NFL Player News

Thomas ran the third-fastest 40 (4.28 seconds) at the NFL Scouting Combine. He made the Freshman All-American team as a punt returner at Mississippi State in 2022. After transferring to LSU in 2024, he bagged third-team All-SEC honors as a kick returner. Over the course of his college career, he found the end zone as a receiver, rusher, punt returner and kick returner. He posted career highs in receptions (41) and receiving touchdowns (four) last year, while totaling 488 receiving yards. Thomas (5’10/190) profiles as an impactful special teams player with the Bears as a rookie. He may have to wait until 2027 or later to earn much of a role as a wideout.

Allen was limited in practice throughout the week and listed as questionable. Now he’s been ruled out for Week 4 against the Commanders. Josh Downs is locked in as the Colts top wide receiver this week and Tyler Warren should also see a boost in value with Allen sidelined.

Branch is still on the PUP list after tearing his Achilles last season. Lions HC Dan Campbell said Branch was close to returning to practice on Friday, though he wouldn’t disclose when exactly the Lions will open the 21-day practice window for the 24-year-old safety. According to Pelissero, there’s a really good chance Branch returns to practice next week. He’ll undoubtedly help a Lions pass defense that has been torn to shreds in the first three weeks of the season.

Mayfield dislocated his thumb in Week 3’s loss against the Vikings. The 31-year-old quarterback had no ligament or tendon damage. According to Pelissero, it would be tough but not impossible for Mayfield to return in Week 5, making Week 6 against the Steelers the more likely return date. Jalon Daniels will start for the Buccaneers against the Packers in Week 4.

Rams HC Sean McVay said Nacua, who has been dealing with a groin injury, is good to go after getting a full practice in on Friday. The coach also noted that they’re still working through Nacua’s snap count and now Pelissero reports that it could be stricter than usual. Fantasy managers should still treat Nacua as a high-end WR1 even in a difficult matchup against the Eagles in Week 4.

Parsons is coming back from tearing his ACL late last season. The 27-year-old defensive end didn’t practice this week and isn’t expected to practice next week, according to Pelissero. Parsons hasn’t had any setbacks in his rehab, but still isn’t ready for the Packers to open the 21-day window for him to practice before he’s activated. Pelissero points out that it could be November before Parsons is ready for game action. Green Bay is 1-2 this year and 1-8 without Parsons in the lineup over the last two years (including playoffs).

Jefferson suffered an ankle injury in Week 3’s win over the Buccaneers. He didn’t practice this week and has already been ruled out for Week 4 against the Dolphins. According to Fowler, the Vikings are “hopeful” Jefferson could return next week against the Saints and don’t believe the injury will be a long-term issue. In the meantime, Jordan Addison will serve as the WR1 this week against Miami.

Daniels practiced in a limited capacity this week, but will ultimately sit out the Week 4 matchup against the Colts. According to Jones, sources in Washington believe Daniels could return in Week 5 against the Giants if he gets in a full week of practice this week. While Daniels is going to play through the same elbow injury he had last year, offseason surgery hasn’t been ruled out. Marcus Mariota will continue to start under center for the Commanders in Daniels’ absence.

Axios’ Dan Primack reminded Khosla of his stated desire to preserve what Paul Allen built before asking him if he would commit to keeping the Seahawks in Seattle long term. Khosla first responded by saying he would “never say never,” and then rhetorically wondered aloud whether this team would be in Seattle “500 years from now,” before making his “no current plans” remarks. Primack helpfully refocused the conversation on the Lumen Field lease’s 2032 end date, prompting Khosla to say that he doesn’t think he’ll “do anything but learn for a while.” Seriously entertaining a move seems unlikely, but Khosla would do well to provide a more concrete answer to a city that once saw its NBA team relocated after new ownership took over. His comments can be ignored for now. Perhaps this is just an early negotiation tactic for future stadium renovations.

Atkins believes Puka Nacua’s (groin) impending return will lighten the box, in turn making life easier on the run game and preventing the opposition from blitzing as frequently as the Broncos did last week. Corum has not established himself as a reliable weekly contributor in fantasy. Perhaps positive impacts from Nacua’s return trickle down to the Rams’ No. 2 running back. Kyren Williams remains a locked-in starter. Keep Corum stashed for now.