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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

Colts coach: QB Joe Flacco is team's starting QB 'going forward'

Wed Oct 30 12:20pm ET
Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts veteran Joe Flacco will serve as the team's starting quarterback "going forward," head coach Shane Steichen announced Wednesday.

Steichen noted that it's not just a one-week switch from former first-round draft pick Anthony Richardson to the 39-year-old Flacco.

The Colts (4-4) had won four of their previous five games before dropping a 23-20 decision to the AFC South-leading Houston Texans (6-2) on Sunday.

"I'm just looking where we're at as a football team, sitting at .500 with a lot of football left," Steichen said, "and feel that Joe gives us the best chance going forward."

Flacco will be under center for Indianapolis' game on Sunday night versus the Minnesota Vikings (5-2) in Minneapolis. Richardson will serve as Flacco's backup, Steichen said.

Richardson completed only 10 of 32 passes (31.3 percent) for 175 yards with one touchdown and one interception last Sunday against the Texans.

During the third quarter, Richardson made the unusual move of taking himself out of the game in the middle of a Colts drive. He later explained that he needed a breather after scrambling on several plays.

"Tired, I ain't gonna lie," said Richardson, 22. "That was a lot of running right there that I did. ... So, I just told Shane that I needed a break right there."

Richardson, who missed Weeks 5 and 6 with an oblique injury, has completed just 44.4 percent of his passes for 958 yards with four TDs and seven interceptions in six games this season.

Drafted No. 4 overall in 2023 out of Florida, Richardson's rookie season ended after just four games due to a shoulder injury that required surgery.

"Not giving up on Anthony by any means," Steichen said. "He's a really young player with a ton of talent. He'll use this time to continue to develop and grow as a professional."

Flacco was 1-1 in two starts earlier this month against Jacksonville and Tennessee. He has completed 65.7 percent of his passes this season for 716 yards with seven touchdowns and one interception.

Flacco is 104-83 as an NFL starter with the Baltimore Ravens (2008-18), Denver Broncos (2019), New York Jets (2020-22), Cleveland Browns (2023) and Colts. He has thrown for 44,652 yards with 252 TDs and 156 INTs. He was the MVP of Baltimore's 34-31 win against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII.

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Player Notes
Drake Maye Oct 30 11:40am CT
Drake Maye

Per New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, quarterback Drake Maye (concussion) will be a limited participant in Wednesday's practice as he works through the NFL's concussion protocol. Chris Mason -- the team's beat writer -- reported the news. Mayo noted that the rookie will "throw the ball at times" in Wednesday's session as he attempts to get cleared ahead of Sunday's contest. It's fantastic news for the rookie, who could play when New England lines up against the Tennessee Titans on the road in Week 9. Maye still has a few hurdles to clear before that's the case, including being cleared for action by an independent neurologist. Still, it's a positive sign that he'll participate in a limited fashion for the team's first practice of the week. If he can't play, veteran QB Jacoby Brissett will again lead the way against Tennessee.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Oct 30 11:20am CT
Jordan Love

According to the NFL's Ian Rapoport, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (groin) got "pretty good news" regarding his MRI and has a shot to play in Sunday's divisional clash against the Detroit Lions. While nothing has yet been confirmed, Rapoport reports that Love's MRI came back "relatively clean," and he is day-to-day with a groin strain. "He is determined to play," said the NFL Insider. "He does not need to be 100% to play; that makes me believe he has a really good chance." It's excellent news for Green Bay, though; if they had to turn to backup quarterback Malik Willis, it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Willis has performed well when called upon this season, although his drawing the start would be a downgrade for Packers' pass-catchers. Keep an eye on Love's practice participation this week, as that should give us a better idea of his availability for the outing. However, it's possible a decision won't be made until much closer to game time. Green Bay and Detroit square off at 4:25 ET.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Oct 30 11:10am CT
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson "feels good" about running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) returning to action in Week 9, as Mia O'Brien of 1010 XL 92.5 XM reported. The fourth-year back has been plagued by a hamstring ailment over the last few weeks that's forced him to miss the team's previous two games and part of another. While his practice participation ahead of Jacksonville's road tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles will be telling regarding his Sunday status, it appears he has a good shot to suit up for the outing. With teammate Tank Bigsby's success and efficiency in the 25-year-old's stead, this backfield might give fantasy managers headaches over the season's final stretch until one emerges as the preferred option.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Shrader Oct 30 9:30am CT
Spencer Shrader

The New York Jets are signing kickers Riley Patterson and Spencer Shrader to the practice squad on Wednesday, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Starting kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) is reportedly dealing with a knee injury, and his performance this season has been disastrous. The 36-year-old has made just nine of his 15 field goal tries and has missed an extra point. Patterson, who has spent time with the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Jacksonville Jaguars, has made 59 of his 67 field goal attempts in 39 games. Shrader is an undrafted rookie free agent out of Notre Dame and appeared in one game for the Indianapolis Colts this season, connecting on all three of his extra-point tries. The expectation is Zuerlein will not play on Thursday Night Football against the Houston Texans, and one of the newly-acquired kickers will handle kicking duties for the Jets. Neither option is high on the fantasy football radar.

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Myles Gaskin Oct 29 11:50pm CT
Myles Gaskin

The Minnesota Vikings released running back Myles Gaskin but have re-signed him to their practice squad. The 27-year-old has spent most of this season on the active roster but offered minimal contributions. He had just 10 scrimmage yards on four touches, plus three kick returns for an additional 60 yards. For obvious reasons, he's off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller

Jameson Williams Oct 29 11:13pm CT
Jameson Williams

Dynasty | An arrest warrant request is being reviewed for Detroit wide receiver Jameson Williams. Dynasty Analysis: Williams is seemingly going to be the target of an investigation concerning a concealed weapon charge. It's a complicated situation involving a traffic stop and some potential confusion in terms of who may have owned which gun between Williams and his brother. Still, this is yet another red flag on a player who has a ton of them as of late. We'll let the details come out, but a troubling theme of trouble seemingly following Williams is getting hard to ignore.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Greg Zuerlein Oct 29 9:00pm CT
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) was limited during Tuesday's practice session. The veteran kicker has been added to the injury report with a left knee issue ahead of Thursday's game against the Houston Texans. It's worth noting that the Jets brought in kickers for a tryout on Tuesday. Zuerlein has struggled this season as he has made only 9-of-15 field goal attempts. Fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help as Zuerlein might not even be able to play this week.

From RotoBaller

Will Parks Oct 29 8:53pm CT
Will Parks

Free-agent S Will Parks (Jets) was reinstated from suspension on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

From TheHuddle

Jameson Williams Oct 29 8:40pm CT
Jameson Williams

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was recently suspended two games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Now, Williams could be in even more trouble after an incident with the police earlier this month. Williams was the passenger of a routine traffic stop on October 8th. He discussed the incident with the organization and it seemed like a minor issue. That doesn't appear to be the case as Williams reportedly had a gun on him in the car. The Detroit police are investigating why Williams avoided arrest after a gun was found in the car. Possibly this incident blows over, but this is something fantasy managers should keep an eye on right now.

From RotoBaller

Jamin Davis Oct 29 8:20pm CT
Jamin Davis

The Green Bay Packers have signed linebacker Jamin Davis to their practice squad on Tuesday. This news comes about a week after Davis was released by the Washington Commanders. It's a bit odd to see the Commanders give up on the their 2021 first round pick so quickly. Davis played in five games this season and recorded 13 tackles and one tackle for loss before being released. He figures to serve as depth and could end up giving this Packers defense a boost at some point. This is a low-risk and high-reward type of situation for Green Bay.

From RotoBaller

Zane Gonzalez Oct 29 7:43pm CT
Zane Gonzalez

Free-agent PKs Zane Gonzalez, Brayden Narveson, Riley Patterson, Spencer Shrader, Andre Szmyt and Cade York worked out for the New York Jets on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

From TheHuddle

Cameron Sutton Oct 29 6:43pm CT
Cameron Sutton

Pittsburgh Steelers CB Cameron Sutton was reinstated following an eight-game suspension on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The Steelers were given a temporary roster exemption for Sutton, also.

From TheHuddle

Aaron Rodgers Oct 29 6:13pm CT
Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers (hamstring, knee) was a full participant during practice Tuesday, Oct. 29. The Jets did not hold a practice Tuesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Rodgers is likely to play and should be considered a QB2 option.

From TheHuddle

Greg Zuerlein Oct 29 6:03pm CT
Greg Zuerlein

New York Jets S Tony Adams (hamstring), S Ashtyn Davis (concussion), DT Leki Fotu (knee), LB C.J. Mosley (neck), and OG Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle) did not participate in practice Tuesday, Oct. 29. LB Chazz Surratt (heel), OT Morgan Moses (knee), and PK Greg Zuerlein (knee) were limited during practice. DE Haason Reddick (neck), OT Tyron Smith (non-injury), DT Quinnen Williams (ankle), CB Michael Carter II (back), OG Jake Hanson (thumb), DE Will McDonald (shoulder), LB Jamien Sherwood (shoulder) and TE Kenny Yeboah (abdomen) fully participated in practice. The Jets did not hold a practice Tuesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Allen Lazard Oct 29 6:00pm CT
Allen Lazard

New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) did not practice on Tuesday. Lazard was unable to suit up for the Jets' Week 8 game against the New England Patriots. He is trending towards missing a second straight week as the Jets will host the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. Lazard had been pretty good in 2024 prior to his injury. He still sits as the WR17 despite missing Week 8. He has recorded 30 receptions for 412 yards and five touchdowns as one of quarterback Aaron Rodgers' (knee/hamstring) preferred targets. If Lazard were to miss another game, wide receivers Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams would be in line to receive the lion's share of targets. Running back Breece Hall should mix in as well. The Texans have a quality defense and Lazard's absence would hurt the Jets' passing game as a whole because he would be one less weapon the Texans would have to focus on.

From RotoBaller

Dameon Pierce Oct 29 5:50pm CT
Dameon Pierce

Houston Texans running back Dameon Pierce (groin) did not practice on Tuesday. Pierce's lack of practice comes at a time when the Texans need all hands on deck. Pierce serves as the Texans' backup running back and kick returner. He is far more valuable to the team in his kick return role because starting running back Joe Mixon is receiving the vast majority of the running back touches in this offense. Pierce's lack of practice is relatively inconsequential for fantasy. When Pierce and Mixon have both been healthy in 2024, Pierce has yet to clear 1.96 fantasy points. With two DNPs under his belt at this point in the week, Pierce is trending in the wrong direction. The Texans will visit the New York Jets on Thursday. If Pierce were to miss the game, Dare Ogunbowale would step up behind him. Wide receiver Robert Woods would likely be in line to take over some of Pierce's return duties as well.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Sutton Oct 29 5:50pm CT
Cameron Sutton

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cameron Sutton had his eight-game suspension lifted on Tuesday. Sutton was suspended this offseason for violating the league's personal conduct policy following a domestic abuse incident in the Spring. Sutton will return to a Steelers defense that is once again near the top of the league. The unit is No. 9 in yards per game allowed and No. 2 in points per game allowed. Sutton last played in 2023 for the Detroit Lions. He recorded a career-high 65 tackles and caught one interception. Sutton spent the first six years of his career in Pittsburgh and returned to the team this past offseason. He will provide depth in a crowded cornerback room that includes Joey Porter Jr., Donte Jackson, and Beanie Bishop Jr.

From RotoBaller

Jimmie Ward Oct 29 5:33pm CT
Jimmie Ward

Houston Texans OG Jarrett Patterson (concussion) and RB Dameon Pierce (groin) did not practice Tuesday, Oct. 29. S Jimmie Ward (groin), LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee) and S Calen Bullock (shoulder) were limited at practice. CB Kamari Lassiter (shoulder) and LB Henry To'oTo'o (concussion) fully participated in practice. The Texans did not hold a practice Tuesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Jamin Davis Oct 29 5:30pm CT
Jamin Davis

The Green Bay Packers signed linebacker Jamin Davis on Tuesday. Davis is a former first-round pick by the Washington Commanders in 2021. He had fallen out of favor with the new Commanders regime in 2024 and was released prior to Week 8. Davis has been a quality player at times. If he can reclaim the form he exhibited earlier in his career, the Packers will have a nice addition to their linebacking corp. The Packers' defense has been one of the most formidable in the league in 2024. They have had a lot of success shutting down opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers. Davis would likely help to shore up an already solid rushing defense as well. For fantasy purposes, look for this move to bolster the starting prospects of the Packers D/ST.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 29 5:20pm CT
Stefon Diggs

Houston Texans wide receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) was officially placed on injured reserve on Tuesday. It was announced earlier in the day that Diggs had torn his ACL in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. Moving Diggs to IR gives the Texans the roster space to potentially add another wide receiver for depth. The Texans will still be without standout wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) until Week 10. This opens up a huge void of targets and opportunities for second-year wide receiver Tank Dell. Dell was excellent in 2023 when he was the only show in town. The Texans will need him to step up in a big way in the coming weeks while they wait for Collins to ramp back up. The Texans will likely also spread to ball around to wide receivers Xavier Hutchinson, Robert Woods, and John Metchie III, along with tight end Dalton Schultz.

From RotoBaller