New England Patriots Fantasy Football News | Shark Bites

Vikings WR K.J. Osborn (concussion) returned to a limited practice on Thursday. That at least gives him a shot to be cleared for this weekend's game vs. the Saints, but we'd still consider it unlikely. Check back tomorrow for another update on Osborn's progress.

Vikings WR K.J. Osborn (concussion) did not practice on Wednesday. He's unlikely to be cleared in time for this weekend's game vs. the Saints. With WR Justin Jefferson also not expected to play, Minnesota will be down to WRs Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell, Trishton Jackson, N'Keal Harry, and Jalen Nailor. Addison and TE T.J. Hockenson should easily lead in targets.

Commanders RB Antonio Gibson reached 5 receptions for the second straight game Sunday. He caught all 5 of his targets for 42 yards in the victory over New England. QB Sam Howell's 45 pass attempts obviously helped. Gibson's 10 targets over the past two weeks accounted for 10.3% of Howell's total pass attempts. That's enough to lead the backfield, but it would also equate to about 3.9 targets on Howell's season average of 39.2 pass attempts per game. It's nice to get some fantasy relevance from Gibson, but he's not yet close to being a starting candidate for common-sized leagues.

Vikings WR K.J. Osborn took a cart off the field after taking a big hit in the second quarter of Sunday's game vs. the Falcons. He'll be checked for a concussion, at minimum. We'll update Osborn's status when we know more.

Update: Osborn has been ruled out with a concussion.

Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (hamstring) is active for today's game against the Commanders. He left last week's game in the first half and did not return but put in limited practices all week. Bentley should be OK to use at your normal level in IDP lineups.

Patriots WR Tyquan Thornton (foot) is active for today’s game vs. the Commanders. WR Kayshon Boutte is a healthy scratch, leaving Demario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Reagor, and Thornton as New England’s top four WRs.

Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (hamstring) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Commanders. He managed limited practices all week despite leaving last Sunday's loss to the Dolphins in the first half. We'll see about his status Sunday.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne suffered a torn right ACL in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports. That obviously ends the veteran WR's season. Bourne's also in the final year of his contract. The seventh-year vet has averaged just 2.7 receptions per game for his career, including this season's high of 4.6. Throw in the challenge of the knee recovery, and it's tough to envision a strong landing in free agency or much fantasy relevance going forward. Rookie WR Demario Douglas should find more opportunities available -- especially with WR DeVante Parker also sustaining a concussion in Sunday's game -- but temper your expectations. This has been a low-floor and low-ceiling passing offense for most of the season.

Patriots LB Ja'Whaun Bentley left Sunday's loss to the Dolphins with a hamstring injury and was ruled out before the end. That doesn't bode well for his Week 9 status against Washington, but we'll watch for further updates. Bentley has been operating as the clear leader among non-edge New England LBs. In his absence, Jahlani Tavai led the way at 94% playing time, followed by Mack Wilson (58%) and rookie Marte Mapu (23%).

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne is believed to be dealing with an MCL injury, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Bourne is scheduled for a Monday MRI to get a better look at the damage. We should learn more tomorrow.

Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson tallied 50 total yards in Sunday’s loss to Miami. Stevenson ran hard in this one, breaking several tackles while churning out extra yardage. He saw a 58.8% carry share though, as Zeke Elliott retained a sizable role. Stevenson at least saw 100% of the team’s red zone rush attempts. The 25-year-old now heads home to face the Commanders.

Vikings WR K.J. Osborn led the team in targets (10), receptions (8) and receiving yards (99) in Sunday's win over the Packers. It was the first time this year he has exceeded 5 receptions or 49 yards. This would be a more encouraging outing if the game didn't also include QB Kirk Cousins tearing his right Achilles'. Osborn has barely been relevant with Cousins in the lineup. It's tough to imagine him being usable with rookie Jaren Hall.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne has been ruled out of Week 8 with a knee injury. Bourne tallied 3 catches for 36 yards and 1 score prior to the injury.

Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne hauled 6 of 7 targets for a team-leading 63 receiving yards with a TD in Sunday’s upset win vs. the Bills. Rookie wideout Demario Douglas also contributed solid numbers, roping in 4 of his 6 targets for 54 receiving yards in the contest. Despite seeing the Patriots’ offense turn their fortunes around in Week 7, Bourne is the only pass-catcher worthy of lineup consideration next week vs. the Dolphins. This is still an untrustworthy aerial attack for fantasy purposes.

Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson totaled 9 carries for 34 rushing yards in Week 7’s surprise win vs. the Bills. Though his numbers on the ground weren’t impressive, Stevenson did manage to haul all 6 targets for 51 receiving yards as a pass-catcher in the contest. Those contributions were enough for Stevenson to post a respectable 14.5 PPR points on Sunday. His teammate Ezekiel Elliott logged 11 carries for 31 rushing yards and a score in the upset victory. We’re not about to get too excited about this New England offense after how poorly they’ve played over the course of October, but their resurgent effort today makes Stevenson more appealing for next week’s AFC East showdown vs. the Dolphins.

Patriots S Kyle Dugger (foot) and CB Jonathan Jones (knee) are active for today's game against the Bills.

Patriots TE Hunter Henry (ankle) is active for today’s game vs. the Bills. Between the ankle injury and a matchup against the No. 5 TE defense, Henry is not a recommended Week 7 fantasy starter.

Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (concussion) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Bills. WR Demario Douglas (concussion) is active but shouldn’t be in fantasy lineups.

Patriots WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is not expected to play vs. the Bills today, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Smith-Schuster suffered his fifth documented concussion back in Week 5 and still hasn't been cleared. WR Demario Douglas, who was also concussed in Week 5, is expected to play today, according to Rapoport. WR Kendrick Bourne is the only viable fantasy play in New England's WR corps.

Patriots TE Hunter Henry (ankle) "should play" vs. the Bills today, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Henry only got in a limited practice on Friday, so it's safe to assume that he won't be at 100% today. He's not a recommended Week 7 fantasy start.