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FFL: Week 9 | NFL: Week 9

Ex-No. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell fired, accused of theft

Sat Jun 29 11:55am ET
Field Level Media

JaMarcus Russell, the first pick of the 2007 NFL Draft, has been fired from his volunteer high school assistant coaching job and accused in a lawsuit of stealing donations meant for the school, according to multiple reports.

The firing apparently came several months ago but was just confirmed by school officials in Mobile County, Ala.

"JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year," Mobile County Public Schools said in a statement tod WKRG Sports on Friday.

The former Oakland Raiders quarterback also is facing a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 check intended as a donation to the school -- his alma mater -- and keeping the money for himself.

According to reports, local business owner Chris Knowles said Russell approached him to help fund new weight room equipment for the school's football team. Knowles alleged Russell deposited the money into a credit union, immediately withdrawing $55,000 for himself.

Russell, 38, has now been ordered to stay away from the campus.

"Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus," the school district said in a statement to WKRG, after Russell reportedly showed up to a school football team event.

Russell played three seasons at LSU, where he threw for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns before signing a six-year deal with the Raiders worth close to $68 million.

However, Russell flopped in the NFL and is considered one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. He appeared in 31 games (25 starts) over three seasons, finishing with a 52.1 percent completion rate, 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His record was 7-18.

After he was released before the 2010 season, Russell and the Raiders spent the next several years in disputes over the contract, with the Raiders trying to recoup some of their losses. Ultimately the Raiders paid Russell $3 million in a 2013 settlement, making a total of approximately $40 million for Russell's three years of service.

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Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 9

Player Notes
Bucky Irving Nov 1 1:40pm ET
Bucky Irving

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving (toe) was not seen at Friday's practice according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. Irving was also sidelined during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should monitor his status during Saturday's practice as he may carry an injury designation into Monday's tilt against the Kansas City Chiefs. The rookie running back has been dealing with this lingering injury for the past few weeks but has yet to miss any time due to it. If Irving is able to play he should be expected to split time with Rachaad White facing a tough Kansas City defense who has allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

David Njoku Nov 1 1:30pm ET
David Njoku

Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) was seen at Friday's practice according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Njoku popped up on the injury report on Thursday with an ankle injury. This is a great sign to see the tight end back at practice which suggests the injury was minor. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's injury report in case the 28-year-old will carry an injury designation into the weekend. Njoku is coming off the best game of his season as he brought in five passes for 61 yards and a score. If Njoku is able to suit up, he should be viewed as a solid TE1 in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Adam Thielen Nov 1 1:20pm ET
Adam Thielen

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (hamstring) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Thielen logged two limited practice sessions on Wednesday and Thursday but was sidelined on Friday. The veteran wideout is now in danger of missing his sixth-straight contest. During the first three weeks of the season, Thielen caught at least two passes in each game and averaged 36.3 yards per game. While the 34-year-old remains sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker to lead the air attack.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Nov 1 1:10pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) will be listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Higgins was sidelined last week due to the same injury and been unable to participate during the week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status but the 25-year-old will face an uphill battle to suit up on Sunday. If he misses his second-straight game, Ja'Marr Chase should see a heavy dose of work and be viewed as a high-end WR1. In addition, Andrei Iosivas would become a viable flex option in deeper formats as he should operate as the No.2 pass-catching option for Joe Burrow.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Nov 1 1:10pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers rookie running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) is not expected to play despite being listed as questionable according to David Newton of ESPN. Head coach Dave Canales noted that the rookie running back is progressing well but is not expected to play this weekend. Brooks was able to participate in full during all of the practices this week which is a great sign for his availability heading into Week 10. The Panthers are opting to exercise caution with their former second-round pick who suffered a torn ACL last November. Brooks remains a high-end stash candidate. Chuba Hubbard should be given another heavy dose of work this weekend and is a viable RB2 in all formats.

From RotoBaller

Tyreek Hill Nov 1 1:00pm ET
Tyreek Hill

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (foot) is expected to play on Sunday according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Hill was dealing with this foot injury last week but was able to suit up for the weekend's contest. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the weekend but should plan on inserting the star wideout in their lineup. Last weekend, Hill brought in 72 yards, his second-highest total since the season-opener. The 30-year-old should be locked into all lineups as a high-end WR1 going forward with Tua Tagovailoa back at the helm.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Nov 1 12:50pm ET
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receivers Amari Cooper (wrist) and Curtis Samuel (pectoral) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game according to Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News. Both wideouts were limited participants on Wednesday and Thursday and will now carry an injury designation into the weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status. Cooper took a step back last weekend after catching four passes for 66 yards and a score in his Buffalo debut in Week 7. Samuel has been given minimal opportunities in this passing attack so far. If either wide receiver is unable to suit up, fantasy managers should expect Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid to see an uptick in targets.

From RotoBaller

Lamar Jackson Nov 1 12:40pm ET
Lamar Jackson

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (back/knee) was seen at Friday's practice according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. This is a great sign for the 27-year-old who has yet to practice this week due to back and knee injuries. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report as the superstar quarterback may carry an injury designation in the weekend if he is unable to log a full practice. Jackson has been one of the most productive fantasy QBs once again this season as he has averaged a stellar 29.4 PPR points per game with 19 total scores through eight weeks. If Jackson is unable to play on Sunday, Josh Johnson would get the starting nod against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Drake Maye Nov 1 12:40pm ET
Drake Maye

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye (concussion) remains in concussion protocol but has not been ruled out for Sunday's game according to Jonathan Jones of CBS. Maye suffered a concussion in their victory over the New York Jets last weekend. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the 22-year-old's status as he could clear the league's protocol in time for Sunday. In his first two professional starts, Maye eclipsed 200 passing yards in each of them with five total scores. Maye should be viewed as a solid QB2 in all formats if he is able to face the Tennessee Titans. If not, veteran Jacoby Brissett would get the starting nod.

From RotoBaller

Travis Etienne Nov 1 12:30pm ET
Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) is considered a game-time decision for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles according to Mia O'Brien of 92.5 FM. Etienne has been sidelined over the past two weeks with a hamstring injury and has been able to participate in practice in a limited fashion this week. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress over the weekend as the Clemson product could be in danger of missing his third-straight contest. If the 25-year-old sits out over the weekend, Tank Bigsby should be in store for another heavy workload. Bigsby has found the end zone twice over the past two weeks and averaged 98.0 rushing yards per game in this span.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 1 12:20pm ET
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) are both considered game-time decisions for Sunday's tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles according to Mia O'Brien of 92.5 FM. Thomas was initially expected to miss at least two weeks of action but has been able to practice this week in a limited capacity which is a promising sign. Head coach Doug Pederson expressed that, "He's not going to be 100%, but no one is at this time... we also don't want any set backs" when referring to his rookie wideout. Davis has also participated in practice this week in a limited capacity. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status over the weekend. If one of the wideouts has to sit out, Parker Washington could be worth as a deep league flex option as he should be pushed up the depth chart.

From RotoBaller

Tee Higgins Nov 1 12:10pm ET
Tee Higgins

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (quadriceps) remained sidelined during Friday's practice according to Ben Baby of ESPN. Higgins has been unable to take the practice field all week and is now in danger of missing his second straight game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor him throughout the weekend as the Clemson product will likely carry an injury designation. If Higgins misses this weekend's game against the Las Vegas Raiders, fantasy managers should expect Ja'Marr Chase to see a heavy dose of work with Andrei Iosivas and Trenton Irwin serving as the No.2 and No.3 options.

From RotoBaller

Tyrone Tracy Jr. Nov 1 12:10pm ET
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

New York Giants rookie running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion) continues to progress well and barring a setback, is expected to be available for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders according to Pat Leonard of NYDN Sports. This is a great sign for the rookie running back who suffered a concussion during last Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it looks like the Purdue product should be able to progress through the league's protocol and not miss any time. Since Week 5, Tracy has emerged as the top option out of the New York backfield and has averaged an impressive 86.8 rushing yards per game in this span. If he can suit up, the 24-year-old should be viewed as a solid RB2 facing the Commanders who have allowed the 19th-most PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Rodgers Nov 1 11:13am ET
Aaron Rodgers

Dynasty | Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers completed 22-of-32 passes for 211 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Rodgers had stated earlier this week that he was in the darkness, but apparently emerged on Thursday night in what was undoubtedly a must-win for the now 3-6 Jets. Rodgers looked like his old self at times and while he can't scramble the way he used to, he can still throw the ball accurately when he has time. His dynasty slide is likely to continue as he's still not better than a QB2 at the moment. Still, this was a step in the right direction.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Davante Adams Nov 1 11:13am ET
Davante Adams

Dynasty | Jets receiver Davante Adams had seven catches for 91 yards and a touchdown in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: Adams started out his Jets career slowly, but led the team with 11 targets on the night and posted some big catches, including a late touchdown that sealed the game. Adams isn't the player he once was, but he could still provide low-end WR1 value the rest of the way if he builds on this performance. Adams remains a good dynasty buy for contending teams moving forward.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Davante Adams Nov 1 11:13am ET
Davante Adams

Dynasty | Jets receiver Garrett Wilson had nine catches for 90 yards and two touchdowns in a win against Houston. Dynasty Analysis: The addition of Davante Adams hasn't affected Wilson much thus far and he had two spectacular touchdown catches on the night. While there are going to be some ups and downs this year with the Jets, Wilson has been a constant contributor. For dynasty managers hoping to buy low after the Adams deal, that window slammed shut after this week's performance.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Sauce Gardner Nov 1 10:30am ET
Sauce Gardner

New York Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner (foot) seemingly injured his foot on Thursday night during the fourth quarter of their contest against the Houston Texans. The star defensive back was able to come back into the game, but Ian Rapoport says that his status is worth monitoring especially if the team decides to do some tests on Friday. There hasn't been any official word of an injury that will cause him to miss some time just yet.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aubrey Nov 1 10:10am ET
Brandon Aubrey

Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey is currently the K4 on the season. He has only missed two field goals, made all of his extra points, and has the longest kick of the season at 65 yards. He's also made the second-most 50+ yarders behind Ka'imi Fairbairn. In Week 9, he'll go up against the Atlanta Falcons who have given up the most fantasy points to kickers this season. On average, opposing kickers are scoring 12.3 fantasy points per game against the Falcons, and with the Cowboys' offense not able to score as many touchdowns as expected, he should be quite busy this week.

From RotoBaller

Jake Ferguson Nov 1 10:00am ET
Jake Ferguson

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson hasn't been able to produce a big outing over the last couple of weeks. Week 8 was the first time he received a target share of more than 20% and failed to finish in TE1 territory. He even had the highest snap percentage of the season in that game, but went up against a solid defensive unit in the San Francisco 49ers. Now, they'll take on the Atlanta Falcons who have given up their fair share of fantasy points to tight ends (10.8 per game for half-PPR). Fantasy managers can look to Ferguson to bounce back in this one.

From RotoBaller

Robert Woods Nov 1 9:40am ET
Robert Woods

Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods was expected to be a bigger part of the offense in the Thursday night game against the New York Jets. During the 21-13 loss, he saw three targets and caught two of them for 44 yards. The Jets' defense shut down the passing game as they only put up 135 yards through the air compared to 187 on the ground. C.J. Stroud was also sacked eight times, so Woods didn't have much of a chance to get open. The Texans will get some extra rest heading into their Week 10 matchup against another good defense in the Detroit Lions.

From RotoBaller