NFL Player News

A former five-star recruit who earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a true junior, Epenesa (6’5/275) lacks an explosive first step on tape but buoyed his physicality and heavy hands into high-end production at the collegiate level, finishing his career as the first Hawkeye with back-to-back seasons of double-digit sacks since Matt Roth (2003-04). As The Athletic’s Dane Brugler notes, Epenesa actually averaged less than 50 percent of Iowa’s snaps in his first two years before becoming a full-time starter (90.1%) in 2019. Unfortunately, his sluggish 18th-percentile Adjusted SPARQ athleticism coupled with an unimpressive 40 (5.04) and median 32.5-inch vertical (63rd-percentile) means his team fit will be crucial in ensuring his impact as an EDGE rusher to begin his career. Don’t be surprised if he’s kicked inside if struggling out the gates. Even so, his upside remains that of a double-digit sack artist and Pro-Bowler.

Mayfield missed the first two practices of the week with the toe issue. The Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud reported yesterday that he would be “fine” and that appears to be the case. Mayfield has thrown five touchdowns in two games without Mike Evans or Chris Godwin. He also threw two interceptions two weeks ago and only managed 200 yards last week versus the Chiefs, so fantasy managers will have to take the good with the bad. In another tough matchup with the 49ers, Mayfield will straddle the QB1/2 border for Week 10.

The 49ers’ kicker returns for what could be a high-scoring affair. Fantasy managers in need of a capable kicker in an efficient offense should check their free agency pool to see if Moody went unclaimed during this week’s waiver wire run.

We do not yet know how the 49ers’ backfield touches will be distributed but Mason has more than proven himself as a capable contributor. He remains RB4-viable thanks to his rushing talents and the 49ers’ efficient offense. This weekend’s game should provide clarity on the situation moving forward.

Diggs played through the calf issue last week. He was limited in the first two practices of the week before being downgraded to a DNP on Friday. That’s when the illness designation was added to his practice report, so we’ll assume that is what caused him to be held out and not the calf issue. Players tend to play through illnesses, especially when they get Saturday to work through the ailment. Diggs should be no different. Linebacker Eric Kendricks is also questionable. He played through his shoulder issue last week and is likely to do so once again.

The Buccaneers have struggled to slow opposing passing games and Jennings is regularly producing explosive plays when given the opportunity. He is WR3/4-viable here with week-winning upside. Jennings could function as the team’s No. 1 wide receiver with Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib/oblique) playing through injury.

Parsons returned to practice earlier this week but never got in a full session. He has been out with the ankle injury since Week 4. With Dak Prescott on injured reserve, the Cowboys’ season is functionally over, so there’s no reason to hurry the star pass-rusher back into the lineup. Parsons is a true game-time call for Week 10.

Samuel remained limited in all three practices this week and while we expect him to play, he is notably at less than 100.0 percent health. Samuel should play efficiently against a banged-up Buccaneers defense regardless though. He is a WR2 for the occasion.

Lamb went down with a shoulder injury late in the Cowboys’ Week 9 loss to the Falcons. He was listed as questionable to return but did so and caught a two-point conversion near the end of the fourth quarter. The Cowboys gave him a light workload in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He closed the week with a full session on Friday before being cleared. Lamb’s fantasy outlook is trending down with Dak Prescott out, but he will still dominate the opportunities in a Cooper Rush-led offense. Lamb will hold onto his WR1 status for at least one more week.

McCaffrey was upgraded to a full practice participant on Friday. As long as he remains setback-free through the weekend, McCaffrey should make his 2024 debut. Fantasy managers should start him even without workload-related news thanks to his excellent per-play efficiency.

Williams was limited through three practices this week and could suit up for the first time since Week 1. His presence would provide a small boost to the Cardinals pass protection and run blocking.