Fantasy football buzz: Jayden Daniels, Brandon Aiyuk, D.K. Metcalf injury updates

Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective.From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.

Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.

Key links: Fantasy depth charts

Oct. 21: Jayden Daniels suffers rib injury, "week to week"

Stephania Bell: Daniels exited Sunday's game against the Panthers in the first quarter and did not return due to a rib injury. In the absence of specifics about his injury (i.e. fracture, cartilage injury, etc.), it is hard to know how much time the injury could cost Daniels, if any. On the positive side, he returned to the sidelines in the second half and was talking and laughing with teammates. The biggest challenge with any injury to the rib cage is pain with movement, whether it be arm movement or rotation with throwing for a quarterback. Even deep breathing can be painful initially. Contact is also a concern, but depending on the location of the injury there are measures to pad and protect the ribs. Head coach Dan Quinn termed Daniels "week to week" in his Monday news conference, according to NFL Nation Commanders reporter John Keim.

Marcus Mariota, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2015 draft, filled in admirably in Sunday's victory, passing for 205 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 34 yards on 11 carries.

Oct. 21: 49ers Brandon Aiyukseason over with torn ACL

NFL Nation 49ers reporter Nick Wagoner.reports that Aiyuk suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will require surgery and end his 2024 season after just seven games.Jauan Jenningswill be among the players who will be called upon in his absence. Jennings is among our top waiver-wire pickups for Week 8.

Oct. 21:DK Metcalf"Week-to-Week" with MCL sprain

Tthe Seahawks could be without their No. 1 receiver for several weeks, according to Adam Schefterwho reported that Metcalf suffered an MCL sprain during Sunday's game in Atlanta. If so,Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett would be in line for more targets. The Seahawks rank first in the NFL with 288.6 receiving yards per game.

Oct. 21: Deshaun Watson suffers season-ending Achilles injury

Stephania Bell: The Cleveland Browns confirmed that an MRI revealed a ruptured right Achilles tendon, meaning Watson will miss the rest of the 2024 season. He will likely undergo surgical repair in the near future. Last year saw two quarterbacks go down with Achilles ruptures in similar fashion (a preloading position where the Achilles was on significant stretch before push-off, when it failed), although Watson had no contact of any kind, also not uncommon with these injuries. Both quarterbacks who suffered the injury in 2023 -- Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins -- are starting in the NFL this season, proof that one is typically able to return to prior level of function.

The Browns will turn to either Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who was the backup in Sunday's game but left due to a finger injury, or Jameis Winston, who had served as the backup in the first six games this season.

Oct. 21: Tua Tagovailoa will practice this week, could play vs. Cardinals

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said that Tagovailoa will return to practice this week and hopefully play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL Nation Dolphins reporter Marcel Louis-Jacques. While Tagovailoa is eligible to return from IR this week, it is important to note he must first clear concussion protocol before he can return to play.

Oct. 21: Aidan O'Connell out 4-6 weeks with broken thumb

O'Connell broke the thumb on his right (throwing) hand in the first quarter of Sunday's loss to the Rams, and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. Gardner Minshew, who had started the first five games of the season until being benched in favor of O'Connell in Week 6, will presumably return to the starting role for the Raiders for this week's game against the Chiefs.