Browns, now in QB Jameis Winston's hands, face stingy Chargers
Wed Oct 30 10:59pm ET
Field Level Media
Jameis Winston was just an afterthought earlier this month when the Cleveland Browns had a full stable of quarterbacks.
But Deshaun Watson's season-ending Achilles injury changed the dynamic and Dorian Thompson-Robinson's injury to a throwing finger in the same Oct. 20 game fully opened the door for the 30-year-old Winston.
Winston excelled last weekend in his first start in 25-plus months. He will attempt to repeat the performance when the Browns host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.
Winston wiped off the cobwebs and passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-24 home victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
The performance prompted Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski to anoint Winston as the starter for the rest of the season.
Winston wasn't moved, saying there is only one thing on his list of goals.
"My main focus is getting back out there and having a great practice today and continuing to lead this offense to do what we're capable of doing," Winston said Wednesday.
There was a time when Winston owned the keys to a franchise. He was the No. 1 overall selection of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015 and made 70 regular-season starts over five seasons.
Results were mixed and the Buccaneers were ready to move on after Winston led the NFL in passing yardage (5,109) and interceptions (30) in the same campaign in 2019.
Winston then spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints and started 10 games. He joined the Browns as a free agent in March, very aware that Watson would be the starter.
Now Winston will be the key figure if the underachieving Browns (2-6) are to get back into the playoff mix.
His second consecutive start comes against the Chargers (4-3), who are excelling in limiting opposing offenses. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring defense (13 points per game) and is eighth in total defense (305.4 yards per game).
Winston isn't the least bit deterred.
"Our guys are physical," Winston said. "Our guys are up for the challenge and I think that's what football is. They got some good guys. I believe in my guys."
The Chargers played a solid all-around game last weekend while posting a 26-8 home win over the New Orleans Saints. It was just their second victory since Sept. 15.
The scoring output matched a season high posted in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.
Justin Herbert passed for 279 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints after having a season-high 349 yards six days earlier in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.
The breakout star against New Orleans was rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, who had six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. McConkey is a second-round pick from Georgia.
"Any time you get in the end zone, it's a big deal," McConkey said. "Just glad I was able to contribute."
Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh raves about McConkey while Herbert spots a future standout.
"He's a complete receiver," Herbert said. "To have that short game and intermediate routes where he's been so good at it, especially on third downs. Now you add open up some of those go balls that you have to respect ... we've got a true ball player on our hands."
Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa returned on a part-time basis against New Orleans after missing three games with a hip injury.
Bosa was limited in Wednesday's practice. Tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Stone Smartt (ankle), linebacker Denzel Perryman (toe) and cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) all missed practice.
Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) will miss the contest. He was injured in Sunday's game against the Ravens and spent the night in the hospital after being carted off the field.
Cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) missed practice Wednesday and was termed day-by-day by Stefanski. Also missing practice were guard Joel Bitonio (foot), middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps) and defensive end Za'Darius Smith (illness).
The Chargers have won the past four meetings.
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The Paur Report
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (groin) has been upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice session. The veteran wideout was limited to open the week, but appears to be doing better now. Chark has a chance at making his season debut against the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. His return would be a welcoming sight for the Chargers, but it's hard to trust Chark in fantasy formats right now. Both Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston figure to be ahead of him on the pecking order on an offense that is already run-heavy.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (ankle) has been upgraded to a full participant in practice on Thursday. Johnston was limited to begin the week, so it seems like he's trending towards playing in Week 9. Johnston has been sidelined since Week 6 due to an ankle issue, but has a good chance to play against the Cleveland Browns. However, Ladd McConkey has become the primary passing option in what is already a run-heavy offense. Johnston can't be trusted as anything more than WR4, assuming he's able to play.
From RotoBaller
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (hamstring) didn't suit up for Thursday's practice session. It looks like Goedert is trending towards missing his third straight game after back-to-back absences in practice. If that happens, Grant Calcaterra figures to draw another start, but he has been mostly quiet. Last week, Calcaterra hauled in three receptions for 58 yards, but fantasy managers shouldn't get too excited. The Eagles have better pass catchers and Calcaterra has only seen four targets in the last two games. Fantasy managers should be able to find a better streaming option in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (hip) was upgraded to a full participant during Thursday's practice. This is great news for fantasy managers after McConkey was limited to begin the week. The rookie wideout has been playing through a hip issue lately, but it doesn't appear to be impacting his performance. He hauled in all six of his targets for 111 yards and two touchdowns last week. Fantasy managers might be able to trust him as a WR2 against the shaky Cleveland Browns secondary in Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (quad) was unable to suit up for Thursday's practice session. White was limited to open the week, but was unable to go on Thursday. Possibly, White was given a rest day on Thursday, but nonetheless it's concerning that he sat out. White missed two games due to a groin issue which allowed Alexander Mattison to see increased looks. Mattison played well during that time and appears to be the lead back going forward. White has only seen five carries over the last two games. He's worth holding in dynasty formats, but his outlook seems bleak right now. He appears to be stuck in a committee which is never good for fantasy value.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) was forced to leave early during Thursday's practice due to an injury. The 23-year-old has been dealing with lingering knee issues since last season. This is obviously concerning for fantasy managers, but Nacua appears to have avoided serious injury. Right now, it sounds like a minor issue, but Nacua's status for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks is still to be decided. There's a good chance he plays after finishing with seven receptions for 106 yards during last week's win over the Minnesota Vikings. If healthy, Nacua is a WR1 for this weekend, but Friday's practice should give fantasy managers more indication on his playing status for Week 9.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt (quad) was downgraded to limited during Thursday's practice session. The Chiefs have limited Hunt throughout the season at times due to various minor injuries. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried about this unless Hunt is limited again on Friday and Saturday. The expectation is that he'll be a full-go for Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hunt has seen a heavy workload over the last three games. During that span, Hunt has seen over 20 carries for more than 50 yards each game. Fantasy managers can go ahead and consider Hunt a strong RB2 ahead of Monday's game.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (shoulder) has been upgraded to full during Thursday's practice. Ridley didn't practice to open the week, but it appears that might've been for rest purposes. He's back to being a full participant following a 10-catch performance last week. The trade of DeAndre Hopkins as made Ridley the primary focus in the receiving game. He'll draw a tough matchup against the New England Patriots secondary in Week 9. Ridley has enough upside to be considered a low-end WR2 in PPR formats this weekend.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard (foot) was unable to suit up for Thursday's practice session. Pollard has yet to practice this week which is a bad sign heading into the Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots. The loss of Pollard would be a significant hit to the Titans backfield. Pollard has seen over 15 carries in each of the last four games. Fellow back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) is still working his way back, so if they both sit then Julius Chestnut would move into the lead back role. He'd have some streaming appeal as the lone back for Sunday's game.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (ribs) was a limited participant during Thursday's practice session. This is now back-to-back limited practice sessions for the rookie quarterback. Daniels was able to tough it out and play through the ribs injury during last week's win over the Chicago Bears. Fantasy managers should expect Daniels to play against the New York Giants this weekend, barring any setbacks. He'll remain a strong QB1 against a struggling Giants secondary.
From RotoBaller
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears (hamstring) was unable to suit up for Thursday's practice session. Spears was limited to open the week, but downgraded to did not practice on Thursday. Possibly, Spears sat out for rest purposes, but he's also been sidelined since Week 7 due to a hamstring issue. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update after Friday's practice. Tony Pollard (foot) hasn't practiced this week, so the Titans could be extremely shorthanded. Julius Chestnut could become the lead back this weekend if both backs sit out. There would be some streaming appeal if Chestnut becomes the lead back.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) was able to get through his second straight limited practice session on Thursday. It sounds like Etienne has a good chance at getting back on the field for the first time since Week 6. Head coach Doug Pederson said that he felt good about Etienne's chances of getting back on the field this week. His return would mean that Tank Bigsby would lose some stream after being the lead back over the last few games. Etienne is more of a flex option because Bigsby might've done enough to make it a 50/50 split in the backfield.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) were both limited participants for the second-straight day. Thomas was originally expected to miss at least two weeks of action earlier in the week but seeing him continue to participate in practice is a promising sign as he may not even miss one game. Davis also suffered an injury in last week's game and he could be in line to return this weekend if he continues to progress well. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status on Friday as they will likely carry an injury designation into the weekend. If Thomas can suit up, he should be viewed as a high-end WR2 facing the Philadelphia Eagles while Davis projects to be a solid flex option as the Eagles have allowed the 22nd-most PPR points to opposing wideouts.
From RotoBaller
Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and Josh Downs (toe) both logged a full practice on Thursday according to James Boyd of The Athletic. This is a great sign as both wideouts were non-participants during Wednesday's initial practice session. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor their status during Friday's practice in case they face a setback. Pittman has been dealing with this back injury for a few weeks but has not missed any games. Downs has also been dealing with a lingering injury but has also not missed any time due to it. Both wideouts should be viewed as a solid options this weekend as they will face the Minnesota Vikings who have allowed the most PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
From RotoBaller
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (ankle) returned to practice on Thursday as a full participant. This is a great sign for Goff as he sat out during Wednesday's practice after rolling his ankle. Seeing return to practice the next day puts him in great position to suit up this weekend. The 30-year-old has led the Lions to five straight victories since falling to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2. During this span, Goff has held a stellar 83.0% completion rate while averaging 23.0 PPR points per game. Goff remains a solid QB1 option in all formats this weekend when he faces the Green Bay Packers who have allowed the 18th-most points to opposing QBs this season.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets kicker Riley Patterson is expected to be elevated from the practice squad to make his New York debut on Thursday evening against the Houston Texans. On Wednesday, starting kicker Greg Zuerlein (knee) was placed on the injured reserve with a knee injury which opened the spot for Patterson. Before his injury, Zuerlein struggled as he went 9-for-15 on attempts this season. Patterson played for the Washington Commanders during the preseason but did not make the final roster. Throughout his NFL career, he has held a 88.1% FG% and has gone 93-for-97 on extra-point attempts. Patterson should be left on the waiver wire and remains a high-risk flex option for DFS formats on Thursday evening.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (ankle) did not practice on Thursday according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Njoku was a full participant on Wednesday but seeing him pop up on the injury report on Thursday could put him in danger of missing this weekend's game. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the 28-year-old's status during Friday's practice as it may provide clarity on his availability for Sunday. Njoku has already missed time earlier this season with an ankle injury. If Njoku is unable to suit up this weekend, fantasy managers should expect Jordan Akins to operate as the lead option.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist) remained limited during Thursday's practice according to Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during Friday's practice as the wideout may carry an injury designation into the weekend if he is unable to upgrade to a full participant. After tallying 66 yards and a score in his Buffalo debut in Week 7, Cooper took the backseat in Week 8 as he brought in just one pass for three yards. If Cooper is unable to play this weekend against the Miami Dolphins, fantasy managers should expect rookie Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir to see an increase in opportunities.
From RotoBaller
New York Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard (chest) was placed on the injured reserve according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Lazard was unable to participate in any team practices this week and was previously ruled out for Thursday. However, he will now have to sit out for at least the next four games. Lazard has been a stable contributor in the New York offense this season averaging 58.9 yards per game with a high of 114 in Week 6 against the Buffalo Bills. Fantasy managers should expect Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams to see the majority of passing work going forward with Mike Williams now operating as the No.3 option.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (knee) practiced in full for a second straight day, suggesting he is close to making his NFL debut. The rookie is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered at Texas in late November of last year, and with the Panthers struggling to begin the season, he has been eased into action. If Brooks plays against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, he should likely be left on the bench in fantasy football until we get an idea of what his potential workload will be. Chuba Hubbard has been productive as the RB1 for the Panthers, so it would be a surprise if Brooks enters a workhorse role right away. Either way, fantasy managers should monitor his status for Friday's practice and his official game designation which will be announced on Friday afternoon. He could have legitimate RB2 value down the stretch.
From RotoBaller
