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Bengals TE Noah Fant clears concussion protocol, set to return Sunday

Fri Oct 3 4:03pm ET
Field Level Media

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning will get a weapon back this week with tight end Noah Fant out of the concussion protocol and cleared to play Sunday against the Detroit Lions, head coach Zac Taylor said Friday.

Fant, 27, was a full practice participant on Thursday for the first time since sustaining a concussion during Cincinnati's 48-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. Despite missing one full game and a part of another, Fant's 12 catches this season are second-most on the Bengals and he has one of the team's five receiving touchdowns.

Over 98 games (85 starts) across seven seasons, Fant has 3,385 receiving yards and 16 touchdown catches.

In his first season with the Bengals (2-2), Fant could help to boost a passing game that has struggled since Joe Burrow went down with turf toe in Week 2. In the two full games without Burrow, Cincinnati has managed just 13 points and 265 passing yards with Browning at the helm.

Wide receiver Charlie Jones (Achilles) is listed as questionable but did not practice all week while defensive end Shemar Stewart (ankle) will miss his third straight game Sunday vs. Detroit (3-1).

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Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 5

Player Notes
Jahmyr Gibbs Oct 3 4:50pm ET
Jahmyr Gibbs

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is off to a hot start to the 2025 season with 350 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns on 78 total touches through his first four games of the season. Gibbs is set up well to continue that success in Week 5, when he gets a favorable matchup on paper against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and fifth-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL through four weeks. Gibbs is a lock to be a significant part of the Lions' offensive game plan, so volume of touches should not be an issue. In Week 5, Gibbs is a must-start fantasy running back across all formats.

From RotoBaller

Zavier Scott Oct 3 4:50pm ET
Zavier Scott

Following his best game in the NFL, Minnesota Vikings running back Zavier Scott is a risky RB4/Flex option heading into a matchup against the Cleveland Browns. The former Maine standout is a converted wide receiver who caught six passes and a touchdown last week, showing his fantasy appeal and making him a hot waiver commodity. Minnesota, however, has its hands full in Week 5. Three of the Vikings' five starting offensive lineman are out due to injury, and they'll play a Browns defense that leads the NFL in rushing defense with 2.7 yards per carry. Already the clear second option to starter Jordan Mason, Scott's opportunity could be diminished if the patchwork Minnesota offensive line can't hold up against Cleveland.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Oct 3 4:50pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White will move into the lead back role for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs will be without Bucky Irving (foot) for at least Sunday's game, but possibly longer. That being said, White will get a chance to make an impact after a slow start to the season. Through four games, White has rushed the ball 23 times for 108 yards with one touchdown while hauling in eight receptions for an additional 34 yards through the air. At times, White has shown the ability to be a capable dual-threat back. He'll get a favorable matchup against the Seattle defense this weekend. White should see enough touches to be able to provide flex value for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 3 4:50pm ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery is coming off his least productive game as a Lion, rushing for just 12 yards on nine carries in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. Expect the Lions to look to get Montgomery going early in a much more favorable Week 5 matchup on paper against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards and fifth-most rushing touchdowns in the NFL through four weeks. Even with the rough performance in Week 4, Montgomery is still averaging 5.7 yards per carry so far this season and has logged three rushing touchdowns. He profiles as a solid fantasy RB2 in Week 5 against Cincinnati.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Oct 3 4:50pm ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup in Indianapolis, but head coach Pete Carroll indicated that they were resting him and expect him to play. Bowers was able to get a limited practice in on Wednesday, but has missed practice on Thursday and Friday as he continues to manage this knee issue. Bowers has been noticeably impacted by the injury that he suffered in Week 1 in New England, and his production hasn't been up to his standard as a result. He's caught 19 of 27 targets for 225 yards this season and ranks as the TE12 in PPR points per game through the first month of the season. If he starts, Bowers remains a must-start option at a weaker tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Oct 3 4:40pm ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff struggled in Week 4 in a difficult matchup against the Cleveland Browns, completing just 59.3% of his pass attempts for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The 30-year-old has now thrown for 929 yards, nine touchdowns, and two picks through his first four games of 2025. Goff gets an easier matchup on paper in Week 5 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the third-most passing yards in the NFL (1,089) through the first four weeks of the season. The Lions currently rank ninth in the league in yards per pass attempt (7.6), so they should be able to find success moving the ball through the air. Goff profiles as a low-end fantasy starter in single-QB formats and a must-start quarterback in two-QB leagues in Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Oct 3 4:40pm ET
Justin Jefferson

The Minnesota Vikings are going through it right now, but wide receiver Justin Jefferson still should be locked into starting lineups when his team plays the Cleveland Browns in Week 5. Due to a rash of injuries, the Vikings will play the game without their starters at quarterback, left guard, center, right tackle, and a running back who eclipsed 1,500 total yards last season. Even so, Jefferson is so involved -- he vacuumed in 10 catches for 126 yards last week -- that he remains a must-start fantasy option. Minnesota's best chance to win the game will be to get the ball to their All-Pro receiver early and often, a plan that should sound just fine to fantasy managers with Jefferson on the roster.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Oct 3 4:40pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee, biceps) has been a bit banged up heading into the Week 5 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. He missed practice to begin the week, but Mayfield was back as a full participant on Thursday. That being said, Mayfield is ready to go for this Week 5 matchup in Seattle. The Bucs continue to lose weapons with Bucky Irving (foot) being ruled out for this game. That means, Mayfield will likely be forced to pass more this weekend. Last week, Mayfield made a season-high 40 passing attempts in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Mayfield continues to find a way to succeed despite the multiple injuries on offense. Fantasy managers can keep penciling Mayfield in as a QB1 until he proves differently.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 3 4:40pm ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Giants. Johnson began the week with a DNP on Wednesday, but was able to practice in limited capacity on Thursday and Friday, which gives him a shot to play in Week 5. The Saints also designated tight end Taysom Hill (knee) to return from the PUP list, giving him a suit up for the first time in Week 5. Johnson has operated as the full-time tight end for New Orleans over the first month of the season, and he has been quite productive with his opportunity, hauling in 22 of 31 targets for a team-leading 204 yards and a touchdown. He'll rank as a firm TE1 in Week 5 if he can go.

From RotoBaller

Dallas Goedert Oct 3 4:30pm ET
Dallas Goedert

Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (knee) practiced in full on Friday and is not listed on the injury report ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Broncos. Goedert banged up his knee during Philadelphia's 31-25 win over Tampa Bay last week. Early in the second quarter, he caught a seam ball over the middle of the field and took a shot to his knee by the safety at the end of the play. He was at least able to return to the game. The veteran tight end was a DNP to begin the practice week on Wednesday, but upgraded to a limited status on Thursday before upgrading to full on Friday. Goedert should be all set for a home Week 5 matchup against the Broncos and ranks as a borderline TE1.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Oct 3 4:30pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is a high-risk, high-reward WR3/Flex option with his team set to take on the Cleveland Browns this week in London. Playing in his first game of the season last week, Addison erupted for 114 yards receiving, but Minnesota has a tougher task this week with three of their five starting offensive linemen ruled out of the game due to injuries. Against a Cleveland front allowing the fewest rushing yards per carry in the league, the Vikings will need to lean on their passing game, but will need several backups to hold up against the likes of Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett, which is looking pretty grim. Addison is a home-run hitter, but the Vikings' injury woes could severely limit their number of offensive snaps.

From RotoBaller

Tyjae Spears Oct 3 4:20pm ET
Tyjae Spears

Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game in Arizona, according to John Glennon of the Nashville Post. Spears missed the first four weeks of the season after being placed on injury reserve with a high right ankle sprain. His 21-day window to return to practice was opened this week and presents the possibility for Spears to make his season debut in Week 5. Head coach Brian Callahan is "mindful" of how much to put on him as soon as he is back, but the third-year back has a good week of practice. Spears finished the 2024 season on a high note, playing at least 55% of the snaps over the final three games. He averaged 42 rushing yards on 11 carries and four balls for 45 yards per game to go with four total touchdowns. Spears will likely be eased into the mix in Week 5, but he could see more work as he gets healthier.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Oct 3 4:20pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is a mid-range TE2 heading into his team's Week 5 meeting against the strong defense of the Cleveland Browns. The veteran tight end has picked up the pace during the past two weeks, going for 11 targets, nine catches, 88 yards, and a touchdown with backup quarterback Carson Wentz under center, but Minnesota has bigger issues on Sunday. The Vikings have ruled out three of five starters on the offensive line, hampering an offense that was already without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and running back Aaron Jones (hamstring). Against a Browns defense with one of the top defensive lines in the game, the Vikings are facing a tall task that could limit the number of opportunities for offensive players like Hockenson.

From RotoBaller

Will Reichard Oct 3 4:10pm ET
Will Reichard

Kicker Will Reichard is a fantasy risk in Week 5 while attached to a Minnesota Vikings offense hounded by injuries and facing the Cleveland Browns, who have one of the better defensive fronts in football. The Alabama product has been outstanding this season, going 8-for-8 in both field goals and extra points, but the Vikings are down to their third-string center, missing starting left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist), starting right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee), running back Aaron Jones (hamstring), and quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle). This week, they'll face a Cleveland run defense that allows fewer yards per rush than anyone in the league, which could severely limit Reichard's chances. Managers should look for another option.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 3 4:00pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) has been on Injured Reserve since suffering a hamstring injury in Week 1 and is first eligible to return in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, that appears doubtful, as 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Kittle is a "long shot" to return in Week 6 and that a Week 7 return against the Atlanta Falcons is more likely. In Kittle's absence, San Francisco tight end Jake Tonges has recorded 19 catches for 166 yards and three touchdowns, including 10 catches for 99 yards and two scores in his last two games. If Kittle is indeed sidelined for Week 6, Tonges could be a low-end starting option for fantasy managers at the tight end position.

From RotoBaller

Brock Bowers Oct 3 3:50pm ET
Brock Bowers

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) missed practice for a second straight day on Friday while he battles a knee injury, per ESPN's Ryan McFadden. Bowers logged a limited practice on Wednesday but has been a non-participant since, putting his status for Week 5 against the Indianapolis Colts in question. The 22-year-old has been playing through a knee sprain he suffered in Week 1, but his production has been subpar by his lofty standards. Through four games, Bowers has 19 catches for 205 yards and a touchdown on 27 targets. If Las Vegas decides to hold him out in Week 5, tight end Michael Mayer would be in line for a significant jump in playing time and could be a low-end starting fantasy option against the Colts.

From RotoBaller

Zach Cunningham Oct 3 3:43pm ET
Zach Cunningham

Detroit Lions LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring), CB Khalil Dorsey (concussion, wrist) and RB Sione Vaki (groin) did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 3, and has been ruled out for Week 5. DT Alim McNeill (knee) was limited during practice but has been ruled out. OT Taylor Decker (shoulder) did not practice and is listed as questionable. S Kerby Joseph (knee) was limited during practice and is listed as questionable. CB Terrion Arnold (shoulder) fully participated in practice and is not injury report.

From TheHuddle

Carlton Davis Oct 3 3:43pm ET
Carlton Davis

New England Patriots LB K'Lavon Chaisson (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 3, and is listed as questionable for Week 5. DT Milton Williams (ankle) was limited during practice and is listed as questionable. CB Carlton Davis (illness) and LB Jahlani Tavai (calf) fully participated in practice but are listed as questionable. DT Christian Barmore (non-injury), OT Will Campbell (shoulder), S Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring), LB Marte Mapu (neck), OG Michael Onwenu (shoulder) and OG Jared Wilson (ankle, knee) fully participated in practice and are not on the injury report.

From TheHuddle

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Oct 3 3:40pm ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (shoulder) remains doubtful to play in Week 5 against the New Orleans Saints, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Tracy Jr. suffered a dislocated shoulder in Week 3 and was originally given a recovery timeline of two to four weeks, but is reportedly healing well. Tracy Jr. is still unlikely to play in Week 5, but it sounds as though he could return in Week 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Assuming Tracy Jr. is out against New Orleans, Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo should play a workhorse role with veteran Devin Singletary occasionally mixing in. Skattebo profiles as a must-start fantasy running back in Week 5 against the Saints.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Oct 3 3:33pm ET
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins TE Darren Waller (hip, rest) was limited all week in practice but is expected to play Week 5 against the Carolina Panthers.

Fantasy Spin: Waller had two touchdowns on three catches in his debut for the Dolphins in Week 4. While he isn't likely to repeat that, he has shown he is a popular redzone target for the team. He is worth streaming if you need a tight end or in deeper leagues. If he shows he is a reliable option in Week 5, then he could become a starter for you in your lineup.

From TheHuddle