NFL Player News

We saw Brooks (6'2/190) get an increased role in the CFP semi-finals to help find a replacement for John Metchie and saw even more opportunities in the National Championship. Brooks was involved early along with Cameron Latu, Slade Bolden, and Jameson Williams, but the injury to Williams completely changed up the Tide’s approach. With two 1,000+ receivers out for Alabama, it was an uphill battle, but they were still in this game to the very end thanks to players like Brooks. The freshman didn’t see much action till the last two games, but he proved he could handle the big stage so certainly keep his name in mind going in 2022.

This is notable considering head coach Dave Canales previously said that the team would only elevated Reed if Coker couldn’t go in Week 4. Coker, listed as questionable, now appears on the worse side of the designation ahead of a Week 4 meeting with the Lions on Sunday Night Football. Fantasy managers are better off making contingent plans now considering the Panthers are the penultimate game of the week.

Legette was already ruled out for Week 4, which marks his second straight absence. He will now be forced to miss the next four games while on injured reserve, making his absence a total of five games, at minimum. John Metchie and Brycen Tremaine will continue to operate as the WR3 in the interim.

Price reportedly aggravated a chest injury during the team’s Wednesday practice and will now miss the next four games, at minimum, as he tends to the injury. The backfield will be left in the hands of Emanuel Wilson and George Holani in Week 4 against the Chargers but should get reinforcements in short order with Zach Charbonnet set to resume practicing. Price’s season continues to trend poorly for fantasy managers that invested a mid-round pick in his services this summer.

So too is LB Pete Werner, while LB Kaden Elliss, DE Carl Granderson, and DEAnfernee Jennings have been ruled out. Rookie tight end Oscar Delp would be in line to see additional run alongside Juwan Johnson, should Fant be unable to play.

Ebukam and Deablo are the only two players listed on the Falcons’ injury report for their Week 4 divisional showdown agains the Saints on Monday Night Football. Ebukam returned to a full practice Saturday for the first time since injuring his hamstring in practice ahead of Week 3. The Falcons remain relatively healthy as they prepare to challenge the Saints for the division lead through the first month of play.

Bagent came in after Caleb Williams suffered a hamstring strain in Week 2, but missed Week 3 as he was in concussion protocol with Case Keenum getting the start. With Williams still out, Bagent will be back under center against the Jets. With Ben Johnson calling plays, Bagent is a super-flex option in Week 4.

McLaurin injured his hamstring at practice on Friday. While there was initially optimism he could play through the injury, McLaurin is now likely to miss the game against the Colts, according to Standig. Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams should serve as the Commanders’ top wide receivers with Marcus Mariota under center in Week 4.

Allen was limited in practice throughout the week and listed as questionable. Now he’s been ruled out for Week 4 against the Commanders. Josh Downs is locked in as the Colts top wide receiver this week and Tyler Warren should also see a boost in value with Allen sidelined.

Branch is still on the PUP list after tearing his Achilles last season. Lions HC Dan Campbell said Branch was close to returning to practice on Friday, though he wouldn’t disclose when exactly the Lions will open the 21-day practice window for the 24-year-old safety. According to Pelissero, there’s a really good chance Branch returns to practice next week. He’ll undoubtedly help a Lions pass defense that has been torn to shreds in the first three weeks of the season.

Mayfield dislocated his thumb in Week 3’s loss against the Vikings. The 31-year-old quarterback had no ligament or tendon damage. According to Pelissero, it would be tough but not impossible for Mayfield to return in Week 5, making Week 6 against the Steelers the more likely return date. Jalon Daniels will start for the Buccaneers against the Packers in Week 4.