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FFL: Week 8 | NFL: Week 8

Steelers QB Justin Fields (hamstring) inactive for MNF

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).

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Player Notes
Jaylen Warren Oct 28 11:50pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled nine carries for 46 yards and recorded two receptions for 13 yards on three targets in a Week 8 win over the New York Giants. Warren was outshined by Najee Harris, who once again had a dominant performance, but looked spry and turned in his most efficient showing of the season. Although he has yet to find the end zone in 2024, Warren was given opportunities in the red zone on Monday night. For now, Warren remains nothing more than a last-resort flex option, but he should be rostered in most leagues. His utilization will be worth monitoring when the Steelers return from a Week 9 bye to face the Washington Commanders in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Oct 28 11:40pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III recorded three receptions for 54 yards and a touchdown on four targets in a Week 8 win against the New York Giants. He also returned a punt 73 yards for a touchdown in the third quarter, the first trip to the end zone for either team. Austin's offensive utilization has been limited throughout the season but he has shown an ability to make big plays with his speed. His second receiving score of the year came on a beautiful deep ball from quarterback Russell Wilson early in the fourth quarter. While he can't be trusted for fantasy purposes right now, Austin has the potential to establish himself as the WR2 in Pittsburgh and could be worth a look on waivers in deeper formats. The third-year pro will have a bye in Week 9 before traveling to Washington to take on the Commanders in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Oct 28 11:40pm CT
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth came down with both of his two targets for 19 receiving yards in a 26-18 win over the New York Giants. It was an underwhelming showing for Freiermuth on Monday night after seemingly all tight ends dominated on Sunday. Fellow tight end Darnell Washington out-gained Freiermuth despite earning just one opportunity in the contest. Freiermuth has not been targeted frequently by quarterback Russell Wilson after seeing more consistent usage with Justin Fields under center through the first six weeks of the campaign. With the Steelers heading into a Week 9 bye, Freiermuth can be dropped in most formats and should be viewed as just a streaming option going forward.

From RotoBaller

George Pickens Oct 28 11:30pm CT
George Pickens

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens hauled in four of five targets for 74 yards in a 26-18 win over the New York Giants. It was a solid outing for Pickens, but the 23-year-old was incredibly close to having a monster game. He scored a touchdown that was nullified by a face mask penalty on Pittsburgh's opening drive and later couldn't manage to get both feet in bounds on an impressive contested catch in the end zone. Nonetheless, Pickens continued to display excellent chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson, especially on a 43-yard deep shot that put Pittsburgh in the red zone on a crucial drive in the fourth quarter. Fantasy managers should be encouraged by Pickens' role in the offense and be optimistic that the touchdowns will come. His next opportunity will be against the Washington Commanders in Week 10 after the Steelers return from a bye.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Oct 28 11:20pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris turned 19 carries into 114 yards and four targets into three receptions for 17 yards in a Week 8 victory over the New York Giants. Harris looked superb on Monday night and set the tone for Pittsburgh early with nearly 60 rushing yards in the first quarter alone. He continued splitting opportunities with Jaylen Warren, but the Steelers have no reason to go away from Harris when he runs this efficiently. After a quiet start to the campaign, the 26-year-old now ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing yards and is the fantasy RB7 since Week 6. Harris and the 6-2 Steelers will now head into a Week 9 bye with a matchup against the Washington Commanders awaiting in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 28 11:20pm CT
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (head) has entered concussion protocol following Monday's Week 8 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tracy was banged up repeatedly on Monday as he hurt his shoulder in the first half, returned to the game, injured his head, and then was taken to the locker room. After his second injury, he did not return to the contest, finishing Week 8 with 145 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown on 20 carries. He also caught two of three targets for an additional five yards through the air. Tracy has taken over as the Giants' top running back, but his impressive stretch could be put on hold if he remains in concussion protocol and misses Week 9. In such a scenario, Devin Singletary would lead the Giants' backfield, jumping to the low-end fantasy RB2 tier against a subpar Washington Commanders run defense.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 28 11:10pm CT
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson completed 20 of 28 pass attempts for 278 yards and a touchdown while adding three carries for seven yards on the ground in a 26-18 win over the New York Giants. Wilson did cough up a fumble in the fourth quarter with the game on the line, but Pittsburgh's defense forced a turnover to give him the ball right back. He was otherwise sharp on Monday night, completing passes deep downfield to receivers George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, and Van Jefferson. Austin was on the receiving end of Wilson's lone touchdown pass of the night, a beautiful 29-yard lob that gave the Steelers a two-possession lead in the fourth quarter. Wilson will take a two-game winning streak as the starter into a Week 9 bye before a road matchup with a fellow 6-2 team, the Washington Commanders.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 28 9:00pm CT
Stefon Diggs

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

Brian Thomas Jr. Oct 28 8:50pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

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

Jauan Jennings Oct 28 8:40pm CT
Jauan Jennings

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

Christian McCaffrey Oct 28 8:30pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

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

Deebo Samuel Oct 28 8:20pm CT
Deebo Samuel

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

Joe Flacco Oct 28 7:13pm CT
Joe Flacco

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.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jordan Mason Oct 28 6:10pm CT
Jordan Mason

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

Allen Lazard Oct 28 6:00pm CT
Allen Lazard

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

Greg Zuerlein Oct 28 5:50pm CT
Greg Zuerlein

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

Roman Wilson Oct 28 5:40pm CT
Roman Wilson

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

Jaire Alexander Oct 28 5:30pm CT
Jaire Alexander

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

Tee Higgins Oct 28 5:20pm CT
Tee Higgins

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

Anthony Richardson Oct 28 2:30pm CT
Anthony Richardson

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