The Way This Works...
Late-week injuries, suspensions, and unexpected coaching decisions with personnel can upend a fantasy lineup.
We developed this feature to give you resources to navigate potential player losses and stay ahead in free-agent bidding wars by securing an early look at the week's future fantasy flavor.
As the author of the most comprehensive scouting analysis of skill players since 2006, I'm one of those resources—especially for players at the bottom of depth charts, practice squad hopefuls, and even the occasional case of the guy training at home with dreams of that phone call from an NFL team.
Every week, I'll walk you through the shortlist of players who will get their shot to contribute as replacements for players falling victim to unexpected late-week events.
I won't update this piece over the weekend, but you'll get the goods on players worth considering, and over the past three years, this column has offered plenty of quality short-term and long-term options — many of them as preemptive picks.
This is a partial list, but you get the point.
We'll examine three types of replacements:
- Players who get immediate playing time.
- Preemptive additions from your league's waiver wire.
- Options worth monitoring in case the established backup eventually misses time.
Many of these players are late-round picks and street-free agents. I'm not giving you obvious waiver candidates that will command a large percentage of your FAAB dollars. You'll often find these options in your First-Come, First-Served section late in the week before kickoff.
If you think street-free agents won't be factors, talk to Rico Dowdle, Kyle Monangai, Christian Watson, Parker Washington, Michael Wilson, and Colby Parkinson last year. What about Jordan Mason the year before? James Robinson would like to tell you about his 2020 campaign. And Raheem Mostert has time on his hands if you need a deeper consultation.
Past Replacements
This is where I will keep a running list of previous recommendations with brief thoughts about them moving forward if they are still available. I update my categorization as we learn more.
Add Now
RB Emmett Johnson (Chiefs): If you watched Week 2's Chiefs game, you now know why I listed Johnson as a preemptive addition. Johnson was quick, agile, powerful, and physical. You're likely out of luck adding Johnson off waivers unless you're in a shallow league with 8-10 teams and small roster sizes. If not, add him immediately if you have Ken Walker III or need a shot at a backup with starter upside.
RB Emanuel Wilson (Seahawks): Wilson runs like an aspiring Chris Carson but without the same explosion or high-flying feats in the open field. Wilson pounds his way through creases, bounces off contact -- friend or foe -- and pushes piles for positive yards that keep the offensive playbook open. Zach Charbonnet may return in Week 5. Right now, Charbonnet's rehab and readiness have sounded like typical hyperbole. If you need a running back during the next two weeks and you're desperate for points, Wilson is the best equipped to earn a significant workload from a team that runs the ball well.
RB Najee Harris (Giants): Harris played well enough against the Titans to earn the backup role. Harris pressed creases effectively, anticipated the correct crease, and hit them decisively. He also found cutbacks and ran with his typical power after contact. Cam Skattebo is playing with a shoulder injury, and he's a punishing runner. When he's pass-protecting, Skattebo is prone to reckless behavior. Harris could wind up the lead back in a Giants' committee if Skattebo gets hurt.
WR Keon Coleman (Bills): Coleman gives you a shot at a big play, but he's the third or fourth option, at best, on a lot of looks. With DJ Moore already hurt once at this point of the season, Coleman could find himself called upon for more work like he was in Weeks 2 and 4.
Preemptive
WR Jaylin Noel (Texans): Noel earned 5 targets against the Bengals but caught only 1 for 31 yards. As productive as C.J. Stroud was, he could not hit Noel with accurate throws. Kayshon Boutte delivered 3 catches for 37 yards last week. Noel and Boutte are on even ground with targets after I had Noel as an Add Now and Boutte as a Monitor. Both are viable considerations in future weeks, especially if the Texans have additional trouble executing on the ground.
WR Kayshon Boutte (Texans): Boutte made good catches this week, especially over the middle. He looks like he's quickly getting comfortable with the offense, and his versatility is showing up in how the Texans use him. Short-term, I like Boutte's fantasy value more than Noel's, but long-term it's still close because Noel earned more targets from C.J. Stroud, and we should see that volume remain in place and eventually click.
WR Malachi Fields (Giants): An underrated rookie from the 2026 draft class, Fields has the size to win contested targets, the mobility to decelerate on a dime on timing routes, and the athletic ability to earn yards after the catch. It's becoming clear there is a massive denial about Malik Nabers' readiness, who can barely bend into hard breaks -- breaks used for timing routes against man-to-man coverage. Look for the focus of the passing offense to shift away from Nabers, and Fields might benefit.
WR Brycen Tremayne (Panthers): A big-bodied receiver from Stanford, Tremayne delivered 83 yards against the Browns in Week 3. He did a strong job of finding openings in tight zone windows and using his hands and size to earn the ball against contact he could see coming. If you need a receiver likely to earn targets who can win against contact and in the middle of the field, Tremayne could be a late addition who can earn 5-7 targets and 60-80 yards.
RB Isaiah Davis (Jets): A powerful runner with capable acceleration who sets up creases well and anticipates them before they open, Davis is also a skilled route runner against underneath defenders and catches the ball well for a back. If you're desperate for running backs and you're speculating with the free agent pool, think ahead and add Davis if you have a spare spot as a just-in-case option. If Braelon Allen remains healthy and Breece Hall returns quickly enough, Davis will be expendable, but you prepared appropriately.
Monitor
RB Demond Claiborne (Vikings): Claiborne had one touch against the Bears for two yards while Aaron Jones Sr. shouldered the workload like a proven veteran. Jones will continue to shoulder the load for as long as he stays healthy or as long as both teams are still competitive during the game. Claiborne is worth watching to see signs of life, but that's it.
WR Brandin Cooks (49ers): If you need a speculative addition for the 49ers, most were looking at Jordan Watkins, but Cooks' experience and ability to be a quick study might earn him more targets than the young player who has been on the roster. Mike Evans will remain questionable for additional weeks, and that could push Cooks into more playing time.
WR Rashod Bateman (Ravens): Bateman looked like the No.1 receiver the Ravens hoped he'd become all along. The coaching staff's plan with Bateman has been to move him around to generate mismatches. We'll see if Bateman remains a viable entity when Zay Flowers returns. So far, not really, and with Lamar Jackson out this week, keep expectations low for Bateman.
Ignore
WR Darius Slayton (Colts): A former starter with Daniel Jones, Slayton is likely the third receiver on a Colts offense with Keenan Allen's status as questionable in Week 4. Slayton's rapport with Jones could be good enough that he earns targets from Jones, with Indianapolis potentially down two starting receivers. Slaton is a dart throw for 3-5 targets where you hope he earns a vertical target that could make him a fantasy option.