Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught four of his five targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns during Thursday's Week 7 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. His touchdowns came on 19-yard and 68-yard receptions, the latter of which gave Pittsburgh a late lead (that they would ultimately relinquish). Freiermuth had not yet posted a fantasy performance with more than 6.1 fantasy points this season (PPR), so Thursday's breakout was admittedly unexpected. It should give fantasy managers optimism moving forward, but there's no denying that the 26-year-old continues to face competition at the tight end position. Fellow tight ends Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington each scored touchdowns on Thursday night, too, offering Aaron Rodgers plenty of options when he's looking to target big, physical receivers in the passing game. As a result, managers should view Freiermuth as a low-end TE2 for Week 8.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco completed 31 of his 47 pass attempts for 342 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Thursday's Week 7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also took two sacks. Just nine days removed from his trade to Cincinnati and three weeks removed from his benching in Cleveland, the veteran quarterback showed flashbacks to the peak of his career back in the 2010s. This was Flacco's first performance with three passing touchdowns and zero turnovers since Week 1 of the 2018 season. Perhaps most impressive -- beyond the fact that Flacco dug Cincinnati out of a multiple-possession deficit -- was the veteran quarterback posting such a good performance despite a matchup against a talented Pittsburgh Steelers defense. He didn't let T.J. Watt fluster him, nor did he have much trouble keeping the ball away from a solid secondary. Flacco has shown upside in years past, but he seems to have unlocked a whole new ceiling with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins at his disposal. He'll vault into the high-end QB2 range for Week 8 against the New York Jets.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught 16 of his 23 targets for 161 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's Week 7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The superstar receiver posted career-highs in targets and receptions as the Bengals mounted a comeback victory on national television. After facing some growing pains with Jake Browning under center, Chase has returned to elite form while catching passes from Joe Flacco. In his two games with the veteran quarterback, he has totaled 26 catches, 255 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Flacco has shown that he is capable of airing out the football, keeping the Bengals in close games, and limiting turnovers. All three of these factors bode well for Chase going forward, as he's firmly back in the high-end WR1 mix ahead of Week 8 against the Jets.

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Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught 16 of his 23 targets for 161 yards and one touchdown during Thursday's Week 7 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The superstar receiver posted career-highs in targets and receptions as the Bengals mounted a comeback victory on national television. After facing some growing pains with Jake Browning under center, Chase has returned to elite form while catching passes from Joe Flacco. In his two games with the veteran quarterback, he has totaled 26 catches, 255 yards, and a pair of touchdowns. Flacco has shown that he is capable of airing out the football, keeping the Bengals in close games, and limiting turnovers. All three of these factors bode well for Chase going forward, as he's firmly back in the high-end WR1 mix ahead of Week 8 against the Jets.

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While it's unlike the Cincinnati Bengals to hold a fire sale, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson (hip) is likely to be a trade chip as this year's deadline approaches. Hendrickson suffered a hip injury in the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers and was inactive for Thursday night's divisional clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but it's not a long-term injury after his MRI exam came back clean. Rapoport was told that the Bengals would be seeking a young player who could help them this year and into the future, and a future mid-round pick, although it's unclear if the team is actually willing to trade Hendrickson. The veteran pass-rusher is coming off back-to-back seasons of 17.5 sacks, so he would immediately be a huge boost to any pass rush if he were dealt midseason, similar to Micah Parsons' impact in Green Bay.

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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (toe), who suffered a serious turf-toe injury back in Week 2, is on track to return from Injured Reserve in mid-December, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Burrow is a month into a three-month recovery after having surgery for a Grade 3 turf-toe injury. Burrow has been doing well in his rehab and has not had any setbacks, which means he's still in play to return at the tail end of the regular season if the Bengals still have something to play for. He has told people he has every intention of playing again this year, but he just needs Cincinnati to stay in the hunt in the meantime. The 28-year-old isn't guaranteed to be in play for the fantasy playoffs, so managers shouldn't feel obligated to hold onto him in redraft leagues. Jake Browning struggled with turnovers (eight picks in four games) after replacing Burrow, leading Cincy to trade for veteran Joe Flacco to try and keep the team's playoff hopes alive.

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring), who has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, is expected to return when the Ravens come off their bye in Week 7 to face the Chicago Bears in Week 8, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jackson will have three weeks of rest, so he should be a full-go when the team comes off their bye to face Chicago. The 28-year-old two-time MVP has gone 1-3 in his four starts in 2025, but he does lead the league with a 10.5 touchdown percentage, a 10.78 adjusted yards gained per pass attempt, and a 130.5 QB rating. While this may end up being a lost season for the Ravens, Jackson still has the ability to carry fantasy football teams once he's back from his hamstring injury. The elite dual-threat signal-caller needs to be back in all starting fantasy lineups if he's active in Week 8, which is expected.

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NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that there is "real concern" that Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) will be forced to miss a fourth straight game with a quad injury that he suffered back in Week 3. McLaurin returned to a limited practice on Wednesday, but he was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday, putting his status in doubt for Sunday's divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. It's unclear if the Commanders gave the 30-year-old a maintenance day on Thursday, but typically, mid-week downgrades aren't a good sign. Meanwhile, Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has yet to practice this week and might be in danger of missing Sunday's game as well. Noah Brown (groin, knee) was put on Injured Reserve this week, so the Commanders signed former Titans first-rounder Treylon Burks to their practice squad. It's possible that Luke McCaffrey, rookie Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore could start in three-wide sets against Dallas if both McLaurin and Samuel cannot play.

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Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (illness) was limited in practice again on Thursday as he works toward being cleared for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals. Jacobs has handled a heavy workload this season, logging 98 carries for 359 yards and six touchdowns while averaging 3.7 yards per attempt. Although his efficiency has dipped compared to his Pro Bowl 2024 campaign, Jacobs remains the clear lead back in Green Bay's offense, handling the vast majority of touches out of the backfield. The Cardinals present a middle-of-the-pack matchup, allowing 102 rushing yards per game, which ranks 13th in the NFL. Assuming Jacobs suits up, he should continue to see volume-driven RB2 production, though fantasy managers may want to temper expectations if his illness limits his workload heading into Sunday.

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New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) missed his second consecutive practice on Thursday, casting doubt on his availability for Sunday's matchup against the Denver Broncos. With Malik Nabers (knee) already out for the season, Slayton's absence would further deplete the Giants' receiving corps. In that scenario, Wan'Dale Robinson would be positioned to handle a heavy target load, while Jalin Hyatt could see a significant uptick in snaps and opportunities. Hyatt caught three of five targets for 17 yards in Week 6 and would remain a risky deep-league dart throw if pressed into action. The Giants offense has shown signs of life recently, but fantasy managers should view Robinson as the only trustworthy option in this passing game heading into Week 7.

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) remained a limited participant in Thursday's practice as he works his way back from the turf toe injury he suffered in Week 1. The 49ers have managed a 4-2 record in his absence, with veteran backup Mac Jones (knee, oblique) handling starting duties. While Purdy is unlikely to return in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons, his continued presence at practice is a positive sign for his recovery timeline. The 49ers are expected to remain cautious with their young signal-caller, but the door appears open for a potential return in the coming weeks. Fantasy managers in superflex and two-quarterback formats should keep Purdy stashed, as his upside in a talented San Francisco offense makes him a valuable asset once he's back to full strength.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle, rib, shoulder) has been limited in practice all week but is trending in the right direction ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. The veteran wideout has battled multiple injuries this season, appearing in just four games while totaling 10 receptions for 136 yards and a touchdown. With the 49ers offense still dealing with several key absences, quarterback Mac Jones will need all available weapons against the league's top-ranked pass defense -- one that just stifled Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Jennings' potential return would provide a much-needed boost to San Francisco's depth at receiver, though his fantasy value remains limited unless he begins to see a larger target share. For now, Jennings is best viewed as a deep-league stash or DFS dart throw in Week 7.

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New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (hip) was upgraded to a full participant in Thursday's practice after being limited the day before, putting him on track to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears. The third-year wideout has maintained WR1 status in New Orleans with a commanding 32.3% target share, turning 39 receptions into 342 yards and a touchdown through six games. While quarterback Spencer Rattler has struggled with consistency, Olave continues to command double-digit targets nearly every week. His 60.9% catch rate highlights some inefficiency in the Saints' passing attack, but the sheer volume keeps Olave firmly in must-start territory for fantasy managers. Against a Bears defense allowing over 213 passing yards per game, Olave should remain the focal point of the Saints' offense and carries a solid WR2 floor with WR1 upside if the offense finds rhythm.

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Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) has been ruled out for Thursday night's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, dealing a major blow to an already struggling defensive unit. Hendrickson leads the Bengals in sacks (4) this season, and his absence will make it even tougher for Cincinnati's defense -- currently ranked 31st in the league -- to contain a rejuvenated Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense. Without their top pass-rusher, the Bengals' ability to generate pressure and limit big plays takes a significant hit. Fantasy managers should steer clear of starting the Bengals defense in Week 7, as they'll face an uphill battle as they host a divisional rival finding its offensive rhythm.

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (calf) was added to the team's injury report on Thursday and is expected to miss at least the next couple of weeks. The veteran wideout's absence is another setback for a 49ers offense already dealing with multiple injuries across the roster. Fortunately, tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is trending toward returning this week, providing quarterback Mac Jones with a much-needed security blanket in the passing game. Without MVS, expect to see a heavy dose of Kittle along with Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings in the passing game while utilizing a run-heavy approach against the Atlanta Falcons. With the Falcons boasting the league's top-ranked defense, fantasy managers should temper expectations for all 49ers pass-catchers until the offense gets back to full strength.

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring), who is currently on Injured Reserve due to a hamstring injury he suffered in the season opener, said he plans to play this Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7. The Niners designated the 32-year-old to return from IR this week, which means the team now has 21 days to officially activate him. In his return to practice on Wednesday, Kittle was limited, and he maintained that practice status on Thursday. Despite suffering a full tear of his hamstring in Week 1, Kittle is back to full health and is hoping to make his return this weekend. It's unclear if the coaching staff feels the same way yet, but we should have our answer by Saturday, when the Niners will need to activate Kittle from IR if they intend to play him on Sunday. Despite the layoff, Kittle will be back on the TE1 radar immediately if he returns to action against Atlanta.

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Former Tennessee Titans first-round wide receiver Treylon Burks is expected to sign with the Washington Commanders' practice squad, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Burks is a low-risk, high-reward addition who played in a similar offense in college to the one that Kliff Kingsbury is running in D.C., and he could be elevated quickly to Washington's active 53-man roster. Before visiting with the Commanders, Burks had a meeting with the Denver Broncos this week. The Commanders' impending addition of Burks speaks to their need for WR depth, with both Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) potentially missing the Week 7 game against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys this Sunday. Noah Brown (groin, knee) was also put on Injured Reserve this week. Burks is an interesting addition, but he'll be behind Luke McCaffrey, rookie Jaylin Lane, and Chris Moore if McLaurin and Samuel cannot play.

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (hamstring) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was listed as limited on Wednesday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Johnston was unable to play in the team's Week 6 win over the Miami Dolphins, but he's trending toward returning a week later to face the Indianapolis Colts now that he has returned to a full practice participant. That would be bad news for both Keenan Allen and Ladd McConkey in L.A.'s passing attack. Johnston cooled off in Week 5, but he still leads the Bolts in receiving yards (377) and touchdowns (four) on 26 receptions in his five games played. The former first-rounder has really taken the next step in his development in 2025 and has really improved his chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert deep down the field. If Johnston returns on Sunday, he'll be an upside WR3 play in fantasy.

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For the second straight day this week, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) was limited in practice on Thursday as he tends to a mid-foot sprain, according to Arizona Sports' Tyler Drake. Murray suffered a mid-foot sprain in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans and was inactive in Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The 28-year-old may need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday to avoid missing a second straight game this Sunday versus the visiting Green Bay Packers, especially since backup Jacoby Brissett showed well in his spot start last weekend. Murray will be more of a QB2 for fantasy managers if he's able to start in Week 7, with top receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Zay Jones (knee) nursing injuries that could keep them out against the Packers. Scrambling and using his legs is a big part of Murray's fantasy appeal, so although it's not believed to be a serious injury, it's worrisome for his managers.

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Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) was listed as a limited participant in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. Harrison was seen catching passes from backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett during practice on Thursday while wearing a non-contact jersey. The 23-year-old former first-rounder suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and is now in the league's concussion protocol. It's good news that he has practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, but Harrison still needs to be cleared by an independent neurologist and is up in the air to play this weekend against the visiting Green Bay Packers. If he does get cleared, Harrison could be working with Brissett on offense with Kyler Murray potentially missing a second straight game with a mid-foot sprain. Zay Jones (knee) missed a second straight practice on Thursday, so if Harrison and Jones both cannot play, Arizona would be down to Michael Wilson (foot) and Greg Dortch as their top two receivers on Sunday.

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