NFL Player News

Jackson (6’2/229) started his career at Texas in 2020 but left after one season and enrolled at Utah. He saw limited action in his first season with the Utes, but appeared in 13 games in 2022, rushing for 78-531-9 while averaging 6.8 YPC, a career best. Jackson rushed for 161-797-4 during his 2023 campaign at Utah, but transferred to Arkansas to close out his career. Jackson led the Razorbacks’ running backs in carries (149), rushing yards (790), and rushing touchdowns (15) last season. He’s consistently utilized his size to his advantage, but lacks breakaway speed, as evidenced by his 5.8 percent breakaway run rate, per PFF, and the 4.75 40 time he logged at his Pro Day. With no receiving upside to speak of (23 career receptions), Jackson’s ceiling as a pro will be limited to that of an early-down grinder. He’ll likely make his rounds on the practice squad to start his career.

Evans played through his rib injury last week and was surprisingly productive, posting five catches for 76 yards. He led the 49ers in targets and yards. A limited session today is a good sign that the rib injury didn’t get any worse on Sunday. He should be good to go as a fantasy WR2 for his Week 5 matchup with the Seahawks.

Derwin James was also held out because of a hamstring injury. He is considered week-to-week. We don’t anticipate him suiting up on Sunday. A DNP for Jackson puts him on the wrong side of questionable as well. LA’s secondary will be an easy target for Bo Nix as he looks to bounce back from a lackluster Week 4.

In true Chargers fashion, their once-promising offensive line has been scattered to the winds by injuries. Left tackle Rashawn Slater won’t play this week because of an ankle injury. Now their right tackle could also be put on ice. Already one of the most disappointing offenses of the year, there’s almost no hope for the Bolts to turn things around this week.

Thompson is unlikely to be FLEX-viable, but the Chargers need all the help they can get, and he at least took a few first-team reps during preseason play. At worst, his speed will help keep safeties honest whenever he retakes the field on game day.

Initially, it looked like Flowers might not practice today. He was not present during the portion of practice open to the media, but apparently joined his teammates later on. He will likely be catching passes from backup QB Tyler Huntley against the Falcons this weekend, but he remains WR2-viable at worst.

Smith was designated to return from injured reserve earlier this week. He went on IR at the end of training camp after undergoing surgery on his thumb. The Cowboys still need to officially activate him from injured reserve before tomorrow night, so we will get a definitive answer on his status ahead of kickoff.

The phrasing is slightly ambiguous, but we believe he is saying McConkey will be present and participating in some capacity — likely as a limited participant. Harbaugh told reporters yesterday that McConkey was considered day-to-day after aggravating his foot injury in Week 4 against the Seahawks. Getting in a limited session to begin the week gives him a chance to play in Week 5 against the Broncos.

Bain missed Week 4 with the groin issue but logged three full practices this week before being cleared from the injury report. He should play without any restrictions on Thursday night.

Branch has officially resumed practicing, but he has a 21-day practice window to bring himself up to speed. The team has handled Branch’s recovery responsibly thus far. He is unlikely to be rushed out there, no matter how poorly the Lions’ defense is playing. We do not expect him to face the Cardinals in Week 5.

McLaughlin had a hip/groin issue pop up during practice this week but has since been cleared to play on Thursday. With the offense struggling to move the ball under Jalon Daniels, McLaughlin is not on the fantasy radar for Week 5.