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Rashod Bateman Looks To Return To The End Zone Against Bills
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman scored his first career postseason touchdown in the big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Wild Card round. It's likely going to be a bit more difficult against the Buffalo Bills as they roll into freezing cold weather with a chance of a bit of snow. Derrick Henry and company dominated in Week 4 while Bateman saw just one target and caught it for 23 yards. That seems to be all Bateman needs, however, as he had two catches for 24 yards and the touchdown last week. With Zay Flowers (knee) listed as doubtful, Bateman could serve as the outlet outside of the backfield and tight ends.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More Recent News
Marcus Mariota to Avoid Injured Reserve
Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) will not go on Injured Reserve after spraining his MCL in the Week 4 blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London on Sunday, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. It means that the Commanders think Mariota could be back within two to three weeks after he missed two and a half weeks after his first MCL sprain during the preseason in August. It also means that Washington may not need to sign an outside veteran QB to time them over. That will especially be the case if starter Jayden Daniels is able to return this weekend against the division-rival New York Giants after dislocating his left elbow in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. If Daniels is not cleared to play this weekend, Athan Kaliakmanis would be forced into making his first NFL start under center. The 32-year-old Mariota has already appeared in three games (two starts) for Washington this year after playing in 11 games (eight starts) in 2025 due to injuries to Daniels. He has gone 33-for-51 passing for 340 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in limited action in 2026, but he will return to his usual backup role when he heals from his MCL sprain.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Jadarian Price Losing Value Amid Absence, Increased Backfield Competition
Seattle Seahawks rookie running back Jadarian Price (chest) missed his first of at least four games after being placed on injured reserve with a chest injury, and in his absence, veteran Emanuel Wilson racked up 120 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Chargers. While still not expected to play in Week 5, Zach Charbonnet (knee) has had his practice window opened after beginning the year on the physically unable to perform list, and the Seahawks were briefly tied to two-time Pro Bowler Joe Mixon before the results of his physical caused them to alter course. All told, Seattle's backfield has the potential to become a mess for fantasy purposes, and with Price unable to take hold of the primary role in his three games of action, he becomes all the more difficult to trust upon his eventual return.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eagles Excited for Dameon Pierce's Opportunity
Philadelphia Eagles running back Dameon Pierce, who was promoted from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster this week due to injuries to both Saquon Barkley (hamstring) and Tank Bigsby (abdomen), could have a significant role in Philly's backfield going forward, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. "He's an NFL starting running back. Maybe wouldn't have said that when he was on our practice squad publicly, because of the fear of losing him. But he's an NFL starting running back. Excited for his opportunity," head coach Nick Sirianni said of Pierce. The 26-year-old was originally a fourth-round pick by the Houston Texans in 2022 from Florida. He had 220 rushing attempts for 939 yards and four touchdowns in 13 starts in his rookie campaign but could never find his footing in Houston after that. He played in only five games last year with Houston and the Kansas City Chiefs and had just 14 carries for 36 yards combined. Pierce will have an opportunity with the Eagles this Sunday in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars, making him worth deep-league waiver consideration at the position, but Will Shipley should see most of the backfield work if Barkley is unavailable.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Terry McLaurin Won't Practice on Wednesday
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn said that wide receiver Terry McLaurin (hamstring) will not practice on Wednesday, but he will work off to the side, according to Tashan Reed of The Athletic. McLaurin tweaked his hamstring in practice last week and was unable to play in the blowout loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London on Sunday. The 31-year-old will have two more chances to return to practice on Thursday and Friday, but as of now, he is very much up in the air to play in Week 5 at home against the division-rival New York Giants. If Scary Terry misses a second straight game, Antonio Williams will be a sneaky deep-league WR streamer against the G-Men, especially if quarterback Jayden Daniels makes a return from a dislocated left elbow that he suffered in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Dallas Cowboys. McLaurin had only four total catches for 64 yards in the first two games of the season, but he rebounded in the Week 3 upset win over the Seattle Seahawks with six catches on nine targets for 77 yards and his first touchdown of the season. He will need to return to practice in the next few days to have a chance at returning this weekend.
Source: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
Source: The Athletic - Tashan Reed
Adonai Mitchell Still Considered Week-to-Week
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (finger) is still considered week-to-week with his finger injury, head coach Aaron Glenn told The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt on Wednesday. Mitchell suffered a finger injury last week during practice and was inactive in the Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday. In the 23-year-old's absence, Isaiah Williams played 90% of the offensive snaps but was targeted just twice by quarterback Geno Smith. It sounds like Mitchell is not a lock at all to practice on Wednesday or return to play this Sunday versus the visiting Cleveland Browns. Despite potentially missing multiple games, Mitchell is a worthy bench stash at WR for his elevated role in New York's passing attack when healthy. The former second-rounder by the Indianapolis Colts in 2024 from Texas caught nine of his 15 targets for 123 yards in the first two games of the season as the clear WR2 behind Garrett Wilson in an improved Jets offense. Mitchell might not play again this weekend, but he is still an intriguing upside stash in 2026, especially in PPR leagues.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Breece Hall Still Considered Week-to-Week
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (quadriceps) is still considered week-to-week, head coach Aaron Glenn told Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Hall missed the Week 4 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday due to a quad injury, and the 25-year-old is trending toward missing a second straight contest this weekend when the Jets take on the visiting Cleveland Browns. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Hall's practice status from Wednesday to Friday, though. If he misses a second straight game in Week 5, backup Braelon Allen would once again be at least on the flex radar in fantasy football as New York's primary ball-carrier. With Hall out last weekend, Allen played all but two of the team's offensive snaps and saw a season-high 14 rushing attempts for 59 yards while also catching both of his targets for eight yards as a receiver. If Hall returns to face the Browns, he will be extra risky as an RB2 who is in danger of losing key backfield touches to Allen. After his first 1,000-yard season in 2025 and a big contract extension in the offseason, Hall has averaged just 3.2 yards per carry for 163 yards and one touchdown on the ground through three games in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Chris Brooks Won't Practice on Wednesday
Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks (ankle) will not practice on Wednesday, head coach Matt LaFleur told Weston Hodkiewicz of the team's official website. Brooks was set to undergo tests on his ankle earlier this week after getting injured in the Week 4 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. The 26-year-old has had a bigger backfield role through the first four weeks of the season with Josh Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list, but it has not amounted to much production while sharing touches with MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson. Brooks has seen 15 carries through four games for 70 yards and has caught three of his five targets for 24 yards in the passing game. He will obviously need to get back on the practice field on Thursday or Friday to have a shot at playing in Week 5 against the division-rival Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Even if Brooks is cleared to play this weekend, he will not have any realistic standalone fantasy value as a flex play, even in deeper leagues, with Lloyd and Johnson being the better upside plays in a struggling Packers offense.
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Source: Packers.com - Weston Hodkiewicz
Josh Jacobs' Stash Value Continues to Fall as Absence Continues
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs remains on the commissioner's exempt list after pleading no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property in a case stemming from a May domestic-violence incident, and although his time on the exempt list could equal time served in any potential suspension from the NFL, the 28-year-old's stash value in fantasy football leagues continues to fall with each passing day he is not with the team. Green Bay's running game has struggled mightily in Jacobs' absence through the first four weeks of the 2026 season, as they rank dead last in the NFL with just 58.0 rushing yards per game. They have gone with a committee approach involving MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks (ankle), but nobody has really stood out so far. Jacobs, who has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons in his seven years in the league, cannot be outright dropped in most fantasy leagues, but managers are surely losing patience as he wastes a bench spot. Right now, he is rostered in 74% of Yahoo leagues, and he is fully expected to return to lead-back duties in Green Bay whenever he is allowed to rejoin the team.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Lamar Jackson Has Outside Chance to Play in Week 5
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (ankle) has only an outside chance to play Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons. Ian Rapoport reported that Jackson is dealing with a sprained ankle and could miss multiple games depending on how his rehab progresses. The injury is considered unusual, with Rapoport describing it as neither a traditional high nor low ankle sprain. Jackson left Sunday's 24-18 win over Tennessee after the first half and did not return, finishing 15 of 20 for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Huntley completed eight of nine passes for 63 yards in relief and would start if Jackson cannot go. Baltimore has not ruled Jackson out, but fantasy managers should be preparing another option with his Week 5 availability looking increasingly doubtful.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Chase McLaughlin Will Kick on Thursday Against Dallas
Tampa Bay Buccaneers placekicker Chase McLaughlin (groin, hip) will kick on Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Todd Bowles told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. McLaughlin popped up on the Week 5 injury report with groin and hip injuries on Tuesday and did not practice with the rest of the team, but he is apparently fine and is not dealing with a significant injury. He has been a top-10 fantasy kicker through the first four weeks of the 2026 season, making all nine of his field-goal attempts and all seven of his extra-point opportunities for the winless Bucs. The problem with McLaughlin's short-term fantasy appeal is that it will not be nearly as high with starting quarterback Baker Mayfield (thumb) on the sidelines and undrafted rookie signal-caller Jalon Daniels making his second career start this week in Dallas. In the first game without Mayfield this past Sunday in the loss to the Green Bay Packers, McLaughlin only managed to put up two points for his fantasy managers, and he will have another low ceiling against the Cowboys this week. Fantasy managers are better off looking for better upside options at the position.
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Source: Tampa Bay Times - Rick Stroud
Dameon Pierce Promoted to Eagles' 53-Man Roster
Philadelphia Eagles running back Dameon Pierce is being promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, according to Jeremy Fowler. Philadelphia needed another healthy back after Tank Bigsby was placed on injured reserve, while Saquon Barkley is considered week to week with a hamstring injury. Pierce signed with the Eagles during the offseason but did not make the initial roster, returning on the practice squad after final cuts. He has yet to appear in a regular-season game this year, though he rushed for 44 yards on four carries in his lone preseason appearance. Will Shipley was the only healthy running back left on the active roster before the move. Pierce could now be needed against Jacksonville if Barkley remains sidelined, though there is no indication yet that he would move ahead of Shipley for the larger share of the backfield work.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Rashod Bateman Losing Fantasy Appeal as Targets Disappear
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has made a couple of big plays this season, but the weekly volume is becoming the problem. His best game came with Zay Flowers out in Week 2, when Bateman caught seven of nine targets for 88 yards and a touchdown. Flowers returned the next week, and Bateman has seen only five targets over the two games since, finishing with two catches in each. He still has 171 yards through four games, so this is not about Bateman suddenly losing the ability to make plays. There just is not much to work with when the targets dry up. Lamar Jackson's ankle injury does not help matters heading into Atlanta, either. RotoBaller currently has Bateman around WR48 for Week 5 after listing him as a drop in most leagues entering Week 4. In standard 10- and 12-team leagues, managers can move on if a more dependable waiver option is available. He is easier to hold in deeper formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quentin Johnston Can Be Dropped in Most Fantasy Leagues
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has not disappeared from the offense, but there is not much fantasy value left in the role right now. He has seven catches for 108 yards on 19 targets through four games, and Week 4 summed up the problem pretty well: one catch for 44 yards on only two targets. Tre' Harris has been much more productive, with 13 catches for 209 yards on 21 targets, while Johnston has yet to score this season. The Chargers still list Johnston as a starter on their unofficial depth chart, so this is not a case of him being completely phased out. The production just has not followed the playing time. RotoBaller's Week 5 Cut List labels Johnston a drop in most leagues, although its waiver coverage still leaves room for him as a boom-or-bust option in deeper formats. In standard leagues, Johnston can be dropped for a more useful option. Deeper leagues can justify one more bench spot if waivers are thin.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Courtland Sutton Can Be Cut in Shallow Fantasy Leagues
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton is still playing enough to make this uncomfortable, but four weeks of poor production have pushed him onto the chopping block. He has nine catches for 86 yards without a touchdown, and three of his four games have ended with 25 receiving yards or fewer. Sunday was the worst of the bunch. Sutton drew six targets against San Francisco and turned them into one catch for four yards. The volume is not completely gone, which is why this is not an automatic drop in every format, but the results have been brutal. RotoBaller's Week 5 Cut List has Sutton in the hold-and-bench or drop-in-shallow-leagues tier, and that fits where his value sits right now. Managers in 10-team leagues can move on if there is a useful replacement available. In deeper 12-team formats, Sutton is easier to stash on the bench for another week, but he should not be anywhere near fantasy lineups until the production changes.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Odell Beckham Jr. Reportedly Joining Vikings Practice Squad
Free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is reportedly set to join the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, according to Jordan Schultz. The move would give Beckham another opportunity just over a week after the New York Giants released him following a quiet second stint with the franchise. The 33-year-old played only 19 offensive snaps across three games for New York, drawing one target without recording a catch. Minnesota already has Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings at receiver, so Beckham would have work to do before earning a meaningful offensive role. Jefferson's ankle injury does create some short-term uncertainty, but Beckham should not be viewed as an immediate fantasy option simply because Minnesota is bringing him in. For now, he is more of a deep-league watch-list player while he works his way into the offense.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Jalen Coker Could Return After Panthers' Bye Week
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps) could be back when the team returns from its Week 5 bye. ESPN reported Wednesday that Carolina is hopeful Coker will be ready for the Week 6 trip to Philadelphia after he missed Sunday night's win over Detroit. Coker suffered the quad injury during the Panthers' Week 3 loss to Cleveland, finishing that game with two catches for 18 yards before leaving in the second half. He was able to practice on a limited basis late last week but was ultimately held out against the Lions. Coker had been one of Bryce Young's most productive targets before getting hurt, catching 18 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns through three games. With Xavier Legette on injured reserve, getting Coker back after the bye would give Carolina another established option alongside Tetairoa McMillan.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Troy Franklin Only a Deep-League Waiver Stash for Now
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin has barely been involved this season, but Pat Bryant's ankle injury at least cracks the door open for him again. Franklin has drawn only four targets through four games, catching two for 48 yards, after finishing 2025 with 65 receptions for 709 yards and six touchdowns. Bryant is expected to miss a few weeks, so Denver will have snaps to redistribute behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton. Marvin Mims Jr. is still in that mix too, which is why Franklin's opportunity is more interesting than trustworthy right now. He was not targeted at all against San Francisco in Week 4 and has yet to see more than two targets in a game this season. RotoBaller has him at WR63 for Week 5 against the Chargers, and he does not appear among its current top 85 mid-week waiver options. In deeper leagues, Franklin is a speculative stash to watch rather than someone worth chasing with meaningful waiver priority.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyreek Hill Remains Under NFL Review Amid Civil Abuse Allegations
Free-agent wide receiver Tyreek Hill remains under NFL review as a civil case tied to his divorce moves forward in Florida. Hill's ex-wife, Lakeeta Vaccaro, testified Tuesday that he physically abused her during their marriage, and her complaint alleges eight separate incidents. Hill has denied the allegations and does not face criminal charges. Court TV reported that Vaccaro testified about one incident in which Hill grabbed at her jewelry, pushed her onto a bed, and put his hands around her neck. The NFL's Personal Conduct Policy review remains active, which could still affect Hill's availability if the league ultimately determines that a violation occurred. His agent has also been negotiating with teams as Hill works toward an NFL return, with Kansas City among those that have shown interest. RotoBaller currently recommends Hill as a stash in leagues with 14 or more teams while both his playing status and the league review remain unresolved.
Source: Court TV
Source: Court TV
Tyson Bagent Only an Option in Two-QB Leagues for Week 5
There is another start coming for Chicago Bears quarterback Tyson Bagent, but the opportunity matters a lot more in superflex and two-quarterback leagues. Bagent handled the Jets well enough in Week 4, completing 25 of 34 passes for a career-high 268 yards in a 23-12 win. The fantasy line was much less interesting. He did not throw a touchdown, was intercepted once, and added only one rushing yard on four carries. Chicago also had little reason to ask for more with Kyle Monangai running 30 times for 146 yards and two scores. Bagent is expected to start Sunday again at Green Bay while Caleb Williams remains sidelined by a hamstring injury. RotoBaller has Bagent at QB26 for Week 5 and lists him as an add only in two-quarterback leagues. That makes him useful if a Superflex manager simply needs a starting quarterback this week, but there is not enough passing or rushing upside here to make him worth chasing in ordinary one-QB formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Marvin Mims Jr. to See Increased Role with Teammate Injured
Denver Broncos wide receiver and returner Marvin Mims Jr. caught one of three targets for 10 yards in the 24-14 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Although Mims didn't have a productive Week 4, his role increased after second-year receiver Pat Bryant was injured. Mims' snap share rose from 17% in Week 1 to 27% in Week 4. With Bryant (ankle) expected to be placed on injured reserve, Mims could see his role grow further in the coming weeks. While he's still likely to play a smaller role than Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, and Troy Franklin, Mims is a receiver to watch in deeper leagues and is one injury away from a solid role in the Broncos' receiving room.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
More News About Rashod Bateman
