Fantasy Football Buzz: Barkley not on injury report, Tracy set to return

Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.

Our Fantasy Football Buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.

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Oct. 8: Barkley not on injury report, Tyron Tracy to return for TNF

By Stephania Bell

Saquon Barkley, RB, Eagles (knee): Barkley is going to play Thursday night against his former team. His removal from the game status injury report cements the team’s plan to have him available. But how much concern should there be about a knee issue that resulted in him being listed as a non-participant in Monday’s projected practice report? To hear Barkley tell it, not much. There were no reports of an injury for him coming out of last Sunday’s game against the Broncos and he described it to reporters Tuesday as “general soreness.”

In response to being listed as a non-participant Monday, Barkley said, “I know the Eagles are doing what they’re supposed to do, but nothing (I’m) too worried about…I’m excited to go play.” While the prospect of knee soreness raises some level of concern with Barkley, especially given his history (torn ACL in 2020) and last year’s volume of work, it’s important not to read too much into practice limitations on a shortened week as teams tend to lean towards resting players before Thursday night games. If Barkley is limited in offensive snap percentage again or has limited carries as he did in Week 5, it might be time to sound the alarms a little louder.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Giants, (shoulder): Tracy was injured in Week 3 when Chiefs defender Jaylen Watson collided with his right shoulder. It was later revealed that Tracy suffered a dislocation on that hit, and he missed Weeks 4 and 5. Tracy returned to limited practice last Friday, suggesting that the team might be testing his readiness for its Thursday night game in Week 6. He was again listed as limited Monday (an estimation as the team did not practice) and Tuesday. On Wednesday, Tracy was removed from the game status report, and he is expected to play Thursday.

It is unclear how the workload will be split between Tracy and fellow back Cam Skattebo. One positive for Tracy is that he likely has been able to maintain his conditioning despite the injury, boosting it steadily as the shoulder got comfortable. The biggest concern will be direct contact via a similar hit or going to the ground. As Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy noted when he returned from his dislocated shoulder, “Once I got tackled, I knew I was good.”

How does Tracy return affect Cam Skattebo?

By Eric Moody

Though Tracy’s return is good news for New York’s offense, fantasy managers should temper expectations: He averaged just 3.1 yards per attempt and a dismal 5.6 fantasy points per game before his injury. Skattebo handled lead duties in Tracy’s absence and is expected to remain the primary back as the more effective and versatile option because of his receiving ability.

Tracy might cut slightly into Skattebo’s workload, but Skattebo still profiles as the safer fantasy play in a tough matchup against the Eagles’ defensive front. Tracy is best viewed as a low-end RB2.

See more:

Oct. 7: Bengals trade for Joe Flacco

What does Joe Flacco trade to Bengals mean for fantasy managers?

Daniel Dopp, Field Yates, and Mike Clay react to the news of Joe Flacco being traded to the Bengals and how it will affect fantasy managers.

By Eric Moody

Joe Flacco started Cleveland’s first four games this season, but scored double-digit fantasy points only once, completing just 58.1% of his passes. The Browns’ decision to move on from the veteran reflects their confidence in rookie Dillon Gabriel, who made his NFL debut overseas against a tough Vikings defense and scored 16.1 fantasy points. With Flacco officially gone, Gabriel remains the clear starter, accelerating his development, while Shedeur Sanders could move into the backup QB role. In deeper, superflex formats, Gabriel is still best viewed as a QB3.

For the Bengals, Flacco’s arrival is a curious move. In expected points added (EPA) per dropback, he ranks second worst among 33 qualified QBs, only slightly better than new teammate Jake Browning. EPA measures how much a play changes a team’s chances of scoring. With 18 years of experience, he could stabilize Cincinnati’s offense and slightly boost the fantasy floors for Ja’Marr Chase, a low-end WR1, and Tee Higgins, a low-end flex. The team is holding out hope Joe Burrow will be able to return in December, but it is not a certainty.

Week 5 injury fallout: Hampton headed to IR, plus more on Antonio Gibson, Darius Slayton

By Stephania Bell

Omarion Hampton, RB, Chargers (ankle): Hampton injured his left ankle late in Sunday’s game against the Commanders and is now headed to injured reserve, per coach Jim Harbaugh. Hampton’s lower leg appeared to collide with a defender’s as he was running out of the backfield, and he walked into the tunnel with a member of the medical staff shortly afterward. He was spotted in a walking boot after the game.

Although wearing a walking boot does not necessarily indicate severity — sometimes it is used as a precautionary measure to limit foot and ankle motion until a player can undergo further testing — it certainly registered concern. As usual, the team did not offer further specifics about the injury, so there is no way to know whether Hampton will be able to return immediately after the requisite four-game absence that comes with an IR designation. The soonest Hampton would be eligible to return is Week 10 when the Chargers host Pittsburgh. The team has a bye in Week 12.

Fantasy impact of Hampton injury: The Chargers could explore external options for backfield help, but if they stick with what they have in-house, expect a committee approach. Hassan Haskins profiles as the power back between the tackles and offers the most immediate fantasy value. Kimani Vidal brings more burst and receiving ability but remains unproven in pass protection, likely limiting him to change-of-pace duties. Neither fully replaces Hampton’s production, but Haskins is the better bet for early-down carries and goal-line work. Vidal could flash on passing downs or big plays. The Chargers face the Miami Dolphins in Week 6, a defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to running backs this season, including a 32.4-point explosion from Rico Dowdle on Sunday. Given the matchup, Haskins will be on the RB2 radar in Week 6. — Eric Moody

Antonio Gibson, RB, Patriots (knee): Gibson suffered a season-ending knee injury when he was upended on a tackle during a kickoff return in the second quarter. He was clearly emotional as he was escorted off the field by the medical staff, an indication he already knew the severity of the injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Gibson tore his ACL, an injury that typically requires nine to 12 months for recovery.

Darius Slayton, WR, Giants (hamstring): Slayton pulled up in the fourth quarter with what was reported by the team to be a hamstring injury. Although listed as questionable to return, Slayton remained out of the game. The Giants face a short week with a Thursday night matchup against Philadelphia, and even the mildest of hamstring strains are challenging to resolve within three days. With Malik Nabers already lost for the season to a torn ACL, it would seem the Giants will be inclined to be protective of Slayton. He was listed as a nonparticipant in Monday’s practice report.

Both Browns TEs score and more notes from Sunday’s games

Is Jake Ferguson the hottest TE in fantasy?

Matt Bowen assesses Jake Ferguson’s increased fantasy production over his last two games with CeeDee Lamb injured.

Notebook by Eric Moody

Tight ends all over the scoreboard

David Njoku had a bigger fantasy performance than Harold Fannin Jr. for the first time this season, with nine targets and 18.7 points against the Vikings with rookie Dillon Gabriel under center. Njoku also played more snaps and ran more routes than Fannin. The Browns frequently use 11 and 12 personnel — one or two tight ends on the field alongside a running back, which keeps both players relevant in fantasy. Njoku dominates in 11 personnel, though Fannin can still see targets depending on the formation and down, and he was the first touchdown scorer of the day.
Dalton Schultz scored a season-high 11.0 fantasy points against the Ravens. He has seen six or more targets in three straight games and continues to lead the Texans’ tight ends in snaps and routes. He’s a player fantasy managers should keep on their radar as a bye week fill-in.
Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely played a similar number of snaps and ran a similar number of routes. However, Andrews finished with three targets compared with just one for Likely. The Ravens were without two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, and even when he returns, it’s tough to have confidence in starting either Andrews or Likely in fantasy lineups.
The Colts’ starting “X” receiver has posted at least 50 receiving yards in four straight games. It was Alec Pierce in Weeks 2 and 3, Adonai Mitchell in Week 4, and Ashton Dulin in Week 5. Pierce has missed the past two games with a concussion but might return in Week 6. Michael Pittman Jr., who leads the team with 29 targets, typically lines up as the Z receiver.
Jake Ferguson played a season-low 55% of the snaps against the Jets but still led the Cowboys with nine targets and led Dallas’ tight end committee in routes run. He posted a season-high 23.9 fantasy points thanks to two receiving touchdowns. Ferguson hasn’t been an every-down tight end this year, but that’s fine. He’s usually on the field in passing situations, has drawn nine or more targets in three of five games and has had at least 16 fantasy points in four of them.
Mason Taylor set career highs in receptions and receiving yards last week against the Dolphins with five catches for 65 yards and 11.5 fantasy points. He surpassed those marks this week against the Cowboys with nine receptions for 67 yards and a season-high 17.7 fantasy points. Seven of those catches came in the final 21 minutes while the Jets were trailing substantially. Even so, Taylor has continued to lead New York’s tight end room in snaps played and routes run in each of the last two games.
Evan Engram finished with a season-high 13.3 fantasy points on six targets, which was encouraging, but even though he led the Broncos’ tight end committee in routes run, Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins still played almost as many snaps. That makes any of them difficult to trust in fantasy lineups.

Who got the ball at running back?

Eric Karabell: J.K. Dobbins at least a top-20 fantasy RB if he’s healthy

Eric Karabell breaks down his fantasy optimism for J.K. Dobbins the rest of the season.

Ashton Jeanty finished with 19 touches and 15.9 fantasy points in a blowout loss to the Colts. He played a high percentage of snaps in the first half before the game got out of hand, after which the team pivoted to Raheem Mostert.
Cam Skattebo has logged a high percentage of snaps and piled up 21-plus touches in back-to-back games with Tyrone Tracy Jr. sidelined by a shoulder injury. However, he has been inefficient, averaging only 3.5 yards per carry.
Kendre Miller had 11 touches against the Giants while Alvin Kamara had 12. Kamara also recorded his lowest snap share of the season. The Saints’ backfield is operating as a two-man committee.
Saquon Barkley set a season low in snaps played and touches (9) against the Broncos, yet he still finished with 17.8 fantasy points thanks to a 47-yard touchdown reception. Barkley’s usage was concerning because the game script never suggested the Eagles should shift away from the running game. While he has recorded 23 or more touches in four of five games this season, he hasn’t been as explosive as a playmaker. He averaged 6.0 scrimmage yards per touch in 2024 compared to just 3.9 this season.
RJ Harvey followed up his breakout Week 4 against the Bengals, when he set season highs with 18 touches and 19.8 fantasy points, with a disappointing seven touches and 6.0 fantasy points against the Eagles. J.K. Dobbins led the Broncos’ running back room in snaps played, routes run, touches (21) and fantasy points (15.9), while Tyler Badie saw more work on third downs and in the two-minute drill. For now, Harvey can’t be trusted in fantasy lineups.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt started for the Commanders and led the three-man committee in snaps played, touches (16) and fantasy points (27). The rookie finished with 150 total yards and two touchdowns, providing a path for him to take control of this backfield.
Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet played a similar number of snaps against the Buccaneers. This has been the case all season, with Walker typically handling early downs while Charbonnet works passing downs and, more importantly, serves as the primary goal-line back. Walker is averaging 15.0 touches per game this season, while Charbonnet is averaging 12.8.
Omarion Hampton led the Chargers backfield in snaps played, routes run, touches (18) and fantasy points (13). He suffered a left ankle injury and was seen in a walking boot after the game. Hassan Haskins served as Hampton’s backup.
TreVeyon Henderson led the Patriots backfield in snaps played and routes run, but Rhamondre Stevenson still had nine touches and 14.7 fantasy points thanks to two rushing touchdowns. The bigger story could be Antonio Gibson‘s knee injury. If Gibson misses time, Henderson could be the one to see more playing time, especially given Stevenson’s ongoing ball security issues,

Targeted wide receivers

Why fantasy managers can’t sit A.J. Brown yet

Despite A.J. Brown’s tough fantasy season, Liz Loza points to a favorable matchup vs. the Giants as a reason to stick with the wide receiver.

Wan’Dale Robinson led Giants pass catchers in snaps played and routes run, and tied tight end Theo Johnson for the team lead in targets as New York leaned on more two-tight-end sets. Johnson caught six passes for 33 yards but still produced 21.3 fantasy points thanks to his two receiving touchdowns.
DeVonta Smith led the Eagles’ receivers in snaps played, routes run, targets (10) and fantasy points (19.4). A.J. Brown has had eight or more targets in each of the past four games but only one game with at least 10 fantasy points — 23 against the Rams back in Week 3.
Isaac TeSlaa played 90% of the Lions’ offensive snaps in three-receiver sets and caught his only target for a 12-yard touchdown. This might make the rookie look appealing in deeper leagues for anyone wanting a piece of the Lions’ offense, but Detroit hasn’t used three-receiver sets often this season, so temper expectations. Neither he nor Jameson Williams can be trusted right now.

Oct. 5: Early Week 5 takeaways: Jones, Colts roll on; Waller’s comeback tour continues

Is Darren Waller a good fantasy play in Week 6?

Liz Loza breaks down her fantasy outlook for Darren Waller in Week 6 after a nice game vs. the Panthers.

Notebook by Liz Loza

Indiana Jones strikes again: The former New York Giants QB led the Indianapolis Colts to a decisive victory over an embattled Las Vegas Raiders squad, cruising to a 40-6 win. Daniel Jones registered 16.68 fantasy points, completing 20 of 29 passes for 212 yards and two TDs. Jones, 28, has now gone over 15 fantasy points in four of five games. He figures to remain a top-12 fantasy option at quarterback versus the Arizona Cardinals in Week 6.

Darren Waller’s comeback campaign continues: In his second game back from retirement, Waller continued to lift a middling Miami Dolphins offense, scoring his third TD in two outings. With Tyreek Hill out of the lineup, Waller stayed busy, converting all five of his targets for 78 receiving yards and the aforementioned spike. The matchup stiffens significantly in Week 6 as Miami hosts a Los Angeles Chargers squad that entered Week 5 allowing just three receiving scores on the season. Luckily for Waller investors, two of those three were to the TE position (Travis Kelce in Week 1 and Theo Johnson in Week 4).

Nico Collins saves fantasy day with a TD: The Houston Texans rolled 44-10 against a Baltimore Ravens squad littered with injuries, including the absences of star CBs Chidobe Awuzie and Marlon Humphrey. Needless to say, Collins didn’t need to do much in this one. Still, it was surprising to see him draw just five looks, his lowest number of targets since Week 1. The alpha wideout saved his fantasy day with his third score in four weeks. The team takes its bye in Week 6 before traveling to Seattle for “Monday Night Football” in Week 7.

Ashton Jeanty stays upright in Week 5: Jeanty continued to flash an every-down skill set and maintain robust volume in Week 5. Unfortunately, the game script smothered his production. That figures to be an issue all season. Still, the former Boise State standout registered a respectable 4.8 yards per catch while leading the Raiders in looks, converting five of seven targets for 42 receiving yards. Talent and opportunity will keep him a top-15 fantasy contender at the position when he takes on an exploitable Tennessee Titans defense in Week 6.

Spin forward

Jaxson Dart’s legs remain the secret to his fantasy success: Dart, in an upset loss to the New Orleans Saints in Week 5, proved to be a better fantasy asset than real-life QB. The rookie completed 65% of his passing attempts (26 of 40) for 202 yards (5.1 YPA), 2 TDs and a pair of INTs. His rushing production continued to buoy his fantasy numbers, as he took off seven times for 55 rushing yards (just 4 yards shy of Cam Skattebo’s total). Dart is likely to struggle again coming off a short week and facing the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense Thursday night. Still, his legs will likely keep him in QB15 fantasy territory.

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