DFS Alerts
CHI RB Damien Williams placed on COVID-19 list
Another example of how the COVID protocols can drastically change the DFS landscape, Williams was put on the COVID-19 list due to a positive test Thursday, which almost certainly means he’ll sit Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. A player needs two negative tests 24 hours apart to be taken off the list, so the timing will be tight with the game only three days away. Williams had been the primary back with David Montgomery on IR, but was splitting reps with Khalil Herbert. Now, Herbert will have the work to himself primarily; Ryan Nall may play a few snaps, while Artavis Pearce is likely to be elevated from the practice squad. Herbert’s salary is near the floor across the industry, and as a starting RB, he’ll likely be one of the best values on the slate.
As reported by: Tom Pelissero via Twitter
NYG RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) and WR Kenny Golladay (knee) both DNP Thursday
Two of the Giants top options are both expected to sit this week, and this practice report further cements that. Barkley hurt his ankle last week, and will likely be doubtful at best tomorrow, while Golladay is expected to miss due to a knee injury he suffered against the Cowboys. Barkley will be replaced by Booker, who should carry the bulk of the workload. Golladay’s absence along with Slayton’s and Shepard’s return means a three man committee of Slayton, Shepard and Kadarius Toney, who was limited in practice Thursday as well.
As reported by: Ralph Vacchiano via Twitter Other tagged players: Kenny Golladay CAR RB Christian McCaffrey DNP Thursday
After getting a limited practice in Wednesday, CMC took a step back as he was unable to practice Thursday due to his hamstring. This is a worrisome sign for him, as the Panthers prepare to play the Minnesota Vikings Sunday. CMC’s practice tomorrow will be a big indicator; last week, he got in a limited session but was still listed as doubtful. It’s looking he’ll be questionable at best tomorrow, but that would still be an upgrade over last week. If he sits, it’ll be the Chuba Hubbard show once again, who had a good game last week in his second straight start. He had 24 carries for 101 yards, along with 5 catches for 33 yards. His salary has gone up since CMC was first ruled out, but he’d be in consideration since he has the lion’s share of the work.
As reported by: Ian Rapaport via Twitter Other tagged players: Christian McCaffrey WAS WR Curtis Samuel and WR Cam Sims DNP Thursday; RB Antonio Gibson and WR Dyami Brown limited
The Football Team’s injury report has been pretty lengthy all year, and today was no exception. Samuel and Sims both didn’t practice, and both appear on their way to be missing Sunday’s game. Gibson was listed as limited, and it’s been clear over the last few weeks that Gibson will be playing through the stress fracture in his shin. Brown got his second straight limited session in, and appears to be ready to play after missing one week due to a knee injury. In the game with the highest total of the slate, Terry McLaurin and Ricky Seals-Jones will be the top two options (price and position considered), but if Samuel and Sims sit, Adam Humphries and Brown may be sneaky options due to the high volume of passing attempts expected against the high octane Chiefs.
As reported by: Nicki Jhabvala via twitter Other tagged players: Cam Sims, Antonio Gibson, Dyami Brown KC WR Tyreek Hill (quad) DNP Thursday
Hill has missed his second straight day of practice as the Chiefs prepare to play the Washington Football Team. Hill’s been dealing with a quad issue, and two straight DNPs start to become a worry for the team. Tomorrow’s practice will be key; if he plays, he’s in a great spot in the highest total game on the main slate. If he sits, targets would definitely flow to Travis Kelce, but Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, and Josh Gordon would all see more work.
As reported by: Adam Teicher via Twitter NYG QB Daniel Jones to practice Thursday; Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard practice again
Despite taking that very scary hit last weekend, Jones looks to be on track to play Sunday against the LA Rams. Jones got in a limited practice, although he did not have any contact. Coach Joe Judge mentioned that Jones looks to be on track to clear the concussion protocol, but he still needs to clear steps tomorrow, which will include being cleared by an independent neurologist. Jones may be getting some weapons back, as Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard appear to be on their way back, along with the emerging Kadarius Toney. Still, a matchup with the Rams as 10 point dogs is not likely the best place to attack the QB position in DFS lineups.
As reported by: Jordan Raanan via Twitter TEN WR Julio Jones returns to practice Wednesday
Julio Jones returned to practice Wednesday after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring injury. Jones should immediately slot back in as the WR2 for the Titans across from A.J. Brown. The Titans take on the Buffalo Bills on Monday night in what should be a good matchup. The Bills defense has been tough, just last week stifling the Kansas City Chiefs but the Titans will look to Jones, Brown, and Derrick Henry to lead them, all of whom should be considered on the showdown slate.
As reported by: Turron Davenport
LAC WR Mike Williams (knee) DNP Wednesday
Mike Williams (knee) logged a DNP Wednesday ahead of their Sunday game against the Baltimore Ravens. This was likely an injury management absence rather than something to be concerned about but we should continue to monitor his practice status the rest of the week. If Williams were to be unable to play Keenen Allen, Austin Ekeler, and the other Chargers pass catchers would see a boost in what looks to be one of the highest scoring games of the slate.
As reported by: Adam Caplan KCC WR Tyreek Hill (quad) and TE Blake Bell (back) DNP Wednesday
Tyreek Hill (quad) and Blake Bell (back) logged DNPs Wednesday ahead of their contest with the Washington Football Team on Sunday. Hill will likely be ready to go but Sunday but it is important to pay attention to the practice report for the rest of the week to make sure he is able to log at least one limited practice by Friday to alleviate any concerns. Bell is not DFS relevant and even if he is able to suit up should not play much of a role for the Chiefs as they look to bounce back against Washington.
As reported by: Kansas City Chiefs Other tagged players: Blake Bell CHI WR Allen Robinson (ankle) and TE J.P. Holtz (quad) DNP Wednesday
Allen Robinson (ankle) and J.P. Holtz (quad) logged DNPs Wednesday ahead of the Bears’ matchup with the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Robinson is dealing with an ankle injury but is expected to play so this was likely just a case of managing the injury. Even if Holtz is able to play he is not expected to be DFS relevant as he is the third or fourth tight end option for the Bears. Right now it is difficult to feel comfortable playing any Bears pass catchers in DFS as they have yet to form a consistent connection with newly named starter Justin Fields.
As reported by: Brad Biggs Other tagged players: J.P. Holtz MIN RB Dalvin Cook limited Wednesday; WR Adam Thielen, WR Justin Jefferson, RB Alexander Mattison, and TE Ben Ellefson DNP
Dalvin Cook practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday while Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, Alexander Mattison, and Ben Ellefson logged DNPs. Obviously, this early in the week it is tough to be too concerned about most of these guys missing practice but it does mean they are somewhat banged up and their practice status is worth keeping an eye on the rest of the week. The good news is that Dalvin Cook was able to practice in a limited capacity on Wednesday after missing last Sunday’s game. If Cook is a full go he is one of the top running backs in the league and a good option in DFS even with a tough matchup with the Carolina Panthers.
As reported by: Andrew Krammer Other tagged players: Adam Thielen, Justin Jefferson, Alexander Mattison, Ben Ellefson NEP RB Damien Harris (ribs) DNP Wednesday
Damien Harris (ribs) logged a DNP Wednesday ahead of the Patriots matchup with the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. It is still too early in the week to be concerned about this absence but it is worth keeping an eye on. If Harris were to be unable to go it is likely that Rhamondre Stevenson, Brandon Bolden, and J.J. Taylor would all play a bigger role in the New England backfield.
As reported by: Ben Volin GBP WR Equanimeous St. Brown signed to active roster
Equanimeous St. Brown has been signed to the Packers’ active roster. St. Brown has been active for a few games this season so this was an expected move after his practice squad elevations were used up. St. Brown will continue to serve as the team’s WR5. At this juncture St. Brown is not DFS relevant.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson TBB TE Deon Yelder elevated from practice squad to active roster for Thursday
Deon Yelder has been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster for Thursday’s contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. Yelder should serve as the third tight end behind O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate and is not likely to be DFS relevant outside of a punt option with the hope of him catching a touchdown on a very limited snap count.
As reported by: Aaron Wilson ARI WR DeAndre Hopkins (illness) DNP Wednesday
DeAndre Hopkins (illness) logged a DNP Wednesday ahead of the Cardinals’ matchup with the Cleveland Browns. As of this time there is no concern over Hopkins’s status for this weekend but his practices should be monitored the rest of the week. If he were to be unable to suit up A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, and Rondale Moore would all likely playa larger role in the passing game.
As reported by: Mary Kay Cabot