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49ers’ Mac Jones to start again as Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall ruled out vs. Falcons

Fri Oct 17 7:22pm ET
Field Level Media

The San Francisco 49ers will again turn to backup quarterback Mac Jones with starter Brock Purdy out for Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday.

Purdy continues to recover from a lingering toe injury that he aggravated in Week 4. Jones, who has gone 2-2 as a starter this season, will make his fifth consecutive start after returning to full practice participation late in the week.

Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall will miss his third straight game with a sprained knee.

The 49ers received better news elsewhere on offense, with tight end George Kittle cleared to return from a hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined since Week 1. Shanahan said Kittle will have "no pitch count" in his return.

"George has rehabbed really well, came back 100 percent, had a good week of practice," Shanahan said.

Despite a rash of injuries to key players, including season-enders for defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, San Francisco enters Week 7 with a 4-2 record and tied for first in the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.

Shanahan said the team hopes to have Purdy back "soon" after he practiced each day this week.

"He was able to get out there, throw more," Shanahan said of Purdy on Friday. "Thought it was definitely a step further ahead than it was last week, so going in the right direction."

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Zonovan Knight Oct 18 10:40am ET
Zonovan Knight

Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight was dealing with a knee injury earlier in the week, but was a full participant in Thursday and Friday's practice, so he's good to go. In their Week 6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Knight saw a 51% snap share and finished as a high-end RB2 in half-PPR leagues. With Emari Demercado (ankle) ruled out for the Week 7 game against the Green Bay Packers, Knight is set to share the backfield with Michael Carter again. While he is a worthwhile waiver add if available, his fantasy output will likely be very volatile. The Cardinals seem to be going with the hot hand approach between the two backs, which gives Knight a low-end flex value in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jacoby Brissett Oct 18 10:30am ET
Jacoby Brissett

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett may be in line for another spot start while Kyler Murray (foot) remains questionable ahead of their Week 7 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. The fact that the Cardinals enter their bye week after this game could encourage them to be more cautious with Murray. With that being said, Brissett did lead the Cardinals to their best output through the air in terms of both passing yards and touchdowns. The Packers are the fifth-ranked defense overall, but have given up at least 200 yards and two scores to quarterbacks in their last two games. Murray still has a chance to play in this contest, but if Brissett is under center, fantasy managers in deeper leagues can look to Brissett to provide some value in tough situations.

From RotoBaller

Ray-Ray McCloud Oct 18 10:03am ET
Ray-Ray McCloud

Atlanta Falcons WR Ray-Ray McCloud (non-injury) was sent home and will not play in Week 7's game versus the San Francisco 49ers due to a private matter between the player and the club, according to head coach Raheem Morris.

Fantasy Spin: McCloud has just six receptions for 64 yards through four games this season and possesses minimal fantasy value, especially since he is no longer serving as the Falcons' primary kick return and punt return option.

From TheHuddle

Brandon Aubrey Oct 18 9:50am ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey has been one of the best kickers this decade, and he'll look to build on his success in a divisional Week 7 marchup against the Washington Commanders. He is a perfect 12-for-12 on field goals and 18-for-19 on extra points, continuing to showcase his accuracy and extremely strong leg. This pair of skills has allowed him to rank as the No. 1 kicker in fantasy points so far, and he remains the consensus K1 heading into Week 7. A matchup against the Commanders isn't ideal, as they've allowed the seventh-fewest fantasy points to kickers in 2025. However, Aubrey has shown that he is matchup-proof and should be started in all leagues this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Oct 18 9:40am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been terrific this season, ranking as the overall QB10 in fantasy football. While he has a long track record of success in the NFL and has proven that this season's results are no joke, managers should temper expectations with the veteran signal caller this week. First of all, he will be without Puka Nacua (ankle), who is the heart and soul of Los Angeles' receiving corps. That will leave Davante Adams as the de facto No. 1 receiver. While Adams is dominant, too, he hasn't flashed the strongest rapport with Stafford, which could be an issue now that he's in a bigger role. Furthermore, Stafford will be tasked with overcoming the challenges of international travel; he arrives in London on Saturday and will take on the Jaguars just one day later. Both of these factors reduce Stafford's fantasy value, but he still cracks the top 12. It helps that Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most passing yards to quarterbacks this season, as well as the 11th-most fantasy points to the position. Stafford is a low-end QB1 for this week.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Oct 18 9:30am ET
Elic Ayomanor

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor is expected to handle an increased workload against the New England Patriots in Week 7 after Calvin Ridley (hamstring) was ruled out for the contest. Ridley missed most of last week's game, too, and Ayomanor benefited, catching three passes for 27 yards on a season-high 93 percent snap share. The catch total was nothing special, but that large snap share indicates that Ayomanor is on the field for almost every play, and that his target share should start to increase as a result. The Patriots have allowed the 13th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season, leaving Ayomanor in the WR3/flex range.

From RotoBaller

Chigoziem Okonkwo Oct 18 9:30am ET
Chigoziem Okonkwo

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo has quietly emerged as one of quarterback Cameron Ward's favorite targets, which should benefit him as he looks to maintain low-end fantasy relevance against the New England Patriots in Week 7. The 26-year-old has 10 catches for 94 yards over his last two games, and he ranks as the overall TE21 in scoring so far (PPR). The good news is that he has been a short-range outlet for Ward, but he can still contribute extra yards with his impressive YAC ability. We need to see a little more consistency from Okonkwo before confidently starting him. That could happen this week against the Patriots, who have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2025.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Oct 18 9:20am ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard's fantasy value has started to decline following the return of Tyjae Spears, and he'll continue to face an uphill battle to produce in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. The veteran's snap share was essentially cut in half last week as Spears took on a bigger workload. A reduced snap share is never a good sign for fantasy purposes, and it's particularly concerning when discussing one of the NFL's worst teams. Pollard no longer has volume or game script on his side, making him tough to trust in fantasy football. To make matters worse, he's facing the Patriots, who have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards and fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Managers in most leagues can bench Pollard this week. At best, he is an RB3/flex.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Oct 18 9:20am ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears has ascended into a significant role through two weeks post-injury. Now, he'll look to handle an increased workload in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. Spears has seen a gradual increase in usage through his two games, with the most notable difference being his snap share jumping from 25 percent to 59 percent. As of last week, he was on the field more than Tony Pollard, though he still logged less than half as many rushing attempts as the veteran. One of Spears' specialties is pass catching, which has given him a path to playing time. The Patriots have allowed the third-fewest rushing yards to running backs, but the 10th-most receiving yards to the position.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Lockett Oct 18 9:20am ET
Tyler Lockett

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Tyler Lockett offers a strong, veteran presence within a struggling offense, but he's unlikely to contribute as a relevant fantasy football option in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. While it's fair to initially suspect that Lockett could steal some targets from Calvin Ridley (hamstring) has been ruled out, that doesn't appear to be the case. Ridley started last week's game but exited early and did not return, but Lockett still just caught just one pass on a 33 percent snap share. Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike are far more likely to handle Ridley's vacated targets, leaving Lockett in a smaller role once again. He can be avoided in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Oct 18 6:50am ET
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller has made an instant impression with his new team after missing the first three weeks of the season, and he's quickly become one of Tua Tagovailoa's top targets. He and the Dolphins visit the Browns in Week 7 in a matchup of two 1-5 teams. Waller has played more snaps each week and worked up to a 69% snap share last week against the Chargers. He only had two catches for 12 yards, but had another good fantasy day since he found the end zone for the fourth time in three contests. In his three games, he has 10 catches for 117 yards to go with his four scores, and that production is enough to make him RotoBaller's TE10 this week as he faces the Browns, who rank in the middle of the pack against tight ends.

From RotoBaller

Julian Hill Oct 18 6:50am ET
Julian Hill

Miami Dolphins tight end Julian Hill started the first three games of the season but had just one catch. Since the return of Darren Waller from a hip injury, Hill has actually been more involved in the last few weeks, while serving as the team's second tight end. He had four catches for 22 yards against the Panthers and three catches for 31 yards against the Chargers in the two games since the Dolphins lost Tyreek Hill (knee) for the season. This week, Hill and the Dolphins visit the Browns, who rank 18th in the NFL against tight ends this season. He's only the TE41, so he's not nearly in a starting spot in all but the deepest formats, but it is interesting that he's been able to find a little bit of a rhythm and role the last few weeks in Miami's passing game.

From RotoBaller

Malik Washington Oct 18 6:20am ET
Malik Washington

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington has stepped up as the team's second receiver since the season-ending injury to Tyreek Hill (knee). He hasn't been able to produce much yardage, though, coming into this week's matchup with the Browns. Washington has had four catches in each of the last two weeks, but hasn't had a play go for even 10 yards yet. He had four catches for no yards in Week 5, followed by four catches for 22 receiving yards last week against the Chargers. The increase in targets and catches is a good sign, but he hasn't been able to break out for any big gains. The Dolphins offense isn't vertical enough to make him a regular starting option at receiver right now, despite some big-play potential. He comes into this week ranked as RotoBaller's WR64 well off the radar in most formats.

From RotoBaller

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Oct 18 6:20am ET
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has seen his snap share spike the last two weeks since the Tyreek Hill (knee) injury, but he has turned in no fantasy production as a result. As the Dolphins face the Browns this week, NWI will look to get involved in the offense after totaling just one catch over the last four weeks. Westbrook-Ikhine has become the team's third receiver over the last two weeks, playing 71% of snaps against the Panthers and 63% of the snaps against the Chargers. However, he has just one target and no catches despite being on the field for 76 plays. He has the potential to contribute since he's getting playing time, but the fact that Tua Tagovailoa doesn't throw the ball his way keeps him well off the fantasy radar this week in Cleveland, where he is the WR86 in RotoBaller's Week 7 rankings.

From RotoBaller

Travis Hunter Oct 18 6:10am ET
Travis Hunter

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Travis Hunter could have a breakout game against the Los Angeles Rams during their visit to London. After a quiet start to the season, Liam Coen stated to the press the gameplan would be to get Hunter more involved on offense this week. That is music to the ears of fantasy managers who drafted the talented rookie high. In limited action, the two-way phenom has showed flashes of talent while getting acclimated to both sides of the ball in the NFL. On the other hand, this could just be coach speak, so fantasy managers shouldn't get too hasty. Bold managers in need of an upside play should feel good about starting Hunter in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Jude McAtamney Oct 18 3:40am ET
Jude McAtamney

New York Giants kicker Jude McAtamney is an extremely low-floor option and should be avoided in all but the deepest fantasy formats for his Week 7 road contest. McAtamney has minimal history to rely on, having scored only nine total fantasy points across his three appearances with a 100% field goal rate on two attempts but missing an Extra Point against the Eagles. Unfortunately, the Denver Broncos are a difficult matchup for opposing kickers, as they rank 23rd in fantasy points allowed to the position, limiting kickers to a meager 9.5 points per game. Given the Giants' implied total of only 16.75 points and the Broncos' elite Red Zone Defense, which ranks 1st in the NFL, McAtamney is not projected to see the high-value scoring opportunities needed to be fantasy-relevant this week.

From RotoBaller

Theo Johnson Oct 18 3:00am ET
Theo Johnson

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a risky, touchdown-dependent TE2 for Week 7 due to an extremely difficult road matchup against the stout Denver Broncos defense. Johnson has been a red-zone weapon for rookie QB Jaxson Dart, accounting for all three of Dart's career passing touchdowns, but the Broncos are the 4th-ranked fantasy defense against tight ends, allowing a paltry 4.6 Fantasy Points Per Game. Denver's overall defense ranks 2nd in the NFL, giving up only 15.8 points per game, and they are especially brutal in the red zone, ranking 1st with a 28.6% Defense Red Zone TD Rate. With an average of only 7.4 yards per reception this season and coming off a mere 27-yard performance in Week 6, Johnson needs a fourth touchdown since Dart took over just to provide value.

From RotoBaller

Lil'Jordan Humphrey Oct 18 2:50am ET
Lil'Jordan Humphrey

New York Giants wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey is a desperate dart throw for Week 7, despite a solid performance in his Giants debut due to a brutal defensive matchup against his former team. Elevated from the practice squad last week, Humphrey immediately saw a surprising eight targets, turning them into four receptions for 55 yards, which resulted in 7.5 fantasy points and included a crucial 34-yard reception. However, the Broncos' defense is a top-two unit against the wide receiver position, ranking 2nd in the NFL by allowing an average of only 18.9 fantasy points per game to the position. Furthermore, the Broncos' pass defense is one of the league's best, allowing a mere 165.2 passing yards per game, and their overall points-against average of 15.8 points further limits the Giants' offensive ceiling and Humphrey's chances for a repeat performance.

From RotoBaller

Wan'Dale Robinson Oct 18 2:40am ET
Wan'Dale Robinson

New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is establishing himself as the team's WR1 but faces a significant challenge in the Broncos' elite defense, making him a Flex play with a lower ceiling. Since Malik Nabers' injury, Robinson has commanded a steady target share, leading the team with six receptions for 84 yards and his second touchdown of the season in Week 6, maintaining his status as the 23rd-ranked fantasy WR (10.3 FPPG). However, the Broncos have one of the stingiest pass defenses in the NFL, ranking 2nd in points allowed to wide receivers (18.9 FPPG) and 3rd in the league with only 165.2 passing yards allowed per game. Their defense has been a total lockdown, sitting 2nd in the NFL by allowing an average of only 15.8 points against per game, which points to a tough day for the Giants' offense to sustain drives and maximize Robinson's volume.

From RotoBaller

Cam Skattebo Oct 18 2:20am ET
Cam Skattebo

New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo's incredible emergence makes him a must-start, albeit risky, low-end RB1/high-end RB2 for the tough road matchup in Denver. Skattebo, currently the 10th-ranked fantasy RB averaging 15.22 points per game, is coming off a massive 28 fantasy point performance where he rushed for 98 yards and three touchdowns against the Eagles. This week, his volume will be tested against the Broncos' elite defense, which ranks 4th against fantasy running backs, allowing only 17.47 fantasy points per game. Crucially, the Denver defense has been a red-zone wall, ranking 1st in the NFL by allowing a minuscule 28.6% touchdown rate and a league-low two rushing touchdowns all season, directly threatening Skattebo's primary source of his five touchdowns. Skattebo's immense workload and role near the goal line, however, keep his ceiling high despite the difficult on-paper matchup against a run defense allowing just 89 rushing yards per game.

From RotoBaller