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FFL: Week 5 | NFL: Week 5

Ex-No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell fired, accused of theft

Sat Jun 29 11:55am ET
Field Level Media

JaMarcus Russell, the first pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, has been fired from his volunteer high school assistant coaching job and accused in a lawsuit of stealing donations meant for the school, according to multiple reports.

The firing apparently came several months ago but was just confirmed by school officials in Mobile County, Ala.

"JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year," Mobile County Public Schools said in a statement tod WKRG Sports on Friday.

The former Oakland Raiders quarterback also is facing a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 check intended as a donation to the school -- his alma mater -- and keeping the money for himself.

According to reports, local business owner Chris Knowles said Russell approached him to help fund new weight room equipment for the school's football team. Knowles alleged Russell deposited the money into a credit union, immediately withdrawing $55,000 for himself.

Russell, 38, has now been ordered to stay away from the campus.

"Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus," the school district said in a statement to WKRG, after Russell reportedly showed up to a school football team event.

Russell played three seasons at LSU, where he threw for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns before signing a six-year deal with the Raiders worth close to $68 million.

However, Russell flopped in the NFL and is considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. He appeared in 31 games (25 starts) over three seasons, finishing with a 52.1 percent completion rate, 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His record was 7-18.

After he was released before the 2010 season, Russell and the Raiders spent the next several years in disputes over the contract, with the Raiders trying to recoup some of their losses. Ultimately the Raiders paid Russell $3 million in a 2013 settlement, making a total of approximately $40 million for Russell's three years of service.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 4 3:10pm CT
Anthony Richardson

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Oct 4 2:10pm CT
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (heel) is not listed on Friday's final injury report and has been cleared to play in Week 5 on Sunday at Lumen Field against the Seattle Seahawks. Robinson was limited in practices on Wednesday and Thursday but is fine to suit up and should be quarterback Daniel Jones' top aerial target with rookie Malik Nabers (concussion) ruled out. Running back Devin Singletary (groin) is doubtful to play, so the Giants will be without two of their best playmakers in a tough road tilt. Expect the G-Men to have to throw plenty in this one. Because of that, Robinson feels like a lock for double-digit targets against Seattle. The 23-year-old has already seen double-digit targets in two of his four games and had a season-high 11 receptions for a season-high 71 yards in the Week 4 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. Robinson is a solid flex play with upside for more.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Oct 4 2:10pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) missed practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Meanwhile, Dameon Pierce (hamstring) returned to a limited practice on Friday and is questionable to play this Sunday. Mixon will miss his third straight game after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears. Pierce hasn't played since the season-opener against the Indianapolis Colts but has a shot to return this weekend. Even if Pierce suits up against Buffalo, it's looking like another week of Cam Akers in Houston's backfield. Akers is merely an RB3/flex, though, in deeper leagues in Week 5. In the two games he's started with both Mixon and Pierce out, the 25-year-old has had 22 carries for 74 yards while catching an eight-yard touchdown pass. The good news is that Mixon appears to be close to returning, perhaps for a Week 6 matchup against the New England Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Adoree' Jackson Oct 4 2:03pm CT
Adoree' Jackson

New York Giants WR Malik Nabers (concussion) did not practice all week and has been ruled out for Week 5 against the Seattle Seahawks. RB Devin Singletary (groin) was upgraded to a limited practice on Friday, Oct. 4, but is listed as doubtful. CB Adoree' Jackson (calf) and CB Dru Phillips (calf) were limited in practice on Friday and are listed as questionable. LB Matthew Adams (quad) practiced in full all week but is also listed as questionable. LB Brian Burns (groin) and WR Wan'Dale Robinson (heel) were limited in practice all week but have been removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Devin Singletary Oct 4 2:00pm CT
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (groin) is currently listed as doubtful for the Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The good news is that Singletary returned to practice on Friday after sitting out the first two practices of the week. Sadly, it doesn't seem like it was too encouraging of a practice considering he's unlikely to suit up this weekend. His absence would likely mean that Tyrone Tracy Jr. would be in line to see extended run. Tracy has rushed for 29 yards on 12 attempts in his limited role this season. The Giants will likely see some type of committee role between Tracy and Eric Gray.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 4 1:50pm CT
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is currently considered doubtful to suit up for the Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. White was limited on Wednesday and didn't suit up for practice at all on Thursday. The Raiders already said fellow back Alexander Mattison was going to get increased reps this week. Now, Mattison could be the lead back with White unlikely to play. Mattison did a nice job last week as he rushed for 60 yards on five carries. He won't get an easy task against the Broncos defense, but increased snaps should help his value. He should be considered a low-end flex option, assuming White is unable to play.

From RotoBaller

Sheldon Rankins Oct 4 1:43pm CT
Sheldon Rankins

Cincinnati Bengals DT Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) did not practice all week and is listed as doubtful for Week 5 versus the Baltimore Ravens. CB Mike Hilton (knee) also did not practice all week but is listed as questionable. DT McKinnley Jackson (knee) and DE Myles Murphy (knee) practiced in full all week but are also listed as questionable. QB Joe Burrow (wrist), DE Trey Hendrickson (neck, back), DT B.J. Hill (hamstring), TE Tanner Hudson (knee), DT Kris Jenkins (thumb), LB Germaine Pratt (ankle) and OG Cordell Volson (ankle) practiced in full on Friday, Oct. 4, and have been removed from the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Cole Kmet Oct 4 1:40pm CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (knee) has been removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Kmet popped up on the injury report on Wednesday as a limited participant. However, Kmet has been removed now after getting in back-to-back full practice sessions. Kmet has 18 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown through four games. A bulk of his stats came from one game, which makes him a shaky weekly option. He should be on the TE2 radar for this Week 5 contest.

From RotoBaller