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NFL Quick Hits: Dez unlikely to play Sunday

Published Sep. 30, 2016 8:46 a.m. ET

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Let's lead off today's fantasy football notes with Dez Bryant, who has a hairline fracture in his right knee. Bryant is calling himself "day-to-day" and hasn't ruled himself out for Sunday. However, multiple reports suggest Bryant won't play, and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that he could miss three weeks.

Terrance Williams says he's ready to step up in Bryant's absence, but we've been down that road before with unsatisfactory results. Look for Cole Beasley and Jason Witten to be the objects of Dak Prescott's affection, at least when he's not handing off to Ezekiel Elliott. I think the 49ers are going to win this one.

In other news ...

Josh Gordon is checking into rehab, and his Browns career is likely over. Those of you who drafted Gordon with hopes of a Week 5 return can cut him now.

Jets WR Eric Decker has a shoulder injury, and the New York Post reports that it "seems unlikely he will be active Sunday." Plan accordingly.

The Patriots haven't announced if Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder) or Jacoby Brissett (thumb) will start against the Bills, but both are practicing. Garoppolo will probably play if he's able.

The Bills are holding WR Sammy Watkins (foot) out of practice this week with the hopes that he'll be ready for Sunday. If Watkins travels to Foxborough with the team, his status will be a game-time decision.

The status of Jaguars TE Julius Thomas (elbow) will also be a game-time decision. Since the Jags and Colts kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET in London, make sure you're up early enough to know Thomas' status. His fantasy owners on the West Coast might want to use a backup plan. Really, is the choice between Thomas and a free-agent tight end worth waking up before sunrise?

Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (knee/hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice. The Chicago Tribune had this to say about Jeffery: "Given last season's record of leg muscle problems, his status warrants a close eye." In related news, Kevin White was targeted 14 times last week, catching six passes for 62 yards.

More Bears: Jay Cutler didn't practice Thursday, and looks unlikely to play Sunday.

Thursday night's fantasy winners were those who owned A.J. Green (10-173-1) and Mike Nugent (five field goals). After that ... ugh.

Remember your byes: The Packers and Eagles are off this week.

Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter suggested Thursday that Golden Tate will get his turn to be more involved in the offense, but the conversation was more about the ball being spread around than a concerted effort to get Tate into the mix. I've got Tate at WR42 in this week's rankings.

The status of Giants RB Rashad Jennings (thumb) is up in the air. Head coach Ben McAdoo said he thinks Jennings is "going to give himself a shot," but some reports suggest he won't play. Since it's a Monday night game, the obvious late swap option would be backup Orleans Darkwa, who is owned in 12 percent of FOXSports.com leagues. Third-down back Bobby Rainey (0.3 percent owned) would be a last-ditch alternative if Darkwa isn't available. Due to this matchup at Minnesota, Jennings probably isn't worth waiting on.

Cardinals WR Michael Floyd is out of the concussion protocol and practiced fully on Thursday. Floyd will look to improve on his slow start, and he thinks catching more "50-50 balls" will be a good way to start.

Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham was held out of Thursday's practice with a reported back injury. We should learn more today about Graham's status.

Saints WR Willie Snead (toe) was limited in Thursday's practice, but said earlier in the week that he expects to play Sunday after missing Week 3.

Black and Blue Review says "it's fair to wonder" if Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart will be out through the team's Week 7 bye. Stewart has already been ruled out for Sunday's game at Atlanta.

Titans TE Delanie Walker (hamstring) is iffy for Sunday after being limited in Thursday's practice. The Tennessean talked to some of Walker's real-life teammates who own him in fantasy football. Get him on the field, guys.

It sounds like we're looking an another Antonio Gates-less week for the Chargers, as he missed practice again on Thursday. Fire up Hunter Henry (8.2 percent owned) if you need a tight end.

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles was again limited in practice on Thursday. It seems unlikely that he'll suit up Sunday night.

Ben Roethlisberger suggested earlier in the week that the Steelers could use Le'Veon Bell and DeAngelo Williams together on Sunday. Just remember that in Bell's five full games last season, Williams touched the ball 14 times.

Good luck in Week 4!