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Here are the four most impactful situations for fantasy managers heading into Week 4:
RB Carnage: Achane, Hall, Etienne, and More
Miami's De'Von Achane's season is over with a torn ACL; the Jets' Breece Hall is week-to-week with a quad injury and didn't practice Wednesday; and Travis Etienne Jr. is dealing with a hamstring injury in New Orleans.
Achane's injury immediately creates significant, long-term fantasy roles for Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright in Miami, although uncertainty about who ultimately serves as lead back remains. Wright's return to limited practice Wednesday complicates what initially looked like a straightforward Gordon takeover.
The Jets' situation is cleaner -- even if we don't have a clear timeline for Hall, it's safe to assume Braelon Allen will handle the primary role in the starter's absence.
With Etienne out at least four weeks after being placed on injured reserve Thursday, veteran Alvin Kamara is the target of interest for fantasy managers, although Kendre Miller and CJ Donaldson will likely chip in as well.
WR Watch: Nacua and Collins Returning; Jefferson, Coker, and Evans Uncertain
The big news here came when Rams head coach Sean McVay told reporters Wednesday that he expects wide receiver Puka Nacua (hip) to play Sunday against the Eagles. Though Nacua, who has yet to play this season, was limited in Wednesday's practice, the expectation that he will play is based on the progress he's made. He was slated to practice Thursday again, but we'd still recommend following up on this one as the weekend draws nearer.
In Houston, Nico Collins, who's missed two games with a hamstring injury, returned to practice Wednesday, then followed up with a Thursday session. The 0-3 Texans are hoping the return of Collins will boost their struggling offense against the Cowboys Sunday. It's a great matchup for Collins, so don't shy away if he's available.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle) is considered day-to-day. Jefferson did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, but he's not yet ruled out for Sunday's game. If active against the Dolphins, Jefferson would be startable as a WR1 despite the injury.
49ers wide receiver Mike Evans is considered day-to-day with a rib strain sustained during Week 3 against the Cardinals. GM John Lynch said Thursday that he expects Evans to make every effort to play against the Broncos, although the veteran wideout has not practiced this week.
In Carolina, Jalen Coker (quad) did not practice Wednesday but was on the field Thursday. His status for Sunday's game against the Lions bears watching. Coker is WR9 after three weeks, and Detroit's pass defense ranks last in the NFL.
QB Carousel: Questions in Chicago, Mayfield Out, Daniels Getting Close?
Chicago's Caleb Williams still isn't practicing because of his hamstring injury, so the focus has been on Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent. Keenum threw for 247 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in the Bears' 27-7 win over the Eagles. After Keenum led the team to victory Monday night, HC Ben Johnson reaffirmed his belief in Bagent, noting there's "a reason why Tyson ended training camp as our No. 2 quarterback." Wednesday, Johnson said he knows the "direction" the team will go at QB in Week 4 -- even if he won't publicly declare a starter against the Jets. The Bears could take their decision all the way up until game day. Williams hasn't officially been ruled out, but the Bears' Week 4 preparations appear focused on Keenum and Bagent.
Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield's dislocated throwing thumb, which is expected to cost him multiple weeks, means undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels starts at QB against the Packers. Jayden Daniels returned to practice Wednesday, just 10 days after dislocating his left elbow. He was limited and wore a brace, and Washington hasn't committed to him for Sunday's London game; Marcus Mariota remains the alternative.
Bowers Is Back -- And Nothing Has Changed
Brock Bowers didn't merely return to action last Sunday; he returned as a dominant force. The Raiders star tight end produced 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, was named AFC Offensive Player of the Week, and showed fantasy managers they don't need to ease him back into lineups. Bowers was a difference-maker right from the start. His seven catches for 87 yards in the first half helped fuel four scoring drives, giving Kirk Cousins a dependable connection and the Saints another problem to solve. The Raiders play the Chiefs in Week 4.
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