Inactives watch: Jeremiyah Love, DJ Moore out

Michael F. FlorioOct 18, 2026, 03:02 PM ET CloseMichael F. Florio is a fantasy football writer and analyst for ESPN Fantasy. He is an analyst on NFL Network's NFL Fantasy Live and frequent guest on other network shows. He has been a fantasy football analyst for the last 15 years, with his work featured at a number of publications, and is an FSWA award winner. Whom should you start? Whom should you sit? To help you set your fantasy football lineups and avoid starting an offensive player who won't be in the lineup, we'll post fantasy-relevant updates and analysis here as NFL teams release their official inactives lists. Official Sunday inactives should begin coming in approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled kickoff times: around 11:30 a.m. ET for the early games and 2:30 p.m. ET for the late-afternoon games. Refresh often for the latest information. Don't forget to check these out: Mike Clay's Playbook | Week 6 Buzz Week 6 Rankings | Matchup rankings for Week 6Biggest concerns ahead of SundayPlayers with early starts ACTIVE Michael Penix Jr, QB, Falcons (ribs): Penix is starting on Sunday. Penix has yet to throw multiple TD passes or score 15 fantasy points in any game this season. He is purely for use in superflex formats, but his availability is great for Bijan Robinson and Drake London. Both are elite options with Penix under center. Zay Flowers, WR, Ravens (toe): Flowers is active for Week 6. His production took a hit without QB Lamar Jackson last week, but Flowers still saw nine targets in that game from QB Tyler Huntley, who will be under center again this week. Volume should keep him in play as a WR2. It's also worth noting that Rashod Bateman is also active. He's purely an option for those in deep leagues. Rookie WR Ja'Kobi Lane is worth stashing if you have a bench spot available. Caleb Williams, QB, Bears (hamstring): Williams is active for Week 6. He might opt to run less initially, but is still in play as a QB1. I would use him over Trevor Lawrence, Jameis Winston and Jacoby Brissett. However, I would go with either Kirk Cousins or Jordan Love over Williams. KC Concepcion, WR, Browns (concussion): Concepcion has cleared the league's concussion protocol and will play in Week 6. Though we have seen flashes, Concepcion is more of an upside depth stash for now. Fantasy managers should instead go with some of the other streaming WR options listed in this article. Denzel Boston, WR, Browns (foot): Boston was limited to start the week but will play on Sunday. The rookie is one of just 10 players since 2010 to have posted 330-plus yards and at least three touchdowns over their first five career games. He has seen at least seven targets in three of his past four games. That volume could turn to production against the Ravens, who have allowed the fifth-most WR yards. Boston is a strong WR2 play this week. A.J. Brown, WR, Patriots (ankle): Brown has been activated and will play on Sunday. He brings more risk than usual, but given all the byes and injuries, he's worth getting into starting lineups. While he brings upside and likely will see safe volume, it usually takes some time for a player to return to 100% after a high ankle sprain, so temper expectations a bit. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, Patriots (ankle): Henderson was originally expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks. However, he is actually active for Week 6. Still, fantasy managers should exercise some caution here as he could be limited or less explosive, which is his main appeal. Henderson is a high-risk, high-reward flex play. Rhamondre Stevenson, who had 16 touches, at least 74 yards and a touchdown in both of the last two games may still see extra work and is the preferred play out of the Patriots backs this week. It's a very good matchup for this backfield against the Jets, who rank top eight in terms of the most rushing yards and RB fantasy points allowed. Alvin Kamara, RB, Saints (back): Kamara is active for Week 6. However, he does not bring a ton of safety due to his lack of efficiency so far. That said, volume -- particularly in the passing game -- keeps him as a flex option. The Giants are a favorable matchup who have allowed explosive runs to RBs at the fourth-highest rate entering Week 6. Chris Olave, WR, Saints (illness): Olave missed practice to start the week due to an illness but is active on Sunday. If he plays for the Saints, he plays for fantasy managers. Omar Cooper Jr, WR, Jets (ankle): The rookie is active for the first time since a Week 1 ankle injury that landed him on IR. With Adonai Mitchell still sidelined, Cooper should operate as the Jets' No. 2 WR. Though he is not worth plugging into starting lineups just yet, he is worth a flier for those with an open bench spot in deeper leagues. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Jets (concussion): Sadiq is active for Week 6. Still, there are better streaming options this week such as Tyler Higbee, Juwan Johnson and Pat Freiermuth. DeVonta Smith, WR, Eagles (hamstring/toe): Smith was able to return to practice this week and is active. He will be more of a risk/reward play than usual given his team's downgrade at QB, but still in the WR3 range due to his big-play ability. Dontayvion Wicks, WR, Eagles (hamstring): Wicks is indeed active for Week 6. However, given that Hurts is out for this one and Smith is back to be the WR1, fantasy managers should go in a different direction. Tre Tucker, Xavier Worthy, Germie Bernard and Khalil Shakir are better options. DK Metcalf, WR, Steelers (illness): Metcalf has been removed from the injury report and will play in Week 6. He is in play as a WR2. Pat Freiermuth, TE, Steelers (calf): Friermuth was added to the injury report on Saturday but is active for Week 6. He's a popular streaming option for those in need of TE help and could see more volume this week with the Steelers shorthanded at WR. There is a bit of risk given his injury, but if you were already planning on streaming him, go ahead and do so! Rico Dowdle, RB, Steelers (toe): This week, Dowdle was able to log his first full practice since injuring his toe. While he is active on Sunday, Jaylen Warren has thrived in his absence, averaging 163 yards per game over the last three weeks. Mike McCarthy confirmed that Warren will remain the lead back. He should be started in all leagues. Dowdle should be rostered, but he's more of an insurance back until we see otherwise. Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans (knee): After being limited Wednesday, Spears did not practice Thursday before logging a full session Friday. He is active for Week 6. He is coming off a season-high nine targets, although his usage has been too inconsistent to trust. He is purely an option for those searching for some flex help in deeper leagues. INACTIVE Quinshon Judkins, RB, Browns (ankle): Judkins missed practice to start the week before getting in a limited session Friday. He is out for Week 6. The Browns are left with Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime on the active roster. McLaughlin is the preferred play and, while the floor is low, he's in the flex conversation due to volume. I expect him to handle the passing game work and likely split the carries. It's also worth noting that Dylan Sampson had his 21-day window for return opened this week, but he is out for Week 6. Tyler Warren, TE, Colts (groin): Warren popped up on Friday's injury report and is out for Week 6. Some streaming options to replace Warren include Tyler Higbee, Pat Freiermuth, Darren Waller and Michael Mayer. Fantasy managers can also check for Dalton Kincaid, who has been dropped in a number of leagues.Players with late starts ACTIVE Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers (foot): He is not on the practice report for Week 6, meaning he will play. How much he plays, however, is anybody's guess. He was active in Week 5 but did not play on a single snap. McConkey is a high-risk, somewhat high-reward type of play in Week 6. I'd prefer to stream players like Tucker, Worthy, Bernard or Shakir. Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers (chest): Johnston has practiced in a limited fashion this week and is not on the final injury report, meaning he will play in Week 6. Johnston has not surpassed 40 yards in any game this season. The Chargers' offensive line (and their offensive attack in general) is in shambles right now. It's best to use the streaming options listed above for McConkey. INACTIVE DJ Moore, WR, Bills (shoulder): Moore is out for Week 6. The hope is that Moore is back to 100% after the Bills' Week 7 bye, but it has been a bit of a lost season for Moore so far. Last week in his absence, the Bills spread the ball around. Khalil Shakir is my preferred play of the other Bills receivers, as the Raiders rank top four for the most yards and touchdowns allowed to slot receivers. Keon Coleman is an upside flex option. The top Bills option to play would be Dalton Kincaid, as the Raiders have allowed the third-most TE touchdowns.Players on Sunday night NONEPlayers on Monday night Mike Evans, WR, 49ers (ribs/Achilles): Evans is questionable heading into Monday night. He has been banged up a lot this season and continues to play through his injuries. He played through this same rib ailment last week. I would expect him to play, but fantasy managers should have a pivot option just in case. Brandin Cooks would be the top option on waivers, with Antonio Williams being another. Stefon Diggs, WR, Commanders (hamstring): After missing Week 5, Diggs did not practice to start this week. However, he was able to return Friday. That gives him a chance to play Monday night. Terry McLaurin remains the top option in the Commanders' passing attack. It would probably be a good idea for managers risking a potential zero (by waiting on Diggs) to have a backup option in place. Brandin Cooks, Antonio Williams or Chig Okonkwo (who led the Commanders with six targets last week) are all options fantasy managers could nab off the waiver wire to cover their bases. Terry McLaurin, WR, Commanders (hamstring): McLaurin was limited Thursday before logging a DNP on Friday. It is listed as rest, so fantasy managers should not panic just yet. However, with this game being Monday night, it would not be a bad idea to have one of the listed options above, just to cover your bases.Ruled out before Sunday Jeremiyah Love, RB, Cardinals (ankle): Love did not practice this week and is out for Week 6. Tyler Allgeier becomes an RB2 worth starting for volume alone. Allgeier would not only lead the Cardinals on the ground and see goal line usage, but he could see a good number of targets if they're in catch-up mode. I would play Allgeier over Woody Marks, Kamara, Omarion Hampton or Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens (ankle): Jackson did not practice this week and has been ruled out. Tyler Huntley will once again start in his place. Last week, Huntley threw for 201 yards and two touchdowns, while running for 20 yards and a score. While he is more of an option for those in superflex leagues, it's nice to see that he brings upside. For those in need of help in one-QB leagues, I prefer Jordan Love, Kirk Cousins, Tyler Shough, Jameis Winston and Jacoby Brissett. However, I would use Huntley over Daniel Jones, Geno Smith or as a Hurts replacement in two-QB formats. Kyle Monangai, RB, Bears (thumb/toe): Monangai did not practice this week and is out for Week 6. The Falcons have been tough against the run, but his absence means more volume for D'Andre Swift. Despite the matchup, Swift is a must-play option at a beat-up RB position. David Montgomery, RB, Texans (groin): Montgomery is out for the London matchup against the Jaguars. Woody Marks will start in his place. The Jaguars are an extremely tough matchup to run on, having allowed a league-low 42 RB rushing yards per game. They've allowed explosive runs at the second-lowest rate in football. The one thing going for Marks is that Jacksonville has allowed the fifth-most RB receiving yards. Some backs to play Marks over are Hampton, Kamara and J.K. Dobbins. Backs I would play instead of Marks are Braelon Allen, Emanuel Wilson, Pollard, Cam Skattebo and MarShawn Lloyd. The Texans have also ruled out WR Tank Dell for Week 6, but he is nearing a return. Rashee Rice, WR, Chiefs (hamstring): Rice has not yet practiced coming out of the Chiefs bye and will not play in Week 6. With Rice out, expect Xavier Worthy to operate as the top receiver for the Chiefs, who are also without Tyquan Thornton. I would play Worthy over McConkey, Bernard, Romeo Doubs and Jakobi Meyers. What this especially means is more targets for Travis Kelce, who is a must-start tight end. Cyrus Allen is worth a speculative add in deeper leagues. Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles (blood clot): The news caught the NFL world by surprise on Thursday and Hurts has now been placed on IR. Tanner McKee will be the Eagles starter, but he's only useful for desperate maangers in superflex leagues. Ideally, you can find better streaming options -- such as Cousins, Jordan Love, Shough, Winston or Aaron Rodgers. As for the Eagles' pass catchers, I'd look to go in other directions. Dallas Goedert would be the one to trust the most, just because the bar for TE success is so low. He's likely to be McKee's top target, especially in the red zone. Will Shipley, RB, Eagles (foot): Last week's top waiver-wire pickup was injured after scoring a touchdown in London. He will be sidelined for multiple weeks. That leaves Dameon Pierce as the Eagles' lead back until Saquon Barkley returns. Pierce is a volume RB2/flex option in a fantastic matchup against the Panthers. Carolina ranks top four in terms of the most rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, yards after contact and RB fantasy PPG allowed. Roman Wilson, WR, Steelers (finger): Wilson (who has now been placed on IR) joins Michael Pittman Jr and Ben Skowronek as Pittsburgh players who have been ruled out for Week 6. That leaves Bernard, who was a popular waiver-wire target this week, as the team's No. 2 receiver opposite of DK Metcalf. Bernard's style fits well with Rodgers and he can be used as a streaming option this week. Freiermuth (if he plays) should also see a boost in volume and is a Week 6 TE streamer. Deebo Samuel Sr, WR, 49ers (hamstring): The veteran receiver will not play in Week 6, but has thus far avoided the IR, which is a positive. The 49ers have a Week 8 bye, so it's possible we could see him return after that. It's worth mentioning that the 49ers have opened Christian Kirk's 21-day window to return, meaning he is closing in a comeback. As for Week 6, Brandin Cooks would be the go-to in-house replacement. However, previously listed outside streaming options are the way to go, if possible. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Commanders (groin): JCM is out for Week 6. That leaves Rachaad White as the lead back for Washington. He is in the RB3 and flex range, but brings more upside due to the volume he will see, particularly in the passing game. It is a tough matchup as the 49ers have allowed explosive r