Waivering: Week 6

Tue Oct 7 9:20am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Hill is back and will get his touches


This past week wasn’t nearly as bad as the last few when it comes to injuries. Sure, a few players went down, but not near the volume of the last few weeks. Let’s hope this is a trend going forward. So with that said, the options on waivers aren’t quite as plentiful as the last few weeks. There are still some options out there, but it is a little tougher to find those impactful players this week.

Here are some of the options to consider. . . .

QUARTERBACK

Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins (58.3% owned). The Dolphins offense is starting to click a little, looking much better than earlier this season. Tagovailoa has 20-plus fantasy points two of four games. He has multiple touchdown passes four straight, showing great consistency. If you need a dependable quarterback, he is worth grabbing.

Mac Jones, 49ers (13.3% owned). Jones continues to impress when given the chance in San Francisco. He scored 25.6 fantasy points last week, throwing for 342 yards and two touchdowns. The 49ers are not going to rush Brock Purdy back with Jones playing well. He could be worth some spot starts for fantasy teams while Purdy is out.

RUNNING BACK

Kendre Miller, Saints (64.9% owned). Miller was not picked up in all leagues last week but is getting closer. He led the Saints backfield in rush attempts Week 5, rushing 10 times for 41 yards. He has double-digit carries two straight games. Miller is quickly gaining steam in this Saints offense.

Rico Dowdle, Panthers (66.9% owned). Dowdle took advantage of his starting opportunity last week and might have earned more work going forward - even when Chuba Hubbard is healthy and playing. Dowdle had an amazing game Week 5, rushing 23 times for 206 yards and a touchdown. He is not available in many leagues but still out there in a few. Go grab him if you are in one of those leagues.

Michael Carter, Cardinals (56.6% owned). Carter was the lead back for the Cardinals last week with Trey Benson out. Carter played pretty well, rushing 18 times for 51 yards and a touchdown. He is going to lead the way in the backfield for the Cardinals until Benson returns, giving him obvious fantasy value. 

Kimani Vidal, Chargers (2.8% owned). With Omarion Hampton banged up, Vidal could be the next man up for the Chargers. He got his first work of the season last week, rushing four times for 18 yards. He has some potential in his high-powered offense and should be added, especially if you are a Hampton owner.

Hassan Haskins, Chargers (2.0% owned). Haskins had a season-best five carries for 13 yards last week, getting much of his work after Hampton was hurt. He could end up being the lead back or split the work for the Chargers at running back if Hampton misses time. Haskins is another solid pickup for any team that owns Hampton or needs some depth at running back.

WIDE RECEIVER

Kendrick Bourne, 49ers (5.5% owned). Bourne had a breakout game for the 49ers last week, getting a chance to serve as the No. 1 receiver because of injury. He had 10 receptions for 142 yards on 11 targets. You can’t expect this every week but he has some value if the 49ers top receivers miss more time.

Ryan Flournoy, Cowboys (0.2% owned). Flournoy got a lot more chances last week and took advantage, catching six passes for 114 yards on nine targets. He also ran twice. If CeeDee Lamb misses more time, Flournoy could be worth a start or two for fantasy teams. He is getting more chances.

Xavier Hutchinson, Texans (0.6% owned). Hutchinson had three receptions for 18 yards and two touchdowns last week. He hasn’t gotten a lot of work this year but has multiple receptions all five games. He is getting some chances and his role might be growing a little after his big performance.

Andrei Iosivas, Bengals (3.4% owned). Iosivas was having a disappointing start to his year but got it going last week. He got more work and played well, catching five passes for 82 yards on seven targets. Maybe this is the game that gets him on the field more. We’ll see.

TIGHT END

Theo Johnson, Giants (9.2% owned). Johnson found the end zone for the second straight game last week. He has double-digit fantasy points two straight and seems to have a legit rapport with new starting quarterback Jaxson Dart. His value continues to rise on a weekly basis.

Darren Waller, Dolphins (65.3% owned). This is likely the last week you can get Waller from waivers. He was grabbed in most leagues last week after his big performance but followed that with another great game. He had five receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. Waller is going to be a big part of this passing game as long as he can stay healthy.

A.J. Barner, Seahawks (5.1% owned). Barner scored two more touchdowns last week, giving him scores two straight and three of four. Barner has emerged as the top tight end for the Seahawks and is getting more and more work every week. He has some real value for tight-end needy teams.

Taysom Hill, Saints (18.2% owned). Hill returned from his torn ACL last week and played his usual do-it all role. He attempted a pass and ran six times. He didn’t do much with his chances, but his weekly potential is high with this much work. Remember, he had three games last year with 14-plus fantasy points before getting hurt. He really should be owned in most formats because of his boom-or-bust potential.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at [email protected]. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 6

Player Notes
Aidan Hutchinson Oct 9 1:10am ET
Aidan Hutchinson

Detroit Lions edge defender Aidan Hutchinson is tied for third in the league with five sacks on the season and "looks destined for a new deal", according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. With Hutchinson in the fourth year of his career, he is extension eligible, and the two sides have had discussions about a possible long-term deal. He'll be expected to land in the range of Green Bay edge rusher Micah Parsons's record-setting new contract. Fowler is unsure if Hutchinson will surpass that mark, but will almost certainly be in the same neighborhood. It's great to see Hutchinson back and fully healthy after suffering a tough leg injury last season, and he is back as one of the best defensive players in the league.

From RotoBaller

Will Dissly Oct 9 1:00am ET
Will Dissly

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Will Dissly (knee) is off the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Dolphins. Dissly was able to get a full week of practice in last week, but ultimately didn't suit up against Washington. He missed three straight games with the knee injury, but appears to be on the right track to play in Week 6. He'll likely serve as a depth piece behind rookie Oronde Gasden and Tyler Conklin.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 9 12:50am ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (ankle) was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, according to Mike Triplett of New Orleans Football. Johnson was questionable headed into Week 5 against the Giants, but was ultimately able to suit up and played 85% of the snaps. The returns of tight ends Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau could limit future opportunities for Johnson, but he is still the best pass catcher of the three and one of the Saints' best options overall. But he has fallen off a bit over the last two weeks after a hot start to the season. He'll rank as a mid-range TE2 for Week 6 against the Patriots.

From RotoBaller

Dyami Brown Oct 9 12:40am ET
Dyami Brown

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Dyami Brown (shoulder) was listed as limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the team. The 25-year-old missed their Week 4 matchup but was cleared from the injury report ahead of the Week 5 game against the Chiefs. He popped again here to begin the practice week, but he should likely be good to go again in Week 6. He caught two of four targets for 15 yards against the Chiefs and will likely only be relevant in deeper leagues on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Bhayshul Tuten Oct 9 12:30am ET
Bhayshul Tuten

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to the team. After being limited in practice all last week, Tuten begins the Week 6 practice week with the same tag. He played in Monday night's win over the Chiefs, handling four rushes for only six yards and catching his lone target for five yards. The team may be keeping the rookie fresh during the week with the shoulder issue. Tuten will remain the primary backup to Travis Etienne Jr. for the time being and ranks as a low-end flex play for Week 6, assuming he is good to go.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Oct 9 12:20am ET
Mac Jones

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (knee) was limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. Jones has been battling a PCL sprain that he aggravated in their Week 3 win over Arizona. The injury hasn't affected Jones' performance too much as he has played very well in place of Brock Purdy (toe). In his three starts, Jones is completing 66.7% of his passes and averaging 302 passing yards and two touchdowns per game. And he showed tremendous fight while clearly playing hurt in their upset win over the Rams in primetime. While the 49ers will be without most of their pass-catching core again, Jones was able to make it work, mostly through Kendrick Bourne and Christian McCaffrey. Assuming Jones is good to go, he will rank as a high-end fantasy QB2 for a potential shootout against Tampa Bay in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Oct 8 10:00pm ET
Miles Sanders

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (knee, ankle) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Sanders returns to practice here after missing all the sessions last week before being ruled out for Week 5. The fact Sanders was able to practice at all is a positive sign. The 28-year-old is currently dealing with both a knee and ankle issue. If active, Sanders figures to serve in a reserve role to Javonte Williams in Week 6. The most touches Sanders has seen in a game is nine carries for 41 yards in Week 3. There's limited upside here with Williams healthy and running the ball well. If Sanders sits, Jaydon Blue could see more involvement, but isn't much of a fantasy option.

From RotoBaller

KaVontae Turpin Oct 8 9:50pm ET
KaVontae Turpin

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin (foot) doesn't expect to be ready to play for the Week 6 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Turpin appears to be in line to miss his second straight game due to a foot sprain. He hasn't officially been ruled out, but the fact that Turpin is saying this at the beginning of the practice week isn't a good sign. Ryan Flournoy hauled in six receptions for 114 yards last week. He figures to have an increased role again, but is more of a deep league option. Jalen Tolbert should see more of the field as well, but is coming off a dud in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 8 9:40pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was unable to practice on Wednesday. This doesn't come as shocking news as Evans continues to work his way back from a hamstring strain he suffered in Week 3. Head coach Todd Bowles said Evans is making progress, but didn't give much information on a possible timetable for Evans. There is a chance that Evans does practice this week and play against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. However, fantasy managers should prepare for Evans to likely miss at least one more game. Fellow wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) also missed Wednesday's practice session. If both wideouts are out, Emeka Egbuka and Sterling Shepard would be the top options in the receiving game.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 8 9:40pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) was absent during Wednesday's practice session. Godwin made his season debut in Week 4 and already picked up a new injury. The 29-year-old is reportedly dealing with a fibula issue, which sounds like an injury that could sideline him in Week 6. It's only Wednesday, so fantasy managers shouldn't jump to conclusions yet. However, fantasy managers should monitor the injury report on Thursday and Friday. Fellow wideout Mike Evans (hamstring) remained out of practice on Wednesday. If they both sit, Emeka Egbuka and Sterling Shepard would be the top wideouts for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers.

From RotoBaller

Zay Flowers Oct 8 9:30pm ET
Zay Flowers

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (shoulder) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried as this seems like a minor issue. It's the beginning of the practice week, so teams are usually cautious even with minor issues. Flowers is coming off a game where he hauled in five receptions for 72 yards in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. It's unclear if quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) will be back in Week 6. If not, all of the Ravens offensive players will take a hit in value. If Flowers sits out, Rashod Bateman and DeAndre Hopkins would see bigger roles. For now, fantasy managers should consider Flowers as day-to-day and expect him to suit up in Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Oct 8 9:20pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (hip, thumb) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. Tagovailoa apparently suffered a hip and left thumb injury during last Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. The 27-year-old didn't show any signs of being injured when he threw for 256 yards with three touchdowns. He's finally starting to turn a page with five touchdowns and zero interceptions over his last two games. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about Tagovailoa for Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Chargers. It's the beginning of the week and the Dolphins are going to be careful especially with Tagovailoa's injury history. At the moment, fantasy managers should fully expect Tagovailoa out there for Week 6.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Oct 8 7:43pm ET
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (hip) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Fantasy Spin: Waller will probably return to practice later in the week and should be ready to play in Week 6. He has been a solid part of the passing game since joining the lineup with three touchdowns in two games. He should see a handful of targets this week and can be a low-end No. 1 tight end in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Lavonte David Oct 8 7:33pm ET
Lavonte David

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring), WR Chris Godwin (fibula), RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), CB Zyon McCollum (thumb) and CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 8. LB Lavonte David (knee), CB Jamel Dean (hip), s Christian Izien (quadriceps) and OT Tristan Wirfs (knee) were limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

Marlon Humphrey Oct 8 7:33pm ET
Marlon Humphrey

Baltimore Ravens S Alohi Gilman could start immediately in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams, alongside rookie S Malaki Starks, as S Kyle Hamilton (groin) and CB Marlon Humphrey (calf) still banged up.

From TheHuddle

Chris Godwin Oct 8 7:23pm ET
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (fibula) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 8.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation during the week to see if Godwin will be able to play in Week 6. He has posted only 52 yards in his two games since returning to the lineup but will see a decent amount of targets if he plays this week. He can be at least a flex option in most leagues.

From TheHuddle

Lamar Jackson Oct 8 7:23pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) was unable to practice Wednesday, Oct. 8, and he appears unlikely to be able to play in Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Fantasy Spin: There is still time for Jackson to get back on the field, but all indications are that Jackson will miss a second straight game, with QB Cooper Rush making the start again. If you normally rely upon Jackson, it appears he'll be sidelined until Week 8, after the team's bye in Week 7, giving him a full month to recover from his hamstring injury. As much as fantasy managers don't likely want to see him miss a second straight game, it is probably best for him not to rush back and potentially aggravate the injury.

From TheHuddle

Quentin Johnston Oct 8 7:20pm ET
Quentin Johnston

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (hamstring) was listed as a limited practice participant in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. It's unclear if Johnston is in danger of missing a Week 6 game against the Miami Dolphins on the road, but it's something worth watching the rest of the week. The 24-year-old former first-rounder came out of the gates hot in his third NFL season to post four touchdowns in the first four weeks, but he had his worst game of the year in the Week 5 loss to the Washington Commanders, catching four passes for 40 yards while also losing a fumble. Johnston isn't going away in L.A.'s offense, though, and the Bolts could be looking to throw the ball more with rookie running back Omarion Hampton (ankle) on Injured Reserve. If Johnston is active in Week 6, he'll have a good chance to score his fifth TD of the year against Miami.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Oct 8 7:20pm ET
Christian Watson

In his return to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) was listed as limited, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. The Packers opened Watson's 21-day practice window to officially return from the Physically Unable to Perform list. It means that the 26-year-old can resume practicing with the team, but it doesn't make him a lock to make his 2025 debut in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Watson suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in the Week 18 regular-season finale last year, which is why he has missed the first five games of 2025. At the very least, though, Watson deserves waiver-wire consideration with his return on the horizon. When healthy, Watson gives the Packers an explosive deep threat, although his fantasy value could very well be boom/bust in a crowded Packers receiving room.

From RotoBaller

Eric Murray Oct 8 7:13pm ET
Eric Murray

Jacksonville Jaguars C Robert Hainsey (hamstring) and P Logan Cooke (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 8. LB Yasir Abdullah (hamstring), DE Travon Walker (wrist), WR Dyami Brown (shoulder), OG Ezra Cleveland (ankle), OT Chuma Edoga (knee), OT Anton Harrison (elbow), Og Patrick Mekari (knee), S Eric Murray (neck) and RB Bhayshul Tuten (shoulder) were limited during practice. The Jaguars only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so the report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle