News And Notes From Around The League

[Go PRO](=) | [View Online](=) [Unsubscribe]( | [Sign Up]() [Footballguys.com](=)Daily Email Update • Vol. 22, #173 • Oct. 7th, 2020 --------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks To Our Sponsor, [TeamRankings.com](=) Howdy {NAME}, We're on to the Thursday Game. We've got some News and Notes you need so let's get to them. J --------------------------------------------------------------- Sponsored by [TeamRankings.com](=) The Latest From TeamRankings [Week 5 Value Picks]()Big favorites dominate the board in NFL Week 5, which means that it's a tricky week for fading the public. But one stalwart stands tall yet again in terms of being a clear value pick. [Week 5 Survivor Picks]( A team with a 1-3 record, the Dallas Cowboys, are the most popular survivor pool pick this week. Does that make sense with many similar options on the board? [NFL Betting Analysis]( Overs have dominated the season so far, but a team with a consistently stout defense has been bucking the trend. Also, is Dallas' 0-4 ATS streak likely to end? One fact looks promising. New TeamRankings users can get a free 3-day trial: [Sign Up Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [NYJ - QB Sam Darnold ruled out](#1) 2. [NYJ - QB Joe Flacco getting the nod](#2) 3. [WAS - QB Alex Smith the backup](#3) 4. [WAS - QB Kyle Allen named starter](#4) 5. [BUF - QB Josh Allen takes part in practice](#5) 6. [DEN - KJ Hamler to miss Week 5](#6) 7. [DEN - No practice for TE Noah Fant](#7) 8. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery to practice](#8) 9. [DEN - QB Drew Lock has been throwing](#9) 10. [CLE - RB Kareem Hunt limited Wednesday](#10) 11. [NYJ - Le'Veon Bell designated to return](#11) 12. [TB - TE Rob Gronkowski on track to play](#12) 13. [BAL - WR Marquise Brown limited Wednesday](#13) 14. [CLE - TE David Njoku designated to return](#14) 15. [PHI - WR DeSean Jackson limited Wednesday](#15) 16. [KC - WR Mecole Hardman has hamstring issue](#16) 17. [PIT - WR Diontae Johnson does not practice](#17) 18. [ATL - WR Julio Jones not on field Wednesday](#18) 19. [NYJ - WR Breshad Perriman does not practice](#19) 20. [JAX - Laviska Shenault Jr. limited Wednesday](#20) 21. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery puts in limited work](#21) 22. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster misses practice](#22) 23. [TB - RB Leonard Fournette listed as doubtful](#23) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [NYJ - QB Sam Darnold ruled out](=) Source: NewYorkJets.com - Ethan Greenberg New York Jets QB [Sam Darnold](=) (shoulder) has been ruled out for Week 5 and is considered week-to-week moving forward. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Darnold has been lobbying to play but the Jets are shutting him down. It's a wise move as they don't want to further aggravate his AC sprain. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NYJ - QB Joe Flacco getting the nod]() Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo New York Jets QB [Joe Flacco](=) is expected to start over QB [Sam Darnold](=) (shoulder) in Week 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] No surprise here. Darnold suffered a shoulder injury against the Broncos in Week 5 and will have to miss at least one game. Flacco is not a good starting option for the Jets, but he's still a strong-armed veteran who should know how to feed Jamison Crowder at least. Things look even more dismal for the Jets. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [WAS - QB Alex Smith the backup](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Washington Football Team QB Alex Smith is the backup to QB Kyle Allen after QB [Dwayne Haskins](=) was benched. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We'll see if Smith is the next in line to get a chance to start. Dwayne Haskins was benched and Kyle Allen is the new starter for Washington. Smith has worked diligently to get back on the field and could be in line for snaps if Allen is benched or banged up. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [WAS - QB Kyle Allen named starter](=) Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport Washington Football Team QB Kyle Allen will start in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Rams. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Allen takes over at quarterback for 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins. It's not a surprise given that Haskins was not selected by this new coaching staff and he's been on thin ice from the start of the regular season. Allen has experience under Washington head coach Ron Rivera and is a game-manager type of quarterback. If the team struggles with Allen, they could turn back to Haskins later in the year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BUF - QB Josh Allen takes part in practice](=) Source: BuffaloBills.com Buffalo Bills QB [Josh Allen](=) (shoulder) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Who knows if the Bills are even going to play on Sunday against the Titans. This is good news for Allen, but Fantasy GMs need to have other options at the ready just in case. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [DEN - KJ Hamler to miss Week 5]( Source: The Denver Post - Ryan O'Halloran Denver Broncos WR KJ Hamler (hamstring) will not be able to play in the Week 5 game, according to head coach Vic Fangio. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hamler has a ton of speed...scary speed...but this hamstring injury has lingered for most of the year. The team is being wisely cautious with their 2020 second-round pick. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [DEN - No practice for TE Noah Fant](=) Source: Patriots.com Denver Broncos TE [Noah Fant](=) (ankle) didn't practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Fant is not going to play on Sunday against the Patriots. We could see more Jake Butt and perhaps rookie Albert Okwuegbunam gets activated for the first time this year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery to practice]() Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo Philadelphia Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery (foot) will participate in practice this week, but his status for Week 5 is uncertain. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The plan was for Jeffery to perhaps be ready around Week 5. It would be a boost for the Eagles passing game if Jeffery can be out there against the Steelers on Sunday. We'll see if he's good to go or suffers any setbacks during the week. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [DEN - QB Drew Lock has been throwing](=) Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Denver Broncos QB [Drew Lock](=) (shoulder) has been able to throw a football in each of the last two days. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Lock is throwing but the team is unlikely to start him in Week 5 against the Patriots. We should see Brett Rypien get the start on Sunday. Lock may be back for Week 6. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [CLE - RB Kareem Hunt limited Wednesday]( Source: ClevelandBrowns.com Cleveland Browns RB [Kareem Hunt](=) (groin) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hunt is the main man for the Browns now with Nick Chubb banged up. They'll take it easy on him as they prepare to give him a full workload in Week 5 and beyond. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NYJ - Le'Veon Bell designated to return]( Source: ESPN.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets RB Le'Veon Bell (hamstring) has been designated to return from the Reserve/Injured list. The team will have 21 days to add him to the 53-man roster. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] With this move, there is a three week practice window for Bell to return from IR. We'll see what kind of changes (Adam Gase on the hot seat) happen for the Jets in the near future. When Bell returns to the field, he is unlikely to get a full workload as the team should ease him back into action. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [TB - TE Rob Gronkowski on track to play](=) Source: Buccaneers.com Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE [Rob Gronkowski](=) (shoulder) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Oct. 7, and is not on the injury report for Week 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] That sounds about right. With O.J. Howard done for the year, Gronkowski and Cameron Brate will get more work. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [BAL - WR Marquise Brown limited Wednesday]() Source: BaltimoreRavens.com Baltimore Ravens WR [Marquise Brown](=) (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Brown has the quickness and speed to make your fantasy week on a small handful of plays. Check back Friday to get a status update on his practices. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [CLE - TE David Njoku designated to return]() Source: ClevelandBrowns.com Cleveland Browns TE [David Njoku](=) (knee) was designated to return from the Reserve/Injured list Wednesday, Oct. 7. WR Taywan Taylor was signed to the active roster. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Njoku now can get back to practice for the next few weeks as the team determines whether or not to play him. With Austin Hooper as the starter and rookie Harrison Bryant as the backup, Njoku would only be a third-string tight end if and when he returns. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [PHI - WR DeSean Jackson limited Wednesday](=) Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com Updating a previous story, Philadelphia Eagles WR [DeSean Jackson](=) (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jackson can get downfield but will Carson Wentz have time to get him the ball against the Steelers on Sunday? Most Fantasy GMs have better options even if Jackson plays. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [KC - WR Mecole Hardman has hamstring issue]( Source: Chiefs.com Kansas City Chiefs WR [Mecole Hardman](=) (hamstring) was a full participant at practice Wednesday, Oct. 7, but he was listed on the injury report with a hamstring issue. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Hardman has 'what the heck' flex appeal. Keep an eye on this hamstring as that could slow down the speedy young receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [PIT - WR Diontae Johnson does not practice]( Source: Steelers.com - Teresa Varley Pittsburgh Steelers WR [Diontae Johnson](=) (toe) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Johnson is supposed to be back this week but he'll need to practice to play. Check his status Friday and consider him a WR2/flex play with upside against the Eagles in Week 5. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 18. [ATL - WR Julio Jones not on field Wednesday]() Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo Atlanta Falcons WR [Julio Jones](=) (hamstring) is not participating in practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Jones suffered a setback with this hamstring injury on Monday night. His status for Week 5 is not looking good. Stay tuned. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 19. [NYJ - WR Breshad Perriman does not practice]() Source: NewYorkJets.com New York Jets WR [Breshad Perriman](=) (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Perriman would be catching passes from Joe Flacco if he was able to play in Week 5. We don't see him doing that and Fantasy GMs have moved on from him (if you picked him up late) a while ago. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 20. [JAX - Laviska Shenault Jr. limited Wednesday]( Source: ESPN.com - Michael DiRocco Jacksonville Jaguars WR [Laviska Shenault](=) Jr. (hamstring) was a limited participant at practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Shenault has enough fantasy value to start as a 'what the heck' flex at least. We love his versatility and big-play ability. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 21. [PHI - WR Alshon Jeffery puts in limited work](=) Source: PhiladelphiaEagles.com Philadelphia Eagles WR Alshon Jeffery (foot) was a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The plan has always been for Jeffery to be back around Week 5. We'll see if he can get through the week without any setbacks...the Eagles sure could use him with their banged up WR corps. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 22. [PIT - WR JuJu Smith-Schuster misses practice]( Source: Steelers.com - Teresa Varley Pittsburgh Steelers WR [JuJu Smith-Schuster](=) (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 7. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Just keep an eye on Smith-Schuster for Friday's practice report. He's a WR1 if he can go against the Eagles on Sunday. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 23. [TB - RB Leonard Fournette listed as doubtful](=) Source: Buccaneers.com Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB [Leonard Fournette](=) (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 7, and is listed as doubtful for Week 5. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We think the Buccaneers are going to roll with Ronald Jones as their top back on Thursday night. Rookie Ke'Shawn Vaughn will serve as his primary backup. It looks like Fournette is going to get another week to rest this ankle injury. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update. Peace, J = = Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! 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