Sunday News Drop

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

Tyrod Taylor Ruled Out for Week 8

Big shift for the Jets this weekend. Tyrod Taylor’s been ruled out with a knee injury. He was trending toward starting over Justin Fields, but after limited practices all week, the team finally shut him down. That decision forces Fields back into the lineup against Cincinnati. For fantasy managers, Fields slides in as an upside QB2… especially in a week where six teams are on bye. Opportunity’s knocking?

Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Cleared to Play

Good news out of Washington. Both Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel are set to play against Kansas City.
McLaurin practiced fully for the first time since Week 2, while Samuel logged multiple full sessions as well. The only catch? Jayden Daniels is out with a hamstring injury. That dings their ceiling a bit, but having both receivers active still gives the offense a pulse, and fantasy managers a decision to make at FLEX or WR2.

Lamar Jackson Sidelined with Hamstring Injury 

Lamar Jackson is officially out this week with a hamstring issue. He practiced some this week but was clearly limited, even running scout team at one point. Tyler Huntley will now get the start against Chicago. That’s a big downgrade for the Ravens’ offense across the board. It also puts more pressure on the run game while capping upside for pass-catchers.

Kirk Cousins Likely to Start for the Falcons

Looks like Kirk Cousins is getting the nod in Atlanta. Michael Penix has been nursing a bone bruise and was limited in practice all week, so Cousins took first-team reps and is “highly likely” to start. The matchup against Miami’s defense is friendly, but it’s his first start of the season, so outside of superflex formats, Cousins is more of a streaming or stash play.

A.J. Brown status still uncertain

Big storyline out of Philly. A.J. Brown’s hamstring situation is very much in the air heading into Sunday. Sirianni didn’t offer any real update, only that Brown is the kind of player who could go even without practicing. With two DNPs already, another on Friday would be a bad sign. So this one could come down to pregame warmups. For fantasy managers, it’s a classic late-week headache. You’ll want to have a backup plan ready and monitor inactives right up to kickoff.

Breece Hall trending toward playing, Garrett Wilson Out

Good and bad news for Jets fans… Breece Hall is officially questionable for Sunday with that knee issue, but Glenn said he’s moving in the right direction. Limited work all week isn’t ideal, but he’s expected to suit up against the Bengals. It’s a good matchup on paper, and fantasy managers should feel cautiously optimistic as long as there are no late surprises. But the team already ruled out Garrett Wilson. He never practiced this week, so they didn’t even wait for Friday to make it official. That means Josh Reynolds and Allen Lazard will headline the WR group against Cincinnati. If you were holding out hope, make alternate plans now.

Jayden Daniels injury not considered long-term

Washington is going to be without Jayden Daniels this week, but there’s a real chance this is only a one-week thing. He’s dealing with what’s being called a low-grade hamstring injury, and the team ruled him out early to let him rest up. If he returns to practice next week, Week 9 could be back on the table, so fantasy managers in superflex leagues probably don’t need to panic just yet.

Bryce Young likely to return Week 9

Carolina sounds optimistic. Bryce Young’s ankle injury is expected to cost him just one week. He’s doubtful for Sunday against the Bills but hasn’t been officially ruled out, which is a good sign. If he’s back next week against the Packers, he should slide back into that QB2 conversation, though it’s a tough matchup on paper.

J.J. McCarthy lined up to start Week 9

Minnesota appears confident J.J. McCarthy will be healthy enough to start next week. He’s been going through extra workouts and meetings to get ready, and as long as he practices fully, the job is his. It’s a good sign for anyone stashing him in superflex or 2-QB leagues, with a Week 9 matchup against the Lions on deck.

So keep your eye on the news and make the right lineup decisions… as promised, in 2 minutes or less.

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See you tomorrow,

-Joe

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