Sunday News Drop

Fantasy’s biggest stories of the week … in two minutes or less.

Cardinals backfield turns messy before Sunday

Big news out of Arizona… the Cardinals are going full “hot hand” approach against the Titans. Jeremy Fowler says Emari Demercado will likely handle passing downs while Michael Carter and Bam Knight battle for early-down and goal-line work. Translation: this is a full-blown committee. For fantasy managers, it’s one of those backfields to stay far away from unless you’re desperate. Nobody has a clear, bankable role.

Brock Bowers likely out for Week 5

Sounds like the second-year tight end won’t go against the Colts. With Michael Mayer already ruled out, Ian Thomas could see a rare opportunity, and the team even elevated Albert Okwuegbunam. If you’re scrambling for a streamer, Thomas might actually be worth a flyer… the Raiders will probably be throwing plenty.

Taysom Hill expected to play vs Giants

Nick Underhill reports Hill will suit up and “have a role,” though what that means exactly is anyone’s guess. Juwan Johnson’s banged up and Foster Moreau still isn’t activated, so we might see Hill in a hybrid QB/TE role again. For fantasy, he’s always boom-or-bust, but if you’re chasing upside, he’s in play this week.

Eagles WRs frustrated with usage

According to Dianna Russini, both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are unhappy with their roles. Brown made his frustrations obvious after a seven-yard performance, while Smith’s been quieter but even less involved. The Eagles are undefeated, though, and face a tough Broncos secondary next, so a volume spike doesn’t look imminent. Fantasy-wise, it’s a “hold and hope” situation.

Calvin Austin could miss time after shoulder injury

Scary situation for the Steelers’ wideout… he was actually hospitalized, though X-rays came back clean. The team’s calling him “week-to-week,” and with a bye this week, his absence could stretch into multiple games. Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, and Ben Skowronek are next up for snaps, but none are fantasy priorities unless you’re deep in a pinch

Jayden Daniels Cleared to Play

In Washington, Jayden Daniels is officially good to go. He sat last week to get healthier, and he’ll be out there against the Chargers with a brace on his knee. Maybe that lowers his rushing just a bit, but he’s still locked in as a top fantasy QB1. This game projects to be a shootout, so he’s right back in lineups.

Adonai Mitchell Performance Issues

In Indy, Shane Steichen wouldn’t commit to Adonai Mitchell playing this week after some costly mistakes in Week 4. The wrinkle is Alec Pierce has already been ruled out, so Mitchell probably has to dress. The problem? He might only see the field in an emergency role behind Ashton Dulin, which makes him risky to trust in fantasy.

No Indication Mixon Will Return in 2025

On the running back front… bad news for Joe Mixon truthers. The latest report says nobody expects him back this season with that ankle/foot injury. That clears the way for Woody Marks to fully take over the Bengals’ backfield. If you were holding out hope for Mixon’s return, you can probably move on.

George Kittle a Long Shot to Play Before Week 7

And in San Francisco, Kyle Shanahan called George Kittle a “long shot” to have his practice window open before Week 6. Week 7 is the more realistic return date. When he’s back, he’s an automatic TE1, but for now, fantasy managers just have to hold and wait.

So keep your eye on the news as we head into NFL Sunday… as promised, in 2 minutes or less.

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See you tomorrow,

-Joe