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Steve Grogan Est. 2004
FFL: Week 3 | NFL: Week 3

Bills QB Josh Allen celebrates 28th birthday with WR intros

Tue May 21 3:32pm ET
Field Level Media

Bills quarterback Josh Allen celebrated his 28th birthday on Tuesday by slinging passes to supporting cast members and introducing himself to new wide receivers.

Buffalo enters the seventh season with Allen under center with a number of changes in the program, specifically the wide receiver depth chart. Gabe Davis left in free agency and Stefon Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans.

Allen has passed for 22,703 yards with 167 touchdowns in his career while embracing becoming the face of the franchise. When the Bills flipped a considerable portion of the roster in the offseason -- in part due to Allen's market-aligned pay consuming 22.4 percent of the salary cap -- head coach Sean McDermott challenged Allen to dig further into a leadership role.

"Tremendously impressed, proud," McDermott said of Allen's growth. "The type of person he is. The type of character he possesses. The things that he is -- like most franchise quarterbacks probably -- has to do, beyond the field. And how he handles those things, to me, that's what I'm most proud of."

Signed as a free agent after winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs, Marquez Valdes-Scantling is still getting to know Allen. But his initial takeaway had nothing to do with Allen's rocket launcher for a throwing arm.

"Josh is normal," Valdes-Scantling said. "One of the best quarterbacks in the league might have an ego. But the best thing is, Josh is a normal dude."

The Bills also added Keon Coleman with the No. 33 pick in the draft, giving Allen a pair of 6-foot-4 targets to help ease the loss of the reliable Diggs. Allen said he can sense Coleman has plenty of tools to work with before he ever takes the field.

"He can move and he can jump," Allen said.

Allen said the 29-year-old Valdes-Scantling and fellow veteran newcomer Curtis Samuel are very good leaders in the wide receiver room and Coleman has shown the willingness to study and learn.

"It's a fun process to get to know some of these guys on and off the field. Get to know their body language, where and how to throw the football. That's the fun part," Allen said.

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Player Notes
George Kittle Sep 23 7:30pm ET
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team hopes to get tight end George Kittle (hamstring) back at practice this week. Kittle tweaked his hamstring at practice last week and was forced to sit out of the team's Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. We'll have a better idea of the 30-year-old's status for a Week 4 tilt against the New England Patriots once the Niners resume practicing on Wednesday, but as of right now, it sounds as though he has a realistic shot to play this weekend if he can get on the practice field. It would be great news for a team hit hard by injuries to key players early in 2024. Running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) is on IR and receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) could miss more time. Kittle will be a must-start TE1 in fantasy if he's able to return against the Pats.

From RotoBaller

Trenton Irwin Sep 23 7:30pm ET
Trenton Irwin

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin is inactive as a healthy scratch in Week 3 on Monday night against the visiting Washington Commanders. Irwin becomes the odd man out in Cincy's receiving corps with Tee Higgins (hamstring) making his 2024 debut. In the first two weeks of the season in losses to the New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs, Irwin caught just two of his eight targets for 11 yards, so he really wasn't on the fantasy radar to begin with. With Higgins back in the fold, quarterback Joe Burrow's fantasy upside as a QB1 will go up, although it wouldn't be a surprise to see the Bengals ease Higgins into a full workload in terms of offensive snaps. Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins and Andrei Iosivas figure to start in three-receiver sets moving forward, with rookie Jermaine Burton, Charlie Jones and Irwin serving as depth.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Sep 23 7:20pm ET
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) traveled to Germany over the weekend to visit with a specialist, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey is expected to spend a few days in Europe this week to get help for his injured Achilles. CMC injured his Achilles/calf in training camp back in August and was placed on Injured Reserve, meaning he cannot return until at least Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, there's a good chance the 28-year-old All-Pro will be out beyond that, depending on how quickly he recovers over the next several weeks. Fantasy managers obviously need to continue stashing last year's rushing champion in an IR spot while hoping for a speedy recovery. With the Niners' offense banged up, RB Jordan Mason will continue to be heavily involved and will be a weekly RB1 for fantasy managers until McCaffrey comes off IR.

From RotoBaller

Javon Hargrave Sep 23 7:20pm ET
Javon Hargrave

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that defensive tackle Javon Hargrave (triceps) needs surgery and there's a chance he could return if the 49ers make a deep playoff run. Hargrave suffered a partially torn triceps in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams on Sunday and will most likely miss all of the rest of the season. The 49ers continue to be dealt blow after injury blow in the early going, with Hargrave the latest to fall. It's a big loss for the Niners' defense moving forward, as Hargrave made his second Pro Bowl in 2023, when he picked up 44 tackles (25 solo), seven sacks, eight tackles for loss and 14 QB hits in 16 regular-season games. Hargrave had three tackles and his first sack of the season in the loss to the Rams in Week 3. The 31-year-old can now be safely dropped if he was being stashed in deep IDP leagues.

From RotoBaller

Brock Purdy Sep 23 7:00pm ET
Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that quarterback Brock Purdy (back) is day-to-day with back soreness. It doesn't sound like a very serious injury, but we'll keep a close eye on Purdy's practice status anyway this week as the team prepares for their Week 4 meeting against the New England Patriots this weekend. The 24-year-old signal-caller was without running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf), receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) -- arguably his top three offensive weapons -- in the Week 3 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams but still managed to throw for 292 yards and a season-high three touchdowns on 30 attempts, with most of his work being done with wideout Jauan Jennings, who hauled in all three of Purdy's TDs. If Purdy plays in Week 4, he'll be more attractive as a QB1 in fantasy if one/both of Samuel or Kittle can return.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 23 6:50pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that quarterback Jordan Love (knee) will be a limited participant to start the week in Wednesday's first practice. Love did take some team repetitions at practice last week but was ultimately held out for the second straight week with an MCL sprain in the Week 3 victory over the Tennessee Titans. The 25-year-old was questionable to play in Week 3 after spraining his MCL in the season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil. If Love can do more at practice this week, he'll have a real chance to be active for a big divisional clash at Lambeau Field against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Backup Malik Willis has been solid in leading the Packers to two wins without Love, but Love's return will be a big boost to Green Bay's entire offense, especially for the fantasy ceilings of receivers Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed.

From RotoBaller

Tank Bigsby Sep 23 6:40pm ET
Tank Bigsby

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Tank Bigsby (shoulder) is officially active for Monday night's contest on the road against the Buffalo Bills after being listed as questionable for Week 3. The Jaguars said early last week that they expected Bigsby to suit up, and he was limited in practice all week. The 23-year-old should resume his role as the RB2 for the Jaguars behind starter Travis Etienne Jr. against the Bills, but if he's limited at all, D'Ernest Johnson could see some more offensive snaps. Bigsby played on 32% of the offensive snaps in the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins but didn't play a single offensive snap in last week's loss to the Cleveland Browns. He had 12 carries for 73 yards in the season-opener and should be involved again in the backfield on Monday after getting injured last week. The Jags hinted all offseason that Bigsby would have a bigger complementary role in 2024.

From RotoBaller

Trey McBride Sep 23 6:30pm ET
Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said that tight end Trey McBride (concussion) has entered the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions. McBride should be considered questionable to play in the Week 4 matchup against the Washington Commanders. The 24-year-old will have to pass through the NFL's protocols for head injuries throughout the week and must be cleared by an independent neurologist before being allowed to play on Sunday. McBride has yet to score through the first three weeks of the season, but he does have 14 receptions on 21 targets for 122 yards as a surefire TE1 in fantasy lineups. Fantasy managers are obviously going to need to have a backup plan in place in case he's not cleared for Week 4. If McBride sits, Elijah Higgins and Tip Reiman figure to split TE duties in Arizona.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Sep 23 6:30pm ET
Adam Thielen

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is expected to miss some time with a hamstring injury that he suffered in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, according to sources. An exact timetable for Thielen's return is unclear at the moment, but he will miss time. The veteran wideout had three receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown from veteran quarterback Andy Dalton before leaving Sunday's contest with his injury. The news comes after the 34-year-old had an MRI exam on Monday. It's tough news for Thielen, who was becoming interesting again in fantasy with quarterback Bryce Young on the bench. As long as Dalton remains under center, Thielen should have a higher fantasy ceiling, although it's hard to recommend stashing him in shallow leagues since he has no timeline for a return. Rookie Xavier Legette could be worth waiver consideration in deeper leagues with Thielen out.

From RotoBaller

Chidobe Awuzie Sep 23 6:29pm ET
Chidobe Awuzie

ennessee Titans cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (groin) suffered a groin injury in the Week 3 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday that could land him on Injured Reserve. If Awuzie is forced to IR, it would cost him at least the next four games. The Titans have their bye in Week 5, so the earliest Awuzie could return if they place him on IR this week would be for a Week 9 contest against the New England Patriots. The 29-year-old is in his first season with Tennessee and has recorded four tackles (three solo) in his first three games in 2024. The 0-3 Titans are going to be a bit more vulnerable in their secondary with Awuzie injured as they prepare for a Week 4 matchup on the road at Hard Rock Stadium against the Miami Dolphins, who might be forced to start third-string quarterback Tim Boyle. Expect Jarvis Brownlee and Darrell Baker to get more opportunities with Awuzie set to miss time.

Rashee Rice Sep 23 6:28pm ET
Rashee Rice

Dynasty | Chefs wide receiver Rashee Rice had 12 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs win against Atlanta. Dynasty Analysis: And the beat goes on. At this point, Rice's three-game total of 288 receiving yards is good for second in the NFL and his targets rank third. In other words, Rice has taken over Travis Kelce's spot as the top weapon for Patrick Mahomes and has made every other receiver a secondary option. While there are concerns about a possible suspension, it's not going to stop Rice's ascension in dynasty rankings.

Xavier Worthy Sep 23 6:28pm ET
Xavier Worthy

Dynasty | Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had two catches for 17 yards in the Chiefs win against the Falcons. Dynasty Analysis: He added 13 rushing yards on three carries. After his two-touchdown debut, Worthy now has two straight weeks with exactly two catches for 17 yards, each of them more disappointing than the last. At this point, the Chiefs offense is running through Rashee Rice and Worthy is being used as a situational deep threat or a running option. There will be better days ahead, but it really is looking like more of a development year for Worthy than anything else.

Jordan Addison Sep 23 6:20pm ET
Jordan Addison

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said the team is "optimistic" about wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) heading into a Week 4 divisional showdown at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. Addison hasn't played since injuring his ankle in the third quarter in the season-opening win over the New York Giants on Sept. 8. The 22-year-old second-year pass-catcher hasn't actually practiced since spraining his ankle in Week 1, so he'll need to get back on the field first this week to have a shot at returning in Week 4. Both Jailen Nailor and Brandon Powell have seen more work behind WR1 Justin Jefferson the last two weeks with Addison sidelined, but it has been Nailor that has been more productive. Nailor has been a popular waiver-wire pickup the last two weeks and has found the end zone in each of the first three weeks of the 2024 season.

From RotoBaller

Evan Engram Sep 23 6:13pm ET
Evan Engram

The Jacksonville Jaguars have declared OG Cole Van Lanen, S Darnell Savage, OT Javon Foster, LB Myles Cole, DT Jordan Jefferson, DE Esezi Otomewo and TE Evan Engram inactive for Week 3.

From TheHuddle

Taron Johnson Sep 23 6:13pm ET
Taron Johnson

The Buffalo Bills have declared CB Taron Johnson, S Mike Edwards, LB Terrel Bernard, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio and OT Ryan Van Demark inactive for Week 3.

From TheHuddle

Cooper Kupp Sep 23 6:10pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) will not make it back in time for the Week 4 contest this Sunday at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. Kupp injured his ankle in the Week 2 loss against the Arizona Cardinals and didn't play in the Week 3 victory over the division-rival San Francisco 49ers. The 31-year-old avoided a stint on Injured Reserve, unlike teammate Puka Nacua (knee), but Kupp will miss his second straight game this weekend. Fantasy managers and the Rams can only hope that he has a shot to suit up in Week 5 against the Green Bay Packers, but with LA's bye coming in Week 6, it's possible we don't see him again until Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. Kupp was looking more like his All-Pro self in 2021 before hurting his ankle, so hopefully he can return sooner than later. Tutu Atwell led LA with four catches and 93 yards in the Week 3 win.

From RotoBaller

Sam Darnold Sep 23 6:10pm ET
Sam Darnold

The Minnesota Vikings announced on Monday that quarterback Sam Darnold (knee) suffered a left-knee bruise in the Week 3 win over the Houston Texans, but he's not expected to miss any time. Don't be surprised to see Darnold on the team's Week 4 injury report, but it sounds as though he's fully expected to play this Sunday when the team travels to Lambeau Field to face the division-rival Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old came out for a play in the third quarter of the 34-7 blowout win over Houston. The former first-round pick heads into Week 4 with a league-leading eight touchdown passes while completing 67.9% of his pass attempts for 657 yards in three games despite not having receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) for two games. Going into this weekend's game on the road, Darnold should be considered a high-end QB2 in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Lawrence Sep 23 6:03pm ET
Demarcus Lawrence

Dallas Cowboys S Markquese Bell (ankle) and CB Caelen Carson (shoulder) did not participate in practice Monday, Sept. 23. CB Trevon Diggs (foot) and DE DeMarcus Lawrence (shoulder) were limited during practice. DT Mazi Smith (back) and TE John Stephens (hamstring) fully participated in practice. The Cowboys did not hold a practice Monday, Sept. 23, so the practice report is an estimation.

From TheHuddle

Cooper Kupp Sep 23 5:53pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) will not be able to play in the Week 4 game, according to head coach Sean McVay.

Fantasy Spin: Kupp was expected to miss several weeks when he initially suffered the injury but could return soon since the team did not place him on the Reserve/Injured list. Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson and Jordan Whittington likely will be the main receivers in Week 4, and Atwell can be a flex option in some deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle

Yannick Ngakoue Sep 23 5:53pm ET
Yannick Ngakoue

Updating a previous report, free-agent DE Yannick Ngakoue is being signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, according to a source.

From TheHuddle