NFL Player News

Hester will still be the primary punt returner, but his kickoff-return chores will “depend on how the game is going” and how many touches he’s getting on offense. As usual, we expect Hester’s offensive role to pale in comparison to the coaching staff’s offseason expectations. Eric Weems and Devin Thomas are the primary candidates to return kickoffs.

Sidelined since Week 6, Jennings has been quiet when both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel were active this season but quite productive when one was out. Aiyuk, of course, is done for the season, but first-rounder Ricky Pearsall is also now in the picture. With the Niners getting the Bucs’ awful pass defense for Week 10, there’s probably a case to be made for jamming Jennings into the top 30.

Slayton did not make the team’s transatlantic trip to Germany. Surprisingly the Giants’ leading receiver in Week 10, Slayton has pop-up potential, but not enough consistency to crack the weekly WR4 ranks. That being said, the Giants do come off bye in Week 12 against the Bucs’ bottom-barrel defense.

Acquired from the Rams two days ago, White couldn’t get up to speed in only two days time. Although now well post-peak, White falls into “all the help they can get” territory for the Ravens’ beleaguered secondary, and will undoubtedly be out there for Week 11 snaps.

After toying with the “competitive advantage” game with non-updates on CMC’s status, Shanahan finally admits the obvious. McCaffrey has been practicing without setbacks and could be ready for something of a full load in Tampa. Even if 18-20 touches is ultimately unlikely, even 12-15 keeps McCaffrey locked in as a no-brainer RB1.

Higgins was always expected to remain sidelined after failing to get in a practice on the short week. Higgins isn’t exactly known as a quick healer, but 10 days hence against the Chargers could be realistic after he at least got a “doubtful” tag as opposed to an immediate rule-out this week. Joining Higgins on the shelf are LT Orlando Brown, WR Charlie Jones, RB Kendall Milton, EDGE Cedric Johnson and TE Tanner McLachlan.

Apparently a big part of the Bengals’ Week 9, Tee Higgins-less game plan, Burton was scratched after missing Saturday’s walk-through. A massive blunder, but one the Bengals are apparently willing to forgive with Higgins still sidelined vs. the Ravens’ awful pass defense. Third-round rookie Burton is probably worth a WR5 dart throw in this plus matchup.

Always limited by something or other in practice, there has been zero indication Samuel’s Week 10 status is actually in doubt. He should be out there on the WR1/2 borderline vs. a really bad Bucs pass D.

Mason was listed as “full” coming out of the 49ers’ bye on Wednesday. It’s possible he experienced unexpected soreness following his Wednesday return, but it’s more likely this was part of a rep management plan all along. Mason’s status still matters with the Niners refusing to confirm Christian McCaffrey (achilles) is indeed returning Sunday. Fantasy managers should still consider it unlikely Mason ultimately ends up in Week 10 lineups.

“If he emerges from today’s practice, the most rigorous of the week, without any issues in his achilles, it seems like he’ll be home free to be activated Saturday and to make his 2024 debut on Sunday,” is the opinion of beat reporter Matt Barrows. Coach Kyle Shanahan has, predictably, refused to publicly commit to any Week 10 expectations for his — we hope — returning lead back, but he still appears on track in our eyes. Then it becomes pretty simple: If CMC plays, he’s in fantasy lineups. Hopefully we get clarity by Friday’s final injury report instead of an inconclusive “questionable” tag.

Goedert told reporters on Wednesday that he is on track to play in Week 10 against the Cowboys. Having logged back-to-back full practices to start the week, there’s little reason to think he won’t be on the field this Sunday. The veteran tight end has missed three straight games with the injury but will be a fringe TE1/TE2 if active.