NFL Player News

Jamaal Williams left the game with a hamstring injury in the second quarter and was unable to return. The Saints were left with just practice squad call-up Tony Jones at running back after the Williams injury. This forced them to shift toward more rush attempts for Hill. The positionless phenom was absurdly efficient. The Panthers struggled to bring him down on first contact and he fell forward on nearly every tackle. Hill also completed a pass for eight yards and lost a yard on his only catch. If Williams and Kendre Miller are out for Week 3, Hill could be heavily involved in offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael’s game plan.

Watson has been out with a hamstring injury he suffered prior to Week 1. In his absence, Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs have been the Packers’ leading receivers. Watson’s return will add a more vertical aspect to the offense. He will be a back-end WR2 for his expected season debut in Thursday’s Week 4 matchup against the Lions.

Conner has been the Cardinals’ workhorse back this season, handling 58 touches for the team in three games. A limited practice leaves a low cause for concern, but Conner’s situation is one to monitor as the 28-year-old’s physical playstyle and age may be catching up to him. If he can’t go in Week 4 against the 49ers, Keaontay Ingram is next up with flex upside. Otherwise, Conner can be played as an RB2.

Richardson has been in the league’s concussion protocol since Week 2 against the Texans. The Colts’ injury report lists the rookie as a full participant, bringing him a step closer to returning to action. If fully cleared, Richardson can be started in fantasy lineups for Week 4 against the Rams. If he remains out, Gardner Minshew will be the starter with borderline-QB2 fantasy upside.

Smith was released by the Saints earlier this week after being placed on injured reserve with a groin injury. Unsurprisingly, he is visiting a Broncos team coached by Sean Payton, who Smith played for from 2018-2021. If Denver signs him, Smith will join a lackluster team that needs an offensive boost, though his injury will keep him low on the fantasy radar.

Pitre suffered a bruised lung in the Texans’ Week 1 game against the Ravens and has been out since. With CB Derek Stingley out, the Texans secondary is going to need Pitre back to boost the defense. A limited practice is good news for his Week 4 return.

Ogunjobi has been a stalwart for the Steelers’ defensive line this season. If he cannot go against the Texans in Week 4, it will be a blow to the team’s interior defensive disruption.

Dealing with an ankle injury, Robinson missed the first practice of the week for the Steelers. The 30-year-old has 11 catches in three games for the struggling Pittsburgh offense. Robinson has taken on a larger role in Diontae Johnson’s absence, but it has not led to any fantasy value. Should Robinson miss Week 4 against the Texans, Calvin Austin could see a bump in targets, though he is a mere flex play in deep leagues.

Crosby may have tweaked his knee in Week 3 against the Steelers, but a limited practice means there is little concern yet for him to miss Week 4 against the Chargers. With two sacks in three games this season, Crosby is an anchor for the Raiders’ pass rush.

Garoppolo was put in concussion protocol after Sunday’s game against the Steelers. He is still moving through the protocol, causing him to miss practice and putting his status for Week 4 in doubt. If Garoppolo cannot go, it will be either veteran Brian Hoyer or rookie Aidan O’Connell at QB against the Chargers.

Per Sean McVay, Wednesday’s practice was a walkthrough, so Nacua’s limited tag is only an estimation of his status. He also played through the oblique injury last week, so there is nothing to worry about for now. Nacua will remain on the WR1/2 border for his Week 4 matchup with the Colts.