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Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. (knee) listed as limited at practice

Wed Oct 22 5:42pm ET
Field Level Media

Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was listed on the Falcons' injury report as limited due to a knee bruise in an estimation, as the team did not practice Wednesday.

Penix was hurt during Atlanta's 20-10 road loss Sunday to the San Francisco 49ers but played the entire game and completed 21 of 38 passes for 241 yards and one touchdown.

"Mike had the bone bruise (on Sunday), so that's day to day," Falcons coach Raheem Morris said on Wednesday. "Tomorrow, we'll have more answers, and then Friday, we'll have more answers, and then Saturday, we'll have more answers with Mike."

Atlanta (3-3) hosts the Miami Dolphins (1-6) on Sunday.

Morris called Penix "the ultimate tough guy," but the team will determine his availability after observing him in live practice situations.

"Obviously, it's going to be based on movement," Morris said. "It's going to be based on what he can do, all the stuff that he has. The organization will not put him in harm's way."

The coach finds it reassuring that veteran Kirk Cousins can step in for Penix, and he believes in the quarterback. Cousins started the first 14 games last season after signing a four-year, $180 million contract with Atlanta before he was benched in favor of rookie Penix.

"It'll be based on Mike's injury status and Mike's injury status alone," Morris said of Sunday's starter.

Atlanta selected Penix with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Washington.

Penix, 25, has started all six games this season and completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed 17 times for 43 yards and one TD.

The Falcons' injury report listed linebacker Divine Deablo (forearm), edge rusher Jalon Walker (groin) and cornerback Billy Bowman Jr. (hamstring) as non-participants.

The estimation listed Penix as limited, along with wide receiver Darnell Mooney (hamstring), running back Tyler Allgeier (hip/knee), cornerback Mike Ford Jr. (calf), offensive tackle Jake Matthews (ankle) and defensive lineman Zach Harrison (knee).

Safety Jordan Fuller (knee) and offensive lineman Storm Norton (foot) were estimated as full participants.

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Jaylen Waddle Oct 22 5:10pm CT
Jaylen Waddle

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Miami Dolphins are getting calls on wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, but don't "have plans to trade him at this point." With Tyreek Hill (knee) out for the season with a torn ACL, Waddle is a "building block who can translate to any offense." He is due $36 million over 2025-26, which represents a reasonable price for a player of his caliber at his position. ESPN's Dan Graziano writes that Waddle's contract makes him a bit difficult to trade, so the odds are that he'll stay put in Miami this season as their top wideout without Hill in the fold. Miami's offense went off the rails in Week 7 against a tough Cleveland Browns defense, and Waddle had only one catch for 15 yards on four targets. However, the two weeks prior, he went off for 12 catches (17 targets) for 205 yards and a touchdown as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's top target. Waddle will remain a volume-based WR2/3 in fantasy if he sticks with the Dolphins through this year's trade deadline.

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Emeka Egbuka Oct 22 5:10pm CT
Emeka Egbuka

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) was unable to practice on Wednesday, per Brianna Dix of Buccaneers.com. Egbuka injured his hamstring in Week 6 and only practiced one day before suiting up in the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 7. The Ohio State product played 75% of the offensive snaps and didn't look 100% healthy, catching only four of his 12 targets for 58 yards against an injury-ravaged Detroit secondary. He's clearly still not 100%, but if he can return to practice on either Thursday or Friday, he figures to play this Sunday against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. Mike Evans (collarbone) will miss most of the rest of the year, and Chris Godwin (leg) will miss another game, so if Egbuka is active this weekend, he should be good for double-digit targets from quarterback Baker Mayfield. In his first five NFL games before getting hurt, Egbuka was fantastic with 25 catches, 445 yards, and five touchdowns on 38 targets.

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Christian Watson Oct 22 4:40pm CT
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) said his "goal and my plan is to play this week" when the team takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road on Sunday Night Football in Week 8, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Watson added that his talks with the team "indicate that's the direction it's headed." Watson, who hasn't played yet in 2025 after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 18 regular-season finale last year, was limited in practice all of last week before being held out of the Week 7 win over the Arizona Cardinals. All signs are pointing toward the 26-year-old being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform list on Saturday and playing for the first time on Sunday night, as long as he's able to upgrade to a full practice by Friday. An explosive deep threat when fully healthy, Watson will make Green Bay's offense more dynamic, but he'll be a pretty risky boom/bust WR4/flex play in his season debut on a potentially limited snap count.

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Hassan Haskins Oct 22 4:30pm CT
Hassan Haskins

Los Angeles Chargers running back Hassan Haskins (hamstring) has been officially ruled out for the Thursday night game in Week 8 against the visiting Minnesota Vikings, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Haskins suffered a hamstring injury in the Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts and won't be able to suit up on a short week. With the 25-year-old sidelined and with rookie first-rounder Omarion Hampton (ankle) still on Injured Reserve, the Bolts are expected to elevate veteran Nyheim Hines to the 53-man active roster to serve as Kimani Vidal's backup against Minnesota. Trayveon Williams could also come up from the practice squad to serve as backfield depth on a short week. Haskins' next chance to suit up will come in Week 9 on Sunday, Nov. 2, against his former team, the Tennessee Titans. In the RB2 role with Hampton on IR, Haskins has minimal fantasy value and has been dropped in most leagues.

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Aaron Jones Oct 22 4:30pm CT
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Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (hamstring) is considered questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve to make his return in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday Night Football, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The Vikings opened Jones' 21-day practice window on Tuesday, and he was listed as a limited practice participant the last two days, suggesting that he'll likely be held out for another week. The 30-year-old has been on IR since suffering a hamstring injury back in the Week 2 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. If he ends up being activated and suiting up on Thursday night in Los Angeles, it wouldn't be a surprise if he's the second option out of the backfield behind Jordan Mason, who has been operating as the team's lead back with Jones out. If Jones stays on IR this week, his next chance to return would come in Week 9 versus the division-rival Detroit Lions.

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Chris Olave Oct 22 4:20pm CT
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (ankle) missed practice on Wednesday with an ankle injury that he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears, a source told Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. However, he's expected to play on Sunday when the team hosts the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave apparently injured his ankle in last Sunday's loss but still managed to play 84% of the offensive snaps while dominating for fantasy managers with five catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns on seven targets. The 25-year-old former first-rounder is getting a maintenance day on Wednesday and should return to practice later this week and be fine to suit up against the division-rival Bucs this weekend. Olave has exactly 98 yards in each of the last two weeks and has been a must-start in fantasy lineups despite working with quarterback Spencer Rattler this year.

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Cole Kmet Oct 22 4:10pm CT
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (back) did not participate in Wednesday's practice after leaving in the second quarter of Week 7's matchup against the Saints. Kmet ultimately did not return to the game after catching his lone target for 16 yards. It's been a quiet season so far for Kmet, catching just nine of 19 targets for 132 yards and a touchdown in six games. The 26-year-old tight end's status for Week 8 against the Ravens is uncertain, with more updates expected in the coming days. If Kmet is unable to go, rookie Colston Loveland would be expected to see a big boost in snaps and routes, making him a viable streamer on Sunday against Baltimore.

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D'Andre Swift Oct 22 4:00pm CT
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Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift (groin) did not participate in Wednesday's practice, according to the team. Swift was limited in practice last week due to the injury, but still managed a season-high 19 carries for 124 yards and a touchdown, along with one reception for 14 yards in Week 7 against the Saints. The 26-year-old has maintained a consistent workload in Chicago's backfield with at least 15 touches in every game and has been surging of late, becoming the fourth running back this season to rush for over 100 yards in consecutive games after his last two games. His injury status will be updated throughout the week, and if he is unable to play on Sunday, rookie Kyle Monangai would likely handle the majority of the touches.

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D.J. Moore Oct 22 4:00pm CT
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Chicago Bears wide receiver D.J. Moore (groin) did not participate in practice on Wednesday, according to the team. Moore cleared the injury report ahead of Chicago's Week 7 game against the Saints after being hospitalized following the Week 6 win at Washington, but he enters this week in a similar situation. The 28-year-old has gotten off to a slow start this season, surpassing 50 receiving yards in only one game, which came in Week 1. The team has trended more run-heavy out of the bye week, and Moore has earned some rushing work, with nine rushes for 34 yards for the season, but he's fallen behind second-year WR Rome Odunze as the team's top target in the passing game. Moore's injury status should become clearer as the week goes along.

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Jeffery Simmons Oct 22 3:40pm CT
Jeffery Simmons

Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (hamstring) will be week-to-week after suffering the injury in their Week 7 loss to the Patriots, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. Simmons suffered a hamstring injury during the first half and ultimately did not return. The 28-year-old was playing at an elite level over the first seven games, ranking second in total pressures generated and sacks among interior defensive linemen, per PFF. His absence will be a major blow to a Titans defense that has struggled to stop opposing offenses even with Simmons on the field, allowing the fifth-most points per game this season.

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Graham Gano Oct 22 3:30pm CT
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New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (groin) has been designated to return from injured reserve and will practice on Wednesday, per Dan Salomone of Giants.com. Gano missed the minimum of four games with the injury and is set up to make his return in Week 8 against the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles. The team released kicker Jude McAtamney on Tuesday following missing two extra points in a one-point loss to the Broncos in Week 7, while former Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo remains on the practice squad. The 38-year-old Gano would be a streaming option if he is back in Week 8 with rookie Jaxson Dart leading an efficient Giants offense.

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Jordan Addison Oct 22 3:10pm CT
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Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has been on a tear to start his 2025 campaign after missing the first three games due to a suspension for violating the NFL's Substances of Abuse Policy. Addison has been highly efficient since returning, hauling in 18 of 26 targets for 283 yards and a touchdown. His 94.3 receiving yards per game ranks third in the NFL, only trailing superstars Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Veteran quarterback Carson Wentz honed in on Addison in their Week 7 loss to the Eagles, leading the team with 12 targets. Wentz will make another start in Week 8, where Addison will look to stay hot as the Vikings face the Chargers on Thursday Night Football.

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Bryce Young Oct 22 3:00pm CT
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Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (ankle) was held out of the first practice of the week on Wednesday due to the high-ankle sprain he suffered in the Week 7 win over the New York Jets on Sunday, according to Darin Gantt of Panthers.com. Head coach Dave Canales said that Young is considered "day-to-day" for this Sunday's contest against the Buffalo Bills. High-ankle sprains typically sideline players for at least several weeks, so fantasy managers should be planning on being without the 24-year-old this weekend. The good news is that the young signal-caller wasn't seen wearing a walking boot on Wednesday. The team isn't ruling Young out yet for Week 8, but the expectation is that veteran QB Andy Dalton will make his first start of 2025 this Sunday against the visiting Bills. At best, Dalton will be in play as a low-end QB2 streamer in leagues that start two QBs if Young is officially ruled out.

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Michael Penix Jr. Oct 22 2:50pm CT
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said that quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (foot) is still day-to-day and will be limited in practice on Wednesday, according to Marc Raimondi of ESPN. Penix suffered a bone bruise in his foot in the Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night, putting his availability for a Week 8 tilt against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday somewhat in question. The 25-year-old second-year QB's injury doesn't sound too serious, but it's enough to keep him out of a full practice in the first session of the week. Morris is optimistic about Penix playing this weekend, but fantasy managers will want to monitor the left-hander's status the rest of the week. If he can practice in full on Thursday or Friday, he should be just fine to play against Miami, where he'll have clear QB1 upside against the Dolphins' weak defense. If Penix cannot go, veteran Kirk Cousins would see his first action of the year and would immediately be on the streaming radar in fantasy leagues.

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Dontayvion Wicks Oct 22 2:50pm CT
Dontayvion Wicks

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (calf) was not seen participating in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, according to Weston Hodkiewicz of Packers.com. Wicks still has two more days to try to get back on the practice field, but he's off to a bad start after injuring his calf in Sunday's 27-23 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The good news for the Packers is that if the 24-year-old is unable to go in Week 8 on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they could be getting Christian Watson (knee) back from the Physically Unable to Perform list for his 2025 debut. Romeo Doubs has been Green Bay's WR1 with Jayden Reed (collarbone) on Injured Reserve, and rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden has seen more involvement as well in recent weeks. Wicks has been off the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues with 13 catches for 134 yards and no scores on 20 targets through six games in 2025.

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Calvin Austin III Oct 22 2:40pm CT
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (shoulder) was back in the mix at practice on Wednesday, according to Brian Batko. It's unclear what Austin's official practice status is, but it's good news as he tries to return for a Week 8 contest this Sunday night versus the Green Bay Packers. For what it's worth, head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that he was optimistic about Austin's chances of playing this week for the first time since injuring his shoulder in Week 4. In the 26-year-old's absence, DK Metcalf has continued to serve as the clear WR1 in Pittsburgh, with tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington picking up more slack in the passing game. When Austin gets back onto the field on game day, he should resume his role as the Steelers' WR2 after catching 10 of 17 targets for 139 yards and two touchdowns in four games. He may need a full practice this week to avoid taking a questionable tag into the Sunday night contest.

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Josh Palmer Oct 22 1:50pm CT
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Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday's practice as the team returned from its bye, and head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Palmer is considered week-to-week. The veteran receiver has quietly carved out a role in Buffalo's revamped passing attack, appearing in every game this season and posting 14 receptions for 234 yards while operating as a reliable secondary option for Josh Allen. However, his recovery timeline remains uncertain, and the Bills may choose to be cautious to avoid a longer-term setback. With Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman, and Khalil Shakir firmly established as the top three targets in the offense, Palmer offers limited fantasy upside even when healthy. For now, he should remain on the waiver wire in standard formats, though he may warrant monitoring in deeper leagues if his role expands later in the season.

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Marcus Mariota Oct 22 1:40pm CT
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will make his third start of the season on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect much production in a difficult matchup. Mariota has been serviceable in his limited action, completing 64.6% of his passes with a 3:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, while adding some mobility outside the pocket. However, he now faces a Chiefs defense that ranks among the league's best, allowing the fifth-fewest yards per game and just 17.7 points per contest, good for third in the NFL. To make matters worse, Mariota could once again be operating without two of his top pass-catchers as Deebo Samuel (heel) and Terry McLaurin (quad) both remain questionable. With limited weapons and a brutal defensive matchup, Mariota lacks fantasy upside and should remain on the waiver wire in all formats outside of deep superflex leagues.

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Dalton Kincaid Oct 22 1:40pm CT
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Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (oblique) was limited in practice on Wednesday, raising some concern about his status for Week 8 despite the benefit of extra rest over the team's bye week. Kincaid has quickly emerged as one of the most reliable tight ends in fantasy football, scoring three touchdowns in five games and catching 83.3% of his targets while operating as a featured weapon for Josh Allen. Even after missing one contest, his 287 receiving yards lead the team, and he also holds a team-high three scores through the air. The Bills will travel to face the 4-3 Carolina Panthers in what has quietly become a tougher-than-expected matchup, making Kincaid's health even more critical for Buffalo's passing attack. Fantasy managers should monitor his practice progression closely, as another limited session or downgrade could put his Week 8 availability in jeopardy.

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Christian Kirk Oct 22 1:30pm CT
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Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (hamstring) did not participate in Wednesday's practice and remains questionable for Week 8 as he works his way back from a lingering soft-tissue injury. Kirk has not appeared in a game since October 5 and was unavailable for Monday night's loss to the Seahawks, marking yet another setback in what has been a frustrating stretch for the veteran receiver. Dating back to last season, Kirk has struggled to stay on the field, playing in just eight games in 2024, and durability has become a growing concern. When healthy, however, Kirk has proven to be a reliable playmaker. His last full season came in 2022, when he delivered 84 receptions for 1,108 yards and eight touchdowns. With Nico Collins (concussion) also uncertain for Week 8, Houston could desperately use Kirk's return, but fantasy managers should monitor practice reports closely before trusting him in lineups.

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