Buzz: Xavier Worthy expected to return Sunday vs. Ravens

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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Sept. 27: Xavier Worthy expected to return Sunday

By Stephania Bell

Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (shoulder): It took only three snaps on the field in the team's Week 1 game in Brazil for Worthy to collide with teammate Travis Kelce, suffering a dislocated right shoulder in the process. Despite coach Andy Reid's "day by day" optimism shortly afterward, it did in fact turn out to be a week-to-week process, unsurprising considering the nature of the injury. Things are looking up for the Chiefs however as Worthy participated in full practices throughout the week and is off the game status injury report for Sunday's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

The question now is how close can Worthy perform to his pre-injury self? While there is no way to definitively know until we see him in game action, understanding the injury helps identify where the deficits may exist. Common tissue trauma associated with shoulder dislocation includes labral or capsular tears, cartilage injuries and or fractures all of which dictate treatment and recovery time. It has been reported that Worthy suffered a labral tear with his injury and the most common early decision in this situation is whether the injury requires immediate surgery to fix or whether the athlete can rehab and return to play (the caveat being that the athlete may still need surgery in the post-season or sooner if he re-injures the shoulder after returning). Worthy obviously went the rehab route and over the last few weeks practice reports have gone from him being very limited to now full participation.

After a dislocation episode, players will often return wearing a stabilizing harness that wraps around the upper ribs with an extension that wraps around the upper portion of the injured arm. The goal of the harness is to restrict motion of the shoulder from vulnerable positions, therefore hopefully preventing re-dislocation. Players don't typically love wearing harnesses because any limitation in mobility can hinder their ability to play the position as effectively as they otherwise would. And yet, they can adapt and perform surprisingly well. According to The Predictors, wide receivers with this injury typically show a decline in performance (as measured by receiving yards) in the first three weeks back, most notably down 12-15% in the first week. Improvement happens each week with players returning to pre-injury metrics after four weeks. The chance of re-injury that would lead to season-ending surgery ranges from 10-12%, lower than one might expect given the collisions -- with both players and the ground -- that are a part of wide receiver play.

Sept. 26: Commanders rule Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin out

By Eric Moody

The Washington Commanders will be without Daniels (knee) and McLaurin (quad) against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 4, a major blow to both Washington's offense and fantasy managers. Daniels, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year, has been dynamic when healthy, but the team will once again turn to Marcus Mariota, who impressed last week with 20.2 fantasy points. Mariota's dual-threat ability makes him a viable streaming option in fantasy, though Atlanta's defense has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to quarterbacks.

Deebo Samuel is positioned for a heavier workload with McLaurin sidelined. Despite finishing with just 29 scrimmage yards in Week 3 due to positive game flow, Samuel's versatility as both a runner and receiver places him firmly on the WR2 radar. He has averaged 17.4 fantasy points per game in contests where he's seen at least seven targets in his career. The Commanders' backfield remains a committee. Chris Rodriguez Jr. led the team with 11 rushing attempts last week, while Jeremy McNichols ripped off a 60-yard touchdown and Jacory Croskey-Merritt added a short score.

Projections suggest all three will remain involved, capping individual upside. For fantasy managers, Samuel is the most likely to benefit from increased targets, while the running backs remain risky flex options depending on league size. If forced to choose one, Croskey-Merritt offers the most intrigue.

Carolina Panthers injury roundup

By Stephania Bell

Xavier Legette, WR, Panthers: Legette has a hamstring injury that is sidelining him again this week. He missed Week 3 after he developed hamstring soreness in practice the Wednesday prior, leading to a limited session. He remained limited throughout the week, came into the game Questionable and ultimately was Inactive. This week Legette was held out of practice entirely (limited to side field rehab work) and was ruled out on Friday. While this is considered a relatively minor injury, it's the time of year where teams are concerned about something escalating to greater severity, especially in a receiver who will test it when stretching the field. Legette told reporters this week that he could only do what they (they presumably being the medical staff) would let him but he wants to be out there. Another week off of game play may allow him the recovery time needed for the team to be more confident in his return.

Chuba Hubbard, RB, Panthers: Hubbard was listed on the injury report Thursday with a calf issue after a limited session and remained limited Friday. He comes into the Sunday game as Questionable. While we know better than to underestimate the impact of a serious calf injury on a lead running back, it is important to remember that there are a wide range of degrees of any soft tissue injury. Hubbard was not held out of practice entirely which hints at this being minor and coach Dave Canales essentially reinforced this telling reporters Friday they were just tracking some "soreness." After coming off his season-high rushing total in Week 3 (while still yielding some touches to teammate Rico Dowdle), Hubbard retains the top back for Carolina even if he shares more work with Dowdle this week.

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Panthers: McMillan, like Hubbard, has a calf ailment that resulted in limited practices Thursday and Friday along with a Questionable tag heading into Sunday. McMillan however did not practice Wednesday yet he expressed confidence when speaking with reporters that he would be able to suit up for Week 4. Coach Dave Canales referred to it as a "day by day" situation, hinting at the possibility McMillan could indeed play. On Friday he added that after a planned ramp up in practice this week, they want to see how McMillan feels tomorrow to make a decision about Sunday. The language suggests McMillan will go barring a setback and with Xavier Legette sidelined (and Jalen Coker still on IR), he is needed.

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Sept. 26: Trey Benson gets No. 1 usage, RBBC in Seattle

by Eric Moody

Trey Benson led the Cardinals backfield in snaps, routes run, and touches (13), and he tied Emari Demercado in fantasy points (10.1). The Cardinals fell behind early, forcing them to lean heavily on the passing game, which limited Benson's touches. He served as the early-down back, while Demercado handled third-down duties, finishing with just four touches but scoring a receiving touchdown. Still, Benson's utilization is encouraging, and he should have more success in Week 5 against a Titans defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points per game to running backs. Savvy managers in need of a running back should consider trading for Benson, since some managers only look at the box score and miss the context behind it.

Kenneth Walker III had 20 touches against the Cardinals and finished with 12.0 fantasy points. Managers were keeping their fingers crossed for a touchdown, but the 12 points are solid. Managing expectations is important since Zach Charbonnet remains heavily involved. Both backs saw similar snaps and routes, with Charbonnet finishing with 14 touches, 12.4 fantasy points, and a rushing touchdown, with another rushing score called back on a holding penalty on a different red zone possession. This is a true running-back-by-committee situation, and the Seahawks tend to favor Charbonnet near the goal line, which could limit Walker III's upside in lineups.

Sept. 25: Pearsall added to injury report, mounting McLaurin injury concern

By Stephania Bell

Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers (knee): Pearsall landed on the 49ers' injury report Wednesday, but he eased concerns when speaking with reporters after practice. He said it was simply knee soreness and if there had been a game on Wednesday, he would have played. Coach Kyle Shanahan said he is hopeful Pearsall will practice later in the week. Pearsall missed time during OTAs with a hamstring injury and began training camp on the PUP list. He was cleared for full activity after the first week and immediately started turning heads in practice with his improved on-field rapport with quarterback Brock Purdy. Out of necessity (with wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk on PUP, Jauan Jennings intermittently injured and tight end George Kittle out since Week 1), Pearsall has been the team's top pass catcher and he has more than lived up to it, currently ranking third in the NFL in receiving yards. Resting him at practice due to soreness is the smart move given the length of the season and the relative health of the team.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders (quad): McLaurin was injured in the third quarter of Sunday's game with what the team classified as a quad (quadriceps, large muscle on the front of the thigh) injury. On Wednesday, coach Dan Quinn said he would have an update on his status by Friday but did acknowledge that McLaurin was seeking a second opinion on his injury. He also noted that second opinions are a common occurrence.

This is true, however the report from NFL Network that McLaurin was consulting with Dr. Bill Meyers is interesting given that his area of expertise is in core muscle injuries. In fact, Dr. Meyers is often considered the "godfather of the core muscle repair" (originally referred to as "sports hernia" surgery, although that term has largely fallen out of favor in the medical community because it is not a true hernia).

While this may sound like there are two different injuries being discussed with McLaurin, the possibility is that they overlap. The "core" muscles are typically thought of as the deep abdominal and groin muscles, but the core also includes some of the deep spinal muscles and hip flexors. The hip flexors are of particular interest in the McLaurin case because a portion of the quad contributes to flexing the hip, but the strongest hip flexor (the psoas) is very deep (attaching to the spine) and forms part of the core. Some of the groin muscles can also assist with flexing the hip.

A soft tissue injury to these muscles can not only make that motion difficult, but it can also limit power and explosiveness. When severe enough, it can make all running difficult. Differentiating where the actual source of the injury is can be tricky and that perhaps explains the extra time and consultation McLaurin is seeking.

A mild soft-tissue strain can be a matter of rehab and recovery, but a severe core injury can result in surgery (core muscle repair). There is no indication as to the severity of the injury yet but, as of now, it seems unlikely that McLaurin will be available this week, at the very least.

Sept. 23: Giants turn to rookie QB Jaxson Dart

Eric Moody: The Giants are turning the page on their Russell Wilson era, naming rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart as the Week 4 starter against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers. Wilson's inconsistent play through the first three games made the move inevitable. Wilson completed just 59.1% of his passes for 778 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Outside of Week 2's 450-yard, three-touchdown performance (30.3 fantasy points) against the Dallas Cowboys, he managed only 328 yards on 50.7% passing with zero scores and two interceptions, including critical red zone mistakes that limited production for key playmakers like Malik Nabers and frustrated Giants fans, who even chanted for Dart late in Sunday's loss to Kansas City.

Dart, the Giants' 25th overall pick out of Ole Miss, impressed in the preseason, completing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding 52 rushing yards and another score on six carries. Dart's dual-threat ability gives the Giants a dynamic new look that contrasts sharply with Wilson's style. With a strong supporting cast that includes Nabers, Wan'Dale Robinson and deep threat Darius Slayton, Dart could immediately revitalize New York's offense.

For fantasy managers, Dart's arrival changes the outlook. Nabers' managers should be excited, as he posted career lows in receptions and receiving yards in Week 3 against the Chiefs. He remains a high-end WR1 against the Chargers, with upside now that a more aggressive quarterback is under center. Things are also looking up for Cam Skattebo, now the team's lead back, who could see more carries, goal-line opportunities, and a bigger role in the passing game, firmly placing him on the RB2 radar. Dart's rushing ability adds a further layer of upside for the offense, which also positions Robinson and Slayton as startable options in deeper leagues. Managers should monitor Week 4's game against the Chargers closely, as Dart's start could be the spark that both the Giants and fantasy managers with New York players on their roster have been waiting for.

Sept. 23: Gibbs and Montgomery run free against the Ravens

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Montgomery and Gibbs put up big fantasy points on Monday

Daniel Dopp and Stephania Bell break down big fantasy performances by David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs in Week 3.

Eric Moody: Jahmyr Gibbs (26.9 PPR fantasy points) and David Montgomery (29.4) delivered matchup-winning fantasy performances Monday night against the Ravens. Gibbs set a season high in snaps and handled 27 touches, cementing his role as the lead back. Montgomery, meanwhile, played just 36% of the offensive snaps but produced the second-highest single-game output of his career on 13 touches.

The key takeaway is that this is Gibbs' backfield now. He's had at least 19 touches in two of three games, and in the other game he had a season-high 104 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. That makes this a great time for fantasy managers to consider trading Montgomery.

The Ravens had no answers, allowing 224 rushing yards, their most since Week 6 of 2017. Most of the damage came between the tackles, where the Lions gained 207 yards, the most they've had (and the most Baltimore has allowed) in a game since ESPN began tracking the stat in 2006. That's something to keep in mind when starting running backs against Baltimore's defense moving forward. Gibbs and Montgomery may not find as much room in Week 4 against a Browns defensive front that leads the league in run stop win rate.

Other notes

Mark Andrews caught all six of his targets for 27.1 fantasy points, fueled by two touchdowns. That's good, but he was still sharing snaps and routes with Charlie Kolar and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. Andrews saw most of his playing time in 11 personnel and was used less often in 12 personnel. His usage is expected to shift again once Isaiah Likely returns.

Sept. 22: Impact of CeeDee Lamb's high ankle sprain

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Will Jake Ferguson's stock keep rising with CeeDee Lamb injured?

Field Yates says Jake Ferguson and George Pickens could be lineup locks with CeeDee Lamb nursing an injury.

Tristan H. Cockcroft: ESPN's Todd Archer reports that Lamb's injury, which the receiver initially attempted to play through, could cost him three to four weeks. High ankle sprains typically result in multiweek absences, so it's no surprise that Lamb might miss that much time (or longer).

Following Lamb's initial departure from Sunday's game, tight end Jake Ferguson ran 27 routes and caught 12 of 13 targets sent his way for a team-leading 19.3 PPR fantasy points (among 21.2 total for the day), a reminder that it's not always the wide receivers who benefit from an injury to one of the top names on the depth chart. George Pickens, who had identical 17.8-point scores and receiving stat lines in the past two weeks, is the most logical benefactor, moving up to be quarterback Dak Prescott's de facto No. 1 target. But Ferguson might stand to benefit most from a target boost for however long Lamb is out. Pickens is a weekly fantasy WR2, while Ferguson goes from being a borderline top-10 tight end to a clear member of that tier. That's a big deal for the many of us in fantasy leagues who went the cheap route when drafting at the position.

With the Dallas Cowboys' defense performing as poorly as it has, Prescott should continue to handle hefty workloads, meaning Jalen Tolbert and KaVontae Turpin, who move up to the Nos. 2 and 3 roles at wide receiver, could have their moments against weaker opposing secondaries. In larger leagues -- think 12-teamers and deeper -- either or both could warrant a look, though neither should be remotely on a standard league radar against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4.

Stephania Bell: Lamb was the ball carrier on a 1-yard run when he got his left ankle caught up under a defender, forcing his ankle to rotate outwards relative to his lower leg while it was trapped against the ground. That Lamb was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain was not surprising given the mechanism of injury described above is typically associated with that injury.

The day after an injury like this -- when the supportive tape has been removed and the adrenaline has evaporated -- often brings the harsh reality that it will, in fact, take weeks not days to return to action. On Tuesday, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones told reporters the team is considering an IR move for Lamb, which would require him to miss four games. There are two factors in determining time to return for the injury: First, the ligaments have to heal to the point where the ankle is stable and the athlete can comfortably advance the body weight over the foot on the ground. Second, the athlete has to be able to meet the demands of the position with minimal risk of injury recurrence. With high ankle sprains, the athlete often feels good walking around but deceleration and rotation, especially in the direction that simulates how the injury occurred, can take longer. Most athletes with an injury of moderate severity will report not feeling fully recovered until a minimum of four to six weeks.

Sept. 22: Injury situations to monitor ahead of Week 4

By Stephania Bell

The following players suffered an injury in Week 3. Be on the lookout for updates as the week progresses.

James Conner, RB, Arizona Cardinals: Conner got his right leg twisted awkwardly as he was tackled following a 9-yard run early in the third quarter and his foot and ankle appeared to be trapped under a defender. It was immediately clear the injury was serious, as medical personnel got to his side quickly. Ultimately, Conner was carted off the field and into the tunnel. Adam Schefter reported the injury was considered "severe" and would require surgery, but Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon had no timeline or prognosis to offer.

Najee Harris, RB, Los Angeles Chargers: Harris was lined up in the backfield and as the ball was snapped, Harris took a step back with his left foot as he prepared to push off and run. That type of back step or lunge position places the Achilles under maximal tension, especially if the heel goes to the ground (or close to it). As the athlete then pushes off, the calf muscle has to contract forcefully to propel the body forward. If a player collapses to the ground as Harris did, it suggests there has been a failure within that tissue complex. Harris took the one step back with his left and as he leaned forward over his right leg, he went to the ground and did not move. The medical staff came to the field immediately to evaluate him and, shortly thereafter, Harris was taken by cart into the facility. The Chargers initially announced Harris was questionable to return to the game with an ankle injury. Within an hour, Harris was ruled out. After the game, coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed an Achilles injury but offered no other details. When asked by reporters if the injury was season-ending, he indicated that was the "preliminary" thought before Harris undergoes imaging.

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys: Lamb was the ball carrier on a 1-yard run when he got his left ankle caught up under a defender, forcing his ankle to rotate outwards relative to his lower leg while it was trapped against the ground. Lamb then exited the game to be evaluated. He did try to return in the second quarter, but after one snap he left the game again and would not return. After the game, Lamb downplayed concerns about the severity of the injury and suggested he might be able to play next week. Expect further evaluation this week to help determine the course of action.

Mike Evans, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Evans suffered a hamstring injury and could be seen limping off the field and on the sidelines. As he exited the field and walked into the tunnel, Evans threw his helmet, seemingly frustrated by the injury. Coach Todd Bowles said Evans is set to undergo an MRI on Monday. Evans missed three games last season due to a hamstring strain.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders: McLaurin left Sunday's game early with a quad injury. Originally deemed questionable to return, McLaurin remained out for the rest of the game.

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts: Pierce exited the game early to be evaluated for a concussion. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, New York Giants: Tracy left the Sunday night game with a right shoulder injury that he sustained following a collision with a defender, and he was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the game.

Sept. 22: Who got the ball on Sunday?

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Eric Moody: Hunter Henry has cemented himself as a low-end TE1

Eric Moody reacts to Hunter Henry's nice fantasy game vs. the Steelers.

Notebook by Eric Moody

• Jaylen Warren finished with a season-high 23 touches against the Patriots. He also led the Steelers in targets and receptions and was tied for the lead in receiving yards. Warren missed just one goal-line snap, the one in which Kenneth Gainwell scored a 1-yard rushing TD. He has scored 13 or more fantasy points in three straight games. The bigger takeaway is that Warren played a career-high 79% of the Steelers' offensive snaps, making him a strong trade target for managers in need of a running back.

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt didn't see an expanded role in the Commanders' backfield in the first game without Austin Ekeler. He finished with nine touches and 10.1 fantasy points, thanks to a rushing touchdown. However, Croskey-Merritt, Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols all played on at least 15 snaps and split touches. If this trend continues, Croskey-Merritt will be difficult to trust in fantasy lineups.

• Matthew Golden stepped up for a Packers team missing Jayden Reed. He caught all four of his targets, led Green Bay in receiving yards, and even logged three rushing attempts. When Reed left in Week 2, Dontayvion Wicks moved into the slot and Golden shifted outside -- and the Packers did the same thing this week. The difference was that Golden not only played more snaps in three-receiver sets but also played a higher percentage of snaps in two-receiver sets over Wicks. Golden looks poised to carve out a progressively larger role in the weeks ahead.

• Nick Chubb and Woody Marks had nearly identical snaps, routes run and targets in the Texans' backfield against the Jaguars. Chubb finished with 12 touches and Marks with seven. For the second straight week, Marks averaged more yards per carry and also had more receiving yards than Chubb. His role in the Texans' backfield could continue to grow as the season progresses.

• Kenneth Walker III finished with 17 touches and 50 total yards in the Seahawks' rout of the Saints, scoring 18 fantasy points thanks to two rushing touchdowns. The good news: Walker was the clear starter and played a high percentage of snaps before garbage time. The bad news: he averaged just 2.4 yards per carry, as Seattle's offensive line, ranked 18th in run block win rate, gave up plenty of penetration. Walker nonetheless remains a must-start in Week 4 against the Cardinals, especially if Zach Charbonnet is again out.

• T.J. Hockenson had a quiet start to the season, but that changed in Week 3 when he posted 15.9 fantasy points against the Bengals. He tied for the team lead in receptions and finished second in both targets and receiving yards. Even though he split time with Josh Oliver and Ben Yurosek, Hockenson still played significantly more snaps and ran more routes, keeping him locked in as a fantasy starter moving forward.

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What to make of Brian Thomas Jr., Travis Hunter in fantasy

Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why Brian Thomas Jr. is more of a WR2 and why fantasy managers should keep Travis Hunter on the bench for now.

• Kyle Pitts Sr. caught four of six targets for 7.9 fantasy points in the Falcons' loss to the Panthers but continues to trend upward in usage. After rotating heavily last season, Pitts has seen a big boost in playing time, logging over 90% of snaps before garbage time in Week 3 and running routes on over 73% of early-down plays in 11 personnel. Even on a quiet offensive day for the Falcons, he tied for second in receptions and remains a key part of Atlanta's passing attack. Pitts looks like a reliable fantasy starter moving forward.

• Harold Fannin Jr. caught three of four targets for 25 yards in the Browns' win over the Packers, but the real story is his growing role. Fannin played 42 snaps to David Njoku's 50, with third-down snaps split evenly between them. He also ran 20 routes compared to Njoku's 29. While Njoku still led the team in receiving yards, the gap between the two is narrowing. Fannin was a top waiver add after posting seven receptions and 13.6 fantasy points in Week 1, and his usage suggests he could soon run more routes than Njoku.

• Jerry Jeudy caught just one of five targets for 2.7 fantasy points but still led all Browns wideouts in snaps, routes and targets. Isaiah Bond, meanwhile, continues to eat into Cedric Tillman's snaps and routes run, finishing with four targets to Tillman's three -- even in a game in which the Browns' offense barely showed up.

• Luther Burden III's 19.8 fantasy points will turn heads, but context matters. He finished fourth on the Bears' WR depth chart in snaps, routes and targets, yet led the team in receiving yards. Burden capitalized on all three of his targets, aided by Colston Loveland's injury and more four-receiver sets. The key takeaway: Burden showed his potential, but he'll need to overtake Olamide Zaccheaus in the pecking order to be fantasy relevant.

• Tyrone Tracy Jr. left Week 3 against the Chiefs with a shoulder injury after playing 11 of the first 15 snaps, finishing with nine touches and 5.6 fantasy points. Cam Skattebo took over, ending the game with 16 touches and 24.1 fantasy points. After this performance, Skattebo is firmly on the flex radar, whether Tracy misses time or not.