Fantasy managers face a nervous Sunday morning. Baker Mayfield is in line to return for the Buccaneers after practicing fully, while Lamar Jackson and Puka Nacua remain the biggest question marks heading into Week 7’s inactives report.
NFL Week 7 inactives: Baker Mayfield, Lamar Jackson, Puka Nacua statuses (Credits: ESPN)
Mayfield has missed three games since dislocating the thumb on his throwing hand against Minnesota in Week 3. He practiced fully on Wednesday for the first time since the injury, and the Buccaneers need him to show he can grip the ball and throw with his usual velocity against Carolina. If he can’t go, rookie Jalon Daniels makes a fourth straight start.
Jackson has missed the past two games with the ankle injury suffered in Week 4, with Tyler Huntley starting in his place. Ravens coach Jesse Minter kept things vague on Monday: “I’d still put it in kind of the day-to-day thing. We’ll know a lot more on Wednesday.” Baltimore (4-2) hosts the Bengals (3-2) in a key AFC North clash.
Puka Nacua’s calf injury leaves Rams short
Nacua is questionable for Sunday’s late-window game against the Raiders after leaving Thursday’s practice with a calf injury. Sean McVay called it “minor,” and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported it is not believed to be serious — but Nacua’s status remains “up in the air.” With Davante Adams already out six to ten weeks with a ruptured hamstring, the Rams could be down to Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield and Tutu Atwell as their top receivers. Nacua has 37 catches for 417 yards and a touchdown in four games this season.
Also ruled out: Rams linebacker Nate Landman (concussion), with Eric Kendricks elevated from the practice squad. For the Raiders, Carter Runyon (foot) and Dont’e Thornton (hamstring) are out, while Mike Washington (foot/back) is questionable.
What to do in fantasy football
Mayfield is ranked as the Buccaneers’ starter, so managers can plug him back in — just confirm he’s active. Jackson is expected back but check Sunday’s inactives. Nacua is a must-start if active given Adams is gone, but managers need a pivot plan with the Rams kicking off in the late window. Notably, Browns rookie backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson are expected back, while the Jets’ Breece Hall is not expected to play.
Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
