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Niners' Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, George Kittle miss practice

Wed Oct 23 5:04pm ET
Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings and tight end George Kittle all missed practice on Wednesday.

Samuel was just released from the hospital on Tuesday with pneumonia-like symptoms, but he could still play this week, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wednesday. Jennings (hip) also missed last week's game against the Kansas City Chiefs while Kittle (foot) did play.

The team also announced earlier this week that WR Brandon Aiyuk is done for the season after tearing his ACL and MCL in Sunday's loss.

The Niners (3-4) host the Dallas Cowboys (3-3) on Sunday night.

Samuel was in on just four plays against the Chiefs, never touching the ball, before being ruled out since he was having trouble breathing, according to Shanahan. Samuel, 28, has 20 catches for 335 yards and one touchdown this season. He also has 19 carries for 51 yards and a score.

Jennings didn't practice at all last week. He leads San Francisco with 404 receiving yards. He also has 25 receptions and three touchdowns.

Kittle leads the team with 34 receptions and has 375 yards with five TD catches. He's considered day-to-day.

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Player Notes
D.K. Metcalf Oct 23 4:00pm CT
D.K. Metcalf

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (knee) will not practice on Wednesday or Thursday according to Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. The 26-year-old suffered a knee injury during Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Metcalf was originally deemed week-to-week but could still suit up this weekend. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as Metcalf will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend. Metcalf as enjoyed a strong start to the campaign as he has scored at least 17.0 PPR points in four out of the seven games he has played in this season. If he is able to suit up this weekend he should be started in all formats as a high-end WR2. If he cannot play, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba should see an increase in targets.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Oct 23 4:00pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday according to Dave Zangaro of NBCS Philadelphia. Goedert did not play in last weekend's game due to a hamstring injury he suffered during Week 6. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the week as he still has two more opportunities to participate in practice before the weekend. If Goedert is able to play on Sunday, he should be viewed as a low-end TE1 facing a Cincinnati defense who has allowed the 29th-most points to opposing tight ends. If he cannot play, fantasy managers should expect both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to see the vast majority of targets in the Philadelphia air attack.

From RotoBaller

Chris Olave Oct 23 3:50pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (concussion) was at Wednesday's practice, according to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football Network. Olave was sidelined last week with a concussion. This is a great sign to see him return to practice, however, the 24-year-old will need to pass concussion protocol before he can officially return to game action. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status throughout the week. If Olave is able to return this weekend, he should be started in all formats as a WR2 facing a tough Los Angeles Chargers defense that has allowed the second-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will make another start as well, which will make Olave more volatile.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Oct 23 3:40pm CT
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) was officially placed on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 26-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL in last Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. As a result, Deebo Samuel Sr. (illness), Jauan Jennings (hip) and rookie Ricky Pearsall are expected to lead the wide receiver room for the remainder of the season. However, Samuel left last game early due to pneumonia and is in danger of missing Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, which could open up a larger role for Jennings, Pearsall and rookie Jacob Cowing. Fantasy managers looking to add a receiver with upside for high volume should check their waiver wire for both Jennings and Pearsall, as they should have a profound role in the offense going forward.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Oct 23 3:30pm CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Vikings, according to Adam Grosbard of the O.C. Register. Nacua has been sidelined since leaving the season opener early with a PCL sprain and has a chance to return to the field as early as this week. Nacua was able to log two limited practice sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, which is a positive sign for his status. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor him ahead of Thursday's game. If the 23-year-old is able to suit up, he should be locked into all lineups while facing a Minnesota secondary that has allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season. If he is unable to play, Cooper Kupp (ankle) should be expected to see a heavy dose of targets with Tutu Atwelland Demarcus Robinson operating as the No. 2 and No. 3 options.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 23 3:20pm CT
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is off the injury report and is expected to play on Thursday evening according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Kupp has been sidelined since Week 3 after suffering an ankle injury during the second week of the season. In the season opener, the former Super Bowl MVP caught an impressive 14 receptions for 110 yards and a score off 21 targets. Before leaving early in Week 2, Kupp brought in four of his six targets. Fantasy managers should feel confident starting the 31-year-old in all formats on Thursday night as he should see a hefty target share and have top-10 positional upside in PPR formats facing a Minnesota defense who has allowed the most points to opposing wideouts.

From RotoBaller

Spencer Rattler Oct 23 3:10pm CT
Spencer Rattler

New Orleans Saints rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler will start again this Sunday according to Sean Fazende of FOX 8. Rattler has gotten starting nod in each of the past two weeks has averaged 207.5 passing yards per game with one total score. After eclipsing 200 yards in his professional debut, he took a step back last Thursday and tallied just 172 passing yards. Fantasy managers in Superflex formats should continue to hold on to Rattler for the time being as he should remain the starter until Derek Carr (oblique) is ready to return. He faces a tough Los Angeles Chargers defense this weekend who has allowed the 10th-fewest points to opposing QBs and should only be started in deeper Superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 23 2:40pm CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was officially back at practice on Wednesday and has a chance to come off Injured Reserve and play this Sunday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals. It was reported on Tuesday that Tagovailoa would be a full-go in practice on Wednesday, so as long as he doesn't suffer a setback at practice, he could be cleared by an independent neurologist later this week and get the green light to return for the first time since suffering another scary concussion in Week 2. The 26-year-old obviously is an extreme injury risk and could be one more head injury from retirement, but he has low-end QB1 appeal in the right matchups when healthy. Tagovailoa's impending return is great news for fantasy managers of receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who have been untrustworthy ever since Tagovailoa was injured.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 23 2:30pm CT
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (rib, rest) was not seen on the practice field on Wednesday. Johnson has missed some practice time recently but hasn't missed any games and should be good to go for Week 8 against the Denver Broncos as long as he returns to the practice field in the next two days. In the 40-7 Week 7 loss to the Washington Commanders, Carolina's entire offense struggled, and Johnson hauled in just one of his three targets for a 17-yard gain. Quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) was involved in a car accident on Tuesday and won't play this Sunday against Denver, pushing second-year signal-caller back into a starting role against a top-five defense. Johnson had five catches for 34 yards and no TDs in the first two weeks with Young throwing him the ball. Another dud could be coming for Johnson, especially if cornerback Patrick Surtain II (concussion) is back for the Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 23 2:30pm CT
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce said that wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle), who has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury, will return to practice on Wednesday. Meyers will likely be limited as he returns to practice, but it's improvement and could allow him to return to the field on game day this Sunday against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8. If the 27-year-old is able to get the green light to return this weekend, he'll most likely operate as the WR1 for quarterback Gardner Minshew II, who will be taking over the starting role under center again now that Aidan O'Connell (thumb) is on Injured Reserve. Although the Raiders could be forced to throw plenty against KC, Meyers will be a shaky WR4/flex in deeper fantasy leagues, at best, if he plays in Week 8. In five games in 2024, he has 25 catches (36 targets) for 273 yards and a touchdown.

From RotoBaller

Bryce Young Oct 23 2:20pm CT
Bryce Young

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said that quarterback Andy Dalton (thumb) suffered a sprained thumb in the car accident he was involved in on Tuesday, and Bryce Young will make the start in Week 8 against the Denver Broncos. Dalton was given the day off on Wednesday and is now going to give the starting gig back to Young after flopping in a blowout loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 7. Young, the 23-year-old first overall pick in 2023, had an ugly rookie season and didn't look much better in the first two starts this year, completing 55.36% of his passes for 245 yards and three interceptions while being sacked six times. Although Carolina's offense has struggled in recent weeks, Dalton proved to be an immediate upgrade over Young when he took over for him in Week 3. Against one of the best defenses in the NFL, Young could struggle some more this Sunday in Denver.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 23 2:10pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday and was removed from the injury report ahead of the Week 8 game against the Los Angeles Rams. Jones was limited in practice on Monday and Tuesday with a hamstring injury, but the team likely was being cautious with him on a short week. Jones ranks 12th among running backs in half-PPR fantasy points per game (14.9), and the Rams have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points per game to the position. That said, the veteran clocks in as a fringe RB1 in the Week 8 rankings, making him a virtual must-start in most leagues.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 23 2:00pm CT
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is officially listed as questionable to face the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football in Week 8. The two-time Pro Bowler suffered an ACL tear late in the 2023 campaign and has yet to make his 2024 debut. However, he turned in limited practices all of last week and this week, so he could be ready to suit up. Fantasy managers holding Hockenson should stay ready, as this could be a true game-time decision. Hockenson was pacing for over 1,000 receiving yards last season with multiple quarterbacks at the helm, and with how well Sam Darnold is playing, he could become an immediate fantasy football factor. The Rams have allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to tight ends this year. That said, managers who do not have a clear top-10 tight end this week might as well roll the dice on him if he is active for this important NFC bout.

From RotoBaller

DeForest Buckner Oct 23 1:50pm CT
DeForest Buckner

Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman DeForest Buckner (ankle) has been designated to return to practice ahead of the Week 8 game against the Houston Texans. The former first-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 2 game against the Green Bay Packers and has been on the Injured Reserve list ever since. Whenever Buckner returns to the Colts' lineup, it will be a much-needed addition for a team allowing the second-most rushing yards per game (159.9) this season. The three-time Pro Bowler collected at least seven sacks in each of his first four seasons with the Colts, and he posted 26 run stuffs between 2022 and 2023.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 23 1:50pm CT
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is practicing on Wednesday, according to head coach Dan Campbell. The 27-year-old is dealing with a knee contusion and briefly exited last week's win against the Minnesota Vikings before returning. His participation in practice is promising for his Week 8 availability against the Tennessee Titans, but fantasy managers should monitor his status throughout the week. Montgomery had his worst fantasy outing of the season in Week 7, posting just 6.5 half-PPR points. He posted at least 14.5 half-PPR points in each of his first five games and should continue to be started in 12-plus team leagues. Although the Tennessee Titans have had one of the best defenses in the NFL up to this point, the Lions' offense is potent, and Montgomery has a great role as a primary goal-line rusher.

From RotoBaller

Haason Reddick Oct 23 1:40pm CT
Haason Reddick

New York Jets defensive end/outside linebacker Haason Reddick is on the practice field on Wednesday for the first time since being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. The 30-year-old reported to the team's facility on Monday and is beginning preparation for the Week 8 game against the New England Patriots. There's no official word on whether or not Reddick will suit up on Sunday, but all signs are pointing toward him making his team debut. Reddick has posted at least 11 sacks in each of his last four seasons, and he played for the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, and Eagles during that stretch. When at full strength, he'll provide a boost to a strong front seven that already ranks eighth in defensive sacks per game (8.0).

From RotoBaller

Andy Dalton Oct 23 1:30pm CT
Andy Dalton

Carolina Panthers quarterback Andy Dalton is not practicing on Wednesday for what is being called "a day off" by team reporter Joe Person. Dalton was involved in a car accident on Tuesday, but he and his family did not sustain any serious injuries. His excused absence from practice is likely a precautionary measure. The former second-round pick by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2011 has started the last five games for the Panthers following the benching of 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. Dalton has been up-and-down in his 14th NFL campaign, completing 66.3% of his passes for 989 yards, seven touchdowns, and six interceptions. Young will handle valuable first-team reps in Wednesday's practice, but it remains to be seen if he will get back the QB1 duties sometime this season.

From RotoBaller

Jerome Ford Oct 23 1:20pm CT
Jerome Ford

Cleveland Browns running back Jerome Ford (hamstring) is not practicing on Wednesday to begin Week 8 preparation. The third-year back out of Cincinnati did not play in Week 7 due to a hamstring injury and could be at risk of missing the Week 8 contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Luckily for Cleveland, star running back Nick Chubb returned last week for his first game since Week 2 of the 2023 campaign. However, Chubb could only rack up 25 yards on 13 touches last Sunday, though he did score a touchdown. Quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is out for the season, and Jameis Winston might provide a slight upgrade for the Cleveland offense. However, with Amari Cooper out of town, the unit as a whole is likely to remain a bottom-10 offensive attack in the NFL.

From RotoBaller

Kevin Stefanski Oct 23 1:20pm CT
Kevin Stefanski

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey will take over the play-calling duties ahead of the Week 8 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Dorsey was the Buffalo Bills' offensive coordinator in 2022 and some of 2023 before being fired. Stefanski called the plays for the first seven weeks of the season, and the Browns rank dead last in yards per game (253.9) and points per game (15.6). The Browns will also start Jameis Winston at quarterback following the season-ending Achilles injury suffered by Deshaun Watson, and star running back Nick Chubb is back in action. Amari Cooper is also out of town, so there are a lot of changes coming to the Cleveland offense. That said, the unit is still likely to remain one of the bottom 10 offenses in the NFL moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 23 1:10pm CT
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) is set to undergo surgery on Friday with Packers team physician Dr. Robert Anderson to repair his ruptured Achilles tendon, according to Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot. Watson suffered the season-ending injury in the Week 7 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and is facing a ninth-month recovery timeline. The former first-round pick by the Houston Texans did not flash in his first two seasons with Cleveland, and his 2024 season was off to a disastrous start. He completed 64.3% of his passes for 1,148 yards, five touchdowns, and three interceptions as Cleveland got out to a 1-6 record. Veteran quarterback Jameis Winston is expected to be the starter moving forward, and Watson's future with the Browns is uncertain.

From RotoBaller