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Colts DT DeForest Buckner, RB Jonathan Taylor improving from injuries

Thu Oct 24 6:08pm ET
Field Level Media

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and running back Jonathan Taylor were full participants in practice on Thursday as they move toward a return to action against the host Houston Texans on Sunday.

Both players have been sidelined with ankle injuries. Buckner was hurt in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, while Taylor has missed the last three games with his aliment.

Buckner, 30, had missed just two games in nine NFL seasons before the current five-game absence. The team opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday and Buckner is salivating to get back on the field.

"Just being out that long, especially throughout the season, I was itching to be out there to help my team and these guys," Buckner said Thursday. "It was tough watching from the sidelines knowing I can't do anything to help. So I was just doing everything I could in the rehab process and really attacking each day."

Buckner is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and also was a first-team All-Pro in 2020, his first season with the Colts. He was second team All-Pro in 2019 during the last of four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Buckner has 62.5 career sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 551 career tackles in 131 games (126 starts). He has 1.5 sacks in two games (one start) this season.

Taylor hasn't played this month and still leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). He had two 100-yard outings in four games before getting injured.

Taylor felt soreness after practice but termed it "nothing major."

Taylor, 25, has rushed for 4,931 yards and 44 touchdowns in 57 games (52 starts) over five NFL seasons. He led the NFL with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021 when he was both a Pro Bowl pick and first-team All-Pro selection.

Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and center Ryan Kelly (calf) were full practice participants Thursday after sitting out one day earlier. Defensive end Genard Avery (foot) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula/shoulder) sat out both days.

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Player Notes
Dalton Kincaid Oct 24 5:30pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight ends Dalton Kincaid (collarbone) and Dawson Knox (ankle) were both listed as limited practice participants on Thursday. Kincaid was wearing a non-contact jersey for the second straight day, while Knox made his return to practice after skipping Wednesday's session. Fantasy managers will want to check back for Buffalo's final injury report on Friday, but it's trending toward both Kincaid and Knox being active for the Bills for their Week 8 game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field this Sunday. Kincaid hasn't broken out yet in 2024 in his second season like many had expected, but he's still worth low-end TE1 consideration on a weekly basis because of the lack of depth at the TE position. He currently ranks as the TE13 in half-PPR scoring and will face a Seattle defense that has been a top-10 matchup for opposing TEs on a weekly basis through seven weeks.

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Kareem Hunt Oct 24 5:30pm CT
Kareem Hunt

After a limited practice session on Wednesday to start the week, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (hip) was a full-go in Thursday's practice. Hunt's return to a full practice should assure that he'll be active this Sunday against the division-rival Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium unless he suffers a setback on Friday. Isiah Pacheco (leg) remains on Injured Reserve, so the 29-year-old Hunt will remain the Chiefs' lead back this weekend in an excellent matchup. In a starting role in each of the team's last two games, Hunt has 49 total carries for 180 yards (3.67 yards per carry) and three touchdowns while adding three catches for 20 yards. Fantasy managers should consider him a must-start fantasy RB this weekend against a Raiders defense that has given up the ninth-most half-PPR points per game to the position this year.

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Curtis Samuel Oct 24 5:20pm CT
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (pectoral) was briefly present while the team stretched on Thursday, but he officially missed practice for the second straight day this week. Samuel injured his pectoral muscle in the win in Week 7 over the Tennessee Titans and is now firmly in danger of missing the Week 8 game this Sunday in Seattle against the Seahawks. The 28-year-old pass-catcher is going to need at least a limited practice on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely this weekend. Even if Samuel is active against Seattle, fantasy managers should have better options for their flex spot. In seven games in his first year in Buffalo in 2024, Samuel hasn't been a big part of the team's passing attack, catching 12 of his 18 targets for 92 yards and no touchdowns. Newcomer Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir and rookie Keon Coleman will continue to operate in starting three-wide sets for Buffalo.

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Derek Carr Oct 24 5:10pm CT
Derek Carr

New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) was not seen at Saints' practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week. The Saints already announced this week that rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will make his third straight start this Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8. Carr resumed throwing earlier this week, but he's not recovered enough from a left-oblique strain to take part in team practices. It remains to be seen if he can make enough progress next week in practice to make his return for a Week 9 date with the division-rival Carolina Panthers. Since Carr's injury, the Saints' offense has tanked under Rattler, although injuries to receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) haven't helped. Rattler and the Saints' offense could have a tough time moving the ball once again this Sunday against a strong Chargers defense.

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Chris Olave Oct 24 4:10pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) was seen practicing again on Thursday according to Sean Fazende of FOX8. Olave returned to practice on Wednesday in a limited capacity. This is a great sign to see the wideout back at practice but he will need to pass concussion protocol before being able to return to game action. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 24-year-old's status on Friday as he may carry an injury designation into the weekend. Olave has struggled with consistency this season as he eclipsed double-digit PPR points in three games but fell under 5.0 PPR points in the other three. However, if he suits up, he should be viewed as a solid WR2 facing the Los Angeles Chargers.

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Jerome Ford Oct 24 4:00pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) did not practice again on Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday. Ford was unable to suit up last week due to this hamstring injury. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Friday's practice. However, he will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend given that he has not been able to participate in any team practices this week. If Ford misses his second-straight game on Sunday, fantasy managers should expect Nick Chubb to lead the backfield with Pierre Strong and D'Onta Foreman serving as change of pace options.

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Mason Rudolph Oct 24 3:50pm CT
Mason Rudolph

Tennessee Titans quarterback Mason Rudolph saw the majority of first-team reps during Thursday's practice according to Jim Wyatt of the TennesseeTitans.com. Wyatt further noted that Will Levis (shoulder) is still dealing soreness. Fantasy managers in Superflex formats should expect Rudolph to get the starting nod once again this weekend. Last week, Rudolph had a modest performance against a tough Buffalo defense as he threw for 215 yards with a score and an interception. He added 13 yards on the ground. Rudolph should only be started in deeper Superflex formats facing a Detroit Lions defense who has allowed the 20th-most points to opposing QBs this season.

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Ladd McConkey Oct 24 3:40pm CT
Ladd McConkey

Los Angeles Chargers wide receivers Quentin Johnson (ankle) and Ladd McConkey (hip) remained sidelined during practice on Thursday. Both wideouts sat out during Wednesday's initial practice session as well. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status on Friday as they both could be in danger of missing Sunday's game. Johnson sat out during last Monday's game due to an ankle injury while McConkey is still battling a lingering hip injury. He was able to suit up in Week 7. If both wideouts are unable to play or limited during Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints, Joshua Palmer and tight end Will Dissly should see an increase in targets.

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Jonathan Taylor Oct 24 3:30pm CT
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) returned to full participation during Thursday's practice. This is a great sign for his potential status for this Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. The star running back has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 4. Fantasy managers should pay close attention his status during Friday's practice as he may carry an injury designation into the weekend. If Taylor suits up, he should be viewed as an RB1 in all formats facing a tough Houston Texans defense. If he misses his fourth-straight game, Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon will likely share backfield duties once again.

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Tyreek Hill Oct 24 3:30pm CT
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (foot) was limited during Thursday's practice according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Hill was not on Wednesday's injury report so this situation is worth monitoring. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on the 30-year-old's participation during Friday's practice as he may carry an injury designation into the weekend. Since scoring 26 PPR points in the opening week, Hill has been in a slump as Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been sidelined. During this stretch, Hill has averaged just 32.8 yards per game. However, with Tagovailoa expected to return this weekend, Hill should be viewed as a high-end WR1, if he is able to suit up.

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Puka Nacua Oct 24 3:20pm CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will play on Thursday night against the Minnesota Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Nacua has been sidelined since the opening week of the season with a PCL sprain. He was able to log two limited practice sessions this week. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable putting Nacua into their starting lineups in all formats, although his bust factor will be a lot higher with potential limited snaps. Last season as a rookie, Nacua enjoyed an incredible debut season, as he caught 105 passes for 1,486 yards and six scores. The Rams will also be welcoming back Cooper Kupp (ankle) on Thursday after he was sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in Week 2. Nacua should be viewed as a solid WR1 facing a weak Minnesota secondary that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.

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T.J. Hockenson Oct 24 3:10pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) will not play on Thursday evening, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. Hockenson was able to log three limited practice sessions this week but will now hope to get ready to make his season debut in Week 9. Hockenson has yet to see game action this season due to a torn ACL and MCL he suffered late last year. Fantasy managers should expect Minnesota wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor to see the majority of the targets this evening against the Rams. No. 2 tight end Johnny Mundt is worth a look in deeper formats, as he should see starting reps once again on Thursday and was able to bring in four of his five targets last weekend.

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Dallas Goedert Oct 24 2:40pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) has yet to practice this week after missing another session on Thursday. Goedert strained his hamstring in the Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns and didn't practice at all last week before missing the Week 7 divisional win over the New York Giants. The 29-year-old is tracking towards missing a second straight game this Sunday against the Bengals in Cincinnati, so fantasy managers shouldn't count on having him this weekend. Backup Grant Calcaterra caught all four of his targets for a season-high 67 yards in Week 6 and played 71% of the offensive snaps last Sunday with Goedert out, but it led to only one catch on one target for a five-yard gain. Calcaterra will be more involved again this weekend if Goedert is ruled out, but he'll be a boom/bust TE2 streamer, at best.

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Zay Flowers Oct 24 2:30pm CT
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (ankle) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday after tweaking his ankle in Monday night's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Flowers injured his ankle in the first half on Monday and quickly came back into the game, but he was barely involved after that, finishing with just one catch on one target for 11 yards while carrying the ball one time for a pickup of 19 yards in the 41-31 victory. The 24-year-old pass-catcher's status for Week 8 against the division-rival Cleveland Browns is now firmly up in the air, and if he doesn't return to practice on Friday, he'll likely be ruled out. Flowers has sandwiched two one-catch performances around back-to-back 100-yard games and has been boom/bust for fantasy managers. If he's unavailable against Cleveland, both Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor will have higher fantasy ceilings.

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Jonathon Brooks Oct 24 2:20pm CT
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week. Brooks is making progress from a torn ACL that he suffered late last year while in college, but he's not guaranteed to be activated from the Non-Football Injury list to make his NFL debut this Sunday in Denver against the Broncos. And even if the 21-year-old is activated on Saturday and active on Sunday, he figures to be eased into Carolina's backfield alongside lead back Chuba Hubbard and veteran backup Miles Sanders. With that said, the first RB off the board in April's NFL draft should absolutely be rostered in all fantasy formats, especially now that he's nearing his NFL debut. By season's end, Brooks should have a pretty substantial role in the Panthers' backfield as long as he stays healthy.

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Adam Thielen Oct 24 2:20pm CT
Adam Thielen

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice for the second straight day this week after his 21-day practice window to return from Injured Reserve was officially opened on Wednesday. Thielen will be eligible to come off Injured Reserve to play in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos after missing the required four games, but it remains to be seen if the Panthers feel that the 34-year-old veteran has made enough progress to play on Sunday. He's likely to be listed as questionable on Friday's final injury report. Thielen's status will be even more important with Diontae Johnson's (rib) Week 8 status in question after two DNPs this week. If Thielen remains out and Johnson is also out or limited against Denver, quarterback Bryce Young might have rookie Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo as his top two wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Oct 24 2:20pm CT
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers tight ends Ja'Tavion Sanders (groin, wrist) and Tommy Tremble (back) were both limited participants in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. With Tremble inactive last weekend, Sanders was one of the few bright spots for the Panthers on offense in their 40-7 loss to the Washington Commanders, catching all six of his targets for 61 yards. However, the 21-year-old could struggle to replicate those numbers in Week 8 versus a strong Denver Broncos defense on the road this Sunday, especially with second-year quarterback Bryce Young back in as the starter following an injury to Andy Dalton (thumb). In addition, Sanders probably won't see as many snaps on offense if Tremble is able to return to the fold this weekend. Sanders has only 19 receptions on 24 targets for 151 scoreless yards in his first seven NFL games in 2024.

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Andy Dalton Oct 24 2:10pm CT
Andy Dalton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) missed a second straight day of practice on Thursday after spraining his thumb during a car accident that he was involved in earlier this week. Head coach Dave Canales already said that second-year QB Bryce Young will return to a starting role in Week 8 on Sunday against the Denver Broncos with Dalton injured. Depending on how Young fares this weekend, the Panthers could continue on with him as their starter under center. Dalton gave Carolina's struggling offense an immediate shot in the arm when he took over for Young in Week 3, but in recent weeks, the Red Rifle hasn't been as productive and was pulled late in a 40-7 blowout loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 7. Against a top-five defense in the Broncos, Young is going to have his work cut out for him in his return to the starting role.

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Luke Schoonmaker Oct 24 2:00pm CT
Luke Schoonmaker

Dallas Cowboys tight end John Stephens Jr. (knee) will miss the rest of the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL during Wednesday's practice, according to NFL.com. The second-year undrafted free agent out of Louisiana has been with Dallas since the 2023 offseason but has not logged any stats. This injury is not consequential for fantasy football, but it depletes depth behind tight ends Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker.

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Diontae Johnson Oct 24 2:00pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (rib) did not practice on Thursday due to a rib injury. The veteran was also absent from Wednesday's practice, but it's worth noting he logged two straight "DNPs" to begin last week's preparation and still suited up against the Washington Commanders. Johnson could still play in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos, so fantasy managers should monitor his status. However, Bryce Young will start on Sunday in place of the injured Andy Dalton (thumb), which is bad news for Johnson's potential fantasy outlook. With Young under center in Week 1 and Week 2, Johnson scored a combined 5.9 half-PPR points. With Dalton at QB, he scored at least 16.8 fantasy points in three of six games. The Broncos have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to WRs, so Johnson is a clear sit candidate on Sunday.

From RotoBaller