Mon Oct 28 7:47pm ET
Field Level Media
Steelers quarterback Justin Fields is inactive for Pittsburgh's Week 8 game against the visiting New York Giants on "Monday Night Football."
Kyle Allen will back up Russell Wilson, who is making his second straight start after Fields started the Steelers' first six games.
Fields (hamstring) popped up on Sunday's injury report and was listed as questionable for Monday despite being a full participant in practice all of last week. He tested his hamstring during pregame warmups before being ruled out. He'll serve as Pittsburgh's emergency quarterback against the Giants (2-5).
NFL Network reported that Fields' injury is not major, but the Steelers (5-2) are being cautious with the 25-year-old as the team enters its bye week following Monday's game.
Fields competed with Wilson for the starting job throughout the summer in each veteran's first season with Pittsburgh. Wilson was named QB1 before the season opener, but a lingering calf injury resurfaced and kept him inactive for the Steelers' first five games.
Pittsburgh went 3-2 with Fields under center during that span and stuck with the fourth-year veteran in Week 6 even after Wilson was activated. The Steelers won 32-13 at Las Vegas that week despite Fields completing just 14 of 24 passes for 145 yards.
Pittsburgh's offense was pedestrian at best with Fields at the controls. The Steelers ranked 28th in passing and 20th in points through Week 6, prompting them to give Wilson a shot.
The 35-year-old started Pittsburgh's Week 7 game against the visiting New York Jets and flourished in his team debut. The 13th-year veteran threw for 264 yards and two touchdowns to go along with a rushing score as the Steelers set their season-high scoring mark in a 37-15 win.
Pittsburgh enters Monday's contest with a half-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North.
The Steelers will also be without running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson (ankle), center Zach Frazier (ankle) and linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring). Cornerback C.J. Henderson is also inactive.
The Giants are without cornerbacks Adoree' Jackson (neck) and Cor'Dale Flott (groin).
Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) was listed as did not practice during Monday's estimated report. This comes as little surprise after Diggs exited Sunday's game with a non-contact knee injury. The team is expected to have Diggs undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. Fantasy managers should get a backup plan ready in case Diggs isn't ready for Thursday's game against the New York Jets. The MRI results should give more clarity on the situation. Tank Dell could end up with a heavy workload in this banged up offense.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (ribs) was removed early during Sunday's loss to the Green Bay Packers. The early indications were that Thomas was going to miss 2-4 weeks of action. However, the Jags did more imaging and are now considering Thomas as day-to-day. That was an odd turn of events, but it looks like Thomas might be able to suit up against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9. The Jaguars aren't really playing for much right now, so it wouldn't be shocking to see them take the cautious approach and rest Thomas. Fantasy managers will certainly take a one-game absence over a month of action. For now, fantasy managers will need to monitor his status throughout the week.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) is expected to get back on the field after the bye week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Jennings has missed the last two games due to a lingering hip issue. However, it doesn't sound like Jennings will miss anymore time as he should be ready to go for the Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jennings has been hit-and-miss this season, but he has seen four or more targets in every game he has played in. The return of Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) could push Jennings further down on the pecking order for receiving. Jennings doesn't exactly have a great outlook the rest of the way, but the 49ers have struggled to stay healthy, so he's worth stashing.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is expected to hit it hard in practice this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The team plans to open his 21-day return window this week, but is hopeful that McCaffrey only needs one week of practice before returning to the field. The target date is for McCaffrey to return after the bye week to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10. Although, the 49ers could hold out McCaffrey through Week 12 if they decided to do that. The first step is getting McCaffrey back on the practice field which should happen this week.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (ribs) was forced to exit early during Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. He departed in the fourth quarter with pain in his ribs. It's worth noting that Samuel spent time in the hospital with pneumonia prior to Sunday's game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan says the team is considering Samuel as day-to-day right now. The good news is that the 49ers are on a bye this week. That means, Samuel will have plenty of time to rest ahead of the Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on this situation throughout the week.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Colts are reportedly evaluating the starting quarterback position. Dynasty Analysis: Richardson has been a disaster this season with a completion percentage under 45%. To make matters worse, he apparently "tapped out" at one point in the game yesterday to take a break. That choice has not been received well within the media, ex-players, and likely his own teammates. Joe Flacco has simply played better and gives the team a chance to win that Richardson doesn't at this point. If Richardson is benched, it's going to be a major red flag in regards to his future. His dynasty value is already starting to move down rapidly based on his play and that would make it plummet.
San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was injured and unable to return during Sunday's win over the Dallas Cowboys. Afterwards, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Mason maybe could've returned to the contest. Rookie back Isaac Guerendo didn't miss a beat as he rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown in Mason's absence. It sounds like the plan is for Mason to be evaluated after the Week 9 bye. Fellow back Christian McCaffrey is expected to return in Week 10, so Mason's value could be taking a huge hit here soon. Fantasy managers who have Mason rostered should prepare for his value to decrease here soon.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) was unable to suit up for the Week 8 loss to the New England Patriots. Afterwards, the Jets said Lazard is week-to-week after being a considered a game-time decision ahead of Week 8. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich doesn't believe that Lazard will need to be placed on the injured reserve. However, it seems unlikely that Lazard is going to be able to suit up for the Week 9 matchup against the Houston Texans. It's a quick turnaround with a Thursday Night matchup, so fantasy managers should prepare to be without Lazard. Fellow wideout Mike Williams figures to take over the WR3 role if Lazard sits out, but he hasn't been a reliable option this season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein has been inconsistent throughout the first half of the season. The veteran kicker missed a field goal and extra point during the loss to the New England Patriots in Week 8. Zuerlein is now 9-for-15 on field goal attempts this season. Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said the team will hold a kicking competition on Tuesday. That being said, it seems like the Jets are ready to move on from Zuerlein with their season quickly slipping away. Zuerlein won't be a reliable fantasy option even if the team sticks with him for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson (hamstring) has been placed on the injured reserve on Monday. Wilson came into the season with plenty of hype, but sadly injuries have slowed him down. He suffered an ankle injury before the season began and now he's dealing with a hamstring issue. Wilson has only played in one game up to this point. He'll miss the next four games after getting placed on the IR. The third-round pick is worth holding in dynasty leagues, but is unlikely to have value in redraft formats.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaire Alexander (knee) was removed early during Sunday's win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Afterwards, Alexander underwent an MRI on his knee, but the testing didn't reveal any significant damage. It sounds like the team plans on monitoring Alexander throughout the week. That being said, Alexander could still end up missing the Week 9 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Alexander has been banged up throughout the season, but has still managed to play in six games. The absence of Alexander would be a significant loss to this secondary ahead of an important divisional game.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quad) is currently considered as day-to-day, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Higgins suffered a quad injury late last week and was unable to suit up for the Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It doesn't sound like the Bengals consider this to be a long term issue. Higgins reportedly is already feeling better which is good news ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Fantasy managers can be hopeful to get Higgins back in their lineups this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Per Arye Pulli of the NFL, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen would not commit to Anthony Richardson starting at quarterback in Week 9. "We're evaluating everything," proclaimed Steichen. Yikes. It's a rough turn of events for the second-year starter, but not exactly one that's a surprise. The former Florida Gator has had a tough go in his appearances this season, failing to complete more than ten passes in 4-of-5 contests that he's played the entire game. Alternatively, veteran Joe Flacco excelled in his three outings, tossing seven touchdowns to just one interception. Fantasy managers must track this developing story ahead of the team's Week 9 road matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. If the team does turn to Flacco, it'd be an instant boost for the outlooks of Indy's pass-catchers. Stay tuned.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Bub Means (ankle) has reportedly picked up a high-ankle sprain and will "miss time," per Rod Walker of The New Orleans Advocate. Ouch. It's yet another ailment afflicting a Saints' offensive player as the injuries continue to pile up for them. The amount of time he'll miss is unclear, but one has to assume it will be at least a couple of weeks before he returns to action. With quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) projected to return to practice this week, New Orleans' offense is trending positively. Still, it appears they'll be without another one of their skill players for at least a short while. Wide receivers Mason Tipton and Equanimeous St. Brown figure to pick up more snaps, while newly acquired Marquez Valdes-Scantling could be pushed into action sooner than initially anticipated.
From RotoBaller
New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) will practice on Wednesday in preparation for the team's Week 9 matchup, per Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Additionally, head coach Dennis Allen is "optimistic" he'll play on Sunday when the team lines up against the Carolina Panthers on the road. It's fantastic news for New Orleans, which has been without their starting quarterback since the team's loss in Week 5 to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Saints are reeling after their sixth-straight defeat, and while it isn't yet confirmed, Carr's activation would be a massive boost to the offense's outlook. If he does return in Week 9, he'll get a juicy matchup against a tissue-paper-soft Panthers defense. Keep an eye on his status over the coming days.
From RotoBaller
According to head coach Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk (collarbone) underwent surgery this morning on his broken collarbone. He'll miss the remainder of the season, as Kainani Stevens of the team reported. While Jacksonville's 2024 is in turmoil -- sitting at 2-6 -- it's still a considerable blow to the team, who could have potentially traded Kirk to a contender before the Nov. 5 trade deadline. He'll now begin the road to recovery. It's the second consecutive season that an injury has cut the 27-year-old's campaign short after missing the final five games of 2023 with a core muscle injury. The Texas A&M alum has potentially played his last snap for the Jaguars, with one year left on his four-year deal after being the subject of trade rumors recently. With rookie wideout Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) dinged up as well, wide receivers Gabe Davis (shoulder), Parker Washington, and Tim Jones figure to see an increase in usage.
From RotoBaller
Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, there is optimism around Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love's (groin) status for this Sunday, and he is considered day-to-day. Love underwent an MRI on Monday, confirming he escaped Sunday's victory having avoided a long-term injury. It's excellent news for Green Bay, as the 25-year-old remained in Week 8's 30-27 win over the Jaguars even after initially tweaking his groin. Still, his status for Week 9 remains to be determined. Fantasy managers will want to monitor this situation, as the Packers' game plan could change with third-year QB Malik Willis under center -- particularly the potential for a more run-centric attack. Green Bay will host their division-rival Detroit Lions this Sunday -- one of the more staunch defensive units in the league.
From RotoBaller
According to head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Cleveland Browns will continue to roll out quarterback Jameis Winston. Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram reported the news. It's of little surprise, considering the effectiveness Winston displayed in his first start since 2022. The 30-year-old tossed for 334 yards and three touchdowns in Cleveland's 29-24 victory over the Baltimore Ravens -- two benchmarks that Deshaun Watson (Achilles) never hit in his Browns tenure. In fact, Watson had not eclipsed even 200 passing yards in any of his 2024 appearances. The former first-overall pick did an excellent job moving the Browns' offense, and he'll get a chance to build on his performance in Week 9 when Cleveland hosts the visiting Los Angeles Chargers next Sunday.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) is out of the hospital and defensive back Denzel Ward (concussion) is currently in concussion protocol according to Kelsey Russo. Koramoah left Sunday's game on a cart after enduring a collision and went to the hospital out of precaution. Thankfully, the 24-year-old was discharged and did not suffer any serious injuries. Ward suffered his second concussion of the 2024 season on Sunday and will likely miss at least one game as he progresses through the league's protocol. The Browns are slated to face the Los Angeles Charges next week. If both players are unable to suit up, the Browns defense should not be considered as a potential streaming option without two of their top starters.
From RotoBaller
Chicago Bears offensive tackle (knee) avoided a serious injury and may only be sidelined for a week or two according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Jones was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders early. He was replaced by third-round rookie Kiran Amegadjie who struggled to contain Washington edge rusher Frankie Luvu as quarterback Caleb Williams was under pressure all afternoon. In this game, Williams threw for a mere 131 yards and completed just 41.7% of his passes. As a result, the Chicago offense was unable to find much rhythm. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Jones' status throughout the week as his absence would weaken the Chicago line and limit Williams' weekly upside.
From RotoBaller