NFL

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.

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.

White churned up 56 yards when he was sprung free on a counter then broke a tackle. Rather amazingly, this evening was actually the first time White out-rushed Bucky Irving all season. Irving also lost a fumble and got stood up on the goal line. Of course, White failed to convert a goal-line target of his own. White is still out-snapping Irving because of his advantage on third downs, but it’s abundantly clear this has become a committee.

For the second week in a row, Allgeier seemed to be turning the Falcons’ backfield into a committee, though Bijan Robinson did out-touch him 15-9. He also soundly out-gained him, 77-25. Allgeier was nevertheless featuring on third downs and seemed glued to the field late in the fourth quarter and overtime. Pro Football Focus did chart Robinson with an overall snap advantage of 58-31. Allgeier is good, but we still haven’t seen any reason to believe Robinson isn’t better. Allgeier’s “fantasy value” continues to come more in the form of what he is costing Robinson than gaining for himself.

How consistent has Godwin’s start been? This evening’s five receptions were actually his fewest of the season. He still reached 60 yards for the fourth time in five games, with the exception being 53 yards in Week 3. Godwin did lose a fumble, but Mike Evans recovered. Baker Mayfield’s overall efficiency is leading to some low attempts totals, but Godwin and Evans dominate target share to the degree that they remain safe WR2s. That includes for next Sunday’s grudge match in New Orleans. With Evans likely to battle nemesis Marshon Lattimore, expect plenty of Godwin looks.

Irving also lost a bad, critical late fumble that helped lead to overtime. He was victimized by a dreaded Jessie Bates “Peanut punch.” Tonight was actually the first time all season Irving got out-rushed by Rachaad White, who turned his 10 carries into 72 yards. This remains an even rushing timeshare, but White continues to win the snap battle. Hopefully Irving’s fumble didn’t endanger his future totes. We doubt it. The Bucs need his between-the-tackles prowess too much. He has 10 days to ruminate and get ready for Week 6 in New Orleans.