NFL Player News

Lassiter got hurt in Week 17 against the Chargers, but was able to return later in the game. Thus far, he has missed both practices in Week 18. Fellow starting CB Derek Stingley (oblique) resumed practicing today, as did LB Azeez Al-Shaair (knee/shoulder). The Texans (11-5) have secured a playoff spot, yet trail the Jaguars (12-4) in the AFC South standings. If the Jaguars lose to the Titans this week, the Texans can steal the division title by beating the Colts. The outcome seems unlikely.

Diggs did not practice this week and was ruled out by the team shortly after Friday’s practice concluded. His absence will give rookie Antonio Williams, who ran 30 routes last week, a chance to take on a bigger role. Williams tied for the team lead with eight targets in Week 4’s game against the Colts and could be treated as a desperation WR4/FLEX play. Fantasy managers considering Williams for their lineups may want to check the weather, as rain and wind are currently forecasted for the area, which could create a suboptimal environment for Washington’s passing game.

Daniels appeared to be close to playing in Week 4 against the Colts before ultimately being ruled out. His being upgraded to a full participant in Thursday’s practice suggested he was a virtual lock to start in Week 5, barring any unexpected setbacks. Daniels will wear a brace on his left arm for the rest of the season in hopes of avoiding a three-peat of his dislocated elbow. Daniels will be without Stefon Diggs (hamstring) for Sunday’s game, and rainy/windy conditions are currently in the forecast. We’ll conservatively project him as a mid-to-low-end QB1 in what could be less-than-ideal conditions on Sunday.

Higgins missed the first two practices of the week but was able to get on the field in some capacity on Friday. We would consider him to be truly questionable given his one day of practice, meaning fantasy managers will want to check his official game status when the team announces inactives 90 minutes before kickoff. If he can’t go, Dohnte Meyers, who saw nine targets last week, could be on the fantasy radar as a WR4 in deeper leagues.

Jeanty has been dealing with the ankle injury throughout the week, but the foot injury was added after Thursday’s practice. Jeanty was officially listed as limited on Thursday, but the Raiders’ RB1 was absent from the media portion of Friday’s practice. We will receive final word on his Week 5 availability soon, but rookie Mike Washington could be in line for a busy day against the Patriots if Jeanty is unable to go.

Jackson did not practice this week, but head coach Jesse Minter said on Wednesday that his QB1 could still play even if he doesn’t practice. We’ve heard this one too many times when it comes to Jackson and nagging injuries, and it’s not often we see him suit up in these scenarios. His status will be one to keep an eye on when the team releases its final injury report, but even if Jackson is given the questionable tag, we would recommend stashing an emergency option at QB in the event he doesn’t start. Given that the Ravens play on Sunday night, Jackson’s backup, Tyler Huntley, and Falcons starter Michael Penix Jr. would be the most logical stashes as Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen, who play on Monday night, are rostered in nearly every league.

Tate popped up on Thursday’s injury report with a back injury, but it appears that was mostly due to some tightness that isn’t expected to slow him in Week 5. Tate has seen 21 targets over the last two weeks and has posted a 15-203-0 line over that span. He has some solid WR3/FLEX appeal against a Texans defense that has struggled against the pass early in the season.

Chase still needs to clear concussion protocol if he hopes to suit up for Week 5’s game against the Dolphins. That said, he appears to be trending toward being able to play after logging back-to-back practices to close out the week. Tee Higgins (groin/neck), who was a DNP on Wednesday and Thursday was also seen sprinting and running routes on Friday, which suggests he could also be good to go for Sunday’s game. We will check back in with official game day statuses in the coming hours when the team releases its final injury report.

Diggs was unable to get on the practice field this week and will likely be ruled out for Week 5’s game against the Giants in the next few hours. Rookie receiver Antonio Williams would again be in line for a busy day and could be the favorite to lead the team in targets this week, especially if Terry McLaurin (hamstring) also misses this week. McLaurin’s status remains wait and see after he was spotted on the practice field Friday after being a DNP on the first two days.

We will get a better sense of Swift’s availability soon when the Bears release their final injury report of the week. After being a DNP in Wednesday’s practice, Swift was able to log a limited session on Thursday, which is a good sign for his availability with one practice left to go. Kyle Monangai (thumb/toe), who has yet to practice this week, could be at risk of missing Week 5, which could lead to a busy day for Swift, while Roschon Johnson would serve as the Bears’ RB2.

Mitchell will miss his third straight game with the finger injury he sustained in practice, ahead of Week 3’s game against the Lions. During Mitchell’s absence, Isaiah Williams has run 59 routes, the second-most of any Jets receiver, but has seen just five targets. Garrett Wilson is the only reliable receiver in this passing game, while rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq is a boom-or-bust option against a defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season.