Fantasy football buzz: How will Colts replace Pittman? Collins on IR

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.

Key links: Fantasy depth charts

Oct. 10: What now with Pittman (back) expected to miss multiple weeks?

Eric Moody: ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Wednesday that Michael Pittman Jr. will miss Sunday's contest and could be out multiple games, leaving fantasy managers scrambling for a replacement. A trip to injured reserve is also not out of the question for the Indianapolis Colts' No. 1 receiver.

Alec Pierce and Josh Downs should see more targets in Pittman's absence. Pierce has averaged an impressive 3.2 fantasy points per target this season, while Downs has been the Colts' most-targeted receiver since returning in Week 3. (If you want more details on them, check out my waiver wire column.) It's important to also note that Downs is dealing with a toe injury, which could lead to rookie Adonai Mitchell seeing more targets. You can read about him in my Rookie Watch column.

As for quarterback Anthony Richardson, it's still unclear if he'll play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans because of a an oblique injury, though he was limited in practice on Wednesday. The Colts' offense looked solid with veteran Joe Flacco under center last Sunday, so even without Pittman, I don't expect them to suddenly lean heavily on the running game. Flacco went 33-of-44 passing for 359 yards and three TDs, including one scoring connection with Pierce.

Downs and Pierce are both solid flex options in most leagues, but if you play in a deeper format, don't overlook Mitchell. Be sure to check out my waiver wire column for other potential pickups if you'd rather steer clear of the Colts' passing game entirely.

Oct. 9: Nico Collins placed on IR with hamstring injury

Eric Moody: Nico Collins was off to a hot start this season, scoring 16 or more fantasy points in four of his first five games. He led the Texans with 45 targets and was leading the league in receiving yards through Week 6. Now Collins' fantasy managers will need a replacement and the Texans have enough talent at wide receiver to mitigate the loss.

Stefon Diggs seems primed to be the focal point of the passing game in Collins' absence. Diggs has scored 14 or more fantasy points in four of five games this season, topping 18 points in three of them. He was the second most-targeted player on Texans behind Collins.

Tank Dell should also see an increased role, much to the delight of his fantasy managers. While both Diggs and Dell are rostered in most ESPN leagues, keep an eye on second-year receiver Xavier Hutchinson. Hutchinson caught two of three targets for 31 yards in the Texans Week 5 win. Houston is tied for the third-most pass attempts per game (38.0) so C.J. Stroud remains a solid QB1.

If you're looking for other replacements for Collins, there are some options to consider, includingJuJu Smith-Schuster,Jalen Tolbert and more in this week's waiver wire column.

Oct 9: Derek Carr out indefinitely with oblique injury

Tristan H. Cockcroft:Derek Carris out for Week 6 and probably multiple games because of an oblique injury he suffered during Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving either Jake Haener, a 2023 fourth-rounder who came on in relief of Carr on Monday, or rookie Spencer Rattler to fill in at quarterback. Either choice pulls down the fantasy appeal of the New Orleans Saints' wide receiver room, being that neither brings a profile the caliber of Carr's.

Haener was 2-of-7 passing in Week 5, attempting only two passes that traveled more than eight yards beyond the line of scrimmage (both 18-yarders), while targeting Alvin Kamara three times (for both of his completions), Chris Olave twice and Juwan Johnson once. Rattler, the more intriguing of the two from a dynasty-sleeper perspective, completed 53% of his preseason pass attempts for 202 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions. But both bring questions about their vertical passing games, whereas Derek Carr has one of the better deep balls among current quarterbacks (50% completion rate, 15 touchdowns since the beginning of last season).

Olave's fantasy appeal is most adversely impacted. Originally a high-end WR2 in my rankings, he's a WR3/flex for as long as Carr is sidelined or as long it takes Rattler to emerges as a competent NFL passer. Rashid Shaheed belongs in the same rankings tier, a few notches behind Olave. Also bear in mind that the Saints have a pair of tough matchups ahead against the Denver Broncos in Week 7 and at Los Angeles Chargers in Week 8.

Oct.9: Davante Adams unlikely to suit up Sunday

The Las Vegas Raiders receiver has been out with a hamstring injury and is not expected to play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. Adams, who has requested a trade, last played for the Raiders in a Week 3 home loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Oct. 8: Patriots to make QB change, start Drake Maye

The New England Patriots plan to make a change at QB, sitting Jacoby Brissett and starting rookie Drake Mayewhen the Patriots host the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Maye is available in 98.3% of fantasy leagues, but is likely not worth starting in a standard 10-team league at this time.

The QB switch does not change how Eric Moody is ranking Patriots receivers at the moment.

Oct. 8: Hope for underperforming fantasy football teams

Earlier today in a quite surprising move, the New York Jets fired coach Robert Saleh even though the team's 2-3 record has them just a game behind the AFC East division-leading Buffalo Bills. Apparently, team management felt drastic changes were required in order for the Jets to make it to the 2024 playoffs.

But what about fantasy football teams who have gotten off to decidedly worse starts to the 2024 season. If your team is 1-4 or even 0-5 after the first five weeks of the season, is there truly any hope for you? Should you fire your coach (a.k.a. yourself) and just pack it in until next season? Well, in the immortal words of Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend!"

While nobody is saying there isn't still a hill for you to climb, the feat is far from impossible. Last season, a full 10% of ESPN fantasy teams that started the season with a 1-4 record made it to the playoffs. And, in a somewhat surprising development, even more teams that were winless after Week 5 action (12%) managed a massive turnaround that led to post-season action.

In other words, yes. We're saying there's still a chance!

Oct. 7: Nico Collins could be out a couple of weeks

Stephania Bell: Coming out of Sunday's NFL action, we have a number of injury situations we are tracking closely. Here's are the new injuries to monitor in the days and weeks ahead, starting with the league leader in receiving yards down in Houston.

Nico Collins, WR, Texans: Collins' 67-yard touchdown in the first quarter against the Bills was a thing of beauty, but apparently it came at a cost as he exited afterward with a hamstring injury. It was unclear whether this was the same hamstring that landed Collins on a Thursday practice injury report in advance of Week 4 (he returned to full practice the next day and played that week without incident) or whether it was the opposite side. Recurrence is a common problem with soft tissue injuries and can delay the full recovery time, so this is worth monitoring to see if further details emerge.

Coach DeMeco Ryans referred to Collins' status as day-to-day postgame but on Monday changed his outlook to week-to-week, adding, "It takes a couple of weeks for a hamstring." This would certainly suggest Collins is expected out for Week 6 and potentially longer.

Aaron Rodgers, QB, Jets: In the third quarter, Rodgers went to all fours, seemingly unable to get up after getting his leg caught in a pile while the rest of him was twisted awkwardly. Clearly in discomfort, he then reached for the back of his thigh before going all the way to the ground. He ultimately left the field, escorted by the Jets medical staff. He returned quickly after being evaluated, but appeared to be avoiding driving through his left (front) leg on his throws, often throwing off his back foot. After the game the injury was reported as a low ankle sprain, and on Monday coach Robert Saleh said all preliminary testing suggests Rodgers will be "fine" and is expected to play in Week 6.

It's worth noting this is the same ankle on which Rodgers had an Achilles repair just over a year ago. There is no threat to the repair necessarily, but any swelling or stiffness in that ankle is perhaps a little more challenging to resolve, given the history. Rodgers had also entered Week 5 with some left knee swelling. While he may not miss time, if he has trouble with mobility or driving through his front leg on certain throws, it could compound some of the team's struggles on offense.

Aaron Jones, RB, Vikings: Jones sustained a right hip injury in the first quarter against the Jets and he appeared to be trying to work through it via stretching on the sideline when the team originally deemed him questionable to return. He was formally ruled out at halftime, however, ending his day after just 16 snaps. The Vikings thankfully enter a bye week and coach Kevin O'Connell said he is "keeping his fingers crossed" that this is a short-term injury situation for Jones. If he does have to miss time, it will mean an increased in workload for Ty Chandler.

David Njoku, TE, Browns: In his first game back after missing three games with a high ankle sprain, Njoku suffered another injury -- this time to his knee -- and was again forced to exit early. He was scheduled to undergo imaging on his knee Monday, but it will also be important to hear how his ankle fared after playing 25 offensive snaps in this game.

Jake Moody, K, 49ers: Kickers who kick long field goals have been a fantasy boon this season, so the loss of a kicker matters to lineups. Moody, who started the season with two field goals of 50-plus yards, will now be sidelined for multiple weeks with a right high ankle sprain he suffered while trying to make a tackle on a kickoff return. The 49ers play Thursday night in Week 6 and are expected to have another kicker in place shortly.

De'Von Achane, RB, Dolphins: Achane suffered a concussion in Week 5 and the Dolphins' bye seems to be coming at a good time for them on multiple fronts. There will be little in the way of updates during this bye week, but monitor practice reports in advance of Week 7 to see if Achane has a chance to return.

Other things to watch in Week 6

Eagles WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both had injuries entering the team's Week 5 bye week. Smith suffered a concussion in Week 3 (missed Week 4) and Brown suffered a hamstring injury in practice in advance of Week 2 that has kept him sidelined since. Both players could potentially return to practice this week.

Chargers QB Justin Herbert played in Week 4 despite aggravating his high ankle sprain the week prior, but he had a bye in Week 5 to rest and rehab. The expectation is that he will play in Week 6, but his practice status (will he be on the injury report?) is something to watch.

Browns running back Nick Chubb (ACL, MCL, meniscus) had his practice window opened and said he felt good after rejoining the team in practice. Once the window is opened, the Browns have 21 days to activate him, so it could come anytime between now and Week 8. This week's game is away (at Eagles), but the Browns then have home games against the Bengals and the Ravens, making a return in one of those two weeks the most likely.