Fantasy Football Daily Notes: Backups step up as several starters hurt Sunday
Read ESPN’s fantasy football Daily Notes every weekday to stay caught up on the news you need to know and get a head start on the fantasy football content coming today and tomorrow to ESPN.com and the ESPN Fantasy App.
The news: The Patriots lost RB Damien Harris to a hamstring injury.
What it means in fantasy: Harris had 11 yards on four rushing attempts against the Lions before injuring his hamstring in the first quarter. There were only two running backs active, Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson, so Stevenson took every snap over the rest of the game. He set career highs in rushing attempts (25) and rushing yards (161). Depending on how serious Harris’ injury is, Stevenson could be on the RB1 radar heading into Week 6.
The news: Seahawks RB Rashaad Penny suffered a fractured tibia against the Saints.
What it means in fantasy: Penny ran for 54 yards on eight attempts in limited action before leaving the game in the third quarter. Tears in his eyes spoke louder than words as Penny was carted to the locker room. It’s likely he’ll be out for the season. Entering this season, Penny has played in only 37 out of a possible 65 games. Kenneth Walker, who became the clear early-down back after the injury, will be able to fill the void.
The news: Cardinals RB James Conner suffered a rib injury against the Eagles.
What it means in fantasy: Conner gained 55 yards on nine rushing attempts and eight yards on a reception before leaving the game. Arizona’s backup Darrel Williams also suffered a knee injury, so Eno Benjamin started the second half. A hamstring injury also forced running back Jonathan Ward to leave the game. This is noteworthy coming up against the Seahawks in Week 6. Benjamin would be on the RB2 radar if Conner and Williams were to miss time.
The news: Bears RB David Montgomery returned against the Vikings and finished with 82 total yards and a touchdown.
What it means in fantasy: Montgomery missed last week’s game but did not appear limited in his return. He led the backfield in snaps (36), routes run (18) and touches (16). Montgomery is on the RB2 radar against the Commanders in Week 6. Khalil Herbert is still a player worth keeping on your roster but cannot be trusted in lineups.
The news: Dolphins QB Teddy Bridgewater was ruled out due to a concussion against the Jets.
What it means in fantasy: Bridgewater left the game with a concussion and an elbow injury, leaving rookie Skylar Thompson to finish. Despite clearing all concussion tests, the independent booth spotter wouldn’t clear him to return as part of the newly revised NFL concussion protocol. Tagovailoa is expected to return from his concussion Sunday against the Vikings, but the Miami quarterbacking situation warrants monitoring.
The news: Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was seen wearing a walking boot after the Jets game.
What it means in fantasy: Hill caught all seven of his targets for 47 yards. He was spotted in a walking boot after the game but said he is feeling fine. With Hill already dealing with a quad injury, he will likely be limited in practice this week in anticipation of Sunday’s game against the Vikings. If Hill is on your roster, you should have a contingency plan.
The news: Panthers QB Baker Mayfield was spotted with a walking boot when he met with reporters after the 49ers game.
What it means in fantasy: Mayfield’s ankle was injured when a player fell on it late in the first half. With 11 seconds left, he limped into the locker room before former XFL star PJ Walker finished the game. Mayfield’s 16.8 quarterback rating is the second worst by any quarterback to start in each of their team’s first five games of the season since tracking began in 2006. JaMarcus Russell had a QBR of 11.5. Sam Darnold remains on injured reserve with an ankle injury suffered in late August despite being eligible to return at this point. Darnold won’t be ready for a while, according to coach Matt Rhule.
Going deeper: The Panthers rank last in the league with 262.3 total yards per game. The dismal Carolina offense should lead fantasy managers to consider trading away Christian McCaffrey, who has scored 23 or more points in two consecutive games.
The news: Cowboys RB Tony Pollard rushed for 86 yards on eight rushing attempts against the Rams, including a 57-yard scamper.
What it means in fantasy: Pollard played fewer snaps than Ezekiel Elliott and had fewer touches, but still outperformed him. He now has two 50-yard rushes in his career and is the only Cowboys player with a 50-yard rush in the past five seasons. Elliott’s last 50-yard rushing attempt was back in 2016. This season, Pollard has averaged 10.2 touches per game. He can be considered a flex option against the Eagles in Week 6.
The news: Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz aggravates his knee injury against the Rams.
What it means in fantasy: Schultz has been on and off the field after aggravating a knee injury he’s been dealing with for the last month. After bumping knees with a Rams defender during the second quarter, Schultz limped to the sideline on one leg. It will be difficult to rely on Schultz in fantasy lineups in Week 6 against the Eagles. Fantasy managers should look for a streamer. Evan Engram and Mike Gesicki both have favorable matchups, as does Hayden Hurst, who caught six of seven targets for 53 yards and a touchdown and faces the Saints in Week 6.
The news: Bengals WR Tee Higgins left the game against the Ravens with an ankle injury.
What it means in fantasy: This is the same injury Higgins had last week, and he appeared to aggravate it during the first quarter. Higgins played the first few series before backup Mike Thomas took over. Higgins was not targeted during his brief appearance. Any injury updates will be eagerly awaited by fantasy managers.
The news: Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase caught seven of 12 targets for 50 yards against the Ravens.
What it means in fantasy: Chase continues to run a high number of routes every week, but that hasn’t translated into fantasy success outside of Week 1 (28.9), averaging 12 fantasy points in Weeks 2 through 5.There were a lot of two-deep safety sets played by the Ravens, while the cornerbacks physically defended Chase. Head coach Zac Taylor must find a way to involve the second-year receiver.
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Tuesday:
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Eric Karabell’s flex and superflex rankings for Week 6
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In case you missed it:
• Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft: Week 5 fantasy highs and lows: No stopping Taysom Hill