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49ers QB Brock Purdy (toe) ruled out vs. Rams

Wed Oct 1 5:06pm ET
Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy will miss Thursday night's showdown against the host Los Angeles Rams due to his turf toe injury.

Purdy missed practice Wednesday for the third straight day.

This will mark Purdy's third absence in four games due to the injury. He was initially hurt during a Week 1 contest against the Seattle Seahawks and aggravated the injury during last week's 26-21 home loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Mac Jones will draw the start for the 49ers (3-1). He started in Weeks 2 and 3 when Purdy was sidelined. Jones injured a knee during Week 3 but is now healthy and was a full practice participant all week.

Receivers Jauan Jennings (ankle/rib), Ricky Pearsall (knee) and Jordan Watkins (calf) and defensive end Robert Beal Jr. (ankle) also were declared out after not practicing this week.

Defensive lineman CJ West (thumb) is questionable. He was a limited participant on Wednesday.

Purdy, 25, has completed 48 of 73 passes for 586 yards, with four touchdowns and four interceptions in his two games as a starter. Jones, 27, is 53-of-80 passing for 563 yards, with four scores and one pick while going 2-0 in his two starts.

San Francisco will be shorthanded in terms of receiving targets as star tight end George Kittle (hamstring) is on injured reserve and standout receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is still recovering from a serious knee injury sustained nearly 12 months ago.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 5

Player Notes
Puka Nacua Oct 2 1:10am ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is the top-scoring fantasy receiver this season, and the gap between him and No. 2 isn't particularly small. Nacua has produced at an elite level despite scoring just two touchdowns through four games. He makes most of his impact with high reception and yardage totals. He should continue to dominate this week against the 49ers despite the team allowing the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. This game will be on Thursday night, showing a national audience just how elite Nacua has been through the first four contests of the 2025 campaign. He should be started as a high-end WR1 with confidence.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Oct 2 1:10am ET
Davante Adams

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams has scored a touchdown in three consecutive games and will look to extend this streak on Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers. Adams is the overall WR14 in PPR leagues this season, but he's averaging just 3.5 catches and 56 yards over his last two contests. If not for his touchdown tendencies, he would be more of a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3/flex this week. Against a 49ers defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers, Adams is touchdown-dependent. He'll rank as a solid mid-range WR2, but managers should be prepared for him to post single-digit fantasy points if he can't find the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Kyren Williams Oct 2 12:50am ET
Kyren Williams

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has started to see his usage decline recently, and a Week 5 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers won't do him any favors as he tries to get back on track. There's no question that Williams was still a productive fantasy option last Sunday as he totaled 94 scrimmage yards. However, he did so against a subpar Colts defense while handling a season-low 16 touches and 68 percent snap share. Last week, Williams' low usage was balanced out by his high efficiency. He might not have the same fortune on Thursday night against a 49ers defense allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. Williams' fantasy value is slipping; he's now a fringe top-24 fantasy running back for Week 5.

From RotoBaller

Blake Corum Oct 2 12:50am ET
Blake Corum

Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum has continued to see his role grow, but this increased workload might not be enough to put him on the fantasy radar against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 5. Corum played 29 percent of the snaps last week and handled a season-high 11 touches, infringing on Kyren Williams' role. Corum should continue to handle double-digit touches most weeks, but he could struggle with efficiency this week. After all, he's facing a Niners defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to opposing running backs in 2025. He would have some low-end RB3/flex appeal against a mediocre or subpar defense, but the 49ers are no joke. He'll have trouble moving the football during Thursday night's divisional battle.

From RotoBaller

Matthew Stafford Oct 2 12:40am ET
Matthew Stafford

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has plenty of momentum heading into a Week 5 clash against the San Francisco 49ers. He ranks as the overall QB12 in fantasy football this season and is coming off a spectacular outing that saw him rack up 375 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. He fared quite well in Week 4, but he did so against the Indianapolis Colts, whose defense is nothing more than average this season. He'll face a tougher test Thursday night in the form of the 49ers, who have allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards and fantasy points to opposing quarterbacks in 2025. Stafford's top-12 upside is undeniable, but he'll rank as a mid-to-high QB2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Miles Sanders Oct 2 12:00am ET
Miles Sanders

Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Sanders exited Sunday night's game with a knee/ankle injury and did not return. Through four weeks, his role has already been limited by Javonte Williams' resurgence, with Sanders managing just 28 carries for 147 yards and one touchdown. If Sanders cannot go in Week 5, rookie Jaydon Blue could see his first NFL action. Blue has been a healthy scratch to start the season, but injuries to Sanders and KaVontae Turpin (foot) may force him into a meaningful role. The Cowboys' Thursday and Friday practice reports will be key in determining Sanders' availability ahead of their matchup with the New York Jets.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 1 11:50pm ET
Deebo Samuel

Updating a previous report, Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) did not practice on Wednesday. Samuel has been excellent in his first season with Washington, catching 22 of 27 targets for 250 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns through four games. Samuel was one of several players sidelined, so it's possible that this was simply a veteran rest day, but if his heel issue lingers into Thursday's practice, concern will grow about his Week 5 availability. The Commanders face the Los Angeles Chargers, who have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. With quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee) trending toward a return and receiver Terry McLaurin (quad) still sidelined, Samuel would project as a strong WR2 option if he's active.

From RotoBaller

Calvin Ridley Oct 1 11:40pm ET
Calvin Ridley

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (knee/elbow) did not practice on Wednesday. Ridley has struggled to start the 2025 season, catching just 10 of 24 targets for 141 yards with no touchdowns, ranking as the WR73 in PPR formats. Head coach Brian Callahan revealed Ridley was battling through an in-game injury during last week's 26-0 loss to the Houston Texans, raising further concern about his availability. If Ridley is sidelined in Week 5, rookie Elic Ayomanor is expected to see a significant uptick in usage against the Arizona Cardinals. Regardless of his injury status, Ridley's early-season struggles and difficult circumstances in the Titans offense make him a clear sit in fantasy lineups this week.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Oct 1 11:30pm ET
Juwan Johnson

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

A.J. Brown Oct 1 11:20pm ET
A.J. Brown

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

Terry McLaurin Oct 1 11:10pm ET
Terry McLaurin

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

Brock Bowers Oct 1 9:50pm ET
Brock Bowers

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

Baker Mayfield Oct 1 9:40pm ET
Baker Mayfield

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

David Njoku Oct 1 9:30pm ET
David Njoku

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

Brock Purdy Oct 1 9:20pm ET
Brock Purdy

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

Dallas Goedert Oct 1 9:10pm ET
Dallas Goedert

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

Baker Mayfield Oct 1 8:33pm ET
Baker Mayfield

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

Xavien Howard Oct 1 8:33pm ET
Xavien Howard

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

Sterling Shepard Oct 1 8:13pm ET
Sterling Shepard

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

Chris Godwin Oct 1 8:13pm ET
Chris Godwin

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