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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Texans RBs Joe Mixon (ankle), Dameon Pierce (hamstring) sit out practice

Thu Sep 26 10:24pm ET
Field Level Media

The Houston Texans are closing in on having to rely on Cam Akers at running back for a second straight week, as fellow running backs Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce missed practice for a second straight day on Thursday.

Pierce, the team's leading rusher as a rookie in 2022, is battling a hamstring injury. Mixon, who joined the Texans in the offseason after starring for the Cincinnati Bengals for seven seasons, is considered week-to-week after suffering a sprained ankle against the Chicago Bears in Week 2.

Mixon, 28, is the team's leading rusher with 184 yards on 39 carries despite missing the Texans' 34-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last week.

In his absence, Akers, 25, scraped out just 21 yards on nine carries (2.3 yards per carry) to lead the team. The Texans (2-1) managed just 38 yards on the ground as a team.

Pierce, 24, has also missed significant time, appearing in just one game this season (Week 1 vs. the Indianapolis Colts), running the ball three times for 16 yards. The team is optimistic he can return soon, though he sat out his second straight practice Thursday.

Pierce ran for 939 yards in 2022 before running for 416 yards last season.

Wide receiver Tank Dell (hand/ribs) and safety Jimmie Ward (groin) also didn't practice Thursday, as the Texans prepare to host the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) on Sunday.

Wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (shoulder) participated on a limited basis.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars had a new addition to the injury report in linebacker Devin Lloyd (knee). Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun already was reported out with a foot issue, plantar fasciitis, and is expected to miss several weeks. Tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) has been out since warmups against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 15.

Listed as limited on Thursday were running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder), offensive lineman Cam Robinson (knee), wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) and defensive backs Darnell Savage (quadricep), Jarrian Jones (shoulder) and Montaric Brown (chest).

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Player Notes
Jaylen Warren Sep 26 11:30pm CT
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) missed a second consecutive practice on Thursday. Now, less than three days until Pittsburgh's Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts, it looks like Warren is trending toward being inactive, though Friday's injury report should provide more context surrounding his status. If he is indeed sidelined, Najee Harris would see a few more opportunities in his existing role as the Steelers' No. 1 running back. Such a situation would also lead to additional volume for veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, who becomes a low-end RB3/FLEX play in leagues with 14 teams or more.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 26 11:30pm CT
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf, quad) logged his second consecutive limited practice on Thursday. His status for Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings is still in the air, but perhaps Friday's injury report will be able to provide additional context. Reed has produced mixed results over the last two weeks but will trend upward if quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is able to return on Sunday. When Reed and Love last played together in Week 1, the young receiver broke free for 158 rushing yards, 33 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns. Reed ranks a WR3/FLEX if he plays this weekend, and he would jump to the WR2 tier if Love is also active.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 26 11:20pm CT
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (rest) practiced in a full capacity on Thursday, according to the team. He had missed practice on Wednesday, but it was merely to give him a little rest, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that he was back on Thursday. Harris could be headed for an expanded role in Week 4 with Jaylen Warren (knee) trending in the wrong direction. If Warren can't play, Harris, who has already been productive as Pittsburgh's top running back, would likely see extra opportunities. He's a fringe top-24 fantasy running back heading into this week's clash against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Sep 26 11:10pm CT
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons (left foot) was carted to the locker room during the final minutes of Thursday's game against the New York Giants. The defensive standout was in visible pain, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Parsons only had a slight limp when he saw the linebacker in the locker room postgame. Fowler noted that Parsons told a teammate, "Yeah, I'll be good." Fortunately for the Cowboys, they have 10 full days until their next game, giving Parsons a little extra time to get healthy. Assuming his postgame comments are accurate, it doesn't sound like he'll miss much time, if any at all.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 26 10:30pm CT
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) finished Thursday's NFC East clash with the Cowboys by amassing 12 receptions (15 targets) for 115 yards. The rookie had a stellar showing in the Week 3 meeting with the Cleveland Browns, so expectations were high. While Nabers delivered as advertised, he suffered a concussion late in the fourth quarter. It's certainly not the news fantasy managers want to hear. Fortunately, the Giants have extra time before the Week 5 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. However, if Nabers isn't available, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton will be the favorites to pick up the slack.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 26 9:30pm CT
Lamar Jackson

The Buffalo Bills defense/special teams, one of the best units in fantasy football through three weeks, draws one of the worst matchups of the Week 4 slate. The Baltimore Ravens average the most yards per game in the NFL. Behind Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, they also average the second-most rush yards per game. With a lack of pass attempts, there are fewer opportunities for the Bills to add sacks and interceptions to their totals. Jackson has only been sacked three times, tied for the second-fewest among quarterbacks who have started all three games. Fantasy managers should look for a better defensive matchup on the waiver wire to start in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Sep 26 9:20pm CT
Ray Davis

Fresh off his first career touchdown, Ray Davis enters Week 4 as one of the best running back bench stashes across the league. The Bills are committed to a dedicated rushing attack, leaning on James Cook early in games as they build their leads. Davis spells Cook on early downs, while Ty Johnson enters the game on third downs. Consecutive blowouts have boosted Davis' opportunities. He's averaging eight carries per game over the last two contests. In Buffalo's one close game (Week 1), he was handed the rock just three times. Should Cook suffer an injury, Davis would be a plug-and-play option. For now, keep the rookie at the end of fantasy football benches.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 26 9:10pm CT
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) was upgraded to a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Garrett missed practice to open the week, but was a limited during Thursday's session. It sounds like the superstar pass rusher plans to play through his injuries. This might be something the teams needs to maintenance throughout the season and give Garrett rest days. They can't afford for Garrett to miss any games. Garrett has six tackles and two sacks through the first three games of the season. His absence would be a huge blow to this defensive unit.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 26 9:10pm CT
Keon Coleman

Khalil Shakir has emerged as the top wide receiver in the Buffalo offense, so where does that leave Keon Coleman? The rookie caught his first professional touchdown against the Jaguars in Week 3, but that was his only catch of the game. The coaching staff held Coleman out of the first quarter due to showing up late for meetings. Then came a blowout, which brought the rookie back to the bench. Therefore, the route participation number isn't as concerning as it might seem, but there's still a big group clamoring for targets. Despite the plus matchup against the Ravens, Coleman needs to remain on fantasy football benches until he sees a steady, reliable target share.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Sep 26 9:10pm CT
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel was brought to Buffalo to potentially be one of the top passing-game options for Josh Allen. Through three weeks, he's played exactly 27% of snaps in every contest. On the season, Samuel has seven targets and six receptions for 40 yards. He also has one rush for no gain. Khalil Shakir is blossoming in the slot and the Bills like the blocking ability Mack Hollins brings on the outside. Without regular usage in the offense, Samuel isn't considered a good fantasy football option against the Baltimore Ravens. To take it a step further, he doesn't need to be rostered in standard-sized redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 26 9:00pm CT
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was back on the practice field on Thursday. This is a welcoming sight as this was Njoku's first practice since September 6. It still remains unclear if Njoku will suit up for the Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Friday's practice session should go a long way to determining whether or not Njoku plays. There's a chance that Njoku is on a snap count considering he hasn't played since Week 1. If healthy, Njoku should be a low-end TE1 against a Raiders defense that has struggled to slow down the tight end this season.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 26 9:00pm CT
Dalton Kincaid

Week 4 may be the Dalton Kincaid breakout game fantasy managers have been waiting for. The Buffalo Bills tight end has only registered eight catches for 85 yards and one touchdown through three games. Blowouts took him off the field early in the last two games, but that may not be the case on Sunday night. The Ravens should score enough to keep pace with the Bills. Plus, the Ravens are the best rush defense in the league and have allowed the second-most receptions and yards to tight ends this season. Fire up Kincaid as a TE1 in fantasy football lineups this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 26 9:00pm CT
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has yet to miss on any of his 14 targets in 2024 and is cementing his status as the team's go-to option at wide receiver. In Week 4, Shakir draws a Baltimore secondary that is the worst defense against the pass through three games. CeeDee Lamb is the only opposing WR1 who didn't top 100 yards against the Ravens. Rashee Rice and Davante Adams each hit triple digits. While Shakir doesn't go downfield as much, he's set for a safe PPR floor against this shaky secondary. With what projects to be a more competitive game than we've seen from Buffalo in the last couple of weeks, Shakir is at worst a flex in lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 26 8:50pm CT
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. It seems that Addison is on track to play in Week 4 after getting in back-to-back limited practice designations. Addison hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. It wouldn't be shocking to see Addison on a snap count during his first game back. If active this weekend, Addison should be a low-end WR3 at worst. The Vikings are limited on offensive weapons and Addison was playing well before the injury, so he should be a solid WR2 once he's back to full health.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Sep 26 8:50pm CT
Josh Allen

A competitive football game is preventing Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen from delivering all-time fantasy football performances. Even in the blowout win in Week 3 that took him off the field in the fourth quarter, Allen still scored four touchdowns and finished as the QB1. That's the second time in three weeks he's accomplished that feat. The Baltimore Ravens should present a tougher test than Miami and Jacksonville, at least on offense. The Ravens are allowing the most passing yards in the league this season. Lamar Jackson and the rest of the Ravens' offense should score enough to make Allen keep his foot on the gas. Allen has a great chance to finish as the QB1 for the third time this season and should be started across the board.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Sep 26 8:50pm CT
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, the current RB6 in fantasy football, draws his toughest test yet of the 2024 season. The Baltimore Ravens allow a league-low 50 rushing yards per game, 21 yards fewer than the next team on the list. The Raiders and Cowboys' subpar rushing attacks brought the average down, but the Ravens limited Isiah Pacheco to three yards per carry in Week 1. While the Ravens are stout against the run, they allow the eighth-most receptions to running backs, an area where Cook can thrive. As hot as the Buffalo offense is, it's impossible to shy away from Josh Allen, Cook, and the other big names on the Bills. Start Cook as a low-end RB1 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Sep 26 8:40pm CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers Mike Evans (knee) and Chris Godwin (neck) remained limited participants during Thursday's practice session. This is back-to-back days that these two have been limited, but fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned. Neither injury is considered serious and these are more considered maintenance days for the veteran receivers. Evans has taken a backseat to Godwin over the last few weeks. However, both players are solid fantasy options heading into the Week 4 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. If one of them does miss sit, Jalen McMillan, Cade Otton, and Rachaad White would likely see bigger workloads as receiving options.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 26 8:20pm CT
Evan Engram

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) remained absent from Thursday's practice. Ugh, this is not a good sign heading into this weekend's games. Engram has now missed back-to-back practices this week and hasn't played since Week 1. There's a chance that Engram practices on Friday and does end up playing against the Houston Texans. If not, Brenton Strange will be in line for a larger workload. He hauled in two receptions for 12 yards and a touchdown last week. He has recorded 77 yards over the last two games, but remains more of a deep league option.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 26 8:20pm CT
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen (heel) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice. The veteran wideout has now been limited for two straight days. That is actually good news as it seems like Allen is on track to return in Week 4. He hasn't played since Week 1 due to a lingering heel issue. However, he saw 11 targets during the season opener. He figures to be a focal point of this offense once he's able to play again. Fantasy managers can go ahead and consider Allen a WR3, assuming he's able to suit up in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 26 7:40pm CT
Noah Fant

Seattle Seahawks tight end Noah Fant was finally involved in Week 3. After catching three total passes in Weeks 1 and 2, Fant caught six passes for 60 yards in Week 3. He actually has 13 targets on the year which is solid for a tight end. Given the state of the tight end position in fantasy, the athleticism of Fant makes him an intriguing stash. If he can get anywhere close to his Week 3 output in Week 4, then Fant may be worth starting moving forward. However, outside of DK Metcalf, the Seahawks' pass catchers have been inconsistent. It remains to be seen how new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb will fully deploy his talented group of skill players.

From RotoBaller