NFL Player News

It should be noted, Wednesday’s session will not be logged on an official injury report. The Chargers’ official practice week is delayed by one day due to the team’s Monday Night Football game against the Eagles. Herbert’s absence today is unfortunate, but not necessarily indicative of his Week 14 availability. The team has yet to make that call. Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said Herbert could end up participating in a walk-through today, which is a plus. He also told reporters that he is optimistic Herbert will be able to play, though coaches almost universally lean toward optimism when talking about injuries.

Stevenson already told reporters on Friday that he was “ready to go”, so this news item doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Stevenson will continue to operate as the Pats’ top option in high-leverage situations, though he could cede more work between the 20s to TreVeyon Henderson. Both backs are stuck as low-ceiling RB3 options this week.

Humphrey logged one limited practice this week before being listed as questionable for Week 5. He’s one of several key defenders dealing with an injury heading into Sunday Night Football. EDGE Trey Hendrickson has already been ruled out, while S Kyle Hamilton is questionable with a groin injury. Even with some missing names, this defense still looks like a true test for Michael Penix.

Schefter immediately added the caveat that the “overwhelming opinion” among doctors was that playing with a brace was a viable option. Daniels reportedly contemplated surgery after dislocating his elbow for the second time in less than a year. He opted against it and missed two games. Daniels is now set to return for Week 5 against the Giants. The Commanders could scale back his rushing for the time being, but OC David Blough already dismissed the idea that the playbook would be limited because of Daniels’ elbow injury.

Kamara is listed as questionable with a back injury. He logged two limited practices this week. In the absence of Travis Etienne, Kamara has become the leader of a three-back committee. He only saw seven carries last week but did manage five catches on seven targets. Kamara is a PPR RB3 for his date with the Vikings.

The same is true of Jordan Addison. Both Minnesota wideouts are currently listed as questionable for Week 5. Jefferson is from Louisiana and has already told reporters he plans to play in the homecoming game. We expect him to suit up, but fantasy managers should have a backup plan for him and Addison to be safe.

Per Rapoport, Jeanty had a flare-up of plantar fasciitis last week to go along with his ankle injury. He added that Jeanty will work out before today’s game to see how he’s feeling. If he can’t go, Mike Washington Jr. would see the bulk of the backfield touches. Washington has been an explosive complement to Jeanty this year, averaging five yards per carry on 24 attempts. He would jump to the top of the RB2 ranks if Jeanty can’t go.

Williams is technically listed as questionable for Week 5 versus the Packers, but Tyson Bagent is fully expected to make the start. Still, Williams’ return to practice on Friday was a pleasant surprise for Bears fans. If all goes well in practice next week, he could return after missing just three games, which was on the short end of his projected timeline.

Skattebo was cleared from the injury report on Friday, so he was never going to miss this game. The good news is that the Giants don’t have any plans to limit his workload. Playing in a rain-soaked matchup with the NFC East rival Commanders, Skattebo is expected to see “an extremely heavy workload”, according to Garafolo.

Dowdle got in three limited practices this week before being listed as questionable. The team doesn’t want to rush him back, only for him to aggravate the foot issue, so he’ll miss today’s game before likely returning in Week 6. Jaylen Warren will get one more week of workhorse duties, putting him in the RB1 mix once more.

Flowers was limited in practice throughout the week but never appeared at risk of missing Sunday night’s game. The bigger issue for him will be the absence of Lamar Jackson. Flowers has been the most efficient receiver in the league on a per-route basis this year. That will come back to Earth sans Jackson, but he remains on the WR1/2 border, even with Tyler Huntley under center.