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Steve Grogan Est. 2004
FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Dolphins stress communication with absent QB Tua Tagovailoa

Tue May 21 3:04pm ET
Field Level Media

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel can deal with an occasional absence from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, even during negotiations toward a long-term contract extension.

Tagovailoa was excused from Tuesday's team workout after attending Monday. He played in former Alabama head coach Nick Saban's annual charity golf tournament, a date previously cleared by the Dolphins.

"I think what's important in the player-coach relationship is communication," McDaniel said after noting Tagovailoa doesn't have perfect attendance and has "been here and not been here," during OTAs.

"I think however things play out, as long as we're communicating and we're on our P's and Q's in what we need to get accomplished, then we have a fighting chance. It's been a good exercise in our relationship this offseason."

This is the final season on the rookie deal Tagovailoa signed, a fifth-year team option worth $23.1 million. But the going rate for plus starters in the NFL is more than double that rate annually.

McDaniel said Tuesday he wouldn't speak for Tagovailoa regarding specific reasons or rationale behind other absences.

The Dolphins drafted Tagovailoa fifth overall in 2020 and he led the NFL with 4,624 passing yards in 2023. He also tallied 29 touchdown passes and largely stayed healthy. For the first time in his pro career, he played all 17 games in the regular season after concussions impacted his 2022 season.

Last summer, Tagovailoa dedicated himself to martial arts in an effort to promote safer landings -- thus avoiding head injuries from helmet-to-turf contact. This offseason is all about getting cut, improving agility and being more of a threat outside of the pocket.

McDaniel said Tagovailoa, 26, is down "10 to 15 pounds."

"The results speak for themselves," McDaniel said. "He's svelte."

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Greg Joseph Sep 27 1:50am ET
Greg Joseph

New York Giants kicker Greg Joseph was the team's lone source of offense in Thursday night's 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, nailing all five of his field goal attempts. Joseph was perfect on the night, including a 52-yard strike, accounting for all 15 of the Giants' points. While the Giants' offense struggled to find the end zone, Joseph's consistency kept them within striking distance throughout the game. Fantasy managers relying on Joseph were rewarded with a strong performance, but the lack of offense from the Giants and the eventual return of Graham Gano may limit his opportunities in future matchups.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Sep 27 1:40am ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton provided a few big plays in Thursday's 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, catching three of five targets for 56 yards. Slayton averaged an impressive 18.7 yards per reception, with his longest catch going for 28 yards, but he was unable to find the end zone. He was also open deep on one of his missed targets, but Daniel Jones underthrew him, thwarting a potential big gain. While his downfield ability added some spark to the Giants' passing game, the limited volume kept his fantasy output modest, making Slayton a boom-or-bust option reliant on big plays for fantasy value.

From RotoBaller

Devin Singletary Sep 27 1:20am ET
Devin Singletary

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary had a quiet night in Thursday's 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, managing just 24 rushing yards on 14 carries for a lackluster 1.7 yards per attempt. Singletary's longest run of the evening went for just five yards, as he struggled to find running lanes against a tough Cowboys defense. He was also a non-factor in the passing game, catching just one pass for 14 yards and failing to score a touchdown. With such limited production, Singletary's fantasy outlook remains concerning, as his volume isn't translating into meaningful fantasy points heading into Week 5, especially against a strong Seattle Seahawks defense.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Jones Sep 27 1:10am ET
Daniel Jones

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones put up another efficient performance in Thursday night's 20-15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, but failed to throw a touchdown while completing 29 of 40 passes for 203 yards. Jones averaged seven yards per attempt but couldn't find the end zone, and his late interception with 23 seconds left ended the Giants' final chance at a comeback. He added only three rushing yards on the ground and was sacked once, offering little in the way of his usual dual-threat upside. Fantasy managers expecting a bounce-back will need to see improvement from Jones in Week 5, as his (and the Giants) lack of scoring is a concern, especially with a late-game injury to Malik Nabers.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Sep 27 12:40am ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (shoulder) upgraded to a full participant in practice on Thursday. He had been limited on Wednesday. Kraft has delivered suboptimal production despite being the Packers' top tight end through the first three weeks of the season. So far, he has just six catches for 77 yards and zero touchdowns. This week, the 23-year-old faces off against the Minnesota Vikings. While Minnesota's defense has played exceptionally this season, they've also allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Kraft is a low-end TE2 whose fantasy value is largely dependent on finding the end zone.

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Sep 27 12:40am ET
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) was a limited participant in practice on Thursday. It was somewhat promising to see Mostert, who hasn't played since Week 1, get on the field in some capacity a full four days before Miami's game against the Tennessee Titans. Having Mostert available would be great for a Dolphins offense in need of playmakers amidst injuries to quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) and Skylar Thompson (ribs). All signs point to Tyler Huntley starting under center for Miami, and their best shot at defeating Tennessee might be running their offense through the rushing attack. De'Von Achane still remains atop the Dolphins' backfield, but a healthy Mostert might see enough volume to make him an RB3 in fantasy football. Managers should continue to monitor the injury reports and check to see whether Mostert gets an official designation on Saturday.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 27 12:30am ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) missed a second consecutive practice on Thursday. Now, less than three days until Pittsburgh's Week 4 game against the Indianapolis Colts, it looks like Warren is trending toward being inactive, though Friday's injury report should provide more context surrounding his status. If he is indeed sidelined, Najee Harris would see a few more opportunities in his existing role as the Steelers' No. 1 running back. Such a situation would also lead to additional volume for veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, who becomes a low-end RB3/FLEX play in leagues with 14 teams or more.

From RotoBaller

Jayden Reed Sep 27 12:30am ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf, quad) logged his second consecutive limited practice on Thursday. His status for Week 4 against the Minnesota Vikings is still in the air, but perhaps Friday's injury report will be able to provide additional context. Reed has produced mixed results over the last two weeks but will trend upward if quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is able to return on Sunday. When Reed and Love last played together in Week 1, the young receiver broke free for 158 rushing yards, 33 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns. Reed ranks a WR3/FLEX if he plays this weekend, and he would jump to the WR2 tier if Love is also active.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 27 12:20am ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (rest) practiced in a full capacity on Thursday, according to the team. He had missed practice on Wednesday, but it was merely to give him a little rest, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that he was back on Thursday. Harris could be headed for an expanded role in Week 4 with Jaylen Warren (knee) trending in the wrong direction. If Warren can't play, Harris, who has already been productive as Pittsburgh's top running back, would likely see extra opportunities. He's a fringe top-24 fantasy running back heading into this week's clash against the Indianapolis Colts.

From RotoBaller

Micah Parsons Sep 27 12:10am ET
Micah Parsons

Dallas Cowboys star pass rusher Micah Parsons (left foot) was carted to the locker room during the final minutes of Thursday's game against the New York Giants. The defensive standout was in visible pain, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said Parsons only had a slight limp when he saw the linebacker in the locker room postgame. Fowler noted that Parsons told a teammate, "Yeah, I'll be good." Fortunately for the Cowboys, they have 10 full days until their next game, giving Parsons a little extra time to get healthy. Assuming his postgame comments are accurate, it doesn't sound like he'll miss much time, if any at all.

From RotoBaller

Malik Nabers Sep 26 11:30pm ET
Malik Nabers

New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) finished Thursday's NFC East clash with the Cowboys by amassing 12 receptions (15 targets) for 115 yards. The rookie had a stellar showing in the Week 3 meeting with the Cleveland Browns, so expectations were high. While Nabers delivered as advertised, he suffered a concussion late in the fourth quarter. It's certainly not the news fantasy managers want to hear. Fortunately, the Giants have extra time before the Week 5 matchup with the Seattle Seahawks. However, if Nabers isn't available, Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton will be the favorites to pick up the slack.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Sep 26 10:30pm ET
Lamar Jackson

The Buffalo Bills defense/special teams, one of the best units in fantasy football through three weeks, draws one of the worst matchups of the Week 4 slate. The Baltimore Ravens average the most yards per game in the NFL. Behind Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, they also average the second-most rush yards per game. With a lack of pass attempts, there are fewer opportunities for the Bills to add sacks and interceptions to their totals. Jackson has only been sacked three times, tied for the second-fewest among quarterbacks who have started all three games. Fantasy managers should look for a better defensive matchup on the waiver wire to start in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Sep 26 10:20pm ET
Ray Davis

Fresh off his first career touchdown, Ray Davis enters Week 4 as one of the best running back bench stashes across the league. The Bills are committed to a dedicated rushing attack, leaning on James Cook early in games as they build their leads. Davis spells Cook on early downs, while Ty Johnson enters the game on third downs. Consecutive blowouts have boosted Davis' opportunities. He's averaging eight carries per game over the last two contests. In Buffalo's one close game (Week 1), he was handed the rock just three times. Should Cook suffer an injury, Davis would be a plug-and-play option. For now, keep the rookie at the end of fantasy football benches.

From RotoBaller

Myles Garrett Sep 26 10:10pm ET
Myles Garrett

Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (Achilles, foot, thigh) was upgraded to a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Garrett missed practice to open the week, but was a limited during Thursday's session. It sounds like the superstar pass rusher plans to play through his injuries. This might be something the teams needs to maintenance throughout the season and give Garrett rest days. They can't afford for Garrett to miss any games. Garrett has six tackles and two sacks through the first three games of the season. His absence would be a huge blow to this defensive unit.

From RotoBaller

Keon Coleman Sep 26 10:10pm ET
Keon Coleman

Khalil Shakir has emerged as the top wide receiver in the Buffalo offense, so where does that leave Keon Coleman? The rookie caught his first professional touchdown against the Jaguars in Week 3, but that was his only catch of the game. The coaching staff held Coleman out of the first quarter due to showing up late for meetings. Then came a blowout, which brought the rookie back to the bench. Therefore, the route participation number isn't as concerning as it might seem, but there's still a big group clamoring for targets. Despite the plus matchup against the Ravens, Coleman needs to remain on fantasy football benches until he sees a steady, reliable target share.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Sep 26 10:10pm ET
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel was brought to Buffalo to potentially be one of the top passing-game options for Josh Allen. Through three weeks, he's played exactly 27% of snaps in every contest. On the season, Samuel has seven targets and six receptions for 40 yards. He also has one rush for no gain. Khalil Shakir is blossoming in the slot and the Bills like the blocking ability Mack Hollins brings on the outside. Without regular usage in the offense, Samuel isn't considered a good fantasy football option against the Baltimore Ravens. To take it a step further, he doesn't need to be rostered in standard-sized redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Sep 26 10:00pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was back on the practice field on Thursday. This is a welcoming sight as this was Njoku's first practice since September 6. It still remains unclear if Njoku will suit up for the Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Friday's practice session should go a long way to determining whether or not Njoku plays. There's a chance that Njoku is on a snap count considering he hasn't played since Week 1. If healthy, Njoku should be a low-end TE1 against a Raiders defense that has struggled to slow down the tight end this season.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Sep 26 10:00pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Week 4 may be the Dalton Kincaid breakout game fantasy managers have been waiting for. The Buffalo Bills tight end has only registered eight catches for 85 yards and one touchdown through three games. Blowouts took him off the field early in the last two games, but that may not be the case on Sunday night. The Ravens should score enough to keep pace with the Bills. Plus, the Ravens are the best rush defense in the league and have allowed the second-most receptions and yards to tight ends this season. Fire up Kincaid as a TE1 in fantasy football lineups this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Khalil Shakir Sep 26 10:00pm ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir has yet to miss on any of his 14 targets in 2024 and is cementing his status as the team's go-to option at wide receiver. In Week 4, Shakir draws a Baltimore secondary that is the worst defense against the pass through three games. CeeDee Lamb is the only opposing WR1 who didn't top 100 yards against the Ravens. Rashee Rice and Davante Adams each hit triple digits. While Shakir doesn't go downfield as much, he's set for a safe PPR floor against this shaky secondary. With what projects to be a more competitive game than we've seen from Buffalo in the last couple of weeks, Shakir is at worst a flex in lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Addison Sep 26 9:50pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. It seems that Addison is on track to play in Week 4 after getting in back-to-back limited practice designations. Addison hasn't played since suffering an ankle injury in Week 1. It wouldn't be shocking to see Addison on a snap count during his first game back. If active this weekend, Addison should be a low-end WR3 at worst. The Vikings are limited on offensive weapons and Addison was playing well before the injury, so he should be a solid WR2 once he's back to full health.

From RotoBaller