December 2013 4for4 Player News Articles

Four people with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports that Vikings QB Josh Freeman was late for numerous meetings in his roughly three months with the Vikings. A third player said Freeman often was among the last players to the facility.

One of Freeman's agents, Erik Burkhardt, said "anything about meetings or missing anything is false."

Freeman was thrown in the fire against the Giants where he played poorly and also suffered concussion symptoms. Former HC Leslie Frazier couldn't go back once Freeman was healthy, particularly because the consensus in the locker room was Matt Cassel should have kept the job after he led the Vikings to their first win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 29, three weeks before Freeman's debut. However, playing Freeman too soon was a big part of why Frazier was fired this week.

Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen and owner Mark Davis will meet next Tuesday to discuss the team's season and immediate future as part of its offseason protocol, ESPN.com learned.

"Dennis Allen is the coach until he's no longer the coach," a league source said Tuesday. "The only people firing Dennis Allen right now are the media."

Speculation has swirled about Allen's job security in the wake of a second consecutive 4-12 season that ended with the Raiders losing six straight and eight of their final nine.
But Davis has also said that this season was Year 2 of a "deconstruction" phase and that the "reconstruction" of the team would commence this offseason with some $60 million in salary-cap space and a full complement of draft picks available.

Allen said Monday in his season-ending media conference that he had already met with general manager Reggie McKenzie and had been given an "indication" that he would return.

Two days after a high-ankle sprain, Giants QB Eli Manning is still in a boot and on crutches.

Manning wouldn't have been able to play this week, according to the tweet. Manning should be fine, but it's a fitting ending to what was a brutal season.

Colts WR Darrius Heyward-Bey did not practice Tuesday.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe has been cleared to practice. Not cleared to play yet.

It's been expected that Bowe will be ready to go for this weekend's game against the Chiefs.

There is a chance QB Chad Henne resigns with the Jags before free agency.

The Jags need a QB and will likely address that in the draft. It looks like they have moved on from Blaine Gabbert, making Henne a possible starter at least to start next year, or a decent backup option to the new starter. Gabbert could be traded or released according to reports.

TE Marcedes Lewis expected to return to the Jags.

A throwing session Percy Harvin had with quarterback Russell Wilson on Monday, which went extremely well, helped persuade Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll not to place the wide receiver on season-ending injured reserve, league sources said.

Sources said Harvin, who has played in just one game this season following offseason hip surgery, looked "amazing" during the session and that the Seahawks believe it is possible he will play when the team opens the postseason at home Jan. 11.

The plan for now is to have Harvin rejoin practice Thursday and perhaps another week off will help him get ready for their home playoff opener.

Kevin Gilbride's seven-year run as Giants offensive coordinator appears to be days away from coming to an end.

There are high-ranking officials in the Giants organization that believe Gilbride will be fired, according to a source with knowledge of the organization's thinking. And the belief is that unless something surprising occurs in organizational meetings over the next week, the Giants will have a new offensive coordinator next season.

It may take some time before the move is made official. The Giants are in the process of an organization evaluation that head coach Tom Coughlin said could stretch into next week.

This is due to reports of a disconnect between the WRs and QB Eli Manning which resulted in Manning throwing 27 interceptions this season. According to the story, the source said it's unlikely Coughlin will put his job on the line for Gilbride.

Kenny Britt says he doesn't think he got a fair shake this year in Tennessee. Says other WRs dropped balls, so he thought there was double standard.

Jets WR Stephen Hill says he doesn't need surgery on surgically repaired knee that gave him problems and ended his year prematurely.

Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff said the team is looking forward to signing Roddy White to a contract extension.

With an offseason to improve his ankle and the return of Julio Jones to the other side, the Falcons offense should be back in 2014. However, RB Steven Jackson will be another year older and we can only assume TE Tony Gonzalez does not return.

Wes Welker has been cleared to play in the playoffs.

Welker will get an extra week off thanks to the Broncos first round bye. With Peyton Manning at QB and home field advantage, Welker will be a nice play in suicide playoffs leagues just about any week.

On NFL Live, ESPN'S Chris Mortensen said the Texans deal with Bill O'Brien is imminent and expects it to be done in the next 24 hours.

This has been the hot rumor for quite some time. O'Brien is a former Patriot's QB coach who completely changed the Penn State offense and helped Matt McGloin's career, as he's now an option for the Raiders at QB.

Jets coach Rex Ryan is resigned to being extended only through 2015. Will use it as motivation, believing team will win in 2014.

While the Jets run D was one of the best, opponents were able to air it out against the Jets. On offense, Geno Smith will need to greatly improve in order for the Jets to be a winning team.

Packer's RB Eddie Lacy's ankle came out of game "much better" than last week. Happy to get extra day for his team rather than playing Saturday.

He could be a decent play against the 49ers run defense - which has improved in the rankings the second half of the season. But, Aaron Rodgers back at QB should help to open up the running game a bit.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin will practice this week.

The Seahawks have a bye, of course, but it looks like there is a chance he gets back on the field in two weeks.

Bills QB E.J. Manuel: "not sure yet" if knee injury will require surgery. Physical therapy and strength training planned for offseason work.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid: WR Dwayne Bowe (concussion) is making progress and will practice Tuesday.

Bowe looks like he'll be ready to go Wild Card weekend when the Chiefs visit the Colts.

The quiet season of Ravens running back Ray Rice reached another low point Sunday when he stood on the sideline for nearly the entire first half.

Rice was replaced in the backfield by reserve running backs Bernard Pierce and Bernard Scott after the Ravens' opening drive. Rice opened the game with one carry for 1-yard, but didn't get back in the game until the Ravens' final drive of the first half.

Both Rice and Ravens coach John Harbaugh attributed the reduction in playing time to strategy, not because of Rice's nagging quadriceps injury.

"That was a decision really with the offensive coaches," Harbaugh said. "When we were backed up, we didn't want to put him in those backed-up situations. We didn't feel the need to do that."

Although Rice got more involved in the second half of the Ravens' season-ending 34-17 loss by scoring a game-tying two-point conversion in the third quarter, he ended the game with six runs for 15 yards and seven catches for 35 yards. This was a must-win game for the Ravens in order to have a shot at making the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco reiterated after Sunday's regular-season finale that his sprained left knee won't need surgery this offseason.

"I’m not going to have to get anything done," Flacco said. "It was just my MCL and it will heal on its own."

It will be much-deserved rest, considering the amount of hits that Flacco has taken this season. Flacco was sacked 48 times in 2013, and only Miami's Ryan Tannehill (58) was sacked more.

This was the most sacks any Ravens quarterback has taken in team history. The previous high was 40 sacks, which Flacco set in 2010.

In Sunday's regular-season finale at Cincinnati, Flacco was sacked two times and hit seven times. He came off the field limping when he was hit in the end zone with about nine minutes left in the second quarter.

Dolphins WR Brian Hartline MRI results confirm PCL tear.

No surgery will be required for Hartline and it's expected he will be ready for training camp in 2014.

Brandon Jacobs says he's undecided about playing next year, but he'll need four months of recovery time from his knee surgery.

It doesn't seem likely that Jacobs would return to the Giants, but the team will need to keep Andre Brown and David Wilson on the field first.

Giants WR Rueben Randle said his knee is OK. Just some swelling. It needs rest and he'll then be reevaluated in two weeks.

With the status of Hakeem Nicks up in the air, but unlikely he'll be back, Randle has a chance for an increased role in 2014.

Jim Schwartz has been fired as the coach of the Detroit Lions after five years with the organization.

Despite winning six of their first nine games this season, the Lions crumbled down the stretch, finishing 7-9 and missing the playoffs.

The 47-year-old Schwartz went 29-51 and reached the postseason once in 2011, when Detroit posted a winning record for the first time since 2000. This should be a popular job with a lot of pieces in place.

Greg Schiano has been fired as coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Mark Dominik is out as general manager, one day after the team completed its third straight losing season.

"The results over the past two years have not lived up to our standards and we believe the time has come to find a new direction,'' co-chairman Bryan Glazer said in a statement.

"Mark has been a valued member of our organization for two decades and we respect the passion he showed for the Buccaneers during his time here. We thank Greg for his hard work and effort the past two seasons, but we feel these moves are necessary in order to achieve our goals."

Schiano went 11-21 in two seasons after being a surprise hire out of Rutgers in 2012. Known as a team builder and disciplinarian, Schiano was brought in to tighten up the loose atmosphere that prevailed under predecessor Raheem Morris. Schiano's militaristic ways drew complaints from some players. He also drew anger from around the league, particularly from New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin after Schiano had the Bucs try to break up a victory formation during a loss early last season. Of course there was also the whole Josh Freeman saga that resulted in him being let go. Lovie Smith has been linked to this job, while Schiano could be targeted by Penn State if Bill O'Brien leaves.

The Washington Redskins fired head coach Mike Shanahan on Monday, a widely anticipated move that leaves the franchise on yet another coaching search — its seventh since owner Daniel Snyder bought the team in 1999.

Speculation about Shanahan’s successor has focused on Baylor University’s Art Briles, who coached quarterback Robert Griffin III in college; Super Bowl-winning coaches Jon Gruden and Bill Cowher; former Redskins assistant coach and Pro Football Hall of Fame guard Russ Grimm; former Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith; and current NFL offensive coordinators Ken Whisenhunt of San Diego, Greg Roman of San Francisco, Jay Gruden of Cincinnati and Darrell Bevell of Seattle.

The Minnesota Vikings fired coach Leslie Frazier on Monday morning, one year after they made the playoffs and one day after they finished a 5-10-1 season.

After going 10-6 in 2012, the Vikings regressed this year, done in by a leaky defense and an inability to find stability at quarterback. Frazier finished 21-33-1 in three-plus seasons.

Both of the Broncos' coordinators, Jack Del Rio on defense and Adam Gase on offense, are on the Vikings' radar, league sources told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Del Rio played linebacker for the Vikings, and Minnesota has been inquiring about Gase.

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones reiterated Sunday night that Jason Garrett would return as head coach after the franchise's third consecutive 8-8 finish but was noncommittal about potential changes with the coaching staff.

"I said that a month ago," Jones said when asked if he remained committed to Garrett as his coach following the Cowboys' 24-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, which marked the third straight season in which Dallas failed to win a de facto NFC East title game in Week 17. "I stand by what I said a month ago."

The Cowboys are 29-27 under Garrett, who took over when Wade Phillips was fired midway through the 2010 season and had the interim tag removed following that year. The Cowboys have missed the playoffs in each of the last four seasons, marking the longest postseason drought of Jones' 25-year tenure.

The Cleveland Browns fired coach Rob Chudzinski on Sunday night.

Less than a year after touting Chudzinski as one of the bright young coaches in the NFL and a guy CEO Joe Banner said he had his eye on for a long time, the Browns let him go after one season as coach.

The Browns still owe Chudzinski $10.5 million, league sources told ESPN Senior NFL Insider Chris Mortensen.

Cleveland plans to commence its head coaching search immediately, with New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt expected to be among the candidates, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Cowboys Inactives
Tony Romo QB
B.W. Webb CB
Jakar Hamilton S
Sean Lee LB
Ernie Sims LB
Martez Wilson DL
Darrion Weems OL

Kyle Orton will start at QB.

Eagles Inactives
Matt Barkley QB
Earl Wolff S
Colt Anderson S
Curtis Marsh CB
Matthew Tucker RB
Julian Vandervelde OL
Dennis Kelly OL

Seahawks Inactives
Michael Bowie OT
Percy Harvin WR
Caylin Hauptmann OT
Jordan Hill DT
Benson Mayowa DE
Christine Michael RB
K.J. Wright OLB

It's sounding likely Harvin may not play again this season.

Rams Inactives
Tavon Austin WR
Sammy Brown LB
Matt Conrath DT
Harvey Dahl G
Mike Person T
Quinton Pointer CB
Daryl Richardson RB

Chargers Inactives
Marcus Cromartie DB
Kwame Geathers NT
Lavelle Hawkins WR
Stephen Schilling G
Brad Sorensen QB
Brandon Taylor S
Kenny Wiggins T

With the Ravens & Dolphins behind in the early games, it's looking possible that the Chargers could be in a win-or-go home situation at 4:30. If one of those teams were to come back to win, Ryan Mathews could be rested in a meaningless game.

Chiefs Inactives
Branden Albert T
Dwayne Bowe WR
Jamaal Charles RB
Tamba Hali OLB
Derrick Johnson ILB
Dontari Poe NT
Alex Smith QB

As outlined in our Who's Motivated? article this week, the Chiefs have nothing to play for today with their playoff spot locked up. As a result Alex Smith, Jamaal Charles & Dwayne Bowe are inactive. Knile Davis should see the bulk of the carries with Cyrus Gray also in the mix. Chase Daniel will start at QB. Avoid all Chiefs if possible as this is an unpredictable fantasy situation.

Bills Inactives
Mark Asper OG
Steve Johnson WR
EJ Manuel QB
Antoine McClain G
Cordell Roberson WR
Lee Smith TE
Ronnie Wingo RB

Robert Woods, T.J. Graham & Marquise Goodwin are next up with Johnson out.

Patriots Inactives
Chris Barker G
Steve Beauharnais ILB
Jake Bequette DE
Josh Boyce WR
Alfonzo Dennard CB
Devin McCourty FS
Isaac Sopoaga NT

The Patriots will have all their remaining offensive weapons for this one, with Aaron Dobson, Shane Vereen & Kenbrell Thompkins actives.

Packers Inactives
Chris Harper WR
Brad Jones ILB
Clay Matthews OLB
Jumal Rolle DB
Lane Taylor G
JC Tretter T
C.J. Wilson DE

Aaron Rodgers returns at QB for the Packers, good news for the entire offense. Eddie Lacy is active as expected in a fantastic matchup. Randall Cobb returns, but will likely be used in a limited role in his first game back.

Bears Inactives
James Brown T
Joe Long T
Jordan Palmer QB
Jonathan Scott T
Cornelius Washington DE
Chris Williams WR

Raiders Inactives
Brice Butler WR
Jacoby Ford WR
Andre Gurode C
Mike Jenkins CB
Ricky Lumpkin DT
Lamar Mady OG
Menelik Watson OT

Terrelle Pryor returns to start at QB for the Raiders. He's a risky play with upside against the Broncos.

49ers Inactives
Jon Baldwin WR
Derek Carrier TE
Joe Looney G
Nick Moody OLB
Ryan Seymour OG

Saints Inactives
Isa Abdul-Quddus FS
Travaris Cadet RB
Keyunta Dawson DE
Terrence Frederick DB
Ryan Griffin QB
Tom Johnson DT
Nick Toon WR

Bucs Inactives
Mark Barron SS
Ka'Lial Glaud LB
Matthew Masifilo DE
Carl Nicks G
Lonnie Pryor RB
Scott Solomon LB
Dekoda Watson LB

Cardinals Inactives
Ryan Lindley QB
Dontay Moch LB
Nate Potter OT
Kory Sperry TE
Ronald Talley DE
Curtis Taylor DB
Ryan Williams RB

Broncos Inactives
C.J. Anderson RB
Zac Dysert QB
Sione Fua OG
Steve Vallos C
Kayvon Webster CB
Wes Welker WR
Derek Wolfe DE

It's not just Aaron Rodgers the Packers could get back on Sunday. Star wideout Randall Cobb, missing since Week 6 because of a broken leg, was activated from the injured reserve on Saturday.

Cobb is officially listed as "questionable" for Week 17's win-or-go-home matchup against the Bears and it sure makes sense that he would be activated today for the purpose of playing on Sunday.

Cobb was apparently close to playing last week so things look pretty good for this week. There's a good chance his role would be limited in some way, but may still get on the field in the red zone or third downs. Of course, Aaron Rodgers will get the start at QB. He's a risky start in your typical league but in deeper leagues could be a sneaky play.

Adrian Peterson has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions, meaning that the star running back will miss the Minnesota Vikings' final game at Mall of America Field.

Peterson has been plagued by a groin injury suffered last week against Cincinnati and a foot injury sustained earlier this month.

With Peterson and backup Toby Gerhart both sidelined, the Vikings will have to turn to Matt Asiata and Joe Banyard at running back.

Victor Cruz was back at the Giants’ practice facility Friday afternoon, walking the hall outside the locker room while his teammates were at practice. He maintained that he expected to be ready for offseason training sessions and estimated that his timetable to rehabilitate from minor surgery on his left knee would take 6-8 weeks.

Still, he was already planning on spending more time with quarterback Eli Manning and his fellow receivers to repair what Cruz called a “disconnect” this year.

“I want to make it a point to get with Eli a little bit more, get with our quarterbacks a little bit more and get the receiving corps together as much as we can to kind of build that more,” Cruz said.

Cruz was limited to four touchdowns, Hakeem Nicks has yet to catch a touchdown pass and Manning has thrown 26 interceptions through 15 games. Cruz missed part of his offseason workouts with Manning because of his contract negotiations, but vowed to get back on the same page as Manning and the others in the coming months. He will be deliberate in how he approaches his recovery, as well, the story pointed out.

ESPN Boston expects Shane Vereen to be inactive:

The running back was held out of last Sunday's win after leaving with a groin injury, and if this was the playoffs, he'd be ready to go.

The possibility of the team holding him back as a precaution makes some sense. This is a late afternoon game so if you planned to play Vereen, you should have a backup plan.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Rodgers has been cleared to play and will start against the Bears in a must-win game. It’s an upgrade for the entire Packer offense, particularly the receivers.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Brady will play in an important game against the Bills.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Romo had back surgery and is out for the season. Kyle Orton will start and is capable of running the offense effectively. We wouldn’t downgrade Dez Bryant or Jason Witten too much.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. No worries here.

Saints QB Drew Brees (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Brees should be fine to face the Buccaneers.

Texans QB Case Keenum (right thumb, questionable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17. Keenum is expected to start against the Titans, though the Texans are calling it a game-time decision.

Bills QB E.J. Manuel (knee, doubtful) took limited practice reps all week and is doubtful for Week 17. Thaddeus Lewis will start in Week 17.

Bills QB Thaddeus Lewis (left shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Lewis will start in Week 17.

Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Tannehill should be fine to face the Jets.

Cardinals QB Carson Palmer (right elbow, ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Palmer should be fine to face the 49ers.

Panthers QB Cam Newton (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Newton says his ankle won’t be an issue on Sunday.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin, foot, doubtful) missed practice Friday after taking limited reps Thursday and is doubtful for Week 17. Toby Gerhart (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Matt Asiata (ankle, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Asiata is likely to start for the Vikings with Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart out.

Texans QB T.J. Yates (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Cardinals QB Drew Stanton (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Giants RB Andre Brown (concussion, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Brown is on track to play in a nice matchup against the Redskins on Sunday.

Lions RB Joique Bell (knee, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Bell should be fine to face the Vikings. He saw extra work in Week 16 thanks to a Reggie Bush fumble.

Packers RB Eddie Lacy (ankle, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Lacy is good to go for a great matchup against the Bears.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (hamstring, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. MJD figures to play through his hamstring injury again this week.

49ers RB Frank Gore (knee, probable) took limited practice reps again Thursday and is probable for Week 17. Gore regularly plays through whatever injuries have him on the injury report.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Mathews is expected to play, per HC Mike McCoy, though the game may be meaningless by kickoff.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Lynch will be fine to face the Rams.

Browns RB Willis McGahee (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. The Browns figure to leave Edwin Baker in the lead role as he continues to audition for a job in 2014.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (knee, out) has been ruled out for Week 17. DeAngelo Williams has been the #8 RB over the past two weeks with Stewart sidelined. Throw in a nice matchup with the Falcons and Williams is a Sneaky Start.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (thigh, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. It looks like Rice will continue to play through the injury.

Cardinals RB Rashard Mendenhall (finger, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Mendenhall should be fine to face the 49ers.

Jets RB Chris Ivory (quadricep, ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Ivory should be fine to face the Dolphins.

Giants RB Peyton Hillis (concussion, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Hillis should return to a backup role behind starter Andre Brown.

Patriots RB Shane Vereen (groin, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Vereen seems to be on track to play in Week 17, but may be a game-time decision. The Patriots play in the late round of games on Sunday.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (eye, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Thomas should be able to play through the eye injury.

Bills RB Fred Jackson (ribs, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Jackson is good to go for a pretty nice matchup with the Patriots.

Seahawks RB Derrick Coleman (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Texans RB Dennis Johnson (hip, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17. Since he hasn’t practiced this week, we’re expecting the inexperienced Johnson to miss, which means Jonathan Grimes and Ray Graham may get the bulk of the work for the Texans.

Texans RB Greg Jones (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Vikings RB Jerome Felton (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Jason Snelling and Antone Smith will back up Steven Jackson in a bad matchup against the Panthers.

Rams RB Daryl Richardson (thigh, doubtful) missed practice again Friday and is doubtful for Week 17.

Raiders RB Jeremy Stewart (ankle, knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Texans TE Brad Smelley (calf, back, probable) missed practice all week and is probable for Week 17.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 17.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17. Megatron was limited in a must-win game in Week 16, so it would not be at all surprising if he sat out a meaningless Week 17 game. We’re expecting him to sit out.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (back, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 17. Bryant tweaked his back in Wednesday’s practice. Team officials don’t believe it’s anything serious. For his part, he says there is “no doubt” that he’ll play against the Eagles.

Redskins RB Darrel Young (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson (chest, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Patterson should be fine for a nice matchup with the Lions. He is the #16 WR since Week 10. With Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart out, don’t be surprised if he sees a few carries as well.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (wrist, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Johnson will play in a tough matchup with the Titans.

Saints WR Marques Colston (back, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Colston should be fine for a nice matchup with the Buccaneers.

Chiefs WR Dwayne Bowe (concussion, out) missed practice again Friday and is out for Week 17. Bowe wasn’t going to play much anyway with the Chiefs likely to rest their starters in a meaningless game.

Broncos WR Wes Welker (concussion, out) took limited practice reps all week and is out for Week 17. Welker is trending for a return in the playoffs, but won’t play this week. Andre Caldwell is a Sneaky Start with Welker out, though it was mainly Eric Decker and Jacob Tamme in the slot in Week 16 after Caldwell exploded in Week 15.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith (knee, out) has been ruled out for Week 17. With Smith out, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn are Sneaky Starts against a shaky Falcons pass defense.

Giants WR Victor Cruz (knee, out) has been ruled out for Week 17. Hakeem Nicks and Jerrel Jernigan are likely to be the Giants starters this week. Jernigan has 13 catches in the last two weeks.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (wrist, ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Thursday and is probable for Week 17. Crabtree should be able to play against the Cardinals. He has looked good since his return a few weeks ago.

Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (neck, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Thomas is fully expected to play against the Raiders.

Ravens WR Torrey Smith (thigh, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Smith should play through the questionable tag in a mediocre matchup against the Bengals.

Dolphins WR Brian Hartline (knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17. Hartline should be fine to play in a nice matchup against the Jets.

Patriots WR Danny Amendola (groin, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Amendola will continue to play through the injury.

Broncos WR Eric Decker (thigh, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Decker is on track to play in Week 17.

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson (foot, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17. Dobson should be able to play again this week. He played on 54 of 69 snaps in Week 16.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin (hip, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Doug Baldwin continues to be a Sneaky Start with Harvin out.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Hopkins should be fine to face the Titans.

Jets WR Jeremy Kerley (elbow, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Kerley should be able to play against the Dolphins. He has the most targets of the Jets receivers over the last three weeks.

Giants WR Rueben Randle (knee, questionable) missed practice again Friday and is questionable for Week 17. It appears Randle may miss Week 17. Jerrel Jernigan has been the most productive Giants WR in the last two weeks, catching 13 passes for 147 yards and a TD.

Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders (knee, questionable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17. Sanders calls himself 50/50 to play in Week 17. Jerricho Cotchery and especially Markus Wheaton would see a bump in snaps if Sanders can’t play. The Steelers play early on Sunday.

Raiders WR Denarius Moore (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Moore should continue to play through the shoulder injury.

49ers WR Mario Manningham (knee, out) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday and is out for Week 17. He’s been placed on IR and is done for the season. Quinton Patton will serve as the 49ers’ WR3, which doesn’t hold much value in fantasy.

Bears WR Earl Bennett (not injury related, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Rams WR Tavon Austin (ankle, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17.

Bills WR Steve Johnson (not injury related, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Johnson has been away from the team mourning the death of his mother.

Jaguars WR Mike Brown (wrist, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Patriots WR Josh Boyce (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Cowboys WR Dwayne Harris (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Bills WR Marquise Goodwin (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Bills WR Marcus Easley (knee, probable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Falcons WR Darius Johnson (ankle, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (foot, hamstring, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Broncos WR Trindon Holliday (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Texans WR DeVier Posey (ankle, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

49ers WR Kassim Osgood (shin, probable) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday and is probable for Week 17.

Dolphins WR Marlon Moore (wrist, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Seahawks WR Jermaine Kearse (ankle, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins (hip, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Jaguars WR Ace Sanders (finger, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Chargers WR Eddie Royal (toe, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 17.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (toe, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17. Gonzalez figures to continue to play through his injury in what may be his final game in the NFL.

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert (neck, doubtful) missed practice all week and is doubtful for Week 17. Eifert’s stinger is likely to keep him out of Week 17. Jermaine Gresham (hamstring, questionable) missed practice again Friday and is questionable for Week 17. Gresham gets a bump if he can play, but he’s banged up as well. Alexander Smith is next on the depth chart.

Browns TE Jordan Cameron (concussion, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 17. Cameron did return to practice but still looks doubtful to play in Week 17. He has to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can return to game action.

Steelers WR Markus Wheaton (finger, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Lions TE Dorin Dickerson (concussion) was removed from the injury report Friday.

Packers TE Andrew Quarless (ankle, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Quarless is good to face the Bears.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) was removed from the injury report Friday. Joseph Fauria should see a ton of snaps against the Vikings.

Steelers TE Heath Miller (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17. Miller will be fine to face the Browns.

Texans TE Garrett Graham (hamstring, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17. Beat writer Tania Ganguli reported that Graham was placed on IR earlier today. Ryan Griffin figures to start against the Titans. Griffin (knee, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Patriots TE Michael Hoomanawanui (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Saints TE Josh Hill (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Broncos TE Virgil Green (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Bengals TE Alexander Smith (concussion, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

Giants TE Adrien Robinson (knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

49ers TE Vance McDonald (ankle, probable) took limited practice reps again Thursday and is probable for Week 17.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (groin, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Packers TE Ryan Taylor (illness, probable) returned to take full practice reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 17.

Broncos TE Jacob Tamme (knee, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Packers TE Jake Stoneburner (illness, probable) missed practice Friday and is probable for Week 17.

Browns TE Andre Smith (calf, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 17.

Chiefs K Ryan Succop (right groin, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 17.

Jets TE Kellen Winslow (knee, illness, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 17.

49ers placed WR Mario Manningham on injured reserve, ending his season.

Other than Anquan Boldin and Michael Crabtree, Quinton Patton saw the most snaps at receiver against the Falcons in Week 16.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith and RB Jonathan Stewart have been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Falcons.

DeAngelo Williams has been the #8 RB over the past two weeks with Stewart sidelined. With Smith out, Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn are Sneaky Starts against a shaky Falcons pass defense.

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett just told reporters that quarterback Tony Romo had back surgery this morning, and will be placed on injured reserve.

It's official, Kyle Orton will start for the Cowboys against the Eagles.

As much as anyone, Mikel Leshoure’s future with the Lions is tied to the current regime and whether it returns for a sixth season in Detroit.

If Jim Schwartz, Scott Linehan and Co. are back, chances are Leshoure won’t be. He has wasted away on the bench this year and doesn’t fit Linehan’s vision for a running back in his offense.

If wholesale changes are made, Leshoure could find himself back in the Lions’ good graces again.

“I just want to be somewhere they’re going to feed me the rock and I can go eat, man,” Leshoure said. “That’s it. They could be the worst team in the NFL.... Just give me the rock. I feel like I just need the ball. Even here, we don’t really run the ball here.”

Leshoure has a career 3.7 YPC, so it's doubtful that teams will be lining up to offer Leshoure a feature back role. He should be able to find a job as a primary backup, however.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Rodgers has been cleared to play and will start against the Bears in a must-win game. It’s an upgrade for the entire Packer offense, particularly the receivers.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday. Brady will play in an important game against the Bills.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo (back) missed practice again Thursday. Romo is not expected to play against the Eagles. Kyle Orton gets the start.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (ankle) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. No worries here.

Saints QB Drew Brees (knee) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Brees should be fine to face the Buccaneers.

Cardinals QB Carson Palmer (right elbow, ankle) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Palmer should be fine to face the 49ers.

Panthers QB Cam Newton (ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday. Newton says his ankle won’t be an issue on Sunday.

Bills QB E.J. Manuel (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Manuel is practicing this week but Thaddeus Lewis got the first team reps on Thursday. Lewis (left shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Cardinals QB Drew Stanton (knee) was added to the injury report Thursday after taking full practice reps.

Texans QB Case Keenum (right thumb) practiced fully Wednesday. Keenum is expected to start against the Titans.

Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday. Tannehill should be fine to face the Jets.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin, foot) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Peterson says he “hopes” to play against the Lions, but the Vikings are unlikely to rush him back since they not playing for anything. Toby Gerhart is likely out, so the Vikings are down to Matt Asiata (hamstring) and Joe Banyard at running back. Asiata (ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Texans QB T.J. Yates (back) practiced fully Wednesday.

Patriots RB Shane Vereen (groin) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Vereen seems to be on track to play in Week 17, but may be a game-time decision. The Patriots play in the late round of games on Sunday.

Saints RB Pierre Thomas (eye) took full practice reps again Thursday. Thomas should be able to play through the eye injury.

49ers RB Frank Gore (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Gore regularly plays through whatever injuries have him on the injury report.

Giants RB Andre Brown (concussion) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Brown is on track to play against the Redskins on Sunday.

Lions RB Joique Bell (knee) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Bell should be fine to face the Vikings. He saw extra work in Week 16 thanks to a Reggie Bush fumble.

Bills RB Fred Jackson (ribs) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. Jackson is likely to play in Week 17.

Jets RB Chris Ivory (quadricep, ankle) took full practice reps again Thursday. Ivory should be fine to face the Dolphins.

Packers RB Eddie Lacy (ankle) missed practice again Thursday. In his Thursday presser, Mike McCarthy indicated that Lacy is likely to play and wouldn’t necessarily have to practice on Friday to play on Sunday.

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (hamstring) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. MJD figures to play through his hamstring injury again this week.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (ankle) did not practice Wednesday. Mathews is expected to play, per HC Mike McCoy, though the game may be meaningless by kickoff.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (not injury related) did not practice Wednesday. Lynch is just getting some rest.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (thigh) took limited practice reps again Thursday. It looks like Rice will continue to play through the injury.

Cardinals RB Rashard Mendenhall (finger) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Mendenhall should be fine to face the 49ers.

Browns RB Willis McGahee (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday. The Browns figure to leave Edwin Baker in the lead role as he continues to audition for a job in 2014.

Vikings RB Toby Gerhart (hamstring) missed practice again Thursday. Gerhart is not expected to play this week.

Texans RB Dennis Johnson (hip) did not practice Wednesday. Johnson may miss Week 17 which means Jonathan Grimes and Ray Graham may get the bulk of the work for the Texans.

Falcons RB Jacquizz Rodgers (concussion) missed practice again Thursday. Rodgers may miss Week 17, which means Jason Snelling and Antone Smith will back up Steven Jackson in a bad matchup against the Panthers.

Giants RB Peyton Hillis (concussion) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Hillis should return to a backup role behind starter Andre Brown.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (ankle) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (knee) missed practice again Thursday. With Stewart likely out again, DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert will continue to share the work in the Carolina backfield.

Vikings RB Jerome Felton (knee) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Seahawks RB Derrick Coleman (shoulder) practiced fully Wednesday.

Texans RB Greg Jones (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Redskins RB Darrel Young (hamstring) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Raiders RB Jeremy Stewart (ankle, knee) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Rams RB Daryl Richardson (thigh) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (wrist) practiced fully Wednesday. Johnson will play in a tough matchup with the Titans.

Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (back) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday. Bryant tweaked his back in Wednesday’s practice. Team officials don’t believe it’s anything serious, but it’s something to monitor as we get closer to kickoff. For his part, he says there is “no doubt” that he’ll play against the Eagles.

Broncos WR Wes Welker (concussion) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Welker is trending for a return in the playoffs, but is unlikely to gain clearance prior to Week 17.

Saints WR Marques Colston (back) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Colston should be fine for a nice matchup with the Buccaneers.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Megatron was limited in a must-win game in Week 16, so it would not be at all surprising if he sat out a meaningless Week 17 game.

Giants WR Victor Cruz (knee) was ruled out for Week 17. Rueben Randle (knee) was added to the injury report Thursday after missing practice. Hakeem Nicks and Jerrel Jernigan are likely to be the Giants starters this week.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (wrist, ankle) practiced fully Wednesday. Crabtree should be able to play against the Cardinals. He has looked good since his return a few weeks ago.

Patriots WR Danny Amendola (groin) took full practice reps again Thursday. Amendola should continue to play through the injury.

Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Sanders is looking very iffy to face the Browns. Jerricho Cotchery and especially Markus Wheaton would see a bump in snaps if Sanders can’t play.

Broncos WR Eric Decker (thigh) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Decker is on track to play in Week 17.

Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (neck) took full practice reps again Thursday. Thomas is fully expected to play against the Raiders.

Ravens WR Torrey Smith (thigh) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Smith should be fine to play in a mediocre matchup against the Bengals.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith (knee) missed practice again Thursday. Smith is likely out this week. Brandon LaFell and Ted Ginn get a bump.

Bills WR Steve Johnson (not injury related) missed practice again Thursday. Johnson has been away from the team mourning the death of his mother. It is unlikely that he’ll rush back to play in a meaningless game.

Dolphins WR Brian Hartline (knee) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Hartline should be fine to play in a nice matchup against the Jets.

Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson (chest) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday. Patterson should be fine for a nice matchup with the Lions. He is the #16 WR since Week 10.

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson (foot) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Dobson should be able to play again this week.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin (hip) did not practice Wednesday. Harvin is not expected to play this week.

Jets WR Jeremy Kerley (elbow) took full practice reps again Thursday. Kerley should be able to play against the Dolphins. He has the most targets of the Jets receivers over the last three weeks.

Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (ankle) practiced fully Wednesday. Hopkins should be fine to face the Titans.

Rams WR Tavon Austin (ankle) missed practice again Thursday.

Bills WR Marquise Goodwin (knee) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Raiders WR Denarius Moore (shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday. Moore should continue to play through the shoulder injury.

Patriots WR Josh Boyce (ankle) missed practice again Thursday.

Bears WR Earl Bennett (not injury related) missed practice again Thursday.

Jets WR Santonio Holmes (foot, hamstring) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Broncos WR Trindon Holliday (shoulder) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Cowboys WR Dwayne Harris (hamstring) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

49ers WR Mario Manningham (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Seahawks WR Jermaine Kearse (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

Falcons WR Darius Johnson (ankle) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Chargers WR Eddie Royal (toe) did not practice Wednesday.

Texans WR DeVier Posey (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

49ers WR Kassim Osgood (shin) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Dolphins WR Marlon Moore (wrist) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Browns TE Jordan Cameron (concussion) missed practice again Thursday. Cameron looks doubtful to play in Week 17.

Steelers WR Markus Wheaton (finger) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins (hip) took limited practice reps again Thursday.

Jaguars WR Ace Sanders (finger) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Bengals TE Jermaine Gresham (hamstring) missed practice Thursday after taking limited reps Wednesday. If he can play, Gresham would get a bump if Tyler Eifert is unable to play through his shoulder stinger.

Texans TE Garrett Graham (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday. Graham won’t play, which leaves Ryan Griffin as a Sneaky Start against the Titans.

Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (toe) took limited practice reps again Thursday. Gonzalez figures to continue to play through his injury in what may be his final game in the NFL.

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert (neck) missed practice again Thursday. Eifert’s stinger may keep him out of Week 17. Jermaine Gresham gets a sizable bump if Eifert can’t play.

Lions TE Dorin Dickerson (concussion) was removed from the injury report Thursday.

Packers TE Andrew Quarless (ankle) was added to the injury report Thursday after taking limited practice reps. Quarless is tentatively expected to play against the Bears.

Steelers TE Heath Miller (not injury related) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday. Miller should be fine to face the Browns.

Texans TE Ryan Griffin (knee) took limited practice reps Wednesday. Griffin figures to start again since Garrett Graham is out and Owen Daniels isn’t returning either.

Patriots TE Michael Hoomanawanui (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Saints TE Josh Hill (hamstring) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Broncos TE Virgil Green (knee) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Texans TE Brad Smelley (calf) did not practice Wednesday.

Broncos TE Joel Dreessen (knee) returned to full practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday.

Giants TE Adrien Robinson (knee) missed practice again Thursday.

Lions TE Brandon Pettigrew (ankle) was removed from the injury report Thursday.

49ers TE Vance McDonald (ankle) took limited practice reps Wednesday.

Cardinals TE Rob Housler (groin) took full practice reps Thursday after being limited Wednesday.

Packers TE Ryan Taylor (illness) was added to the injury report Thursday after missing practice.

Broncos TE Jacob Tamme (knee) took full practice reps again Thursday.

Browns TE Andre Smith (calf) missed practice again Thursday.

Bengals TE Alexander Smith (concussion) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice.

Jets TE Kellen Winslow (knee, illness) missed practice again Thursday.

Chiefs K Ryan Succop (right groin) practiced fully Wednesday.

At Thursday's press conference, Packers HC Mike McCarthy said at QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone) will start against the Bears in Week 17.

This is obviously a big boost for the entire Green Bay offense, specifically the receiving corps. Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Jarrett Boykin will all be startable against a leaky Bears defense.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers took 1st rep in every drill during open part of practice. Those usually go to the starter but we didn't see 11-on-11s.

As Demovsky stated, the media didn't see the 11-on-11 drill, which is a better indicator of QB pecking order. However, this is the first time that Rodgers has been ahead of Flynn in any drills since the injury, so it's an encouraging sign. We're now cautiously optimistic that he'll make his return against the Bears, the same team that broke his collarbone.

There are some people who think Giants RB David Wilson should never play again because of his neck injury, though he apparently is determined to try. Still, betting on him is risky. Same with Andre Brown, who has spent half of each of the last two seasons on injured reserve.

The Giants' backfield is likely to look a good bit different heading into the 2014 season. Brown is very capable but has a long injury history. The G-Men are likely to draft/sign another RB this offseason in case Wilson can't play.

Brandon Pettigrew's season, and perhaps his Detroit Lions career, ended with a Christmas Day trip to injured reserve.

Pettigrew, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, suffered an ankle injury Dec. 16 against Baltimore and hadn't practiced since.

Joseph Fauria played on a season-high 73 percent of snaps in Week 16 and figures to see a lot of playing time once again with Pettigrew out. The Lions also placed Dorin Dickerson on injured reserve, so Fauria is currently the only tight end on the roster.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was limited during the Christmas Day practice with a sore back.

Update: Bryant injured his back in Wednesday's practice but team officials don't believe it's anything serious.

It’s something to monitor as we get closer to kickoff.

Packers WR Randall Cobb (broken leg) was very close to playing last week. Gives him a real chance of returning vs. Bears.

Cobb's potential return would impact the startability of Jordy Nelson, James Jones and Jarrett Boykin, though we wouldn't expect Cobb to play a full complement of snaps in his first game back.

Of all the team's free agents, WR Eric Decker figures to be the highest priority but also the most expensive to re-sign. The Broncos are built around Peyton Manning, and the quarterback's top two receivers in the past two seasons have been Decker and Demaryius Thomas, a free agent after the 2014 season.

Given the contracts of similar No. 2 receivers in the league, Decker can command a deal of least five years and $40 million, with at least $8 million in the first year.

Obviously, Decker's keeper/dynasty value will take a hit if he does sign elsewhere.

Maurice Jones-Drew’s public stance is he wants to return, and it is believed the Jaguars would like him back but at a reasonable price and with the understanding he will have an adjusted role.

Jones-Drew has played 61 percent of the Jaguars’ snaps, which is tied for 10th among NFL running backs.

The easy comparison is the contract Steven Jackson signed with Atlanta last off-season — a three-year, $12 million deal ($4 million guaranteed).

MJD's situation will be one to monitor. If he doesn't return, it will open up a starting job for a free agent or a draft pick, or perhaps someone already on the team.

Cowboys QB Tony Romo's back is only slightly improved since epidural injection and treatment. Didn't practice, attend team meeting or game-plan session.

Consider Romo very doubtful for Week 17. Kyle Orton is a capable backup, but this is a small downgrade for Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.

I asked the ever-honest Ben Tate, in his gut, does he think he's done with the Texans?

"Honestly?" he said, then gave a lengthy pause while he pondered his answer. "Probably so."

He added in a less pensive tone: "But we'll see. You never know what will happen. New coaches come in, some different things could happen."

Tate is a player to monitor this offseason. He fits the talented-backup-gets-starting-job mold that worked well for Michael Turner, LaMont Jordan and Chester Taylor, who all turned in top 12 seasons after switching teams.

The Browns likely will draft a back come May, but the 5-foot-8, 200-pound Edwin Baker would love to finish the season strong and work his way into its plans.

Baker has 102 yards on 25 carries, while also catching six passes for 58 yards.

It's still hard to believe the Browns got a first round pick out of the Trent Richardson trade. They'll have seven picks in the first four rounds and will likely draft a RB to take over as the starter. Baker has performed admirably, however.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid will likely rest some of his starters in Week 17:

“I’m going to work some guys in,” Reid said. “Most of them have already worked in. … I talked to the team, and I will have it figured out by the end of the week exactly how I’m going to work it.”

Translated, that means the Chiefs, 11-4, likely will approach this game against San Diego, 8-7, much like Reid did four times in Philadelphia when his Eagles’ teams were locked into playoff positions going into a final week, the same way most teams approach a final preseason game.

He’ll give the starters a series or two and then go to the backups. Unlike in the preseason, a team with 53 players on the active roster can’t rest everyone. But don’t expect to see much of quarterback Alex Smith, running back Jamaal Charles or outside linebacker Tamba Hali, who did not practice Tuesday because of a swollen knee.

With Charles likely playing a low number of snaps, Knile Davis is likely to see a career high in touches against the Chargers. This is why we recommend that leagues wrap up their finals Week 16 or earlier. It's a shame that championship-caliber teams with Charles won't be able to use their star RB in the title game.

Asked whether or not the team would need to make a roster move with ailing wide receiver Percy Harvin (hip), Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said, "That may happen."

Monday, Carroll said Harvin would not practice. It's looking likely that Harvin may not play again this year, even in the playoffs and the Seahawks may value his roster spot for someone else who can help in the postseason.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco on his knee: "It feels better. It felt really good on gameday. A little sore yesterday and today, but it feels a lot better."

Cowboys are expected to sign Jon Kitna as third QB.

The Texans put RB Deji Karim on IR.

It looks as of Jonathan Grimes will get the start in Week 17 vs. the Titans. The team signed Ray Graham.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers said a decision will be definitive one way or another on Thursday.

The Packers play in a game for the division title and a trip to the playoffs, but the good news seems to be we'll know well in advance of Sunday afternoon's game. It would be hard not to start Rodgers if you're league is playing in Week 17, especially coming off last week's blowout the Eagles put on the Bears. Stay tuned...

HC Rob Chudzinsky said Browns will keep QB situation the way it is. So Jason Campbell will start vs. Steelers.

It's not a great matchup on the road at Pittsburgh with the Steelers having an outside shot at the playoffs.

Browns TE Jordan Cameron (concussion) will miss practice today.

Pats RB Shane Vereen (groin) is present at the Tuesday walk through.

It could mean he has a chance to play Week 17 after getting hurt (groin) last week and not returning.

Steelers wide receiver Markus Wheaton, who played for Emmanuel Sanders in the second half at Green Bay, broke a finger against the Packers but will try to play through the injury with a splint. The rookie will also tape the ailing digit to another finger.

Steelers wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders may play Sunday despite sustaining a knee injury.

Sanders did not play in the second half after scoring a touchdown and setting up a field goal with a 47-yard kick return. An MRI did not reveal any serious damage to Sanders' knee. He was injured while running a pattern on the muddy playing surface at Lambeau Field. Sanders sprained his lateral meniscus.

If Sanders can play, he'll likely be out there in a must-win game for the Steelers against the Browns. He may be a little limited however so it's worth watching his status over the next few days.

Jags RB Maurice Jones-Drew’s workload was obviously less because of the hamstring injury. Coach Gus Bradley said Monday that he’s not sure if Jones-Drew will be able to carry a full workload against Indianapolis on Sunday. He’ll be limited in practice this week.

Jordan Todman should see some touches again this week even if MJD plays. But it looks like more of a committee here with neither back all that great of a start as a result. The Jags play at Indy.

For the Seattle Seahawks fans waiting to see more of rookie running back Christine Michael, you may have to keep waiting.

“He’s working his way in and we think he has great promise for the future,” coach Pete Carroll said of Michael Monday on 710 ESPN Seattle radio. “But he’s still a young guy trying to break in.”

In other words, Carroll is going to stick with veteran Marshawn Lynch, even though some fans are itching to see more of Michael. Lynch has not rushed for more than 100 yards in a game since Nov. 10 at Atlanta.

Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he's holding out hope on running back Toby Gerhart.

There seems to be a good chance Adrian Peterson is held out of this game leaving Gerhart for a potentially big workload against the Lions in Week 17. Obviously a situation to monitor.

Matt Cassel will start at quarterback in the Vikings’ season finale against the Lions on Sunday, with Christian Ponder as the backup. Josh Freeman is expected to be inactive for the ninth time in 12 games since joining the Vikings.

“I don’t know what would change that as the week goes on, but that’s the thought process as we speak,” coach Leslie Frazier said Monday.

Cassel had his worst game this season in Sunday’s 42-14 loss at Cincinnati. He was 13 of 27 for 114 yards with a touchdown, three interceptions and a fumble. Frazier will stick with Cassel, who has the option to become an unrestricted free agent during the offseason. As the story points out, Ponder is signed for 2014 and Freeman can become a free agent.

Chargers coach Mike McCoy told reporters that running back Ryan Mathews suffered an ankle injury in the win over Oakland, but is expected to play on Sunday in the team's final game of the season against Kansas City.

Mathews wore a protective boot on his foot in the locker room after the game.

Mathews carried the ball 25 times for 99 yards, including a 7-yard score. Mathews has a career-high 1,111 yards this season, and is on track to play a full, 16-game season for the first time in his four-year NFL career. He should be a good play against the Chiefs, who could end up resting a lot of their starters after clinching the 5th seed.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy: "WR Randall Cobb is going to practice more ... we will up his practice reps on Thursday."

Cobb hasn't been officially activated, but it looks like there is a chance he could play if things go well this week. He'll likely be limited in some way in Week 17 if he's active, but it looks like the Packers want to have as many of their weapons as possible for this showdown for the division. Cobb would be a risky fantasy play.

49ers Inactives
Jon Baldwin WR
Derek Carrier TE
Quinton Dial DE
Joe Looney G
Mario Manningham WR
Nick Moody OLB
Ryan Seymour OG

Falcons Inactives
Darius Johnson WR
Terren Jones T
Sean Locklear G
Zeke Motta S
Travian Robertson NT
Josh Vaughan RB
Sean Weatherspoon OLB

TE Tony Gonzalez is active as expected.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo will miss the rest of the season because of a back injury, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Monday.

Romo has a herniated disk in the lumbar region and needs to have surgery, a source told ESPN Senior NFL Insider Chris Mortensen.

Dr. Michael Kaplan, who has not evaluated Romo, said an operation for an injury of this nature is 95 percent predictable with a three to four month recovery.

It's a huge blow to the Cowboys who have a Week 17 showdown with Eagles to determine the NFC East title. Kyle Orton would start this week and could still be a decent option against the Eagles defense, which was bad against the Vikes in Week 15 but great against the Bears in Week 16. He's only attempted 15 passes while with the Cowboys the last two years, though. From 2008-2010, Orton threw 59 TDs in 44 games with the Bears and Broncos. Also worth noting is HC Jason Garrett said no decision on Romo has been made, he's day-to-day and will receive treatment this week.

Panthers HC Ron Rivera said WR Steve Smith sprained his PCL. Won't play against Falcons.

Ted Ginn will start opposite Brandon Lafell in Week 17 for the Panthers. Carolina needs to win this game to lock up the division, so Ginn could have some value if you're hurting. Overall, it's good news for Smith, who could be back for the playoffs.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid says he hasn't decided what he going to do as far as resting guys against San Diego. He said he's had some success doing it in the past, though.

Even if guys like Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith and Dwayne Bowe play, it could only be a half, making them risky plays if your fantasy league has meaningful games in Week 17. The Chiefs are locked into the fifth seed as a wild card team.

Jags running back Maurice Jones-Drew (hamstring) came out of the game in good shape.

He should be good for Week 17 in a matchup at Indy.

Bears HC Marc Trestman extinguished the idea of the club re-installing Josh McCown as the starting quarterback in Week 17 when the head coach confirmed he is sticking with Jay Cutler for the Packers contest.

This shouldn't be a surprise even though Cutler didn't play well against the Eagles. The Bears had serious pass-protection issues. A win in Week 17 means a division title, but as the story pointed out, Cuter has never beat Green Bay.

Last Sunday, when coach Leslie Frazier told Adrian Peterson he wouldn't be playing against the Philadelphia Eagles, Peterson was livid. He tried to plead his case to play, told reporters in the Mall of America Field press box that "the decision was taken out of my hands," and when he recalled the exchange on Friday, Peterson said he was "devastated" not to be on the field despite a sprained foot and strained groin.

When Peterson got back on the field on Sunday, he looked tentative and unable to explode past defenders. He had carried just 11 times for 45 yards when Frazier made the decision after halftime to take Peterson out. This time, the running back didn't fight it -- much.

"We got down early, and he pulled me out," Peterson said. "I didn't like it, but when you think about it, being down 28 points, is the risk really worth it? I just accepted it for what it was."

Peterson clearly wasn't himself and it was probably not a good call for the franchise going forward to even put him out there in Week 16. So at this point, it's not out of the question that Peterson is shut down for Week 17.

In the biggest game of the season, Calvin Johnson was reduced to a decoy and a bystander. He was targeted four times, caught three of them for 43 yards. He was not targeted in the second half.

“He wasn’t his full self,” quarterback Matthew Stafford said.

Coach Jim Schwartz said that on top of the right knee issues he’s dealt with all season, he’s been hampered by an ankle injury the last two weeks.

“His absence obviously affects things,” Schwartz said. “But Calvin is a tough guy. He tried to do whatever he could today. Calvin is beat up, he’s been beat up the whole year. But he tried to do what he could. We tried to use him on third downs and in the red zone but he was nowhere near 100 percent.”

Schwartz didn't rule out Johnson playing this week when he was asked if the team will shut him down for the season. But with the Lions eliminated and Week 17 now meaningless, it seems like it would be in the team's best interest to hold Johnson out.

Lions coach Jim Schwartz denied that RB Reggie Bush was benched because of the fumble, after which the Giants scored a touchdown, but rookie Theo Riddick receiving a handoff in the fourth quarter at the New York 2 was enough evidence. Riddick scored his first career touchdown on the play and had two carries for 8 yards in the game.

Bush finished with 12 carries for 34 yards and two catches for 10 yards while Joique Bell got a bulk of the work for the game finishing with 20 carries. It was Bush's fourth fumble of the season.

The Texans lost their top two running backs in Dennis Johnson and Deji Karim.

There is no word on the injuries, but if neither is able to play, the Texans have now gone through four RBs this season. Jonathan Grimes ran five times for 23 yards and could be very well be in position to get Week 17 playing time.

Lions tight end Dorin Dickerson suffered a concussion in the second half against the New York Giants but did not report it until he made two errors in overtime during the Lions' 23-20 loss on Sunday.

Dickerson said he believed he was concussed on a special teams play early in the fourth quarter and said he "just got knocked out."

"Got a little concussion. Should have reported it," Dickerson said. "Thought I could get through it."

A team spokesman said Dickerson reported the concussion at the 13:46 mark in overtime, after he dropped an open pass and was called for holding on consecutive plays.

At that point, he began concussion testing.

"I mean, honestly, probably, after we leave here, I probably won't remember talking to you guys," Dickerson said. "I'm not trying to make excuses. I'm just telling the truth. I thought I had a pretty good game up until that play."

Dickerson had one catch for eight yards Sunday. He said he believed this was the third concussion of his career.

Adrien Robinson waited all season for this moment.

He was going to be on the active roster for the first time all year and he was on the kickoff team. He sprinted down the field and busted a Lions blocker.

But then he got chopped right above his knee. He limped off to the sideline and was carted off the field. He returned later in crutches but was ruled out for the game. He will receive an MRI Monday.

The Steelers lost WR Emmanuel Sanders with a knee injury.

The pieced pointed out that it could be Sanders' last game with the team if they don't advance to the playoffs. And if he misses Week 17, rookie Markus Wheaton would get the start.

Bengals TE Tyler Eifert suffered a neck stinger.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews wearing a protective boot on left foot in locker room.

Mathews left the game but was able to come back. The Chargers play the Chiefs in Week 17 and if Mathews can't go, Danny Woodhead would likely see an increased role with Ronnie Brown also mixed in.

Steve Smith, the Carolina Panthers’ all-time receiving leader, will undergo an MRI exam on his left knee Monday morning after he injured it during the first half of the Panthers’ 17-13 win against New Orleans on Sunday.

Smith went down grabbing his knee after running a slant route in the first quarter.

After going to the locker room to be evaluated, Smith returned to the game for one play in the second quarter. But he left the field limping and did not return.

Smith said when he planted to jump for the ball he felt it pop. He actually returned to the game but left limping and didn't return.

The ankle injury that has bothered Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy was problematic again on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Lacy left the game in the third quarter.

He first sprained his right ankle on the final play of the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 8.

When he left the game, Lacy had 84 yards on 15 carries. He came into the game needing 78 yards to set the franchise record for rushing yards by a rookie running back. He broke John Brockington’s record of 1,105 yards that was set in 1971.

James Starks replaced Lacy. The only other running back on the Packers’ roster is Kahlil Bell. Week 17 the Packers play at Bears who struggle to stop the run, so Starks is a smart pickup if you're playing for something.

Giants RB Andre Brown left the game in overtime with a concussion.

That left Michael Cox as their only healthy running back, and resulted in tight end Bear Pascoe ending up with his first career carry, which went for two yards. Peyton Hillis suffered a concussion last week so the Giants will have a lot of questions at RB heading into Week 17.

No surprises here. At this point it looks like the Eagles will play to win this meaningless game.

Keenan Allen is active, as expected.

Joe Flacco is good to go for a nice matchup with the Patriots. He'll wear a brace so his mobility may be further limited.

Seahawks Inactives
Percy Harvin WR
Caylin Hauptmann OT
Jordan Hill DT
Benson Mayowa DE
J.R. Sweezy G
Bryan Walters WR
K.J. Wright OLB

Cardinals Inactives
Rashad Johnson FS
Dontay Moch LB
Nate Potter OT
Kory Sperry TE
Ronald Talley DE
Earl Watford OG
Ryan Williams RB

Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald and Rob Housler are all active for the Cardinals in a tough matchup with the Seahawks.

Lions Inactives
Rodney Austin G
Leroy Harris C
Chris Houston CB
Mikel Leshoure RB
Rashean Mathis CB
Kellen Moore QB
Brandon Pettigrew TE

Calvin Johnson is officially active and is safe to start. TE Joseph Fauria will see more snaps with Pettigrew out.

Giants Inactives
Allen Bradford LB
Victor Cruz WR
David Diehl G
Peyton Hillis RB
Ryan Nassib QB
Jason Pierre-Paul DE
Cooper Taylor S

Rueben Randle will start at WR with Cruz out. Jerrel Jernigan is active and will work in as the 3rd WR.

WR Kenbrell Thompkins (hip) has been downgraded to out.

Aaron Dobson is questionable, but the big three of Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and Shane Vereen should see most of the targets against the Ravens this week.

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens, but this may be the week he returns to action.

The rookie wide receiver traveled with the Patriots to Baltimore, according to a source, making it possible that his three-week absence due to a foot sprain comes to an end Sunday. While there is no guarantee that he plays, it's worth noting that Dobson did not travel with the Patriots for last week's game against the Miami Dolphins.

Dobson would be a risky fantasy play. He'll still see targets behind Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman and Shane Vereen.

FALCONS

OUT
WR Darius Johnson (ankle), S Zeke Motta (hand, neck)

QUESTIONABLE
TE Tony Gonzalez (toe), RB Antone Smith (knee), LB Sean Weatherspoon (knee)

PROBABLE
S Thomas DeCoud (concussion)

49ERS
QUESTIONABLE
G Mike Iupati (knee), WR Mario Manningham (illness, knee), TE Vance McDonald (ankle), LB Dan Skuta (foot)

PROBABLE
LB Navorro Bowman (wrist), CB Tarell Brown (ribs), WR Michael Crabtree (ankle, wrist), C Jonathan Goodwin (not injury related), RB Frank Gore (ankle, knee), DT Justin Smith (shoulder)

TE Tony Gonzalez is again listed as questionable with his toe injury. He was limited in practice this week but is expected to play in what isn't a great matchup. For the 49ers, WR Michael Crabtree and RB Frank Gore are listed as probable. Gore was limited in practice Thursday and Friday but was a full go Saturday. Crabtree practiced fully all week.

Despite being listed as questionable — technically, 50-50 — to play on Sunday against the Patriots, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco remains expected to play despite a knee injury suffered Monday night in Detroit.

Per a league source, Flacco “feels strongly” about playing, and he won’t play only if “something happens” to the knee on Saturday.

It’s possible, but not likely, that Flacco could twist or wrench or bang the knee in a way that exacerbates the mild MCL sprain, but assuming nothing freaky happens Flacco will suit up and play vs. New England. Despite the good matchup, Flacco is only 19th on our list of QBs this week making him a low-end QB2 option.

The Cleveland Browns placed wide receiver Davone Bess on the reserve/non-football illness list and he will miss the final two games of the season, the team announced Saturday.

Bess missed practice Thursday and Friday while dealing with a "serious family issue," according to The Plain Dealer. He was listed as questionable on the Week 16 injury report, the story said. Josh Cooper will likely replace Bess in the slot. The Browns could also move around Greg Little and Josh Gordon more to compensate for Bess' absence.

Vikings tight end John Carlson’s latest concussion has ended his season.

The Vikings announced today that Carlson has been placed on injured reserve and will not play in the final two games of 2013.

Even worse, this concussion may end up costing him his career. The story said that Carlson told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune this week that he needs to confer with his family this offseason to determine whether it makes sense for him to keep playing football. Carlson declined to say exactly how many concussions he has suffered since he started playing football, but he has had at least three since 2011.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Flacco was able to finish the game against the Lions, so we expect him to play in a nice matchup with the Patriots. He apparently has a “mild” MCL sprain, but he should be able to play through it.

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (collarbone, out) took limited practice reps all week and is out for Week 16. Matt Flynn will get another start. TE Andrew Quarless gets a slight bump since he and Flynn seem to have a nice rapport.

Patriots QB Tom Brady (right shoulder, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. Brady will be fine to face the Ravens, but isn’t the same QB without Rob Gronkowski.

Broncos QB Peyton Manning (ankle, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. No worries here.

Texans QB Case Keenum (right thumb, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Matt Schaub will get the start and may be able to post a decent line in garbage time. He's also a threat to throw a pick-six or two. Bump up the Broncos defense.

Texans QB T.J. Yates (back, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16.

Cardinals QB Carson Palmer (ankle, right elbow, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. A gimpy Palmer should be avoided in a terrible matchup against the Seahawks.

Bills QB E.J. Manuel (knee, out) missed practice again Friday and is out for Week 16. Manuel is out for Week 16. This news makes the Dolphins defense a more appealing play since Manuel was a bit better at protecting the ball than was Thaddeus Lewis (though Manuel had struggled on that front in recent weeks).

Jaguars RB Maurice Jones-Drew (hamstring, questionable) took full practice reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16. It seems likely that Jones-Drew will sit out again. Jordan Todman will be a good start in his absence, but if MJD is active, this will be a situation to avoid. The Jaguars play early on Sunday.

Vikings RB Adrian Peterson (groin, foot, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 16. Peterson is likely to play against the Bengals. There’s a chance he’ll aggravate his injury, but he’s a difficult player to bench when active.

Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (foot, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. No one seems too concerned about Mathews’ injury. He should be good to go for a great matchup with the Raiders.

Seahawks RB Marshawn Lynch (not injury related, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Lynch will be fine to face the Cardinals. It’s not a good matchup, but Lynch is nearly matchup-proof.

Packers RB Eddie Lacy (ankle, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. Lacy should be fine to face the Steelers. The Packers will continue to feed him the ball with Aaron Rodgers sidelined.

Colts RB Donald Brown (neck, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Brown’s injury is clearly not serious so he’ll return to form an ugly, hard-to-predict RBBC with Trent Richardson.

Titans RB Chris Johnson (knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. Johnson should be fine to play against the Jaguars.

49ers RB Frank Gore (ankle, knee) took limited practice reps Thursday. Gore should be fine to face the Falcons. It’s a very tasty matchup.

Vikings RB Toby Gerhart (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. He should be active as the backup to Adrian Peterson, who is expected to play.

Cardinals RB Andre Ellington (quadricep, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Ellington is good to go for a bad matchup against the Seahawks.

Bills RB Fred Jackson (ribs, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. F-Jax is expected to play.

Ravens RB Ray Rice (thigh, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. Rice should play through the injury, but he is not a strong RB2 option against the Patriots, despite a favorable matchup.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart (knee, out) has been ruled out for Week 16. With Stewart sidelined, both DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert produced last week and have a chance to do so again this week against the Saints.

Raiders RB Darren McFadden (knee, ankle, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. It appears that McFadden will return this week, and that might cut into the workload of Rashad Jennings, though he’s still a strong RB2 play against the Chargers.

Browns RB Willis McGahee (concussion, knee, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. It appears that McGahee will play, though he may not see his usual workload. The Browns RBBC is a situation to avoid in Week 16.

Dolphins RB Daniel Thomas (ankle, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16. Thomas tweaked his injured ankle late in Week 15’s game against the Patriots. He has a chance to produce as a desperation flex in a pretty nice matchup with the Bills, but if he’s out, Lamar Miller would get a bump in a nice matchup.

Vikings RB Matt Asiata (ankle, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16. Asiata won’t have much value if Adrian Peterson and Toby Gerhart are active, as expected.

Cardinals RB Rashard Mendenhall (finger, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. Mendy will be fine for a bad matchup with the Cardinals.

Colts RB Stanley Havili (knee, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Saints RB Travaris Cadet (not injury related, probable) missed practice Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Giants RB Peyton Hillis (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Rams RB Daryl Richardson (thigh, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Chargers RB Le'Ron McClain (hamstring, questionable) was limited Friday after taking full reps earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16.

Texans RB Greg Jones (knee, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16.

Falcons RB Antone Smith (knee) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday.

Texans RB Brad Smelley (back, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 16.

Seahawks RB Robert Turbin (groin, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16.

Raiders RB Jeremy Stewart (ankle, knee, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16.

Redskins RB Darrel Young (hamstring, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16.

Giants WR Victor Cruz (knee, concussion, out) has been ruled out for Week 16. Cruz is out for Week 16. Rueben Randle will get a bump to starter’s snaps while Jerrel Jernigan will play in three-WR sets. Randle is an interesting start, but the Giants' passing game has been brutal for most of the season, so he carries some risk.

Broncos WR Wes Welker (concussion, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Welker remains out and may even miss Week 17. Look for Andre Caldwell to see increased snaps once again, making him a Sneaky Start against the Texans.

Lions WR Calvin Johnson (knee, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice earlier in the week and is questionable for Week 16. Megatron typically gets rest for his knee and his lack of practice may have led to an increase in dropped passes. He should be fine to play against the Giants.

Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (concussion, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. HC Bruce Arians said that Fitzgerald has to pass one more concussion test to play in Sunday’s game. It’s a tough matchup, but Fitzy is the #8 WR over the last four weeks. He plays in the late round of games, but we should know by Saturday whether he’s going to play. Earlier in the season, Redskins TE Jordan Reed was in a similar situation and experienced headaches on Sunday morning before being a late-game scratch.

Chargers WR Keenan Allen (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Allen is ready to go for a nice matchup with the Raiders.

Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Jackson should be good to go for a so-so matchup with the Rams.

Bears WR Brandon Marshall (hamstring, probable) took full practice reps on Friday after being limited earlier in the week and is probable for Week 16. Marshall should be fine to face the Eagles. Keep him in your lineup.

Patriots WR Danny Amendola (groin, probable) took limited practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Amendola should continue to see heavy targets with Rob Gronkowski sidelined.

Texans WR Andre Johnson (wrist, probable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Johnson is likely to play in a nice matchup with the Broncos, though he was ineffective in a great matchup against the Colts in Week 15.

Seahawks WR Percy Harvin (hip, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Doug Baldwin will continue to be a Sneaky Start in Harvin’s absence. He is the #22 WR since taking over as a starter after Sidney Rice's knee injury.

Cardinals WR Michael Floyd (ankle, probable) took full practice reps again Friday and is probable for Week 16. Floyd seems to be progressing and should play against the Seahawks.

49ers WR Michael Crabtree (ankle, wrist) took full practice reps Thursday. Crabtree is getting back to a full complement of snaps, and is a nice start against the Falcons this week.

Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders (foot, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. No worries here.

Colts WR T.Y. Hilton (shoulder, questionable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is questionable for Week 16. This shoulder injury has been an ongoing issue for Hilton, who hasn’t scored more than 8.0 fantasy points since Week 10. He says he’s still experiencing pain in the shoulder, which is not a big surprise since he’s on the injury report. He has a nice matchup with the Chiefs, however.

Bills WR Steve Johnson (not injury related, out) missed practice all week and is out for Week 16. Johnson’s mother passed away on Saturday so he has left the team to be with his family.

Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas (shoulder, probable) took full practice reps all week and is probable for Week 16. Thomas is good to go for a good matchup with the Texans.

Panthers WR Steve L Smith (finger, probable) returned to take limited reps Friday after missing practice Thursday and is probable for Week 16. Smith will be fine to face the Saints. He posted 6-49-1 against New Orleans two weeks ago.

Patriots WR Aaron Dobson (foot, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Dobson says he’ll play against the Ravens. He should return to a starting role, though he’ll likely be behind Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola in terms of targets.

Giants WR Jerrel Jernigan (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 16. If he can play, Jernigan will serve as the Giants’ WR3 with Victor Cruz out.

Patriots WR Kenbrell Thompkins (hip, questionable) took limited practice reps all week and is questionable for Week 16. Thompkins hasn’t played in a while and isn’t a trustworthy start even if he can make it back to face the Ravens.

Chargers WR Eddie Royal (toe, questionable) missed practice all week and is questionable for Week 16. Royal figures to continue to play through the injury.