According to Patriot RB Shane Vereen, backup QB Ryan Ma...

WR Tank Dell, DT Kayden McDonald and T Braden Smith have returned to practice.

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

Dell is a worthwhile speculative stash in deeper leagues, but fantasy managers should not plan on using him in Week 5. His eventual return would primarily threaten the opportunities available to Hutchinson, Noel, and Boutte. Collins remains Houston’s clear No. 1 WR, while Schultz should retain a meaningful role at tight end. Dell’s participation level and any activation decision will be more important than merely opening the practice window.

Dan Quinn said Marcus Mariota’s MCL sprain is expected to follow a timeline similar to the knee injury he suffered during the preseason. Washington did not place Mariota on injured reserve and is hopeful he can return after missing two games and resting through the Week 7 bye, potentially putting him back for Week 8.

Related Players: Jayden Daniels, Athan Kaliakmanis

Mariota has little immediate redraft value with Daniels returning, but the projected Week 8 timetable is useful for managers carrying him as Daniels insurance in deep Superflex formats. Kaliakmanis will temporarily serve as Washington’s emergency quarterback behind Daniels.

Rhamondre Stevenson did not practice Wednesday after appearing to suffer a leg or knee injury late in Sunday’s game. Mike Vrabel said there is still a chance Stevenson plays against Las Vegas, leaving Thursday’s participation as the next important checkpoint.

Related Players: TreVeyon Henderson, Corey Kiner, Lan Larison, Jamaal Williams

Henderson would move comfortably into RB2 consideration if Stevenson is ruled out and could push higher if New England indicates he will dominate the backfield. Kiner and Larison are speculative deep-league options. The Williams workout looks like contingency planning for now, but a signing would be meaningful evidence that Stevenson could miss time.