Admin September 28, 2024
Sam Darnold’s MVP run continues, Ravens save season with win in Dallas
Sports Seriously’s Mackenzie Salmon ‘overreacts’ to the biggest news from Sunday’s slate of games.
Sports Seriously
Quarterbacks and tight ends – perhaps the two least consistent positions so far this NFL season – dominate the Week 4 edition of the fantasy football injury report.
Fantasy managers may need to wait until just before kickoff to make sure their lineups are optimized for the week, with several important players looking like they could be game-time decisions on Sunday. Or even worse, on Monday night.
The situations in Green Bay, Miami and perhaps San Francisco will be worth monitoring in this week’s practices to see if there will be a quarterback change. Meanwhile, top tight ends Sam LaPorta and Trey McBride had to leave their Week 3 games early due to injuries. Will they be back?
Here’s the latest:
Status of Eagles receiving duo in question
Top wideout A.J. Brown (hamstring) has missed two consecutive games, but could be ready to return in Week 4. Meanwhile, DeVonta Smith will not play against the Buccaneers after not clearing concussion protocol. Smith suffered a concussion when he took a hard hit to the helmet and left Sunday’s game against the Saints.
Jordan Love continues rapid progress
The Packers quarterback was supposed to be sidelined 3-6 weeks with a sprained ligament in his knee. However, he was back on the practice field last week after only missing one game. While Malik Willis did start (and play well) last week with Love still inactive, there’s a chance Love could be back for Sunday’s divisional matchup against the Vikings. He’ll be a limited practice participant on Wednesday.
Lions’ LaPorta dealing with ankle sprain
Fantasy’s No. 1 tight end this draft season, Sam LaPorta of Detroit, has been diagnosed with a low-ankle sprain, which could allow him to play this week. LaPorta left Sunday’s game twice, but returned both times – though his production was minimal (two receptions, 36 yards). He’s been disappointing so far this season, and may not be ready to turn things around until he’s fully healthy.
Davante Adams, Maxx Crosby out for Raiders
Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce on Friday ruled out star wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) for the Raiders’ game against the Browns. Pierce also said defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) and tight end Michael Mayer will not suit up Sunday.
After showing no signs of injury during last week’s game, the San Francisco signal-caller needed treatment afterwards for discomfort in his back. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Purdy is day-to-day, but Purdy practiced in full Wednesday and was removed from the injury report Friday. Kittle (hamstring) was added to the injury report middle of the week before Week 3, but he returned to practice this week and was ruled good to go for Sunday.
49ers’ Deebo Samuel remains questionable
Samuel was injured during San Francisco’s Week 2 loss to Minnesota. He was initially expected to miss a few weeks and appears unlikely to suit up for the 49ers’ Week 4 matchup against New England.
The Chargers quarterback had to leave Sunday’s game early when he aggravated an already gimpy right ankle. Herbert is no stranger to playing through pain, as he did last season despite a fracture to his rib cartilage. X-rays after the game came back negative, but he’s still dealing with a high ankle sprain. Taylor Heinicke would be back under center if Herbert can’t go.
RBs Kenneth Walker, Joe Mixon hopeful for Week 4
After both missed Week 3, Kenneth Walker of the Seahawks (oblique) and Joe Mixon of the Texans (ankle) are both optimistic that a week off will help them get back on the field. Both were listed as doubtful during the week and ended up being inactive for Sunday’s games. Keep an eye on their practice involvement.
Keenan Allen still nursing heel injury
Bears receiver Keenan Allen was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice and remains questionable for Sunday’s game against the Rams. Allen has missed the past two weeks after injuring his heel during Chicago’s Week 1 game.
Jaylen Warren will miss another game
The Pittsburgh Steelers might be 3-0, but their running game is not in quite as good a shape. Starter Najee Harris was seen with his arm in a sling on Monday, but coach Mike Tomlin downplayed the injury, saying he expects Harris to be “ready to rock and roll” on Sunday. Meanwhile, backup Jaylen Warren will miss Week 4 with a knee issue that forced him out of last week’s game early.
McBride going through concussion protocol
Cardinals tight end Trey McBride also left his game on Sunday after taking a blow to the head. He will have to clear the five concussion protocol steps before he’s able to suit up for Week 4 against the Commanders.
Who’ll start at QB for Miami?
With starter Tua Tagovailoa sidelined indefinitely with a concussion and backup Skylar Thompson forced to exit early Sunday with a rib injury, free-agent signee Tyler Huntley could get the start on Monday night vs. Tennessee. Thompson is considered day-to-day after giving way to Tim Boyle in Week 3. No matter who gets the call, it’s probably not good news for Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and the Dolphins receivers.
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