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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

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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Bender's DFS Pickem Plays: Week 7

Player Notes
Tyler Huntley Oct 20 3:40pm ET
Tyler Huntley

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Indianapolis Colts and is officially questionable to return. Miami continues to have quarterback issues with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve, Skylar Thompson (ribs) inactive, and now Huntley sidelined, too. At the time of his departure, Huntley had completed seven of 13 passes for 87 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. He also had 20 rushing yards on five attempts. Tim Boyle has entered the game and will quarterback the Dolphins' offense until Huntley is able to return.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Huntley Oct 20 3:40pm ET
Tyler Huntley

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tyler Huntley (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. He exited in the second half and was initially listed as questionable to return before being downgraded to out. Miami continues to have quarterback issues with Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) on injured reserve, Skylar Thompson (ribs) inactive, and Huntley ruled out. At the time of his departure, Huntley had completed seven of 13 passes for 87 yards, one touchdown, and zero turnovers. He also had 20 rushing yards on five attempts. Tim Boyle has entered the game and will quarterback the Dolphins' offense for the remainder of Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 20 3:30pm ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of this weekend. The 25-year-old has been quite productive in the Commanders' up-and-coming offense, posting 393 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns through five games so far this year. He'll rank as a low-end RB1 for fantasy football in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Quay Walker Oct 20 3:30pm ET
Quay Walker

Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker (concussion) exited Sunday's game to be evaluated for a concussion and was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. At the time of his departure, he had registered one tackle, bringing his season total to 52. Ty'Ron Hopper should handle more defensive snaps for the duration of Walker's absence.

From RotoBaller

Grant Stuard Oct 20 3:30pm ET
Grant Stuard

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jaylon Carlies (ankle) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins. He had initially been evaluated for a calf issue, but after additional testing, it was determined that he had an ankle injury and would not be able to return. Carlies had been quite productive prior to his departure, tallying five tackles and bringing his season total to 21. The rookie also registered his first career sack. Grant Stuard should see more defensive snaps with Carlies done for the day.

From RotoBaller

Clyde Edwards-Helaire Oct 20 3:20pm ET
Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (coach's decision) is inactive for Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. He was activated from the non-football injury list several days ago and did not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game, which means he's a healthy scratch this week. This shouldn't be a major surprise given that he's buried behind Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, and Carson Steele on the depth chart. Edwards-Helaire can be left on waivers in most fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

JuJu Smith-Schuster Oct 20 3:20pm ET
JuJu Smith-Schuster

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (hamstring) is officially active for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of kickoff. The veteran receiver is coming off an impressive seven-catch, 130-yard performance prior to the Chiefs' Week 6 bye. So far, he has shown that he's capable of handling increased opportunities with Rashee Rice (knee) sidelined. Smith-Schuster, Travis Kelce, and Xavier Worthy figure to lead the Chiefs' pass-catching attack on Sunday afternoon. Smith-Schuster is a viable WR3 in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Ricky Pearsall Oct 20 3:20pm ET
Ricky Pearsall

San Francisco 49ers rookie first-round wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (chest) is active for Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. He had been listed as questionable but was expected to play after being activated from the non-football injury list. The rookie pass-catcher, who will make his NFL debut on Sunday, was sidelined for the first six weeks after being shot during an armed robbery attempt. He'll presumably operate as the 49ers' No. 3 receiver behind Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel this week.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 20 3:10pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals after suffering a serious-looking, non-contact injury during the second quarter. He was having one of his best games of the year at the time of his departure, completing 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards. He also took two sacks. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Browns fear Watson tore his Achilles, which would end his season. Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaced Watson late in the first half, and he will presumably remain Cleveland's starting quarterback going forward. Jameis Winston, who is inactive as the Browns' emergency third quarterback this week, could also compete for playing time going forward.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Oct 20 3:10pm ET
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders. He had cleared concussion protocol a few days ago but was still questionable for Week 7 with a back issue. Ultimately, he'll have to wait at least one more week before returning to the lineup. Ja'Tavion Sanders and Ian Thomas should operate as Carolina's primary tight ends this Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 20 3:00pm ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ribs, hamstring, ankle) is officially active for Week 7 against the Washington Commanders. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction ahead of this weekend. Johnson figures to operate as the Panthers' top receiver and could thrive with a favorable matchup and a negative game script. He has played quite well with Andy Dalton under center and will continue to rank as a mid-to-low fantasy WR2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Curtis Samuel Oct 20 3:00pm ET
Curtis Samuel

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Curtis Samuel (shoulder) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans. He had initially been listed as questionable before being downgraded. The veteran pass-catcher finishes Week 7 with one target and zero receptions. Even if he's able to get healthy in time for Week 8, he'll remain off the fantasy radar in his role behind Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir, and even Keon Coleman.

From RotoBaller

Jakobi Meyers Oct 20 3:00pm ET
Jakobi Meyers

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as doubtful entering the weekend, so this update is not much of a surprise. The 27-year-old will miss his second consecutive game after starting the season with 25 catches, 273 yards, and one touchdown over the first five weeks. With Meyers sidelined and Davante Adams traded to the New York Jets, Tre Tucker and DJ Turner should handle additional opportunities in the passing game.

From RotoBaller

Zamir White Oct 20 2:50pm ET
Zamir White

Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (groin) is officially active for Week 7 against the Los Angeles Rams. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. White will presumably operate in tandem with Alexander Mattison, who has played well so far this season. Mattison has more fantasy appeal than White given the former's productivity around the goal line and in pass-catching situations.

From RotoBaller

Deshaun Watson Oct 20 2:50pm ET
Deshaun Watson

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (leg) exited during the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals after suffering a serious-looking, non-contact injury. He was having one of his best games of the year at the time of his departure, completing 15 of 17 passes for 128 yards. He also took two sacks. Based on footage from the CBS broadcast and analysis from Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot, Watson might have suffered an Achilles tear. Still, he'll have to undergo additional testing before the Browns confirm any sort of diagnosis. In the event that his season is over, Dorian Thompson-Robinson would presumably step up as the Browns' starting quarterback, with Jameis Winston also a candidate to earn playing time.

From RotoBaller

Cooper Kupp Oct 20 2:50pm ET
Cooper Kupp

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) is officially inactive for Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the wrong direction ahead of kickoff. The star pass-catcher has been sidelined since injuring his ankle in the middle of Week 2. He dominated during the season opener, catching 14 of 21 targets for 110 yards and one touchdown. As soon as he's healthy enough to play, he'll rank as a WR1 while catching passes from Matthew Stafford. In the meantime, Jordan Whittington and Tutu Atwell will step up as Los Angeles' top two wide receivers. Colby Parkinson and Demarcus Robinson will also remain heavily involved.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 20 2:30pm ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) has returned to Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. He had briefly exited the game and was listed as questionable, but he didn't spend much time on the sideline before returning to the contest. He'll continue to operate in tandem with Jahmyr Gibbs for the remainder of Week 7.

From RotoBaller

David Montgomery Oct 20 2:00pm ET
David Montgomery

Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's divisional clash with the Minnesota Vikings. The veteran didn't have much time to get involved before suffering a knee injury, so he'll finish with three yards off two carries, adding two catches for 25 yards if he doesn't return. But considering he couldn't put weight on his leg and needed assistance off the field, fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he's ruled out. Of course, Jahmyr Gibbs will pick up most of the slack, although Craig Reynolds will presumably get the residual touches.

From RotoBaller

Justin Simmons Oct 20 12:30pm ET
Justin Simmons

Atlanta Falcons safety Justin Simmons (hamstring) is officially active for the Week 7 game on Sunday against the visiting Seattle Seahawks. Simmons didn't practice on Wednesday but was limited on Thursday and Friday before picking up a questionable tag on the final injury report. The 30-year-old won't end up missing a game after suffering a hamstring injury in the Week 6 win over the division-rival Carolina Panthers. It's good news for the Falcons defense as they take on a talented group of Seahawks receivers this weekend. Simmons will start at strong safety for Atlanta. In his first year with the team in six games played, the two-time Pro Bowler has 23 tackles (10 solo), one interception and two pass breakups. Against a potent Seahawks offense, fantasy managers should be fading Atlanta's defense/special teams unit in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

Ja'Lynn Polk Oct 20 12:30pm ET
Ja'Lynn Polk

New England Patriots wide receiver Ja'Lynn Polk (head) exited during the second half of Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was officially listed as questionable but ultimately did not return to the contest. He finished Week 7 with zero catches on three targets. He continues to be plagued by drops and also fell down while being targeted on a two-point conversion attempt on Sunday. The Patriots are struggling to stay healthy on the offensive side of the ball with Polk off the field and Demario Douglas (illness) playing a reduced role. Douglas should be good to go for Week 8 against the New York Jets, but Polk is less of a sure thing. He'll presumably be evaluated for a potential concussion and closely monitored ahead of next week's contest. For the time being, Polk is off the fantasy radar.

From RotoBaller