NFL Player News

A Cal product, Tonges recorded 22 catches for 278 yards and two touchdowns in 2021, becoming a starter after playing special teams in his first three years at Cal. He had 47 catches, 620 yards, and four touchdowns during his collegiate career. Tonges has an uphill climb to crack Chicago’s roster this summer. The Bears also signed the following undrafted free agents: Iowa State tight end Chase Allen, Florida tackle Jean Delance, Ohio State running back Master Teague, Purdue linebacker Jaylan Alexander, Louisville linebacker C.J. Avery, Miami defensive back Amari Carter, Minnesota defensive lineman Micah Dew-Treadway, Missouri defensive back Allie Green, Ole Miss defensive back Jaylon Jones, and Wisconsin linebacker Jack Sanborn.

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.

Olave suffered the hamstring injury during Friday’s practice and was listed as questionable for Week 4. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported yesterday that the young receiver was considered a game-time call. Schefter’s update suggests Olave has made progress with the injury overnight, giving him a good shot to play versus the Falcons. He will still need to get the go-ahead after pre-game warmups. Though he will carry some re-injury risk, Olave’s ceiling in a dome matchup with Atlanta is too high to pass on for fantasy managers.

Johnson made progress through the league’s concussion protocol during the week but was unable to clear the final hurdles over the weekend. The Eagles get their bye in Week 5, giving Johnson and the rest of their banged-up offense an extra week to recover. Johnson should be back on the field for Philly’s Week 6 game against the Browns. Fred Johnson will take his spot at right tackle versus the Bucs this week.

McCaffrey went to Germany for what Rapoport said was “similar to a PRP treatment.” He noted that the treatment seemingly went well and McCaffrey has a chance to start running on grass this week. McCaffrey is currently on injured reserve and will be eligible to return by Week 6. The 49ers get their bye in Week 9 and then play their first game of November the following week. That looks like the most realistic date for McCaffrey’s return. For now, Jordan Mason will dominate the backfield touches and projects as a weekly RB1.