Week 16 Essential NFL Practice News & Notes for Thursday

Dec 18, 2014

Patriots QB Tom Brady (ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday. No worries here.

Raiders QB Derek Carr (right thumb) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Eagles QB Nick Foles (collarbone) was ruled out for Week 16. Mark Sanchez hasn’t played well the last two weeks, but he has a great matchup with Washington, who is #30 in QB aFPA.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (thigh) took limited practice reps Thursday. Manning will face Cincinnati, but he hasn’t played well (fantasy-wise) in recent weeks. He’s still pretty much a must-start, but it’s conceivable that an owner would bench him for Matthew Stafford or Matt Ryan, given the matchups.

Panthers QB Cam Newton (back) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Newton is on track to return against the Browns, who are #3 in QB aFPA. He is currently our #14 QB for Week 16.

Chargers QB Philip Rivers (chest, back) did not practice Wednesday. It’s a bad matchup and he’ll be without his top receiver, Keenan Allen.

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger (not injury related) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. Roethlisberger is a top 10 start against Kansas City.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. Romo will be fine for a so-so matchup against Indianapolis.

Texans QB Tom Savage (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Savage is out for Week 16. Case Keenum is expected to start.

Cardinals QB Drew Stanton (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Ryan Lindley will draw the start against Seattle.