Jake Ferguson (knee) has a chance to play vs. Saints
After suffering an MCL sprain in Week 1 against the Browns, Jake Ferguson ($4,700) appeared headed for a multi-week absence, but coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Wednesday that he is still “optimistic” that the tight end will play this week against the Saints. Before departing in the third quarter, Ferguson hauled in 3-of-5 targets for 15 yards against Cleveland. He is clearly the top tight end in Dallas with a significant target share when healthy. If he’s unable to play this week, Luke Schoonmaker ($2,900) would likely start and fullback Hunter Luepke ($4,000) would likely be more involved as a receiver. -Zach Thompson
Keenan Allen (heel), Rome Odunze (knee) won’t practice Wednesday
Allen and Odunze will both miss practice Wednesday, putting their statuses for Sunday night’s game vs. the Texans in question. Odunze’s knee injury was initially expected to be serious, but Matt Eberflus deemed him day-to-day on Wednesday. Allen led the Bears with 11 targets in last Sunday’s win over the Titans, while Odunze saw four targets in his NFL debut. If one of these players sits on Sunday, the other wideout who is active will benefit from extra usage, while No.1 option DJ Moore will also certainly see a boost with more volume. In the event that both Allen and Odunze sit, Moore will become a very difficult fade and DeAndre Carter and Velus Jones Jr. will likely see full-time roles as the secondary receivers in this Chicago offense. – Alex Hunter
De’Von Achane (ankle) questionable vs. Bills; Raheem Mostert (chest) out
Both Achane ($9,800 Showdown) and Mostert are dealing with injuries and while Mostert has been ruled out for Thursday vs. the Bills, Achane is questionable and considered a game-time decision, per Mike McDaniel. If Achane plays and doesn’t see any serious limitations, the back should see a massive role sans Mostert. Now, if Achane joins Mostert on the inactive list, Jeff Wilson Jr. ($2,400) and Jaylen Wright ($3,000) should both see work, with Wilson Jr. likely seeing the edge in usage given his veteran status. That being said, Wright is an impressive prospect. The Dolphins used a fourth-round pick on him this past offseason, and he might bring higher upside than Wilson Jr. even if he doesn’t start. – Alex Hunter
Tee Higgins (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday
Higgins ($5,900) picked up a hamstring injury last week while preparing for Week 1, and ultimately was listed as doubtful before being ruled out against the Patriots. On Wednesday, coach Zac Taylor said that Higgins is considered day-to-day but is “making good progress.” He did not practice Wednesday but stay tuned for further updates on his availability heading into the Bengals’ (+5; O/U 47.5) big matchup with the Chiefs this Sunday. If he’s sidelined again, Chase would get more work along with Andrei Iosivas ($3,800), who had three catches on six targets for 26 yards in Week 1. -Zach Thompson
Justin Fields expected to start Sunday vs. Broncos
Steelers’ HC Mike Tomlin told the media Tuesday that the team is preparing for Fields ($5,400) to start again this Sunday vs. the Broncos. Russell Wilson (calf; $5,400) practiced Wednesday but still feels unlikely to play. Starting in place of Wilson last Sunday, Fields finished with 11.94 FPTS in the win over the Falcons. The ex-Bear threw for 156 yards and no touchdowns, but as always, Fields showed a willingness to run, with 57 rushing yards on 14 carries. The dual-threat quarterback finished eighth in FPTS per dropback last season and must be considered if starting again this Sunday vs. Denver. In his 14 starts over the last two seasons, Fields has amassed 18.6 FPTS per game. – Alex Hunter
Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) limited in practice on Wednesday
McCaffrey ($8,700) was a surprise inactive this past Monday vs. the Jets. Kyle Shanahan called McCaffrey “day-to-day” Tuesday and now on Wednesday, the back was a limited participant at practice. This an encouraging sign, but if McCaffrey plays this Sunday vs. the Vikings, it’s hard to imagine he will see his usual role, and he and Jordan Mason ($5,200) will likely split the work, hurting both players’ fantasy values. Now, if McCaffrey ends up inactive for the second straight week, Mason will be a must-play for all formats. Starting for McCaffrey on Monday, Mason rushed 28 times for 147 yards and a TD, resulting in 25.2 FPTS. Notably, Mason logged 80.6% of the snaps and he was the only 49ers back to see a carry. – Alex Hunter
Kenneth Walker (oblique) did not practice on Wednesday
Kenneth Walker ($6,300) appears to be trending in the wrong direction after a strong 103 yards with one touchdown effort in a 26-20 victory against the Broncos in week one. If he’s unable to suit up for this Sunday’s match vs. the Patriots, Zach Charbonnet ($5,800) is next up in line. The Michigan product only started in two games during his rookie season and should see an increased workload in Walker’s absence. Last season, Charbonnet averaged 28.9 yards per game and got into the red zone just one time while failing to register any receiving touchdowns. Charbonnet will be a must-play should Walker sit out, considering their third RB Kenny McIntosh ($4,300) saw no touches during their season opener. – Bill Yin
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