Team news: Dallas Cowboys | Page 8

Broncos coach Sean Payton said he expects to use RB Audric Estime more down the stretch.

Related players: Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin

After his big performance a couple of weeks ago, Williams hasn't really been able to produce consistent results. Now the Broncos are saying Estime could see more work. It seems like the Broncos are looking for hot hand at RB, it's just that no one is really stepping up. It looked like Williams was going to be that guy but he struggled in Week 9 with 42 yards on 12 carries. Williams did get 42 yards on two catches as well. Estime will still be a risky fantasy play until we see more consistent work, however.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott will have an MRI on his hamstring.

Related players: Cooper Rush, Trey Lance

Rapoport said there's a possibility Prescott will have to miss time with the hamstring injury, but if there is any way he can play - he will. We'll have to wait until later today to find out the results of the MRI, but those who start Dak at QB in their fantasy lineups may want to start coming up with a backup plan now, just in case. The Cowboys play a key game in Week 10 at home against the Eagles. It's further complicated for fantasy owners by the later Sunday start time.

Cowboys QB Dak Prescott left Sunday's game against the Falcons with a hamstring injury.

Prescott is done for the day. Cooper Rush is now tasked with trying to rally the Cowboys in the fourth quarter. Prescott went 18-of-24 for 133 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked three times. We'll keep an eye on Prescott throughout the week with a key game coming up in Week 10 against the Eagles.

Trade: Carolina is sending wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens, sources tell ESPN.

Related players: Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo

The Panthers get a 5th round pick. It didn't take the Panthers long after rumors were starting to circulate Johnson was in play. The landing spot in Baltimore is interesting to say the least. The big question is will the Ravens consistently throw the ball enough with Travis Henry and Lamar Jackson for Johnson, Flowers and Andrews to keep their fantasy value. It remains to be seen who takes the biggest hit to their value, but the odds seem to favor Flowers here. Meanwhile in Carolina, Thielen is about to return but it's likely time to see what Legette and Mingo can do for the Panthers and the future of their offense.

Sources: There’s a growing belief around the NFL that the Panthers are increasingly likely to trade WR Diontae Johnson before the trade deadline.

Related players: Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Jalen Coker

Multiple contending teams are interested, though determining Johnson’s value has been challenging with him in the last year of his contract, the post went on to say. There isn't much reason to keep Johnson in Carolina. He's certainly flashed this year, but it was only with Andy Dalton under center. The Panthers would be able to give the snaps and targets to Legette and Mingo, who were early picks each of the last two seasons in the NFL Draft. Johnson going to a potential contender with a veteran QB would be a huge boost to his fantasy value.

The Panthers ruled out WRs Diontae Johnson (rib) and WR Adam Thielen (hamstring), while QB Andy Dalton (right thumb) is doubtful.

So it'll be Bryce Young throwing to backup receivers on Sunday in Denver.

Related Players: Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, David Moore, Jalen Coker

It's probably not a good idea to start any Panthers players this week, and that likely includes Chuba Hubbard.

Adam Thielen said he thinks the plan is to open his 21-day practice window on Wednesday.

Related players: Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo

Thielen has missed the last four games the post went on to say. He's dealing with a hamstring injury. The Panther offense is struggling again, even under Andy Dalton, but Thielen's presence would be a welcome addition and perhaps be a reliable target for Dalton. He could also help to open things up for a frustrated Johnson. It remains to be seen if Thielen would play in Week 8, even if his window is opened this week.

Sources: The Steelers plan to give Russell Wilson first-team reps in practice this week, putting him in line to make his season debut.

Related players: Justin Fields, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Pat Freiermuth

Russ will get the start against the Jets on Sunday night it looks like. Pittsburgh is 4-2 with Fields, but with Wilson’s calf now fully healed it looks like the team is going to make a change. This could mean a better news for the Pittsburgh WRs as Wilson should throw the ball more vs. Fields escaping the pocket and running.

AJ Brown, Lane Johnson and DeVonta Smith are all practicing for the third straight day. All the other players on the injury report are out here too.

Looks like all systems go for the Eagles in Week 6.

Related Players: Jahan Dotson, Parris Campbell, Dallas Goedert,

Outside of Brown (WR1) and Smith (WR2) jumping headfirst into our fantasy lineups, this is also an obvious boost to Jalen Hurts, who has averaged only 13.6 fantasy points over their last two games. Lock Hurts into a potential top-3 finish in Week 6.

Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said there is no underlying story as to why WR George Pickens played only 34 of 57 snaps in Week 5.

On one series in the second half, Pickens remained on the bench. Tomlin went on to say the team wants to minimize his reps to get more productivity, comparing it to a defensive lineman like Cam Hayward getting less work, and added "it's no different." This may or may not be something to watch. Pickens likely isn't happy with reduced snaps, but we'll have to see if this becomes a trend going forward.