Packers QB Jordan Love (groin) 'realistic' to not practice, then play vs. Lions
Wed Oct 30 8:15pm ET
Field Level Media
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love gives himself a "realistic" chance to play Sunday against the visiting Detroit Lions, even if he doesn't practice all week because of a groin injury.
Love didn't practice on Wednesday, when he was limited to being a spectator and rode an exercise bike during the stretching period. He had strained his groin and exited in the second half of the Packers' 30-27 victory last Sunday over the host Jacksonville Jaguars.
"Yeah, obviously not practicing during the week is not the ideal format for trying to play a game," Love said on Wednesday. "Like I said, things happen, if that's the scenario, I know I'll be fine. But definitely it's not the ideal scenario for going into a big week."
Still, Love called it "realistic" that he could be on the field to face the Lions (6-1), who lead the NFC North by a half-game over the Packers (6-2).
Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur will have something to say about Love playing on Sunday, but as of Wednesday he said it "potentially" could happen.
"He's moving around better," LaFleur said. "We'll see, again, we'll take it one day at a time. Certainly, yeah, we'll push the envelope with that. I know he wants to play, but we'll see where he's at by the end of the week."
Love said he will try to get back this week, even though the team has a bye next week. Love understands he has to show LaFleur that he is able to protect himself.
"I think just being able to play, move around in the pocket and not trying to hurt myself further by playing ... I think that's what he means by that," Love said. "But for me, just being able to move around a little bit and just be myself out there playing and not just trying to be stuck in the pocket not being able to move if I need to move."
If Love isn't ready to play, Malik Willis will be behind center. Willis had replaced Love in Weeks 2 and 3 when he was out due to a sprained MCL in his left knee, and the former Tennessee Titan entered in the third quarter last Sunday. Love appeared to get hurt in the first quarter and limped through several series.
Love, who turns 26 on Saturday, has passed for 1,547 yards, 15 touchdowns and a co-league-high nine interceptions in six starts this season.
Willis, 25, is 29-of-39 passing (74.4 percent) for 380 yards, three TDs and no picks in four games (two starts) in his first season with the Packers.
Green Bay was without Love at Wednesday's session as well as running back Josh Jacobs (ankle), cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) and three starting offensive linemen in left tackle Rasheed Walker (knee), left guard Elgton Jenkins (glute) and center Josh Myers (wrist).
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The Paur Report
New York Jets running back Breece Hall ran for 80 scoreless yards on 18 carries in a Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will look for more in Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Houston has been tough on opposing running backs this season as they are allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position. Despite the tough matchup, Hall remains busy enough in the passing game to make him mostly matchup-proof from a fantasy perspective, so he can still be treated as a mid-range RB1 heading into Week 9.
From RotoBaller
On Wednesday, Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) practiced in a limited capacity. It's the second straight limited practice for the 25-year-old, dating back to last week after he was tagged with a DNP in five consecutive sessions. Ford hasn't appeared in a game since the team's 20-16 loss to the Eagles, when he participated on just four snaps before sustaining a hamstring injury. However, it appears he's turned a corner in his recovery. The former fifth-round pick will have two more chances to up his practice level before Cleveland hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in their third-straight home matchup. Even if he suits up, the third-year running back is nothing more than a handcuff with Nick Chubb back in the fold. If Ford is out again, running backs D'Onta Foreman and Pierre Strong Jr. will continue to work as a change-of-pace option behind Chubb.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (hamstring, knee) has thrown for two touchdowns in three of his past four games. He will look for his first three-touchdown game of the season in Week 9's Thursday night game against the Houston Texans. Rodgers has been dealing with an assortment of injuries of late, including to his hamstring and knee but he practiced fully on Tuesday and Wednesday and is good to go for Thursday. The Texans are allowing the 10th-most fantasy points per game but Rodgers has yet to post a ceiling game in a disappointing Jets offense this season. Treat him as a low-end QB2 for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (groin) was officially listed as limited on Wednesday's practice report. The groin injury is new for the sixth-year tight end, as he presumably sustained it sometime between Sunday and today (Wednesday), though exactly when it occurred is unclear. Fant played his typical snap percentage in the team's 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. That he could practice in a limited capacity is good news for his chances of suiting up on Sunday when Seattle hosts the visiting Los Angeles Rams. The 26-year-old's injury doesn't seem serious; still, it's worth mentioning that fellow TEs AJ Barner and Pharaoh Brown have picked up more snaps in recent weeks. If he can't go, the aforementioned duo figures to split work, with a slight advantage to Barner. If Fant can play, he still won't be a recommended fantasy option.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington (shoulder) got in a limited session on Wednesday for the team's first practice of the week. The 22-year-old played just nine snaps in LA's Week 7 win over the Las Vegas Raiders before he exited the contest with a shoulder injury. Whittington logged two DNPs ahead of Week 8 before being ruled inactive, so it's nice to see him start the week off as a limited participant. It's undoubtedly a boon for his status this Sunday when the Rams hit the road to face off against the Seattle Seahawks in a divisional clash. However, he's likely more of a depth piece now with the return of star wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, who should continue to see their snap share increase the further out they are from injury. Whittington will have two more opportunities to elevate his practice participation ahead of Week 9. If he can't play, wide receivers Tyler Johnson and Tutu Atwell project to rotate in behind Demarcus Robinson in three-wide sets.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (concussion) was listed as limited for Wednesday's practice. The rookie wideout was unavailable for this past Sunday's win over the New York Jets after picking up a concussion the week prior, but he's started on the right foot this week. He'll have a few more days to ramp up his activity ahead of Week 9's road tilt against the Tennessee Titans. However, Polk will still need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he's eligible to suit up. Despite it not showing up in the 22-year-old's on-field production, he's the second-leading receiver on the roster regarding snap share, behind only DeMario Douglas. Still, it is worth noting that second-year WR Kayshon Boutte has led all Pats pass-catchers in that regard over the last three weeks.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent DE Randy Gregory (Buccaneers) met with the Seattle Seahawks Wednesday, Oct. 30.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (knee), CB Devon Witherspoon (foot) and DE Leonard Williams (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 30. OT George Fant (knee), OT Abraham Lucas (knee), LB Dre'Mont Jones (shoulder), CB Nehemiah Pritchett (ankle), DT Cameron Young (knee) and OG Laken Tomlinson (non-injury) were limited during practice. OT Mike Jerrell (shoulder), LB Boye Mafe (knee), CB Tre Brown (ankle) and CB Riq Woolen (ankle) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett (oblique) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Fantasy Spin: Lockett is coming off a disappointing Week 8 performance and did not receive at least six targets for the first time in six games. He should have more success this week if he plays and can be a possible flex option in leagues.
From TheHuddle
Los Angeles Chargers TE Will Dissly (shoulder), CB Kristian Fulton (hamstring), LB Denzel Perryman (toe) and TE Stone Smartt (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 30. LB Joey Bosa (hip), WR DJ Chark Jr. (groin), WR Derius Davis (hamstring), DE Morgan Fox (groin), TE Hayden Hurst (groin), LB Khalil Mack (non-injury), WR Brenden Rice (shoulder) and CB Ja'Sir Taylor (leg) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints CB Marshon Lattimore (hamstring), S Tyrann Mathieu (illness), RB Kendre Miller (hamstring) and CB Rico Payton (back) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 30. CB Kool-Aid McKinstry (hamstring), OG Nick Saldiveri (shoulder) and RB Jamaal Williams (groin) were limited during practice. OG Shane Lemieux (knee) and LB Nephi Sewell (knee) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints WR Cedrick Wilson (hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Fantasy Spin: Wilson was not available for the Week 8 game and probably will miss another game if he does not practice this week. Fantasy players should look for other options and avoid Wilson for the time being.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr (oblique) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Fantasy Spin: Carr seems to have a chance to return to the lineup this week, so fantasy players should monitor his progress over the next few days. He should not be a starting option in standard leagues but could be used in two-quarterback leagues.
From TheHuddle
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (hand, rib) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Fantasy Spin: Kamara has been on the injury report for the last few weeks but has not missed any games. He should see touches in both the running and passing game in Week 9 and is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Tyler Boyd (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Fantasy Spin: Boyd received a season-high six targets in the last game but was held to only 14 yards. He has posted under 50 yards in every game this season and can be avoided in fantasy leagues until he becomes a bigger factor in the passing game.
From TheHuddle
Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley (shoulder) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 30.
Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to check on Ridley's status later in the week to see if he will be able to play in Week 9. He is coming off a monster game last week and should be the main option again this week if he plays. Ridley should be a weekly starting option in all leagues when healthy.
From TheHuddle
Jacksonville Jaguars OG Ezra Cleveland (ankle), WR Christian Kirk (collarbone) and OG Brandon Scherff (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 30. DT Maason Smith (ankle) and S Andrew Wingard (knee) were limited during practice. CB Ronald Darby (hip) and RB Keilan Robinson (toe) fully participated in practice.
From TheHuddle
Las Vegas Raiders running back Alexander Mattison will remain the starter over Zamir White (quadriceps). Mattison has taken on a large role in the offense over the last four weeks. Head coach Antonio Pierce would like him to remain in that role for the time being. Mattison has been a solid flex play in fantasy. He has even climbed into the RB2 ranks at times. Since Week 5, Mattison has scored between 9.4 and 17.5 fantasy points every week. He has been inefficient as a runner, but he has received at least three targets in each of those games. The Raiders are flailing this season amidst a 2-6 record so Mattison is never going to be a high-end producer. However, for now, you can continue to deploy him with the confidence that he will have a solid floor in fantasy.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (toe) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday. Gibson has played in every game thus far this season so his limited participation may be precautionary. Gibson has been primarily irrelevant in fantasy football in 2024. He has yet to clear 48% of the snaps and has played 17% and 19% of the snaps over the last two weeks respectively. The Patriots have clearly turned back to Rhamondre Stevenson as a true feature back. Given how bad the offense is, Gibson is not even worth a roster spot in fantasy. As such, this news is relatively inconsequential to the status of any relevant Patriots players for fantasy in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
New Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson practiced on Wednesday after being acquired in a trade with the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday. His participation suggests that he could be on track to playing in Week 9 when the Ravens host the Denver Broncos. According to recent reports, Johnson will slot in as the Ravens' No. 3 wide receiver behind Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers. After being traded to the Panthers this past offseason, Johnson now finds himself back on a contender. He has recorded 357 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 2024 despite playing with subpar quarterback play. However, Johnson has excelled with quarterback Andy Dalton under center. Now that Johnson enters a situation with several quality weapons, his volume is sure to decrease. For fantasy purposes, the days of a relevant Johnson in 2024 may be behind us, at least in the short term. Johnson's talent may demand the Ravens to ensure he gets touches. However, the team seems to view Johnson as a missing chess piece for a potential Super Bowl run rather than a foundational player. Fantasy managers should monitor Johnson's snap share and targets over the next couple of weeks to determine how this trade will impact his outlook for the rest of the season.
From RotoBaller
