NFL News

NFL reinstates WR Brandon Aiyuk, gives 49ers 2-week roster exemption

The NFL reinstated Brandon Aiyuk on Monday and gave the San Francisco 49ers a two-week roster exemption to determine their next step with the disgruntled former All-Pro wide receiver.

Aiyuk was removed from the reserve/left squad list after requesting reinstatement and meeting with 49ers officials Friday. San Francisco placed him on the list in December 2025 after he stopped reporting to the team while rehabilitating his knee. The exemption runs through Nov. 23, allowing the 49ers to carry the 28-year-old without counting him against their 53-man roster.

Despite the status change, coach Kyle Shanahan made clear that San Francisco's plans for Aiyuk have not changed.

"It means absolutely nothing to our team," Shanahan said Monday. "That's all administrative stuff to me."

Aiyuk has not played since tearing the ACL and MCL in his right knee during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 20, 2024. His new agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said last week that Aiyuk is healthy and ready to resume his career.

Team officials previously have said they do not expect him to play for San Francisco again. The 49ers could attempt to trade Aiyuk before Tuesday's deadline or release him before the roster exemption expires.

A separate financial dispute also remains unresolved. The NFL informed Aiyuk and the NFL Players Association last week that it believes he must repay the 49ers approximately $13 million in already paid bonuses. San Francisco previously voided $27 million in guaranteed money in Aiyuk's contract for 2026 after he failed to participate in team activities while he was rehabilitating.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million extension before the 2024 season. He caught 25 passes for 374 yards in seven games that year after earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2023 with 1,342 receiving yards.

He has 294 receptions for 4,305 yards and 25 touchdowns in 69 career games.

Player Notes
James Cook Nov 10 5:30am ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III totaled 107 yards and a touchdown on his 31 carries in Monday night's 23-6 road win against the Minnesota Vikings. He failed to bring in his lone target. Cook had been ineffective for a large portion of this one, but still got it done for fantasy with a late trip to the end zone. The former Georgia Bulldog handled his largest rush volume of the season and went over the century mark for the fourth time in 2026. It was also his seventh consecutive game with at least one rushing score. This was by no means Cook's most efficient effort, but he's once again been a strong asset at the position. It'd be nice to see him more involved in the passing game. Still, owners can take solace in the fact that he's on pace to tie his 2024 career-high of 16 rushing touchdowns. The 27-year-old will line up with a vulnerable New York Jets rush defense his next time out in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Carson Wentz Nov 10 2:30am ET
Carson Wentz

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Carson Wentz completed eight of 25 passes for 81 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in his team's 23-6 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills. He gained no yards on his sole rush and was also credited with a fumble lost. Wentz got the starting nod in relief of teammate Kyler Murray (hamstring), who was unable to go after a week of DNPs. The veteran was flat-out abysmal in this one, unable to orchestrate a single touchdown drive. Wentz was eventually benched for Max Brosmer late in the fourth quarter, though it's worth mentioning that the former did get checked out for an injury in the blue medical tent at one point. Either way, it was a forgettable performance that hurt the offense's output. This could be Wentz's last start, depending on Murray's status moving forward. Still, it's fair to wonder whether he'd be benched in favor of Brosmer after the dreadful outing anyway. Minnesota is slated for a road matchup with the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Nov 10 2:10am ET
Jordan Mason

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason rushed six times for 35 yards and added seven yards on 2-of-3 receiving in Monday's 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Mason was effective with his work on the ground, but never got a chance to get anything going on a night when Minnesota netted 178 total yards of offense. In fact, just three of the Vikings' 12 possessions ended with more than five plays. Even then, one of the three was an eight-play, ten-yard drive. Notably, the backfield snap share swung back in Mason's favor this week, as teammate Aaron Jones Sr. had led the duo by an equally slim margin in Week 8. It's unclear if that solidifies anything, but the former ran three more routes and picked up two more targets. As it stands, they could continue to work in tandem, which would be the least-optimal outcome for fantasy. Perhaps we'll gain clarity on the situation in next weekend's divisional bout with the hosting Green Bay Packers.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Nov 10 1:50am ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson caught three of 11 passes for 58 yards in his team's 23-6 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football. Jefferson racked up a ludicrous 40% target share from quarterback Carson Wentz in Week 9, but was held in check as the latter played one of his worst games as a pro. It's an unfortunate outcome, considering Wentz and Jefferson showed chemistry in past games, including earlier this season. Alas, it marks the seventh-year pro's third straight outing with fewer than 60 receiving yards despite a healthy 27 targets over the span. Through seven appearances, Jefferson has logged a mere 31 catches and 393 yards. If this pace holds true, it'd be his lowest receiving total in a campaign of his career (898). The LSU product will look to rebound in a divisional clash with the Green Bay Packers next Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Josh Allen Nov 10 1:40am ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen completed 21 of 31 passes for 234 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in his team's 23-6 road win against the Minnesota Vikings. He added 15 yards on six carries. It may not have been the heroic effort fantasy managers have grown accustomed to, but Allen overcame one of the league's most formidable defenses. The California native was under duress all night, taking 11 hits and getting sacked four times. However, he logged his eighth straight game with at least 200 passing yards, and played well enough to get the job done. Unfortunately, Allen's fantasy output was his worst of the season, despite helping his team to a stellar 7-1 start. He figures to rebound in a slightly softer matchup next weekend when Buffalo takes on the New York Jets on the road.

From RotoBaller

Pat Bryant Nov 9 11:50pm ET
Pat Bryant

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant handled substantial volume in Week 9, and he should continue to occupy a prominent role in Week 11 (after the team's bye week) if Jaylen Waddle (concussion) ends up missing time. Bryant finished last week with four catches, 56 yards, and one touchdown on a 68% snap share, operating as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Courtland Sutton. Bryant's return from injured reserve came at a perfect time, as he immediately contributed on offense following his activation Saturday. The Broncos' passing game showed some signs of struggle early in the season, but they have been operating at a much higher level lately. As mentioned, the Broncos are on a bye in Week 10, leaving extra time for Waddle to recover and clear concussion protocol. However, if Waddle is still sidelined when Denver returns to action in Week 11, Bryant should have legitimate WR3 value. He's still an intriguing waiver wire target and stash even if Waddle does play in Week 11.

From RotoBaller

Chris Brooks Nov 9 11:30pm ET
Chris Brooks

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Monday that running back Chris Brooks (ankle) could be ready to return from Injured Reserve this week, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. It would be good timing for the Packers with Josh Jacobs (finger) expected to miss at least three games after having surgery to fix his broken right ring finger that he suffered in Sunday's Week 9 win over the New England Patriots. Brooks will need to return to practice this week to have a chance to come off IR to play against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings this Sunday at Lambeau Field. In addition to Jacobs being injured, MarShawn Lloyd (knee) missed Sunday's win in New England, so if Brooks returns this weekend, it could be down to him and Kaleb Johnson in Green Bay's backfield. Brooks has been out since Week 4, and before his injury, he was rarely involved, even with Jacobs being on the commissioner's exempt list. The 26-year-old had only 15 carries in his first four games for 70 yards (4.7 yards per attempt) while catching three of his five targets for 24 yards. With Jacobs and Lloyd banged up, Johnson will be one of the most popular RB waiver-wire pickups going into Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Kayshon Boutte Nov 9 11:20pm ET
Kayshon Boutte

Houston Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte has suddenly emerged as an intriguing waiver wire target after he broke out for 125 receiving yards in Week 9. This was the Texans' first game without Jaylin Noel (toe), and it turned out that Boutte was the biggest beneficiary of Noel's targets being up for grabs. This was Boutte's first game with double-digit PPR points this season, so while he's certainly trending up after Week 9, we also acknowledge that he has a lower floor. Still, he's a low-risk target on the waiver wire, with the potential to contribute in a fantasy-relevant role for deeper leagues going forward. In particular, he stands out among the other depth options like Marvin Harrison Jr., who has yet to play more than 50% of the snaps since being traded from Arizona to Houston.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Higbee Nov 9 11:00pm ET
Tyler Higbee

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has played at least 80% of the offensive snaps in each of his last two games, and he should continue to occupy a prominent role after teammate Terrance Ferguson (ankle, hamstring) suffered a setback in his attempt to return from injured reserve. Ferguson picked up a hamstring injury while recovering from his ankle issue, and he's now expected to miss a couple more weeks. Higbee should continue to play around 80% of the snaps in future weeks, although he's not a lock to produce in fantasy football. He has just eight catches for 63 yards over his last two games, and he was significantly out-produced by Colby Parkinson in Week 9. With that being said, the Rams are now without both Puka Nacua (knee) and Davante Adams (hamstring) for an extended period of time, so there could be an opportunity for both Higbee and Parkinson to coexist as top-18 tight ends in fantasy football. As a result, Higbee is an intriguing waiver wire target, offering low risk and high reward.

From RotoBaller

Darren Waller Nov 9 10:50pm ET
Darren Waller

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller has been inconsistent week over week this season, but his performance this past Sunday against the Denver Broncos could be enough to justify adding him off waivers in most leagues. Waller exploded for eight catches on 10 targets Sunday, adding 90 yards and one touchdown along the way. Carolina found itself playing behind and relying on passing attempts -- often to Waller and Tetairoa McMillan -- to keep them in the game. The veteran's inconsistency this year does prevent him from having immediate TE1 status in fantasy football, but he's absolutely trending in the right direction. Plus, Carolina has tough matchups coming up against the Saints, Ravens, Buccaneers, and Vikings, creating some potential negative game script environments in which the Panthers could look to throw the ball early and often. Managers should consider adding Waller off waivers, especially in deeper leagues or scenarios where managers may need a quick bye week fill-in.

From RotoBaller

Mack Hollins Nov 9 10:40pm ET
Mack Hollins

New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins returned from an injured reserve stint in Week 9, and he immediately made his presence felt with three catches, 36 yards, and one touchdown. As a result, Hollins is an intriguing waiver-wire target for fantasy managers seeking a wide receiver addition ahead of Week 10. The driving force behind Hollins' increased fantasy value is a lingering knee injury to A.J. Brown, who has now missed back-to-back games. With Brown's status up in the air and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) on injured reserve, Hollins has quickly emerged as one of quarterback Drake Maye's most trusted targets. Maye has repeatedly shown that he feels comfortable throwing to the veteran receiver, even when the quarterback is under pressure or Hollins is being blanketed. If Brown remains sidelined in Week 10 against Detroit, Hollins should have no trouble carving out WR3/flex value in PPR leagues.

From RotoBaller

Pat Freiermuth Nov 9 10:00pm ET
Pat Freiermuth

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth could be an interesting option to snag off the waiver wire in Week 10. The veteran tight end is coming off a bye week and heads into a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. A defense that ranks 21st in pass defense and 23rd against opposing tight ends this season. The Steelers could take advantage of that and target Freiermuth more frequently this weekend. He has finished with at least two receptions in every game this season. The yardage has been a struggle at times, but Freiermuth could be an option for fantasy managers looking for help with bye weeks.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 9 9:50pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (knee) was forced to make an early exit from Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He underwent imaging on Monday, which revealed that Stevenson won't require surgery to fix his knee tendon issue, per Adam Schefter. The Patriots do expect Stevenson to miss a period of time while he recovers from this injury. The Patriots are now down their two top backs heading into next week's matchup against the Detroit Lions. TreVeyon Henderson (illness) is dealing with a neurological issue and has missed the last two games. Corey Kiner could end up being the top back for that one, so he's a name to watch on the waiver wire right now. Fantasy managers should check back for a better timetable on Stevenson.

From RotoBaller

Reggie Virgil Nov 9 9:40pm ET
Reggie Virgil

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Reggie Virgil has quickly become a top wideout in this offense. The Cardinals are without Kendrick Bourne (leg), Jalen Brooks (wrist), and Michael Wilson (neck) just suffered a season-ending injury. Virgil has now become the top option for the Cardinals at wide receiver. On Sunday, Virgil hauled in one of his four targets for 25 yards in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals are now on their third quarterback of the year in rookie Carson Beck. We'll see what kind of chemistry these two have on the field. The expectation is that Virgil will see an expanded role, given the Cardinals don't have many other options at wideout. He's worth snagging in deep leagues as a bench stash.

From RotoBaller

Carson Beck Nov 9 9:30pm ET
Carson Beck

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck is expected to take over as the starter for Sunday's Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. Gardner Minshew II (elbow) could miss the rest of the season following a torn UCL during Sunday's loss to the Seattle Seahawks. There's a decent chance that Beck is going to be the starter for the rest of the season. The rookie quarterback will get his first taste of NFL action, but will have limited weapons to work with on offense. Lead back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is on the Injured Reserve, and the Cardinals lost top wide receiver Michael Wilson (neck) for the season on Monday. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should consider scooping up Beck right now. However, it's tough to imagine him having a ton of success given his limited options on offense.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Nov 9 9:20pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (undisclosed)) was forced to briefly exit Monday's game against the Buffalo Bills. Jefferson suffered what appeared to be a head injury during the first quarter. He was taken to the medical tent and tested for a possible concussion. Jefferson has cleared the testing and returned to Monday's game in the second quarter. So far, Jefferson has zero receptions on two targets, but there is still plenty of time for him to get involved. Fantasy managers shouldn't have to worry, as Jefferson appears to have avoided any injuries.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Nov 9 9:13pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Dynasty | Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson will start this week. Dynasty Analysis: Sheduer Sanders didn't perform too poorly over the weekend but he hardly set the world on fire in a loss to the Saints. Watson hasn't been fantastic this year but it's hard to argue with his ability to win games. Sanders' dynasty value was actually helped this week as he looked a lot better than he did at any point last season. As for Watson, his dynasty value pretty much is what it is at this point with no real path to increase without him really playing a lot better the second half of the season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Sam Darnold Nov 9 9:13pm ET
Sam Darnold

Dynasty | Seattle quarterback Drew Lock will start again this week. Dynasty Analysis: Sam Darnold apparently needs this week and the bye to recover from his quad injury, so Lock will be in line to start another game. He's 3-0 on the season and has yet to turn the ball over. On the negative side, Seattle didn't have a single explosive play yesterday against the Cardinals. In reality, Lock is safer with the ball than Darnold but offers a much lower ceiling. Darnold offers the potential for big games but has turned the ball over relentlessly. There's no quarterback controversy at this point but stay tuned if Lock blows up against the Raiders. Both these quarterbacks should be on rosters.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Josh Jacobs Nov 9 9:13pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Dynasty | Packers running back Josh Jacobs will undergo finger surgery and be out around three weeks. Dynasty Analysis: At this point, the Packers are avoiding placing Jacobs on IR but it sounds like a bit of a fluid situation. What we do now is Jacobs is set to miss a few weeks and there's little behind him, even with Kaleb Johnson finally looking better yesterday. The Packers could be in the market for a running back prior to the deadline and this injury may factor in to that as well. As for Jacobs, his dynasty value is decreasing each week as he was already dealing with personal conduct issues.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Michael Wilson Nov 9 9:13pm ET
Michael Wilson

Dynasty | Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury. Dynasty Analysis: This one comes out of nowhere as Wilson finished the game against Seattle yesterday. He was apparently playing with a broken rib but further tests showed he had a fracture in his neck area. On one hand, this is catastrophic for dynasty managers. On the other, it's good Wilson caught this before anything worse happened. Regardless, the rise of Wilson's ADP and ranking will clearly stop now.

From Dynasty League Fantasy