The season is now in full swing and the news and injuries are increasing. In today’s  “Dynasty News,” we will examine some of the larger happenings of the week from a dynasty perspective.

Dynasty News: Pittsburgh QBs

Last week, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin was asked about his team’s quarterback. He was first asked why Justin Fields has not been named the Steelers long-term starter, "Because there's no need. I explained to you the variables of the week. It has not changed. He's going to walk in this building with that mindset tomorrow, and so really, there's no need to. Sometimes in this business, man, there's a myriad of complex decisions that need to be made. I've learned to make 'em when it's appropriate and it's not necessary as we sit here right now, when Russ gets to an appropriate point of health and we have a decision to make, I'll make it and I'll announce it and I'll be really transparent about it, but until then, I don't care how many ways you guys ask me, I got no intentions of making the decision that's unnecessary at this juncture." This is a very savvy response from Tomlin. Why make a premature decision? There is no upside in that. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote late last week about Russell Wilson’s calf injury. Fowler wrote that the injury is “no joke, and playing/practicing in the preseason seemed to make it worse.” He added, “He’s simply not moving at a high clip at this point.” Lastly, Fowler wrote, “I still hold firm that the Steelers saw Wilson hold better command of the offense than Fields in the preseason … but in Tomlin axiom, this is a moving train that Fields hopped on with both feet. That gives him a considerable advantage currently.”  This is a fluid situation, but Fields seems to be in the driver’s seat, even after the loss to Indianapolis. He played very well in the contest. It was Pittsburgh’s defense that let the Colts pull off the victory. This will be an interesting situation for dynasty managers as each of these quarterbacks desires to get a long-term contract with Pittsburgh.

Dynasty News: J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota

Vikings head coach, Kevin O’Connell appeared on the Rich Eisen Show last week and we got a peek into why his quarterbacks have been successful – especially for fantasy – the past two years. O’Connell told Eisen, “I believe that organizations fail young quarterbacks before young quarterbacks fail organizations.” This makes us extremely bullish on the future of McCarthy under O’Connell’s tutelage. Let’s remember how Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullins were fantasy-viable last year and how the coach has revived the career of Sam Darnold. Dynasty managers should be seeking to trade for McCarthy while he is injured. The Vikings are loaded with young talent for McCarthy to be successful.

Dynasty News: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville

Lawrence has not played well to begin this season. Last week, he opened up about the struggles. The quarterback started by saying that he has had “sloppy” footwork so far this season. Lawrence added, “I think there’s been times where I’ve been a little undisciplined with my eyes … I’ve maybe been a little sped up in some of my progressions. So maybe a little bit of that for sure. I think a few times my feet have gotten sloppy, have caused some of my passes to not go exactly where I wanted them to.”  It is great to see him show some accountability and leadership. Lawrence did play better Sunday against the Texans. The Jaguars are tied to Lawrence for a few years and will likely have a new coaching staff in 2025, possibly earlier.

Dynasty News: Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis

Taylor went down with an ankle injury deep in the fourth quarter. He has endured ankle injuries throughout his career, like most tailbacks. He was having a good game against a stout Steelers defense before the injury. After the contest, bet reporter, Stephen Holder, tweeted, “Colts RB Jonathan Taylor left the game late with an ankle injury. After a long soak in the cold tub, he said: ‘I’m feeling pretty good. We came out with the win, so I’m excited to attack this week because this is going to be another tough one.’” Ian Rapoport tweeted Sunday night, "#Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, sources say, thought it’s believed to be a pretty mild version. Indy will get a full report tomorrow, but in the words of one source, 'He’s ok.' Taylor gained 108 yards from scrimmage and a TD today." It is a high ankle injury and he might miss at least Week 5, even if the injury severity is minor. The following game is against the Titans. Trey Sermon would be the primary running back if Taylor misses the game against the lowly Jaguars. Dynasty managers can breathe a deep sigh of relief as Taylor seems to have dodged a serious injury.

Dynasty News: Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco

San Francisco general manager, John Lynch, appeared on KNBR radio station in San Francisco. He was asked about an update on tailback Christian McCaffrey. Lynch said, “We needed to quiet it down” he said when referring to the tendinitis. Lynch added, “The plan was to give it the time to do that and then at some point in a thoughtful way to ramp him back up.” In the interview, Lynch acknowledged McCaffrey’s trip to Germany for treatment and added, “What he does and where he goes, he’s got people who work on his body and have for a long time … Now he’s back here and we’ll have to hit certain markers and try the ramp up. God willing, the thing has quieted down and we can build him up in a smart, thoughtful way.” It does not sound like Lynch was overly happy for McCaffrey to choose treatment outside of the team’s training staff, but they have a plan to go forward. He will be able to return from injured reserve in Week 6, but we are uncertain if the star running back will be able to return then. There is so much mystery to the situation. Sunday, Ian Rapoport reported that McCaffrey is targeting an “early November” return. The 49ers will be cautious with McCaffrey’s return so that he is back to full strength for the stretch run. This is a tough situation for dynasty managers to navigate as McCaffrey may never return to form and he may return to his fantasy-dominating form.

Dynasty News: Jonathan Brooks, Carolina

Last Wednesday, Panthers coach Dave Canales told reporters that rookie tailback Jonathan Brooks is “in the final stages in returning to play.” With the quarterback change to Andy Dalton, the offense looks much-improved and Brooks will step into an average offense. Now may be the last time for dynasty managers to “buy low” on Brooks as once he begins practicing, hopes will rise quickly. He was the first running back selected in this year’s NFL Draft, over many quality backs, for a reason.

Dynasty News: Nick Chubb, Cleveland

Sunday morning, Ian Rapoport reported, “Sources say Nick Chubb, who is on the team's physically unable to perform list while recovering from a multi-ligament knee injury suffered in Week 2 of last season, will have his practice window opened this coming Wednesday. The Pro Bowler is not expected to play in Cleveland's Week 5 game against the Commanders, but the team opening his three-week window will be a significant sign that he is set to return midseason as Chubb and the Browns had hoped.” As the Browns offense is struggling mightily, hope is on the way as Chubb nears his return.

Dynasty News: Emanuel Wilson, Green Bay

Last week, Green Bay head coach, Matt LaFleur, was asked about running back Emanuel Wilson. LaFleur said, “We’ve always said it from Day One — the guy’s got everything in his body to be a really good running back in this league. It’s been cool to witness some of that development. Now, he’s gotta keep going. So, he can’t rest on that, and I promise I won’t let him rest on that.” Josh Jacobs has played well so far for the Packers, but he has almost 1,600 NFL touches. That is a lot of touches. Wilson played meaningful snaps late in Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. His role is growing. Rookie MarShawn Lloyd is eligible to return in a couple of weeks but may need a little more time.

Dynasty News: Rashee Rice, Kansas City

Rashee Rice has emerged as Patrick Mahomes II favorite target this season. He suffered a knee injury trying to make a play after a Mahomes interception in the first half of Sunday’s victory over the Chargers. After the game, coach Andy Reid told reporters that the injury was “not good.” James Palmer tweeted an update Sunday night, “It is feared #chiefs WR Rashee Rice has potentially suffered a season ending ACL tear per source. An MRI tomorrow will provide more information, but the Chiefs are preparing for the worst. Brutal blow to a player who was off to an outstanding sophomore season.” This is a tough break for Rice and the Chiefs, as the receiving group lost Marquise Brown a few weeks ago. We expect rookie Xavier Worthy to be heavily involved this season as the lone big-play receiver.

Dynasty News: Davante Adams, Las Vegas

Adams suffered a hamstring injury in Thursday’s practice and was ruled out of Sunday’s game within 24 hours. Saturday night, Adam Schefter gave us more information on this situation, “Davante Adams pulled up lame in the closing minutes of the Las Vegas Raiders' practice Thursday, grabbing his hamstring with an injury that was expected to sideline the star wide receiver on a week-to-week basis, league sources told ESPN. The Raiders didn't try to pretend Adams could play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, ruling him out Friday in a sign this could turn into a multiweek absence.” This Raiders offense has been abysmal this season, from the quarterback play to the running game, and Adams was missed versus Cleveland. We have the feeling that this team will look much different next year.

Dynasty News: Los Angeles Rams WRs

Many dynasty managers have been seeking an update on the Rams two superstar receivers. Sunday morning, Jay Glazer reported that Cooper Kupp will miss at least the next two weeks with the ankle injury. Glazer also reported that Puka Nacua will miss at least another month with his knee injury. The Rams could be far out of playoff contention by then.

Dynasty News: Mike Williams, New York Jets

Late last week, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that the Jets will “work Mike Williams into the playbook more and more in the next couple of weeks.” While this is promising, we have our doubts as quarterback Aaron Rodgers seems locked onto Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard. Sure, he led the team in receiving yards against Denver, but it will be hit or miss on a weekly basis. There may not be many targets left for Williams every week, even when he is fully healthy. We advise dynasty managers to avoid Williams.

Dynasty News: Christian Watson, Green Bay

Packers receiver Christian Watson suffered a gruesome in the first half of Sunday’s loss to the Vikings. He got bent back and his foot was trapped under the defender at an awkward angle. Watson had to be carted off the field. After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters that he “talked to Christian Watson and he told me he thought it was just a sprain”. The injury is a high ankle sprain and should sideline the speedy receiver for multiple weeks. It is notable that both Bo Melton and Malik Heath saw action after Watson exited.

Dynasty News: T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota

Beat reporter, Kevin Seifert, tweeted an update on the star tight end last week, “The Vikings could get T.J. Hockenson back on the practice field as soon as next week. Asked if that will happen, O'Connell said: "He's doing great. I'll continue to defer to the medical staff on that. Hoping to get T.J. up and rolling as soon as possible." Adam Schefter gave some clarity to Hockenson’s return timetable, “Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson, coming off a major knee injury of his own, also is nearing a return to practice. The most likely return-to-play dates for Hockenson currently are the Thursday night, Oct 24 game in Los Angeles, or the following week’s home game against the Colts.”  So, we are three or four weeks away from his return. The Vikings are anxious to get their star back in the lineup as soon as possible. Also, expect Hockenson to require time to ramp up to full speed. So, the news is good, but we advise patience for dynasty managers.

Dynasty News: David Njoku, Cleveland

It was great to see reports of Njoku practicing last Thursday. This was his first practice in three weeks. Njoku missed Friday’s practice and was unable to play against Las Vegas on Sunday. The absence from Friday’s practice opens up the possibility of a setback. Even if not, he may still be another week away from a full workload. The Browns offense could use their star tight end back on the field.