NFL Player News

Hutchinson (6'6"/275) was the near consensus top pick for a long time, but he’s fallen off very recently and the interviewed coaches may have some insight as to why. Three of the four really questioned if he can be a true difference maker at the next level. Two were very concerned about his arm length. One said he doesn’t have that overwhelming presence when you watch the tape, and that he doesn’t have a standout trait really. They like his technique and makeup, but athletically he’s nothing special, and while he could dominate at the college level with superior technique, the coaches are worried that it won’t translate to the NFL. The one dissenting coach simply said he likes Hutchinson’s twitch and bend, and that he’ll transition quickly.

Olave has already been ruled out for Week 10 against the Falcons. Rapoport notes that the move to IR is expected to become official later today. That puts Olave on the shelf for at least four games. Rapoport even speculated that given the nature of the injury and the team’s record, Olave’s season could already be over. Olave was placed on a backboard and carted off the field after he suffered his second concussion of the season and fifth documented concussion of his football-playing career in Week 9 against the Panthers.

The Rams’ offensive line is quietly trending toward a midseason turnaround after operating as one of the league’s worst units early on. Hopefully, Jackson can stack another full practice on Saturday and suit up for the first time since Week 2. Fellow OL Steve Avila (knee) likewise practiced in full on Thursday.

Whittington is trending toward a Week 10 return from his multi-week shoulder injury. Demarcus Robinson’s hot streak likely relegates the promising rookie to that of a bench stash though.

Robinson has scored five touchdowns over his last four games, somewhat inflating his fantasy-scoring potential; he is averaging just 1.23 yards per route run during that span, which more accurately reflects his expected weekly productivity. That said, a capable player in a high-end passing offense remains WR3/4-viable, particularly with four teams on bye.

Brooks was activated from the reserve/NFI list this week and practiced in full during all three sessions. Still, head coach Dave Canales was non-committal on his status for Week 10. The good news is that fantasy managers will get to see Carolina’s inactives before every game other than Thursday’s kicks off. The bad news is that’s because the Panthers take on the Giants in Germany for a game kicking off bright and early stateside. Playing in his first game in nearly a year, Brooks will be eased back into the lineup this week if he plays at all. Fantasy managers wanting to get their full eight hours of sleep should just keep Brooks on the bench.

Sanders was back in action on Friday, practicing in full with the rest of his Panthers’ teammates. The enticing rookie tight end is averaging 2.43 yards per route run over the last three weeks and the Giants’ tight end-coverage unit is among the league’s worst. He is firmly on the streaming TE1 radar.

Hunt’s inclusion on the injury report is seemingly a formality at this point. He regularly takes it easy during the practice week before suiting up come game day. This is just the Chiefs smartly managing the 29-year-old’s repetitions. He is an RB2.

Hardman got banged up in Week 9 but returned to catch three passes for 17 yards. The gadget receiver will continue seeing a handful of schemed touches a week but is not on the fantasy radar heading into Week 10.

The Ravens released Ngakoue yesterday, prompting the 2-7 Patriots to unexpectedly bolster their thinned-out pass rush. Ngakoue can hardly be projected for a robust snap count but he should chip in from time to time. His signing does not move the needle on the Patriots’ D/ST unit for fantasy purposes. The team released LB Raekwon McMillan in a corresponding move.

Williams joined the Lions as a UDFA this year and cracked the team’s 53-man roster at the end of camp. He did not play until Week 8 when he caught two passes for six yards. Williams was cut after Week 9. He gives the Bengals an extra depth option with Tee Higgins banged up and Jermaine Burton’s rookie season spiraling.