NFL Player News

“I struggle with Justin Blackmon,” Cosell said. “He’s not an elite prospect like Andre or Calvin Johnson. (Michael) Floyd’s right there with him.” Floyd has a couple of inches and at least five pounds on Blackmon, and ran 4.47 on a slow track at the Combine. Blackmon didn’t run in Indy, but ran 4.46 on a fast track at his Pro Day. On tape, they are similar prospects. Don’t be surprised if Blackmon falls out of the top six, but both he and Floyd are gone by pick No. 17.

The backfield will be missing two of its top three weapons for the team’s Week 5 contest against the Cowboys, leaving Najee Harris likely headed for a robust workload against one of the worst run defenses in the league. Russell Wilson will serve as the emergency quarterback.

Parsons injured his ankle in Week 4 and was seen in a boot and riding a scooter this week, making his absence in Week 5 unsurprising. The team will also be without secondary wide receiver Brandin Cooks after he was placed on injured reserve this week with an infection in his knee.

Eight touches for 57 yards is a solid day for a No. 2 running back, though Goodson still got out-touched 16-8 by Trey Sermon in Jonathan Taylor’s (ankle) absence. Neither Sermon nor Goodson showed anything that would lead us to expect a different touch delineation should Taylor remain sidelined for Week 6 against the Titans.

Sermon got stood up three times inside the Jaguars’ five on the Colts’ opening drive, including twice from the one. That portended an ominous spot start, though he thankfully eventually nabbed the score and some nice PPR goodness on top. Sermon looked like what he is — a journeyman forced into a job he should not have — but the usage was as expected. Jonathan Taylor’s (ankle) status seems questionable at best for Week 6 against the Titans. Sermon will probably need to remain rostered through at least Friday.

Huntley was much better against the Patriots than he was last week against the Titans. He appeared far more comfortable in the pocket and was able to execute Mike McDaniel’s scripted plays early in the game. Huntley targeted Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on a combined 17 of his 31 pass attempts. He could get one more start for the Dolphins if Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is unable to return following the team’s Week 6 bye.

It was a nightmare day for Etienne, who got out-carried by Tank Bigsby for the first time. Bigsby also won the snap battle. Etienne’s six receptions saved some face for fantasy managers, but Bigsby contributed a pair of thundering touchdown runs. A committee that’s only been growing more even could be turning in Bigsby’s favor for good. Etienne can’t really be considered a legitimate RB2 for Week 6 against the Bears’ tough defense, but he probably still projects for enough overall volume to remain in the FLEX mix.

Wattenberg was injured on Bo Nix’s goal-line, fourth-quarter plunge. He was able to walk off under his own power, which is a positive. This offensive line has already lost multiple starters this year though.

Brissett was sacked twice and pressured early and often by an aggressive Miami front seven. After earning head coach Jerod Mayo’s endorsement this week, Brissett continued making poor throws and created almost nothing out of structure for a stuck-in-the-mud New England offense. Brissett still has not throw for more than 168 yards in a game this season. He’ll take on the Texans in Week 6.

Henry was having his quietest outing since Week 1 until one overtime block sprung him for the 51-yard run that set the Ravens up for their game-winning field goal. With Sunday turning into a drop-back fest in a back-and-forth affair, it just wasn’t Henry’s day, but his overtime rumble was a reminder that even in “non-Henry” scripts he can turn things on their head with one touch. The Commanders’ soft defense is a plus Week 6 matchup.

Smith saw surprising involvement in Week 5 after failing to record a reception in Tyler Huntley’s first start against the Titans last week. Smith was tied for second in targets with Jaylen Waddle. Smith’s route participation and pass game involvement vacillates too much for him to remain a reliable fantasy option, however. Miami has a bye in Week 6.