Saturday News

Yo! Real quick, before we get to the news →

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Now, on to the news…

❌ Key Inactives:

  • QB: Jaxson Dart (NYG) - Knee; likely out for the season

  • QB: Caleb Williams (CH) - Hamstring; week-to-week

  • QB: Jayden Daniels (WAS) - Elbow; to miss multiple weeks

  • WR: Alec Pierce (IND) - Heel; placed on IR this week

  • WR: Puka Nacua (LAR) - Doubtful; Groin

  • WR: Nico Collins (HOU) - Hamstring

  • RB: Jonathon Brooks (CAR) - Core Muscle Surgery; will miss at least 6 weeks

  • RB: Rico Dowdle (PIT) - Toe

  • TE: Chig Okonkwo (WAS) - Hamstring

  • TE: Dallas Goedert (PHI) - MCL

Plenty of other guys to watch. Come back tomorrow for the most updated list.

🏈 Thursday Night Football Recap:

Falcons 35 @ Packers 14

Michael Penix Jr.'s return sparked Atlanta's offense in a 35-14 rout of Green Bay, and fantasy managers should take note. Bijan Robinson ran for 194 yards and a touchdown, and Drake London caught nine passes for 194 yards. Both look like weekly WR1/RB1 plays with Penix under center. Green Bay's outlook is grim. Without Josh Jacobs and behind a battered line, the Packers rushed for just 17 yards, so MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson are unstartable for now. Jordan Love's 312 yards came mostly in catch-up mode, and he took 11 hits, which makes him a risky QB2. Without Micah Parsons, the Packers' defense also makes Tampa Bay's offense an appealing play on Oct. 4.

🚨 Player News:

Sam Darnold (SEA) – He's trending toward a return Sunday against Washington after missing most of the first two games with a glute injury. He was limited Wednesday and a full participant Thursday, and Mike Macdonald says a decision is likely by the end of Friday. Drew Lock has been excellent in relief (4 TD, 0 turnovers), so Seattle doesn't need to rush him, but everything points toward Darnold starting. (Brady Henderson)

Kyler Murray (MIN) – He says he recovered "pretty quickly" from the Week 1 concussion that forced him out on his 11th snap, and he's lined up to face Tampa Bay on Sunday. Carson Wentz went 2-0 in relief, but the Vikings always planned to go back to Murray once he was cleared. (Kevin Seifert)

Joey Porter Jr. (PIT) – He says he'll "definitely" play this season but wouldn't commit to Sunday against Cincinnati. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday, citing both back flare-ups and conditioning, and expects a snap count whenever he returns. That could help Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this week. (Brooke Pryor)

Kenneth Walker III (KC) – Andy Reid wants to trim his workload "a little bit" against Miami. Walker is tied with Jahmyr Gibbs for the league lead in touches (59) and leads all skill players with 369 all-purpose yards, so a small cut still leaves a big role. Temper expectations slightly. (Nate Taylor)

Emmett Johnson (KC) – The rookie should see more snaps as Kansas City gives Walker more rest. He has 103 all-purpose yards on just 14 touches, and RB coach DeMarco Murray says Johnson will keep getting more chances. He's a stash in deeper leagues. (Nate Taylor)

Josh Jacobs (GB) – He remains on the commissioner exempt list and can't play or practice. A judge denied the victim's request to permanently seal evidence, including surveillance video, and handed any records requests to local police. A suspension is still possible once the NFL finishes its investigation, though time on the exempt list would count toward it. He's still not startable. (Rob Demovsky)

Kyle Juszczyk (SF) – He was fined $14,926 for a celebration the league said imitated chugging a beer. Juszczyk says it was juice, a nod to his "Juice" nickname, and he's appealing. There's no fantasy impact. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins (CIN) are also facing fines for their "People's Elbow" celebration. (Nick Wagoner)

Jonathon Brooks (CAR) – Placed on IR after core muscle surgery. He's expected to miss at least six weeks. With Carolina's Week 5 bye, the best case is five missed games. He had just 73 total yards in two games after returning from back-to-back ACL tears. (Ian Rapoport)

Austin Ekeler (FA) – The veteran RB is working out for the Panthers following the Brooks injury. If he signs, he'd likely compete with Dillon for passing-down work behind Hubbard. (ESPN, via KPRC 2)

Jaxson Dart (NYG) – The Giants QB's left knee injury, suffered on his seventh snap Monday night, is worse than first believed. He's facing an extended absence and possibly season-ending surgery. HC John Harbaugh said the team is preparing for "the range of possibilities." (Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo)

-Joe

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