NFL Player News

Sanborn (6’2/234) wasted little time making an impact, leading the team in tackles as a sophomore and junior in addition to posting six PBUs and three interceptions as a sophomore. A tenacious run defender, Sanborn earned strong PFF defense grades of 86.4 in 2020 and 89.7 last season, which was the fourth-highest mark in the nation for a linebacker. He also recorded 32 pressures and 10 quarterback hits while keeping the missed tackles to a minimum with just a 10 percent miss rate. He tested well enough, excelling at the three-cone with an 87th percentile 6.96 mark to go with a decent 4.73 forty and 7.36 relative athletic score. Sanborn is at his best when crashing through the line, slipping blocks, and filling gaps with his aggressive, downhill tackling style. His short arms hurt his ability to disengage from blockers and his lack of speed limits his ability to make plays outside the hashes, but Sanborn’s durability, motor, and sure tackling could help him carve out a reserve linebacker role.

As is Chris Olave (hamstring). Whereas Olave seems like a snap-count concern after his late-week soft-tissue injury, Kamara’s status never appeared to be in much doubt. He can still be fired up as an RB1 for this twice-annual grudge match. Inactive for the Saints are QB Spencer Rattler, TE Dallin Holker, DT John Ridgeway, LB Demario Davis, OG Cesar Ruiz and WR A.T. Perry.

Rapoport noted that the Pats have yet to start the “ramp-up process” to get Maye in the lineup. On the other hand, he immediately brought up the fact that Maye is getting about 30 percent of the team’s first-team reps in practice. That isn’t new, but it’s also not normal for a backup quarterback. Maye also got some reps at the end of New England’s blowout loss to the Jets. The Pats are doing everything they can to convince themselves Jacoby Brissett will start the full season, but they currently rank 31st in points and 32nd in passing yards per game. It’s only a matter of time before they let the future of their franchise take the field.

Olave has been trending toward playing despite suffering a hamstring issue in practice on Friday. Both he and Alvin Kamara are good to go for Week 4. The injury makes Olave a riskier bet for fantasy purposes, but he is still the No. 1 receiver on a team with an explosive ceiling. Fantasy managers should still bet on Olave as a high-upside WR2 versus the Falcons this week.

Mixon got in one limited practice this week before being assigned the questionable tag. He made a push to play but will likely make his return in Week 5. Dameon Pierce has already been ruled out, meaning Cam Akers will lead the way for the second week in a row. Akers saw nearly all of the Texans’ carries in Week 4 while Dare Ogunbowale served as the primary option on passing downs. Akers’ role as a two-down player will keep him in the RB3 ranks versus Jacksonville.

Branch took a helmet-to-helmet shot from Trey McBride in Week 3 and was listed on the injury report with a concussion earlier this week. He was removed from the injury report on Saturday. It’s possible his illness is related to the head injury. Branch has been a standout player for the Lions since being drafted in the second round last year. He has one intercpetion, two TFLs, and 22 total tackles this season.

Edwards-Helaire was placed on the NFI list for personal reasons at the start of the season. The Chiefs have since lost Isiah Pacheco for an extended period of time because of a leg injury. Samaje Perine and Carson Steele have been handling the running back touches in his absence, but CEH could turn the backfield into a three-headed monster once he is back on the field Edwards-Helaire is worth a stash in deep leagues, though most fantasy managers can sit this one out.

Miller began the season on injured reserve after missing training camp with a hamstring issue. The young back has missed much of his first two seasons with various injuries and head coach Dennis Allen has been quick to point that out to reporters. Miller has an uphill climb toward playing time even when healthy.

Bourne suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 of the 2023 season and began this year on the PUP list. He was playing a No. 1 receiver role for New England before going down. The Pats haven’t found a clear top option in their receiver room to start the season, leaving the door open for Bourne to return and immediately make an impact upon his return.

Beckham underwent surgery in the offseason and was forced to start the year on the PUP list. The veteran receiver has a lengthy injury history and the nature of his surgery is still unknown. The Dolphins have gotten nothing from their third receiver so far. Even a few quality reps from OBJ would be good for the offense.