NFL Player News

Six days after leading the Patriots in rushing against the Dolphins, Woodhead was a non-factor against a stout Chargers’ run defense. The performance again highlights the fact that the pint-sized third-down back simply can’t be trusted as a weekly option outside of deeper PPR leagues.

Pittman sat a 4th-and-2 play in the fourth quarter of the Colts’ Week 9 loss to the Vikings due to a dislocated finger. The medical staff fixed his finger and Pittman is presumably not dealing with any more issues stemming from it. However, the back injury he suffered in October continues to impact him. Colts head coach Shane Steichen said they are taking it “week-to-week” with Pittman, who continues to start through the injury. He has had one catch in back-to-back games while Josh Downs has been the primary receiver as Pittman continues to nurse his back issue.

Evans has been dealing with a hamstring injury that has kept him out since Week 7. He has yet to practice, and the injury is likely to take him through the Bucs’ Week 11 bye. Cade Otton has been the top target with Evans out and his usage will continue until Evans can return.

Irving has been dealing with a toe injury for the last few weeks and head coach Todd Bowles said the issue may linger throughout the season. Given Irving has played through the toe issue, he is on track to play again Week 10. Fantasy managers can expect Irving to pop up on injury reports down the road, but he is managing the injury and should be good to go barring setbacks.

McMillan was sidelined with a hamstring injury for Week 9 and starts out this week not practicing in the Bucs’ Wednesday walkthrough. If McMillan remains out, Cade Otton and Sterling Shepard will be the biggest beneficiaries. Rakim Jarrett will see increased snaps as well as the Bucs’ depleted receiving corps nurses injuries.

Shepard popped up on the injury report with hamstring and hip issues on Wednesday after the Bucs’ Week 9 Monday loss to the Chiefs. Starting off a shorter week, Shepard still has a chance to practice in time for Week 10’s matchup against the 49ers. However, if he cannot go, Trey Palmer remains the primary healthy wide receiver on the team with TE Cade Otton receiving another bump in usage.

Mayfield was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday due to a toe issue. This is a new injury listing for him, though the Bucs are coming off a Monday game against the Chiefs in Week 9, so this could be rest management as well. Fantasy managers should monitor Mayfield’s practice status later in the week to see if there should be concern about his game status Week 10 against the 49ers.

Mason aggravated his AC joint sprain pre-bye, in the 49ers Week 8 again against the Cowboys. His early week participation bodes positively for his availability in Week 10. The 49ers have not yet revealed workload plans for Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles), who is expected to make his 2024 debut this week. Mason will be ready to chip in though.

Slater also reports that her sources told her “it typically takes more than a 4 week recovery. In some cases, they let it scar over, repair and then strengthen. With that being said, Prescott is seeking other opinions which is why there is currently a reluctance to place him on IR or make any determinations about a timeline for return.” An avulsion injury is far more serious than a typical strain. Fantasy managers should prudently move on from Prescott at this time.

Wattenberg’s potential return bodes positively for the Broncos’ pass-protection ability as they prepare to take on Chris Jones and the rest of the Chiefs’ talented pass rush. Wattenberg still has to get through the week setback-free though.

Kyler Gordon, who missed Week 9 with a hamstring issue, was also limited. Sweat bookended last week’s three practices with DNPs and was eventually made inactive on Sunday. A return to practice is a step in the right direction but doesn’t guarantee his availability for Week 10. The Bears were down multiple key defenders versus the Cardinals on Sunday and got rocked, giving up 29 points. It’s the first time Chicago has allowed more than 21 points in a game this season. Drake Maye’s fantasy outlook would receive a notable boost if Sweat or Gordon can’t play this week.