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Bucs QB Baker Mayfield (knee) improving, NT Vita Vea (foot) injured

Thu Oct 23 6:03pm ET
Field Level Media

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was a full practice participant Thursday as he seeks to recover from a sore knee.

Mayfield was limited in Wednesday's walkthrough just two days after Tampa Bay lost 24-9 to the host Detroit Lions.

Mayfield said the Buccaneers are eager to get back on the field against the host New Orleans Saints on Sunday.

"If you lose, you want to get out there quicker rather than later to get it out of your system," Mayfield told reporters Thursday. "Especially when you have a group like we have, they understand what we have to do to get the job done to find wins. Our guys will handle it the right way, heal up as quick as we can and go from there."

While Mayfield is healing, two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Vita Vea (foot) has joined the long list of players on the team's injury report. He missed practice Thursday after not being part of the report Wednesday.

Vea's addition gives Tampa Bay 18 players on the report.

Running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) and receiver Chris Godwin (fibula) have already been ruled out for Sunday and linebacker Haason Reddick (ankle/knee) is expected to miss multiple games, according to coach Todd Bowles.

Reserve quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (teeth) joined the quartet of Vea, Irving, Godwin and Reddick in missing practice Thursday.

Among the players making progress are linebacker Lavonte David (knee/rib), receiver Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (toe). That trio was among six players who missed practice due to injury Wednesday but were limited participants on Thursday.

The long list of players on the report doesn't include receiver Mike Evans (broken collarbone), who was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.

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Player Notes
Michael Penix Jr. Oct 23 6:40pm ET
Michael Penix Jr.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week due to a bone bruise in his knee. However, he told reporters on Wednesday that he was feeling good after he injured his knee late in the Sunday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7. When asked if he plans to play this Sunday against the visiting Miami Dolphins, the second-year signal-caller said, "Yes, that's the plan." The 25-year-old southpaw has completed only 61% of his 195 pass attempts through six games in 2025, throwing for 1,409 yards, five touchdowns, and three picks in his first full year as Atlanta's starter. The matchup in Miami is an excellent one, but the Falcons may not need to rely much on Penix's left arm. Fantasy managers should consider the Washington product as a midrange QB2 play this weekend.

From RotoBaller

Baker Mayfield Oct 23 6:30pm ET
Baker Mayfield

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (knee) upgraded to a full practice on Thursday after he was limited by a knee injury on Wednesday. Mayfield came out of the Monday night loss to the Detroit Lions a little banged up, but he should be just fine to play this weekend in a divisional clash on the road in New Orleans against the Saints. It's a plus matchup and a good spot for Mayfield to bounce back after one of his worst games of the season in Week 8, when he went 28-for-50 for 228 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. With that said, fantasy managers must also consider the health of Tampa's offensive weapons at Mayfield's disposal. Veteran receiver Mike Evans broke his collarbone on Monday night, and the Bucs will be without receiver Chris Godwin (leg) and running back Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder) for another week. Still, as long as impressive rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) plays, Mayfield should be in play as a midrange QB1 against the 1-6 Saints.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Oct 23 6:10pm ET
Jaylen Waddle

The Miami Dolphins listed wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (hamstrings) as a limited practice participant on Thursday due to injuries to both hamstrings, but they also cited rest for the reason he had a cap on his reps in the second day of practice this week, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Although mid-week additions to the injury report usually aren't a good thing, the 26-year-old should be able to suit up for the Week 8 contest this Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons as long as he doesn't miss Friday's practice. The entire Dolphins offense went off the rails in last week's blowout loss to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, and Waddle had only one catch on four targets for 15 yards. The previous two weeks, though, he had six grabs, 205 yards, and a touchdown on 17 targets. Waddle should bounce back as a volume-based WR3/flex in fantasy on the road against Atlanta.

From RotoBaller

Breece Hall Oct 23 6:00pm ET
Breece Hall

New York Jets running back Breece Hall (knee) was limited in practice on Thursday for the second straight day this week while he manages a knee injury, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN. Head coach Aaron Glenn called Hall day-to-day earlier this week, but he could come down with a questionable tag for this weekend's game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday if he is unable to upgrade to a full practice on Friday. Ultimately, Hall should play in Week 8, but his status is worth monitoring going into Friday. The Jets' offense has been a mess in 2025, which has torpedoed the 24-year-old's fantasy value. Veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor could make the start over Justin Fields against the Bengals this weekend, but the Jets are trending towards missing receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) for a second straight game. At this point, a trade out of New York might be the only thing to save Hall's fantasy value this season.

From RotoBaller

Josh Jacobs Oct 23 5:50pm ET
Josh Jacobs

Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (calf) was limited in practice for a second straight day this week on Thursday with a calf injury, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Jacobs popped up on Green Bay's injury report last week with an illness and a calf injury and was listed as questionable to play in Week 7 against the Arizona Cardinals. He ultimately suited up and scored two rushing touchdowns for the third straight week, but he also played a season-low 55% of the offensive snaps while running for 55 yards on a season-low 13 rushing attempts. It's possible that Jacobs could be questionable again heading into Sunday night's contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 8 if he doesn't upgrade to a full practice on Friday, but it feels likely that he'll end up playing this weekend, barring a setback. The Packers are most likely trying to keep Jacobs fresh for Sunday night's primetime game, where he'll be a must-start RB in fantasy if he's active.

From RotoBaller

TreVeyon Henderson Oct 23 5:40pm ET
TreVeyon Henderson

New England Patriots rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson played a season-low 14% of the offensive snaps in the Week 7 blowout win over the Tennessee Titans, and he watched backfield mate Rhamondre Stevenson handle a season-high 75% snap share. The second-round rookie had a season-low two rushing attempts for five yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game for the first time in seven weeks. Per the Boston Herald's Doug Kyed, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Henderson's lack of involvement was "circumstantial" and that the Ohio State product should see more of a normal role this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. The Pats essentially went with the hot hand in Stevenson in Week 7 after he established a nice rhythm as the lead back. Henderson has plenty to work on and is only averaging 3.6 yards per carry in his first NFL season, and right now, there's no clear path for him to unseat Stevenson as the lead back in New England. Henderson will be a tough sell as an RB3/flex in fantasy this week against a stingy Browns defense.

From RotoBaller

Brandon Aiyuk Oct 23 5:40pm ET
Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Thursday that there is not only hope but also "evidence" that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) might be able to return "relatively soon," according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Aiyuk is attempting to return from a serious knee injury that included a torn ACL and MCL that he suffered last October, and the former first-rounder is apparently making good progress in his rehab. Still, there is no clear timetable for when the 27-year-old wideout might make his 2025 debut, and the Niners have yet to open his 21-day practice window for him to return from the Physically Unable to Perform list. When Aiyuk finally does return to the practice field, it could take the full 21 days before he's officially activated and joins the 53-man active roster. Fantasy managers stashing him will want to temper expectations for any 2025 contributions.

From RotoBaller

Kenny Clark Oct 23 5:33pm ET
Kenny Clark

Dallas Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (concussion) and S Donovan Wilson (elbow, shoulder) did not participate in practice Thursday, Oct. 23. C Cooper Beebe (ankle), DT Kenny Clark (elbow), OT Ajani Cornelius (knee), OT Tyler Guyton (glute), DE Marshawn Kneeland (ankle), LB DeMarvion Overshown (knee), CB Shavon Revel Jr. (knee), OG Tyler Smith (knee) and S Juanyeh Thomas (illness) were limited during practice. CB Caelen Carson (hamstring), WR Jonathan Mingo (knee), LB Kenneth Murray (ankle) and DT Mazi Smith (ankle, knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Zach Ertz Oct 23 5:33pm ET
Zach Ertz

Washington Commanders TE Zach Ertz (non-injury) did not participate in practice Thursday, Oct. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Ertz has been targeted 13 times over the last two games and has caught a touchdown in both of those games. He should be a popular target for Marcus Mariota this week and can be a low-end No. 1 tight end in some leagues.

From TheHuddle

Trey Hendrickson Oct 23 5:23pm ET
Trey Hendrickson

Cincinnati Bengals CB Marco Wilson (hamstring) did not participate in practice Thursday, Oct. 23. DE Trey Hendrickson (hip), C Matt Lee (knee) and DE Cameron Sample (knee) were limited during practice. TE Tanner Hudson (concussion), DE Cedric Johnson (calf) and WR Charlie Jones (ribs) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Chris Olave Oct 23 5:20pm ET
Chris Olave

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (ankle) was able to practice on a limited basis on Thursday after he was held out on Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Olave didn't look hampered by an ankle injury in the Week 7 loss to the Chicago Bears on Sunday, catching five of his seven targets for 98 yards and two touchdowns. It was only the second time in seven games in 2025 where he didn't see double-digit targets, but Olave managed 98 receiving yards for the second straight week and scored for the second and third time this season. The former first-rounder is now up to 44 receptions on 71 targets for 440 yards and three touchdowns on the year and will be a must-start for this weekend's divisional tilt against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Olave has been the subject of some trade rumors with the deadline approaching, so his fantasy value could jump even more in the coming weeks if he's on the move.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Oct 23 5:13pm ET
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets CB Sauce Gardner (concussion), LB Cam Jones (hip), RB Kene Nwangwu (concussion), TE Stone Smartt (quadriceps), TE Mason Taylor (quadriceps), DT Jay Tufele (knee) and WR Garrett Wilson (knee) did not participate in practice Thursday, Oct. 23. RB Breece Hall (knee) and QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) were limited during practice. CB Michael Carter II (concussion), DE Jermaine Johnson (ankle), CB Qwan'tez Stiggers (hip) and LB Quincy Williams (shoulder) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

Mason Taylor Oct 23 5:10pm ET
Mason Taylor

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor (quad) missed his team's Thursday practice due to a quad injury, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Taylor is a new addition to the injury report, which is a concerning sign for his availability in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Taylor has recorded 24 catches for 208 yards on 34 targets through the first seven games of his NFL career. With star Jets wideout Garrett Wilson (knee) also questionable to play in Week 8, Taylor has a chance to be the team's number one option in the passing game against Cincinnati if healthy. Additionally, the Bengals have been one of the easiest matchups for opposing tight ends in fantasy so far this season. If Taylor can play, he profiles as a low-end fantasy starter in Week 8. If he's unable to go, Jeremy Ruckert, Stone Smartt (quad), and Jelani Woods are the likely candidates to log tight end snaps for the Jets against Cincinnati.

From RotoBaller

Tyrod Taylor Oct 23 5:03pm ET
Tyrod Taylor

New York Jets QB Tyrod Taylor (knee) was limited during practice Thursday, Oct. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Taylor is a candidate to start in Week 8, so fantasy players will need to monitor both his status for the game and the team's decision at the position. He probably will have more success than Justin Fields in the passing game but can be avoided in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Cole Kmet Oct 23 5:00pm ET
Cole Kmet

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (back) missed practice for the second straight day on Thursday due to a back injury that forced him to exit early from his team's Week 7 win over the New Orleans Saints. Kmet appears to be at risk of missing Chicago's Week 8 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The 26-year-old has recorded nine catches for 132 yards and a touchdown on 19 targets across six games so far this season. Kmet and rookie Colston Loveland have largely split playing time at tight end when both players have been healthy. If Kmet is sidelined in Week 8, Loveland may finally see enough target volume to provide fantasy-relevant production.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 23 4:53pm ET
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots WR Stefon Diggs (chest), S Kyle Dugger (knee), LB Harold Landry (ankle), OT Morgan Moses (non-injury), LB Elijah Ponder (knee), DT Khyiris Tonga (knee) and S Craig Woodson (ankle) were limited during practice Thursday, Oct. 23. DT Christian Barmore (non-injury), CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring), S Jaylinn Hawkins (hamstring) and CB Charles Woods (knee) fully participated in practice.

From TheHuddle

D.J. Moore Oct 23 4:50pm ET
D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (hip) was able to return to practice in a limited capacity on Thursday after being held out of practice on Wednesday due to a hip injury. Moore suffered the injury in Week 6 and was able to play through it in Week 7, so he could be on track to suit up again in Week 8 against the Baltimore Ravens. The 28-year-old has recorded 22 catches for 258 yards and a touchdown on 31 targets across six games so far this season. Moore appears to have fallen behind Bears wideout Rome Odunze in the team's pecking order for targets, and rookie wide receiver Luther Burden III may eventually threaten him as well. Assuming Moore is able to play on Sunday against Baltimore, he profiles as a solid WR3/flex option for fantasy managers.

From RotoBaller

Stefon Diggs Oct 23 4:43pm ET
Stefon Diggs

New England Patriots WR Stefon Diggs (chest) was limited during practice Thursday, Oct. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Diggs seems to be on track to play in the Week 8 game despite the injury, but fantasy players can see if things change over the next few days. He will see a good amount of targets if he able to play and can be a No. 2 or No. 3 receiver in fantasy leagues.

From TheHuddle

Josh Palmer Oct 23 4:40pm ET
Josh Palmer

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle, knee) missed his second straight practice on Thursday, leading into his team's Week 8 matchup against the Carolina Panthers. Bills head coach Sean McDermott previously categorized Palmer's status as "week-to-week," so it appears he's trending towards missing Week 8. Palmer has recorded 14 catches for 234 yards on 20 targets through Buffalo's first six games of 2025. His absence would likely lead to an uptick in targets for Bills wideouts Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir. Additionally, Buffalo wide receivers Tyrell Shavers and Elijah Moore could see an increase in playing time.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Oct 23 4:33pm ET
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones (hamstring) was activated from the Reserve/Injured list Thursday, Oct. 23.

Fantasy Spin: Jones likely will share playing time with Jordan Mason in the Week 8 game, but it is not known how many touches he will receive in the offense. He can be considered a flex option in most flex leagues at this point.

From TheHuddle