Fantasy Football News | Page 31

Texans Pro Bowl receiver Nico Collins not practicing Friday morning, and not expected to play Sunday after sustaining Grade 1 hamstring injury Wednesday during practice, per league source
@KPRC2

Also not practicing during open portion: Jadeveon Clowney (knee), Ed Ingram (groin)

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

Managers should make plans to remove Collins from lineups despite the absence of an official “out” designation. Schultz offers the safest route to additional targets, while Hutchinson, Boutte, and Noel should form a committee at receiver. Collins’ expected absence also lowers Stroud’s ceiling against Cincinnati.

Chris Olave left practice as a precautionary measure, I'm told. Nothing that is expected to be a problem.

Related Players: Tyler Shough, Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, Barion Brown, Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant

The clarification substantially reduces concern surrounding Olave’s Thursday limitation. Barring a Friday setback, he should remain in fantasy lineups as a high-end WR1 after commanding 10 receptions for 182 yards in Week 1.

Bills WR DJ Moore, who was off to a fast start in Buffalo, is believed to have suffered an AC joint sprain, sources say. While it’s not a serious injury, @AdamSchefter reports his status is up in the air for next week.

Related Players: Josh Allen, Dalton Kincaid, Khalil Shakir, Joshua Palmer, Keon Coleman

The favorable diagnosis appears to have eliminated a prolonged absence, but Moore could still miss Week 3. Coleman caught all six of his targets for 63 yards Thursday and would be positioned for considerably more playing time alongside Shakir and Palmer if Moore sits.

Michael Pittman Jr. did not practice Thursday because of a foot injury after being limited Wednesday.

Related Players: Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington

The Thursday downgrade creates legitimate Week 2 uncertainty. Metcalf would consolidate an already substantial target share if Pittman sits, while Wilson would be positioned for a larger route share. Freiermuth could also receive additional short-area opportunities.

Tua Tagovailoa missed his second consecutive practice with an oblique injury and has yet to participate this week.

Related Players: Cooper Rush, Michael Penix Jr., Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus

Tagovailoa is trending toward an absence, but Atlanta’s replacement remains uncertain. Rush offers the safer health profile, while Penix would carry more volatility after returning from a significant knee injury. London and Pitts would retain starting consideration with either quarterback, though both would have reduced passing-game ceilings.

Olave was added to Thursday’s injury report because of a hamstring injury. He was able to participate on a limited basis.

Related Players: Tyler Shough, Devaughn Vele, Bryce Lance, Barion Brown, Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant

Friday’s participation will be important because Olave was added rather than carried over from Wednesday. Vele would become New Orleans’ leading wide-receiver option if Olave cannot play, with Johnson and Fant potentially absorbing additional middle-of-the-field opportunities. Shough would receive a significant downgrade without his clear No. 1 target.

Flowers did not practice Thursday because of his hamstring injury, his second consecutive absence. Head coach Jesse Minter has described Flowers as day-to-day.

Baltimore is already without rookie Ja’Kobi Lane, who was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury. Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle acknowledged that the team may need to adjust its game plan if Flowers is unavailable.

Related Players: Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, Chris Moore, LaJohntay Wester, Devontez Walker, Elijah Sarratt

Flowers will likely need to return Friday to enter the weekend without a highly concerning designation. Bateman and Andrews would be the primary beneficiaries of an absence, while Moore, Walker, Wester and Sarratt could all receive additional reps. Baltimore also had two starting offensive linemen miss Thursday, adding modest downside to the entire offense.

McConkey remained sidelined Thursday because of his rib injury, marking his second consecutive missed practice.

The Chargers have not indicated that McConkey is expected to miss Sunday’s game against Las Vegas, but he will likely need to practice Friday—or receive a particularly encouraging game designation—to avoid carrying substantial Week 2 uncertainty.

Related Players: Justin Herbert, Quentin Johnston, Tre’ Harris, Brenen Thompson, David Njoku, Oronde Gadsden

A third consecutive absence would leave McConkey genuinely questionable for Sunday. Johnston and Harris would become the Chargers’ leading wide receiver options if he cannot play, while Njoku could also benefit in the short and intermediate areas. Herbert’s projection would take a hit without his primary receiver.

Alvin Kamara practiced fully Wednesday after missing the season opener with a knee injury. Head coach Kellen Moore indicated that Kamara probably could have played in Week 1 and is expected back against Baltimore.

Related Players: Travis Etienne, Kendre Miller, Tyler Shough, Chris Olave, Juwan Johnson

Kamara’s return should reduce Etienne’s passing-down involvement and remove Miller from fantasy consideration. Etienne remains the better bet to lead the Saints in carries, but Kamara can immediately reclaim a receiving and hurry-up role, depending on how efficient he ends up being with those touches.

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.

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.