Fantasy Football News | Page 18

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith did not practice Thursday while continuing to manage a hamstring injury. Philadelphia listed Smith as a non-participant on Wednesday’s estimated report before holding a full practice Thursday.

Related Players: Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Darius Cooper, Zach Ertz

Smith’s identical start to last week offers some reassurance, but the Eagles have one fewer recovery day before Sunday’s game against the Rams. A return to practice Friday would keep him on track to play as a fantasy WR2. Another absence would create legitimate concern and direct additional targets toward Wicks, Lemon, and Ertz, with Dallas Goedert also expected to remain sidelined.

Princely Umanmielen (ankle), Jalen Coker (quad) and Derrick Brown are all in uniform but are working with a trainer away from the rest of the group to start practice.

Darren Walller (toe), Monroe Freeling (red jersey - non-contact - concussion), and Chuba Hubbard all working with teammates.

Related Players: Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, Darren Waller, Brycen Tremayne, John Metchie

Side work represents some progress from Wednesday’s absence, but Coker remains at risk of missing Sunday night’s game. His late kickoff makes a Friday update particularly important for managers considering him as a WR3 or flex. An absence would strengthen McMillan’s target outlook, while Waller could receive additional underneath work, and Carolina would need Tremayne, Metchie, or the injured Legette to absorb more WR reps.

RB Zach Charbonnet has been designated to return to practice.

Related Players: Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, George Holani

This is a meaningful recovery milestone, but it does not indicate that Charbonnet will play against the Chargers this week. He remains a stash until Seattle provides an activation timetable. A healthy Charbonnet would likely join Price near the top of the backfield rotation, with Wilson and Holani most vulnerable to losing opportunities.

Commanders RB Rachaad White (shoulder) isn't practicing today.

Related Players: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Austin Ekeler, Kaytron Allen

Consecutive absences place White’s Week 4 availability in doubt. Croskey-Merritt would remain Washington’s primary early-down runner if White is unavailable, while the recently re-signed Ekeler could immediately enter the passing-down rotation if the Commanders believe he is ready for game action. Allen would provide additional depth. The 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff means managers will receive White’s official status before the main Sunday slate.

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was seen throwing at Thursday’s practice, marking his second consecutive day of on-field work.

Related Players: Marcus Mariota, Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Antonio Williams, Ben Sinnott

Daniels’ continued participation keeps a Week 4 return in play, although Friday’s evaluation remains the key checkpoint. The 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff ensures fantasy managers will have his official status before the main Sunday slate. He would be an early-morning click with rushing upside for a QB1 return.

Puka Nacua will be limited in practice today, per Sean McVay, but McVay expects him to play Sunday against Eagles

Related Players: Davante Adams, Konata Mumpfield, Jordan Whittington, Tyler Higbee

This is the strongest indication yet that Nacua will return after missing the last two games. His participation should still be monitored through Friday because he is returning from a soft-tissue injury, but managers can begin planning to start him if he avoids a setback. Adams remains a strong option, though his WR1 projection will likely fall once Nacua is restored to the rankings. Mumpfield and Whittington lose most of their short-term appeal, while Higbee’s target ceiling takes a hit despite the Rams’ other injuries at tight end.

Tony Pollard did not practice Wednesday due to a foot injury, while Spears Tyjae remained sidelined with an ankle injury.

Related Players: Nicholas Singleton, Julius Chestnut

A Wednesday absence alone does not put either veteran’s availability in serious doubt, especially after both followed similar practice schedules last week. Their simultaneous absences are still worth monitoring ahead of Sunday’s game in Baltimore. Singleton and Chestnut would become deeper-league considerations if one of Tennessee’s top two backs cannot play, but neither warrants a lineup spot yet.

It is still undecided whether Zach Charbonnet will have his practice window open this week. Could be tomorrow.

Related Players: Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, George Holani, Brady Russell

This is an encouraging recovery checkpoint, but fantasy managers should not assume Charbonnet will immediately return in Week 5. He is worth stashing where roster space allows and could eventually claim a meaningful role. Price remains Seattle’s best Week 4 option, while Wilson and Holani could lose work once Charbonnet is activated.

Dowdle has been ruled out for Thursday night’s game against Cleveland due to a toe injury.

This will be his second consecutive absence after he suffered the injury during Pittsburgh’s Week 2 loss to New England.

Related Players: Jaylen Warren, Eli Heidenreich, Travis Homer, Lew Nichols

Warren should remain the clear centerpiece of Pittsburgh’s backfield after handling a heavy workload during Dowdle’s first absence. He enters Thursday night as a strong RB2 with three-down involvement, while Homer and rookie Eli Heidenreich provide depth without standalone fantasy value. Pittsburgh could also elevate Lew Nichols from the practice squad, as they did in Week 3.

Nico Collins returned to practice Wednesday for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury two weeks ago.

Collins missed Houston’s past two games, while head coach DeMeco Ryans said Monday that the team was hopeful to have him back against Dallas. His official participation level was not immediately available.

Related Players: C.J. Stroud, Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel, Jared Wayne, Dalton Schultz, Cade Stover

Returning to practice gives Collins a legitimate chance to rejoin the lineup Sunday, although one session does not guarantee he will be cleared. His Thursday workload should provide a stronger indication of his availability. Collins belongs in fantasy lineups as a top-12 option if active, while his return would send Hutchinson, Boutte and Noel back to desperation-play territory. It would also improve C.J. Stroud’s outlook after Houston’s offense struggled during Collins’ two-game absence.