Guest of the League
Dimes Best Ball SFlex 78
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.

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5

Player Notes
Russell Wilson Oct 2 4:00pm CT
Russell Wilson

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

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 2 4:00pm CT
Brian Robinson Jr.

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

Jaylen Warren Oct 2 3:50pm CT
Jaylen Warren

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

Dameon Pierce Oct 2 3:40pm CT
Dameon Pierce

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

Diontae Johnson Oct 2 3:30pm CT
Diontae Johnson

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

Khalil Shakir Oct 2 3:20pm CT
Khalil Shakir

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

Ray-Ray McCloud Oct 2 3:10pm CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

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

Bijan Robinson Oct 2 3:00pm CT
Bijan Robinson

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

Cordarrelle Patterson Oct 2 2:53pm CT
Cordarrelle Patterson

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

Russell Wilson Oct 2 2:53pm CT
Russell Wilson

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

Ray-Ray McCloud Oct 2 2:43pm CT
Ray-Ray McCloud

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

Davante Adams Oct 2 2:33pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams sees the New York Jets as one of his preferred destinations if he traded because of his familiarity with QB Aaron Rodgers, according to sources.

Fantasy Spin: Adams was linked to the Jets during the offseason, so this could be a possibility before the trade deadline. He would still see plenty of targets if he joined the Jets and would still be a starting option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Davante Adams Oct 2 2:33pm CT
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams sees the New Orleans Saints as one of his preferred destinations if he traded because of his familiarity with QB Derek Carr, according to sources.

Fantasy Spin: The Saints probably are a longshot for Adams because they do not have much salary cap space available, but fantasy players can keep an eye on the situation. He has shown a good connection in the past with Carr and could be a starting option in all leagues if he moved to the Saints.

From TheHuddle

Shaq Thompson Oct 2 2:23pm CT
Shaq Thompson

Carolina Panthers LB Shaq Thompson (Achilles) underwent surgery Wednesday, Sept. Oct. 2, to repair his Achilles injury, according to head coach Dave Canales.

From TheHuddle

Jadeveon Clowney Oct 2 2:13pm CT
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers LB Josey Jewell (groin, hamstring), LB Shaq Thompson (Achilles), LB Jadeveon Clowney (non-injury), CB Troy Hill (non-injury) and DE A'Shawn Robinson (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 2. LB Charles Harris (shoulder), OG Robert Hunt (hip), OG Damien Lewis (elbow), S Nick Scott (shoulder), DT Shy Tuttle (foot), CB Lonnie Johnson (hip) and C Andrew Raym (head) were limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Rodgers Oct 2 2:00pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (knee) will be listed as a limited participant at Wednesday's practice with a knee injury, but head coach Robert Saleh is not concerned about his availability for Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings in London. Rodgers reportedly missed the team's stretching period, which will cause him to be labeled as limited, but his injury is considered minor. The four-time NFL MVP was sacked five times in the ugly Week 4 loss to the Denver Broncos and said he is dealing with a little bit of swelling in his knee. Even if Rodgers was fully healthy, he would not be worth starting in single-quarterback fantasy football leagues against Minnesota, who leads the NFL in sacks (17) through four weeks. Rodgers is the QB18 on the season and is averaging just 14.3 fantasy points per game.

From RotoBaller

Jerod Mayo Oct 2 2:00pm CT
Jerod Mayo

New England Patriots center David Andrews (shoulder) will undergo surgery to repair his injured shoulder and is likely to miss the rest of the 2024 season, according to head coach Jerod Mayo. This is a significant loss for the struggling Patriots offense, as Andrews has played in 124 games dating back to 2015 with New England. The Patriots already have a young and banged-up offensive line, and potential run-blocking and protection issues will only exacerbate the lack of high-end skill players on the roster. Andrew's absence could also give New England more reason to refrain from starting rookie quarterback Drake Maye this year.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 2 1:50pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

The Minnesota Vikings are opening tight end T.J. Hockenson's (knee) practice window this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Last year's PPR TE1 in fantasy points per game is working his way back from a late-season ACL tear and began the 2024 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He has missed the required four games to be able to return and is now set to get back on the practice field. While this is a promising development for fantasy managers who are stashing him, it would be somewhat of a surprise if he's active for the game against the New York Jets on Sunday. The organization has 21 days from his return to practice to move him to the active roster, and he'll likely need a ramp-up period. That said, given the lack of production at the tight end spot this season, Hockenson is arguably a must-start as soon as he's ready to play. Minnesota's offense led by Sam Darnold is far exceeding expectations so far, so Hockenson could finish as a high-end TE1 in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Oct 2 1:43pm CT
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) is trending in the right direction to play in Week 5, head coach Dan Quinn said on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: Ekeler was on pace to have a big game in Week 3 before his early exit, as he scored a touchdown and had two catches and 57 yards from scrimmage. He's on the flex radar entering Week 5.

From TheHuddle

Antoine Winfield Jr. Oct 2 1:40pm CT
Antoine Winfield Jr.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot) has not played since Week 1 against the Washington Commanders, and he has already been ruled out of the Week 5 Thursday Night Football contest against the Atlanta Falcons with a foot injury. Winfield was able to get a limited practice session in on Wednesday, but he evidently is not ready to suit up. There is optimism that he will be able to return in Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints given the mini-bye ahead after a Thursday night game, but for now, the Pro Bowler remains sidelined, and Christian Izien will continue to see extended playing time.

From RotoBaller