NFL Player News

While National Signing Day was probably stressful for any number of prospects -- particularly the uncommitted ones -- Fant could spend the day kicking his feet up and sipping on a non-alcoholic beverage. The 6-foot-3, 207-pounder has been committed to the Volunteers since June. Scout.com fails to rank him in their top 250 prospects -- he lands as the outlet’s No. 61 wideout in the 2017 class -- but offers a very interesting comp which will no doubt pique the ears of the Tennessee faithful. Scout calls Fant (at least in terms of stature, body type and physicality) a Terrell Owens-esque receiver. “He just needs to stay healthy,” they note, “and i[f] he does, he could be a star.” He remains unrefined in areas of the game such as blocking and route-running, but the potential is there for a big career if only Tennessee can unlock it.

Brooks had been the most consistent contributor to a Green Bay backfield working to find their way in the absence of Josh Jacobs. The team appears likely to utilize journeyman Pierre Strong as the preferred passing down specialist, likely keeping the backfield in a maddening timeshare without Brooks. None are worthy of legitimate fantasy interest.

Pittman aggravated the foot injury that cost him Week 2 last week and will now miss four games, at minimum, while on injured reserve. Roman Wilson appears to be the primary beneficiary of Pittman’s absence and has seen six targets in each game this season while mostly playing a situational role. Wilson is a priority waiver addition over rookie Germie Bernard.

Moore failed to practice until Saturday after aggravating a shoulder injury in Week 4, returning to the field in a limited capacity while wearing a red non-contact jersey. That was apparently enough to keep the door open for an appearance on Monday Night Football against the Rams, although he certainly appears to be on the wrong side of the questionable tag. Fantasy managers would be wise to seek alternate options considering the timing of the game.

Palmer apparently injured his shoulder in practice on Friday before being absent Saturday, ultimately ruled out for Week 5 against the Rams on Monday Night Football. Fellow wide receiver DJ Moore is listed as questionable after failing to practice until a limited session Saturday, also with a shoulder injury, potentially leaving Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir atop the depth chart at the position.

Palmer was added to the injury report Friday with a shoulder injury, likely indicating that was where he suffered the injury. This is bigger news when taken in the context of the potential absence of DJ Moore on Monday Night Football against the Rams after Moore aggravated a shoulder injury in Week 4. Expect Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman to function as the top two receivers, should both miss Week 5.

This is the first time Moore has returned to the practice field after aggravating a shoulder injury in Week 4. Still no word on his game-day injury status, which will come later in the afternoon, but it a small step in the right direction for the veteran receiver. Fantasy managers likely want to continue the search for alternatives with the Bills playing on Monday Night Football.

Slayton was listed as questionable after injuring his knee during practice on Friday. He’s since been ruled out, postponing his Colts debut for another week. Nick Westbrook-Ikene has been elevated from the Colts’ practice squad.

The Cardinals informed Harrison this morning that he will be inactive for Sunday’s game against the Lions as the details of the trade are finalized, according to Schefter. While it’s unclear where Harrison is headed, Schefter mentions the Houston Texans as one team known to have interest. The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero reported this morning that the Cardinals could be seeking a second-round pick and a mid-round pick in return. Harrison has just five catches for 85 yards and one touchdown in four games this year. According to Schefter, no Harrison trade will be completed until after Sunday’s games. Stay tuned.

Pelissero says the Cardinals would want a second-pick and perhaps a mid-round pick in exchange for Harrison. The 24-year-old receiver was drafted fourth overall two years ago, but under new coach Matt LaFluer he has 85 yards in four games this year. Pelissero points to Harrison’s decision to hire an agent last month as evidence he could be preparing for a trade. While Harrison has obviously been a disappointment in fantasy this year, he should find his way into some starting lineups against the Lions secondary in Week 5.

Mack, 35 and a former Bear, is on an expiring contract that Chicago currently has enough cap space to absorb. Jones pegs Mack’s trade value as worthy of a fifth-round pick, which the Bears also have. The hold up at the moment is that the 0-4 Chargers aren’t ready to deal. Los Angeles takes on the Broncos this weekend looking to avoid going 0-5, but if they don’t it could accelerate their willingness to start trading.