Fantasy Football Week 7: Thursday's Daily Fantasy Market Report

After a slow day of fantasy football news leading up to Wednesday's Daily Fantasy Market Report, a lot has come out.

We've learned about practicing/not practicing developments, a setback for a top-tier running back and a quarterback audition on a bad football team.

And no, I don't mean the Houston Texans.

With injuries mounting, we have flexibility when creating our rosters this week. One change in particular—Landry Jones starting in place of injured Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger—gives us a big reason to sit wide receiver Antonio Brown. And that gives us even more roster construction flexibility.

Who is worth rostering from these injuries?

Let's get to it.

Jets to Start QB Geno Smith

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

After a dreadful start to the season for New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, head coach Todd Bowles has decided to give quarterback Geno Smith the starting nod in Week 7 against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

During their Week 6 blowout loss, the Jets allowed Smith to take over as signal-caller in the fourth quarter.

At this time, almost every person on the planet has more fantasy points than Smith, who threw for 31 yards, ran for two yards, fumbled and threw an interception.

After the first three weeks of the season, the Jets run game became dreadful, highlighted by starting running back Matt Forte's 2.8 yards per carry since Week 4.

As Pat Thorman of Pro Football Focus points out, there are going to be plenty of "YOLO" balls for Smith this week.

I cannot see this ending well. The only rosterable player on the Jets at this point is wide receiver Brandon Marshall ($7,600 DraftKings; $7,400 FanDuel)—he'll still get his targets.

Browns WR Terrelle Pryor Sr. DNP Wednesday

David Richard/Associated Press

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, Cleveland Browns wide receiver Terrelle Pryor Sr. did not practice on Wednesday.

Since Week 6, Pryor has been dealing with a hamstring injury that's kept him out of practice.

If Pryor is unable to suit up, quarterback Cody Kessler will lose his most reliable option as he goes up against the Cincinnati Bengals.

It's not looking good for Pryor, and the odds of him playing decrease every day. However, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Browns head coach Hue Jackson is "very hopeful" Pryor will play.

Without Pryor, expect tight end Gary Barnidge ($3,200 DK; $5,200 FD) to be the focal point of the Browns passing attack.

Because of the volume, Barnidge makes for a solid play this week.

Ravens WR Steve Smith Sr. DNP Wednesday

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Another "Sr." did not practice on Wednesday.

According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. sat out practice with an ankle injury.

During the team's Week 5 game, Smith suffered what looked like a high ankle sprain.

Smitty is one of the toughest players in the league, but high ankle sprains are a different ball game.

After a slow start, fellow Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken ($3,700 DK; $5,300 FD) saw more looks during Smith's absence in Week 6, finishing with four catches for 64 yards.

Going up against the mediocre New York Jets in Week 7, Aiken could have a nice game.

Don't expect Smith to play this week.

49ers RB Carlos Hyde Unlikely to Play

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

After being seen in a sling at Tuesday's practice, San Francisco 49ers running back Carlos Hyde is not likely to play in Week 7, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle. 

As Branch points out, 49ers head coach Chip Kelly is calling Hyde's chances a "stretch."

Hyde may be the RB6 so far, but his stats are quite skewed.

For instance, Hyde has four games in which he averaged less than four yards per carry. Also, Hyde's two touchdowns against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3 both came in garbage time, after the team was down 30-3 through three quarters.

Talent wise, Hyde has it—but this 49ers team is just terrible.

If Hyde is ultimately ruled out, expect the 49ers to use a committee consisting of Mike Davis and Shaun Draughn, according to Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee.

If Hyde doesn't suit up, I don't want anything to do with Davis or Draughn in DFS this week.

Packers Without CBs Randall, Shields and Rollins

Mike Roemer/Associated Press

According to Green Bay Packers reporter Wes Hodkiewicz, Packers cornerbacks Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins have been ruled out for Week 7 on Thursday Night Football.

This is not good. Not good at all.

In addition to Randall and Rollins, the Packers have already placed No. 1 cornerback Sam Shields on injured reserve with a concussion.

This means that the Packers could be without their top-three cornerbacks on Thursday.

While this is bad news for Green Bay, it's fantastic news for the Chicago Bears. Most notably, quarterback Brian Hoyer ($5,900 DK; $6,700 FD), wide receivers Cameron Meredith ($4,700 DK; $5,900 FD) and Alshon Jeffery ($6,900 DK; $7,300 FD) and tight end Zach Miller ($3,800 DK; $5,500 FD).

Over the past three games, Hoyer has the second-most pass attempts in the NFL.

In DFS this week, all of these guys are worth rostering.

I can't believe it: In 2016, every Bears player is worth putting in a lineup.

Godspeed.

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert Practices Wednesday

Frank Victores/Associated Press

Someone call the police.

According to Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert ($4,400 DK; $6,000 FD) was at practice on Wednesday.

Sure, there's plenty of time for Eifert to suffer another setback this week, but let's enjoy this while we can.

If Eifert is able to play (knock on wood), he'll have a plus matchup against the horrid Cleveland Browns. The Browns are getting torched by tight ends, giving up the most fantasy points to the position this season.

The one thing to worry about is limited snaps, but he is still a decent bet for a touchdown, even if he only gets a few targets.

Eifert has dealt with a couple injuries this season—most recently one to his back—and we've been eagerly awaiting his return.

This is the best shot we have.

Keep him in a bubble. Do not let him outside, Bengals. Shoot, leave him in a hyperbaric chamber until Sunday at noon.

We need Eifert.

Lions RB Theo Riddick DNP Wednesday

Duane Burleson/Associated Press

According to Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick ($5,200 DK; $6,300 FD) did not practice Wednesday due to an ankle injury.

This is a fluid situation: Until Riddick practices, don't assume he's playing in Week 7—expect more of fellow running backs Justin Forsett ($3,300 DK; $5,200 FD) and Dwayne Washington ($3,800 DK; $5,000 FD).

Good news, though: Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press says that he witnessed Riddick "dance his way" into the lounge area.

Of course, dancing and destroying your body in a football game are two different things, but signs are pointing up for Riddick's availability this week.

He has a chance to practice Thursday or Friday.

If he suits up, Riddick is worth rostering due to his pass-catching ability.

Redskins TE Jordan Reed Did Individual Drills Wednesday

Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press

According to JP Finlay of CSNMA, Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed was seen doing individual drills at Wednesday's practice.

No, it's not full practice, and no, it's not much—but it's something.

Good news for Reed is that the team hasn't ruled him out yet.

In my opinion, if he does play, he needs to be rostered.

Let's see what happens Thursday and Friday.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco DNP Wednesday

Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco did not practice Wednesday due to a shoulder injury.

Regarding Flacco's injury, head coach John Harbaugh said, "He has a legitimate shot at playing Sunday. I don't know what the percentage is."

Hm. Interesting.

It appears there is also a real shot Flacco could miss Week 7, albeit small.

If Flacco is unable to go, backup quarterback Ryan Mallett will assume the starting role.

That would devalue the Ravens skill position players against the New York Jets, even though the Jets are a nice matchup for them.

If Flacco is in, business as usual on the skill players. Otherwise, running back Terrance West ($4,800 DK; $6,900 FD) is the only one I'm interested in.

Buccaneers RB Doug Martin Suffers Setback; Will Not Play in Week 7

Billy Hurst/Associated Press

Just when we thought Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin was on the verge of a return, it appears we could be without him a few more weeks.

According to Buccaneers senior writer/editor Scott Smith, Martin suffered a setback over the weekend and has no timetable for a return.

This sounds like another multi-week absence for Martin, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury.

With Charles Sims on injured reserve, expect fellow running back Jacquizz Rodgers ($4,300 DK; $5,600 FD) to assume the starting role once again in Week 7.

Remember, Rodgers carried the ball 30 times in the team's Week 5 win over the Carolina Panthers.

He'll face the San Francisco 49ers this week.

I dig it and he's inexpensive. Make it happen.

Bears WR Eddie Royal Ruled out for Week 7

Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press

According to Rich Campbell of the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Bears wide receiver Eddie Royal will not play in Week 7 due to a toe injury.

Earlier in this slideshow we discussed the depleted Green Bay Packers secondary.

With Royal out, Lord have mercy on the Packers pass defense—now they get a bigger dose of Bears rookie wideout Cameron Meredith. He is going to destroy them.

Calling it now: 10 catches, 120 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Statistics courtesy of Pro Football Focus and ESPN.com.

Follow me on Twitter @RichardJanvrin.