NFL Player News

It was reported on Wednesday that this would be happening. Now, Hockenson will take the practice field for the first time this season on Friday and has three full weeks to be activated. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported in early September that the Vikings were “loosely targeting” Week 7 as the return date for Hockenson, so we’ll see where things go from here. Hockenson turned in a career year in his first full season with the Vikings, totaling 95 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns while finishing as the fantasy TE2 in fantasy points per game. His return will give Sam Darnold and the league’s fourth-ranked offense one more elite target in the passing game.

Oliver popped up on the team’s injury report Thursday and has now been ruled out for the week. The veteran lineman hopefully won’t miss more than a game, but he’s one of several Bills defenders who have already been ruled out for Week 5. In addition to Oliver, head coach Sean McDermott also said DT Austin Johnson (oblique) and S Taylor Rapp (concussion) won’t play vs. the Texans.

Shakir has yet to practice this week and has now been ruled out. He suffered his ankle injury in Week 4 against the Ravens and was reportedly “really sore” heading into this week. It doesn’t sound like there are any plans to put Shakir on injured reserve at this time, so hopefully he’ll be back after a 1-2 week absence.

Whether or not this means Cook will be elevated for Week 5’s matchup against the Steelers is to be determined, but it sounds like the Cowboys are ready to explore other internal options at running back. McCarthy also noted that Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott “haven’t been given a lot of opportunities” and “haven’t done anything to warrant their opportunities decreasing right now.” Both Dowdle and Elliott are averaging less than 4.0 YPC on the season, and its Dowdle who is currently leading the team in rushing yards (134). Cook averaged 3.2 YPC with the Jets last season and has long been trending toward washing out in the league. That he wasn’t able to be elevated to the Cowboys’ 53-man roster prior to this is somewhat concerning about where he’s at now as a player. We’ll see if he ends up taking in-game touches soon, but it sounds like Cook is slowly working his way into the Cowboys’ backfield rotation.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, is “sounds like he’s out at least six weeks.” Wallace has played all four games at left tackle this season, making one start, which came in Week 3 against the Jets. The injury to Wallace is just the latest to a Patriots offensive line that is also expected to be without center David Andrews (shoulder) for the remainder of the season. Already one of the worst lines in the league, the Patriots can ill-afford to continue losing linemen in what is already shaping up to be a lost season.

Mixon attempted to play in Week 4 but was declared inactive after pregame warmups. There was hope his near-return would signal him being active in Week 5 against the Bills, but that doesn’t appear to be the case after the veteran running back missed two straight practices to open the week. Per Rapoport, Mixon’s absence means Cam Akers and Dare Ogunbowale will again lead Houston’s backfield.

As is often the case, players in concussion protocol and unable to practice on Wednesday and Thursday seldom get cleared in time for a Sunday game. This is the exact scenario currently finds himself in since suffering his brain injury in Week 4 against the Cowboys. The rookie receiver still has time to clear protocol and get on the field, but he’s undoubtedly trending in the wrong direction for Week 5. If he’s out, Wan’Dale Robinson, who currently ranks fifth amongst all receivers in targets, will be in for a busy day against a secondary that was unable to force an incomplete pass against Jared Goff and the Lions last week.

After two straight DNPs to open the week, Taylor missing at least one game has appeared likely from the get-go. We’ll see if this results in him spending time on IR or not, but for now, fantasy managers should expect Trey Sermon to play the majority of the snaps in Week 5 when the Colts face the Jaguars. The team will likely make a decision on Taylor’s status before the weekend, but we are trending toward him missing this week.

With Kirk Cousins dropping back 62 times, McCloud posted season highs in targets and receptions. Both the No. 3 receiver and No. 3 overall weapon in the Falcons’ passing game — at least for now, Kyle Pitts could be awakening — McCloud has established last-gasp PPR WR4 appeal with Cousins’ attempts predictably increasing as he puts his achilles injury further in the rear-view mirror in his new home.

The vet’s second quarter score was one of just two targets he drew with Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer on the shelf. Shepard was an interesting Week 4 story after he popped up for 3/51, but he’s going to be in a weekly fight to keep his 53-man roster spot, let alone become fantasy relevant.

Otton has now cleared 40 yards in three consecutive games after combining for 1/5/0 across Weeks 1 and 2. 3/44 doesn’t look impressive, but it came in a contest where Baker Mayfield attempted only 24 passes. Otton has done enough to establish weekly TE2 value considering the sorry state of his position. The Saints await for Week 6.