Player News

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles said that rookie running back Bucky Irving has earned more offensive snaps going forward. Although primary back Rachaad White saw 74% of the offensive snaps to Irving's 32% in the Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos, Irving was the better back, rushing nine times 70 yards while catching all three of his targets for 14 yards. Meanwhile, White had only six carries for a measly 17 yards on the ground. The 22-year-old Irving broke off a big 32-yard chunk gain on the ground and looked much more elusive and quick with the ball in his hands than White did. It's bad news for White's fantasy managers going forward, although it would be wise to try and pick Irving up off the waiver wire this week, as he could take over lead-back duties sooner than later. Irving is currently rostered in 35% of Yahoo fantasy leagues.

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet finally had the breakout game many had anticipated in the 2024 season. After totaling just five receptions for 31 yards in the first two games, Kmet became one of Caleb Williams' primary targets in Week 3. He matched his career high with ten receptions for 97 yards and scored a touchdown that cut Chicago's deficit to one score, giving them a chance to win, though the offense didn't get the ball back in time. Kmet's usage has dramatically increased over the past two games, significantly impacting the passing game. With Keenan Allen (heel) out, seeing Kmet step up and receive more targets was encouraging. While it's unlikely the Bears will continue to throw the ball 50 times per game, it's promising to see Kmet integrated into the game plan. He will look to build on this performance in Week 4 against a Rams team that recently allowed Jauan Jennings to have a career performance.

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said "we'll see" whether tight end David Njoku (ankle) will be available to play in a Week 4 tilt against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The Browns and fantasy managers will have a better idea of Njoku's status when they resume practicing on Wednesday. Njoku suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys and has missed the last two games as a result. With Njoku sidelined the last two games, Jordan Akins has stepped in as the primary pass-catching TE but has gone for just five receptions on eight targets for 39 yards and no touchdowns. Quarterback Deshaun Watson relied heavily on receiver Amari Cooper in the Week 3 loss to the New York Giants, targeting him 12 times, leading to seven catches, 86 yards and two touchdowns. Njoku will be in play as a low-end TE1 option for fantasy managers if he returns to play in Week 4.

X-rays came back negative on Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle), who aggravated his right high-ankle sprain and left Sunday's Week 3 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers early, according to a source. Herbert will continue to be monitored throughout the week leading up to the Week 4 divisional showdown versus the Kansas City Chiefs. Before Taylor Heinicke replaced him, Herbert went 12-for-18 for 125 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions while taking two sacks in the 20-10 loss. Herbert was seen in a walking boot after the game, so his status for Week 4 is murky, at best. Even if the 26-year-old toughs it out and plays against the Chiefs, he won't be a recommended starter in single-QB leagues. Heinicke completed both of his pass attempts for 24 yards but also took three sacks in his first action with the Bolts. Expect LA to go with a run-heavy game script in Week 4 if Herbert is unavailable.

Tests on Monday morning confirmed that Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (ankle) suffered a low-ankle sprain in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals, according to a source. It's relative good news for the Lions' star tight end, although it's not guaranteed that he'll be able to play in Week 4 versus the visiting Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. We'll have a better idea of LaPorta's status once the Lions resume practicing again on Thursday, but if LaPorta is up in the air to play on Monday, it will make fantasy managers' decisions much more difficult this week. After being the top fantasy TE in his rookie season in 2023, the 23-year-old has disappointed through three weeks in Year 2, catching eight of 10 targets for 94 yards and no scores. Brock Wright had four catches for 34 yards on Sunday and would have an expanded role in Week 4 against Seattle if LaPorta is limited or out.

Chicago Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze had a standout performance in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He recorded six receptions for 112 yards and scored his first touchdown. While tight end Cole Kmet (10 catches) and receiver DJ Moore (8 catches) had more receptions, Odunze still topped the team in receiving yards. His 11 targets were more than he received in the first two games combined, highlighting his growing role in the Bears' offense. Against the Colts, Odunze demonstrated the skills that made him a top-10 draft pick, running precise routes, showcasing impressive speed, and displaying excellent ball-tracking ability. The Bears also attempted to utilize him in the rushing game against the Colts' weak defense, but his rushing attempt gained minimal yards. With Keenan Allen (heel) sidelined, it was encouraging to see Odunze step up. He will aim to build on this performance in Week 4 against a Rams team that recently allowed Jauan Jennings to look like prime Jerry Rice.

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore had a solid outing in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He made several impressive plays but came close to an even bigger performance. Moore finished with eight receptions for 78 yards, including a Hail Mary attempt that fell just one yard short of a touchdown. He ranked third on the team in both receiving yards and targets, trailing Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet, as Caleb Williams threw for 363 yards. The Bears also attempted to involve Moore in the rushing game against the Colts' weak defense, but his carry resulted in a loss. With Keenan Allen (heel) sidelined, seeing Moore receive more targets was encouraging. He has emerged as Williams' primary read, accumulating 28 targets over three games, and this volume could translate into increased production as the rookie quarterback settles in. Moore will look to build on this performance in Week 4 against a Rams team that recently allowed Jauan Jennings to shine.

Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift had another tough outing in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. He managed just 20 yards on 13 carries, resulting in a zero percent success rate and two receptions for 22 yards. In contrast, the Green Bay Packers dominated the Colts' defense in Week 2, effectively running the ball to support backup quarterback Malik Willis. The Bears had hoped to replicate that success on Sunday but struggled against the Colts' weak rushing defense. Their plan to rely on the run game to help quarterback Caleb Williams find his rhythm quickly fell apart due to their inability to gain ground. As a result, Williams threw a staggering 52 times during the game. It also seemed the Bears intended to give more work to Roschon Johnson, who outperformed Khalil Herbert, rushing for 30 yards on eight carries compared to Herbert's nine yards on four carries. Johnson also led all running backs with four receptions for 32 yards. With poor offensive line play and the increased usage of his backups, it's becoming increasingly difficult to justify starting Swift in fantasy lineups.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams had his best fantasy performance of the season on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite the team's loss, the No. 1 overall pick completed 33 of 52 passes for 363 yards, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. While his stats were impressive for fantasy leagues, Williams and the Bears' offense faced significant challenges throughout the game. They trailed 21-9 midway through the fourth quarter and only began to find some rhythm in the passing game when the Colts fell back to defend against big plays. In addition to his two interceptions, Williams was also stripped of the ball on a late sack. His first interception came on a rhythm throw that lacked timing; he attempted to hit Carter on a curl route, but cornerback Jaylon Jones intercepted it. For the second interception, Williams tried to throw to Odunze, taking advantage of a defender's turned back, but the corner deflected the pass, leading to another interception by Jones. Williams acknowledged feeling rookie Laiatu Latu closing in regarding the strip sack but wanted to make subtle movements to avoid him, anticipating Odunze would break open behind the linebackers. Unfortunately, Latu reached him faster than expected and knocked the ball loose. Williams understands the need to reduce turnovers but views the offensive output as a positive development as the Bears seek to establish their identity. It was encouraging to see him take a step forward and engage many of his playmakers. The Bears will aim to build on this momentum next week when they face a vulnerable Rams team in Chicago.

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers had his least productive game of the 2024 season, being targeted just four times and catching three passes for 41 yards in Sunday's 36-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers. It was a negative game script for Bowers. The wide receivers were much more involved in the passing game, likely due to the score getting out of hand quickly. The Raiders were losing 21-7 at the half, and Bowers hasn't been a serious deep threat yet. In closer games, he's likely to have games more like his Week 1 and 2 efforts, where he logged more targets, receptions, and yards. Bowers is still a must-start. He's a rare bright spot in a dismal tight end landscape and still leads the position group in receptions while being second in yards. The Raiders face the Browns, Broncos, and Steelers in their next three games, which should be closer so Bowers could quickly rebound.