Team news: New England Patriots | Page 1

The Chargers signed QB Will Grier off the Patriots' practice squad, per source.

The first significant move by interim GM JoJo Wooden.

Related players: Easton Stick, Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe

Grier will likely backup Stick, who is coming off a 63-21 thumping where threw three TDs and one INT for collecting 257 yards through the air. On the Patriots side, it looks like their QB carousel is getting smaller as they lose another quarterback after Malik Cunningham signed with the Ravens last week.

The Commanders benched quarterback Sam Howell for veteran Jacoby Brissett in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Rams.

But while Brissett provided a clear spark and tossed two touchdown passes to make things interesting, head coach Ron Rivera said after the game that Howell remains Washington’s QB1.

The Rams were up 28-7 when Howell was replaced. He finished the game 11-of-26 for 102 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Brissett came in and went 8-of-10 for 124 yards with two touchdown passes.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson (hamstring) is out Sunday vs. the Rams.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez

This is shaping up as a good week for Antonio Gibson has an RB2, while Chris Rodriguez can be considered a desperation FLEX play with some touchdown equity in a game that has the potential to be a shootout.

WR/PR Pop Douglas has cleared concussion protocol, per Bill Belichick.

Barring a setback in Friday’s practice, the path is clear for Douglas’ return after missing the last two games.

Related Players: Tyquan Thornton, DeVante Parker

The Patriots had an offensive explosion in Week 14, scoring 21 points. Which is a funny sentence to type in 2023. Douglas could very well return to the WR1 role in New England, but that only makes him a FLEX option in deep leagues.

Patriots injury report:

Did not participate: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle)

Limited participation: DT Christian Barmore (shoulder), WR Kayshon Boutte (shoulder), OT Trent Brown (ankle/hand), WR Pop Douglas (concussion), WR DeVante Parker (knee), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle)

Related Players: Ezekiel Elliott

It Looks like it's setting up for another Zeke week, after the veteran handled 100% of the RB workload in Week 14. That kind of usage would make him a very solid RB2, regardless of how close his yards per attempt is to 3.0.

Practice report:
DNP
LB Jamin Davis
TE Curtis Hodges (back)
RB Brian Robinson (hamstring)
DE James Smith-Williams (hamstring)

Limited

C Tyler Larsen (knee)

Full

CB Emmanuel Forbes (elbow)
G Saahdiq Charles (calf)

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez

Not looking good for Robinson's Week 15 availability, as his injury came halfway through the team's Week 13 game, immediately before their bye week. GIbson logged 14 opportunities for 72 total yards two weeks ago, and would figure to be the RB1 once again, presenting a solid fantasy floor against the Rams.

Vikings’ WR Justin Jefferson told reporters that he will play Saturday in Cincinnati.

Related Players: Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, K.J. Osborn, Brandon Powell

Jefferson didn't last very long last week, but he did earn three targets on only eight routes. If he is good to go, it's going to be next to impossible to keep him on your bench, particularly with a great matchup against the Bengals.

Vikings All-Pro WR Justin Jefferson is officially off the injury report and set to make his return Sunday at Las Vegas.

Related Players: Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn, T.J. Hockenson

With a clean bill of health, Jefferson should be considered a WR1 for fantasy once again. He should be started everywhere.

For the first time since his hamstring injury, Vikings star WR Justin Jefferson was a full participant today at practice. He'll play on Sunday.

Related Players: Jordan Addison, K.J. Osborn

Addison will fall back into FLEX considerations with Jefferson back, but could still produce, depending on how often the Vikings ask Joshua Dobbs to sling it around. Jefferson has to be back in WR1 conversations as one of the best route runners in the NFL.

Steelers RB Najee Harris (knee) didn't practice for a second consecutive day and is officially listed as questionable for Thursday night vs. the Patriots, who ruled out RB Rhamondre Stevenson.

Related Players: Jaylen Warren, Godwin Igwebuike, Anthony McFarland

Jaylen Warren would be in for a full bellcow workload if Harris were to miss, though the Patriots' run defense has been stout, even with teams sticking to the ground against them. New England ranks third in rushing yards allowed and first in yards per carry (3.2). Regardless, Warren should maintain plenty of passing work to make him a solid RB2 without Najee Harris.