NFL Player News

Left Tackle Barry Sims has impressed coach Norv Turner so much that they will move Gallery for the time being. If it makes Raiders fans feel better, Jonathon Ogden played guard his whole rookie season. We doubt Gallery will stay there that long.

According to the Minnesota Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling, the Vikings will evaluate Jefferson’s injury further, “but it didn’t sound terribly serious initially.” It sounds like Jefferson could have a chance to play in Week 4 against the Dolphins’ fantasy-friendly pass defense, though nothing is certain at this time. Stay tuned.

Ertz makes for a dicey starting option in season-long leagues, but he’s stuck around this long for a reason. It stands to reason that the Eagles will keep him on a snap count, but if he’s feeling good in-game, they could allow him to get a little extra action.

White has likely earned himself a roster spot with three touchdowns in two weeks. He scored via an in-breaking route on the Raiders’ eighth possession, operating as the apparent checkdown in the progression. He is not yet worth stashing, but take note of his productivity.

Harvey took an awkward tackle and appeared to stumble following the play. He was removed during the commercial break and taken to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion. Harvey gained six yards on two carries prior to departing, adding 39 yards on five receptions.

Miller dealt with an illness this week, but today’s performance can hardly be called sick. Miller had a chance to carve out a role after RB Travis Etienne aggravated his hamstring injury, but he didn’t do much with the opportunity. If Etienne cannot play, Miller will be a touchdown-dependent FLEX.

Kamara largely assumed lead rushing duties once RB Travis Etienne left after aggravating his hamstring injury, but it didn’t count for much. The 31-year-old Kamara will likely be the Saints’ starter next week, assuming Etienne cannot play, but he is only an FLEX play against the Falcons.

Fant chipped in two touchdowns in a game that tied an NFL record for tight end touchdowns (six). His first was on a three-yard slant. His second was an impressive catch-and-run play via play-action from 16 yards out. Fant is not on the starting radar next week against the Falcons.

Johnson was getting open at will on out routes and shallow crossers. He and TE Noah Fant, along with the two Raiders tight ends, combined for six touchdowns, tying an NFL positional record. Johnson fumbled while trying to make a big play for his team late in the game. He attempted to stiff-arm LB Nakobe Dean, who cleanly punched the ball out for CB Eric Stokes to recover. Johnson made a real heads-up play earlier on, though. Saints QB Tyler Shough threw a bad pass to Johnson earlier on, which CB Hezekiah Masses easily picked off and returned downfield. Johnson raced after him and successfully punched the ball out with a diving hammer-fist, but the Raiders ultimately recovered that fumble, leading to a turnover for the Saints. Johnson remains a reliable TE1 against the Falcons next week.

Vele nearly added a decent first-down pickup to his box score, but he was unable to secure the pass as he was diving to the ground. Aside from that, he had a nice 17-yard gain in which he ripped his leg away from a would-be tackler and scampered away for a few extra yards. Vele is a boom-bust FLEX against the Falcons next week.

Olave won at every level, be it on outs, corners or crossers. He nearly scored three times. Once on the Saints’ first possession, another on the third and again on the fourth. Saints QB Tyler Shough overthrew him on the first sequence. Olave had his defender beat as he broke inward at the Raiders’ 10-yard line. On the second one, Shough tried to force a tight-window throw from the Raiders’ three-yard line but two Raiders defenders swatted the pass down at the line of scrimmage. The last one was perhaps the biggest heartbreak. Shough connected with Olave on a slant route from the Raiders’ seven-yard line and Olave was tackled immediately after catching it at the one-yard line. Saints TE Juwan Johnson scored two plays later. Olave remains a WR1 against the Falcons next week.