury was minor. Last week, McCloud caught a season-high six passes for 52 yards and ran a season-high 31 routes. Fantasy managers should view the 27-year-old as a WR3 with upside, as he has begun to have a significant role in the Atlanta passing attack. DFS players should consider using McCloud as a flex play, as he should be on the field quite often.

From RotoBaller

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (hamstring) is off the injury report and will suit up on Thursday evening when the Falcons face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Robinson was limited during Monday's and Tuesday's practice sessions due to a hamstring injury, but seeing that he does not carry an injury designation into Thursday's game suggests the injury was not serious. Fantasy managers should feel confident slotting Robinson into their lineup as a high-end RB1. The 22-year-old has had a slow start to the season, averaging just 14.2 PPR points per game, but has an excellent opportunity to get back on track on Thursday as the Buccaneers have allowed the 24th-most points to opposing running backs.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers RB Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: Patterson was productive in Week 4 before the injury, so fantasy players can keep an eye on his status during the week. He will see some touches if he is cleared to play in Week 5 but can be avoided in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson (calf) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: Wilson is believed to be making progress in his recovery, but he probably will continue to be sidelined as long as Justin Fields is playing well. He could start for the Steelers at some point this season but should be avoided for now.

From TheHuddle

Atlanta Falcons LB Troy Andersen (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2, and has been ruled out for Week 5. RB Jase McClellan (illness) was limited during practice and is listed as questionable. WR Ray-Ray McCloud (ankle) and OT Kaleb McGary (knee) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle