Guest of the League
Fantasy Draft
FFL: Week 7 | NFL: Week 7

49ers’ Mac Jones to start again as Brock Purdy, Ricky Pearsall ruled out vs. Falcons

Fri Oct 17 7:22pm ET
Field Level Media

The San Francisco 49ers will again turn to backup quarterback Mac Jones with starter Brock Purdy out for Sunday's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons, head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday.

Purdy continues to recover from a lingering toe injury that he aggravated in Week 4. Jones, who has gone 2-2 as a starter this season, will make his fifth consecutive start after returning to full practice participation late in the week.

Meanwhile, Ricky Pearsall will miss his third straight game with a sprained knee.

The 49ers received better news elsewhere on offense, with tight end George Kittle cleared to return from a hamstring injury that had kept him sidelined since Week 1. Shanahan said Kittle will have "no pitch count" in his return.

"George has rehabbed really well, came back 100 percent, had a good week of practice," Shanahan said.

Despite a rash of injuries to key players, including season-enders for defensive stars Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, San Francisco enters Week 7 with a 4-2 record and tied for first in the NFC West with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.

Shanahan said the team hopes to have Purdy back "soon" after he practiced each day this week.

"He was able to get out there, throw more," Shanahan said of Purdy on Friday. "Thought it was definitely a step further ahead than it was last week, so going in the right direction."

Top Headlines
The Paur Report

Starts, Sits, Sleepers: Week 7

Player Notes
Travis Kelce Oct 17 10:30pm CT
Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce will face the Las Vegas Raiders at home in Week 7. Kelce caught six passes for 78 yards as he led the Chiefs pass catchers against the Detroit Lions in Week 6. The veteran tight end has strung together back-to-back good games, but that solid production could be coming to an end. Rashee Rice is set to return from suspension in Week 7, which could negatively impact Kelce's offensive contributions. Rice had an outstanding start to the 2024 season, averaging over 20 PPR points per game, but Kelce was not effective during that span. At the beginning of the 2024 season, the Chiefs tight end had eight catches for 69 yards through three games. Kelce and Rice win in the same areas of the field, and the latter is much more explosive at this point. It remains to be seen how the usage will be divided amongst the Chiefs pass catchers, so Kelce should still be a viable starter against Las Vegas this week. The Raiders have allowed the eighth-fewest points to opposing tight ends this season, but that does not mean it will be a bad matchup for Kelce. He can find success against the Raiders if Patrick Mahomes decides to feed him. Kelce is ranked TE8 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a solid TE1 this week.

From RotoBaller

George Kittle Oct 17 10:20pm CT
George Kittle

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (hamstring) was limited at practice on Wednesday and Thursday. However, he logged a full session on Friday and doesn't carry an injury designation heading into the Week 7 meeting with Atlanta. Kittle suffered a hamstring injury during the opener versus the Seattle Seahawks and has been on the shelf ever since. Fortunately, the 49ers will welcome him back, which is good news, considering the team will be without Brock Purdy (toe) and Ricky Pearsall (knee). With that in mind, Kittle should immediately be inserted back into all fantasy lineups in Week 7 despite a challenging matchup on the horizon, especially since he won't be on a snap count.

From RotoBaller

Chris Moore Oct 17 10:20pm CT
Chris Moore

Washington Commanders wide receiver Chris Moore has benefited from the absences of Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) and Noah Brown (groin), running the most routes of any Washington WR besides Deebo Samuel Sr. over the past few weeks. And Samuel's status for Sunday is uncertain as he continues to manage a heel injury. Moore made his first splash since being in Washington in Week 6 against Chicago, catching three of five targets for 46 yards and a touchdown on an athletic spinning catch. While Moore has run a decent number of routes lately, he hasn't been a target earner, recording just nine over the past three weeks. However, he has operated as Washington's preferred outside receiver and draws a matchup against a Dallas defense that has been torched this season, allowing the most PPR points per game. Moore is worth considering as a flex option in deeper leagues.

From RotoBaller

Luke McCaffrey Oct 17 10:10pm CT
Luke McCaffrey

Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey has scored in three of his last four games and is emerging as a much-needed playmaker in a banged-up Washington WR room. McCaffrey has only eight receptions on the season, but three of them have gone for touchdowns, and one went for 50 yards on an outstanding catch and beautiful deep ball from Jayden Daniels. McCaffrey's season high for route share was 43.5% back in Week 3, and he hasn't been higher than 40% since then. With Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) out for his fourth straight game and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) uncertain for Sunday, McCaffrey could see a bump in routes and targets in Week 7 against Dallas. It'd be an ideal spot for McCaffrey to get more run, as the Dallas defense has been abysmal against opposing wide receivers, allowing the most PPR points per game. McCaffrey would be a player to consider plugging in for Samuel if he is unable to go.

From RotoBaller

Jaylin Lane Oct 17 10:00pm CT
Jaylin Lane

With Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) ruled out for his fourth consecutive game and Deebo Samuel Sr.'s status up in the air, Washington Commanders rookie wide receiver Jaylin Lane could be in line for increased opportunities in Week 7 against Dallas. The rookie caught one of two targets for 37 yards in Week 6 against Chicago, beating Bears' cornerback Tyrique Stevenson on a beautiful double move for an explosive gain down the sideline. He was schemed up on an end-around last week as well, which went for seven yards. Lane has the speed to beat corners vertically and the dynamic ability to make plays with the ball in his hands on designed touches. The fourth-rounder out of Virginia Tech had only a 34.3% route share in Week 6, but that should be expected to tick up in Week 7. If Samuel is out, Lane will have plenty of opportunities to make plays against a Dallas defense that is allowing the most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. There's some flex appeal for Lane in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Christian McCaffrey Oct 17 10:00pm CT
Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey appears back on track after a forgettable 2024 campaign. While the 29-year-old is currently averaging a career-low 3.1 yards per carry, he has more than made up for it by catching 46 of his 60 targets for 444 yards and three touchdowns in the 49ers' first six contests. With Brock Purdy (toe) out once again, Mac Jones may continue to look in his direction in the Week 7 meeting with Atlanta. Although the Falcons defense has been formidable this season, that shouldn't deter managers from starting McCaffrey in any fantasy format, especially with this contest projected to be one of the highest-scoring games on the slate.

From RotoBaller

Mac Jones Oct 17 9:50pm CT
Mac Jones

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (knee, oblique) will be under center in the Week 7 matchup versus Atlanta. With Brock Purdy (toe) still working his way back, Jones will get a chance to make amends for his two-interception showing in the recent loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. To be fair, the 27-year-old has played well enough throughout the 2025 campaign, tossing for 1,252 yards, six touchdowns, and three picks while completing 67.3% of his attempts. Unfortunately, the 49ers will be without Ricky Pearsall (knee). However, Jones will still have Christian McCaffrey, Kendrick Bourne, and Jauan Jennings in his arsenal. George Kittle (hamstring) will also make his return after being sidelined since the Week 1 win over the Seattle Seahawks. All things considered, the signal-caller may not be the safest fantasy option in single-quarterback setups against an improved Falcons defense. Still, with Sunday's contest anticipated to be one of the highest-scoring games on the Week 7 schedule, Jones can realistically be utilized by those participating in Superflex formats.

From RotoBaller

Marquise Brown Oct 17 9:40pm CT
Marquise Brown

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Brown was listed on the injury report with an Achilles injury, but practiced fully all week and does not have an injury designation heading into the weekend. The 28-year-old didn't light the world on fire in Week 6, catching four passes for 45 yards, but he did manage to find the endzone twice in the matchup. It will be tougher sledding for Brown this week against the Raiders, but not due to the matchup. The Raiders have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, but Brown will have increased target competition with the return of Rashee Rice. Rice should immediately return to being the top target earner for Kansas City, leaving less volume for Brown. Brown is ranked WR46 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Oct 17 9:40pm CT
Deebo Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) is listed as questionable for Sunday against the Cowboys. Samuel was able to get some work in at practice on Friday, but there is uncertainty for his status for Week 7. He was noticeably impacted by the injury in Week 6 against the Bears and finished with only four catches (five targets) for 15 yards. Samuel described the injury as "aggravating for sure" and said, "we'll just have to see" regarding his status for Sunday. The 29-year-old has seen heavy usage over the past few weeks with WR Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) out, and he'll be expected to play a big role again Sunday if he can suit up. It's a dream matchup for Samuel against a Dallas defense that is allowing the most PPR points per game to opposing wide receivers. If Samuel is unable to go, rookie Jaylin Lane and second-year Luke McCaffrey could emerge as viable fantasy options in Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Xavier Worthy Oct 17 9:30pm CT
Xavier Worthy

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy will take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. Worthy caught two passes for 20 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Detroit Lions. The speedster was on the injury report with shoulder and ankle injuries this week, but practiced fully all week and is good to go for this week's matchup. Worthy has been the de facto WR1 for Kansas City since returning from his shoulder injury in Week 1, but it looks like he will have to relinquish that role against the Raiders. With fellow wide receiver Rashee Rice returning from suspension this week, Worthy may be less featured in the passing game. That said, Worthy and Rice win in different areas of the field, so it wouldn't be surprising to see the duo coexist. Rice's return takes pressure off and opens things up downfield for Worthy. The Raiders have also given up the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season, so both wideouts can find their share of success in this matchup. Worthy is ranked WR19 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a solid WR2 this week.

From RotoBaller

Cairo Santos Oct 17 9:00pm CT
Cairo Santos

Chicago Bears kicker Cairo Santos (thigh) has been ruled out for the upcoming Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints. Santos will officially miss his second straight game due to a lingering thigh issue. Jake Moody will handle the kicking duties in Chicago for at least one more week. Moody made four of his five field goal attempts, including a game-winner during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. Moody should offer streaming value for fantasy managers in need of a kicker for this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Chris Rodriguez Jr. Oct 17 9:00pm CT
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. played only one snap in Week 6 against the Bears after missing practice all week with a calf injury. Rodriguez is now off the injury report heading into Sunday and should be expected to play a bigger role. He did, however, drift back into a depth role in Week 5 against the Chargers. He played only four snaps in the first three quarters while rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt handled the bulk of the touches. All five of Rodriguez's carries in that game came in the fourth quarter when Washington was leading by two scores. Croskey-Merritt will likely lead the backfield again, leaving Rodriguez with only a handful of touches against a Dallas defense that has been repeatedly gashed by opposing running backs. He's safe to leave on waivers for Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Rashee Rice Oct 17 8:50pm CT
Rashee Rice

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice will take the field for the first time this season against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. The Chiefs receiver was injured to end last season and served his six-game suspension to begin this season, so Rice has not been active since Week 4 of 2024. That said, everyone in the Chiefs organization seems confident in his ability to be an impact player upon his arrival. Rice was averaging 21.6 PPR points per game to begin last season and had an explosive 12-catch, 110-yard performance the week before his injury. The 25-year-old is more than a year removed from the injury and should slot right back in as the team's top target. Rice will face the Raiders, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Rice is ranked WR8 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a strong WR1 in his first game this season.

From RotoBaller

Marquez Valdes-Scantling Oct 17 8:50pm CT
Marquez Valdes-Scantling

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling (calf) was placed on the injured reserve on Friday. He recently suffered a calf injury and will now miss the next four weeks because of it. Valdes-Scantling wasn't offering much value anyway with four receptions for 40 yards heading into Week 7. His absence will only mean less depth for the already significantly banged up 49ers offense. Demarcus Robinson could see more playing time now, but he hasn't done much with his time on the field this season. Valdes-Scantling won't be eligible to play in a game until November 16.

From RotoBaller

Brandon McManus Oct 17 8:40pm CT
Brandon McManus

Green Bay Packers kicker Brandon McManus (quad) is officially questionable for the Week 7 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. McManus is in danger of missing his second straight game due to a right quad injury. The veteran kicker hasn't practiced all week, which puts him in serious danger of missing another contest. Last week, Lucas Havrisik handled the kicking duties with McManus absent. He made both his field goal attempts and three extra point attempts in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals. It seems like the Packers are in good hands if McManus is unable to go.

From RotoBaller

Trevon Diggs Oct 17 8:30pm CT
Trevon Diggs

Dallas Cowboys defensive back Trevon Diggs (concussion) has been ruled out for the Week 7 matchup against the Washington Commanders. Diggs reportedly had an incident at his home on Thursday that has landed him in concussion protocol. There isn't much information outside of that, but his absence will certainly hurt this secondary. Luckily for Dallas, the Commanders could be without both their top wideouts in Terry McLaurin (quad) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (heel) for Sunday's game. Regardless, C.J. Goodwin will likely be asked to step up and play a big role without Diggs. There's a chance that Diggs returns for the Week 8 matchup against the Denver Broncos.

From RotoBaller

Trey Hendrickson Oct 17 8:30pm CT
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (hip) is optimistic that he'll be ready to play for the Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets. Hendrickson was pushing to play in Thursday's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals ultimately decided to give Hendrickson another week to recover. It sounds like the superstar pass rusher will play next week, but that'll be determined on his level of participation in practice this upcoming week. Fantasy managers will need to check back for more updates next week.

From RotoBaller

Arian Smith Oct 17 8:20pm CT
Arian Smith

New York Jets wide receiver Arian Smith is poised to see a workload uptick in Week 7 when his team takes on the visiting Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium. The 24-year-old rookie saw an increase in snap share last weekend with fellow wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) in and out of the game while battling a knee injury, and should benefit again if the latter is forced to miss more time. While Smith would fill in as the team's No. 2 option behind veteran Josh Reynolds in that case, he'll be difficult to trust as anything more than a dart throw regarding fantasy due to projected minimal volume. Even with Wilson at less than full health, the former Georgia Bulldog is a low-floor asset in a mercurial Jets offense. Smith is RotoBaller's PPR WR92 for his meeting with the Panthers.

From RotoBaller

Tyler Johnson Oct 17 8:20pm CT
Tyler Johnson

New York Jets wide receiver Tyler Johnson won't be on the fantasy radar for his team's home matchup in Week 7 with the Carolina Panthers. Johnson is set to rack up extra playing time this weekend, with teammate Garrett Wilson (knee) expected to miss the outing with a knee injury. Despite the increased involvement, Johnson can't be trusted by owners to supply viable fantasy production, as he's compiled just four receptions on seven targets (63 yards) across five appearances in the campaign. With Wilson on the mend, a majority of the vacated targets should go to fellow WR Josh Reynolds, while running back Breece Hall and rookie tight end Mason Taylor figure to absorb the rest. Outside of desperation, Johnson isn't in play, coming in as RotoBaller's PPR WR96 ahead of Week 7.

From RotoBaller

Daniel Carlson Oct 17 8:20pm CT
Daniel Carlson

Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson draws a challenging matchup in Week 7 versus the Kansas City Chiefs, making him a risky fantasy start. The Chiefs have allowed the eighth-fewest fantasy points to opposing kickers this season and continue to limit scoring opportunities with one of the league's stingiest defenses. Meanwhile, Geno Smith and the Raiders offense have struggled to sustain drives or finish in scoring position, further capping Carlson's upside. While the veteran remains a very accurate kicker, his lack of opportunity makes him tough to trust in fantasy lineups this week. Managers should consider streaming a kicker from a more favorable offensive environment until the Raiders show more consistency.

From RotoBaller