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New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Johnson is coming off his least productive game of the season in Week 4, catching just three passes for 28 yards. He now appears to be dealing with an ankle injury that he picked up during the loss against the Buffalo Bills, but he managed to play nearly 90% of the snaps. If Johnson is unable to go in Week 5, Jack Stoll would step in as the Saints' starting tight end. The matchup is not ideal, as the New York Giants have surrendered the 10th-least fantasy points to tight ends this season. If Johnson suits up, he projects as a low-end TE1 option in Week 5, but fantasy managers should keep an eye on his practice participation.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown is not expected to be traded during this season despite recent speculation. Brown has struggled out of the gate, catching just 14 of 28 targets for 151 yards and one touchdown through four games. While his slow start has drawn attention, it hasn't stopped the Eagles from rolling to a 4-0 record, including big wins against the Chiefs, Buccaneers, and the Rams. Trade buzz began swirling after Brown posted cryptic messages on social media, but a move remains highly unlikely. His contract carries a nearly $90 million dead-cap charge, making a midseason trade virtually impossible. Brown is expected to remain in Philadelphia as part of a run-heavy offense led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Looking ahead to Week 5, Brown draws a tough matchup against 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II, and the Denver Broncos. Given his early struggles and the Eagles' offensive approach, another quiet outing could be on the horizon.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) could need another week or two before returning, per ESPN's Dan Graziano. McLaurin injured his quad in Week 3 and sat out the team's Week 4 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He was also absent from Wednesday's practice ahead of the Commanders' Week 5 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. If McLaurin remains out, Deebo Samuel Sr. (who also missed Wednesday's practice), rookie Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane would be the primary beneficiaries in the passing game. Quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) is trending toward a Week 5 return, but he may have to play without his top receiver. Facing a tough Chargers defense in his first game back, Daniels could be in for a down week.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned at the moment. The Raiders are just being cautious with their superstar tight end. Right now, there is no reason to believe that Bowers will miss the Week 5 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Last week, Bowers hauled in five of his six targets for 46 yards in the loss. The 22-year-old has been held under 50 receiving yards in each of the last three games. Hopefully, Bowers can turn it around this weekend in Indy. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday and Friday just in case this knee injury does become an issue.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee, biceps) was unable to take the practice field on Wednesday. Mayfield was limited all last week due to a right biceps injury. Now, it appears Mayfield has picked up a knee injury during last week's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. That being said, the Bucs have decided to hold Mayfield out on Wednesday. This is a bit concerning for fantasy managers, but it's probably just the Bucs being cautious with their banged up quarterback. These seem like minor issues that shouldn't cause Mayfield to miss Week 5. However, fantasy managers should check back on Thursday for another update on his status. The absence of Mayfield would likely mean Teddy Bridgewater would start against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (knee) was a limited participant during Wednesday's practice session. This shouldn't be too concerning as Njoku also opened last week's practice as limited as well. Despite that, Njoku still played in Week 4, but was held to two receptions for 11 yards. Possibly, the change at quarterback with Dillon Gabriel taking over will help Njoku's value. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about the knee injury at the moment. They should continue to check back throughout the week for more updates. If Njoku sits, Harold Fannin Jr. would see increased snaps in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (toe) has already been ruled out for the upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Purdy made his return to the field last Sunday and looked decent under center. Afterwards, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that Purdy is dealing with toe soreness, which is likely related to his turf toe injury. Regardless, there wasn't enough time for Purdy to get ready to play during this Thursday night matchup. The 25-year-old isn't even healthy enough to serve as the emergency backup. The 49ers are fearful that this toe injury could be something that lingers all season long. Fantasy managers better get a viable backup with Purdy already missing three of the first five games of the season. Mac Jones will start under center on Thursday night. Jones has looked solid under center and has some streaming value for this one.

From RotoBaller

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) wasn't able to participate in practice on Wednesday. It's unclear if this is a new knee injury or the same one that kept Goedert sidelined in Week 2. Possibly, Goedert's absence was more rest related than a true knee injury. Fantasy managers should check back on Thursday and Friday to see if Goedert practices. He's coming off a two-touchdown performance in Week 4 and looked completely fine during that game. If he sits, Grant Calcaterra figures to see increased snaps this weekend against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield (knee, biceps) did not practice Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Mayfield was banged up heading into the Week 4 contest but was able to play. Despite injuries to several key player, he has managed to toss multiple touchdowns in three of the four games this season. He will face a tough test against Seattle in Week 5, but Mayfield should still be in the low-end QB1 mix.

From TheHuddle

Indianapolis Colts CB Xavien Howard informed the team that he is retiring from the NFL and later posted a statement on social media.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Sterling Shepard (foot) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 1. The Buccaneers only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Shepard's availability for Week 5 will not be known until later in the week, so fantasy players can check on his status in a few weeks. He had a good game a few weeks ago but has been held to under 40 yards in three of the four games this season. He will see a few targets if he plays but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (ankle) fully participated in practice, Wednesday, Oct. 1. The Buccaneers only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Godwin made his season debut last week but was only able to catch three of his 10 targets during the game. He seems like he will be an important part of the passing game right away and should see a good amount of targets again this week. He can be considered a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Arizona Cardinals running back Michael Carter told Cardinals' beat reporters on Wednesday that he will be starting at running back in Sunday's game against the Titans. Carter wasn't explicitly asked if he was going to start, but he indirectly said it when answering a question about the rollercoaster of a year he's had. There was plenty of intrigue and uncertainty around Arizona's backfield following Trey Benson (knee) surprisingly being placed on IR. Some assumed that Emari Demercado would operate as the primary back after seeing most of the snaps in Benson's absence last week against the Seahawks. But Demercado played primarily in his normal role on special teams and on pass downs as the Cardinals were in comeback mode. Carter doesn't play special teams and was inactive for the first three games, then played only four snaps last week. He operated as a lead back late last season when all the Arizona backs were hurt, and it looks like he'll get another opportunity. Carter feels like an RB that fantasy managers can pick up and then plug and play into their lineup this week as he gets a dream matchup against the lowly Titans.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Jamel Dean (hip), WR Mike Evans (hamstring), DT Greg Gaines (pectoral), RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), S Christian Izien (quadriceps), QB Baker Mayfield (biceps, knee), CB Benjamin Morrison (hamstring), WR Sterling Shepard (foot) and S Tyreke Smith (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 1. LB Lavonte David (knee), DE Logan Hall (groin), LB Haason Reddick (neck) and OT Tristan Wirfs (knee) were limited during practice. WR Chris Godwin (ankle), OT Charlie Heck (knee) and CB Zyon McCollum (thumb) fully participated in practice. The Buccaneers only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so the report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 1. The Buccaneers only held a walkthrough Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Evans was expected to miss several weeks because of his hamstring injury, so he seems unlikely to be available for Week 5. Fantasy players can check on his status later in the week but should look for other options to use.

From TheHuddle

Los Angeles Rams rookie tight end Terrance Ferguson has been working primarily with the scout team during practice and has caught the eye of offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. LaFleur talked about how even though he has just been running on the scout team, they are always watching and evaluating as a staff. He specifically noted a moment when Ferguson went immediately to veteran tight end Tyler Higbee after a scout team rep to ask for feedback and what he saw on the play. LaFleur seemed encouraged by the growth and accountability that he displayed in that setting. The 2025 second-round pick has been active for two of four games and has played almost exclusively special teams with just four offensive snaps all season. Ferguson should still be well-regarded in dynasty leagues, but he's nowhere near relevancy in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Tennessee Titans OG Blake Hance (shoulder), OT JC Latham (hip), WR Bryce Oliver (knee) and WR Calvin Ridley (elbow, knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 1. S Mike C. Brown (knee), DE James Lynch (shoulder), RB Tony Pollard (non-injury), DT Jeffery Simmons (non-injury), RB Tyjae Spears (ankle), S Kevin Winston Jr. (hamstring) and OG Kevin Zeitler (foot) were limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley (elbow, knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Fantasy players will need to monitor the situation to see if Ridley will be available for Week 5. He has been held to 30 yards or less in three of the four games this season and can be avoided by players if better options are available.

From TheHuddle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker could have an opportunity for more work in Week 5 if star Bucky Irving ends up being ruled out. Tucker said that he's "always ready and prepared" when asked if he would be ready to take on a bigger role on Sunday. Tucker has proven that to be true in the limited sample where he has gotten a decent number of touches. In a game against New Orleans last season that Rachaad White missed with injury, Tucker totaled 191 yards and two touchdowns. Additionally, he has six career games with at least five carries. He's averaging over five yards per carry across those games. Rachaad White would be likely to handle the bulk of the work if Irving were to miss, but Tucker could mix in and steal some touches because he is the better runner. He's a decent stash ahead of Week 5 as more news trickles out.

From RotoBaller

Los Angeles Chargers WR Keenan Allen (non-injury) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Fantasy Spin: Allen has caught at least five passes in every game this season but is coming off a season-low 37 yards in Week 4. He seems to be a popular target for Justin Herbert this season and be a No. 2 receiver in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle