NFL Player News

The Journal-Sentinel suggested in February that Sherrod might not play at all in 2012, and GM Ted Thompson has taken steps to replace him by scheduling Demetrius Bell for a free agent visit. Sherrod was overmatched in his first preseason and five regular-season games. The Packers can’t count on him.

This is a good sign. Jefferson is tentatively on track to play in Week 5 against the Saints. Ideally, he will upgrade to full participation tomorrow, though. O’Connell told reporters last week that his No. 1 wide receiver had made “great progress” in his rehab program. That indeed appears to be the case. He will be a WR1 if active.

Allen suffered a groin injury in practice last week and was unable to play in Week 4 against the Commanders. His early-week return puts him on track to play in Week 5 against the Steelers, but he can likely only be viewed as a touchdown-dependent FLEX at this time.

Brooks suffered the ankle injury in Week 4. He went down in the first half and did not return. Brooks underwent testing on his ankle after the game, though the exact nature of his injury has yet to be reported. He does appear to be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 5. If he can’t go, MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson will split the backfield. Johnson led the team in carries last week but also gave up a goal line fumble. We expect Lloyd to get the start versus Chicago on Sunday.

ESPN’s Jamison Hensley noted his absence during the portion of practice open to the media. While he could get in some limited work later in the session, this is almost certainly a DNP. Jackson is dealing with an “unconventional” ankle sprain and looks highly unlikely to play in Week 5. Tyler Huntley will draw the start if Jackson isn’t able to suit up.

Dolphins coach Jeff Halfey said Douglas is “doing better” but is not ready to practice yet. It sounds like the rookie will miss another week. Malik Washington will continue to operate as the Dolphins’ No. 1 receiver, putting him in the WR3 mix for Week 5. Fellow rookie Chris Bell has seen his role grow every week, but the fantasy numbers aren’t there to match. He was held without a catch on three targets in Week 4. Bell is a solid long-term stash but barely cracks the WR5 ranks for Miami’s matchup with the Bengals.

Hollins injured his calf in Week 4 and was listed as questionable to return. He immediately went to the locker room and did not return. Hollins is unlikely to play in Week 5. Romeo Doubs finally broke out last week with six catches for 58 yards and two scores. He will be in line for another sizable role once Hollins is ruled out. Kyle Williams will take on a starting role, though he is only worth a stash in deeper fantasy formats.

Stevenson tweaked his knee or ankle on his last touch of Week 4. The game ended shortly after that, so we didn’t get an official update on his injury from the team. Vrabel told reporters there is a chance he plays in Week 5, but it sounds like the veteran is on the wrong side of questionable as of Wednesday. TreVeyon Henderson’s role was dwindling in recent weeks, but Stevenson’s absence will thrust him right back into a workhorse role. He would be a high-end RB2 if Stevenson is unable to go.

Johnson did add, “He had 30 carries, and he feels like he had 30 carries.” Monangai will play in Week 5 versus the Packers, but it doesn’t sound like he will double up D’Andre Swift in carries for the second week in a row. Expect a more even split of the work this week, with Swift potentially returning to his normal lead-back role. Even with fewer carries, Monangai is locked in as a fantasy RB3.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo already reported that Daniels is expected to play in Week 5 and a full practice to open the week all but confirms his update. With Marcus Mariota also banged up, seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis would have been the next man up. He will back Daniels up as long as the latter doesn’t suffer any setbacks. The Commanders will likely dial back the designed runs for their franchise quarterback, but fantasy managers have to start him as a low-end QB1 as long as he’s on the field.

Higgins went down with the injury in the fourth quarter of Week 4. He tried to play through it but ultimately ended the game on the sidelines. A limited practice today is a good sign for his Week 5 availability. That will be doubly important with Ja’Marr Chase (concussion) also questionable for Sunday’s game. If Chase can’t clear protocol in time, Higgins will operate as the Bengals’ No. 1 receiver. Even at less than full strength, he would be a fringe WR1 play.