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Browns rule out starting OTs, TE David Njoku

Fri Sep 27 1:33pm ET
Field Level Media

Three starting offensive linemen are not available for the Cleveland Browns when they visit the Las Vegas Raiders.

Left tackle Jedrick Willis, right tackle Jack Conklin and tight end David Njoku were ruled out by Browns coach Kevin Stefanski on Friday, days after right guard Wyatt Teller was placed on injured reserve with a sprained knee.

Willis has a knee injury and Conklin, a two-time All-Pro, was close to returning from a 2023 knee injury for the first time before a minor hamstring injury prompted the Browns to hold him out.

Njoku is out for the third straight game with an ankle sprain. He hasn't played since Week 1 and attempted to get back on the practice field Thursday before missing Friday's session.

Rookie third-round pick Zak Zinter replaced Teller last week in the loss to the New York Giants, when Willis re-injured the same knee that required surgery in December.

Protection is a pressing concern as Cleveland (1-2) rolls the dice with multiple backups at Las Vegas.

Quarterback Deshaun Watson has been sacked a league-worst 16 times in three games with two interceptions and two lost fumbles. Watson has been hit 42 times.

Stefanski said he's not ready to disclose lineup changes and would take until Sunday to determine the ideal alignment in front of Watson.

Veteran tackle Germain Ifedi was signed to the active roster from the practice squad this week.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Jordan Addison Sep 27 12:30pm CT
Jordan Addison

After missing the last two games with an ankle injury, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) plans to play in a big Week 4 divisional game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers. After a second straight day of limited practice on Thursday, Addison said that he's "ready to go" and expects to play on Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to check Minnesota's final injury report on Friday, but all signs are pointing towards Addison making his return this weekend, which is certainly good news for the 3-0 Vikings. It's bad news for anyone that has plucked Jalen Nailor off the waiver wire in recent weeks, though, after he has scored a touchdown in each of the team's first three games of 2024. Addison, who had 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie in 2023, caught just three of four targets for 35 yards in the season-opening win over the New York Giants.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Sep 27 12:30pm CT
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (chest) was not seen at the portion of Friday's practice that was open to the media. Dell also missed the first two practices of the week and is considered unlikely to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars. Dell also injured his hand/wrist at the end of the Week 3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, but the good news is that none of his injuries are considered long-term. Check back later for Houston's final injury designations, but fantasy managers should be moving Dell to their benches for the week. Nico Collins (hamstring) also popped up on the injury report this week, but he appears to be fine to play. Both Collins and Stefon Diggs will have higher ceilings and floors this week if Dell is officially ruled out, as will struggling tight end Dalton Schultz. Dell has been the clear WR3 this year and has nine catches for 99 yards through three weeks.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 27 12:20pm CT
Sam LaPorta

After missing practice on Thursday, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) was back at practice on Thursday. LaPorta was likely a limited participant, but either way, the fact that he's back on the practice field is a great sign and will give him a chance to suit up in Week 4 on Monday night against the visiting Seattle Seahawks. However, if LaPorta is ultimately questionable and up in the air to play, it will present fantasy managers with a difficult decision with Detroit's game this week coming on Monday. The 23-year-old was carted to the locker room after injuring his ankle in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals but eventually returned. LaPorta has disappointed with only eight catches for 94 yards and no touchdowns in three games in 2024, but if he's on track to play, he needs to remain locked into all fantasy lineups. If LaPorta cannot play against Seattle, Brock Wright would again see a role boost.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 27 12:20pm CT
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said there are no concerns with rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadriceps) for the Week 4 contest versus the Washington Commanders. Harrison was added to the injury report this week but was able to put in limited practices on both Wednesday and Thursday. It sounds like the 22-year-old was just getting a little extra rest this week and should be fine to suit up this Sunday. Harrison laid an egg in his NFL debut in the Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills but has been heavily involved the last two games, catching nine of 19 targets for 194 yards and three touchdowns. Fantasy managers surely would like to see more efficiency from the Harrison-Kyler Murray combination, but the fourth overall pick in this year's draft remains a must-start in fantasy lineups. Harrison could have another banner day against a suspect Commanders secondary in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 27 12:10pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) has a chance to return in Week 4 against the New England Patriots a week earlier than expected, but a lot is riding on his practice status on Friday. Samuel did not practice on Wednesday before returning to a limited session on Thursday. "The best athletes seem to heal at a little better rate... The reason he's on the field is because he hit all the markers," general manager John Lynch said. Fantasy managers will want to check back for Samuel's official injury designation for the weekend. The 28-year-old will likely be questionable, at best, and even if he does suit up on Sunday, he could be on a pitch count. After initially injuring his calf, Samuel was expected to be out for two to three weeks. Jauan Jennings went off for 175 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams with both Samuel and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) out.

From RotoBaller

DeVonta Smith Sep 27 12:10pm CT
DeVonta Smith

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (concussion) was not seen at the portion of Friday's practice open to the media. Smith also didn't practice on Wednesday or Thursday, so he's trending towards being ruled out for the Week 4 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday after suffering a concussion on a cheap shot in the Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints. Fantasy managers will want to check back for the 25-year-old's official status later in the day, but there's a good chance they won't have him available this weekend. A.J. Brown (hamstring) returned to practice on Friday after missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but it's still unknown if he'll play against Tampa. If both Brown and Smith are unable to go, tight end Dallas Goedert could be in line for another monster game.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Sep 27 12:00pm CT
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson caught all seven of his targets for 49 yards in Thursday's victory over the New York Giants. This was another strong outing for the 25-year-old as he caught six of his 11 targets for 95 yards last week against the Baltimore Ravens. After missing the second game of the season due to an MCL sprain, the tight end has bounced back quite well and should be viewed as a safe TE1 going forward. Ferguson has established himself as the clear No.2 pass-catching option behind CeeDee Lamb and should see a consistent amount of targets on a weekly basis. Ferguson should be locked into all starting lineups next weekend even though he will face a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense.

From RotoBaller

Joe Mixon Sep 27 11:50am CT
Joe Mixon

Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle) was seen at Friday's practice, according to DJ Bien-Aime of ESPN. Mixon did not practice during the first two sessions earlier this week, so this could open the door for the 28-year-old to return to action this weekend. Mixon sat out last Sunday's game due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it should provide clarity on Mixon's status heading into the weekend. If he were to miss his second straight game, fantasy managers should expect Cam Akers to lead the backfield once again against the Jacksonville Jaguars, as No.2 running back Dameon Pierce (hamstring) has not yet practiced this week.

From RotoBaller

A.J. Brown Sep 27 11:50am CT
A.J. Brown

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) returned to practice on Friday, according to Jimmy Kempski of the Philly Voice. The standout wide receiver has been sidelined over the past two weeks due to a hamstring injury. This is a great sign to see Brown back at practice and could open the door for him to return this weekend after his two-game absence. Fantasy managers should monitor the injury report later, as Brown will likely carry a designation into the weekend. The 27-year-old would be a welcome addition to the wide receiver room this weekend as No.2 wideout DeVonta Smith (concussion) has not yet practiced this week due to a concussion. If Brown is able to suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a high-end WR1. If he misses his third-straight game, fantasy managers should expect tight end Dallas Goedert to serve as the 'go-to' option for Jalen Hurts.

From RotoBaller

Rico Dowdle Sep 27 11:40am CT
Rico Dowdle

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle tallied a season-high 46 yards on 11 carries and added 15 yards and a score on one catch in Thursday's victory over the New York Giants. Dowdle found the end zone for the first time this season on a screen pass just inside the red zone. Dowdle was also given a majority of the running back snaps on Thursday as he saw 24 compared to Ezekiel Elliott's nine. Elliott saw only five attempts and tallied just 19 yards. Both running backs typically split opportunities over the opening games of the season, but it looks like Dowdle is beginning to establish himself as the leader of this backfield. Despite his modest output on the ground, fantasy managers should still view Dowdle as an RB3/flex play with upside heading into Week 5.

From RotoBaller

CeeDee Lamb Sep 27 11:40am CT
CeeDee Lamb

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb caught seven of his eight targets for 98 yards and a score on Thursday evening against the New York Giants. Lamb once again led the Dallas receiving room in total yards and targets but tied Jake Ferguson with a team-high in receptions. The 25-year-old broke free for an impressive 55-yard score in the second quarter. After catching just four passes last week, Lamb got himself back on track with a strong outing on Thursday. Fantasy managers should continue to view the Oklahoma product as a high-end WR1 who has the chance to finish at the top of the position for the second straight season. Next week, he faces a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has allowed the fourth-lowest point totals to opposing wideouts but should remain locked into all starting lineups.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Sep 27 11:30am CT
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott went 22-for-27 with 221 passing yards and two scores on Thursday evening en route to defeating the New York Giants. The 31-year-old's longest pass of the night came on a 55-yard TD pass to CeeDee Lamb. His other score came off a 15-yard pass to running back Rico Dowdle on a screen. Prescott locked onto his top two targets all game as both Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson caught seven passes each. After throwing for an impressive 379 yards last weekend, Prescott was more of a game manager on Thursday night and did not have to push the ball downfield too often. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting Prescott as a QB1 going forward, even though he will face a tough Pittsburgh defense next weekend.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 27 11:20am CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) is considered doubtful for Sunday's game, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Engram injured his hamstring during warmups prior to their Week 2 matchup and has been sidelined since. The 30-year-old has not logged a practice yet this week which is not a promising sign for his status this weekend. Fantasy managers should closely monitor Friday's injury report as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. Engram caught a career-high 114 receptions last season and remains a safe TE1 when he is on the field. If Engram misses his third-straight game on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Brenton Strange to get the starting nod again. Strange has seen at least five targets in each of the past two games and could be a viable replacement option in deeper formats.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 27 11:10am CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) will miss his third straight game as he will not suit up this weekend when the Browns face the Las Vegas Raiders. The tight end suffered a high-ankle sprain in the season-opener against the Dallas Cowboys and has remained sidelined since. However, the 28-year-old returned to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday but is still not cleared to return to game action. Fantasy managers should monitor Njoku's status before their Week 5 match against the Washington Commanders. Fantasy managers should expect Jordan Akins to serve as the lead tight end again on Sunday. He could be a viable play in deeper formats, as he caught four of his seven targets last week.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Sep 27 11:10am CT
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (concussion) will not play on Sunday due to a concussion, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. McBride entered concussion protocol following last weekend's game after he took a hard helmet-to-helmet hit. The Colorado State product did not practice this week and will now set his sights on returning in Week 5 when the Cardinals face their division rival, the San Francisco 49ers. McBride has seen at least six targets in each of the first three games this season, with a high of nine in Week 2. Fantasy managers should closely monitor McBride's status next week. Elijah Higgins will now serve as the No.1 tight end in Arizona this weekend and could be a sneaky play in DFS and deeper formats as he faces the Washington Commanders who have one of the worst pass defenses in the sport.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Sep 27 9:50am CT
Daniel Jones

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was heavily involved (once again) in Thursday night's 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, hauling in 11 of 14 targets for 71 yards. Despite the high reception total, Robinson averaged just 6.5 yards per catch, with his longest reception going for 11 yards. While he was a reliable short-yardage option for Daniel Jones, Robinson couldn't find the end zone, limiting his fantasy ceiling. Fantasy managers will appreciate the volume, but his low yardage per reception and lack of scoring suggest he'll need more explosive plays to become a consistent fantasy starter.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 27 9:10am CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is expected to make his return to the field this week against the New England Patriots according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. Kittle says he is "very excited to play football" and is "feeling fantastic" according to Wagoner's report. In two games this season, the talented tight end has 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown and missed the 49ers' loss to the Rams in Week 4. Kittle remains one of the top tight ends in a relatively limited tight-end landscape for fantasy. If he is back this week, he should be started with confidence against New England.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Sep 27 9:00am CT
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble is sharing time with Ja'Tavion Sanders but emerged as the primary tight end on the team in Week 3 seeing more snaps and out-targeting Sanders. Tremble finished Week 3's win over the Raiders with three catches for 29 yards on three targets. The Notre Dame product is fully recovered from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss Week 1. However, with Chuba Hubbard garnering a large workload in the backfield and Diontae Johnson commanding a big target share, Tremble isn't a big piece of the offensive pie at the moment. That makes him touchdown-dependent for fantasy purposes and thus a risky play in Week 4 at the position. Until he shows more, Tremble should be left on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Sep 27 8:40am CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) popped up on Thursday's injury report after not practicing but he is expected to return to Friday's practice. Barring a setback with the groin injury, Johnson looks like a great fantasy play in Week 4 against the Bengals. The Toledo product had a resurgent performance with Andy Dalton under center in Week 3 with eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown on 14 targets against the Raiders. Expect more of the same this week from Johnson and the Panthers offense. Adam Thielen (hamstring) is on the IR, further solidifying Johnson as the top option and he should be peppered with targets again against a beatable Bengals' secondary.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Legette Sep 27 8:40am CT
Xavier Legette

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette should be more involved in the offense this week with Adam Thielen (hamstring) on IR. The rookie out of South Carolina has 10 targets on the season but is expected to slot into the No. 2 receiver role with Thielen sidelined. The talented receiver should be a nice secondary target for Dalton this week against the Bengals with Diontae Johnson (groin) serving as the top option. Johnson missed practice Thursday and is questionable but is expected to practice Friday. If he is out, Legette would have a much larger role in the offense. The Panthers offense suddenly looks viable for fantasy purposes with Dalton as the QB and Legette could benefit from that in Week 4.

From RotoBaller