NFL Quick Hits: Luck looking good for Thursday

By John Halpin
Published

Colts QB Andrew Luck threw a little bit in Monday's practice after missing Sunday's game with a shoulder injury. More telling facts about Luck's status are backup Matt Hasselbeck saying, "I don't expect to play," and the team releasing emergency QB Josh Johnson. It's early, but look for Luck to return to the field Thursday at Houston.

In other news ...

Here's the wrapup of Monday night's wacky Lions-Seahawks ending. The refs have trouble on Monday nights in Seattle, don't they?

Expected to return from suspension this week: Steelers WR Martavis Bryant, Chargers TE Antonio Gates, Cowboys DE Greg Hardy, Cowboys LB Rolando McClain. I haven't done my Week 5 positional rankings yet, but both Bryant and Gates appear playable at the lower end of their positions, with Bryant in flexville. I'd avoid Chargers TE Ladarius Green, even though he should remain involved to some extent.

Cowboys RB Lance Dunbar is done for the season with a torn ACL. Fortunately, they still have Joseph Randle ... wait, what's that, Dallas Morning News? Randle's "role in the Cowboys' committee approach is under review?" Hold those Christine Michael shares, folks. Maybe pick up Darren McFadden if you can, too. I'm not sure what's going to happen here, and none of the options screams, "It should be THAT guy." Randle is the closest, but they don't seem happy with him. Michael is probably second for me, but he's a boom-or-bust type. Randle is definitely the only member of the trio worthy of a Week 5 fantasy start.

No word yet if Bears WR Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) will be ready for Week 5.

Your Week 5 bye teams are Panthers, Dolphins, Vikings, Jets. Enjoy the week off, Chris Ivory. You deserve it.

Did you see how good Rams RB Todd Gurley was on Sunday? If not, watch some of his big runs here. Now that Gurley is healthy enough for the Rams to hand him the ball 19 times, he's a must-start, and certainly a top-10 RB option this week at Green Bay. He's $4,300 on DraftKings, ensuring that he'll be in approximately 99.9999999999 percent of Week 5 lineups.

Adam Meyer and I discussed Gurley and some free-agent recommendations on today's Fantasy 15 podcast. Listen below!

Bills RB Karlos Williams apparently suffered a concussion on Sunday. Ouch.

Ravens WR Steve Smith (back) has been ruled out for Week 5, and his return date is TBD. The team traded for deep threat Chris Givens, but only Kamar Aiken (owned in 0.5 percent of FOXSports.com leagues) is flex-worthy for the Ravens' WR corps this week. Aiken ($3,800) is an interesting DraftKings option.

Redskins TE Jordan Reed suffered a concussion, a knee injury and an ankle injury against the Eagles. This isn't Reed's first concussion, and it's unclear when he'll be ready to play. 

Falcons RB Tevin Coleman (ribs) is likely to return to practice on Wednesday, and might be ready to play Sunday. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Falcons "still plan to split up the load at running back." Just remember that if Coleman and Devonta Freeman split carries, Freeman is still the preferred passing down back. Coleman should be somewhere in the RB30-35 range this week - startable, if you must.

Cowboys VP Stephen Jones said Monday that there's a "real shot" Dez Bryant could return in Week 7. Hmm ...

The Kansas City Star notes that Charcandrick West has replaced Knile Davis as Jamaal Charles' chief handcuff option.

We should know by Wednesday if Jaguars TE Julius Thomas (hand) will be able to make his 2015 debut this week.

The Texans will stay with Ryan Mallett at quarterback on Thursday. With Cecil Shorts (shoulder) out and Nate Washington (hamstring) day-to-day, rookie Keith Mumphery could get more playing time. Opponents' No. 2 wideouts have had lots of success against the Colts this season, but Mumphery would be a reach.

The Bucs released rookie PK Kyle Brindza. We'll know the identity of their new kicker by Wednesday.

One more #DFS note: If you want to save money at QB, Garbage Time Brandon Weeden ($5,100) looks very interesting against the Patriots. Yes, I'm serious.

See you back here Friday morning.