DFS Alerts
WAS RB Antonio Gibson (shin) DNP Thursday
Antonio Gibson, who practiced Wednesday, did not practice Thursday ahead of Washington’s matchup with the Atlanta Falcons with a shin injury. Gibson was wearing a sleeve over his shin Wednesday and was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday, if Gibson is unable to play Sunday the backfield will be led by J.D. McKissic with Jaret Patterson serving as his backup. McKissic would be a top value option based on the volume he would be expected to see.
As reported by: Nicki Jhabvala
MIA WR Will Fuller (chest, elbow) returns to practice Thursday
Will Fuller has returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday with chest and elbow injuries. This likely means he will be available to play Sunday when the Dolphins take on the Indianapolis Colts. Fuller should slot in as WR3 behind Jaylen Waddle and DeVante Parker.
As reported by: David Furones NYG WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring) and WR Darius Slayton (hamstring) not seen practicing Thursday
Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, who are both dealing with hamstring injuries, were not seen practicing Thursday. This is not a good sign and severely hurts their chances of being able to suit up on Sunday when the Giants are scheduled to take on the New Orleans Saints. If they were both to miss Daniel Jones’s top receiving options would be Kenny Golladay, Evan Engram, Collin Johnson, and John Ross. Golladay and Engram should see an increase in targets making them better plays while Johnson and Ross could be value plays with Johnson most likely being the better option.
As reported by: Dan Duggan Other tagged players: Darius Slayton BAL QB Lamar Jackson dealing with "a little back flare-up" expected to play Sunday
Lamar Jackson is dealing with what is said to be “a little back flare-up” but is expected to play Sunday when the Ravens take on the Denver Broncos. In the unlikely case that Jackson is unable to go Tyler Huntley would be the most likely candidate to draw the start for Baltimore.
As reported by: Jamison Hensley ARI WR DeAndre Hopkins returns to practice Thursday
DeAndre Hopkins has returned to practice Thursday after missing the last four practices (dating back to last week) with a rib injury. Although he was able to suit up Sunday for the cardinals game against the Jaguars, Hopkins didn’t seem like his normal self only catching 3 of his 6 targets for 21 yards. It’s a good sign that he has returned to practice and should reclaim his role as Kyler Murray’s top option in the passing game. The Cardinals draw a tough matchup with the Los Angeles Rams in which Arizona might be forced to throw the ball more than they usually do. This could mean a big game for Hopkins and the other receivers for the Cardinals (A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, and Rondale Moore) making them better plays.
As reported by: Howard Balzer TBB WR Antonio Brown activated from Reserve/COVID-19 list, expected to play Sunday
As expected, Antonio Brown has been activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list, and is expected to play Sunday night for the Buccaneers against the New England Patriots. Brown will be back after missing last game against the Rams due to being placed on the COVID list late last week, making it almost impossible for him to get the two negative tests in a 24 hour span required to be eligible to play. Barring any conditioning limitations, Brown should be a full go on Sunday when he makes his return to New England with Tom Brady in a much anticipated SNF matchup. Brown can definitely be considered for the showdown slate but it is important to make sure he either logs a full practice or Coach Arians says he will be close to 100% to alleviate any conditioning concerns.
As reported by: Ian Rapoport MIN TE Tyler Conklin (glute, elbow) DNP Wednesday
After putting up 20 DK points last weekend, Conklin was held out of practice due to a glute and elbow issue, as the Vikings prepare to play the Cleveland Browns. It’s far too early to know his status, and it’s likely more precautionary than anything. Should Conklin sit, Chris Herndon would likely play a few more snaps as the team traded for him once Irv Smith Jr. went down.
As reported by: Courtney Cronin via Twitter
CHI QB Andy Dalton (knee) limited in practice Wednesday
Dalton was limited with a knee injury that caused him to miss last game. Coach Nagy has mentioned time and time again that Dalton is the team’s top QB if healthy, so the fact that he was able to practice will certainly make the situation messy. Justin Fields looked horrific in his first start last week, but against a much more beatable defense in the Detroit Lions, there’s certainly a chance for improvement if he gets the start. Nagy will likely wait until closer to gameday (likely Friday) to make a decision on who his starter will be.
As reported by: the Chicago Bears via Twitter NE RB James White (hip) expected to miss remainder of 2021 season
After suffering a hip injury during the Patriots last game, White is expected to miss the rest of the regular season according to Schefter. The Patriots backfield is likely to become even more muddled, especially since White’s role was arguably the most secure as the passing down back. With the Patriots playing on Sunday Night Football, the roles are even more crucial since they play on a showdown slate. Damien Harris should continue his role as the early down back, but may get a few more carries. Brandon Bolden saw some snaps last game as a pass-down back, but that my have been out of necessity. J.J. Taylor will likely take the receiving work, while Rhamondre Stevenson will most likely be activated and chip in as well. In Brady’s return game to New England, the Pats certainly will miss White.
As reported by: Adam Schefter via Twitter GB WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (hamstring) DNP Wednesday
After catching a touchdown in week 3, MVS was on the sidelines during the last drive with what is now diagnosed as a hamstring injury, which caused him to miss practice Wednesday. Coach LaFleur stated to the media that the Packers will likely use the whole week to determine if MVS will play against the Steelers, which is slightly tricky since the Packers play during the late afternoon window. Hopefully his status is known before then. The Packers target tree is pretty concentrated between Davante Adams and Robert Tonyan, but some additional targets would go to Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard.
As reported by: Wes Hodkiewicz via Twitter JAX K Josh Lambo (personal) ruled out for Thursday
Lambo was ruled out due to personal reasons and will miss the Jags game on Thursday against the Bengals. Matthew Wright is expected to kick in his place, as he was signed to the practice squad and will likely be elevated tomorrow.
As reported by: the Jacksonville Jaguars via Twitter CIN WR Tee Higgins (shoulder) ruled out for Thursday
Higgins was ruled out with a shoulder injury and will miss his second straight game as the Bengals play the Jaguars on Thursday Night Football. With no Higgins, the targets will condense in the passing game to Tyler Boyd and Ja’Marr Chase, as the big three of the Bengals wideouts will be down to the big two. Auden Tate saw a big step up in snaps, playing 57% in week 3 without Higgins, as opposed to just 10% of snaps in week 2. The Bengals have been extremely run heavy so it’s worth having caution, but the Jags weak defense certainly will cede some opportunities to the WRs even without Higgins.
As reported by: Marisa Contipelli via Twitter MIN RB Dalvin Cook (ankle) returns to practice Wednesday
After missing last week’s game with an ankle injury, Cook was able to get in a limited practice Wednesday as the Vikings prepare to play the Cleveland Browns. Cook has played in the past without full practices, and this is an upgrade over last week, when Cook was unable to practice at all on Wednesday. It’s certainly looking like Cook will be back this Sunday, with Alexander Mattison returning to his role as high-end backup.
As reported by: Doug Kyed via Twitter NYG WR Darius Slayton (hamstring) and WR Sterling Shepard (hamstring) DNP Wednesday
The Giants lost Shepard and Slayton both leave last game due to hamstring injuries, and neither were able to practice Wednesday as the Giants prepare to play the New Orleans Saints. It’s looking unlikely that they’ll have both players, and it’s certainly a chance that they have neither. Kenny Golladay will be the top WR if they sit, while Kadarius Toney will likely step into a bigger role, despite the Giants limiting him early in the year. Evan Engram was able to return last game and would see more targets as well, but in a tough matchup with the Saints, it’s likely none of the players are worth playing in DFS.
As reported by: Jordan Raanan via Twitter Other tagged players: Sterling Shepard MIA WR Will Fuller misses practice Wednesday due to undisclosed injury
Fuller missed week 2 due to a personal issue, but was able to play in week three. Now he’s been unable to practice due to a new chest/elbow injury. His status will become more clear later in the week, but it’s always worrisome for Fuller, who’s certainly dealt with nagging injuries throughout his career.
As reported by: David Furones via Twitter