NFL Player News

Akers logged just nine snaps for the Seahawks in 2025, per PFF, and did not garner a touch. The veteran running back has become a journeyman in the league since being traded from the Rams to the Vikings in 2023. Akers has made multiple stops to other teams over that span, including returning to the Vikings in both 2024 and 2025. He’ll turn 27 this offseason and could land somewhere with a chance to compete for a roster spot this offseason, but his days as a viable fantasy option continue to appear long over.

Jackson could always return for the portion of practice not open to the media, but this is still a concerning start to the week for the superstar quarterback. Jackson missed Week 5 with the ankle injury after failing to practice once during the week. If he remains sidelined for Week 6, Tyler Huntley will make his second start of the year. Huntley acquitted himself well on Sunday night with 201 yards and two touchdowns through the air, plus a score on the ground, in Baltimore’s overtime win over the Falcons. He will be a solid QB2 for Superflex players if Jackson is out again this week.

Mayfield did not practice today and is a safe bet to miss Week 6 as he continues to work his way back from the dislocated thumb he suffered in Week 3. The fact that he can’t even throw a football right now, let alone participate in practice, suggests Mayfield could be out beyond just Week 6. Jalon Daniels will start on Sunday versus the Steelers. Daniels has been held well under 200 passing yards in both of his starts, but he does at least have 78 rushing yards in those contests. His output as a runner will keep him in the QB2 mix for Week 6.

Rice appeared to have a good chance at suiting up for Week 6 when Andy Reid spoke about it after Week 4’s win over the Raiders. Reid only said he “tweaked” his hammy. Even with a bye week to rest, it looks like Rice is now on the wrong side of questionable for Week 6. With Tyquan Thornton on IR, Xavier Worthy may be tasked with WR1 duties this week. He totaled four catches for 70 yards in his last outing and would be a solid FLEX play versus the Chargers if Rice can’t go.

Brown will return to practice today, likely for a limited session. The team now has 21 days to officially activate him from IR. That could happen later this week, which would mean he’s ready to suit up for Week 6 against the Jets. He would likely be on some sort of pitch count in his first game back, but even a limited AJB would be worthy of a spot in the WR2 ranks.

Cooper has been on injured reserve since sustaining a high ankle sprain in Week 1. He could return as soon as this week against the Patriots, though he could see his snaps and routes limited. Cooper can be rostered in deeper 12-team formats. Garrett Wilson’s domination of the New York passing offense makes it tough for anyone else to post fantasy-relevant numbers for now.

Sadiq suffered the head injury in Week 5 against Cleveland and did not return to action. Mason Taylor led the team’s tight ends with a 59 percent routes rate against the Browns, catching all three of his targets for 23 yards. If Sadiq remains in the protocol tomorrow, he would be a long shot to play in Week 6. Taylor in that case would be a desperation streaming option in 12-team leagues.

Ward’s head, per Saleh, is in a “good place” ahead of the Titans’ Week 6 game against the Colts. Ward has been dreadful through five weeks, ranking 24th in EPA per drop back and 27th in drop back success rate. Only five quarterbacks have a lower adjusted yards per attempt than Ward this season. Daniel Jones and Tyson Bagent are the only QBs who average fewer fantasy points per drop back. Saleh has defended his second-year QB at every turn and does not seem close to benching him in favor of journeyman backup Mitchell Trubisky.

Technically, Williams was estimated as a full participant ahead of the Bears’ Week 6 game against the Falcons. We’ll see if Williams, who has missed the past three games, practices in full on Thursday. Either way he’s likely to be under center against the pass-funnel Atlanta defense in Week 6. He should be in all lineups if he’s active.

Judkins suffered a potentially serious ankle injury in Week 5 and could miss Week 6 against the Ravens if he’s unable to practice in the next couple days. That could leave Jaleel McLaughlin as the Browns’ lead back against Baltimore. Dylan Sampson (knee) could also suit up if he’s able to practice after a four-week stint on IR.

Sampson was placed on injured reserve in mid-September with a knee injury. His return could be an immediate factor in the Browns backfield with Quinshon Judkins likely out with an ankle injury. Sampson could compete for backfield touches with Jaleel McLaughlin in Week 6 against the Ravens if he’s active.