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Browns elevate QB Shedeur Sanders to backup role

Fri Oct 10 2:20pm ET
Field Level Media

Shedeur Sanders will back up fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel when Cleveland visits the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski announced on Friday.

Sanders, the son of Colorado head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, ascended to the No. 2 spot following this week's trade of veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Inactive for the first five games, Sanders was buried on the depth chart two months ago before Cleveland parted ways with Kenny Pickett (traded to Las Vegas Raiders), Tyler Huntley (released) and Flacco.

"I'm overly confident within myself," Sanders said Thursday, per ESPN. "I know when I first got here I'm ready to play, but that's up to the coaches and whatever decision they make, I'm fine with it."

The Browns (1-4) are already 0-2 in the AFC North heading into this Week 6 clash with the division-leading Steelers (3-1).

Sanders, a projected first-round pick, slipped to the fifth round in April's draft where the Browns grabbed him with the 144th pick -- 50 spots after taking Gabriel in the third round.

Gabriel, 24, made his first NFL start last weekend in London and completed 19 of 33 passes for 190 yards with two touchdowns in a 21-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Sanders, 23, was the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year last season with the Buffaloes. He completed 74 percent of his passes for 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns and rushed for four scores in 13 games.

Cleveland's once overcrowded quarterback room now includes Bailey Zappe (practice squad) and Deshaun Watson (PUP list).

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 6

Player Notes
Jalen McMillan Oct 10 1:20pm CT
Jalen McMillan

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles replied, "I hope so," when asked whether wide receiver Jalen McMillan (neck) will play in 2025, per Greg Auman of Fox Sports. Bowles did note that McMillan is "getting better" but is "still in the neck brace." The second-year wide receiver suffered a neck injury during the preseason and is currently on Injured Reserve. McMillan recorded 37 catches for 461 yards and eight touchdowns on 58 targets in 13 games last season, but it does not appear he is close to making his 2025 debut. The Buccaneers' wide receiver corps is currently quite depleted, with wideouts Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) both set to miss the team's Week 6 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. Evans and Godwin are both expected to return before McMillan, but Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka could have an extended run as the team's WR1.

From RotoBaller

Joey Slye Oct 10 1:20pm CT
Joey Slye

Tennessee Titans kicker Joey Slye (calf) has officially been ruled out for the team's Week 6 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders due to a calf injury, per Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. Slye leads the league in both field goal attempts (17) and makes (13 through five weeks so far this season. With Slye sidelined, Tennessee will reportedly let veteran Matthew Wright handle the kicking duties in Week 6. Wright has appeared in 29 games across five NFL seasons for six different teams. He's made 55 out of 63 (87.3%) of his career field goal attempts. Wright should be avoided by fantasy managers in Week 6 against Las Vegas.

From RotoBaller

Cam Skattebo Oct 10 1:13pm CT
Cam Skattebo

Dynasty | Giants running back Cam Skattebo had 98 rushing yards, two catches, 12 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in a win against the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: This performance officially anoints Skattebo as the unquestioned three-down option in New York and puts him squarely on the map as an RB1/2 moving forward. Skattebo has quickly risen up the depth chart in New York and his bruising, physical running style seems to fit the team perfectly. At this point, he's going to be tough to keep out of dynasty lineups, regardless of touchdowns being tough to predict. His ADP and rookie ranking continue to rise.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jaxson Dart Oct 10 1:13pm CT
Jaxson Dart

Dynasty | Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 17-of-25 passes for 195 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, while rushing for 58 yards and adding another score in an upset win over the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Dart is now the toast of the town for the Giants as he's clearly given them a spark on offense. While the passing yardage totals aren't blowing anyone away, his rushing totals are making a difference and he isn't turning the ball over. One can only wonder what this would look like with a healthy Malik Nabers, but that's for another day. At this point, Dart is moving up the rankings board as a young quarterback who could have the "it" factor.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jaxson Dart Oct 10 1:13pm CT
Jaxson Dart

Dynasty | Giants quarterback Russell Wilson threw one incomplete pass before moving back to the bench after covering for a temporary unavailable Jaxson Dart for one play. Dynasty Analysis: He was subsequently booed off the field. It's safe to say the city has turned on Russell and it was actually quite sad to see this play out. The Giants may face a fine for rushing Dart back on the field after going through a pretty quick concussion protocol test. Regardless, they couldn't get Wilson off the field fast enough. It wouldn't be surprising to see Wilson request a trade or even be released knowing the Giants still have Jameis Winston on the bench. His dynasty value is now non-existent.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dallas Goedert Oct 10 1:13pm CT
Dallas Goedert

Dynasty | Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert had nine catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: Goedert has now scored in four straight games, despite the Eagles having all kinds of trouble on offense. While he likely can't keep up a pace like this, Goedert has established himself as a weekly TE1 and has to be in lineups moving forward. He also could be a quick trade chip if he's on a dynasty team failing to win games at the moment. His value may be at its apex right now.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Saquon Barkley Oct 10 1:13pm CT
Saquon Barkley

Dynasty | Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had 58 rushing yards, two catches and nine receiving yards in a loss to the Giants. Dynasty Analysis: So much for #revenge game. Barkley had 31 yards on his first two carries but the Eagles then attempted to do everything else in the offense other than giving him the ball. The offensive coordinator change, offensive line play, general play calling, and Barkley himself getting older may all be contributing factors but the fact is he's in a major slump. At this point, he has to be considered a RB2 until we see some signs of life.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Adonai Mitchell Oct 10 12:50pm CT
Adonai Mitchell

When asked if Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell would be active for the Week 6 contest against the visiting Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, head coach Shane Steichen said, "We're working through that," according to Jake Arthur of Locked On Colts. Mitchell is currently in the dog house in Indy after making two crucial mistakes in the team's Week 4 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Alec Pierce (concussion) missed a second straight game in last week's blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders, but Mitchell took on a much smaller role, playing just six offensive snaps and being targeted just once. Ashton Dulin was the beneficiary of the offense with Mitchell essentially benched, and he caught two passes for 55 yards. Pierce has cleared the league's concussion protocol and will play against Arizona, so there's a chance Mitchell will be a healthy scratch. Regardless, Mitchell's arrow is pointed firmly downward right now.

From RotoBaller

Alec Pierce Oct 10 12:50pm CT
Alec Pierce

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) will play in Week 6 on Sunday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals after clearing the league's concussion protocol this week, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Pierce missed the team's last two games as a result of his head injury that he suffered in Week 3. The 25-year-old looked like he was close to playing in Week 5, but he was eventually ruled out after suffering a setback last Friday. With Pierce back in the fold, Adonai Mitchell could be on his way to being a healthy scratch after seeing his role dramatically reduced last Sunday following two crucial mistakes in the Week 4 loss. Pierce should settle back in as a top-three wideout for the Colts alongside Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs. Before his injury, the former second-rounder had caught nine passes for 171 yards and no touchdowns in three games.

From RotoBaller

Shedeur Sanders Oct 10 12:40pm CT
Shedeur Sanders

Cleveland Browns rookie fifth-round quarterback Shedeur Sanders will serve as the backup to fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel in the Week 6 divisional clash on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski. Sanders began the year buried on Cleveland's QB depth chart, but he has slowly risen up the ranks after the Browns traded both Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. The 23-year-old showed well in training camp and the preseason and has been praised by the coaching staff for the work that he's put in, but they are going to continue to develop him at their own pace in what is looking like another rebuilding year. Gabriel will probably have a long leash under center as he heads into just his second NFL start this weekend against Pittsburgh. However, Sanders' odds of seeing action in 2025 later this year have risen dramatically after the trade of Flacco this week. He is still only deserving of being rostered in fantasy in dynasty/keeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Oct 10 12:30pm CT
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (illness) has popped up on the Week 6 injury report and will be questionable for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers, according to head coach Zac Taylor. Chase was under the weather and was unable to practice on Friday, per Ben Baby of ESPN. The 25-year-old's status is now worth monitoring going into Sunday's game at Lambeau Field, but in all likelihood, he will be ready to play come Sunday. As long as Chase is active, he proved last week that he remains a must-start in fantasy, even without quarterback Joe Burrow (toe). The Bengals will be debuting new QB Joe Flacco in Week 6 against the Packers. Flacco may not necessarily be an upgrade over Jake Browning under center, but he shouldn't be shy about forcing targets to Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals' best two pass-catchers. Chase is coming off a six-catch, 110-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Oct 10 12:30pm CT
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange (hip, quadriceps), who leads the team in catches through five weeks, is dealing with a hip and quad injury that includes a ligament tear, sources tell Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Strange suffered the injury in the Monday night win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Schultz said it's his understanding that Strange doesn't need surgery, but he will be out at least five weeks. It could have been worse, but Jacksonville is going to be without its top TE for a while. The 24-year-old was placed on Injured Reserve earlier this week, which means he'll be out at least four games. Strange was having a nice start to the year before his injury, catching 20 passes for 204 yards, although he hadn't found the end zone. In his absence, the Jags will look to both Hunter Long and Johnny Mundt for production at the TE position. Fantasy managers should be able to find better TE2 streamers elsewhere.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Oct 10 12:20pm CT
Ja'Tavion Sanders

The Carolina Panthers have listed tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) as questionable to play in the Week 6 tilt against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, according to The Athletic's Joe Person. Sanders was limited in Wednesday's practice, was able to practice in full on Thursday, and was then limited again on Friday. The 22-year-old is attempting to return from a high-ankle sprain that has kept him sidelined for the last two weeks. Sanders will test out his ankle during pre-game warmups on Sunday and is being treated as a game-time decision this weekend. Carolina could get both Sanders and receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) back, but the offense will be without running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) for a second straight week. Tommy Tremble has seen more pass-game looks at tight end with Sanders out the last couple of weeks, but if Sanders returns on Sunday, he should step right back into his TE1 in Carolina.

From RotoBaller

Chuba Hubbard Oct 10 12:10pm CT
Chuba Hubbard

The Carolina Panthers have ruled out running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) for their Week 6 contest this Sunday against the visiting Dallas Cowboys, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. It will be the second straight game that Hubbard is inactive due to a calf injury that he suffered in Week 4. Rico Dowdle burst onto the scene as Hubbard's replacement in the Week 5 win over the Miami Dolphins and was dominant with the ball in his hands, rushing for over 200 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a repeat, but the increased volume as the clear-cut RB1 in the backfield for a second straight week pretty much makes Dowdle a must-start RB2 in fantasy lineups for the second straight week in a revenge game against his former team. Hubbard's next chance to return to action will be in Week 7 against the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Coker Oct 10 12:10pm CT
Jalen Coker

The Carolina Panthers have listed wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) as questionable to make his 2025 debut in Week 6 against the visiting Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Despite practicing in full on Wednesday and Thursday, Coker will be a game-time decision on Sunday. The 23-year-old missed the first five weeks of the season due to a pretty serious quadriceps injury that he suffered at the end of August, but he's almost fully recovered. The Panthers could ease Coker back into the fold whenever he's officially activated from Injured Reserve, but given the lack of production behind rookie Tetairoa McMillan this year, the second-year pass-catcher could quickly earn plenty of playing time in Carolina. Coker won't be a realistic starting option in fantasy if he's active this weekend, but he's deserving of a waiver-wire pickup and stash now that his 2025 debut is just around the corner.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 10 12:00pm CT
Mike Evans

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be without wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) for a third straight game when they take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in Week 6, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. In addition to Evans being out, Tampa will also be without veteran pass-catcher Chris Godwin (leg). Evans will miss a third straight contest after straining his left hamstring in the Week 3 win over the New York Jets. The 32-year-old future Hall of Famer will need to return to practice next week if he is to have any chance at returning for a Monday night showdown against the Detroit Lions to close out Week 7 action. With both Evans and Godwin out this weekend, rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, Sterling Shepard, and Tez Johnson should start in three-wide sets. Tight end Cade Otton will also have a higher ceiling. Shepard is worth looking at as a flex play in deeper leagues with more targets coming his way.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Oct 10 11:50am CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) will not play in Week 6 against the Cincinnati Bengals, but head coach Matt LaFleur said he's looked "pretty damn good" and that he's "excited for when that day comes," according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. The Packers aren't going to rush Watson back after he tore his ACL in the Week 18 regular-season finale last year. The 26-year-old returned to practice for the first time this year on Wednesday and has been limited this week. Depending on how much Watson is able to do next week in practice, it's possible he'll officially be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list to make his debut in Week 7 versus the Arizona Cardinals. Watson has had trouble staying healthy early in his NFL career and will be returning to a crowded receiving corps, but he has the potential to be an explosive deep threat for the Packers' offense when everything is right.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Oct 10 11:50am CT
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) will miss a second straight game this Sunday in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Irving is dealing with a left-foot sprain and a shoulder subluxation and will not be available for fantasy managers for the second straight week after missing all three practices this week. The 23-year-old's shoulder injury is the bigger concern, and it remains to be seen if he'll be able to make enough progress to have a chance to return in Week 7 when the team takes on the Detroit Lions on the road on Monday Night Football. Rachaad White wasn't all that efficient as a runner in last week's win over the Seattle Seahawks, but he saw an uptick in volume and found the end zone twice as the RB1 for the Bucs with Irving out. For the additional volume alone, White is a plug-and-play RB2 again this week in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Kyler Murray Oct 10 11:40am CT
Kyler Murray

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) will practice on Friday, according to Dani Sureck of AZCardinals.com. Murray injured his foot in the Week 5 loss to the Tennessee Titans in the second half, but he was able to return and finish out the game. The 28-year-old then missed the first two practices of the week on Wednesday and Thursday, putting his availability in doubt for this Sunday's game on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. Murray has a shot to play in Week 6 after returning to practice on Friday, but he could draw a questionable tag for Sunday's contest. Whether he plays this weekend will depend on how he looks the next couple days. Murray has been pretty mediocre through the first five weeks of the 2025 season, but Arizona's offense would lose a lot of explosiveness if backup Jacoby Brissett were forced to start against Indy.

From RotoBaller

Chris Godwin Oct 10 11:30am CT
Chris Godwin

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) is not expected to play in the Week 6 game against the San Francisco 49ers after he missed practice all week. Godwin's fibula injury is in a different area than the fracture he suffered when he dislocated his ankle last October. Right now, he will be week-to-week, depending on how he progresses, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Bucs have no plans to place Godwin on Injured Reserve at this time, according to sources. Godwin made his 2025 debut in Week 4, but now he's injured again and could miss multiple games. Mike Evans (hamstring) is going to miss another game, too, leaving rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka and Sterling Shepard as the team's top two wideouts. Tez Johnson should also have an elevated role, and tight end Cade Otton figures to draw more looks in the passing game.

From RotoBaller