NFL Player News

Williams (6’3/261) is a true project who was a standout basketball player in high school before deciding to play football as a junior. He was still very raw and didn’t have the grades to attend a major program, enrolling in JUCO where he learned the game and re-molded his body to play edge. Williams arrived on campus in 2019 and was starting by the fifth game of the season, posting 37 tackles, 9.5 TFL, and 6.0 sacks. In fact, he led the Rebels in sacks each of his three years on campus with a total of 22.5. He was named second-team All-American last year, recording 61 pressures, 57 tackles, 16.0 TFLs, 12.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles to go with a pristine 90.2 PFF pass-rush grade in his breakout campaign. Though still developing, Williams’ athleticism is nothing short of outstanding as he ran a 4.46 40, a 99th percentile time that helped boost his overall relative athletic score to a sterling 9.72. He has the speed and flexibility to dip under tackles and terrorize around the edge and can turn on a dime to cross their face when tackles overset to neutralize his speed. He gave first-rounder Charles Cross all he could handle in the 2021 Egg Bowl, generating nine pressures. Williams’ move set needs refinement, and he has off-field issues in his past, but he could turn into a potential gem if he continues to evolve.

The Seahawks never play it straight with Metcalf’s practice statuses. He’ll be out there as a WR1 against the Giants.

This would normally be cause for concern, but the Seahawks are clearly just managing Walker’s reps after his successful Week 4 return. He can be fired up as an upside RB1 vs. the Giants.

Love’s Week 5 status was never in doubt, though perhaps this is an indication he will be able to better plant-and-drive after sometimes struggling to do so in his Week 4 return. Despite those physical question marks, Love is a high-end QB1 for a delectable matchup with the Rams’ awful defense.

A lot of notable names, but no surprises. Winfield was originally expected to miss only two weeks upon going down in the opener, but this will be his fourth consecutive absence. Perhaps the “mini bye” will give him enough time to get cleared for Week 6.

This is about as quiet of a list as you will ever see in the modern NFL. The Falcons are getting back RT Kaleb McGary, hopefully boosting the running game and buying Kirk Cousins a little more time with the pass.

Folks... We have obviously heard this one before, but Pitts’ “usage” has plummeted to embarrassing depths in recent weeks, culminating with a zero-catch Week 4. He has exceeded 30 yards one time all season, and has yet to catch more than three passes. We would expect a few early designed looks against the Bucs, but it’s unclear if Pitts is even capable of forcing the issue once the scripted plays are through.

It means that, barring an unexpected regression in the concussion protocol, McBride will be good to go for Sunday’s game against the 49ers after missing Week 4. McBride’s easy targets were sorely missed by Kyler Murray last Sunday, to say nothing of fantasy managers. Despite something of a slow start, McBride immediately rejoins the top five at his struggling position.

The Chiefs opened CEH’s return window this week and can activate him anytime. He’ll return to a crowded backfield that featured Kareem Hunt in Week 4’s win over the Chargers and is unlikely to have any fantasy upside early in his return. Managers needing help at running back can stash CEH as needed, but he’s more likely to be a roster clogger than a weekly contributor as long as the Chiefs’ top options are healthy.

The Chiefs’ new came off the couch in Week 4 to lead the team in touches (16) and was second in total yards (85). A few bumps and bruises for a player who is getting back into game shape on the fly is to be expected. The fact he could log a limited session on Thursday is a good sign for Hunt, who also gets an extra day to heal thanks to this week’s Monday night matchup. Hunt is ranked as RotoPat’s RB19 on the week, meaning he’ll have plenty to offer fantasy managers if active.

Listed with hip and rib issues heading into Week 4, Olave checked out a few times late but never missed more than a snap or two as he corralled eight passes for 87 yards. He’s banged up, but seemingly in zero doubt of missing Monday night’s showdown with the Chiefs’ strong pass defense. Olave is parked on the WR1/2 borderline for the time being.