NFL Player News

Speaking to reporters Saturday, Macdonald also relayed that Howell “knows he’s going to be our backup.” Slight controversy was introduced when the Seahawks brought in former Commanders quarterback Sam Howell to back up Smith in 2024, with the new head coach squashing those rumors today. Macdonald added that “Sam is a great young player, and he’s got a really bright future that we believe in.” Smith signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Seahawks prior to the 2023 season and just passed the potential out built into the deal with the start of the new league year. As such, it appears, at least for now, that Macdonald’s recent remarks should be taken at face value as the franchise attempts to get back on track after a down season.

The team website noted Steichen’s “confidence in backups Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson.” Goodson’s 2024 touch total consists of one target, earned in Week 2. Sermon has totaled nine rushing attempts, one target and leads Colts RBs in pass-protection snaps. Goodson will likely mix in as a rotational rusher but Sermon should operate as the committee’s lead rusher and pass catcher for Week 5.

Hines-Allen left Week 4 with a concussion and did not return. He missed Wednesday’s practice but got in a pair of limited sessions on Thursday and Friday. JHA still has to clear the league’s concussion protocol over the weekend, but the questionable tag at least gives him a shot at doing so. He has one sack and one TFL through four games this year. The Jags also listed safety Darnell Savage and linebacker Devin Lloyd as questionable.

Bigsby played through the shoulder injury last week and ripped off a 58-yard run on one of his seven rush attempts. He finished the game with 90 yards. Bigsby struggled as a rookie but has been one of the league’s most efficient backs through four weeks of his second season. He ranks as a boom/bust RB4 heading into Week 5.

The Dolphins signed Tyler Huntley off the Ravens’ practice squad to play over Boyle a few weeks ago. He is slated to make his second start of the year this week and Skylar Thompson will back him up. That left Boyle in no man’s land. He will likely land on a practice squad in the coming weeks.

Fellow Jacksonville running back Tank Bigsby was also removed from the injury report. Bigsby has been far more explosive this year and has already worked his way into a small committee role. No longer dominating the snaps, Etienne is more of a high-end RB2 than a true RB1 heading into his matchup with the Colts.

Engram was limited in practice throughout the week. He has been sidelined since suffering a hamstring injury during pre-game warmups an hour before Jacksonville’s Week 2 matchup with the Browns. Getting in three limited sessions gives him a good chance of suiting up this week, but fantasy managers will need to check the Jags’ inactives to be sure. If Engram is ruled out before kickoff, Brenton Strange will draw his fourth start of the year.

Beachum missed Week 3 with the hamstring issue but returned to action and played every offensive snap last week. He missed Wednesday’s practice but was back on the field for a pair of limited sessions before being listed as questionable. Beachum should be able to suit up for Week 5 despite the hamstring injury.

Crosby finally returned to practice in a limited capacity on Friday. The veteran DE plays through injuries whenever possible so he has a real chance to return for this divisional matchup.

Adams’ status is unsurprising, given the trade talks currently swirling. Hopefully, this is resolved quickly so fantasy managers can return Adams to starting lineups. The Raiders also ruled out TE Michael Mayer (personal), T Thayer Munford Jr. (knee/ankle), CB Decamerion Richardson (hamstring), RB Zamir White (groin) and S Trey Taylor (knee).

Badie went down with the back injury after taking a hard hit in the first quarter of Denver’s Week 4 win over the Jets. He made it to the sidelines under his own power but was eventually taken to the locker room on a stretcher. Despite the frightening optics of the situation, the fact Badie wasn’t immediately placed on injured reserve this week suggests a best-case outcome for the young back. Until he returns, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin will split the Denver backfield.