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Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (knee/ankle) was not spotted during the media's viewing portion of Thursday's practice, putting his availability for Sunday's matchup against the New York Jets in question. Sanders has provided a spark in change-of-pace duties this season, rushing for 117 yards on just 20 carries while flashing efficiency in limited opportunities. If he is unable to suit up, rookie Jaydon Blue could be activated for the first time this season to help fill the void behind Javonte Williams. The Cowboys' high-octane offense has leaned heavily on its ground game to set up explosive passing plays, and this week presents an appealing matchup against a Jets defense ranked 25th in the league against the run. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on Sanders' practice participation heading into the weekend, as his absence would open the door for Williams to handle a heavier workload with Blue mixing in.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) returned to practice Thursday after sitting out on Wednesday, putting him on track to play in Sunday's matchup against the Denver Broncos. The veteran missed Week 2 while dealing with injuries but has suited up in the team's last two contests, including a two-touchdown performance against Tampa Bay that brought his season total to three. While Goedert is no longer a big-play threat at age 30, he remains one of the most reliable targets in Philadelphia's passing game, catching 12 of 13 targets to start the season. His red-zone usage makes him a touchdown-dependent fantasy starter, particularly in standard leagues, though his limited yardage upside caps his ceiling. The Broncos are tied for ninth in the NFL against the pass, but Goedert's scoring role keeps him in the low-end TE1 mix for Week 5 lineups.

From RotoBaller

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the New York Jets have signed running back Khalil Herbert to an undisclosed contract. Per Rapoport, the team placed running back Braelon Allen (knee) on injured reserve in a corresponding move. The Virginia Tech product was recently signed to Seattle's practice squad, but he'll now add depth in New York's backfield. With Allen out, and backfield mate Kene Nwangwu's (hamstring) status up in the air, it's possible that Herbert will see work right away behind starter Breece Hall and backup Isaiah Davis. The 27-year-old doesn't figure to be slated for a fantasy-relevant role, but he's at least on the deep handcuff radar in case the assets in front of him were to miss any time. The Jets will take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, leaving his status for Sunday's matchup very much in question. Hubbard has been a bright spot for the Panthers' offense, totaling 217 rushing yards on 53 carries while adding reliability as their lead back. If he is unable to go, Carolina is expected to turn to Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne to share the workload. Dowdle has handled the bulk of the backup duties with 28 carries on the season, but Etienne has been more explosive, averaging 4.6 yards per attempt. When Hubbard exited last week, the pair split touches nearly evenly, with Dowdle seeing nine carries to Etienne's seven. Fantasy managers should monitor Hubbard's status closely, but both Dowdle and Etienne could emerge as deep-league or desperation flex options depending on how Carolina divides the touches in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited on Wednesday, putting him firmly on track to play in Sunday's London matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Njoku's ability to bounce back quickly from the midweek injury concern is encouraging for both the Browns and fantasy managers, especially with rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel expected to make the start. The veteran tight end has caught 14 of 21 targets for 128 yards through four games and could serve as a key security blanket for the rookie under center. Njoku's role in short-to-intermediate routes and the red zone should make him a steady PPR option, and with the Browns likely simplifying the offense for Gabriel, Njoku projects as a viable streaming candidate in deeper leagues for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White could be in line for an increased workload in Week 5 if starter Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) is unable to suit up. White logged 10 touches in last week's loss to the Eagles and has been the most efficient runner in Tampa Bay's backfield, averaging 4.7 yards per carry on 23 attempts while also drawing nine targets in the passing game. With the Buccaneers showing a more balanced offensive attack this season, White's versatility as both a rusher and receiver keeps him positioned for expanded snaps, particularly on third downs and in two-minute situations. The matchup won't be easy against a Seahawks defense that ranks sixth in the NFL against the run, allowing just 89.8 rushing yards per game, but White would still carry flex appeal in fantasy formats if Irving is forced to miss Sunday's contest.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. It's a bad sign for Jackson's chances of suiting up in Week 5 on Sunday against the Houston Texans after he suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 4 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Reports earlier this week suggested that Jackson could miss up to two to three weeks with his injury, so fantasy managers should have already picked up another QB as insurance if they didn't already have a backup on the roster. With Jackson looking unlikely to play this weekend, Cooper Rseemsooks headed for his first start with the Ravens against a strong Texans defense that shut out the Tennessee Titans last week. Only in deep two-QB superflex formats should Rush be a realistic streaming option if Jackson is ruled out on Friday.

From RotoBaller

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) doesn't look particularly close to returning to action in Week 5 on the road against the New Orleans Saints after he missed a second straight practice this week on Thursday, according to Evan Barnes of Newsday Sports. Tracy dislocated his right shoulder in the Week 3 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has yet to practice or play since. Barring a quick recovery in the next couple of days, it's looking like the second-year back will miss a second straight game this weekend. Rookie Cam Skattebo is lined up for clear RB1 workhorse duties for the second straight contest in a plus matchup against the Saints, making him a high-end RB2 play in fantasy, at worst. Tracy began his second year in the NFL as New York's lead back, but even before his shoulder injury in Week 3, he was quickly losing his grasp as the lead back. When Tracy returns from his shoulder injury, he very well could be the change-of-pace option behind Skattebo for the rest of the season.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has returned to the practice field on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Tashan Reed. It's unclear if Samuel was able to practice in full, but regardless, it puts him on track to play in Week 5 on the road against the Los Angeles Chargers after he sat out of practice on Wednesday. Still, Samuel's status going into the weekend is worth monitoring, especially since it's looking like Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) will miss a second straight game. If Samuel can play against the Bolts, he should once again be in line for WR1 duties and will have an even higher fantasy ceiling with quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) set to return after a two-game absence due to a knee sprain. The veteran pass-catcher has been solid for fantasy managers through four weeks and had 81 scrimmage yards and a touchdown in last week's loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The 29-year-old has caught 22 of his 27 targets so far for 204 yards and two touchdowns in his first year in D.C.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) was spotted on Thursday on the field stretching with his teammates, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post. It's a good sign that McLaurin is on the practice field in the portion open to the media, but it doesn't mean he'll officially return to practice with the team after being listed as a DNP on Wednesday. The 30-year-old appears to be progressing from a quadriceps injury he sustained in Week 3, but it's looking more likely that he's going to be unavailable for the second straight game in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers on the road. Fantasy managers should keep McLaurin on their benches until further notice and check back on Friday for his official Week 5 status. If he's ruled out again this weekend, Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel), Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane should start in three-wide sets again for Washington with quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) making his return.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said that coaches felt it was the "right time" to make the switch at quarterback from veteran Joe Flacco to rookie Dillon Gabriel after the Week 4 loss to the Detroit Lions, according to Scott Petrak of Browns Zone. Rees also said that the team is trying to "spark the offense" with the QB shakeup as they head into a Week 5 international matchup in London against the Minnesota Vikings. For now, Flacco will hold the clipboard on the sideline as the QB2, with rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders sticking as the QB3. Gabriel undoubtedly will give the Browns more mobility at the position going forward, but with injuries on Cleveland's offensive line, it's not going to be easy, especially in his starting debut this Sunday across the pond against a very capable Vikings D. At best, Gabriel is a low-end QB2 streaming option in superflex fantasy leagues in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees said that veteran quarterback Joe Flacco is going to remain as the team's No. 2 QB for now, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. "Just feel like Joe's gonna stay the No. 2 right now and has done a lot to prepare and be ready to go in a pinch," Rees said. Flacco was benched in favor of rookie signal-caller Dillon Gabriel after four weeks of rough play for the Browns. He will remain ahead of rookie fifth-rounder Shedeur Sanders on the QB depth chart for now as Gabriel's backup, but as things progress this season, Sanders could leapfrog him if the coaching staff continues to like what they see from Sanders' development. In his four starts, Flacco threw for 815 yards, two touchdowns, and six interceptions. He has no business being rostered in fantasy leagues outside of two-QB superflex formats as bench depth.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (foot) is back on the practice field on Thursday after he was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. Shepard's status is worth watching going into Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but the fact that he's back on the field on Thursday is a good sign. Mike Evans (hamstring) is likely to miss a second straight game this weekend, but the 32-year-old Shepard is still going to be a hard sell as a flex play in fantasy now that Chris Godwin is back. With Godwin back in the Week 4 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Shepard played 62% of the offensive snaps and caught just two passes for 14 yards on four targets, while Godwin was targeted a team-high-tying 10 times. Godwin and rookie Emeka Egbuka will be Tampa's top two wideouts until Evans is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (knee, biceps) returned to practice Thursday, Oct. 2.

Fantasy Spin: Shakey Bakey will be an upper-middle QB1 against the Seattle Seahawks last season. He could be down Mike Evans and Bucky Irving, though, so last week's 289 yards may not be in the cards.

From TheHuddle

Dynasty | The Jets have placed running back Braelon Allen on injured reserve. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that escalated quickly. The Jets haven't disclosed the exact nature of Allen's knee injury but it's clearly more than just a bruise. While it doesn't sound like he's going to miss the rest of the season, it's also unclear if he's going to be back after the required four weeks. Breece Hall is going to get all he can handle moving forward and Isaiah Davis has quickly become relevant.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was out there practicing with the team on Thursday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The former Cleveland Brown was limited all last week with a biceps injury, but his ailing knee held him out of Wednesday's session. It's excellent news that he's back out there the next day, hinting that it may have been more of a day of rest for the veteran. His participation in Friday's session will be telling of his status for Sunday's outing with the hosting Seattle Seahawks, though, as of now, it appears that Mayfield is on track to suit up. Seattle has been one of the better teams against the rush thus far, so the Bucs could be forced to air it out a bit more in Week 5, particularly with running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) trending in the wrong direction.

From RotoBaller

FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) was tagged with a DNP for Thursday's team practice. Irving was spotted in a walking boot and crutches on Wednesday, so seeing him sit again the following day wasn't all that surprising. He's considered day-to-day, and head coach Todd Bowles noted that the Oregon product could still suit up for Week 5's road contest with the Seattle Seahawks. However, he'll need to shed his boot before that comes to fruition. Fantasy managers will want to monitor the 23-year-old's status as the weekend approaches, as he's on the wrong side of questionable with just one practice day remaining. Backfield mate Rachaad White would handle primary RB duties in his absence, with Sean Tucker mixing in as the second option.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) was not spotted at Thursday's team practice, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The 32-year-old missed his fifth consecutive practice while working back from a hamstring injury, an issue he's all too familiar with at this point in his career. Tampa Bay was fortunate to have teammate Chris Godwin's return coincide with Evans' absence, as it seems the latter is still at least another week away from potentially returning to his team. With Evans expected to miss Week 5, Sterling Shepard and Tez Johnson will again operate behind Godwin at rookie Emeka Egbuka when Tampa Bay takes on the hosting Seattle Seahawks.

From RotoBaller

Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) was throwing off to the side during warm-ups, but was unable to practice on Thursday. Minnesota will take on the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, and all signs are pointing to the 22-year-old missing his third consecutive contest. It's good news that McCarthy seems to be progressing, but he isn't quite ready to retake the practice field. Minnesota is likely just being cautious with its franchise QB, but he'll need to log at least a limited session before he's considered for their next outing. Veteran teammate Carson Wentz will again operate the offense in the second-year pro's stead.

From RotoBaller

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill has made a significant impact in the Ravens' offense through four weeks. Hill is coming off a career-best performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, racking up 117 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on just eight touches. He's also out-snapped Derrick Henry in back-to-back weeks, largely due to Baltimore leaning on a pass-heavy approach against the Lions and the Chiefs. The Ravens face the Texans in Week 5, and if Houston's offense can take advantage of Baltimore's banged-up defense, Hill could once again see elevated usage. For now, he looks like a sneaky flex option with upside in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller