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FFL: Week 4 | NFL: Week 4

Steelers' Justin Fields 'definitely competing' to be QB1

Tue May 21 4:32pm ET
Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields credits Bears general manager Ryan Poles for staying true to a promise by trading the former first-round pick to his preferred destination.

Fields landed in Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional sixth-round pick as potential competition for Russell Wilson after the Bears decided to use the No. 1 overall pick to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Once that decision crystallized for Chicago, Poles personally committed to "doing right by Justin Fields."

"Shoutout to Poles," Fields said Tuesday after organized team activities with the Steelers. "We communicated to him through my agent, and I told him where I wanted to be and this was a place I wanted to be, so he honored that and I appreciate him for that. Nothing but love for the city, the fans, my teammates and coaches."

If Fields plays more than 51 percent of the total snaps for the Steelers in 2024, Chicago's draft compensation in return is upgraded to a fourth-round pick.

They cleared the depth chart in a matter of weeks, dealing former starter Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles and allowing Mason Rudolph to join the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Fields, the No. 11 pick in the 2021 draft, had 40 touchdowns and 30 interceptions in three seasons with the Bears.

It's also a fresh start for Wilson, who enters Year 13 with something to prove. He signed with the Steelers after being released by the Broncos despite a total cap hit of more than $80 million.

Fields said he's grateful to be in Pittsburgh and declined to answer whether the Bears did everything they could to facilitate his growth on the field.

"It is what it is. That's in the past," Fields said.

As for his next chapter with the Steelers, Fields said his intentions are clear inside the building.

"I'm definitely competing. Russ knows that," Fields said. "We're competing against each other every day. I definitely don't have the mindset of me just sitting every day. I'm pushing him to be his best and he's pushing me to be my best each and every day."

Fields said he's not the same quarterback he was last year.

"I have a lot more room to grow," Fields said. "I'm going to continue to get better each and every day. I'm nowhere near my ceiling."

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 4

Player Notes
Josh Palmer Sep 26 6:40pm ET
Josh Palmer

After being limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer (calf, elbow) returned to a full practice on Thursday. Palmer did not practice all of last week before missing the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now that the 25-year-old is back to practicing in full, he should be ready to return in Week 4 against the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs as long as he doesn't have a setback on Friday. Most fantasy managers won't want to trust Palmer in a WR4/flex spot if he comes back this weekend, though, especially with quarterback Justin Herbert's (ankle) availability up in the air. In the first two weeks of the season in 2024, Palmer caught just four of six targets for 34 yards and no touchdowns. Palmer's return will take targets away from rookie Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston.

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 26 6:30pm ET
Justin Herbert

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) was listed as a limited practice participant on Thursday for the second straight week after aggravating a right high-ankle sprain in the Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Herbert has had discussions with the team about him sitting out this weekend with the team's bye coming in Week 5, but the 26-year-old is "doing everything he can" to suit up this Sunday to face the division-rival Kansas City Chiefs and doesn't "think that's the way we're heading." He will most likely be listed as questionable on the final injury report on Friday, but it appears that Herbert is going to try and tough it out this Sunday. If something changes, Taylor Heinicke would likely start under center after replacing Herbert briefly last weekend. Herbert's mobility will surely be limited if he plays against KC, where he'll be a low-end QB2.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Sep 26 6:20pm ET
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (calf) was in uniform and back on the practice field during the early portion of practice open to the media on Thursday. It's unclear exactly how much Samuel got done in practice, but our guess would be that he'll wind up limited on the final injury report. Samuel strained his right calf in the Week 2 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and didn't play in last week's loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Rams. The 28-year-old didn't practice on Wednesday, but now that he has returned to practice, he could have a shot to return this Sunday when the team hosts the New England Patriots. Still, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if Samuel misses another contest with an injury that initially was expected to keep him out multiple weeks. Jauan Jennings had over 150 receiving yards and three scores with Samuel and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) out in Week 3.

From RotoBaller

Jordan Love Sep 26 6:20pm ET
Jordan Love

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) was listed as limited in practice again on Thursday. "We'll see. We'll give him up to game time," head coach Matt LaFleur said. Love said earlier this week that he was very close to playing in the Week 3 in over the Tennessee Titans. It sounds as though he'll be questionable on Friday's final injury report, with a game-time decision coming on Sunday morning at Lambeau Field to determine if he'll face the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Love suffered a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain of his left knee in the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles and has missed the last two games. Malik Willis has game-managed the club to two straight victories, but Love's return would certainly open up Green Bay's offense and make receivers Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson more fantasy relevant.

From RotoBaller

Davante Adams Sep 26 6:10pm ET
Davante Adams

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (hamstring) was added to the Week 4 injury report on Thursday and was listed as a limited participant in practice. Mid-week additions to the injury report are usually never a good thing, so fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on Adams' practice status on Friday and final designation on the injury report heading into Sunday's game at Allegiant Stadium against the Cleveland Browns. If the 31-year-old is limited again on Friday, he'll probably be listed as questionable to play in Week 4. After going for 110 yards and his first touchdown of the year in the Week 2 win over the Ravens, Adams caught four passes for only 40 yards in the Week 3 loss to the Panthers. Adams is a must-start in fantasy when he's active, but his status is now in question this weekend. If Adams doesn't play, Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker would see more targets.

From RotoBaller

Nico Collins Sep 26 5:20pm ET
Nico Collins

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (hamstring) was limited at practice on Thursday due to a hamstring injury, according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the NFL. Collins was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, so fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status during Friday's practice as it should provide clarity as we approach the weekend. The 25-year-old has continued his impressive 2023 breakout campaign by averaging 112.7 yards per game through the early part of the season with 18 total catches and one score. If Collins is able to suit up on Sunday, he should be viewed as a solid WR1 with a favorable matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

From RotoBaller

Skylar Thompson Sep 26 5:00pm ET
Skylar Thompson

Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (ribs) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, according to Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post. Thompson left last week's game early due to a rib injury and remains in questionable status. The Dolphins do not play until Monday this week against the Tennessee Titans, so Thompson will have an additional day to recover from his injury. Filling in for Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) last week, Thompson completed just 13 of his 19 attempts for 107 yards and no scores. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Thompson's status throughout the week, as Tim Boyle or Tyler Huntley could be called upon to start Monday's game.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Marr Chase Sep 26 4:50pm ET
Ja'Marr Chase

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice and should be expected to see a full workload on Sunday when the Bengals face the Carolina Panthers. Chase would have been labeled as a limited participant on Wednesday, but the Bengals only held a walkthrough. Seeing Chase return to practice without limitations is a great sign and suggests the shoulder injury was minor and nothing serious. After being contained through the first two weeks of the season, the former national champion enjoyed a big game on Monday night as he caught six passes for 118 yards and two scores against the Washington Commanders. Chase should be viewed as a high-end WR1 every week and should never leave your starting lineup. When asked about his shoulder, Chase said, "I'm great."

From RotoBaller

Justin Herbert Sep 26 4:40pm ET
Justin Herbert

The Los Angeles Chargers defense is a risky fantasy play in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Bolts defense got the season off to a good start, scoring 14 fantasy points in Week 1 against the Raiders and 11 in Week 2 against the Panthers. They followed that up with a solid on-field performance against the Steelers in Week 3, but it only amounted to five fantasy points for the week. Week 4 against the Chiefs will be the toughest matchup so far, and with the Chargers offense expected to be limited even if starting quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) does play, the Chargers DST is well outside of the top-12 for the week.

From RotoBaller

Sam LaPorta Sep 26 4:40pm ET
Sam LaPorta

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) did not practice on Thursday due to an ankle injury, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The sophomore tight end suffered a low-ankle sprain in last week's game against the Arizona Cardinals and was forced to leave the game early. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report throughout the week as it should provide clarity on his status heading into the weekend. However, the Lions will face the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night which will provide the Iowa product an additional day to recover. Even though he has had a disappointing start to the season, the former second-round pick should still be viewed as a TE1 given his excellent rookie campaign. If LaPorta happens to miss Monday's game, Brock Wright should be viewed as a TE2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

Bijan Robinson Sep 26 4:30pm ET
Bijan Robinson

Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (shoulder) was limited during Thursday's practice, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 22-year-old was not on Wednesday's injury report, so this situation is worth monitoring closely, as the Texas standout could enter the weekend in questionable status depending on Friday's injury report. The former eighth-overall pick has been deployed as a workhorse running back through the first three games, seeing at least 14 carries and two catches in every game. Last weekend, he carried the ball 16 times and caught both of his targets for a combined 52 yards and a score. He remains a high-end RB1 simply due to the heavy volume he will see weekly and should remain locked into all lineups.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Sep 26 4:20pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) could return to practice as early as next week, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN. The 27-year-old suffered a torn ACL and MCL last season and has been on the PUP list since the beginning of the 2024 season. Earlier this afternoon, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the team is loosely targeting a Week 7 return for the Iowa product. Seeing that he could return to practice next week is a great sign and suggests a Week 7 return could be possible. Before the season-ending injury, Hockenson was on pace to smash previous career highs in 2023 and could be in store for a strong second half, given how potent the Minnesota offense has looked early into the season.

From RotoBaller

Cameron Dicker Sep 26 4:20pm ET
Cameron Dicker

Los Angeles Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker is a safe option in Week 4 fantasy lineups. Dicker was extremely accurate in his rookie season last year and has remained that way three weeks into his sophomore season. The only downside to Dicker's fantasy prospects is a slow moving Chargers offense going against a strong Kansas City Chiefs team this week. Dicker has one of the higher floors among fantasy kickers, but his ceiling is somewhat limited. He's made six field goals and four extra points through the first three weeks of the season.

From RotoBaller

Rome Odunze Sep 26 4:20pm ET
Rome Odunze

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze (hip) was limited during Thursday's practice due to a hip injury, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS. The Washington product was not on Wednesday's initial injury report, but seeing that he was only limited suggests it might not be a serious injury. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as it should provide clarity on the 22-year-old's status heading into the weekend. After two quiet outings in his first two professional games, the ninth-overall pick enjoyed a nice breakout last weekend as he caught six passes for 112 yards and a score. Odunze should be considered a WR3 with upside if he is a "full-go" against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Keenan Allen Sep 26 4:13pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears S Kevin Byard (back), TE Marcedes Lewis (rest), DL Zacch Pickens (groin), DB Terell Smith (hip), DL Darrell Taylor (knee, illness) and DL Andrew Billings (knee) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. OT Darnell Wright (back), WR Keenan Allen (heel), FB Khari Blasingame (hand, knee), OT Braxton Jones (knee) and WR Rome Odunze (hip) were limited. OG Nate Davis (groin) and DE Montez Sweat (elbow) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Keenan Allen Sep 26 4:13pm ET
Keenan Allen

Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen (heel) was limited during practice Thursday, Sept. 26.

Fantasy Spin: Allen appears to have a decent chance to play this week after sitting out the Week 3 game. He should see a decent amount of targets if he is active and could be at least a flex option in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Alex Anzalone Sep 26 4:13pm ET
Alex Anzalone

Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta (ankle), S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle), C Frank Ragnow (pectoral) and OT Dan Skipper (ribs) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. Also, DB Brian Branch (concussion), DL Alim McNeill (shoulder), DL Levi Onwuzurike (knee) and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) were limited and LB Alex Anzalone (concussion) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Diontae Johnson Sep 26 4:10pm ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (groin) did not practice on Thursday due to a groin injury, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Meirov further reported that Carolina expects Johnson to return to practice tomorrow. As a result, fantasy managers should see this as a precautionary measure as it does not look too serious. However, Friday's injury report will clarify any potential designation the former Steeler might have heading into the weekend. After catching just five passes across the first two weeks of the season, Johnson enjoyed a breakout game last weekend as he caught eight passes for 122 yards and a score. Much of this was credited to Andy Dalton stepping into the starting QB role in favor of Bryce Young. If Johnson sees his expected workload on Sunday, he should be considered a high-end WR3 in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

Josh Reynolds Sep 26 4:03pm ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos S JL Skinner (ankle) did not practice on Thursday, Sept. 26. TE Nate Adkins (shoulder) was limited. WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Josh Reynolds Sep 26 4:03pm ET
Josh Reynolds

Denver Broncos WR Josh Reynolds (Achilles) fully participated in practice Thursday, Sept. 26.

Fantasy Spin: Reynolds has been a good option in the passing game for the Broncos this season and should see a few targets this week against the New York Jets. He can be a possible flex option in deeper leagues.

From TheHuddle