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Dynasty $125 - FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

49ers QB Brock Purdy (toe) returns to start vs. Jaguars

Fri Sep 26 8:05pm ET
Field Level Media

Quarterback Brock Purdy will return to the starting lineup Sunday when the San Francisco 49ers visit the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Purdy was a full practice participant on Friday after his injured toe improved dramatically throughout the week. He missed the previous two games due to the ailment.

"He looked good," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters while confirming Purdy would start. "He got to do a lot more than last week and each day he got a lot better."

Purdy was upbeat about his chances on Thursday when he met with the media.

"I really like where I'm at with the progress with it healing up and feeling better and dropping back, throwing," Purdy said then. "It's no secret like it's been two-and-a-half weeks or so. And just overall, my toe is healed up. It's gotten better."

Purdy was injured during the season-opening 17-13 road victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He passed for 277 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Purdy also is listed as having a left shoulder injury but that ailment didn't come into play regarding his availability.

Purdy returns at a time in which Mac Jones is bothered by a left knee injury. He started the past two games and passed for 563 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

Jones is listed as questionable against the Jaguars and said he is able to play.

"I feel good," Jones said. "Just like any other week, you're going through the week, getting ready for the game plans as a backup or a starter. So, I feel comfortable doing both. I'll be ready to play."

Defensive lineman CJ West (thumb) and wideout Jordan Watkins (calf) were the only two San Francisco players ruled out of the contest.

Receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle/shoulder) and Ricky Pearsall (knee) are questionable, as are guard Connor Colby (groin) and cornerback Renardo Green (neck).

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The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the backfield in carries last week against the Raiders and ran well overall, gaining 39 yards on 11 rushes. His role for Week 4 against Atlanta could look similar. In the team's first game without Austin Ekeler, Rodriguez surprisingly started at running back and began with four straight carries to begin the game. The rotation afterwards was a bit sporadic, with Rodriguez and Jacory Croskey-Merritt both splitting most of the work, and then Jeremy McNichols subbed in on pass downs and handled a few touches. The situation remains very fluid in Washington's backfield, and it could remain unclear for the coming weeks. Rodriguez is set up as the hammer back who can grind out tough yardage, and he tied Croskey-Merritt with two goal-line carries last week. There is upside for a touchdown plunge for Rodriguez in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Cam Ward Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Cam Ward

Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward (ankle, calf) is ready to go after getting in back-to-back full practice sessions. Ward was limited to begin the week due to multiple minor injuries, but is fine for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. It has been a slow start for the No. 1 overall pick. Ward has completed 54-of-99 passing attempts for 506 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in three games. It's worth noting that quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree will take over play-calling this weekend. Possibly, Hardegree can unlock something out of Ward that Brian Callahan couldn't. At the moment, Ward is really only worth a considering in superflex leagues.

From RotoBaller

Jared Goff Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff has been playing at a high level so far in 2025, completing 77.9% of his pass attempts for 761 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception through his first three games. Goff has a difficult matchup in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. Through three games, Cleveland has allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards in the NFL (521) and has recorded 11 sacks, tied for the fourth-most in the league. Goff may struggle to move his offense up and down the field against Cleveland as easily as he has over the past two weeks against the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens. In Week 4, Goff profiles as a solid fantasy QB2 in two-quarterback formats, but he should be avoided where possible in single-QB leagues.

From RotoBaller

J.J. McCarthy Sep 26 9:40pm ET
J.J. McCarthy

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Unsurprisingly, McCarthy won't play this weekend as he's expected to miss another week or two. However, head coach Kevin O'Connell mentioned McCarthy could get in limited work ahead of next week's contest versus the Cleveland Browns. It doesn't mean that McCarthy will play in Week 5, but getting on the field is the first step. The most likely scenario is that McCarthy returns after the bye in Week 7. In the meantime, Carson Wentz will be under center until McCarthy is healthy enough to play. Fantasy managers should check back for another update on McCarthy's status next week.

From RotoBaller

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Sep 26 9:30pm ET
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (knee) practiced in full on Friday after two straight DNPs earlier in the week. Croskey-Merritt should be all good to go for Week 4's matchup in Atlanta (he's questionable on the final injury report) with the opportunity to see more work. He led the backfield with a 41% snap share and 23% route share while tying Chris Rodriguez Jr. with two goal-line carries. Rodriguez surprisingly started the game for Washington and led the team with 11 carries, clearly indicating that he will have a role. Croskey-Merritt will need to continue to gain the coaching staff's trust in pass protection before earning a bigger workload. He did, however, have a few positive moments as a pass blocker last week against the Raiders and has been continuously praised by the staff. Atlanta has been tougher on running backs through three weeks, allowing the eighth fewest fantasy points per game at 11.3. That puts Croskey-Merritt in RB3 territory for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Noah Fant Sep 26 9:30pm ET
Noah Fant

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Noah Fant (concussion) was unable to practice on Friday. This marks back-to-back days that Fant has been unable to take the practice field. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried yet. The Bengals do get an extra day this week with their Week 4 matchup against the Denver Broncos coming on Monday night. That being said, Fant will get one more chance to practice on Saturday. If he misses Week 4, Mike Gesicki figures to handle the bulk of the snaps. However, Drew Sample and Tanner Hudson could be mixed in as well, but they wouldn't be fantasy options.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Sep 26 9:20pm ET
Darren Waller

Miami Dolphins tight end Darren Waller (hip) was a limited participant during Friday's practice session. This marks back-to-back days that Waller has been able to get through a limited practice. Waller is trending in the right direction to make his season debut against the New York Jets in Week 4. It seems likely that the Dolphins would ease Waller into action. The 33-year-old would probably be under a snap count during his first game. He's worth a stash for tight end needy fantasy managers, but isn't a recommended streaming option for Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Sep 26 9:20pm ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth has been quiet to start the season and will look to get back on track against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. While the Vikings have been middle-of-the-pack against opposing tight ends through three weeks, Freiermuth could see a boost in opportunities given Pittsburgh's injury report. Fellow tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) and running back Jaylen Warren (knee) are questionable to suit up after practicing in a limited capacity on Friday. Each has been a reliable short-area target for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, so if either of them misses this international bout in Ireland, Freiermuth would likely absorb some of those looks. Fantasy managers should monitor the situation, but in a matchup that projects to be low-scoring, Freiermuth remains a risky play and is best considered a stash or backup option.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Sep 26 9:20pm ET
Josh Reynolds

New York Jets wide receiver Josh Reynolds (hamstring) was able to get through a full practice session on Friday. After being limited on Thursday, Reynolds has been upgraded to full, which puts him on pace to play this weekend. The 30-year-old has missed each of the last two games, but appears ready to return in Week 4. Reynolds played 97 percent of the snap count during the season opener. However, it's tough to trust any of the receivers on this roster outside of Garrett Wilson right now. Reynolds is best to be avoided for the Week 4 matchup against the Miami Dolphins.

From RotoBaller

Marcus Mariota Sep 26 9:10pm ET
Marcus Mariota

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota will start again in place of Jayden Daniels in Week 4 against the Falcons after making his first start of the season last week against the Raiders. Mariota led his team to a 41-24 win against one of his former teams and now will look to do the same on the road against another one of his former teams. He was super crisp in his first action since Week 18 of last season, completing 15 of 21 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown while running for 40 yards on six carries. It will be a tougher challenge this time as he will be missing star wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) and faces an Atlanta defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks this season at 12.3. Washington will likely follow a similar game plan to last week against Las Vegas, where they went very run-heavy, especially with multiple receivers out. He's not a recommended start in matchups this week.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Austin III Sep 26 9:00pm ET
Calvin Austin III

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III is off to a promising start this season but faces an uphill battle against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4. The Vikings have been the toughest matchup for opposing wideouts through three games, surrendering just 25 receptions and one touchdown to the position. Austin has only eight catches this year, but he's made the most of them with 126 yards and two scores. His early chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been encouraging, yet he is still far from a reliable fantasy starter. With a low projected point total, Sunday's contest in Ireland isn't the ideal spot to roll the dice on high-upside, low-floor players. Austin remains a worthwhile stash in all leagues but should only be considered as a flex option in the deepest of redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

Ka'imi Fairbairn Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Ka'imi Fairbairn

Houston Texans kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn hasn't been part of the problem in his team's 0-3 start, and he remains a solid starting kicker play in Week 4 in a favorable matchup against the Titans. Fairbairn has made six of his seven field goal attempts and both of his extra point attempts this season. He has three field goals from 50+ yards, but his offense hasn't given him opportunities to score many points. A struggling offense sometimes can help a kicker since they stall out and create more field goal attempts. The Titans have been a top-10 matchup for kickers this season, and kicking at home in Houston should set up well for Fairbairn in Week 4. He is the K7 in RotoBaller's Week 4 rankings, and he is a solid starter in most formats in this favorable spot.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 26 8:30pm ET
Evan Engram

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram (back) has practiced in full on Thursday and Friday this week, putting him on track to return in Week 4 on Monday Night Football versus the visiting Cincinnati Bengals, according to Aric DiLalla of DenverBroncos.com. Engram didn't practice at all last week due to a back injury and was inactive in the Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. However, he's made notable progress this week and should be officially cleared to play on Monday night when Denver releases their final Week 4 injury report on Saturday. The 31-year-old was expected to be a big part of the Broncos' passing attack this year, but he had just four catches on six targets for 33 yards and no scores in the first two weeks. Engram has not played more than 43% of the offensive snaps in either of his games, despite Denver's coaching staff promising big things from him in 2025. He could become more involved eventually, but despite a strong Week 4 matchup, Engram is a dicey TE2 in fantasy coming off his back injury.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Hutchinson Sep 26 8:10pm ET
Xavier Hutchinson

Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson is still getting plenty of playing time, but his team's offensive struggles have kept him from emerging as a viable deep sleeper. In his third year from Iowa State, he is playing more snaps than fellow former Cyclones Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, but he hasn't made much of an impact. He played 62% of snaps in Week 3 against the Jaguars and had three catches on three targets for 16 yards. He has multiple catches in each game this season, but he has only a total of seven catches for 75 yards on the year. Hutchinson has the potential to be a deep-league bye-week filler if he stays so involved and the Texans' passing game can get going. So far, they've struggled under C.J. Stroud and offensive coordinator Nick Caley, but they're in a good bounce-back spot this week against the Titans. Even in that favorable matchup, though, Hutchinson is only the WR92 in RotoBaller's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Tavion Sanders Sep 26 8:10pm ET
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) was unable to practice all week and was officially ruled out on Friday for the Week 4 game against the New England Patriots on Sunday. This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone after Sanders suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 3 win over the Atlanta Falcons. In fact, it's possible that the 22-year-old will miss up to four to six weeks with this injury. With Sanders out, all of Tommy Tremble, Mitchell Evans, and James Mitchell could have bigger roles for Carolina in the coming week, starting this Sunday versus the Patriots. Tremble will be the TE1, but he's more of a blocking tight end and should not be trusted in fantasy lineups. Fantasy managers should avoid Carolina's TE situation. Through three weeks in his second NFL season before his injury, Sanders caught 11 of 14 targets for 92 yards and no touchdowns.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Schultz Sep 26 8:10pm ET
Dalton Schultz

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been getting more work the last few weeks, and he is a fringe top-20 option this week. He and the Texans are looking for their first win of the year as they host the also winless Tennessee Titans. After his backup Cade Stover's injury in Week 1, Schultz played 59% of snaps in Week 2 and 79% of snaps in Week 3. He set season highs in targets (6), catches (5), and receiving yards (39) in that contest, and he does have some PPR usage if you're desperate for production from the position. Schultz is the TE21 in RotoBaller's Week 4 rankings, meaning there are much stronger options to consider. If you are looking ahead for a bye-week fill-in or need an emergency starter, though, Schultz does have the potential to be a decent option against the Titans, who have allowed tight ends to total 13 catches for 115 yards in their three games this season.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Higgins Sep 26 8:00pm ET
Jayden Higgins

Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins was the No. 34 pick in the NFL Draft, but he hasn't been able to carve out a large enough role in his team's struggling offense to be a fantasy factor. Higgins has only four catches on five targets for 65 yards through his first three games with the Texans. With Nico Collins (knee) off the injury report and Christian Kirk also back after missing two games, the Texans' rookie doesn't have any clear path to playing time. Last week against the Jaguars, he played 44% of snaps, only the fourth-highest mark among receivers. He only drew one target in all those snaps, though, coming down with a 28-yard catch. He does have potential and big-play ability, and he could develop down the road, but this week he dropped all the way down to RotoBaller's WR77, making him an afterthought at this point in standard redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

Travis Hunter Sep 26 7:50pm ET
Travis Hunter

When asked about Jacksonville Jaguars rookie two-way star Travis Hunter's usage on both sides of the ball moving forward, head coach Liam Coen said, "As we continue to go, his usage will continue to go." Take that for what you will as the Jags head into a Week 4 matchup against the 3-0 San Francisco 49ers. For fantasy purposes, Hunter's usage has gone in the wrong direction on offense over the first three games of his career. The Heisman Trophy winner played 64% of the offensive snaps in Week 1, followed by 59% in Week 2, and 53% in Week 3. Unsurprisingly, his best game was in the season opener when he caught six of his eight targets for 33 yards. The 22-year-old has been quiet overall with 10 grabs on 16 targets for 76 yards and no touchdowns in three games. Hunter was heavily involved on defense last week, and although that probably won't be the norm each week, it makes him more of a boom/bust WR4/flex heading into Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Christian Kirk Sep 26 7:50pm ET
Christian Kirk

Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk missed the first two games of the season with a hamstring injury but was able to make his return in Week 3 against the Jaguars. He'll look to build on that game with a better Week 4 against the Titans and help his new team to its first win of the season. In his Texans' debut, he only had 25 receiving yards on three catches, but he was the primary slot receiver and logged 67% of snaps, which was second to Nico Collins among wide receivers. He had eight targets, which was also second on the team behind only Collins, and he nearly hauled in a game-tying touchdown on the Texans' final drive. He and C.J. Stroud will continue to work on their chemistry, and the Texans' offense still has a long way to go before it's reliable for fantasy. Kirk is only the WR55 this week in RotoBaller's rankings, so he isn't worth starting in most formats, although he is a name to watch if he stays in such a critical role for his new team and the offense finds a rhythm.

From RotoBaller

Nick Chubb Sep 26 7:40pm ET
Nick Chubb

Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb is set to make another start for the Texans in a favorable spot against the Titans this Sunday afternoon in Houston. Chubb has been the team's primary running back for the first three games of the season, and he should remain in a very involved role with Joe Mixon (foot, ankle) still without a clear timeframe for a return. Chubb had totaled 34 carries for 141 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and one touchdown and added five catches for 31 more yards. Chubb has played just over 50% of the team's snaps in each week, but his carries and rushing yards have trended down each week. He'll look to flip that script in this week's matchup against the Titans, who have allowed the third-most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL this season. Chubb is still just the RB26 in RotoBaller's Week 4 rankings, so he's not a starter in standard-sized leagues unless he's your best play at a flex spot. He will be a touchdown-dependent option as he tries to help the Texans' offense get rolling after their 0-3 start.

From RotoBaller