NFL Player News

With Steven Jackson (quad) sidelined, the Rams are acquiring depth. Porter has previously spent time with the Packers and Redskins before signing on in Cleveland on a reserve/futures deal. He could get a chance to return kicks on Monday night.

Dowdle being listed as a full participant despite this new wrist injury is a good sign for his Week 5 availability. The Cowboys’ RB1 should be good to go for this week’s game against the Steelers, barring an unexpected setback. Dowdle has played the majority of the Cowboys’ backfield snaps since Week 2, but is little more than a low-ceiling flex play after failing to make much of an impact during the first month of the season.

We don’t see this one often. Elliott and receiver Ryan Flournoy were both listed as limited due to dehydration on Thursday. We will assume this won’t stop either of them from playing in Week 5 against the Steelers. Elliott shouldn’t be in fantasy lineups even if active.

Howard being a late addition to the injury report is concerning for his Week 5 availability, but if he’s able to get on the field Friday, he should be good to go. In the event he can’t start, second-year tackle Nick Broeker is listed behind him on the depth chart and would presumably get the nod against the Bills.

Ekeler being upgraded to a full participant means he’s on the verge of being cleared from concussion protocol. His return will be a welcomed one by the Commanders, especially if Brian Robinson (knee) is unable to go in Week 5 versus the Browns. Robinson, who has the 10th most yards from scrimmage of any running back in the league, has yet to practice this week. His absence would spell a busy day for Ekeler, and may also open the door for Jeremy McNichols as a deep flex play in a backfield that has been heavily split early in the season.

Hines is working his way back from the PUP list after suffering a torn ACL last summer while with the Bills. The veteran running back/kick returner will be joining a crowded backfield if/when he returns, as Nick Chubb (knee) also saw his return window open this week. Hines is unlikely to have any legitimate fantasy upside this season.

Ok then. We don’t doubt it was planned, but it still means Njoku who has now gotten in one limited practice since going down in Week 1. It also means he did not bounce back better than expected, etc. from his Wednesday return. There is still a chance Njoku suits up against the Commanders, but he needs to be considered genuinely questionable.

Brown was limited in Wednesday’s practice, making it hard to know whether he suffered a setback or is resting before ramping things up again on Friday. The veteran receiver has caught nine passes for 111 yards since joining the Commanders after training camp, and has run the third-most routes (56) of any receiver on the team. He’s fourth on the team in targets and doesn’t have any fantasy upside at this time.

49ers beat writer Matt Barrows notes that Kittle and Fred Warner (ankle) were seen in full gear on the side field, so it’s possible they join the team later for a limited session. Kittle was a DNP for Wednesday’s practice. If he’s not able to log even a limited session before the weekend, it’s fair to say his Week 5 status would be in jeopardy.

The Steelers continue to ramp up Wilson’s workload in hopes he can soon be available if needed. Justin Fields has already been tabbed as the team’s Week 5 starter against the Cowboys, but the team could soon have more options once Russ is able to go.