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FFL: Week 6 | NFL: Week 6

RB Strength of Schedule

Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

Related photo caption below

Robinson setup for big season


Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.

  RB SOS  
1. Green Bay Packers 356.01
2. Houston Texans 361.46
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 361.46
4. Las Vegas Raiders 361.48
5. Seattle Seahawks 362.28
6. Buffalo Bills 363.19
7. Arizona Cardinals 363.76
8. Dallas Cowboys 363.9
9. Jacksonville Jaguars 364.51
10. Washington Commanders 364.86
11. Chicago Bears 364.89
12. Indianapolis Colts 365.41
13. San Francisco 49ers 365.86
14. New Orleans Saints 366.49
15. New York Jets 368.23
16. Detroit Lions 368.49
17. Philadelphia Eagles 369.05
18. Minnesota Vikings 369.06
19. Carolina Panthers 369.88
20. Cleveland Browns 370.34
21. Kansas City Chiefs 371.71
22. New York Giants 372.21
23. Los Angeles Chargers 373.19
24. Denver Broncos 373.32
25. Cincinnati Bengals 373.66
26. Los Angeles Rams 374.09
27. Baltimore Ravens 374.16
28. New England Patriots 375.60
29. Atlanta Falcons 376.19
30. Miami Dolphins 377.49
31. Tennessee Titans 378.2
32. Pittsburgh Steelers 378.72


The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.

The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.

The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.

Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.

The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.

The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.

Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.

The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.

Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.

We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.

  RB PLAYOFF SOS  
1. San Francisco 49ers 291.43
2. Washington Commanders 325.2
3. Houston Texans 327.8
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 332.03
5. New York Jets 337.57
6. Cleveland Browns 340.8
7. Las Vegas Raiders 341.1
8. Miami Dolphins 348.27
9. Chicago Bears 350.37
10. Buffalo Bills 350.53
11. Arizona Cardinals 352.8
12. Dallas Cowboys 358.87
13. Detroit Lions 359.7
14. New York Giants 365.67
15. Kansas City Chiefs 366.53
16. Green Bay Packers 368.97
17. Seattle Seahawks 370.23
18. Carolina Panthers 377.15
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 378.37
20. Los Angeles Chargers 380.73
21. Jacksonville Jaguars 381
22. Baltimore Ravens 381.43
23. Cincinnati Bengals 383.50
24. Philadelphia Eagles 391.07
25. New England Patriots 397.95
26. Indianapolis Colts 398.40
27. Denver Broncos 399.53
28. Tennessee Titans 401.63
29. Los Angeles Rams 403.92
30. New Orleans Saints 406.33
31. Minnesota Vikings 407.87
32. Atlanta Falcons 422.4

 

There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.

And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.

Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.

One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.

Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.

So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.

Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.

The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 6

Player Notes
Khalil Shakir Oct 14 7:10pm ET
Khalil Shakir

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) is officially active for the Monday night divisional showdown against the New York Jets to close out Week 6 action. Shakir injured his ankle in the Week 4 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and did not play in last week's loss to the Houston Texans. Despite being listed as questionable to play, he'll make his return after a one-game absence and provide a much-needed boost to Buffalo's offense, which will be without top running back James Cook (toe) as the Bills look to end their two-game skid. When fully healthy, Shakir has operated as quarterback Josh Allen's top target so far this year, securing 18 of 19 targets for 230 yards and two touchdowns. However, it remains to be seen if he'll have a full workload coming off his ankle injury on Monday night. At potentially less than 100%, Shakir has a difficult matchup against a tough Jets secondary.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 14 7:00pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hip) was seen on the practice field on Monday, which was a light bonus session for the team coming out of their bye week. ESPN's Kevin Seifert doesn't think that Jones is a lock to play in Week 7 versus the division-rival Detroit Lions. The Vikings essentially got a stretch in on Monday, so we won't have a better idea on the 29-year-old's Week 7 status until the team officially resumes practicing on Wednesday. Either way, fantasy managers may not be getting Jones back despite having the bye week to rest up. If Jones doesn't make enough progress in practice to play this weekend, the undefeated Vikings will move forward with Ty Chandler most likely seeing the lion's share of the backfield touches. Myles Gaskin would serve as the change-of-pace backup. Chandler is currently rostered in only 28% of Yahoo leagues and could be a nice waiver-wire pickup for those in need of a RB.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Oct 14 7:00pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (toe), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 6 due to a painful toe injury, is officially inactive for the Monday night contest against the division-rival New York Jets. Cook is tough and wanted to tough it out, but instead the Bills will roll with rookie Ray Davis, Ty Johnson and rookie Frank Gore Jr. in their backfield against a tough Jets defense on the road. Fantasy managers that rolled the dice and left Cook in the starting lineups despite the questionable tag will need to pivot now and turn to either Davis or Johnson if they are available off the waiver wire. Cook didn't practice on Thursday or Friday last week but was limited on Saturday and was hoping to be able to suit up on Monday. He'll now be hoping to make more progress this week in order to play this upcoming Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Michael Pittman Jr. Oct 14 6:50pm ET
Michael Pittman Jr.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) said that Injured Reserve is not off the table after he gutted out a back injury to play in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday. "But as long as I'm feeling, like, good and I can go out there and win routes, then I'll be out there," Pittman said. A back injury that became increasingly acute in the last week put Pittman's status in question for Week 6, but he played through the injury and even caught the decisive touchdown in the 20-17 victory. However, the 27-year-old played a season-low 80% of the offensive snaps and finished with only three catches for 35 yards. As long as he doesn't have any setbacks this week, we'd expect Pittman to play in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins, but he acknowledged his back will be a week-to-week situation that could change at any time. That will certainly make him a more volatile fantasy option, especially with quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) expected to return this week.

From RotoBaller

Marvin Harrison Jr. Oct 14 6:40pm ET
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon confirmed on Monday that rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) is in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday. Harrison will have to progress through the league's protocol this week and be cleared by an independent neurologist before getting the green light to play in Week 7 on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Chargers. The good news is the 22-year-old will have an extra day to recover, but fantasy managers may have to make a difficult lineup decision this week if Harrison is listed as questionable to play next Monday. The fourth overall pick out of Ohio State scored three touchdowns in Weeks 2-4 but has two catches for 36 yards the last two games after failing to haul in either of his two targets on Sunday before suffering a concussion. Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch would see added opportunities for Arizona if Harrison isn't cleared for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Leonard Williams Oct 14 6:30pm ET
Leonard Williams

The Seattle Seahawks acquired standout defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris in a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2026. The move makes sense as Seattle looks to fortify the interior of their defensive line after injuries to both Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy this year. Robertson-Harris will immediately come in to provide depth for the Seahawks at defensive tackle. The 31-year-old went undrafted out of Texas-El Paso but began his NFL career in 2017 with the Chicago Bears, playing four years there before joining the Jaguars. He was in his fourth year in Jacksonville this year before the trade, picking up seven tackles (five solo) and two sacks with three tackles for loss and four QB hits in six games played. Robertson-Harris is not on the fantasy radar in IDP formats.

From RotoBaller

Frank Gore Jr. Oct 14 6:20pm ET
Frank Gore Jr.

The Buffalo Bills elevated rookie running back Frank Gore Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man active roster for Monday night's divisional showdown against the New York Jets. This could be a sign that James Cook (toe), who was listed as questionable to play in Week 6, may not be available to play on Monday night. But the Bills could also be electing for extra backfield depth behind Cook, Ty Johnson and rookie Ray Davis. Fantasy managers should know Cook's official status for Monday's primetime contest in another hour. The 22-year-old Gore hasn't played at all through the first five weeks of his rookie season in the NFL after going undrafted out of Southern Miss. At best, Gore could see some short-yardage work for Buffalo whenever he makes his NFL debut, but he can be ignored in all single-year fantasy formats for the time being.

From RotoBaller

Zay Jones Oct 14 6:20pm ET
Zay Jones

The Arizona Cardinals officially added wide receiver Zay Jones (hamstring) to their 53-man active roster on Monday. The Cardinals had a roster exemption on Jones for a week after his suspension ended. After releasing receiver Chris Moore last week -- Moore eventually re-signed to the practice squad -- the Cardinals had an open roster spot. Jones was suspended for the first five games of 2024 due to a violation of the league's personal-conduct policy. The 29-year-old injured his hamstring in practice last week and did not suit up for the Week 6 loss to the Green Bay Packers. If he's able to make progress in practice this week, Jones could be in line to make his 2024 debut on Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers. When fully healthy, Jones will be battling for targets as Arizona's WR3 with Greg Dortch and Zach Pascal behind rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. (concussion) and Michael Wilson. Jones can stay on the waiver wire in standard-sized fantasy leagues for now.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 14 6:10pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints electric wide receiver/return man Rashid Shaheed (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report for a knee injury that is described as concerning, according to a source. Chris Olave suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, too, and could be fighting an uphill battle to be cleared from the league's concussion protocol before the Thursday night contest in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos. If neither Olave nor Shaheed are able to play in Week 7, the Saints would be down to rookies Bub Means and Mason Tipton and Cedrick Wilson Jr. in three-wide sets for rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler with Derek Carr (oblique) expected to miss a second straight game. The 26-year-old Shaheed will have his knee checked out, which should give us a better idea of whether he can play on Thursday. Denver's D could be licking their chops if both Olave and Shaheed are out.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Mason Oct 14 5:40pm ET
Jordan Mason

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan Mason (shoulder) was participating at the start of Monday's practice during warm-ups in a non-contact jersey. Mason suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder in last Thursday night's win over the division-rival Seattle Seahawks, putting his status in question for the Week 7 contest versus the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. It's good news that Mason is back at practice early in the week, but it doesn't guarantee he'll play this Sunday. Fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on the 25-year-old's status as the week progresses. In the absence of Christian McCaffrey, Mason has been San Fran's RB1 and a must-start RB in all fantasy leagues. Rookie Isaac Guerendo stepped in for Mason last Thursday and finished a yard shy of a 100-yard day on the ground. He'll be a popular speculative waiver-wire pickup this week in case Mason isn't cleared to face the Chiefs.

From RotoBaller

Taysom Hill Oct 14 5:00pm ET
Taysom Hill

The New Orleans Saints listed tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) was listed as limited on Monday's estimated injury report as the team prepares for a Thursday night battle in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos. Hill missed his third game of the year and second straight in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but a limited listing in the first practice of the week suggests he could have a shot to return to face the Broncos in primetime on Thursday. When the 34-year-old does return, if quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) remains out, Hill could be in line for more usage as a running back or even QB out of New Orleans' backfield. He'd still be no better than a boom/bust TE2 in fantasy leagues, though, as an unpredictable do-it-all weapon for the Saints. Hill does have two rushing scores in three games this year but just 14 carries for 77 yards and two catches for two yards.

From RotoBaller

Alvin Kamara Oct 14 4:50pm ET
Alvin Kamara

The New Orleans Saints listed running back Alvin Kamara (hand) as a limited participant on Monday's estimated injury report. The Saints could give Kamara some extra rest in practices on a short week ahead of a Thursday night tilt in Week 7 against the Denver Broncos, but he should be fine to play. The 29-year-old has been as close to a workhorse back as it gets in the NFL these days with 104 carries for 428 yards (4.1 yards per carry) and six rushing touchdowns, adding 28 receptions for 238 yards and another score through the air through six weeks. The five-time Pro Bowler had only 45 scrimmage yards in the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he saved his fantasy day with his seventh TD of the year. Kamara is second among all RBs in total fantasy points this year, behind only Derrick Henry, so fantasy managers should consider him a must-start in Week 7 against Denver.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 14 4:40pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

The New Orleans Saints listed wide receivers Chris Olave (concussion) and Rashid Shaheed (knee) as DNPs on Monday's estimated injury report. The Saints have a quick turnaround in Week 7 and will face the Denver Broncos at home this Thursday night. It especially puts Olave's status up in the air given the fact that he'd need to pass through the league's concussion protocols very quickly in order to get the green light to play on Thursday. Fantasy managers should not be surprised at all if the 24-year-old sits out this week. With Shaheed also banged up, the Saints could be forced to use rookies Bub Means and Mason Tipton in expanded roles on Thursday alongside Cedrick Wilson Jr. Means took advantage in the Week 6 loss to the Buccaneers and had five catches on eight targets for 45 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Fantasy managers will want to monitor the situation with Olave and Shaheed in the next few days.

From RotoBaller

Derek Carr Oct 14 4:40pm ET
Derek Carr

The New Orleans Saints listed quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) as a non-participant on Monday's estimated injury report. Carr suffered a torn oblique in the Week 5 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and was quickly ruled out for the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Atlanta Falcons. The 33-year-old veteran was expected to miss multiple weeks with his injury, so fantasy managers should already be preparing for Carr to miss the Week 7 game, especially since it comes this Thursday night against the Denver Broncos. The good news is that Carr is expected to avoid Injured Reserve, meaning he should be back within the next couple of weeks. Rookie Spencer Rattler made his first career start in the loss to the Bucs and went 22-for-40 for 243 yards, a touchdown and two picks while adding four carries for 27 yards. He's in line to make his second straight start on Thursday and could struggle against what has been a stout Denver Broncos defense.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Allen Oct 14 4:30pm ET
Jonathan Allen

Washington Commanders standout defensive tackle Jonathan Allen (pectoral) suffered a torn left pectoral muscle in the Week 6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and will need season-ending surgery, according to head coach Dan Quinn. Allen is getting a second opinion on his injury, but the Commanders will not have him for the rest of the year. It's a big loss for the interior of Washington's defensive line for the rest of the season. The two-time Pro Bowler (2021-22) had 15 tackles (13 solo), two sacks and six QB hits for the Commanders through the first six games of the season before getting injured on Sunday. Now that the 29-year-old is out the rest of the way, the Commanders will be hoping that rookie second-rounder Jer'Zhan Newton can step up with more playing time. During Allen's two Pro Bowl seasons with Washington, he totaled 16.5 sacks in 33 games played.

From RotoBaller

Graham Gano Oct 14 4:30pm ET
Graham Gano

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll said on Monday that he'll know whether kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) is ready to come off Injured Reserve on Wednesday. Daboll also said that if Gano isn't ready this week, the team will likely stick with Greg Joseph, even though he missed two kicks in the 17-7 Week 6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday night. Gano has missed four weeks on IR already but isn't a lock to return for a Week 7 date against the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday. The 37-year-old veteran reportedly hasn't been doing much work off to the side during practices, making it more unlikely that he'll be ready to go this week. In the Week 1 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Gano made both of his field-goal attempts and didn't have an extra-point try. Fantasy managers are best off avoiding New York's kicking situation altogether for the foreseeable future.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Oct 14 4:20pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said on Monday that the team hopes to open up the 21-day practice window for rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) this week. Brooks, a second-round selection by the Panthers out of Texas back in April, is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in college. The 21-year-old appears to be nearing his return to make his NFL debut, but just because his practice window is set to open this week doesn't mean he'll be active in the Week 7 contest against the Washington Commanders. And with Chuba Hubbard being one of the best running backs in the league over the last few weeks, the Panthers have no need to rush Brooks back into the fold before he's ready. Brooks should already be stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues, but now that he's getting close to joining Carolina's backfield, he's not a bad stash in deeper redraft leagues, either, especially if you're hurting at the RB position.

From RotoBaller

Anthony Richardson Oct 14 4:10pm ET
Anthony Richardson

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said on Monday that barring a setback, quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique) will play in Week 7 on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins at Lucas Oil Stadium. It was looking like Richardson was trending towards a return to play in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Tennessee Titans after returning to full practice last week, but the Colts decided to play it safe and hold him out a second week in a row. Even though the veteran Joe Flacco has looked better than Richardson in his two starts, the Colts will turn back to the 22-year-old second-year signal-caller when he gets the green light. Richardson provides elite rushing potential from the QB position, but he's proven injury-prone early in his NFL career and has been pretty bad as a passer in his first eight NFL starts, dating back to last year. If he returns this Sunday, fantasy managers should consider him a low-end QB1/high-end QB2 against Miami.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Oct 14 3:10pm ET
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) will not practice this week, per Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. Week 7 was the earliest possible period of return for Nacua after reaggravating a preseason knee injury in Week 1. Still, it's no surprise seeing him shelved longer after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that he'd likely be unavailable for 5-to-7 weeks. The Rams have dealt with a litany of injuries on both sides of the ball this year, but things could be looking up for the offense, with wide receiver Cooper Kupp slated to work with trainers today. However, the 23-year-old will have to wait at least one more week for his return -- and likely longer. If Kupp fails to be designated as active again, wideouts Jordan Whittington, Tutu Atwell, Demarcus Robinson, and Tyler Johnson will handle the pass-catching duties in the team's Week 7 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders.

From RotoBaller

Keaton Mitchell Oct 14 3:10pm ET
Keaton Mitchell

Per Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, Jamison Hensley reports there is "no change" on the status of running back Keaton Mitchell (knee). Harbaugh and the Ravens are "optimistic" about the 22-year-old returning at some point this season. However, he has yet to progress enough to consider being taken off the Physically Unable to Perform list. Mitchell, whose stint on the PUP stems from a knee injury he suffered in Week 15 of last season, was reported on by his head coach two weeks ago to be "right on schedule," and "the schedule is for him to be back this season." They're vague comments from the long-time Ravens head coach, though Baltimore doesn't necessarily need Mitchell right now with the backfield duo of Derrick Henry and Justice Hill performing admirably in a high-powered attack. Still, he'll evidently suit up at some point in 2024. When that will be remains to be seen.

From RotoBaller