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Minnesota Vikings

K.J. Osborn unlikely to play, Hockenson limited
Vikings running out of pass catchers
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 12 2023, 8:31 am

#Vikings expect TE T.J. Hockenson to play today vs. #Saints but still affected by his rib/oblique injury. He won’t play as many snaps as normal but will be on field in key situations. WR K.J. Osborn is unlikely to play despite clearing concussion protocol. Coach-player decision. (Ed Werder on X)

FFToday's Take: The Vikings are running out of pass-catchers. Justin Jefferson and Osborn are out and now it sounds like Hockenson is going to be limited. Unless you have a strong backup, Hockenson is still in play this week at the tight end position. Brandon Powell should see more volume with Osborn on the shelf.

Indianapolis Colts

Josh Downs active for Week 10
Missed practice all week
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 12 2023, 8:08 am

Patriots’ WR Demario Douglas and Colts’ WR Josh Downs - both listed as questionable for today’s game in Germany - both are active today. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: Downs missed practice all week with a knee issue but is active for Week 10 against the Patriots. It sounds he could be limited which throws a wet blanket on his fantasy value. He's a Flex consideration for deep leagues only.

Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals activate James Conner off IR
Will play in Week 10
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 11 2023, 2:52 pm

Cardinals are activating RB James Conner from IR for Sunday’s game vs. the Falcons. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: As expected, Conner will play in Week 11 against the Falcons. His role is unclear but Arizona has been willing to give their lead running back the bulk of the work and that's the expectation here. Emari Demercado is out with a toe injury.

Houston Texans

Nico Collins, Dameon Pierce unlikely to play Week 10
Banged up Texans offense
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 10 2023, 12:51 pm

On #Texans wide receiver Nico Collins' strained calf. He got hurt against #Buccaneers and it became apparent during warmups Wednesday that he couldn't go, hence the limited designation on injury report, but didn't have any practice time. Now, out Thursday and again today @KPRC2 (Aaron Wilson on X)

FFToday's Take: The Texans will be without two of their starting offensive skill players against the Bengals. Both Collins and Pierce missed practice this week. Expect Devin Singletary to be the starting running back and Tank Dell, Robert Woods and Noah Brown to be the top three receivers. Singletary has some Flex appeal while Dell has some WR2 upside.

Cincinnati Bengals

Tee Higgins misses practice Thursday
Hamstring injury
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 9 2023, 2:58 pm

The Cincinnati Bengals (5-3) could be without wide receiver Tee Higgins on Sunday when they host the Houston Texans (4-4). Higgins is dealing with a hamstring injury, per the team’s injury report as he was listed as a limited participant following practice on Wednesday. The fourth year wideout didn’t practice on Thursday but was present on the field to watch. (Cincinnati.com)

FFToday's Take: The top two wideout for the Bengals are dealing with injuries this week. Ja'Marr Chase was able to practice today with his back issue, but it seems Higgins is the more questionable of the two. The loss of Higgins could mean more work for Trenton Irwin. We'll have a better idea of this situation after practice on Friday.

Chicgao Bears

Khalil Herbert expected to miss Week 10
Ankle injury
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 9 2023, 7:19 am

From @gmfb: The #Bears are expected to be without QB Justin Fields and RB Khalil Herbert again tonight, while the #Panthers get one key player back on defense. @nflnetwork (Tom Pelissero on X)

FFToday's Take: Herbert is still on IR and it appears he will remain there this week as he recovers from an ankle injury. If he sits, expect D'Onta Foreman to lead the Bears backfield against the Panthers with Roschon Johnson mixing in. Foreman will be on the RB2 radar against the Panthers who've given up the 2nd most fantasy points to the position.

Chicgao Bears

Justin Fields Doubtful for Week 10
Tyson Bagent gets another start
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 8 2023, 2:00 pm

Bears are listing QB Justin Fields as doubtful for Thursday night vs. Carolina. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: Fields is dealing with a thumb injury and isn't able to grip the football well enough to play. The Bears will give Tyson Bagent another start. Bagent displayed some rushing ability (8-70-0) in his last start against the Saints which helped him finish as the QB6 on the week. The Panthers have given up the 3rd fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore hints at three-headed RBBC moving forward
HC John Harbaugh: "I'm sure there will be a rotation."
By: Doug Orth | Nov 6 2023, 4:10 pm

#Ravens coach John Harbaugh on whether RB Keaton Mitchell will get worked into the offense more: "I'm sure there'll be a rotation. Sometimes it's by certain scheme, sometimes it's by who's hot. Sometimes it's by who's tired with running backs. It just kind of depends." (ESPN - Jamison Hensley)

FFToday's Take: NFL coaches really are the masters of saying something but not saying anything. Mitchell was involved surprisingly early in the Week 9 beatdown of the Seahawks and flashed an impressive combination of speed and power. Gus Edwards is likely in no danger of losing his early-down role anytime soon, but Mitchell arguably showed more big-play ability on Sunday than Justice Hill has all season. Mitchell may not be on the flex radar yet, but he will likely be this week's top waiver-wire add (and for good reason). He may not possess the same kind of upside Devon Achane did before his injury, but he could emerge as a weekly flex option soon enough.

Detroit Lions

True RBBC coming soon in Detroit?
David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs both healthy coming off bye
By: Doug Orth | Nov 6 2023, 3:40 pm

For much of this season, the Lions haven’t needed to decide how to split snaps between running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs because the two haven’t been healthy at the same time. But that’s about to change, and Lions head coach Dan Campbell says both players will get plenty of opportunities. Montgomery appears likely to return from his rib injury Sunday against the Chargers, and Gibbs is coming off his best game last week against the Raiders. Campbell was asked today how they’ll split the workload going forward. “We know what David can do, but we know that Gibbs has gotten better every week, so we’re going to ask those guys to do the things they do well and that help our offense move the football,” Campbell said. “I don’t think, necessarily sitting here talking to you right now, that I see Gibbs getting 65 plays. I don’t see that. But he’s going to get his fair share now. We know what he can be and he’s growing. I think it’ll be a little bit by committee and make sure we get those guys their touches. Gibbs will get his touches.” (PFT - Michael David Smith)

FFToday's Take: Gibbs flashed in a big way over Detroit's last two games, although they both come with a bit of a caveat in that most of his production against the Ravens in Week 8 came after the game was decided and Week 9's impressive effort came against a Las Vegas defense that was worn out by the offense's ineptitude. The good news for managers of either player is that the schedule should provide plenty of opportunity for both: between now and Week 15, the Lions face only one team that ranks outside the top 10 in most fantasy points allowed to running backs. Gibbs should push for at least 10-plus touches weekly and handle the bulk of long down-and-distance opportunities while Montgomery takes the bulk of early-down and goal-line work.

New York Giants

Giants fear torn ACL for QB Daniel Jones
Tommy DeVito moving forward?
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 5 2023, 7:53 pm

The initial fear is that quarterback Daniel Jones has a torn ACL in his right knee, per sources. MRI coming Monday to determine full extent of the injury but there is concern for a serious injury. (Jordan Raanan on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: The Giants put Tyrod Taylor on Injured Reserve with a rib injury meaning Tommy DeVito was once again thrust into action. There are no good options here for the Giants. Their passing game was uninspiring against the Raiders as DeVito went 15-of-20 for 175 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs.

Minnesota Vikings

Vikings lose Cam Akers to Achilles injury
Second Achilles injury for Akers
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 5 2023, 4:49 pm

Vikings’ HC Kevin O’Connell told reporters that RB Cam Akers suffered an Achilles injury today. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: This would be the second Achilles injury for Akers. His previous injury came with Rams back in Week 1 of 2021. The Vikings have struggled to run the ball all season and the only other running back to get a carry in this game was Alexander Mattison who finished with a 16-44-0, 2-49-1 line. Ty Chandler could be the next man up but expect a free agent signing or practice squad call-up this week.

Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals RB Emari Demercado out for Week 9
Keaontay Ingram expected to start
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 3 2023, 3:43 pm

With RB Emari Demercado out Sunday against the Browns, I expect Keaontay Ingram to start. (Josh Weinfuss on X)

FFToday's Take: Demercado missed practice this week with a toe injury and will sit out Week 9 against Cleveland. The Cardinals will likely use Ingram and Damien Williams as their running backs with Ingram getting first crack as the lead RB. Ingram can be considered a low-end Flex candidate.

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford a gametime decision for Week 9
Thumb injury
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 3 2023, 2:14 pm

Rams will list QB Matthew Stafford as questionable for Sunday due to his thumb injury and wait as long as they can before deciding whether he can play at Green Bay. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: The Rams will take it up to gametime with Stafford. If he sits, Brett Rypien would get the start and be a low-end option in two-quarterback leagues. The Rams have a bye in Week 10 which could sway the decision.

Atlanta Falcons

Drake London to miss Week 9, groin injury
Missed practice all week
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 3 2023, 12:58 pm

Falcons injury report: Drake London among three Falcons ruled out of Week 9 clash vs. Vikings. (Scott Bair on X)

FFToday's Take: The Falcons and new starting quarterback Taylor Heinicke will be without their best receiver against the Vikings. Expect Mack Hollins, Van Jefferson and Cordarrelle Patterson to have bigger roles along with tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith. However, only one or possibly two are likely to be fantasy worthy given Arthur Smith's offensive scheme.

Cleveland Browns

Deshaun Watson will start Week 9
Off the injury report
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 3 2023, 12:49 pm

#Browns QB Deshaun Watson will start Sunday vs. Arizona, coach Kevin Stefanski said. He's off the injury report. (Tom Pelissero on X)

FFToday's Take: Watson got in a full practice on Friday and has been removed from the injury report. The last time he played was Week 7 against the Colts when he left early after banging his head and shoulder on the turf. This week, the Browns face the Cardinals who've given up the 8th-most fantasy points to quarterbacks. Given the state of the position, Watson will be on the high-end QB2, low-end QB1 radar.

Houston Texans

Dameon Pierce misses practice on Wednesday
Ankle injury
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 1 2023, 5:44 pm

#Texans Dameon Pierce (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday. Undergoing treatment today for injured ankle that sidelined him during practice, #Texans running back Dameon Pierce not ruled out for Sunday's game, per league source, as it's being weighed whether missing a week would allow him to return to full capabilities. @KPRC2 (Aaron Wilson on X)

FFToday's Take: We'll need to keep an eye on this situation throughout the week as Devin Singletary could get a volume bump against the Bucs if Pierce is out in Week 9. Two back have been splitting work the last few weeks. Mike Boone is next up on the depth chart.

New York Giants

Darren Waller dealing with another hamstring injury
Week-to-Week
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 1 2023, 2:56 pm

TE Darren Waller “very frustrating” and “a little bit discouraging” that he’s dealing with another hamstring injury. Waller said it’s likely going to be “potentially” weeks. The amount of weeks he’s not quite sure. “It may take a little bit.“ So it seems very unlikely he plays Sunday vs. Raiders. Next week vs. Cowboys also in question. (Jordan Raanan on X)

FFToday's Take: Waller has played in every game this season but hasn't played a full season since 2020. He's battled hamstring issues in the past and will continue his battle in 2023. The Giants have shown very little in the passing game this season but will now be forced to find other options.

Atlanta Falcons

Taylor Heinicke in Desmond Ridder to the bench
Falcons make a move at quarterback
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 1 2023, 11:44 am

Another quarterback change: The #Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke on Sunday against the #Vikings, per coach Arthur Smith. So it'll be Taylor Heinicke against Jaren Hall. (Tom Pelissero on X)

FFToday's Take: Desmond Ridder has posted two 300-yard passing games this season but has yet to show any difference making ability in Arthur Smith's run-heavy scheme. Let's face it, Taylor Heinicke isn't going to be a fantasy upgrade either but could be an option in 2QB leagues given the weak landscape of the position. The Falcons face the Vikings and Cardinals before their Week 11 bye.

Las Vegas Raiders

QB Aidan O'Connell in, Jimmy Garoppolo to the bench
Raiders make a move at QB
By: Mike Krueger | Nov 1 2023, 11:21 am

Another major move in Las Vegas: The #Raiders are expected to start rookie QB Aidan O'Connell this week and going forward, with Jimmy Garoppolo going to the bench. The promising O’Connell now gets his shot. (Ian Rapoport on X)

FFToday's Take: The Raiders are beginning to overhaul their organization mid-season by firing their GM, head coach, offensive coordinator and continue the trend by making a move at quarterback. O'Connell got a spot start in Week 4 against the Chargers and finished 24 of 39, 238-0-1, 3-3-1. He was the QB19 on the week. He'll be an option in two-QB formats only unless he demonstrates more rushing ability.

Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders part ways with head coach and GM
Josh McDaniels, Dave Ziegler fired after going 9-16 in 1 1/2 seasons
By: Doug Orth | Nov 1 2023, 1:30 am

The Las Vegas Raiders have fired head coach Josh McDaniels and general manager David Ziegler, the team announced on Tuesday night. "After much thought about what the Raiders need to move forward, I have decided to part ways with Josh and Dave," owner Mark Davis said in a statement. "I want to thank them both for their hard work and wish them and their families nothing but the best." (Around the NFL)

FFToday's Take: The duo's fate was likely sealed after getting dominated on Monday Night Football by the Lions 24 hours earlier. Linebackers coach Antonio Pierce appears to be the early favorite to serve as the interim head coach for the remainder of the season. Fantasy managers can only hope that Pierce will emphasize the importance of keeping Davante Adams heavily involved moving forward.

Buffalo Bills

Leonard Fournette joins Buffalo after all
James Cook, Latavius Murray being put on notice?
By: Doug Orth | Oct 31 2023, 11:30 pm

Official: #Bills sign RB Leonard Fournette to practice squad. (BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown)

FFToday's Take: On the surface, this appears to be a move designed to replace what the Bills lost when Damien Harris to injury. However, Fournette is very good in the passing game, which would continue to eat away at the value of James Cook and make Latavius Murray difficult to trust even if Cook misses time. Fantasy managers would be wise to sell Cook for a decent return if possible since it appears the Bills consider him as nothing more than a 15-touch player - one which hasn't been used very much in the passing game over the last three games.

Arizona Cardinals

Vikings acquire QB Joshua Dobbs from Cardinals
QB Jaren Hall expected to start this week for MIN
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 31 2023, 1:35 pm

The #Vikings are trading for #AZCardinals QB Joshua Dobbs, with plenty of starting experience, per me and @TomPelissero. It helps make up for the loss of Kirk Cousins. And gives MIN a chance. (Ian Rapoport on X)

FFToday's Take: The Vikings were in the QB trade market after losing Kirk Cousins to an Achilles injury in Week 8. Head coach Kevin O'Connell says that QB Jaren Hall is preparing to start this week but it's possible Dobbs could be ready to play. Dobbs breathes some fantasy life into Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson that otherwise would've been non-existent with Hall commanding the offense.

Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals to turn to Clayton Tune in Week 9?
Only if Kyler Murray (knee) is still deemed unready
By: Doug Orth | Oct 30 2023, 7:10 pm

AZCardinals coach Jonathan Gannon says Clayton Tune would get the start over Joshua Dobbs is Kyler Murray is deemed not ready until the following week. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)

FFToday's Take: Murray practiced in full last week after a full week of limited practices the previous week, so it is only a matter of time before he gets the nod. The major motivation for Gannon to play Tune this week could be to have Murray avoid the Browns' defense in his first game back. Once the Cardinals finish with Cleveland, they face a string of defenses (Falcons, Texans, Rams and Steelers) that a healthy Murray could beat before the Week 14 bye. Don't be surprised if Murray ends up making his season debut in Week 10.

Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford day-to-day
Suffered right thumb sprain in Week 8
By: Doug Orth | Oct 30 2023, 7:00 pm

Rams QB Matthew Stafford is day to day with a UCL sprain, per coach Sean McVay. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)

FFToday's Take: We will see what the practice week brings, but it appears as though Stafford was extremely fortunate to avoid a more serious injury. While there is always a chance the Rams could play things safe and sit Stafford against the Packers in Week 9 with their bye coming up the following week, L.A. may not feel it has the luxury of doing that at 3-5. Either way, it appears as though fantasy managers of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua will be able to proceed as they normally would. Brett Rypien will draw the start in Week 9 if Stafford misses that contest.

New York Giants

Daniel Jones cleared for contact, could play Week 9
Neck injury
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 30 2023, 9:10 am

#Giants QB Daniel Jones has been cleared for contact, as @rydunleavy reported. Jones was examined before yesterday’s game. He’s in line to return to action against the #Raiders. (Mike Garafolo on X)

FFToday's Take: It was reported yesterday that Jones' neck injury has caused weakness in his left arm and he wouldn't be ready until Week 10. But after Tyrod Taylor (ribs) got hurt in the Giants Week 8, game it sounds like Jones could be ready as soon as Week 9 against the Raiders. The stat of the fantasy quarterback situation around the league is ugly, which means Jones is likely to be an option even though he's the QB30 in fantasy points per game after eight weeks.

Minnesota Vikings

Torn Achilles likely for Kirk Cousins
MRI will be taken to confirm
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 29 2023, 4:40 pm

Kirk Cousins tore his Achilles today, per source. An MRI will be taken to confirm. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: Bad news for Cousins and the Vikings. Jaren Hall came in went 3 of 4 for 23 yards in relief. Minnesota have been without Justin Jefferson (hamstring) since Week 6 and will now likely be without Cousins for the remainder of the season.

Cleveland Browns

Jerome Ford a gametime decision for Week 8
Ankle injury
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 29 2023, 7:10 am

Browns’ RB Jerome Ford, who is listed as questionable for today’s game due to his sprained ankle, wants and intends to play vs. the Seahawks, but Cleveland wants to see how he looks and feels in pre-game warmups before allowing it, per source. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: Ford injured his ankle last week and missed practice Wednesday and Thursday before getting in a limited session on Friday. He's listed as Questionable. If he sits, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr. would share the running back duties with Hunt being the preferred fantasy option. Jordan Wilkins has been elevated from the practice squad in case Ford can't go.

Indianapolis Colts

Zack Moss a gametime decision
Missed practice Friday with elbow and heel injuries
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 29 2023, 7:00 am

Colts’ RB Zack Moss, listed as questionable for Sunday due to elbow and heel injuries, wants to see how his foot feels once he puts pressure on it in pre-game warmups before deciding whether he can play vs. the Saints, per source. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: It sounds like we've got a true gametime decision on Moss who missed practice Friday. Whether or not he plays has a decent impact on Jonathan Taylor's outlook who could see the bulk of the running back work if Moss sits. Both backs played 50% of the snaps last week while Taylor had 24 opportunities and Moss had 22.

San Francisco

Brock Purdy clears concussion protocol, will start in Wk 8
No injury designation
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 28 2023, 1:48 pm

49ers’ QB Brock Purdy has cleared concussion protocol and has no injury designation against the Cincinnati Bengals. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: Purdy breaks the mold and clears the concussion protocol in time to play the following week. His matchup isn't the best against a Bengals defense that's middle-of-the-pack against fantasy quarterbacks and he won't have Deebo Samuel (shoulder). However, the threat of McCaffrey, Aiyuk and Kittle given Purdy enough weapons to land in low-end QB1 / high-end QB2 territory.

Las Vegas Raiders

Jimmy Garoppolo will start in Week 8
Back injury
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 28 2023, 1:13 pm

#Raiders HC Josh McDaniels said QB Jimmy Garoppolo is good to go Monday. He said CB Jakorian Bennett and CB Nate Hobbs are trending in the right direction, too. K Daniel Carlson remains up in the air. (Tashan Reed on X)

FFToday's Take: Garoppolo missed last week with a back issue but has been practicing this week and should be out there Monday night against the Lions. That's good news for Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers in the passing game. The Lions have given up the 8th most fantasy points to quarterbacks.

San Francisco

Brock Purdy listed as Questionable for Week 8
Limited Thursday, full practice Friday
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 27 2023, 7:33 pm

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has not yet cleared concussion protocol, but there is still a realistic chance he will start Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. If the independent consultant agrees with the team physician that his concussion has resolved, he can play against the Bengals. (ESPN)

FFToday's Take: Purdy was limited in practice Thursday then got in full session on Friday. If he doesn't have any symptoms on Saturday, he'll likely be cleared to play. If not, Sam Darnold will get the start.

Green Bay Packers

Aaron Jones still not 100 percent, hamstring injury
Packers "going to be smart with him"
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 27 2023, 3:01 pm

Matt LaFleur on Aaron Jones, who has no injury designation for Sunday’s game: “We’re still gonna be smart with him. I don’t think he’s 100% by any stretch.” (Matt Schneidman on X)

FFToday's Take: Jones injured his hamstring Week 1 and has missed or been limited in every game since. It sounds like he'll be limited in Week 8 as well. Expect AJ Dillon to get at least 50-50 split with Jones if not more. Jones had 11 touches last week against the Broncos.

New York Giants

Daniel Jones Out for Week 8
Tyrod Taylor gets another start for Giants
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 27 2023, 11:37 am

Daboll said Daniel Jones is OUT for Sunday. He was listed as questionable last week. Daboll was non-committal on if Jones will play again this season because he doesn’t have a crystal ball. Daboll said they’ll see where Jones is at next week. (Dan Duggan on X)

FFToday's Take: It's safe to wonder if Jones plays again this season given his neck injury history but for now, it will be Tyrod Taylor making his third start in a row. Taylor is coming off a solid week against the porous Commanders secondary but will have a more difficult task against the Jets-D that's expected to welcome back D.J. Reed and Ahmad Gardner.

Miami Dolphins

Tyreek Hill, Raheem Mostert miss practice Wednesday
Hip injury for Hill
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 25 2023, 5:06 pm

#Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill, whose status is up in the air for Sunday, did not practice because of a hip injury. RB Raheem Mostert did not practice because of an ankle injury. (Ian Rapoport on X)

FFToday's Take: Hill doesn't typically miss practice or games so his situation will be one to watch as the week progresses. We will get more clarity both players on Friday, but in the meantime, those with deep benches can look to stash Jeff Wilson and Salvon Ahmed in case Mostert isn't able to play in Week 8.

San Francisco

Brock Purdy in concussion protocol, unlikely to play Wk 8
Sam Darnold likely to start
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 25 2023, 3:52 pm

Kyle Shanahan said Brock Purdy is now in concussion protocols. Purdy is now unlikely to play Sunday vs. the Bengals based on this trend: No NFL player placed into concussion protocol this season has played the same week. The last player to be in concussion protocol who played the same week was 2022, when Kenny Pickett had a concussion in week 6 and was cleared to play in week 7. (Adam Schefter on X)

FFToday's Take: Purdy reportedly starting having symptoms on the plain ride back from Minnesota. As Schefter points out, it's going to be difficult for him to get through protocol in time to play against the Bengals. We can't expect much from Sam Darnold is his first start this season and he's likely to be without Deebo Samuel (shoulder).

Tennessee Titans

Titans expected to start Will Levis at quarterback
Malik Willis will play also
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 25 2023, 7:13 am

Sources: The #Titans are preparing rookie QB Will Levis to start on Sunday, as the 2nd rounder should make his NFL debut. With Ryan Tannehill (ankle) likely out, coach Mike Vrabel said both Levis and Malik Willis would play. But Levis is expected to be the primary QB. (Ian Rapoport on X)

FFToday's Take: With Tannehill nursing a sprained ankle the Titans will see what Levis has to offer. This isn't great news for the offense as a whole and should be a slight downgrade for DeAndre Hopkins and Treylon Burks who is expected to return this week from injury. The Titans traded starting S Kevin Byard this week and it wouldn't be surprising to see more pieces dealt before the trade deadline on October 31st.

Carolina Panthers

Miles Sanders now stuck in RBBC?
RB has been hampered by shoulder injury
By: Doug Orth | Oct 24 2023, 11:55 pm

Frank Reich is keeping his running back situation open-ended following the Week 7 bye. With starting running back Miles Sanders dealing with a shoulder injury, and Chuba Hubbard playing well in his absence in the Week 6 loss to the Miami Dolphins, Reich has some wiggle room when it comes to gamesmanship ahead of Sunday’s home matchup against the Houston Texans. “Chuba’s looked good,” Reich said. “Obviously, we love Miles. And Miles has continued to make good progress. We’ll continue to get into this week a little bit. It’s always going to be a little bit by committee. That’s typically our approach. So the actual mix, that could vary week to week, so we’ll see how things play out this week.” (Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye)

FFToday's Take: Apparently, not even a running back in the first season of a four-year, $25.4 million contract is guaranteed to keep his role as the "featured" back for even half of a season. There is no question that Hubbard has earned himself some more work with his recent performance, but one would think the contract, the difficult early matchups and the injury would have bought Sanders some time on a winless team. Expect Sanders to get another crack at being a lead back at some point in the near future, but it appears as if he possesses little more than RB3/flex upside at this point.

Arizona Cardinals

Zach Ertz lands on Injured Reserve, quad injury
Out at least four games
By: Mike Krueger | Oct 24 2023, 12:33 pm

The #Cardinals are placing three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz on injured reserve with a quad strain suffered during the game Sunday, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. Ertz is out at least four games, but the plan is for him to return this season. Ertz has 27 catches this season. (Tom Pelissero on X)

FFToday's Take: Ertz has been keeping the seat warm for Trey McBride who should now function as the Cardinals starting tight end. McBride will have some TE2 appeal moving forward but doesn't have a lot of upside in this low-powered offense.

Chicgao Bears

Justin Fields out for at least one more game
Missed Week 7 with thumb injury
By: Doug Orth | Oct 23 2023, 11:55 pm

#Bears coach Matt Eberflus says "(Tyson Bagent) will be our starter." Calls Justin Fields doubtful for Sunday night's game at #Chargers. Says JF1 continues to progress. (Chicago Tribune - Brad Biggs)

FFToday's Take: It would not be terribly surprising if Fields was sidelined in Week 9 as well, but it appears as if he is closer to returning than not at this point. Bagent handled himself nicely in his first NFL start in Week 7, playing error-free ball while completing 72.4% of his passes. The Chargers have underachieved yet again this year, but Bagent will likely need to do more to keep up with Justin Herbert & Co. in Week 8.

Cleveland Browns

Jerome Ford likely to miss a week or two
Likely low-grade, high-ankle sprain
By: Doug Orth | Oct 23 2023, 11:30 pm

Browns’ RB Jerome Ford - who left Sunday’s win over the Colts with an ankle injury - was diagnosed with what a source described as a “low grade, high ankle” sprain that is expected to sideline him 1-to-2 weeks. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)

FFToday's Take: The Browns' offense keeps taking hits, as Ford will likely join Deshaun Watson and Nick Chubb as players who will likely miss multiple games due to injury. Fantasy managers should consider themselves lucky if Ford only misses two weeks with an injury that can sideline some backs for a month. Although he has been productive for fantasy purposes, Kareem Hunt has not looked any better than he did last season. However, it should be expected to take on the leading role for however long Ford is sidelined while Pierre Strong Jr. assumes Hunt's old role as Ford's complement.