Following week 4 is the earliest that players who were on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list may be activated. Once activated, they have a 21-day window that they are allowed to begin practicing. Anytime within that 21 days, they can then be added to the team’s active roster. If they are not activated, they must go on Injured Reserve and cannot play for the rest of the season.
Below are the players who began the season on the PUP list that could have an impact on your fantasy football team
Keaton Mitchell BAL RB (PUP)
Mitchell is not quite ready to come off the PUP list just yet. He tore his ACL in mid-December which sets him up for a return to action around November.
The Ravens have the top rushing attack in the league headed up by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. Upon a Mitchell return, he’ll likely be used in a very limited/reserved role in 2024. He may only be worth a stash in deeper leagues if Derrick Henry is on your roster.
Jonathon Brooks CAR RB (NFI)
Panthers coach Dave Canales said Brooks is in the “final stages” of his ACL tear recovery but will not be activated to return to practice this week. They will rely on Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders as they take their time getting Brooks back on the field
The Texas Longhorn standout should be ready sooner than later and will be a major contributor to the Panthers in 2024. On ESPN, he is only rostered in 65.3% of leagues but should be picked up if available in yours. Stash him for now, he has the potential as a flex or even a RB2 before the season is over.
Nick Chubb CLE RB (PUP)
Chubb was activated from the PUP list and is expected to practice this week. It has been over a calendar year since his injury and is expected to see the playing field soon. The Browns have a 21-day window to promote him to the active roster, so we’ll be seeing him sometime this month.
Upon being activated, Chubb immediately becomes a starter. At the very least, he’s worth a flex play as they ramp him up. Before long, he’ll be recognized as a RB1 once again.
Tyler Higbee LAR TE (PUP)
The Rams Tight End’s injury didn’t occur until the Wildcard Round of the playoffs, which doesn’t bode well for an impactful return in 2024. The Rams signed Colby Parkinson to be their TE1 this season which basically eliminates any fantasy impact Higbee could have in 2024, even if he did return.
Odell Beckham Jr. MIA WR (PUP)
Beckham was activated off of the PUP list and will begin practicing with the Dolphins this week. With the injury to Tua Tagovailoa, Miami standout receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are even struggling to put up respectable fantasy numbers.
Upon the return of Tua, Beckham is still a wait-and-see WR for me. He will not see many targets per game on this skill position heavy team. I don’t see a fantasy impact unless Hill or Waddle were to go down with an injury.
T.J. Hockenson MIN TE (PUP)
Hockenson is nearing a return but the Vikings appear to be choosing patience. Adam Schefter reported that week 8 or 9 is the most realistic timeline for when we will see the All-Pro Tight End back on the field.
Hockenson is only rostered at 68.2% on ESPN. If he is available in your league, pick him up as he will be a sure-fire TE1 once he returns.
Not Over Yet
The fantasy football season is still young and there may be time to turn it around if your team is off to a rough start. One of these players could be the one that gives your team the boost it needs, or solidifies your strong position going forward.
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