Carolina Panthers

NFL Quick Hits: Roethlisberger set for Week 8 return

Published Oct. 27, 2015 6:30 a.m. ET

John Halpin

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, who has been out since injuring his left knee in Week 3, is expected to return to action this Sunday against the Bengals. While Roethlisberger will certainly be targeted by Cincinnati's sack-happy defense, we'd say the same thing if his knee was healthy (yes, we know he'll be less elusive now). Start Big Ben if you've got him.

In other news ...

With Arian Foster (Achilles) done for the season, it's left to a "committee of running backs Alfred Blue, Chris Polk and Jonathan Grimes to try to assume some of Foster's versatility and production," according to the Houston Chronicle. We knew that already, but who's the back for fantasy owners to target? In the three games before Foster made his 2015 debut, the touch count was Blue 47, Polk 27, Grimes 25, while the snap count was Blue 91, Grimes 85, Polk 70. Blue ran 31 times for 139 yards in Week 3, and has handled big workloads before, but this figures to be a Blue/Polk split with some Grimes sprinkled in. I'd grab Blue first if I had the chance, but I wouldn't expect consistently busy games. He'll be a low-end RB2 this week, with Polk as a shaky flex.

Reminder: The Dolphins visit the Patriots on Thursday, your Week 8 bye teams are the Bills, Jaguars, Eagles and Redskins, and Sunday's 9:30 a.m. ET game from London is Lions-Chiefs. Set your lineups accordingly.

The Cowboys are saying that Darren McFadden "absolutely" deserves more carries after his big game against the Giants, while Joseph Randle is recovering from an oblique injury that caused him to leave the game. Add the fact that the Cowboys don't really like Randle, and you've got a McFadden game coming against the Seahawks. Before you get too excited about McFadden, remember how injury prone he's always been. Use him now - he's only $3,800 on DraftKings this week - but don't expect him to be in your fantasy lineup all season. The Christine Michael story probably isn't over.

In other Cowboys' news, FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reports that Dez Bryant's chances of returning to action this week are "50/50."

The Lions' new offensive coordinator is Jim Bob Cooter, who is apparently very smart. Those of you north of the Mason-Dixon line should know that everyone in the South doesn't have a name like that. I've been in Charlotte for 11 years, and have yet to meet a Jim Bob.

Jets RB Chris Ivory was limited Sunday with a hamstring injury, but should be OK for Week 8.

The Patriots didn't practice Monday, but listed RB Dion Lewis (abdominal injury) as limited because they had to provide an estimate. We won'r know much about Lewis' status until Wednesday.

The Packers expect WR Davante Adams (ankle) to return Sunday night against the Broncos. This isn't a great matchup for Adams, but at 42.6 percent ownership in FOXSports.com leagues, he should be grabbed immediately if possible.

Eagles RB Ryan Mathews suffered a groin injury against the Panthers, but with a bye this week, you don't need to worry yet.

Check out this Antonio Gates update from one of their beat writers - ugh. On the bright side, Ladarius Green is owned in just 35.7 percent of FOXSports.com leagues.

Browns QB Josh McCown is day to day with a shoulder injury. You know what that means? JOHNNY FOOTBALL! Despite the all caps approach there, I wouldn't recommend starting Manziel if he plays.

The Falcons have already said that WR Leonard Hankerson (hamstring) won't practice Wednesday.

Colts WR Phillip Dorsett is done for the season with a broken leg.

See you back here Friday morning.