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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson aims to be more elusive at lighter weight

Wed May 22 5:49pm ET
Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens star Lamar Jackson, the most prolific running quarterback in the league, aims to make it even tougher on opposing defenses this coming season.

Coming off his second NFL Most Valuable Player award, Jackson has lost weight and appears slimmer at the team's OTAs this week. Though he didn't reveal his exact weight Wednesday, saying it was "two something," Jackson had said in a video posted by Complex Sports last week that he was at 205 pounds.

He was 230 pounds in 2022 and 215 last season, when he passed for 3,678 yards and 24 touchdowns, and rushed for 821 yards and five scores in leading the Ravens to a 13-3 record in 16 regular-season starts.

"I don't really know how many pounds I lost," said Jackson, 27. "I'm like two-something (pounds) right now. But I (will) just say it was important enough to be able to move around a little bit extra, that's all."

The 6-foot-2 Jackson said he lost weight "just so I can be more agile and be able to move more."

Jackson said he feels great at the lighter weight and as elusive as he's felt in years. He doesn't believe it will diminish his ability to take the physical pounding at his position -- particularly for running QBs.

"We sacrifice our body each and every game (and) practices," he said. "I believe it really doesn't matter about the weight."

His coach, John Harbaugh, doesn't sound concerned about a lighter -- and faster--Jackson.

"I think that's Lamar, he's a pro," Harbaugh said. "He knows what he's doing. He knows where he wants to be with that. My concern is that he is in shape, best shape of his life."

A three-time Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2023, Jackson has passed for 15,887 yards and 125 TDs and rushed for 5,258 yards and 29 scores in 86 games (77 starts) since the Ravens selected him 32nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Louisville.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 4

Player Notes
Skylar Thompson Sep 24 2:00pm ET
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said variables are vague with the quarterback decision for Week 4 on Monday night against the Tennessee Titans as Skylar Thompsons' (ribs) health continues to be assessed over the coming 48 hours. "There's a lot of stuff on the table," McDaniel said. Thompson's status for Week 4 is firmly up in the air after he injured his ribs in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) is on Injured Reserve and nobody knows when/if he'll play again, so if Thompson doesn't get cleared, the Dolphins will have to decide between Tim Boyle and Tyler Huntley to start on Monday night. Thompson went 13-for-19 for 107 yards against Seattle on Sunday before getting hurt. No matter who is under center for Miami in Week 4, it's going to be more bad news for running back De'Von Achane and receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Sep 24 1:50pm ET
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) will meet with outside neurologists this week, according to head coach Mike McDaniel. "The plan hasn't changed. It's been executed. That's where it stands. I don't know reports, who sources are, but people should talk to me. I've got the real information," McDaniel said. After suffering another scary concussion in the Week 2 loss to the division-rival Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa has been placed on Injured Reserve and is without a timetable to return as he focuses on his health first and foremost. The 26-year-old signal-caller reportedly has no plans to retire, but that could change after he meets with neurologists this week. Backup Skylar Thompson (ribs) got the start in the Week 3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks and was hurt, so the Dolphins could be forced to start Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley in Week 4 on Monday night versus the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Nick Herbig Sep 24 1:40pm ET
Nick Herbig

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that linebacker Alex Highsmith (groin), cornerback Cory Trice (hamstring) and tight end MyCole Pruitt (knee) will all be out for the Week 4 contest against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday. A groin injury forced Highsmith from the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers early. The 27-year-old isn't expected to need surgery on his groin, but he could very well miss multiple weeks due to his injury. Fantasy managers in IDP leagues will obviously need to move Highsmith to their benches and go with a backup option at defensive line in Week 4 and possibly beyond. With Highsmith out this weekend, Nick Herbig will have a bigger pass-rushing role for a strong Steelers defense opposite All-Pro T.J. Watt. Through three games, Highsmith has 11 tackles (six solo), a sack and one pass breakup.

From RotoBaller

Najee Harris Sep 24 1:30pm ET
Najee Harris

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (arm) was in a sling on Monday, but head coach Mike Tomlin said it's not a concern. "Naj will be ready to rock and roll," Tomlin said. Harris will probably be on this week's injury report and could be limited in some practices, but it sounds like the Steelers fully expect him to suit up this Sunday for a Week 4 tilt against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Backfield mate Jaylen Warren (knee) needed an MRI exam on his knee after the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and is looking iffy to play early this week, so Harris could be in line for a bigger workload against Indy. Harris injured his right arm against LA but never left the game and finished with 23 total touches. Even if Warren is given the green light to play on Sunday, the 26-year-old Harris should be in line for heavy volume.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Sep 24 1:30pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Teresa Varley writes that running back Jaylen Warren's (knee) status appears to be in question for the Week 4 contest on the road at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Warren apparently injured his knee in the Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers and had an MRI exam on Monday. It's unclear what Warren's MRI results were, but there appears to be a very real chance that he won't play this weekend, which could lead to an even bigger workload in the backfield for Najee Harris. We should have a better idea of the 25-year-old Warren's status for Week 4 once the team resumes practicing on Wednesday, but Warren is expected to be limited to start the week. He hasn't been a viable RB3/flex play through the first three weeks in 2024, seeing 14 carries for 54 yards and catching all five of his targets for 28 yards.

From RotoBaller

Justin Fields Sep 24 1:20pm ET
Justin Fields

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that the team is in the same place with quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) health-wise heading into a Week 4 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts, and the veteran signal-caller will likely be limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. "As we walk into the building tomorrow, I want Justin Fields singularly focused on starting for us," Tomlin said. Wilson was named the starter under center at the start of training camp but aggravated a calf issue before the season-opener, and Fields has taken over and led Pittsburgh to a surprising 3-0 start. While Fields hasn't been amazing, he's done enough to hold off the recovering Wilson. The 25-year-old has completed 73.3% of his passes for 518 yards, two TDs and one pick while carrying the ball 28 times for 90 yards and another TD. Fields will be a high-end QB2 in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Sep 24 1:10pm ET
Adam Thielen

The Carolina Panthers are placing wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Tuesday due to the right-hamstring injury he suffered in the Week 3 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, according to a source. There is no timetable on Thielen, but he's expected back sooner than later. Thielen will now be required to miss at least four games, so the earliest he could return would be in Week 8 versus the Denver Broncos. It's a tough blow for fantasy managers that held onto Thielen after a rough first two weeks. The 34-year-old veteran had three catches for 40 yards and his first touchdown of the year in Week 3, though, with quarterback Andy Dalton taking over for the struggling Bryce Young. Thielen isn't a must-stash by any means while he's out, and while he's sidelined, Diontae Johnson, rookie Xavier Legette and Jonathan Mingo will all see a boost in targets.

From RotoBaller

Justin Jefferson Sep 24 1:10pm ET
Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday that the team isn't concerned about wide receiver Justin Jefferson's hand injury or his availability for the Week 4 contest this Sunday against the division-rival Green Bay Packer at Lambeau Field. Jefferson jammed one of the fingers on his right hand in the Week 3 win over the Houston Texans, but it didn't slow him down one bit, as the 25-year-old All-Pro wideout caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown on the day on his six targets. X-rays after the game showed no fractures in his finger, so he'll be good to go this weekend, although he might be listed on the team's injury report. Jefferson was one of the first receivers off the board in the first round of fantasy drafts for a reason and he already leads the league with three touchdowns through three weeks while catching 14 of his 21 targets for a healthy 273 yards.

From RotoBaller

Noah Brown Sep 24 9:50am ET
Noah Brown

Washington Commanders wide receiver Noah Brown caught three passes for 29 yards on three targets in the team's win over Cincinnati on Monday night. The former Cowboys wide receiver was involved mostly in the short passing game for Jayden Daniels. Terry McLaurin was by far the most productive Washington wide receiver in this game but Brown did have a role to play on the outside. With Luke McCaffrey as the slot receiver, Brown could become more involved as the outside receiver opposite McLaurin. But Daniels looks to run often and there aren't a ton of opportunities for receivers to make big plays in this offense. It's best to leave Brown on the fantasy waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Mike Gesicki Sep 24 9:40am ET
Mike Gesicki

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had four catches for 47 yards on five targets in the team's Monday night loss to Washington. Gesicki did not find the end zone but was decently productive as the team's third-leading receiver behind Ja'Marr Chase and Andrei Iosivas. Gesicki has always been a big red-zone threat so a lot of his value is dependent on him scoring touchdowns, which is not uncommon for fantasy tight ends. Backup tight end Erick All, Jr., caught all four of his targets, which cut into Gesicki's production a bit in this one. The veteran tight end, however, should be a threat week-to-week to find the end zone and remains on the fantasy radar at the position although he is not a weekly starter.

From RotoBaller

Chase Brown Sep 24 9:30am ET
Chase Brown

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown rushed seven times for 62 yards to lead the team in rushing in a loss to Washington on Monday night. Brown was out-carried 12-7 by starter Zack Moss but was the more efficient runner on Monday night. Moss got the 1-yard TD at the end of the game and was more effective in the receiving game. Brown did catch two passes for seven yards on three targets. The 8.9 yards per carry is a positive sign for the second-year back as he looks to establish more of a role for himself. The Bengals are going to use both Moss and Brown so Brown's production figures to fluctuate game-to-game. Brown is a great handcuff and has some standalone value but he is not yet a fantasy starter in most weeks.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Sep 24 9:20am ET
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel did not factor heavily into the Bills Week 3 offensive output against Jacksonville. The Bills put up 47 points but Samuel had three catches for 22 yards and one rush for no gain. Josh Allen and the Bills spread the ball around in this one and Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Dalton Kincaid, and Ty Johnson each caught a touchdown pass and James Cook and Ray Davis scored rushing TDs. Samuel hasn't found a consistent piece of the Bills offensive pie yet this season after coming over from Washington in the offseason. With so many offensive weapons, it's hard to see Samuel making a big fantasy impact this season.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Sep 24 9:10am ET
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis saw six targets against the Buffalo Bills on Monday night but could only turn those into two catches for 18 yards. Christian Kirk and Brian Thomas, Jr., saw most of the targets for the Jaguars as they were routed by the Bills in Buffalo. Davis was unable to get loose against his former team in this one. Even at his most productive in Buffalo, Davis was a boom-or-bust fantasy option. The big-play threat has yet to break free for a long catch from Trevor Lawrence this season. With Kirk and Thomas ahead of him on the receiving pecking order and tight end Evan Engram (hamstring) likely to take targets away from him upon his return, Davis is best left on the waiver wire.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Sep 24 2:00am ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. caught five of nine targets in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The rookie first-round receiver had a solid outing despite the blowout and looks like a high upside fantasy option in the future for patient fantasy managers. The Jaguars offense has struggled through three weeks, but BTJ has been solid despite that. In Week 1, BTJ caught a touchdown, in Week 2, he had 94 yards receiving, and in Week 3, he had his most targets and receptions so far. If the LSU product can put it all together, he could be in for a big game very soon. Given his baseline talent level, despite being a part of a rough offense, the rookie receiver should continue to serve as a high upside flex option going forward. BTJ and the Jaguars offense faces yet another tough defense in the Houston Texans in Week 4.

From RotoBaller

Jalen Mills Sep 24 1:53am ET
Jalen Mills

The New York Jets signed free-agent S Jalen Mills to the practice squad Monday, Jan. 23, according to a source.

From TheHuddle

Christian Kirk Sep 24 1:50am ET
Christian Kirk

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Christian Kirk was the team's best performer in an otherwise rough night in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. The Jaguars put up a stinker on Monday Night Football, but fantasy managers who kept faith in Kirk should be happy with an eight catch, 79 yard performance, especially in PPR leagues. That led the team in both categories, a drastic turn from his two catches for 29 yards in the first two games. Despite the good performance, it will still be hard to trust Kirk going forward giving how bad the Jaguars offense has looked so far. The matchups will also not get any easier over the next few weeks, so expectations should remain low for Kirk and the Jaguars offense. However, the former Arizona Cardinal could maintain a WR3 level in PPR leagues if he continues to earn targets. Kirk will look to build on this bounce back performance in Week 4 against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Sep 24 1:40am ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. was solid despite game script being against him in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Etienne Jr. didn't get a touchdown this week for the first time this season, but he put up a solid 68 yards rushing on 11 attempts as well as 17 yards on four receptions. The Clemson product has maintained an RB2 level so far this season, as given the Jaguars offense is struggling, his upside is limited. The Jaguars have faced three good defenses so far, but either way, the offense has not looked good at all. Etienne Jr. has been one of the few bright spots of the offense, and if it can manage to get going anytime soon, he may be in for a big game. For now, the 25-year-old back will struggle to stand out in fantasy, but will maintain a solid floor heading into a Week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Brenton Strange Sep 24 1:40am ET
Brenton Strange

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange only caught two passes, but one was for the team's only touchdown in a 47-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 17 yards receiving, catching two of his five targets. Taking over for Evan Engram once again, Strange was a little quieter from a yards perspective compared to last week, but the touchdown gave him a respectable fantasy output. The second-year tight end will likely move back to his original role of clear backup to Engram once the starter returns from injury, but for now, Strange is a solid starting option for teams in desperate need of tight end help, which seems to be most fantasy managers so far this season. As with most tight ends, Strange has a low floor but enough of a ceiling where he is a startable option as long as Engram is out. He will look to catch another touchdown in a Week 4 matchup with the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Jaylon Smith Sep 24 1:23am ET
Jaylon Smith

The New York Jets brought in free-agents S Akeem Dent, LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams, WR Brandon Smith, LB Jaylon Smith, LB Charlie Thomas and S Jeremy Tyler for workouts Monday, Sept. 23.

From TheHuddle

Keon Coleman Sep 24 1:20am ET
Keon Coleman

Head coach Sean McDermott revealed that Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman was benched for the first quarter due to punctuality issues. "This will serve as a learning opportunity for him," McDermott stated after the game. "It was a matter of being on time. He understands his responsibility to his teammates. We've addressed it, we support him, and now we move forward. I thought he played well tonight." Coleman made an impact after entering the game in the second quarter, scoring his first career touchdown and helping the Bills secure a decisive 47-10 victory. The 24-yard touchdown was his only target of the evening. Coleman participated in 19 out of 60 offensive snaps, which amounts to just 31.66%. However, heading into Week 3, he led all Bills wide receivers with 83 offensive snaps, outpacing the next closest receiver, Mack Hollins, by 16. Coleman also topped the team in routes run and was second in targets before his benching. With the Bills' offense performing at a high level, Coleman could be a solid flex option in favorable matchupsprovided he arrives on time, of course.

From RotoBaller