Vikings Beat: Demond Claiborne in line for larger role

Sep 17, 2026

Demond Claiborne is expected to receive an expanded opportunity while Jordan Mason misses at least four games following thumb surgery. The sixth-round rookie was inactive in Week 1. Minnesota has also promoted DeeJay Dallas to the active roster and added Jerome Ford to the practice squad, so Claiborne’s precise place behind Aaron Jones remains unsettled.

Fantasy Impact:

Jones should lead the backfield, but Claiborne is the most interesting longer-term addition because of his speed and receiving ability. He is a deep-league stash rather than a Week 2 starting option. Dallas could initially handle more passing-down and special-teams responsibilities.

today

Texans WR Nico Collins’ hamstring injury "not believed serious"

Adam Schefter

2 minutes ago

Texans WR Nico Collins injured his hamstring at Wednesday’s practice, met with doctors after and they “don’t believe it’s serious,” per source. Yet Collins’ status for Sunday’s game vs. the Bengals is in jeopardy.

Fantasy Impact:

The early medical assessment is reassuring, but this was a new injury suffered during practice rather than a maintenance limitation. Collins can remain in projected lineups for now, though a Thursday absence would create legitimate concern. Hutchinson, Boutte and Noel would compete for additional receiver reps if Collins cannot play, with Schultz also positioned for more targets. Stroud’s ceiling would take a noticeable hit.

yesterday

Ravens placing Ja’Kobi Lane on injured reserve

NFL.com

yesterday · 4:46 PM EDT

Lane will be placed on injured reserve after undergoing wrist surgery, head coach Jesse Minter confirmed. He will miss at least four games.

Fantasy Impact:

Lane’s absence removes one developmental option from Baltimore’s rotation. Bateman and Andrews remain the most likely beneficiaries if Flowers also misses time, while Moore, Wester, Walker and Sarratt will compete for complementary snaps.

Bengals QB Joe Burrow limited by back tightness Wednesday

Jared Goffinet

yesterday · 4:44 PM EDT

Joe Burrow is dealing with some back tightness, he explained Wednesday.

“I feel alright. Normal gameday soreness. I feel alright,” Burrow described.

The Bengals star was limited at Wednesday’s practice, but the back tightness will not keep him from playing against the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Related Players: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Andrei Iosivas, Mike Gesicki, Chase Brown, Joe Flacco

Fantasy Impact:

Burrow remains on track to start. Thursday’s practice will determine whether this can be dismissed as routine soreness or needs to become a genuine Week 2 concern.