Garoppolo could still clear protocol in time for Sunday’s Week 4 contest against the Chargers. The veteran signal-caller logged a limited session on Thursday, and will likely be a limited participant in Friday’s practice as well — although we’ll know for certain, soon. If Garoppolo doesn’t go, veteran Brian Hoyer is expected to start for the Raiders. Hoyer has spent years in Josh McDaniel’s offense but is just days shy of his 38th birthday, and hasn’t led a team to a win since his 2016 season with the Bears where he won exactly one game in five starts.

Sanders was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday because of a groin issue, but head coach Frank Reich said he’s “optimistic” Sanders will be able to play this week. He previously dealt with a groin injury in the preseason. It’s possible that the injury resurfaced and is now causing him issues. If he can’t go, Chuba Hubbard would likely see the bulk of Carolina’s touches at running back. He would rank as an RB2 versus the Vikings.

Richardson was trending toward starting after being a full-participant in each of the Colts’ first two practices to open the week. The Konami Code QB should be in position for a big fantasy day against the Rams after already looking like a late-round fantasy value through the first five quarters of his NFL career. Steichen has adrawn up a number of designed runs for Richardson early in the season, and he was in the middle of a two touchdown day in Week 2 before exiting the game with a concussion. He’ll have QB1 upside for Week 4.

Young will return to the Carolina lineup after missing Week 3’s loss to Seattle. The rookie has struggled in the early going, ranking second to last in drop back success rate and 22nd in completion rate over expected. The horrendous Minnesota defense could represent a get-right spot for Young, who is only viable in superflex formats.

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said he’s “hopeful” Watson can suit up against the Ravens. Watson, according to Browns beat writers, had a couple “halfhearted” throws during Friday’s practice before talking to team trainers and watching rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson work with the first-team offense. Watson looks to be a true game-time call for Cleveland. Thompson-Robinson, who played well in the preseason, would get the nod as starter against a tough Ravens defense if Watson is sidelined. A mobile quarterback, DTR should be rostered in superflex formats just in case.

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed Waddle — who was sidelined in Week 3 with a brain injury — will return to Miami’s lineup against the Bills. Off to a slow start, Waddle is still seeing a solid chunk of the team’s targets and air yards and should post better numbers in the coming weeks. Waddle had 248 yards and a touchdown in two regular season games against Buffalo in 2022.

The Akron Beacon Journal’s Chris Easterling said Watson “threw a couple of halfhearted passes before stopping and talking to the trainer during the open portion of practice.” Watson has dealt with shoulder soreness this week and did not do any throwing at Wednesday’s practice. The Browns are being cautious with their franchise quarterback ahead of an AFC North battle with the Ravens on Sunday. Struggling mightily in the season’s first two games, Watson broke out in Week 3 for 289 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Titans. He’s a top-15 fantasy option against Baltimore.

Smith’s return to practice after missing Thursday’s session suggests he’ll be a full go for Week 4 against the Commanders. Through three games, Smith is a distant second to A.J. Brown in target share and air yards share. His spotty production has been smoothed over by two long touchdowns. Smith is a decent WR2 option against Washington.

Whether Taylor returns to the Colts or another team is yet to be determined. Placed on the PUP list before Week 1, Taylor reportedly looks good while ramping up for a return to game action. “He looks great. And I can’t wait to actually physically get a chance to work with him, see him move around, see that speed and feel that speed,” Colts running backs coach DeAndre Smith said. The Colts have given Taylor permission to seek a trade, though no suitor were willing to part with players and draft picks in exchange for the 24-year-old back. Taylor has remained at odds with the Colts; he hasn’t attended any of their first three games. Once he’s activated from the PUP list, the Colts will have 21 days to bump Taylor onto the 53-player roster, meaning Taylor could still be 2-3 weeks away from making his season debut. In the meantime, Zack Moss has become an every-week fantasy starter, filling in admirably for Taylor. Taylor drafters can hold out hope they get some production from him in 2023.

The Jamaal Williams role travels. Returning from a Week 3 absence with a deep thigh bruise, Montgomery ended up matching his career high for carries, originally set back in Week 15, 2020 for the Bears. Montgomery was a bulldozer all night long but most acutely near the goal line, where he continues to monopolize work over ballyhooed rookie Jahmyr Gibbs. D-Mont has now scored in all three of his Lions appearances, with five total touchdowns to his name as the calendar flips to October. Montgomery is averaging just 3.8 yards per carry, but efficiency was never the thesis of coach Dan Campbell’s play. He wants thunder and he’s getting it. Fantasy managers simply need to get on board. There should be plenty of drives to finish in Week 5 against the rebuilding Panthers.