National Football League

Week 5 fantasy updates: Texans play waiting game again with Foster

Published Oct. 3, 2014 5:26 a.m. ET

John Halpin

Thursday's Vikings-Packers game was a blowout, but Eddie Lacy owners can rest easy now, right? No more, "Should I bench him?" or "Should I trade him for Steve Smith?" After 13 bruising carries for 105 yards, he's fine, right?

In other news ...

Texans RB Arian Foster (hamstring) was limited in Thursday's practice, and while a couple of the team's beat writers think he'll play, we might once again be waiting until Sunday morning to learn Foster's status. Keep Alfred Blue on speed dial if you own him, and plan to start Foster if he's active. Foster got nothing done on the ground in Week 4, but he did catch seven passes for 55 yards.

Browns RB Ben Tate (knee) is expected to play and start for the first time since getting hurt in Week 1.

Cardinals QB Carson Palmer (shoulder) will be out again this week, and there's still no clear timetable on his return.

Here's an interesting article from Black and Blue Review on Cam Newton's recovery from ankle surgery, and how it affects his running, which we might see more of "as soon as this Sunday." Note the word might before you get too excited.

In other Panthers news, look for a backfield rotation of Darrin Reaves, Fozzy Whittaker and Chris Ogbonnaya against the Bears. If you're desperate and want to pick up one of those guys, Whittaker is probably the best option. I've got him at RB35.

Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt said this week that we should expect to see more of RB Bishop Sankey in Week 5. Sankey is RB27 on my board -- you can start him in many circumstances.

Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray thinks he can carry 400 times.

A San Diego Union-Tribune beat writer chat from earlier this week said that Chargers RB Branden Oliver is "trending upward," which makes sense for a team that has Donald Brown running for two yards per carry. Needy PPR owners can consider Oliver, who had 56 yards from scrimmage in Week 4.

Browns TE Jordan Cameron (shoulder) appears ready to go against the Titans.

Austin Davis has been named as the Rams' starting quarterback for the rest of the season.

Jets WR Eric Decker left Thursday's practice when his injured hamstring acted up again. Don't expect to see Decker on Sunday. According to the New York Post, the team could "possibly expand the role of TE Jace Amaro."

Redskins TEs Jordan Reed (hamstring) and Niles Paul (concussion) were both limited in Thursday's practice. It sounds like Reed is ready to return, and he's a top-10 fantasy tight end if that's the case.

Steelers WR Markus Wheaton was limited in Thursday's practice due to a groin injury, and his status for Sunday is TBD.

Hamstring injuries will force the Jaguars to play without WRs Cecil Shorts III and Marqise Lee. You're up, Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns.

Bucs TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins hasn't practiced this week due to an ankle injury, but it sounds like he might play. WR Mike Evans (groin) won't suit up against the Saints.

Falcons WR Harry Douglas (foot) hasn't practiced this week.

Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. is expected to make his NFL debut this week, but offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo says they'll "take it slow" with Beckham. Don't get cute with a rookie on a snap count, fantasy owners.

Here's a link to our weekly rankings. We'll update them Friday night.

Here's my tentative lineup for the DraftKings NFL $2.2 Million "Millionaire Maker." Let me know what you think.

QB: Blake Bortles $5,200

RB: Le'Veon Bell $7,300

RB: Bishop Sankey $4,700

WR: Calvin Johnson $8,200

WR: Julio Jones $8,000

WR: Allen Robinson $3,000

TE: Julius Thomas $6,900

FLEX: Fred Jackson $4,500

DST: Rams $2,100

Make sure to check out our Sunday morning chat, featuring Adam Meyer, Joel Beall and me from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET. Good luck this week!