NFL Player News

Ekeler appeared to be trending toward a return after being listed as a full participant in Thursday’s practice. The Commanders’ RB2 could be in for a busy Week 5 against the Browns if Brian Robinson (knee) is unable to go, but head coach Dan Quinn called Robinson a game-time decision who is “trending in the right direction.” If Robinson is active, Ekeler should be treated as a mid-RB2. Should Robinson sit, Ekeler can be viewed as high-upside RB2, as he would likely operate as the lead back in this scenario.

Ali opened the year on injured reserve after suffering a neck injury ahead of Week 1. He was a full participant in Friday’s practice, suggesting he has a good chance of suiting up this week. His return would give the Ravens another backup option behind Derrick Henry. Guard Andrew Vorhees is listed as questionable but appears likely to play versus the Bengals.

A neck stinger forced Hendrickson from play in Week 4 but he was able to fully participate in Friday’s practice this week. The Bengals are also expected to return DT B.J. Hill, who missed Weeks 3 and 4 with a hamstring strain.

Pierce did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday but returned for a limited session to close the week. He can be considered a true game-time call for Week 5. Fantasy managers shouldn’t look to him in what could be his first game back since suffering the hamstring injury in Week 1. However, his return would take enough work away from Cam Akers to take both backs off the fantasy radar.

Mixon returned to practice for a limited session last Friday before being listed as questionable. He did not suit up on Sunday but the return gave fantasy managers hope that he would be ready for Week 5. That was far from the case as Mixon didn’t practice it all this week and was ruled out entirely on the final injury report. His status for Week 6 is up in the air as well. Dameon Pierce is questionable this week, making Dameon Pierce a risky fantasy bet versus the Bills.

Dell missed Week 4 with the chest injury but was upgraded to a full practice today before being removed from the injury report entirely. He should play without any limitations in a potential shootout with the Bills. Dell was running plenty of routes in the first three weeks but was unable to hit the home run play before going down with the chest issue. He was already a high-risk WR3 before injury and will not fall into the WR4 ranks for his first game back in action.

The Saints are drastically understaffed at center because of a wave of injuries to their offensive line. McGovern made eight starts for the Jets last year before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He didn’t make their final roster this year and signed with the team’s practice squad after being cut. Though McGovern struggled before the injury in 2023, he is still one of the best options a team can find off the street this late into the season. McGovern could also take some reps at guard if needed, though he hasn’t done so in more than a few years.

White suffered a groin injury during Wednesday’s practice. He was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday and is now unlikely to suit up this week. That leaves Alexander Mattison in the starting role for Las Vegas this week. Mattison had already been serving as the top back on passing downs and will now see the bulk of the rush attempts for the Raiders. He will rank as an RB3 for Week 5 versus the Broncos.

Fantasy managers should expect to be without Singletary for Week 5. Eric Gray is listed ahead of speedy rookie Tyrone Tracy on the Giants RB depth chart but Tracy has been far more involved this season with 63 offensive snaps to Gray’s 15. Gray will undoubtedly mix in but offers little more than RB5-viability. Tracy is a borderline RB3/4 for the occasion.

Kmet was added to the injury report as a limited participant on Wednesday but got in two full practices before being removed from the report. Kmet spiked for 10 receptions and 97 yards but came back to Earth last week with three grabs for 34 yards. With the Bears’ offense struggling and Keenan Allen back in the fold, Kmet is stuck in TE2 purgatory for the foreseeable future. Offensive lineman Teven Jenkins (ribs) is questionable.

Sweat popped up on the injury report with the ankle issue on Wednesday but was a full participant in practice by Friday. Fellow defensive lineman Zacch Pickens and defensive back Terell Smith are out this week.