The Commanders and their fans are breathing a big sigh of relief after learning that Daniels avoided the worst-case scenario. Despite the grotesque nature of his injury, Daniels is expected to avoid being placed on the injured reserve list, for now, but the team will re-evaluate his injury during their Week 12 bye. We already knew Daniels would miss Week 10’s game against the Lions, but we now know he will also miss Week 12’s game against the Dolphins, which will be played in Spain. Regardless of when he returns to the field, this was the absolute best news Daniels and the Commanders could have asked for, as a return could still be possible this season. Whether or not Dan Quinn will opt to rush his franchise quarterback back in what is effectively turning into a lost season for the Commanders is to be determined, but this is good news for everyone entering the weekend.

The quad bruise was clearly affecting Smith’s ability to maneuver against the Denver pass rush, but the good news for the veteran quarterback is that there doesn’t appear to be any structural damage. If Smith was unable to go next week it would be Kenny Pickett under center, but it seems more than likely that the 34-year-old will be ready to roll against Dallas in Week 11 in a Monday Night Football showdown.

He ‘added’ negative two yards on the ground on five attempts. Well, someone had to win. Nix was not effective, and while one of his interceptions was a ball that bounced off the hands of Troy Franklin, the other — also intended for Franklin — was a horrific throw into double coverage. He was able to find Franklin for a score to somewhat salvage the fantasy effort, but no, not really. Still, the Broncos are now 8-2, and Nix is in QB1 consideration for a Week 11 game against the Chiefs.

The Raiders get back S Lonnie Johnson, who broke his leg in training camp. Rookies, DT Tonka Hemingway and WR Dont’e Thornton, are active tonight as well. The Raiders will ostensibly use the next few weeks to see if one or more of their rookie wide receivers, including Jack Bech, can unseat one of head coach Pete Carroll’s favorites, WR Tyler Lockett.

Mims (concussion) and Surtain (pectoral) both missed the Broncos’ Week 9 game against the Texans as well. The Broncos’ top-tier defense should be okay in this one, but it is an unfortunate missed opportunity for Mims’ fantasy managers. The speedy wide receiver would have had decent odds of producing an explosive gain or two against the Raiders.

Godwin has not yet returned to practice, so missing Week 10 against the Patriots makes sense. Fowler adds that RB Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) could sit out in Week 10 as well. The Buccaneers face the Saints on December 7th, at which point, Godwin should apparently be back. Unfortunately, that is five games away, which could prove costly for fantasy managers who continue to stash him. He does not need to be rostered at this time.

Per Shanahan, Purdy is “getting closer to returning.” Just last week, the 49ers decided not to have Purdy active, even for backup duties, after practicing in a limited capacity all week. He remains limited through two Week 10 practices. While Shanahan’s words are encouraging, caution is advised. Stay tuned, tomorrow afternoon.

Ever willing to play through injury, even reportedly injured ribs, Nacua is firmly on track to play in Week 10 against the 49ers, whose injury-depleted pass rush should struggle to pressure QB Matthew Stafford. Expect Nacua to perform as an elite WR1, per usual, while Stafford slings it from cozy pockets on Sunday. Hopefully, we see Nacua once again practice in full on Friday.

Barkley’s pre-bye groin injury in Week 8 caused a scare, thrusting backup RB Tank Bigsby to the top of many waiver wire bids. It appears as though Bigsby has been reduced to a high-value bench stash, though, with Barkley practicing in full to begin the week. The Eagles’ No. 1 running back can be started as a borderline RB1/2 on Monday.

Brown told reporters earlier today that he will play on Monday night. His full practice participation supports that. Brown has been a volatile producer this season, but he is seemingly healthy, coming off the team’s Week 9 bye. He finished as a WR1 in Week 8 and can be started as a WR2 with WR1 upside this week.