🏆 Jonathan Taylor Fully Healthy, Committed To Play

Plus - Tee Higgins, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Davante Adams Held Out Of Practice Thursday  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 10/06/23 ​[Unsubscribe |]( [Read Online]( | [Join]( | [GO PRO](=)​ Howdy {NAME}, Welcome In and Buckle Up. We're into Week 5 and we're here for it. If all goes to plan, two stars in Cooper Kupp and Jonathan Taylor will be on the field this weekend. And we're stoked for both. Plus our Cecil Lammey has the News and Notes you need. Let's Go. J PS. We've got another London game this Sunday with a 9:30 AM ET kickoff between the Jaguars and Bills so make sure to have your lineups set. Inside This Issue [] - [IND: Jonathan Taylor fully healthy, committed](#article-1) - [LAC: Austin Ekeler eyes Week 6](#article-2) - [SF: Deebo Samuel should go](#article-3) - [LVR: Aidan O'Connell a future starter?](#article-4) - [CIN: Tee Higgins misses another practice](#article-5) - [CHI: Chase Claypool likely to be released](#article-6) - [LVR: Jimmy Garoppolo to practice Thursday](#article-7) - [HOU: C.J. Stroud chasing another historic start](#article-8) - [PIT: Kenny Pickett injury won't limit game plan](#article-9) - [DET: Amon-Ra St. Brown a no-go again on Thursday](#article-10) - [HOU: Dameon Pierce gets some work in on Thursday](#article-11) - [LVR: Davante Adams sitting out practice Thursday](#article-12) - [NYG: NYG realizes it needs to lean on Darren Waller](#article-13) �€‹ WIN MORE AT FANTASY FOOTBALL WITH A FOOTBALLGUYS PREMIUM SUBSCRIPTION Winning at Fantasy Football can be difficult. And time-consuming. With a [Footballguys Premium Subscription]() customized just for you, you’ll make winning decisions, save time, and crush your competition. Matthew Berry of NBC says, "Footballguys is the best premium fantasy football only site on the planet." And we agree. Come join us and let's crush this season. We have a [30-Day Money Back Guarantee]( so there’s zero risk. [JOIN NOW 👉]( ​ [avatar] "Hands down the best fantasy football information available. They have helped me dominate my league to the point that I'm called the Evil Empire by my league mates" - Rick Himes @bigisland31 ​ [] 1. IND: Jonathan Taylor fully healthy, committed [Source: CBS 4 Indianapolis - Mike Chappell](=) Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) said he's 100% healthy from offseason ankle surgery and is fully committed to playing despite previous reports of a contract dispute, per sources Thursday, Oct. 5. Our view: That's good news for the Colts and for Taylor. He's a professional, and he's going to put his best foot forward upon his return. That should be this week as Taylor is a full participant in practice this week. In his first game back, Fantasy GMs need to temper expectations as Taylor may be eased back into action. We like considering him as an RB2/flex play in Week 5 against the Titans. [Back to Top](#top) [] 2. LAC: Austin Ekeler eyes Week 6 [Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim]() Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) said he expects to be ready to play against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 6. Our view: The Chargers have a bye in Week 5, so Ekeler gets more rest this weekend. Ekeler hasn't played since Week 1, but he should be closer to full strength in Week 6. If Ekeler is out there, Fantasy GMs will have him starting as an RB1 as per usual. [Back to Top](#top) = = ​ [] 3. SF: Deebo Samuel should go [Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport]() San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel (knee) is expected to play in Week 5, but his knee injury is having to be managed through the practice week. Our view: That sounds about right. Samuel was banged up and limited last week, and the team knows how to handle this situation. He was out there last week as a decoy and did not get a single target in the passing game (but he did get three carries). We'll see if Samuel can do a bit more this week against the Cowboys. With the uncertainty around Samuel's usage, we see him as a flex play with upside on Sunday Night Football. [Back to Top](#top) [] 4. LVR: Aidan O'Connell a future starter? [Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler]() Las Vegas Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell has impressed WR Davante Adams, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com, and a source told Fowler that Adams is a 'big believer' in O'Connell. Our view: A 2023 fourth-round pick out of Purdue, O'Connell has the tools you want in a modern passer. He started for the Raiders in Week 4, and O'Connell flashed while also having some rookie struggles (it didn't help he was sacked seven times). Against the Chargers last week, O'Connell went 24-of-39 for 238 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Many in the scouting community felt O'Connell might be one of the best passers in this class when all is said and done. We love him in dynasty formats and look forward to his career progressing - perhaps as the future starter for the Raiders. With Jimmy Garoppolo's injury history, that future might be here before you know it. [Back to Top](#top) [] 5. CIN: Tee Higgins misses another practice [Source: Pro Football Network - Jay Morrison](=) Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins (rib) was present but did not participate in practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday, Oct. 5. Our view: Two missed practices mean Higgins is unlikely to play. The team has a Week 7 bye, and Higgins could be shut down until after that. However, he could deal with the pain and play - but that doesn't sound like the best plan. Fantasy GMs are already downgrading all Bengals' receivers because of QB Joe Burrow playing hurt and not looking like himself. [Back to Top](#top) [] 6. CHI: Chase Claypool likely to be released [Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler]() Chicago Bears WR Chase Claypool will likely be released, multiple NFL executives told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Our view: Things didn't work out for Claypool with the Bears, and he's looking for a fresh start - again. The physical talent is obvious with Claypool, but now two teams have moved on from his services. Someone out there will be interested in him to be sure, but no team wants to trade for him...even if the Bears only want a late-round pick in exchange. [Back to Top](#top) [] 7. LVR: Jimmy Garoppolo to practice Thursday [Source: Around The NFL]( Las Vegas Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo (concussion) is in the final stages of the league's concussion protocol but will take part in practice on Thursday, Oct. 5. Our view: We'll see what Garoppolo can do on Friday and Saturday. The team plays on Monday Night Football against the Packers, and Garoppolo could be out there after having to miss last week's game. [Back to Top](#top) The best things sent in the Footballguys Group Chat today: - 😳 Some of these routes from [Week 4 are filthy.]()​ - 🫵 Joe Burrow, for our sake, [please figure it out.]()​ - 🎃 Who’s ready for spooky season? [The Las Vegas Sphere is in full force.](=)​ - 🛻 NIL deals might be getting out of hand, [especially in Utah.](=)​ - 🤯 The atmosphere for the [EuroLeague is absolutely insane.](=)​ ​ [] 8. HOU: C.J. Stroud chasing another historic start [Source: ESPN.com - DJ Bien-Aime II](=) Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud needs to throw for at least 272 yards in Week 5 against the Falcons to crack the top five for most passing yards by a quarterback in his first five career starts, according to ESPN.com's DJ Bien-Aime. He needs 399 yards to beat Cam Newton's record of 1,610. Our view: Stroud has looked fantastic so far in his rookie season, and he's battled through a minor shoulder injury. The Texans are rallying around the young passer, and he's got weapons like WR Nico Collins and WR Tank Dell who get the most out of those opportunities. From a fantasy perspective, Stroud is a low-end QB1 in 12-team leagues. [Back to Top](#top) [] 9. PIT: Kenny Pickett injury won't limit game plan [Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ray Fittipaldo](=) Pittsburgh Steelers QB Kenny Pickett (knee) is playing through a knee injury, but offensive coordinator Matt Canada said Thursday, Oct. 5, that there will be no limitations to the game plan because of it. Our view: Pickett has a bone bruise, and it seems like he's going to play against the Ravens in Week 5. He'll wear a huge knee brace, and that should not limit his game. It's Canada's boring and predictable offensive scheme that will hold back Pickett...and the rest of the Steelers' offense. [Back to Top](#top) [] 10. DET: Amon-Ra St. Brown a no-go again on Thursday [Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter]( Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (abdomen) did not practice for a second consecutive day on Thursday, Oct. 5. Our view: Keep an eye on this situation when Friday's practice reports come out. Lions HC Dan Campbell said St. Brown is not a lock to play in Week 5 against the Panthers. [Back to Top](#top) [] 11. HOU: Dameon Pierce gets some work in on Thursday [Source: KPRC.com - Aaron Wilson]() Houston Texans RB Dameon Pierce (knee) took part in practice for a second straight day on Thursday, Oct. 5. Our view: Pierce rushed 24 times for 81 yards in the Texans' Week 4 win over the Steelers, so he could be as involved if the Texans control the game. Against the Falcons in Week 5, Houston should be able to do that. That means Pierce should perform for Fantasy GMs like an RB2 on Sunday. [Back to Top](#top) [] 12. LVR: Davante Adams sitting out practice Thursday [Source: The Athletic - Tashan Reed](=) Las Vegas Raiders WR Davante Adams (shoulder) did not take part in practice on Thursday, Oct. 5. Our view: Adams left the game on Sunday with this shoulder injury, but he returned to play through this. That should be the case again, but let's see what he can do on Saturday. The Raiders are at home to take on Adams' former team, the Green Bay Packers, on Monday Night Football in Week 5. [Back to Top](#top) [] 13. NYG: NYG realizes it needs to lean on Darren Waller [Source: ESPN.com - Jordan Raanan](=) New York Giants TE Darren Waller has been hurt by a number of factors early this season - including the absences of RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) and LT Andrew Thomas (hamstring) - which has led to him chipping and helping out with pass protection more than the team envisioned this summer. QB Daniel Jones also believes he could do a better job of making Waller a priority.'I think it's important (he's a bigger part of the offense). He's a talented player and poses a big threat for defenses. I have to do a better job of finding him and getting him the ball. I think there are just some opportunities that I have to get him the ball and give him a chance to make plays,' Jones told ESPN.com's Jordan Raanan. Our view: Fantasy GMs would like to see that as well. Waller is a dangerous weapon who creates mismatches anytime he's on the field. In four games, Waller has 15 catches for 153 yards and zero touchdowns. That gets him ranked as the no.16 fantasy tight end in standard-scoring leagues. Waller was drafted because of his top-5 upside in fantasy football. As the Giants try to get on track, we'll see if that includes more from Waller. [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 [avatar] Joe Bryant Guide ​ = = ​ ​ [[twitter]​]([[facebook]​](=)[[discord]​]([[youtube]​]([[instagram]​]( = Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom and Cecil Lammey Was this email forwarded to you? [Sign Up here](​ ​[Advertise with us](and get your brand in front of 600,000+ football fans [GO PRO](=) [PODCASTS]() [COMMUNITY]( [SHOP]( [CONTACT US]( You’re subscribed as [{EMAIL}](=) . [Unsubscribe here]( Copyright @ 2023 Sportsguys, LLC. 118 N Peters Road, Suite 208. Knoxville, TN 37922 ​[Opt-out of preference based advertising](=)​ ​