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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
Zach Ertz Oct 4 4:50pm CT
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz tallied a season-low 22 yards in their Week 4 victory over the Arizona Cardinals but remains a solid low-end TE1 this weekend. Throughout the early part of the season, the veteran tight end has seen at least three targets in every game and averaged 7.5 PPR points. He caught a season-high 62 yards in Week 2, and a season-high five catches the following week. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels continues to improve as a passer every week, and all Washington pass catchers should eventually benefit from this. With several top options at the position on their byes (Dallas Goedert and Sam LaPorta) this week, Ertz is worth a look as he could see an uptick in opportunities with Noah Brown (groin) ruled out.

From RotoBaller

Austin Seibert Oct 4 4:50pm CT
Austin Seibert

Washington Commanders kicker Austin Seibert has remained perfect since moving to the DMV and has now entered streaming territory in Week 5. Seibert started his Washington career in an impressive manner, going 7-for-7 against the New York Giants. Over the past two weeks, Seibert has not been called upon as often, but still went a perfect 3-for-3 on attempts and 9-for-9 on extra points. The Commanders offense has looked quite impressive over the past two weeks and, as a result, has put Seibert in several scoring opportunities. The Commanders may struggle to find the end zone, facing a tough Cleveland Browns defense, making Seibert a sneaky streaming option.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Daniels Oct 4 4:40pm CT
Jayden Daniels

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels should be viewed as a high-end QB1 this weekend as he faces the Cleveland Browns. Since losing the first game of the season, the former number-two overall pick has led Washington to three straight victories. During this stretch, Daniels has averaged 24.2 PPR points per game with an average of 237 passing yards and 43 rushing yards. He has found the end zone five times (three through the air and twice with his legs) and has only turned the ball over once. Given his current performance, he should be locked into all lineups despite the difficult matchup against the Browns, who have allowed the seventh-fewest points to opposing QBs.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Oct 4 4:40pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) logged a full practice on Thursday and Friday and is cleared to return this weekend. Despite leaving the Week 3 contest against Cincinnati early with a concussion, the former Charger found the end zone for the first time in his Washington career and tallied 57 all-purpose yards. Through the first three games, Ekeler has caught at least two passes in each of them and averaged 11.8 PPR points. This week, Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) did not practice and remains questionable heading into the weekend, which could open the door for Ekeler to see a hefty workload on Sunday. If Robinson cannot play, Ekeler should be viewed as a solid RB2 with upside. If Robinson can play, Ekeler will revert to his typical flex projection.

From RotoBaller

Jeremy McNichols Oct 4 4:40pm CT
Jeremy McNichols

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols is coming off the best game of his career and could continue to carve out a role in the Washington offense with Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) questionable for Sunday's game. Last week, the former Titan found the end zone twice on just eight carries. He totaled 68 yards. Fantasy managers in deeper formats looking for an upside running back should consider stashing McNichols over the weekend, as he could see a similar workload if Robinson cannot suit up. Austin Ekeler typically sees passing work, which could open the door for McNichols to receive double-digit carries.

From RotoBaller

Terry McLaurin Oct 4 4:40pm CT
Terry McLaurin

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin has put his slow start behind him as he has found the end zone in each of the past two games. During this stretch, McLaurin has seen at least six targets his way, including a season-high ten last week. In addition, the top wideout averaged 19.1 PPR points during this stretch, contrasting with the 5.9 he averaged during weeks 1 and 2. Seeing how quickly Jayden Daniels has become comfortable at the helm of the offense, McLaurin's fantasy stock continues to rise weekly. Facing a tough Browns defense, he should be viewed as a WR2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Luke McCaffrey Oct 4 4:40pm CT
Luke McCaffrey

Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Luke McCaffrey could be deployed as the No.2 wideout on Sunday afternoon with Noah Brown (groin) ruled out. Last week, Brown was deployed alongside Terry McLaurin, which limited McCaffrey's opportunities. However, fantasy managers should expect the Rice product to see regular playing time against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. After tallying a season-high 44 yards in Week 3, McCaffrey took a step back in Week 4 as he caught only one pass. The 23-year-old remains a desperation flex play in 14+ team leagues as he has yet to show much consistency but could enjoy a breakout game with Brown sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Mike Williams Oct 4 4:20pm CT
Mike Williams

New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams has slowly ramped up his production in each game this season and turned in his best effort last week, finishing with four catches for 67 yards in a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos. Williams will look to continue his upward ascent in Week 5's London game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have struggled to contain opposing receivers this season, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position through four weeks. Williams should continue to earn a larger role in the offense as he gets further and further removed from a torn ACL that ended his 2023 season early. Williams is on the fantasy radar as a flex option heading into a prime matchup against the Vikings. Fantasy managers 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.

From RotoBaller

Brandin Cooks Oct 4 4:20pm CT
Brandin Cooks

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (knee) is expected to miss some games, according to Clarence Hill Jr. Hill reported that Cowboys VP Steven Jones expressed that the No.2 wideout will miss some games due to his knee infection on 1053 The Fan. Cooks underwent an operation following their Week 4 victory over the New York Giants but faced a setback due to an infection caused by the procedure. Fantasy managers should monitor the veteran's status over the next few weeks but should find an alternative option for the foreseeable future. Jalen Tolbert is a strong candidate to serve as the No.2 pass receiver opposite of CeeDee Lamb and has performed well this season, catching at least three passes in three games. Tight Jake Ferguson should also see an uptick in targets during Cooks' absence.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Conklin Oct 4 4:20pm CT
Tyler Conklin

New York Jets tight end Tyler Conklin has been productive over his past two games, catching nine passes for 110 yards over that span. The veteran tight end will look to stay involved in the New York offense in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Vikings have been a plus matchup for opposing tight ends this season, allowing the fifth-most fantasy points per game to the position through four weeks. The team also has an excellent run defense, so the Jets could look to lean on Conklin a bit more than usual on Sunday. Conklin settles in as a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 worth a look in starting lineups heading into Week 5. 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.

From RotoBaller

Tim Boyle Oct 4 4:20pm CT
Tim Boyle

Quarterback Tim Boyle was released by the Miami Dolphins on Friday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 30-year-old operated as the No.3 QB through the early part of the season. However, the Dolphins recently brought in Tyler Huntley, which pushes Boyle to the No.4 spot on the depth chart. This move also suggests that Skylar Thompson (ribs) could be cleared to return this weekend and serve as Huntley's backup. Boyle made a brief appearance this season in Week 3 against Seattle and went 7-for-13 with 79 yards and no scores. Last season with the New York Jets, Boyle went 48-for-77 with 360 yards and a 1:4 TD:INT ratio. Fantasy managers in superflex leagues should drop Boyle from their roster and instead look to stash Thompson, as he should operate as the No.2 QB for the time being in Miami.

From RotoBaller

Michael Wilson Oct 4 4:10pm CT
Michael Wilson

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson is likely not a viable fantasy option in Week 5 as the team travels to San Francisco to face the 49ers. However, he is starting to show some promise in the fantasy landscape, having received 16 targets over the last two weeks and emerging as the team's third option behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride (concussion). The 49ers defense ranks 13th against opposing fantasy receivers, though they have shown some signs of vulnerability. As underdogs, the Cardinals may need to shift to a pass-heavy attack if they fall behind. If that happens, it could create an opportunity for Wilson as a risky streaming option, but this would likely be a last resort for fantasy managers. While Wilson is a name to monitor moving forward, he's not someone to consider outside of deep leagues in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Garrett Wilson Oct 4 4:10pm CT
Garrett Wilson

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is off to a slow start in 2024, with just 20 catches for 191 yards and one touchdown through four games. He will look to bounce back in Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings in London. The Vikings represent a plus matchup for Wilson as they are allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts thus far. The Vikings also have a tough run defense, which should encourage the Jets to skew more pass-heavy as they look to bounce back from a 10-9 loss to the Denver Broncos last week. Until he shows a higher ceiling, Wilson is more of a WR2 in fantasy than a WR1 but he should still be in starting lineups in what is a great matchup for him. 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.

From RotoBaller

Allen Lazard Oct 4 4:10pm CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard has been productive through the first four weeks of the season, catching 16 passes for 206 yards and three touchdowns while outproducing Garrett Wilson in the process. Lazard will look to keep it going in Week 5's London game against the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings have struggled against enemy receivers this season, allowing the fourth-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Lazard is a bit of a risky play as the No. 2 receiver for the Jets but he has produced at least 10.8 PPR points in three of his four games this season and is worth a look as a potential flex option on Sunday, especially with several NFL teams on bye this week. Fantasy managers 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 morning.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 4 4:10pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. Kittle did not practice earlier in the week but was seen at Friday's practice, which is a good sign. Fantasy managers should monitor the star tight end's status over the weekend. Kittle was sidelined during Week 3 with a hamstring injury and is now in danger of missing his second game of the young season. Through the three games he has played in, the 30-year-old has caught at least four passes in each of them and found the end zone in two. If Kittle suits up, he should be viewed as a high-end TE1. If not, fantasy managers should expect Deebo Samuel Sr. and Brandon Aiyuk to see an increase in targets.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller

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.

From RotoBaller