Team news: Carolina Panthers | Page 8

"Miles Sanders is our No. 1 back! There is no question about it!" Nick Sirianni said.

Sanders is in the final year of his rookie contract. He is motivated to silence doubters. He plays behind one of the best offensive lines in football (second best in run block win rate behind the Kansas City Chiefs) and alongside a quarterback in Jalen Hurts who draws attention in the backfield as a running threat, the story said. It went on to say he's just 25, healthy and in he middle of his prim. Sanders is third in rushing yards (356) through four games behind only Saquon Barkley (463) and Nick Chubb (459), and is averaging 4.9 yards per carry, the story went on to say. He's been a pleasant find for fantasy owners who took a chance on him later in drafts.

The Broncos are signing RB Latavius Murray off the Saints’ practice squad, per source.

With Javonte Williams out for the season, Murray now joins Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone in the Denver backfield.

Murray was just in action in London rushing for a TD and 57 yards. Gordon and Boone should carry most of the load at the running back spot but Murray is an injury away from having significant time, and it's worth noting since Gordon was also banged up a little in Week 4.

Broncos RB Javonte Williams suffered a torn ACL in Sunday’s loss to the Raiders. His season is over.

Related Players: Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone

A devastating end to what was shaping up to be a positive sophomore season for Williams. The Broncos were all but willing to bench Gordon, possibly for the entirety of the game, after his fourth lost fumble of the season turned into a 68-yard return for a defensive touchdown in the second quarter. It was Gordon's first touch of the game, and he was not the team's first choice to replace Williams directly after the injury, as Mike Boone out-snapped Gordon 19-to-10 and out-touched him 4-to-3. Outside of fullback Andrew Beck, Denver doesn't have another option behind Gordon/Boone, so a free agent veteran signing could be in the works.

Christian McCaffrey was a game-time decision for the Panthers but he is active against the Cardinals.

Carolina Panthers inactives

RB Raheem Blackshear
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
OL Cade Mays
DT Phil Hoskins
WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
DE Amaré Barno

Saints WR Michael Thomas is out, and QB Jameis Winston is doubtful for Sunday, per coach Dennis Allen. Andy Dalton is in line to start against the Vikings in London.

Dalton gets the start, but it's fair to wonder how much run Taysom Hill will also get. Dalton makes for a desperation start in 2QB leagues.

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey did not practice Thursday for a second day straight due to a quad injury.

Related Players: Chuba Hubbard, D'Onta Foreman

One week ago, McCaffrey was listed on the injury report as a limited participant due to stiffness in his ankle, which appeared to be more of a precautionary measure. Hubbard and Foreman would split the workload against the Cardinals 11th-ranked rush defense. CMC has basically be the lone bright spot on a Panthers offense that has been difficult to watch at times

Jameis Winston isn't trending favorably to start their Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. While Andy Dalton would assuredly get the start in Winston's absence, one would think that Taysom Hill could see the field more often.

Dalton was "once again" taking his reps with the first team while Hill was with the second team. Michael Thomas was also missing from practice, so this could be a rough week for the Saints offense.

Matt Rhule said it's a quad injury for Christian McCaffrey. Didn't know about it until after Saints' game. Wouldn't speculate on his status for this week.

Related players: Chuba Hubbard, D'Onta Foreman

McCaffrey did finish the game in Week 3 but given McCaffrey's recent past and injuries, owners may want to take note. For what it's worth, Person did tweet Hubbard said he thinks McCaffrey will be good to go and added Hubbard prepares to play every game. If he can't go, look for Hubbard and Foreman to see some kind of split in the workload.

Dennis Allen anticipates Jameis Winston practicing tomorrow.

Related players: Andy Dalton, Taysom Hill

Good news for owners as reports say Winston wasn't spotted today at practice and the team was preparing Dalton and Hill. The Saints play in London on Sunday morning so this is a situation to continue to monitor if you need to play Winston.

Jameis Winston was not at practice today. Andy Dalton took first team reps at QB, with Taysom Hill receiving reps as a reserve QB. This is different than past weeks.

Winston is dealing with broken bones in his back and the offense has struggled over the first three weeks. Keep in mind the Saints will fly to London to take on the Vikings this week in what will be a Sunday morning game. As the tweet said, it looks like the Saints are preparing in case they have to make a change at quarterback. Hill is dealing with a rib injury, but if he's good to go, and with Dalton under center, he could see increased time at QB - while being listed as a TE in a lot of leagues.