Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales told reporters on Friday that running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) will play on Sunday against the New York Jets in Week 7, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Hubbard will be making his return following a two-game absence due to a calf injury. While the 26-year-old was out, Rico Dowdle dominated to the tune of over 400 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 60 total touches. Before Hubbard's injury, he was the clear leader of Carolina's backfield. But given how well Dowdle played the last two weeks, things are probably going to shake out differently moving forward in terms of a backfield plan for the Panthers. The coaching staff hasn't given many hints about how the usage will be split between the two backs against the Jets this weekend. The most likely scenario is that Dowdle will take on a bigger role, with the backfield potentially split in half.

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When asked if Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) will make his season debut in Week 7 on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Matt LaFleur said, "We'll see. We'll see how he gets through today." Since the Packers opened Watson's 21-day practice window to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list last Wednesday, he has been limited in five straight practices. The 26-year-old, who suffered a torn right ACL in the Week 18 regular-season finale in 2024, probably will need to upgrade to a full practice on Friday for Green Bay to realistically consider activating him on Saturday to play on Sunday in Arizona. Watson, an explosive deep threat when healthy, deserves to be stashed in fantasy leagues, but we wouldn't recommend starting him right away this weekend if he ends up being active. There's a good chance the Packers will ease him back into their offense.

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Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (concussion) and Ashton Dulin (chest) were not seen practicing on Friday, according to Jake Arthur of Locked On Colts. It marks the third straight missed practice this week for both pass-catchers, meaning it's unlikely that either will be active on Sunday for a Week 7 battle in Los Angeles against the Chargers at SoFi Stadium. They will both likely be ruled out officially later on Friday. It means that Adonai Mitchell, who was a healthy scratch in Week 6 after two crucial blunders in Week 5, should be active as the WR3 behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce. Downs will need to clear the league's concussion protocol next week to get back on the field if he's going to return in Week 8 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. With Downs likely out this weekend, Pierce becomes a sneaky WR4/flex streamer in fantasy football.

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Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) is out for Sunday's divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. There was optimism that McLaurin might return to action this weekend for the first time since injuring his quad in Week 3 when he was limited in Wednesday's practice. However, the 30-year-old was downgraded to a DNP on Thursday and will be held out for a fourth straight game. Fantasy managers need to keep him on their benches. Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) has already missed two practices this week and could also be in question to play against Dallas. Washington placed Noah Brown (groin, knee) on Injured Reserve this week, which is why they added former Titans first-round wideout Treylon Burks to their practice squad on Thursday. With McLaurin officially out and Samuel questionable, more targets could be coming for Luke McCaffrey, rookie Jaylin Lane, and tight end Zach Ertz.

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New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) is missing his third day of practice this week on Friday, per Jordan Raanan of ESPN. Slayton will most likely be ruled out for the second straight game later on Friday after missing practice all week. The 28-year-old has not seen the practice field since before playing in Week 5. With Slayton most likely sidelined again this weekend, Wan'Dale Robinson and Lil'Jordan Humphrey figure to be New York's top receiving targets for rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in a tough matchup on the road against the Denver Broncos' stout secondary. Tight ends Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger could also be utilized more in the passing game, and receiver Jalin Hyatt (ankle) figures to serve in the WR3 role. Slayton will need to return to practice next week to have any chance of suiting up for a Week 8 divisional clash against the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (leg) is missing a second straight practice this week on Friday, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. Godwin didn't make his 2025 debut until Week 4 after recovering from a dislocated ankle he suffered in Week 7 of last year. The 29-year-old played in only two games before injuring his fibula, and now he's on track to miss a second straight game in Week 7 when the Bucs take on the Detroit Lions on Monday night. Additionally, rookie Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) is expected to sit out, leaving Tampa's receiving corps pretty thin. The good news is that they could be getting Mike Evans (hamstring) back for the first time since Week 3. Still, even if Evans returns, he could be on a pitch count, leaving plenty of targets for the likes of Sterling Shepard, Kameron Johnson, Tez Johnson, and tight end Cade Otton. It's unclear if Godwin will be able to return in Week 8 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints.

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Updating a previous report, New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) is listed as doubtful to play on Sunday in Week 7 versus the Carolina Panthers, according to The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov. A previous report suggested Wilson had already been ruled out for this weekend. The 25-year-old will most likely not be on the field this Sunday at MetLife Stadium after hyperextending his knee in last week's loss to the Denver Broncos in London. The good news for the Jets and for fantasy managers, though, is that Wilson could be in play to miss only one game and return in Week 8 to face the Cincinnati Bengals. With Wilson likely out this weekend, Josh Reynolds (hip) and rookie tight end Mason Taylor figure to draw most of the attention from quarterback Justin Fields, who is planning to be more aggressive as a passer as the Jets seek their first victory of the year. At best, Reynolds will be a volume-based WR4/flex streamer in fantasy.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) remained sidelined at practice on Friday, according to Greg Auman of FOX Sports. With no practice sessions yet this week, Irving is looking likely to miss his third straight game in Week 7 on Monday night versus the Detroit Lions. The 23-year-old is trying to recover from a foot sprain and a subluxation of his shoulder and should stay on benches this week. Meanwhile, Rachaad White is in line for his third straight start as Tampa's lead back on Monday evening. The matchup isn't great against Detroit, but for the volume alone, White should be considered an RB2 in fantasy football. It's unclear if Irving will be in play to return for Week 8 against the division-rival New Orleans Saints. The last two weeks with Irving sideline, White has handled 31 carries for 106 yards and three touchdowns, adding seven catches on seven targets for 51 yards through the air.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) was seen working off to the side with trainers during Friday's practice, per Greg Auman of FOX Sports. The standout rookie was labeled as a non-participant on Thursday, so it's encouraging to see him upgrade his practice status a day later. While Egbuka hasn't explicitly been ruled out for the team's matchup with the Lions on Monday Night Football, the expectation is that he won't be available. That could change, and the Bucs could certainly use him, considering fellow wideout Chris Godwin (leg) and running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) also aren't expected to play. Fortunately, Tampa Bay is on track to get veteran Mike Evans (hamstring) back in the fold, but fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on the Ohio State product's designation ahead of his game in Week 7.

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FOX Sports' Greg Auman reports that Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (hamstring) did not practice on Friday, but is still on track to suit up for Monday night's matchup with the hosting Detroit Lions. Evans returned to practice (limited) for the first time on Thursday since injuring his hamstring in the team's Week 3 win over the Jets. His DNP on Friday, however, "is part of his weekly routine and doesn't represent any kind of setback with his hamstring," per Auman. It's excellent news for Tampa Bay, as their offense is alarmingly short of skill players, with teammates Chris Godwin (leg), Emeka Egbuka (hamstring), and Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) all expected to be out in Week 7. Fantasy managers should monitor the veteran's status over the next few days, but he'll be hard to sit if active, even in his first game back after an extended absence.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's contest with the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium in London, according to The Athletic's Nate Adkins. Head coach Sean McVay left the door open for the star wideout to play, labeling him as day-to-day earlier in the week following his ankle injury in Week 6. However, Nacua won't suit up for the team's matchup this weekend, leaving teammates Davante Adams, Jordan Whittington, and Tutu Atwell (hamstring) as the team's primary pass-catchers in three-wide sets. Adams should assume the clear-cut WR1 role for the Rams, while Whittington and Atwell contend for the remaining looks not intended for running back Kyren Williams and tight end Tyler Higbee.

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Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Tutu Atwell (hamstring) is slated for an elevated workload in Week 7 when his team squares off with the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. The 26-year-old missed LA's win over the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday as he tended to a hamstring injury, but he's trending toward playing this weekend. He should be a boon to a roster that will be missing fellow wideout Puka Nacua (ankle). Despite only three combined receptions over his previous two appearances, Atwell eclipsed 70 receiving yards in each, amassing six total targets on far fewer than 50% of snaps. He'll have teammate Jordan Whittington to contend with for opportunities as well, but Atwell figures to see a solid increase in target share while Nacua is shelved, and should get the more valuable (downfield) targets of the two. He's worthy of a flyer in deep leagues.

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New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte will look to continue building trust with quarterback Drake Maye this weekend when the team takes on a vulnerable Tennessee Titans defense. Boutte has primarily been an afterthought this season in the Pats' passing game, but has gained 90 or more yards in each of the two outings in which he's garnered five or more opportunities. Teammate Stefon Diggs (chest) is the team's target leader (37), although he hasn't exactly separated himself from the pack by a wide margin. If Boutte can continue progressing, there's a chance he'll develop a solid weekly floor. Fantasy managers can't rely on the 23-year-old as a high-volume option just yet, but he's worth monitoring for a week or two to see if he can build off his Week 6 performance.

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Dynasty | Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco completed 31-of-47 passes for 342 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against Pittsburgh. Dynasty Analysis: After playing it safe last week, the Bengals just unleashed Flacco and hoped for the best. It worked out great in this one as he torched the Steelers through the air, connecting with Ja'Marr Chase on a ridiculous 16-of-23 targets. There are going to be up and down days with him but he's raised the floor on this offense and looks like a decent QB2 until further notice.

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Dynasty | Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a franchise record 16 catches on 23 targets for 161 yards and a touchdown in a win against the Steelers. Dynasty Analysis: Well, apparently someone told Joe Flacco to just throw the ball to Chase whenever possible and hope it works. It certainly did on Thursday and Chase just dominated the Steelers. Flacco has clearly given Chase an avenue to still thrive, something he just couldn't do with Jake Browning at the helm. He's always been a must-start, but Chase could somehow still end up being the overall WR1, which is a testament to just how talented he really is.

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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (concussion) was held out of practice on both Wednesday and Thursday due to a concussion, so his status for the team's Week 7 game against the Los Angeles Chargers is very much up in the air. However, Downs had shown some encouraging signs in the last two games before getting injured. Across Weeks 5 and 6, Downs recorded 12 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown on 15 targets, leading Colts wide receivers in targets in both games. The 24-year-old has shown the ability to be a consistent target-earner in the past, averaging 7.6 targets per game across 14 games in 2024. Particularly given his current injury status, now may be a good time to buy low on Downs for fantasy managers who can afford to wait a week or two before plugging him into their lineup.

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New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) will not play in his team's Week 7 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Wilson suffered a knee injury in Week 6 and always seemed like a long shot to play against Carolina. However, Zenitz reports that "there's some hope" that Wilson "could maybe be back" for the Jets Week 8 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. With Wilson sidelined in Week 7, veteran wideout Josh Reynolds (hip) could assume the team's WR1 role if he is able to play through a hip issue that held him out of practice on Wednesday. Wide receivers Arian Smith, Tyler Johnson, and Allen Lazard could also see more playing time. However, the most likely candidates to lead the Jets in targets could be tight end Mason Taylor and running back Breece Hall.

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New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels recently said that rookie wide receiver Kyle Williams "continues to practice well" and is "doing a really good job of understanding his assignments," per ESPN's Mike Reiss. Williams has had a limited impact through the first six weeks of his career, recording two catches for 20 yards on four targets. However, it appears as though the team is happy with his progress and sees him as an important piece going forward. For now, Williams appears to be behind Stefon Diggs (chest), Kayshon Boutte, DeMario Douglas, and Mack Hollins on the depth chart at wide receiver in New England. He should remain off of the radar of redraft fantasy managers for the time being, but Williams maintains appeal in dynasty leagues.

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The Washington Commanders have officially announced their signing of wide receiver Treylon Burks to a practice squad contract, per Commanders beat writer Ben Standig. A former first-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022, Burks suffered a broken collarbone in training camp and was released by the Titans from the Injured Reserve list earlier this year. In 27 career games with Tennessee, Burks recorded 53 catches for 699 yards and one touchdown on 92 targets. He should have an opportunity for playing time in Washington given the current injuries to wide receivers Terry McLaurin (quad) and Noah Brown (groin, knee). The Commanders could also be without Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys. Burks cannot be trusted for immediate fantasy production, but he is a name to monitor in deep leagues due to the injury situation in Washington.

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New York Jets running back Isaiah Davis has recorded just 85 yards from scrimmage on 15 total touches across six games so far this season. However, the 23-year-old could be on the verge of a significant increase in playing time and backfield touches. Davis moved into the Jets' RB2 role after Week 4, when second-year back Braelon Allen (knee) was placed on Injured Reserve due to a knee injury. Breece Hall remains the team's clear lead rusher, but Hall is in the final year of his current contract with the 0-6 Jets and has been frequently mentioned as a trade candidate. If Hall were to get dealt or suffer an injury, Davis would be in line to assume a workhorse role in New York. In deep leagues, he should be rostered and stashed given his clear playing time upside in the second half of the season.

From RotoBaller