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FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

Former NFL WR Jacoby Jones dies at 40

Sun Jul 14 11:41am ET
Field Level Media

Former NFL wide receiver and special teams player Jacoby Jones has died at the age of 40, multiple media outlets reported Sunday morning.

No cause of death was revealed.

Jones is best known for catching the "Mile High Miracle" on Jan. 12, 2013, as well as recording two touchdowns in the Ravens' 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII on Feb. 3, 2013.

With his team facing a third-and-30, Jones reeled in a game-tying 70-yard touchdown pass from Joe Flacco with 31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter of Baltimore's AFC Divisional playoff game against the host Denver Broncos. Justin Tucker kicked a 47-yard field goal in the second overtime to fuel the Ravens to a 38-35 victory.

Three weeks later, Jones had a 56-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter and added a 108-yard kickoff return to begin the third versus the 49ers. The latter stands as the longest return in postseason history.

An All-Pro returner and Pro Bowl selection in 2012, Jones had 203 catches for 2,733 yards and 14 touchdowns in 128 career games (33 starts) with the Houston Texans (2007-11), Ravens (2012-14), Pittsburgh Steelers (2015) and then-San Diego Chargers (2015).

More recently, Jones served as the receivers coach at Alabama State the past two seasons.

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Hot Plays, Fades and Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Rashid Shaheed Oct 17 4:50pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) will miss the remainder of the 2024 season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Shaheed was placed on the injured reserve earlier on Thursday but now faces a four-to-six-month recovery, which will keep him out for the remainder of the season. This is a significant loss for the New Orleans passing attack, as Shaheed was enjoying a breakout campaign. Across the first six weeks, Shaheed eclipsed 15.0 PPR points four times and averaged 58.2 yards per game. Fantasy managers should expect Chris Olave to be the top option once he returns from his concussion. On Thursday evening against the Denver Broncos, Bub Means and Mason Tipton will likely operate as the top two pass catchers.

From RotoBaller

Russell Wilson Oct 17 4:50pm ET
Russell Wilson

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson expressed that he will return to the field this weekend against the New York Jets. The veteran quarterback told Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, "It's the first game of the year for me. But I've been fortunate to be in a lot of first games. So the confidence is there, obviously." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor who is taking first-team reps during practice, but this suggests that Wilson has claimed the top spot on the depth chart over Justin Fields and will return to the field for the first time this season. Wilson faces a tough task in his season debut as the Jets have allowed the second-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks this season. Last season, Wilson threw for a career-low 3,070 passing yards with 26 scores.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 17 4:40pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) returned to practice, according to Dane Mizutani of the Pioneer Press. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the injury report later Thursday afternoon as it should provide clarity on Jones' level of participation during the session. Nonetheless, seeing him back on the field after not participating on Wednesday is a good sign. The Vikings were off last week, which gave Jones additional time to recover after sustaining an injury in their Week 5 victory over the New York Jets. If Jones can suit up, he should be locked into all lineups as a solid RB2. If not, Ty Chandler and Cam Akers should split the opportunities, and both could be low-end flex options facing a tough Detroit defense.

From RotoBaller

Dalton Kincaid Oct 17 4:30pm ET
Dalton Kincaid

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (collarbone) remained a limited participant during Thursday's practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it will likely clarify his status heading into the weekend. The 24-year-old enjoyed his best outing of the campaign last week as he caught a season-high six passes for 51 yards en route to defeating the New York Jets. If Kincaid were to miss Sunday's game, fantasy managers should expect wideouts Khalil Shakir and newly acquired Amari Cooper to see increased opportunities. In addition, No. 2 tight end Dawson Knox will likely see more snaps. If Kincaid can play, he should be locked into all lineups as a low-end TE1.

From RotoBaller

James Cook Oct 17 4:20pm ET
James Cook

Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (toe) was a full participant during Thursday's practice session, according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. This is a great sign for the 25-year-old, who was sidelined during Week 6 and limited during Wednesday's practice. Fantasy managers should monitor his status on Friday's injury report, but seeing him return to full participation on Thursday suggests he should be ready to return to action this weekend. No.2 running back Ray Davis (calf) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice, which could set Cook up for increased opportunities on Sunday if he cannot play against the Tennessee Titans.

From RotoBaller

Rashid Shaheed Oct 17 4:20pm ET
Rashid Shaheed

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) was placed on the injured reserve on Thursday, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Shaheed is set to undergo meniscus surgery and will now have to miss at least the next four games. However, given the potential extended recovery period due to the operation, the 26-year-old could be sidelined for a longer period. Fantasy managers should continue monitoring his progression, as he would be eligible to return during Week 11. Shaheed enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign, scoring at least 15.0 PPR points in four of the six games he played. With Shaheed and Chris Olave (concussion) ruled out on Thursday evening, rookie Bub Means will likely lead the New Orleans passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Ray Davis Oct 17 4:10pm ET
Ray Davis

Buffalo Bills rookie running back Ray Davis (calf) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This was surprising as the Kentucky product did not face any limitations during Wednesday's initial practice session. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's report as it should clarify his status heading into the weekend. Last week, with James Cook (toe) sitting out, Davis took the lead role in the backfield and performed very well, totaling 97 yards on the ground with an additional 55 through the air. If Davis remains sidelined, Cook should be expected to play the top role. If Davis can suit up, both may limit each other's opportunities.

From RotoBaller

Tucker Kraft Oct 17 3:40pm ET
Tucker Kraft

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (groin) was listed as a limited practice participant for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Kraft dealt with a groin injury during practice last week but managed to suit up for the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals while playing 81% of the offensive snaps. The 23-year-old disappointed fantasy managers looking for a second straight big performance, as he caught just two of his four targets for a season-low 13 yards. Kraft scored three total touchdowns the previous two games, but this is a reminder that he's a volatile low-end TE1 for fantasy managers in an offense with a lot of mouths to feed through the air as long as Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are all healthy. Barring a setback, Kraft should be active this Sunday against the Houston Texans.

From RotoBaller

Christian Watson Oct 17 3:30pm ET
Christian Watson

Green Bay Packers wide receivers Jayden Reed (ankle), Christian Watson (ankle) and Dontayvion Wicks (shoulder) were all limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Reed and Wicks suffered injuries in the Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals, while Watson returned last Sunday after missing one game due to an ankle sprain. The fact that all three are practicing this week is a good sign that they'll be available this weekend against the Houston Texans. Of the trio of wideouts, Reed is the best fantasy option and enters Week 7 action as the WR3 in half-PPR scoring with 27 catches for 442 yards and three TDs while adding 110 rushing yards and an additional score. Assuming all three play against Houston, Reed will be a must-start in fantasy, while Watson and Wicks are more of boom/bust WR4/flex options.

From RotoBaller

Jadeveon Clowney Oct 17 3:13pm ET
Jadeveon Clowney

Carolina Panthers LB Claudin Cherelus (hamstring), LB Josey Jewell (hamstring, groin), WR Diontae Johnson (ankle), OT Taylor Moton (elbow), LB Jon Rhattigan (knee, illness), DE A'Shawn Robinson (knee), RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) and LB Jadeveon Clowney (shoulder) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 17. WR David Moore (knee), DE LaBryan Ray (ankle, knee), S Nick Scott (hamstring), OT Ikem Ekwonu (elbow), LB Marquis Haynes (back) and TE Ian Thomas (hip) were limited. CB Troy Hill (rest), RB Chuba Hubbard (rest), C Andrew Raym (concussion), TE Tommy Tremble (concussion), CB Dane Jackson (hamstring), DT Jaden Crumedy (ankle), S Sam Franklin (foot) and OT Yosh Nijman (knee) practiced in full.

From TheHuddle

Najee Harris Oct 17 3:10pm ET
Najee Harris

After missing the first practice session of the week on Wednesday, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (ribs) looked fine in his return to practice on Thursday due to a rib issue. With Harris returning to practice on Thursday, he should be on track to suit up for Sunday night's showdown against the visiting New York Jets. The 26-year-old has had more of the backfield to himself this year with Jaylen Warren missing a few games with a knee injury, although mobile quarterback Justin Fields has taken away valuable red-zone opportunities on the ground. The expected move to Russell Wilson under center this weekend should be a good thing for Harris' fantasy upside, although the Steelers could mix in Fields in packages as a runner. Until we have a better read on the situation, treat Harris as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3/flex against the Jets.

From RotoBaller

Rhamondre Stevenson Oct 17 3:00pm ET
Rhamondre Stevenson

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) is not practicing on Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with a foot injury. His lack of practice early in the week suggests he could be trending toward missing the Week 7 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. He sat out last week's showdown against the Houston Texans. Backup Antonio Gibson could draw another start, and despite his lack of success against Houston in Week 6, he will have a favorable matchup against the Jaguars defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to RBs.

From RotoBaller

Jonathon Brooks Oct 17 3:00pm ET
Jonathon Brooks

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) did not practice on Thursday following his limited practice session on Wednesday. The rookie out of Texas had his practice window opened this week, but the belief is he will not make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Washington Commanders. Brooks is coming off a torn ACL, and with the Panthers sitting a 1-5 through Week 6, there's no reason to rush him into action. Additionally, Chuba Hubbard has been excellent in the RB1 role, so the team isn't in dire need of running back production. Fantasy managers should follow his status through the rest of the week, but a Week 8 or Week 9 return seems more realistic for the first RB taken in the 2024 NFL Draft.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Oct 17 2:40pm ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is back at practice on Thursday after logging a limited session on Wednesday with a knee injury. He missed the Week 6 game against the Baltimore Ravens. The third-year back out of Alabama has been excellent to start the season, scoring at least 13.8 half-PPR fantasy points in four of his five games. If Robinson does not suffer a setback, he could be in a smash spot against the Carolina Panthers, who have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to running backs. If he's out, Austin Ekeler has RB1 upside. However, Ekeler could be worth a flex spot even if Robinson returns. Fantasy managers with Robinson or Ekeler should monitor Robinson's status on Friday heading into Week 7 start-or-sit calls.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Oct 17 2:30pm ET
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (concussion) is practicing without a non-contact jersey on Thursday, suggesting he is logging a full practice. The second-year ball carrier out of Texas A&M practiced in full on Wednesday, so all signs are pointing toward him being available in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. Achane has not scored more than 7.3 half-PPR fantasy points in any of the three games without Tua Tagovailoa (concussion), and he exited the Week 5 game against the New England Patriots with a concussion. However, the Colts rank 31st in rushing yards allowed per game (155.2), so Achane can be slotted in as an RB2 or RB3 in fantasy for Week 7. That said, his ceiling and floor are limited until Tagovailoa comes back.

From RotoBaller

Rachaad White Oct 17 2:20pm ET
Rachaad White

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running backs Rachaad White (foot), Bucky Irving, and Sean Tucker could be set to work in a pure three-man committee, which will make fantasy football start-or-sit decisions tough for the three talented backs. Head coach Todd Bowles said the team will go with the "hot hand" approach on Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens. Needless to say, this is a tricky situation to navigate, but it sounds like White is trending toward playing in Week 7 after missing Week 6 with a foot injury. While all three backs have had their moments this year, the Ravens have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to RBs, meaning each ball carrier should be downgraded in the rankings this week. Their usage should be closely monitored on Monday Night Football.

From RotoBaller

Diontae Johnson Oct 17 2:20pm ET
Diontae Johnson

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (ankle) is not practicing on Thursday due to an ankle injury. The 28-year-old also missed Wednesday's practice, so his status could legitimately be in doubt for the Week 7 game against the Washington Commanders. Johnson has also been in the middle of trade rumors, so his situation is worth monitoring. The former Pittsburgh Steeler got out to a slow start in his Carolina career, but he has been excellent since Andy Dalton took over the starting quarterback duties from Bryce Young. Johnson has scored at least 19.8 PPR fantasy points in three of his four games with Dalton under center, and the Commanders have allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wideouts. That said, Johnson is a must-start if active. If he's not, rookie Xavier Legette has at least WR3 upside in the favorable matchup.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 17 2:10pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (leg) is not practicing on Thursday to begin Week 7 preparation. The team faces the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Night Football, so Evans' status will be worth monitoring ahead of a potential late-week start-or-sit decision. As he often is, Evans has been up and down this season. Overall, the 31-year-old has hauled in 25 of his 42 targets for 310 yards and five touchdowns. However, he has three games of under 45 yards. The Ravens have allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this year, so he could be in for a big spike week if he plays. If not, Chris Godwin has legitimate WR1 overall upside, while Jalen McMillan and tight end Cade Otton could become viable options at flex and TE.

From RotoBaller

Jonathan Taylor Oct 17 2:00pm ET
Jonathan Taylor

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle) was not seen on the field at Thursday's practice and has not practiced or played since suffering a right high-ankle sprain in Week 4. Taylor said that he was unsure if he would practice at all again this week, making it more likely that he'll miss a third straight contest in Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins. He still has one more day on Friday to return to practice, but as of right now, fantasy managers shouldn't be confident in Taylor suiting up on Sunday. The good news for the Colts is that Trey Sermon (knee), who has been the lead back the last two games with Taylor out, returned to practice after being a DNP on Wednesday. If Taylor misses another contest, the Colts give Tyler Goodson a bigger share of the backfield touches if Sermon ends up playing.

From RotoBaller

Mike Evans Oct 17 1:43pm ET
Mike Evans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (leg) did not practice on Thursday, Oct. 17, due to a leg injury, according to head coach Todd Bowles.

Fantasy Spin: Bowles also noted that Evans recently "tweaked" something in his leg that had been "nagging." For what it is worth, Bowles told reporters that Evans is expected back at practice later in the week. Evans' availability takes on added importance because the Buccaneers host the Baltimore Ravens in one of the two Monday night games this week. Evans has rarely missed games throughout his career, so he will likely be good to go for Week 7. In the off-chance he cannot play, Jalen McMillan would likely step into a much larger role.

From TheHuddle