NFL Player News

Barkley suffered what is being classified as an “ordinary” ankle sprain, which is to say he did not suffer a high-ankle sprain, which would have been far worse. Still, Barkley is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks, which means he will miss the Giants’ Week 3 matchup against the 49ers on Thursday night. Matt Breida and Gary Brightwell could be first in line to receive touches in Barkley’s absence, but it’s also possibly rookie Eric Gray sees a few opportunities. Regardless of who is playing in Barkley’s absence, this group of backs will be hard to trust against a stout 49ers defense.

Mitchell injured his knee in Thursday’s practice and did not practice on Friday. His absence on Friday would leave us to believe he’s on the wrong side of playing in Week 4, although we may not know for sure until closer to kickoff. The oft-injured running back rushed 11 times for 42 yards in Week 3 after recording a zero snap outing in Week 2, but would be hard to trust even if active.

Jennings suffered the shoulder injury in the 49ers’ Week 3 win over the Giants. Assuming he isn’t able to play through the doubtful tag, seventh-round rookie Ronnie Bell will see more reps as the team’s third receiver., though he remains off the fantasy radar for Week 4.

Deebo was not seen at the start of practice on Friday but was ultimately listed as a limited participant. He likely got in a very light session. Kyle Shanahan downplayed the severity of the issue earlier in the week, so Samuel should be able to suit up. Samuel and the 49ers get a great matchup with the Cardinals this week, putting the dynamic receiver in a position to drop another WR1 performance in Week 4.

Good for the 49ers, who are certain to have at least one of their starting receivers for the week. There’s a good chance Deebo Samuel (ribs/knee) still suits up, but Samuel didn’t practice all week and was handed a questionable tag going into the weekend. Aiyuk will have fringe WR2/WR3 upside against the Cardinals, but would be a near lock as a WR2 if Samuel were to sit.

Conner was limited in practice throughout the week but is ready to go for Week 4 against the 49ers. Serving as the Cardinals’ bell cow back through the first three weeks of the season, Conner should have another busy week against a stout 49ers defense as the Cardinals look to push their record to 2-2. Conner will be a volume-based RB2 play in a tough matchup.

Crosby practiced on two of a possible three days this week after hurting his knee in Week 3 against the Steelers. We’ll see if Crosby is able to go on Sunday, but a limited practice to close out the week is encouraging.

Everett as been splitting reps with Donald Parham this year and has just 98 receiving yards through three games. Parham has also been LA’s preferred tight end in the red zone. Everett ranks outside of the TE2 range for Week 4.

Simply put, Garoppolo will need to clear concussion protocol to play on Sunday. He’s been a limited participant in the team’s last two practices, but that’s a moot point as long as he remains in protocol. If Garoppolo doesn’t play, veteran Brian Hoyer is expected to start against the Chargers. Fantasy managers in need of Garoppolo’s services should have a backup plan in place.

Simmons was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. He was then downgraded to a DNP on Friday, making it unlikely he will be able to suit up on Sunday. The Broncos defense has arguably been the worst in the league this year and is set to be without one of their top play-makers for Week 4. It’s now or never for Justin Fields. Denver ruled out Mike Purcell, Josey Jewell, and Frank Clark.