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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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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4

Player Notes
Jayden Reed Sep 25 7:50pm ET
Jayden Reed

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (calf, quadriceps) was listed as a limited practice participant on Wednesday with calf and quadriceps injuries. Reed has been playing through a calf injury since Week 2, but the quad injury is new this week. Unless Reed suffers a setback later this week with one of his two injuries, he should be able to suit up and play this Sunday in a big divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field. None of Green Bay's pass-catchers have been all that attractive in starting fantasy lineups the last two games with quarterback Jordan Love (knee) sidelined and backup Malik Willis running the offense. In two games with Willis at QB, Reed has six receptions for 59 yards and four carries for 56 yards. In the season opener with Love active, Reed scored both on the ground and through the air.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Sep 25 7:40pm ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) had a compression sleeve on his right leg and was working with the strength and conditioning/training staff off to the side during Wednesday's walkthrough practice. Nacua suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee in the season-opening loss to the Detroit Lions and was placed on Injured Reserve. The earliest that he can return to action will be in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders after the team's bye in Week 7. Until then, fantasy managers need to keep the 23-year-old second-year pass-catcher in an IR spot. Cooper Kupp (ankle) is set to miss his second straight game in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, leaving wideouts Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington to battle for targets from quarterback Matthew Stafford. So far, tight end Colby Parkinson has been a disappointment with Kupp and Nacua sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 25 7:40pm ET
Jordan Love

When asked if he's less limited in practice this week, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) said, "We're building it up for sure. Every day is a little bit better." Love said he's "definitely" moving better and was "pretty close" to playing in the Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans. Love was officially limited in Wednesday's practice and has a real chance to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings for the first time since suffering a knee sprain in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. The 25-year-old will be more of a shaky QB1 for fantasy managers if he returns this weekend, especially against a Vikings defense that has impressed so far in 2024. Fantasy managers that have any of the team's talented receivers have to be happy that Love's return appears to be right around the corner.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Sep 25 7:30pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is out of his cast and was working with the strength and conditioning/training staff during Wednesday's walkthrough practice. Kupp injured his ankle in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Arizona Cardinals and missed the Week 3 win over the division-rival San Francisco 49er. He has already been ruled out for Week 4 versus the Chicago Bears this Sunday, but it appears he's making progress. With their bye coming in Week 6, there's a chance that fantasy managers won't have Kupp available for their starting lineups until Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Fellow wideout Puka Nacua (knee) remains on Injured Reserve, so wideouts Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell and Jordan Whittington will continue sharing targets from quarterback Matthew Stafford.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Sep 25 7:20pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that tight end George Kittle (hamstring) was limited in practice on Wednesday. Kittle injured his hamstring in practice last week and ultimately did not play in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. His status for this Sunday's contest against the visiting New England Patriots is up in the air, but it's a great sign that he is participating in the first practice of the week. If the 30-year-old can increase his practice level on either Thursday or Friday, he'll give himself a shot to be active in Week 4. Backup TE Eric Saubert caught both of his targets for 41 yards and is a weak TE2 streamer in fantasy if Kittle misses another game. Receiver Jauan Jennings reaped all the benefits with Kittle and Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) out in Week 3, going for 175 yards and three touchdowns. Kittle is a must-start TE1 whenever he's active.

From RotoBaller

Bucky Irving Sep 25 7:20pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (hamstring) was limited in practice due to a hamstring injury. Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, Irving has made a strong impression in the run game so far. In the 26-7 loss to Denver on Sunday, he rushed nine times for 70 yards and caught three passes for 14 yards, contributing while playing 32 percent of the offensive snaps. Rachaad White, who took over twice as many snaps (73 percent), had three fewer carries and one fewer touch than Irving, fueling speculation that the rookie could eventually become Tampa Bay's lead back. Head coach Todd Bowles noted in his Monday press conference that Irving is expected to receive more snaps to evaluate his performance better moving forward. However, it remains uncertain if Irving's hamstring injury will impact their workloads during the Week 4 home game against the Eagles.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 25 7:20pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that quarterback Brock Purdy (back) didn't carry an injury designation after practicing in full on Wednesday. Purdy came out of the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams with some minor back soreness on Monday, but he appears to be just fine and should be in the clear to start this weekend for a Week 4 matchup against the New England Patriots. The 24-year-old signal-caller displayed why he should be seen as a high-floor fantasy QB after throwing for 292 yards and three touchdowns in the loss to the Rams while being without running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf), receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring), arguably his top three targets. Purdy could be without all three for a second straight week against an underrated Pats defense. Consider him a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 25 7:10pm ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) was unable to practice on Wednesday, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. Samuel suffered a strained right hamstring in the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and hasn't practiced since, also missing the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The injury was initially expected to keep him out for multiple games, so fantasy managers shouldn't plan on having him for the Week 4 tilt against the New England Patriots, especially with him not practicing on Wednesday. The 28-year-old is a must-start in fantasy lineups on a weekly basis when he's active, but he's probably going to be unavailable for a second straight week. Jauan Jennings should be rostered in all fantasy formats after catching 11 of 12 targets for 175 yards and three touchdowns in the Week 3 win with both Samuel and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) both out.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 25 6:50pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) informed reporters there has been discussion about potentially resting him until the bye week, but he believes that's different from the direction they're heading. Herbert mentioned he feels "less pain" and could participate in 7-on-7 drills today, indicating that his recent setback hasn't significantly hindered his recovery. The Chargers officially listed him as a limited participant in practice. After an MRI on Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh noted that Herbert's ankle injury is "progressing." The 26-year-old was labeled as questionable heading into last week's game after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers. He exited during the third quarter of the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers after taking a sack that seemed to aggravate the injury, leading to visible limping. He required treatment in the medical tent and did not return, leaving backup Taylor Heinicke to take over the offense. The Chargers are set to face the Chiefs on Sunday, and the team and Herbert hope for his return.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Sep 25 6:40pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (quadricep) participated in practice on Wednesday on a limited basis due to a quadricep issue. His inclusion on the Cardinals' first practice report for Week 4 suggests that the team might manage his reps to ensure he's ready for Sunday's game against the Commanders. Fortunately, it is a minor concern, and he will likely play in Week 4. After a slow start to his NFL career, Harrison has found his rhythm over the past two games, totaling nine receptions on 19 targets for 194 yards and three touchdowns. The situation is evolving with the Commanders already in town and practicing at Arizona State following their Monday night game. However, how Harrison is listed on Thursday and Friday' will be crucial for assessing his availability. If the injury is minor, he should be considered a must-start fantasy option against a struggling Commanders' pass defense.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Sep 25 6:20pm ET
Maxx Crosby

On Wednesday, the Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) did not participate due to an ankle injury. Crosby sustained a high-ankle sprain on the second-to-last play of the Raiders' thrilling Week 2 comeback victory against the Ravens, leaving him less than 80 percent for the home opener. In the game against the Panthers, Crosby was limited to 82% of the defensive snaps. He hadn't missed a snap in a competitive game since Week 14 of last season, when he played 60% of the snaps during a 63-21 blowout against the Los Angeles Chargers. The last time he logged fewer than 82% of the defensive snaps in a competitive game was in the penultimate game of the 2021 season against the Indianapolis Colts, where he played 81%. Last season, Crosby participated in 95% of the Raiders' defensive snaps, recording a career-high 14.5 sacks, earning second-team All-Pro honors, and making his third consecutive Pro Bowl. His practice participation on Thursday and Friday will provide insight into his availability for Week 4. It's worth noting that the All-Pro defensive end has never missed a game in his career.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Sep 25 4:50pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is in the final stages of returning to play, according to Sheena Quick of 1340 AM. Brooks suffered a torn ACL in November and has been sidelined since the beginning of training camp. The former second-round pick in this year's draft could return in Week 5 at the earliest, and this new report suggests that could be the case. In his final season at Texas, Brooks ran for 1,139 yards and ten scores and added 286 yards off 25 catches through the air. Fantasy managers should expect the rookie to be eased into game action when he is cleared to return. However, Brooks should eventually become the lead option in the Carolina backfield and could be a valuable fantasy asset down the stretch.

From RotoBaller

Tank Dell Sep 25 4:40pm ET
Tank Dell

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (ribs) was deemed "day-to-day" at practice on Wednesday, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the NFL. The sophomore wideout was dealing with soreness in his ribs following Sunday's game and was held out of practice on Wednesday as a result. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Dell's status throughout the week. In Week 3, the Houston product posted a season-high 62 receiving yards on five catches against the Minnesota Vikings. Dell has a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, who allowed 47 points on Monday to the Buffalo Bills, and Dell should be viewed as a WR3 with upside if he is able to suit up.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 25 4:30pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) is dealing with a shoulder issue, according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Baby further reported that the star wideout would have been deemed a limited participant if the team held a full practice on Wednesday instead of just a walkthrough. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Chase's status throughout the week, but seeing that he would only have been labeled as a limited participant suggests that this injury is not too severe. After averaging just 48.5 yards through the first two weeks of the season, the former LSU Tiger had a nice breakout game on Monday evening, as he caught six passes for 118 yards and two scores. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable locking in Chase as a high-end WR1 if he is a full-go on Sunday against the Carolina Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Sep 25 4:20pm ET
Alvin Kamara

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (ribs, hip) did not practice on Wednesday due to hip and rib injuries, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Kamara's status throughout the week, but this injury does not seem serious after his workload was not limited in any way in Week 3. Last weekend, Kamara carried the ball 26 times and caught three passes. This was the second time this season he ran the ball at least 20 times and saw at least three targets. The star running back will have two more practices during the week to get himself ready to face the Atlanta Falcons. If Kamara sees his full workload on Sunday, he should be viewed as a safe RB1.

From RotoBaller

Austin Ekeler Sep 25 4:10pm ET
Austin Ekeler

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler (concussion) was ruled out for this weekend's matchup against the Arizona Cardinals according to JP Finlay of 1067 The Fan. Ekeler suffered a concussion in their Week 3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 29-year-old will now prepare to return to action in Week 5 when the Commanders host the Cleveland Browns. Before the injury on Monday, Ekeler scored his first touchdown of the campaign and tallied 35 yards on the ground. Fantasy managers should expect Brian Robinson Jr. to see an increased role this weekend and should be viewed as a high-end RB2 as he should have a three-down role.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Sep 25 3:33pm ET
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers DE Jadeveon Clowney (non-injury), DE A'Shawn Robinson (knee), CB Lonnie Johnson (hip), OG Damien Lewis (elbow) and DT Shy Tuttle (foot) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25. S Nick Scott (quadriceps) was limited during practice.

From TheHuddle

Josh Allen Sep 25 3:33pm ET
Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen (hand) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25. The Bills did not hold a practice Wednesday, so this is an estimation.

Fantasy Spin: Allen has been one of the best players in the NFL during the early part of the season with nine total touchdowns in three games. He is a must-start option in all fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Taron Johnson Sep 25 3:33pm ET
Taron Johnson

Buffalo Bills LB Terrel Bernard (pectoral), OT Tylan Grable (groin) and CB Taron Johnson (forearm) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25. CB Kaiir Elam (neck) was limited during practice, while TE Quintin Morris (shoulder) and QB Mitchell Trubisky (knee) fully participated in practice. The Bills did not hold a practice Wednesday, so the practice report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Andy Dalton Sep 25 3:23pm ET
Andy Dalton

Carolina Panthers QB Andy Dalton (ankle) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Fantasy Spin: Dalton took over the starting job last week and finished with 319 yards and three touchdowns. He probably will not post numbers like that this week but could still be a possible option in two-quarterback leagues.

From TheHuddle