December 2024 4for4 Player News Articles

The Titans ruled running back Tony Pollard out for Week 17 against the Jaguars with an ankle injury and an illness.

Originally listed as questionable, Pollard now will not travel with the team. This sets Tyjae Spears up for a bigger workload Sunday in a very favorable matchup against the Jaguars leaky run defense. Spears can be viewed as a RB2 with RB1 upside.

The Colts downgraded quarterback Anthony Richardson to out for Sunday’s game against the Giants with back and foot injuries.

It’s back to Joe Flacco as the Colts have been on a seesaw this season with their quarterbacks. The Colts are hoping to still have slim playoff hopes by the time they play Sunday but would be eliminated if both the Chargers and Broncos win Saturday. The offense as a whole takes a hit with Flacco, our QB25, under center. Proceed with caution on Josh Downs and Michael Pittman.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was downgraded to doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Browns with a hip injury.

Tagovailoa is going to push to play but it’s looking like it will be Tyler Huntley going for the Dolphins in a must-win game. There is a chance, however, that Miami could be eliminated before even taking the field Sunday if both the Chargers and Broncos win on Saturday. Still, it’s yet another setback for Tagovailoa after his concussion earlier this season. Miami also elevated Skylar Thompson from the practice squad.

The Panthers are placing running back Chuba Hubbard (calf/knee) on injured reserve.

With only two weeks left in the season, this obviously ends Hubbard’s season. At 4-11, the Panthers are looking ahead to next season and protecting their big-money running back. Raheem Blackshear and Velus Jones are next up on the depth chart. Jonathan Brooks also landed on injured reserve a few weeks ago after re-tearing his ACL in Week 14 against the Eagles.

Dolphins WRs Tyreek Hill (wrist) and Jaylen Waddle (knee) are both questionable for Sunday vs. Cleveland.

Related Players: Malik Washington, River Cracraft, Jonnu Smith

Waddle feels like the more likely candidate to miss, but it's been reported that Tyreek has been playing through ailments through most of the season. Consider Hill a WR2 if he suits up.

Saints ruled out RB Alvin Kamara and QB Derek Carr for Sunday’s game vs. the Raiders.

Related Players: Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims

Miller had an awful showing in his first "full-time" outing (8 rushes, 15 yards), so he'll look to turn things around here against the Raiders. Consider him in the RB30-35 range for Week 17.

The Chargers are activating RB J.K. Dobbins from IR and he’ll make his return Saturday against the Patriots.

One of the NFL’s most efficient backs, Dobbins is averaging 4.8 yards per carry this season. A big boost for L.A.’s stretch run.

Related Players: Kimani Vidal

With Gus Edwards already ruled out of this game, we would expect Dobbins to return to a pretty sizable workload. Consider him a low-end RB2 against the Patriots.

Browns game status for Week 17 vs. the Dolphins:

Jameis Winston - questionable
David Njoku, Ogbo Okoronkwo and Cedric Tillman - out

Related Players: Jordan Akins

With Njoku out Akins should get plenty of run, but it's not quite enough to stick him in TE streaming considerations.

Colts HC Shane Steichen: QB Anthony Richardson (back/foot) questionable vs. Giants. 'We'll see how next 48 hours go.' Did not practice this week.

Related Players: Joe Flacco

So he's not officially out, but fantasy managers are going to need a backup plan. If Flacco goes, it gives a boost to the entire WR room, pushing Josh Downs and Michael Pittman Jr. up to WR3 consideration.

TE Cade Otton, S Antoine Winfield Jr. and WR Sterling Shepard are all OUT for Bucs in Week 17.

Related Players: Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, Devin Culp, Trey Palmer, Ryan Miller

Shepard shouldn't impact the rest of the team's target share too much, while none of these tight ends need to be considered.

Bengals WR Tee Higgins (questionable, ankle/knee) improved every day in practice and there's optimism he can play Sat. vs. Broncos, barring new development, per sources.

Related Players: Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Mike Gesicki

Iosivas is a fine deep-league WR5 if Higgins misses, and Gesicki would be firmly in the TE streaming streets, but Higgins typically plays when "questionable" this season. Consider Higgins a WR2 if he's on the field.

Cardinals RB James Conner (questionable, knee) is 'trending in the right direction' for Saturday vs. Rams, per source.

Related Players: Trey Benson

Benson also seems likely to play, which presumably leaves the rotation intact for Saturday. Consider Conner an RB2 if he's cleared by kickoff.

QB Jalen Hurts remains in concussion protocol and head coach Nick Sirianni expresses doubt he'll be playing Sunday. Kenny Pickett the likely starter, as has been expected.

Pickett can be left on waiver wires in all but the deepest SuperFlex leagues, while the pass-catching corps takes a bit of a hit. A.J. Brown should still get plenty enough work to be considered on the WR1/2 fringe.

WR Malik Nabers (toe) and RB Tyrone Tracy (ankle) will both practice Friday, per Brian Daboll.

Giants are “hopeful” they play Sunday vs. Colts.

Related Players: Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Devin Singletary

Good news for any semblance of offense for the team this weekend. If both are cleared, treat them as respective WR2 and RB2s.

The Cowboys are shutting down CeeDee Lamb for the final two games. From the team:

"Additional examinations and scans this week on CeeDee Lamb’s shoulder have determined that his injury has now progressed to a point that he will be listed as "Out" for the remaining two games of the season.

"He will undergo a process of treatment and rehabilitation for his shoulder, is not currently expected to require surgery and is projected to make a full recovery."

Related Players: Brandin Cooks, KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo

Cooper Rush will be left with an interesting cast of characters here; none of which should be plugged into Championship lineups unless you're in a wildly deep league.

The Bengals listed WR Tee Higgins (ankle/knee) as questionable for Saturday's game vs. Denver.

Related Players: Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Mike Gesicki

This has been a season-long occurrence; why stop now? Iosivas is a fine deep-league WR5 if Higgins misses, and Gesicki would be firmly in the TE streaming streets, but Higgins typically plays when "questionable" this season. Consider Higgins a WR2 if he's on the field.

#LACvsNE game status

QUESTIONABLE — J.K. Dobbins, Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst, Elijah Molden

OUT — Gus Edwards, Trey Pipkins III, Denzel Perryman

Related Players: Kimani Vidal, Hassan Haskins

Vidal has seen minimal playing time in his rookie season, but the Chargers might not have a choice but to give him the rock in Week 17. If Dobbins misses, consider Vidal an RB3.

Three quarterbacks at practice. Jalen Hurts is not one of them.

Kenny Pickett is throwing with Tanner McKee before practice.

It's not looking good for Hurts, so it's time managers start making a concession plan, if they haven't already. The Eagles pass-catchers —particularly Devonte Smith— should also see a small downgrade.

Rookie RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (ankle) also was not at practice.

Related Players: Devin Singletary, Eric Gray

Raanan also mentioned that Malik Nabers was not at practice. If both rookies were to miss, we're dealing with a terrible offense dropping down to likely unwatchable territory. Singeltary would be a tough sell to fantasy managers trying to win a Championship.

WR Malik Nabers (toe) and C John Michael Schmitz (ankle) among those not practicing Thursday, per Brian Daboll.

Wouldn’t rule them out for Sunday just yet but not a great sign.

“See where we’re at (Friday),” Daboll said.

Related Players: Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt

This would be quite the blow to a team already devoid of receiving talent, and would be the third missed game of the rookie's season. He basically only needs one game to surpass 100 receptions and 1,000 yards, so hopefully he can get out there at least one more time. He should be a volume-based WR2 if he plays.

Make that another day of practice for Arizona Cardinals RBs James Conner and Trey Benson.

A good sign for their respective statuses this Saturday.

Related Players: Michael Carter

If both are cleared ahead of kickoff, we should assume a pretty standard split, with Benson probably taking a slight uptick in work. Consider them respective RB2 and RB4s if that is the case.

Brown OC Ken Dorsey said Dorian Thompson-Robinson (calf) is healthy and is expected to start vs. the Dolphins.

Related Players: Jameis Winston

It makes sense for the Browns to give DTR another shot in a lost season, but we should be trying to avoid all of their fantasy pieces outside of Jerome Ford or David Njoku (if he plays). Fire up the Dolphins D/ST everywhere you can.

Seahawks ruled out RB Kenneth Walker III for Thursday night’s game at Chicago.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

No mention of Charbonnet here, so we can assume he's in a good place to take a massive workload against a Bears defense that ranks 27th in RB aFPA. Fire up Charbs as an RB2.

The Eagles list QB Jalen Hurts as DNP on their estimated practice report because of a concussion, putting his status for this weekend in doubt.

Related Players: Kenny Pickett

Things aren't trending well for Hurts, as fantasy managers should be looking for a Championship Week back-up as soon as possible.

Chiefs Pro-Bowl DT Chris Jones officially is inactive today vs. the Steelers.

Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. officially is inactive, WR George Pickens officially active.

Related Players: Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Mike Williams

The Steelers WR room looks a little more palatable with Pickens in the lineup, but it's still not enough to push Russell Wilson above deep-league SuperFlex territory. Consider Pickens a WR3 for Week 17.

For Baltimore-Houston:
— Ravens WR Zay Flowers, questionable with a shoulder injury, is expected to play.
— Texans WR Diontae Johnson, just acquired via waivers, is planning to make his Houston debut in Week 18 vs. the Titans. Today is too quick.

Related Players: Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace

This is a nice Christmas Day matchup for Flowers, so keep him locked into WR2 range if he's ready by kickoff.

Seahawks listed RB Kenneth Walker III as a Did Not Practice today while RB Zach Charbonnet was upgraded to full practice ahead of Thursday night’s game at Chicago.

Walker is dealing with an ankle injury and as we get closer to Thursday his status really seems to be in doubt. Charbonnet would be the team's lead back and looks to be good to go despite dealing with an elbow injury. He'd once again be a great option if Walker is unable to go.

Gus Edwards is listed as a limited participant due to an ankle injury. Edwards ran 14 times for 68 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday’s win over the Broncos.

J.K. Dobbins (knee) was also limited in his first appearance on the injury report since being designated for return from injured reserve.

The story said if Dobbins is going to play against the Patriots, the Chargers will have to activate him by Friday. It could be a tricky situation depending on each back's status. Owners will want to pay close attention to this situation leading up to game time.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters on Tuesday that he feels like he’s totally past his right wrist injury, but it still landed him on the team’s injury report.

Burrow was listed as limited due to the wrist and his knee

Wide receiver Tee Higgins (ankle, knee) was listed as limited as well,

The story said Burrow's injury shouldn’t create much cause for concern about his availability against the Broncos on Saturday since he was listed as limited all of last week before playing without issue in the team’s win over the Browns. Burrow added there are still things he does to help with it but he's pretty much past it. The story added Higgins also played without incident last Sunday after being on the report all week.

Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith suffered a knee injury during the team’s Week 15 loss to the Packers.

While he was able to play all of Sunday’s loss to the Vikings, Smith still isn’t 100 percent — and told reporters on Tuesday and likely won’t be for some time.

Smith said, via Brady Henderson of ESPN: “It’s going to be there for a while, but you’ve got to keep pushing.” Smith did just fine in Week 16, at least as far as fantasy numbers go, completing 31-of-43 passes for 314 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in the 27-24 loss to Minnesota.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that he was optimistic that wide receiver Zay Flowers will be able to play on Wednesday despite a shoulder injury, but the team hasn’t said anything definitive about his status yet.

Flowers moved from being listed as out of practice to limited participation on Tuesday and the team assigned him a questionable designation for their Christmas matchup with the Texans, the story went on to say. Owners counting on Flowers will likely have to make a Christmas Day decision once we know his official status.

LaFleur offered an update on Christian Watson’s condition at his Tuesday press conference and it was a relatively positive one. LaFleur said that Watson suffered a knee bruise and that he may be able to play against the Vikings on Sunday.

We speculated earlier today - based on reports - it may not be looking good for Watson for Week 17 and maybe even beyond, but this report certainly changes that outlook. Owners will still have to monitor his status this week. He may end up being a game-time call, which could affect fantasy lineups, especially with games set for Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday this week.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon did not rule out RBs James Conner or Trey Benson, adding they still have a chance to play this week.

Related players: Michael Carter

That being said, Carter would be in for a larger workload if they have to miss Saturday, the post went on to say. The Cardinals play on Saturday in the late game so owners will have plenty of time to make the decision on any of these players. Carter did get five carries for 18 yards and also caught five balls for 30 yards.

Shanahan said Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) was trending well and is expected to practice this week.

Related players: Patrick Taylor, Deebo Samuel

The Niners play on Monday night at home against the Lions. So those waiting on Guerendo may want to have a backup plan. Hopefully owners will get more information about his status well before that. He should be in line for a big workload, if he plays, just given his draft capital and past usage as the team's now RB1. Samuel would likely get some carries as well.

It looks like Drew Lock will be leading the Giants offense as the team tries to avoid extending their franchise record to 11 straight losses when they face the Colts on Sunday.

Related players: Tommy DeVito

Lock went for an MRI on his right shoulder on Monday after getting banged up during last Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. On Tuesday, head coach Brian Daboll told reporters that the tests showed no damage that would keep the quarterback from playing and that Lock is expected to start, the story went on to say.

On Tuesday, Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich said that Aaron Rodgers is uncertain to play against the Bills as a result. Ulbrich added that he would bet on Rodgers being in the lineup, however.

Related players: Tyrod Taylor

Rodgers hurt his knee against the Rams last Sunday and Taylor was seen warming up on the sideline while Rodgers got medical attention, but Rodgers remained on the field for the entirety of the 19-9 loss that dropped the Jets to 4-11 for the season, the story said. Those counting on him will want to monitor his status but it looks like he at least has a chance to go in Week 17, which is in the early slate of games on Sunday.

The Packers got an easy win on Monday night. But it didn’t come without a dark cloud.

Receiver Christian Watson left with a knee injury. More will be learned on Tuesday as to its severity.

“There’s some concern there, certainly,” coach Matt LaFleur said after the game, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com. “We’re going to get some more testing done tomorrow. Hopefully, I’ll have an answer for you tomorrow.” Watson did return to the game and even ran a long route downfield that was incomplete. He then left for good. The Packers play in the late window Sunday in a key game at the Vikings so we'll have to monitor the practice reports, but the level of concern could mean Watson won't be available for Week 17.

The Eagles are hurting at quarterback as they seek to clinch the NFC East.

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni offered no updates on Jalen Hurts (concussion) and Kenny Pickett (ribs) in Monday’s news conference.

Related players: Tanner McKee

Hurts will need to clear concussion protocol before being able to suit up for Week 17. As we all know, the trend as of late is players tend to miss the following week when in protocol, so Hurts owners will need to have a backup plan in place. The Eagles-Cowboys game was moved to the early window, but we should know Hurts' status before game time. Pickett, however, could end up being a game-time call, so owners who would be counting on him may also need to come up with a plan. If both QBs are out, McKee would get the start. Either way, it could be a downgrade for the rest of the Eagles offensive fantasy players against the Cowboys in Week 17.

“I think I’ll be in a better place ankle-wise,” Patrick Mahomes said, via Adam Teicher of ESPN.com. “Obviously the body’s going to be sore just with a short week and everything like that, but I think the ankle should be in a better place. We’ll see in practice, but as far as how I felt after this game compared to the one before, I’m definitely in a lot better place.”

The short week could be a factor but it's hard to doubt Mahomes as this point. He bounced back rather nicely in Week 17, throwing for a TD and then running for another. The Chiefs play on Christmas Day against the Steelers.

The Ravens won’t have to wait long to see Diontae Johnson again.

The NFL’s daily transaction report shows that the Texans have claimed the veteran wide receiver off of waivers. The Ravens cut Johnson last Friday after a brief stint with the team that ended in acrimony when Johnson refused to enter the team’s Week 13 game. The two teams will play each other on Wednesday.

The loss of Tank Dell leaves the Texans shorthanded at WR so the move makes some sense. It's hard to say just when, or even if, Johnson will take the field for the Texans. Even if Johnson plays in Week 17, he just can't be trusted as a fantasy option, especially since it's likely like the fantasy finals for your league. It seems the realistic hope for Johnson would be to get some snaps in before the end of the regular season, and then be a reliable option in the NFL playoffs. Given the news has been mostly negative about Johnson this season, that could be considered a longshot.

Gannon said the Cardinals will not rest Kyler Murray in either of the final two games.

Related players: Clayton Tune

The Cardinals have been eliminated from the playoffs but the good news for fantasy owners is they are going to continue to play Murray. Tune is the backup and doesn't necessarily offer the Cardinals a future option. Murray is coming off a decent fantasy game in Week 16, throwing for a TD and also running for another. Murray and the Cards are at the Rams on Saturday night in Week 17. They end the season at home against the 49ers in Week 18.

George Pickens and DeShon Elliott were a full participants in today's walk through.

It's great news for the Steeler offense that Pickens looks to be on track to play in Week 17. The hope would be Pickens is able to log a full workload in the game as well, which is a Christmas Day contest against the Chiefs. It's not the best matchup coming off an injury but Pickens should be back as the team's WR1.

Chargers will be opening J.K. Dobbins' 21-day window today, Jim Harbaugh tells reporters.

Related players: Gus Edwards

Dobbins has been on IR for the past four games with a knee injury. He's not a lock to play this week and he's not a lock for a safe workload even if he does play. The Chargers travel to New England in Week 17, so the matchup isn't a bad one. It's an early window game on Sunday, so owners should have plenty of notice. We'll also keep an eye on the practice reports this week.

McDaniel non-committal on whether Jaylen Waddle (knee) will practice this week: "I'm expecting to get everything from Waddle that he can do... I've [talked to] the trainer to make sure we protect him from himself. We will see how the week progresses. I don't know exactly what it will look like."

Waddle owners should probably not count on Waddle for Week 17, or at the very least have a backup plan. Waddle and the Dolphins play the Browns in the later window on Sunday so it could further complicate things for owners who were hoping to play him.

DeMeco Ryans says WR Tank Dell tore his ACL along with dislocating his knee.

No surprises here as it was a terrible injury to watch during the game. While he's obviously out for the season, the bigger question is what will his status be for 2025. It's a huge question mark at this point given the seriousness of the injury. Even if Dell is able to play next season, he may take a while to get back to 100%.

Browns TE David Njoku has a knee injury.

Related players: Jordan Akins

There isn't much more about the injury. Njoku was dealing with a hamstring injury coming into the game but still put up a 8-66-0 line in a Week 16 loss. Njoku has been on fire as of late, despite not playing in Week 15. He had a 7-42-1 line in Week 14 and a 9-52-2 line in Week 13. It doesn't seem to matter who the QB is, Njoku has been heavily involved so those counting on him in what is likely your Week 17 finals will want to monitor his practice schedule this week. The Browns host the Dolphins in a later Sunday window game.

The Giants have been swapping quarterbacks in and out of the lineup for the last few weeks and they may be making another change this week.

Head coach Brian Daboll said at a Monday press conference that Drew Lock is having an MRI on his right shoulder after hurting it in Sunday’s loss to the Falcons. The results of that test will help determine who starts against the Colts in Week 17.

Related players: Tommy DeVito

As the story said, Lock returned to the starting lineup after sitting out in Week 15 with heel and elbow injuries. DeVito started in that game and suffered a concussion, but was cleared to serve as the backup against Atlanta so he would presumably get the nod if Lock is unable to go.

Rookie WR Malachi Corley was active yesterday, but did not get in the game. Ulbrich's explanation:

Corley has made "major improvement in maturity, but at the same time, (he) still has a ways to go. Still has a ways to go from an offensive perspective. And as we all know, if you're going to be the fourth receiver -- because of the talent within that room -- you have to find a significant role on special teams."

It's not a great sign for Corley, as the trend is rookie WRs need to make impacts in their first season to have it translate to a valuable fantasy career. At this point, Corley is probably only a household name in the dynasty community. As Cimini pointed out in his post, the Jets traded up to take him at the top of the 3rd round. Cimini also wondered if the coaching staff doesn't think he's ready from a maturity standpoint, what did they miss in the pre-draft evaluation process?

The weather wasn't the only thing frigid on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. So was the on-field relationship between New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who was targeted only three times over the first 55 minutes and spoke cryptically afterward about why he wasn't a factor in the 19-9 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

"I'd like to be involved, love to make an impact on the game, but people see it differently," Wilson said. "That's out of my control."

Wilson had only been targeted five times over five quarters heading into the final frame in Week 16. In the same span, Adams was targeted 17 times. Even Allen Lazard (seven) had more chances than Wilson, who ranted during last week's win because he wanted the ball against single coverage on a specific red zone play, the story said. Wilson did finish with a 6-54-0 line after four late receptions. There should be lots of changes coming to the Jets for the 2025 season, but the story speculated Wilson could ask for a trade if the trend continues. The Jets and their offense will be one of the bigger stories to follow this offseason.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is being evaluated for a concussion, the team announced Sunday.

Hurts left Sunday’s game against the Commanders in the first quarter after just four pass attempts. He tried to come back into the game but was told he needed to go to the locker room. Kenny Pickett is now in the game for the Eagles and has already thrown a touchdown pass and an interception.

Texans WR Tank Dell suffered a dislocated kneecap during Saturday’s game against the Chiefs.

The injury occurred as Dell landed after catching his touchdown pass in the third quarter. Dell was carted off and eventually went to the hospital, where he will stay overnight. The extent of the injury or any other injury is still to be determined. Texans players were overcome with emotion following the injury to their teammate. Dell’s status for training camp and the start of the 2025 season is up in the air.

The Saints ruled out QB Derek Carr and RB Alvin Kamara for Week 16 against the Packers.

Carr is still dealing with his hand injury while Kamara is dealing with a groin injury that is considered week-to-week. The Saints could choose to let Kamara rest for the remainder of the season but they have yet to place him on injured reserve. Kendre Miller will get the start and is an RB2 this week against the Packers.

Spencer Rattler will get the start at quarterback. It's unlikely Carr will return this season with the season all but lost at 5-9. Rattler is not a reliable fantasy option this week, though he did show more upside than Jake Haener in Week 15.

Texans WR Tank Dell was carted off the field Saturday after a bad knee injury.

Dell had just scored a touchdown but the way he landed caused the injury. NBC isn’t even showing certain angles because of how bad the injury looks to be. Dell’s leg was immobilized. Dell’s rookie season was ended prematurely due to a broken leg. Very unfortunate news for the young wide receiver.

Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill (wrist/personal) was limited in practice today and is now questionable for Sunday vs. San Francisco.

WR Jaylen Waddle (knee) didn't practice all week and is doubtful.

Related Players: Jonnu Smith, Malik Washington, River Cracraft

We're assuming Hill will be fine by kickoff, but it's definitely a situation worth keeping an eye on. He's currently projected as a WR2, with Jonnu Smith possibly absorbing even more work with Waddle unlikely to see the field.

Rams TE Tyler Higbee (knee/illness) is off the injury report and set to make his season debut Sunday vs. the Jets.

Related Players: Colby Parkinson, Hunter Long, Davis Allen

This is awesome news for Higbee, who had a brutal injury last January but should see the field here in Week 16. This is a complete stay-away in typical fantasy leagues, but he's an interesting target in playoff-only formats, depending on whether or not you believe the Rams will be contenders.

49ers injury report vs. Dolphins:
Out
RB Isaac Guerendo (foot, hamstring)
OT Trent Williams (ankle)
Questionable
DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique)
LB Dre Greenlaw (Achilles, knee)
DE Robert Beal (ankle)
(Approximately, 70% of the players the 49ers listed as questionable have played.)

Related Players: Patrick Taylor, Kyle Juszczyk, Israel Abanikanda

We're assuming Taylor will now be the next, next man up, but they also have Abanikanda, as well as Ke'Shawn Vaughn on the practice squad. Taylor should be considered somewhere in the RB3 range if Guerendo is out, but the others should just be on WW watch for now.

Seahawks with about as clean of an injury report as there could be with only three players declared out, no one else given a game designation. That means Geno Smith, Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet are all good to go.

Looks like we're back to the typical RB rotation in Seattle, but we would bet that Charbonnet gets more run than the early season. Consider Walker and Charbs respective RB2 and RB3s.

Aidan O'Connell "should be good to go" and start at QB for the Raiders vs Jaguars, said LV coach Antonio Pierce

Related Players: Desmond Ridder

AOC should still be safely left on benches, but this is good news for Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers' fantasy bottom lines.

“I’m playing.” — A.J. Brown

Said the knee injury won’t affect him.

Related Players: DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson, Johnny Wilson

Doesn't get much more definitive than that. Consider Brown a WR1 in this divisional matchup.

Browns game status for Week 16 vs. the Bengals:

Martin Emerson Jr., David Njoku and Cedric Tillman - questionable

Shelby Harris - out

Related Players: Jordan Akins, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore

There are far better streamers available than Akins if Njoku is ruled out, even in a great matchup.

As for the WRs, Jeudy should continue to roll along as a WR3, regardless of Tillman's status.

Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle and Dee Eskridge are both DOUBTFUL.

Related Players: Tyreek Hill, Jonnu Smith, Malik Washington, River Cracraft

Smith has basically been operating as the No. 2 pass-catcher for the Dolphins over the past couple of months, so this could end up pushing him into double-digit target rate, making him a top-5 option (if he wasn't already). Tyreek stays in the WR2 range, while the other ancillary options can be ignored.

Sources: The Chiefs are activating WR Marquise "Hollywood" Brown and he will officially make his season-debut on Saturday vs the Texans.

Related Players: DeAndre Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson

It feels exceedingly likely that Hollywood Brown will be limited in his first in-game action of the season, but even light usage could lower the floor of his teammates. Hopkins and Worthy project as a fringe WR3/4 while Brown should stay on benches for now, but could end up being viable in Week 17.

Confirmed: Tee Higgins is good to go for Sunday.

Zac Taylor also stating Joe Burrow (left knee) was officially limited today — but is ready for Sunday.

Related Players: Ja'Marr Chase, Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burton

Good news ahead of a great matchup against the Browns; consider Higgins a WR2 in Week 16.

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman, who was spotted today with a boot on his injured foot, did not practice today and is officially questionable for Saturday vs. Pittsburgh.

Related Players: Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor, Tylan Wallace

It would be a bummer for Bateman if he were to miss, as he's having a career year as Lamar Jackson's favorite deep threat. This could end up bumping Flowers' target share a bit, which would make him closer to a WR2 than a mid-tier WR3.

Saints announced QB Spencer Rattler will start Monday Night vs the Packers.

Related Players: Jake Haener

We would rather see what Rattler can do out there anyways, but this is going to be a tough matchup against the Packers defense. He can safely be left on waiver wires.

The Steelers ruled out WR George Pickens and QB Justin Fields for Saturday vs. Baltimore.

OLB T.J. Watt (ankle) is off the injury report and will play.

Related Players: Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Mike Williams, Scott Miller

We really can't trust any of these ancillary pieces with Pickens missing, and it comes as a huge downgrade to Russell Wilson and the offense, in general.

Rizzi said Alvin Kamara’s injury was more significant than thought. He said it does not look great for this week.

Related Players: Kendre Miller, Jamaal Williams, Jordan Mims

Kendre Miller should get a ton of run here in Week 16, which puts him squarely on fantasy radars as a fringe RB2/3.

Patrick Mahomes will “most likely end up playing” on Saturday, per Coach Reid.

There’s also a “good chance” Hollywood Brown will play.

Related Players: Carson Wentz

We'd like a little more reassurance here, but at least we have some hope that Mahomes will be available to elevate the offense. Mahomes should be benched in favor of a streamer in most fantasy formats.

After losing RBs Christian McCaffrey, Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell to season-ending injuries, it now looks as if the 49ers will be without RB Isaac Guerendo for Sunday’s game vs. Miami. Guerendo is dealing with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to play, per source.

Related Players: Patrick Taylor, Kyle Juszczyk, Israel Abanikanda

Sheesh. We're assuming Taylor will now be the next, next man up, but they also have Abanikanda, as well as Ke'Shawn Vaughn on the practice squad. Taylor should be considered somewhere in the RB3 range if Guerendo is out.

The Chargers plan to activate TE Hayden Hurst from Injured Reserve to play in tonight’s game against the Broncos, source says.

Hurst went on IR with a hip injury in late November, but he’s practiced fully since having his window opened this week.

Related Players: Stone Smartt, Will Dissly

This puts a bit of a damper on Smartt as a streaming option in Week 16, as he should lose a little bit of usage to the vet. When (if) Dissly returns, he will likely also be off the radar as the situation gets a little too clogged up.

The Chiefs plan to activate Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown (reserve/injured, shoulder) for Saturday’s game vs. Houston assuming everything continues trending positively this week, per sources.

Brown looks to make his Chiefs debut after missing four months.

Related Players: DeAndre Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson

It feels exceedingly likely that Brown will be limited in his first in-game action of the season, but even light usage could lower the floor of his teammates. Hopkins projects as a fringe WR3/4 while Brown should stay on benches for now, but could end up being viable in Week 17.

Seahawks QB Geno Smith, who left Sunday night’s game versus Green Bay with a knee injury, was listed as a full participant in today’s practice.

Related Players: Sam Howell

Things are looking for Geno ahead of Week 16, which is a boon to the entire offense. We'll keep an eye on his status leading up to the weekend.

For a second straight day, the Chiefs listed Patrick Mahomes as a full participant in practice.

Related Players: Carson Wentz

Obviously a great sign for the Chiefs pass-catchers and Mahomes himself. The quarterback should likely be benched in your fantasy semi-finals in a not-great matchup against the Texans in a game that has seen its over/under drop to 41.5.

Steelers WR George Pickens was listed as did not practice today, TJ Watt was listed as limited.

Related Players: Calvin Austin III, Van Jefferson, Mike Williams, Scott Miller

We really can't be trusting any of these ancillary pieces of Pickens misses, and it would come as a huge downgrade to Russell Wilson and the offense, in general. This is a decent matchup for Pickens, so we'll keep an eye on whether or not he can clear ahead of kickoff.

The Raiders have placed DE Maxx Crosby and RB Sincere McCormick on injured reserve, ending their seasons.

Related Players: Ameer Abdullah, Alexander Mattison

Abdullah came in and operated as the RB1 after McCormick went down in Week 15, earning 10 opportunities, but only a 3-8-0 stat line on the ground. This should be a fairly cut-and-dry backfield, with Mattison taking a lot of the early-down work and the veteran Abdullah gobbling up the third-down work. Regardless, they should both be stay-aways in pivotal Week 16 playoff matchups.

Falcons placed kicker Younghoe Koo on IR and signed kicker Riley Patterson off the Browns’ practice squad.

Consider Patterson a streaming option in a pretty good matchup against the Giants.

Browns officially named Dorian Thompson-Robinson as their starting QB for Sunday’s game against the Bengals.

Related Players: Jameis Winston

This is a good sign for the Bengals D/ST, as Thompson-Robinson has a career 5.2% turnover-worthy play rate, with one passing touchdown and seven interceptions, including two back in Week 7 against this Cincinnati team. DTR will take off with the ball, but it's not enough to give him the starting nod in any fantasy lineups.

Coach Doug Pederson announces that QB Trevor Lawrence had shoulder surgery yesterday and is now focused on his rehab. He'll make a full recovery with plenty of time for next season.

Related Players: Mac Jones

It remains to be seen what Lawrence will be returning to, in regards to coaching staff and roster makeup. Most of the offensive pieces are under contract through next season and the Jaguars are currently slated for a top-5 selection in the NFL Draft.

The Kirk Cousins era in Atlanta is over. There was one?

There was. For fourteen games. After five subpar performances, Cousins has been benched for rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr.

It’s no surprise, given the things Morris said after Monday night’s unexpectedly tight win over the Raiders, and then earlier today, the story pointed out. As the story also added, it's a pretty stunning move considering the team is coming off a win, and they gave Cousins a contract with $100 million guaranteed. Of course, Penix was the eighth overall pick in the NFL Draft this past spring. It's tough to tell what fantasy owners will get if they need to start Penix this week, as it will be a bit of a risky call given it's likely a fantasy playoff game. The weapons are certainly there for him to have some success, and, it's a home game against the Giants. Owners can probably view him in the QB2 range for those type of leagues.

Falcons head coach Raheem Morris stopped short of saying Kirk Cousins remains the team’s starting quarterback after Monday night’s 15-9 win over the Raiders and he didn’t cross that line on Tuesday either.

“We just got back,” Morris said, via Josh Kendall of TheAthletic.com. “We still have to go through that process. All those things will happen over the course of the week. We didn’t play well enough at the quarterback position.”

Related players: Michael Penix Jr.

Morris was asked again if Cousins will get the start against the Giants on Sunday in Week 16 and he again didn’t rule out any move involving Cousins or Penix, the story went on to say. Morris cited the team’s late return from Las Vegas while saying that they still need to go through their process to decide the best path to winning games, the story added. The Falcons did get the win in Week 15 but it wasn't pretty. The Falcons get the Giants in Week 16 - so it's either a matchup to try and get Cousins back on track, or a matchup to give your rookie QB his first start. Several teams like the Browns and Titans have already made QB changes this week. Those owning Cousins and counting on him for this week should probably have a backup plan.

Patrick Mahomes is listed as a full participant on the team’s first injury report of the week.

Related players: Carson Wentz

It was a pretty positive outcome for fantasy owners counting on Mahomes in Week 16. The story said Reid spoke to reporters before practice and said they would see what Mahomes was able to do during a light practice. The answer was that he did everything that the Chiefs asked of him, the story pointed out. Keep in mind it was a light workout. It's possible Mahomes is listed as limited later in the week. As we stated earlier today, we're still some time away from Saturday, so it will be worth monitoring right up to game time. Owners may still want to have a backup plan in place.

"I would say he's trending upwards to playing this week." - Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, on QB Aidan O'Connell

Related players: Desmond Ridder

Ridder didn't exactly do much to make the Raiders want to continue to see him for the rest of the season. At this point, it makes more sense for O'Connell to get the work. Either way, the Raiders are expected to have a new starting QB next season, according to some who follow the team. The return of O'Connell would be a little boost for the rest of the offense as they have a winnable game against the Jaguars at home in Week 16.

The Tennessee Titans are planning to make a switch at quarterback this week, source told ESPN.

Related players: Mason Rudolph

It seems as if there is no official word on just who will take over yet, but as the post points out, Rudolph is the logical candidate to step in. Rudolph has twice come in for Levis this season, once when injured and this past week when Levis threw three INTs. Rudolph did threw for two TDs as he tried to lead the team back against the Bengals. The Titans travel to Indy in Week 16 in a game in the early window. Rudolph did flash at times earlier this season as well, but the Titans moved back to Levis once he was healthy. Rudolph is probably a better option for deeper two QB or superflex leagues.

The NFL has announced the Week 17 schedule, which includes a Sunday Night Football flex and three games on Saturday.

The Atlanta Falcons will visit Washington to take on the Commanders on Sunday Night Football on NBC. That game replaces the previously scheduled Miami Dolphins vs. Cleveland Browns game, which now moves to Sunday at 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.

The league also determined the three Saturday games that will take place on December 28: Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots at 1 p.m. ET, Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals at 4:30 p.m. ET and Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams at 8 p.m. ET.

The story went on to say in the final weeks of the season, the NFL tries to maintain more flexibility with its scheduling to have matchups that are meaningful to the playoff race in the broadcast windows that the most fans will be able to watch. The games and timing could also have fantasy impacts on your lineup, especially since it's for Week 17 and what is likely your fantasy finals week.

There’s some new reporting pouring cold water on Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi’s assertion that it’s not “a reach” to think Derek Carr will be cleared by the end of the season.

Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Carr is considered “very unlikely” to return this season.

This seemed like the most logical outcome, even when the Saints were not ruling Carr out for the season. Carr’s left hand is fractured in two places, the story pointed out. Rapoport also noted, via the story, that Carr recently underwent further examination, which determined he’s at least a few weeks away from withstanding contact.

The Browns are making a change at quarterback: Dorian Thompson-Robinson will start for Cleveland against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Related players: Jameis Winston

Winston threw three INTs last week against the Chiefs and was removed in favor of DTR, who now will start in Week 16. It's not a bad matchup, as the Bengals D has had its share of struggles this season, but DTR isn't a safe start in terms of fantasy. That's especially true during fantasy playoff season. It's also likely to be bad news for the Browns offense overall, and owners may want to downgrade the rest of the Browns players when forming lineups for Week 16.

Tests results indicated Patrick Mahomes is dealing with a high ankle sprain and there's a "possibility" he could miss Week 16.

Related players: Carson Wentz

Rapoport's messaging in this clip can be taken a couple of different ways. The positive view is Mahomes "possibly" missing this week can almost be taken there's a better chance he plays. The situation reminded Rapoport of the playoff game against the Jags a few years ago, where Mahomes didn't finish the game the week before, but came back and played the following week. Rapoport added that, long-term, Mahomes will be fine, and that Mahomes' body is "built differently," so it won't be the normal 4-6 week recovery time for a high ankle sprain. We're a long way from Saturday's game, but if Mahomes can't play, Wentz would get the start against the Texans. Mahomes owners should probably be thinking of a backup plan now in case he's unable to play, so picking up Wentz may not be a bad idea if you own Mahomes in deeper leagues, or two-QB and superflex leagues.

Injury Update: RB Sincere McCormick (ankle) is OUT.

Related players: Alexander Mattison, Ameer Abdullah

McCormick left the game with just eight yards rushing and two catches for 17 yards. McCormick was named the team's RB1 even with the return of Mattison, but it now remains to be seen if he'll be good for Week 16. Mattison fumbled in the game and only had 21 rushing yards on seven carries with two catches for three yards. Abdullah may be the back to own in this offense. He only carried three times for eight yards, but did catch seven balls for 58 yards and a TD. On top of that, the Raiders host the Jags in Week 16 in the later slate of games on Sunday. Abdullah could be a nice, although risky, play in a good matchup for those who may be looking for a running back on their fantasy playoff roster.

“We have a lot of confidence in Jahmyr Gibbs,” Campbell said, via the team’s website. “He’s continued to get better and better as the season has gone. Given the opportunity, he’s made a lot of plays. He made some big plays for us. He brings an explosive element. He’s getting better in the pass game, and you see what he’s able to do in the run game. We have a ton of confidence.”

Craig Reynolds and fourth-round pick Sione Vaki are also on the Lions roster, but it’s going be Gibbs’s show the rest of the way and the Lions will need him to keep performing at the same level.

Related players: Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki

Gibbs owners look like they could greatly benefit by the injury to Montgomery as we head down the stretch of the fantasy playoffs. We detailed a little bit on Monday that last season, when either Montgomery or Gibbs were out of the lineup, Reynolds got between 7-14 carries in three of those four games (the fourth was a blowout loss to the Ravens). It still remains to be seen just how the team will divide up the carries, but it's reasonable to think Gibbs should at least see a slight uptick in work with Montgomery out.

D'Andre Swift was not listed among the Bears inactives for Monday Night Football.

Related players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer, Darrynton Evans

It's a tough matchup for Swift who should see a nice workload against the Vikings at least. Over the last three games, Swift hasn't gone over 40 yards rushing, averaging over 12 carries in that three-game span. He's also averaged a little over two receptions the last three games. Back on Nov. 24, Swift ran for 30 yards and had three catches for 35 yards against the Vikings. Johnson is inactive which leaves Homer and Evans behind Swift.

The Chiefs have waived their former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Related players: Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Samaje Perine, Carson Steele

CEH missed some time this season for mental health reasons, an issue that goes back several years, but the Chiefs are pretty comfortable with their backfield after signing Hunt and recently getting Pacheco back from his leg injury. The team also has Perine and Steele. CEH often played key roles for the Chiefs in their playoff runs, so he may get another chance with another team, but likely isn't going to be fantasy-worthy in typical redraft leagues this season.

Dan Campbell says RB David Montgomery (knee) will have season-ending surgery.

Related players: Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds

Big blow to the Lions here. As we stated earlier today when we speculated Monty may be out for a while at the least, Gibbs will take over as the team's RB1. Last year, Reynolds got between 7-14 carries in three of the four games he played when either Gibbs or Montgomery were out. Reynolds should have some flex value, at least, and would be worth a pickup if he's on your wire and you're looking for any help at RB.

Jaylen Waddle (knee) avoided major injury.

Waddle is officially day to day, and the injury is not considered to be season-ending. Waddle is still in question for this week, however, the post went on to say. Practice reports will be key this week so owners will want to monitor the situation. The Dolphins playoff chances took a big hit with a loss this past week, so there may not be a need to rush Waddle back in the lineup. The Dolphins play in the later window on Sunday at home against the 49ers.

The Ravens posted the following statement:

"We have mutually agreed with Diontae Johnson to excuse him from team activities this week."

Reports say this is not additional suspension time and the team and Johnson are working through the situation. It seems like a split may be coming sooner than later. Johnson was suspended for one game by the team for not entering the game in Week 13 against the Eagles.

Darren Rizzi said Alvin Kamara's injury is a groin abductor type of situation.

Related players: Kendre Miller

The post went on to say that Kamara said it felt minor and he felt it on the touchdown catch. The post added Kamara is going to continue to go through tests. Terrell added in her post that when was asked if it was minor, Rizzi said he wasn't going to make a medical declaration. Owners should realize the Saints have no reason to rush Kamara back this season so it's possible the team plays it safe with him this week, sitting at 5-9 on the season. If Miller is on your waiver wire he should be added as he would likely take over as the RB1 if Kamara can't play. Unfortunately for owners, the Saints play on Monday night in Week 16 at the Packers so if Kamara is a game-time call, it may complicate roster decisions.

Panthers WR Xavier Legette will be week to week the rest of the season with a groin injury.

Coach Dave Canales said Legette is likely to be out this week, and the week to week tag for the rest of the season doesn't really bode well for him or his fantasy owners. Legette hasn't been a solid fantasy play anyway but for those using him in deeper leagues you may be without him for the rest of this year.

'Joe came out fine, Joe will be fine,' Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Joe Mixon.

Good news for owners. As the post said, Mixon got his ankle checked in Week 15 action, but was able to finish the game. It will be worth monitoring his practice week, but he seems like he should be good for Week 16, which is a Saturday game against the Chiefs.

Browns Kevin Stefanski said he's not sure yet if Nick Chubb will need surgery on his broken foot but said it's a "shorter-term recovery time" for Chubb.

Related players: Jerome Ford, D'Onta Foreman, Pierre Strong Jr.

Chubb will still be out for the season but it seems like he'll be ready to hit the field for the 2025 season, wherever that will end up being for Chubb. For this season, Ford took over for Chubb and ran seven times for 84 yards and a TD, including a 62-yard burst. He had two catches for 20 as well. He should be the team's RB1 going forward and could even be on your waiver wire.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski isn’t yet ready to say who he will start at QB vs. the Bengals.

“Anything related to Cincinnati I’ll update you guys as we get into the week.”

Related players: Jameis Winston, Dorian Thompson-Robinson

Winston threw three more INTs against the Chiefs this past week and was pulled in favor of Thompson-Robinson, who also threw an INT among his nine attempts. It's a pretty good matchup against the Bengals in Week 16, although that's probably what Will Levis thought as well, so whoever the Browns starter is could have some fantasy upside, although come with obvious risks.

The Titans pulled Will Levis on Sunday and coach Brian Callahan said he's going to use the next few days to decide who his starting QB will be.

Related players: Mason Rudolph

Levis threw three INTs in the game and was 8 for 12 for 89 yards. It was a great matchup for Levis who was going against a Bengals defense that hasn't always performed well this season. Rudolph came in and threw for 209 and two TDs as the Titans tried to rally to a win.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes was diagnosed with a mild high-ankle sprain following tests

Related players: Carson Wentz

The timing doesn't come at a great time for the Chiefs and Mahomes fantasy owners. The post said Mahomes is still considered week-to-week leaving his status for Week 16 in doubt. As was also stated, the schedule could make it tough for Mahomes to get in the lineup. The Chiefs have a Saturday game against the Texans, which is then followed by a quick turnaround for Christmas against the Steelers. The Chiefs currently have the one seed, but also have the Bills hot on their tails. Wentz will get the start if Mahomes is unable to play.

The Raiders are in line to start their third different quarterback of the season when they face the Falcons on Monday night.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that Desmond Ridder is expected to get the start.

Related players: Aidan O’Connell

O’Connell is listed as questionable to play after hurting his knee last Sunday and he will work out before the game, but the current feeling is that Ridder will get the nod, the story went on to say. At this point, Brock Bowers owners are just hoping whoever is under center will continue to feed Bowers the ball.

Lions RB David Montgomery is now out indefinitely after suffering an MCL injury during Sunday’s loss to the Bills, sources tell ESPN.

Related players: Jahmyr Gibbs, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki

Montgomery is undergoing additional testing on his knee and getting a second opinion to confirm, but he could be lost for the season, according to the rest of Schefter's post. It's another huge loss for the Lions in terms of their quest for a Super Bowl, but from a fantasy angle it looks like Gibbs will take over the as the clear RB1 going forward. Montgomery has scored 12 TDs this season and his fantasy owners now suffer a huge loss in their lineup for the rest of the fantasy playoffs. Reynolds will likely soak up some of Monty's between-the-tackles work at least, but it remains to be seen how the split in work will be determined. Last season in four games where either Montgomery or Gibbs were out, Reynolds had 7, 10 and 14 carries in three of those games. The exception was a blowout loss to the Ravens were he only received three carries. He had four receptions total in that four game span, so Reynolds could get a decent amount of touches each game for those who may be hurting at the position.

Saquon Barkley on his injury: "Nothing crazy, a little minor. Just getting ready for next week."

Barkley left the game in the first half but was able to return in the second half. Barkley still carried 19 times, but only had 65 yards. He added two catches for 9 yards. It wasn't his best fantasy game but hopefully for owners they were able to survive what was likely Week 1 of the playoffs. It sounds like Barkley is planning to play in Week 16, which is in the early slate of Sunday games at the Commanders. His status will need to be monitored this week but it's great news he was able to return to the game.

There hasn’t been much to like about the Jaguars this season, but wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is at the top of that small list.

Thomas was a first-round pick in April and he’s lived up to that status over the course of his rookie season. Thomas caught 10 passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns during Sunday’s 32-25 loss to the Jets and that gave him the franchise’s rookie records for both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Head coach Doug Pederson said as the season progressed, the team could see that Thomas could handle more information, and that he could handle more responsibility. Each week, the Jags were finding ways to load him up with more responsibility. Thomas looks like he's the real deal and it doesn't matter who is under center. For the season, Thomas has 64 catches for 956 yards and 8 TDs with 99 targets.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith suffered a knee injury in the second half of Sunday night's 30-13 loss to the Green Bay Packers and did not return.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald told reporters after the loss that it appeared Smith's knee was structurally OK, but the extent of the injury was unclear. Smith will undergo further evaluation on Monday.

"I'll tell you this, this guy's probably the toughest player I've been around," Macdonald said of Smith. "(It was) severe enough for him not to come back in the game. We'll do all the tests tomorrow and kind of figure it out as we go. Right now, structurally it looks like it's OK. We'll get him imaged and all that stuff."

Related players: Sam Howell

The story said Smith wanted to go back in but couldn't and would eventually give way to Howell. The Seahawks host the Vikings in Week 16 in a later Sunday game. Owners will need to monitor Smith this week. It's not great news that it was severe enough that he couldn't go back in the game, so his status for Week 16 is very much in doubt. Howell was just 5 for 14 for 24 yards and an INT. He was also sacked four times in his limited play.

Sam Darnold has played well enough to leave the Vikings more open-minded about their 2025 plans than many realize, according to sources familiar with the Vikings' thinking. They have not ruled out offering him a contract for next season, despite widespread assumptions they will let him sign elsewhere in free agency and hand the job to J.J. McCarthy, who has spent his rookie season recovering from a torn meniscus in his right knee.

Related players: Daniel Jones

The story added the Vikings have also prepared to move on from Darnold, especially if he receives a more lucrative offer from another QB-needy team. Darnold agreed to wear a modified camera on his helmet during practices and walk-throughs to help McCarthy during his recovery process, the story said. McCarthy uses the video to simulate practice reps via virtual reality. The Vikings also signed Jones, who was released by the Giants, to their practice squad last month, a move widely viewed as an early look at a potential candidate to replace Darnold next season as the veteran alongside McCarthy.

Browns RB Nick Chubb suffered a broken foot in Sunday’s loss against the Chiefs.

Chubb left the game in the second half after rushing nine times for 41 yards. He was richly ruled out, which usually isn’t a good sign. The question now is whether the Browns will have Chubb again this season. Maybe he gets cleared before the season or the Browns could choose to shut him down for the rest of the season with the team now at 3-11. Jerome Ford stepped in and scored a 62-yard touchdown.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is considered week to week with a right ankle injury.

Mahomes left during the second half after having his ankle rolled up and was slow to get up, limping to the sideline. Week to week on a normal schedule is tough enough. It’s even tougher when the next two games fall on a Saturday and then the following Wednesday. Mahomes will likely be questionable for Christmas Day against the Steelers, let alone Saturday against the Texans. If Mahomes is out, Carson Wentz would likely get the start after he replaced Mahomes Sunday.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is questionable to return to Sunday’s game against the Browns with an ankle injury.

Mahomes took a hit during the fourth quarter and was slow to get up after his ankle appeared to get rolled up on. Carson Wentz is now in at quarterback. The Chiefs have a two-touchdown lead late in the game. The Chiefs may choose to let Mahomes rest for the remainder of the game. The Chiefs have a somewhat short week coming up as they play on Saturday against the Texans before another short week leading to their Christmas Day game against the Steelers.

Browns RB Nick Chubb left Sunday’s game against the Chiefs with a foot injury.

Chubb went to the medical tent and then eventually the locker room in the third quarter and was ruled out shortly after. Chubb had nine carries for 41 yards before leaving. Jerome Ford came in and scored on a 62-yard run.

The Saints officially listed QB Derek Carr (left hand/concussion) as doubtful for Sunday vs. Washington. Jake Haener will make his first NFL start.

RB Alvin Kamara (illness) is off the injury report and good to go.

Related Players: Kendre Miller

It would have been an easy click for a Kendre Miller week if Kamara were forced to miss, but this puts the kibosh on that. Fire Kamara up as an RB2 this week in a game that may feature him even more than usual with no Carr.

The Seahawks list RB Kenneth Walker III (calf) as doubtful for Sunday's game.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Looks like a clear runway for another Charbonnet week in what should be a tightly contested game against the Packers at home. Fire him up as a fringe RB1/2.

Cardinals TE Trey McBride (knee) is off the injury report and good to go for Sunday vs. the Patriots.

Related Players: Elijah Higgins

You know the drill by now. Start McBride absolutely everywhere.

Steelers ruled out wide receiver George Pickens for Sunday’s game against the Eagles due to his hamstring injury.

Related Players: Calvin Austin III, Mike Williams, Scott Miller, Van Jefferson

We really can't trust any of the Pittsburgh WR options here in the first round of the playoffs, particularly against the Eagles' defense. Russell Wilson can also comfortably be faded in all formats.

Packers HC Matt LaFleur told reporters today that WR Romeo Doubs and S Evan Williams now have cleared concussion protocol.

Related Players: Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton

Even if Doubs missed this week, it's still nearly impossible to know where the ball is going to go in this passing offense. Doubs makes for a boom/bust WR4, with Reed coming in as a boom/bust WR3.

Saints HC Darren Rizzi announced QB Jake Haener will start Sunday vs. the Commanders.

Related Players: Spencer Rattler

Haener has completed 48.3% of his 29 passes for one touchdown while adding 15 yards on the ground. He shouldn't be considered in any league size in Week 15.

Jeff Ulbrich says RB Breece Hall is "looking good" to play Sunday for the Jets.

They are "hopeful" for CB D.J. Reed. CB Brandin Echols is doubtful.

KR/RB Kene Nwangwu will be put on IR with a broken hand.

Related Players: Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis

This comes as quite a bit of a surprise and could easily mean he plays in a limited role, which really muddies up the whole situation. If that's the case, this backfield may be an entire avoid with no bye weeks in the first round of Fantasy Playoffs, with Hall falling somewhere in the RB2-RB3 range.

Browns rule out WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) for Sunday vs.
Chiefs.
TE David Njoku (hamstring), LG Joel Bitonio (back), DT Mike Hall Jr. (knee), CB Myles Harden (tibia) listed as questionable.

Related Players: Jordan Akins, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore

Akins shouldn't be considered a streaming TE option if Njoku misses Sunday's game, as the team has already mentioned that they'll use a "tight end by committee" approach.

As for the WR group, we should expect things to remain top-heavy, with Jeudy operating as a fantasy WR2 and Moore as a low-end WR3.

McDermott says TE Dalton Kincaid (knee), who was a listed as a full participant on Wed and Thurs, will be questionable for Sunday’s game vs. Detroit

Related Players: Dawson Knox

It's probably still best to start other options over Kincaid, if he plays, as the team takes on a Lions defense that ranks 4th in TE aFPA, but there could be a ton of points here, so if you're in a bind he makes sense as a top-15ish option.

WR Keon Coleman is good to go for Sunday and return to the lineup.

Related Players: Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Mack Hollins, Curtis Samuel

Coleman and Cooper are in the boom/bust WR4 range, as Shakir should continue standing atop the target share.

osh Downs and Ryan Kelly going for a 3rd straight day.

Guys I haven’t spotted or don’t look to be practicing;

-Braden Smith
-Mo Alie-Cox
-Ashton Dulin

Related Players: Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell

Pittman mustered all of 6.7 fantasy points in Downs' Week 13 absence, so his re-joining the lineup certainly doesn't boost his fantasy stock. Consider him and Downs stay-away WR4s as Anthony Richardson's troubling completion rate makes the passing attack an aggressive fade.

TE Evan Engram out for the season. Surgery coming on labrum in shoulder.

Related Players: Brenton Strange, Luke Farrell, Josiah Deguara

Bummer for Engram, who will finish the season as the TE16 with 7.3 half-PPR PPG in nine weeks.

It's unlikely that Strange pops up as a TE streamer through the remainder of the season, with no more byes on the horizon.

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown has received final clearance to practice, paving the way for him to play before the regular season ends.

Brown, who is recovering from surgery to repair his SC joint, should have his window opened Friday or Monday. The team will be cautious.

Related Players: DeAndre Hopkins, Xavier Worthy, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson

If Brown were cleared by Week 17, he would be incredibly tough to start in pretty much any sort of fantasy league with Championships on the line. However, he could be an interesting click for Playoff-only leagues if he can ramp up in time.

For a second straight day today, Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III didn’t practice due to his calf injury.

Related Players: Zach Charbonnet, Kenny McIntosh

Looks like things should be cleared out for Charbonnet once again in what could be a very close game against the Packers. If Walker misses Week 15, fire Charbs up as a high-end RB2.

In Week 15, the red and gold have defensive lineman Nick Bosa and linebacker Dre Greenlaw active and ready for the team's second meeting with their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams.

On the other side of the ball, the 49ers will have rookie running back Isaac Guerendo available against the Rams. He was listed as questionable on Wednesday on account of a foot sprain but was given the green light to play ahead of "Thursday Night Football."

Related Players: Patrick Taylor, Israel Abanikanda, Kyle Juszczyk, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

We do expect Guerendo to handle the majority workload for TNF, but you do have to wonder if he gets the same type of workload he would have, had he avoided the injury report all week. Consider him closer to an RB3 than a locked-in RB2 he otherwise would have been.

For a second straight day today, Jets RB Breece Hall did not practice due to his knee injury.

Related Players: Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis

It was a near 50/50 split between Allen and Davis in Week 14, which makes each of them risky fantasy starts. Consider each of them RB3s in a great matchup against the Jaguars defense if Hall misses Week 15.

Browns David Njoku (hamstring) is likely to sit on Sunday vs. the Chiefs ... OC Ken Dorsey says if he can't play, they'll go tight end by committee

Related Players: Jordan Akins, Blake Whiteheart

Obviously not a great sign for Akins' possibility as a TE streamer if Njoku misses. We can safely ignore the situation if their TE1 doesn't go Sunday.

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo plans to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams despite his sprained foot, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Guerendo, who is listed as questionable, insists he "feels good," sources said.

Related Players: Patrick Taylor, Israel Abanikanda, Kyle Juszczyk, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette *if* Guerendo is forced out, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Otherwise, consider the fourth-round rookie a fantasy RB2.

— The 49ers ruled out LT Trent Williams (ankle) and S Malik Mustapha (chest), but RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) is questionable. So is Dre Greenlaw, who was full today.
— The Rams ruled out TE Tyler Higbee (knee) and Cobie Durant (chest).

Related Players: Patrick Taylor, Israel Abanikanda, Kyle Juszczyk, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Rams are listing WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder), and TE Davis Allen (shoulder) as questionable for Thursday night’s game versus the 49ers.

Related Players: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson

This doesn't really impact Nacua or Kupp either way, but Atwell could log a little extra work here. Consider him a very deep league WR5.

Antonio Pierce stated that Sincere McCormick will remain the team’s starting running back even with Alexander Mattison nearing a return this week.

“He deserves it. … He has run his tail off.”

Related Players: Ameer Abdullah

At 2-11, the Raiders would be silly to not see what they have in McCormick, with 31-year-old Abdullah and Mattison, who is on a one-year contract, only there to give the former UDFA a breather. Consider McCormick a volume-based RB3.

Giants HC Brian Daboll told reporters that QB Drew Lock is in a walking boot due to a heel injury and Tommy DeVito now is expected to start Sunday vs. the Ravens.

The Ravens path to an overall D/ST1 finish on the week becomes a little clearer. DeVito can safely be kept on benches in SuperFlex leagues on a week with zero byes.

Good news on the way for Buffalo: Bills WR Keon Coleman (wrist) and TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) are expected to practice fully today. A positive step forward in advance of the showdown with the Lions.

Related Players: Dawson Knox, Khalil Shakir, Amari Cooper, Mack Hollins, Curtis Samuel

It's probably still best to start other options over Kincaid, as he takes on a Lions defense that ranks 4th in TE aFPA, but there could be a ton of points here, so if you're in a bind he makes sense as a top-15ish option.

As for Coleman, he's more in the boom/bust WR4 range as Shakir should continue standing atop the target share.

Lots of personnel news for the Colts...

*WR Josh Downs will practice today.

*C Ryan Kelly and LB Jaylon Carlies will be designated for return from IR today.

*RT Braden Smith is still dealing with a personal matter and is not expected to play at Denver on Sunday.

Related Players: Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell

Pittman mustered all of 6.7 fantasy points in Downs' Week 13 absence, so his re-joining the lineup certainly doesn't boost his fantasy stock. Consider him and Downs stay-away WR4s as Anthony Richardson's troubling completion rate makes the passing attack an aggressive fade.

RB Breece Hall "struggling a bit" with his knee injury, per Ulbrich. Not improving as much as he'd like. Not at the point of shutting him down. Still evaluating.

Related Players: Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis

It was a near 50/50 split between Allen and Davis in Week 14, which makes each of them risky fantasy starts. Consider each of them RB3s in a great matchup against the Jaguars defense.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan shared his team’s pre-practice injury report at a Tuesday press conference and it was the same as Monday’s estimated one, so several key players are on the sideline ahead of Thursday’s game against the Rams.

Among them was RB Isaac Guerendo.

Related players: Patrick Taylor, Israel Abanikanda

Guerendo had a great game in Week 14, but left with a sprained foot. Guerendo said afterward he felt great and it was just precautionary. However, we know by now we can't always trust when a player talks about his status for the following week. The DNPs for both Monday and Tuesday are not a great sign for Guerendo's chances to play in Week 15, which is a short week against the Rams on Thursday Night Football. Guerendo's practice status for Wednesday will hopefully will give us a better idea. Taylor would likely be next up for the 49ers if Guerendo can't go.

Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown’s comment that the team’s passing offense needs to improve in the wake of Sunday’s 22-16 win over the Panthers has been the biggest topic of conversation of the week in Philadelphia and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore got his chance to weigh in on it Tuesday.

Moore said he speaks to Brown and other members of the offense every week and said “the flows of seasons” call for weekly conversations about how to get the most out of the passing offense. Part of that process for this week is working on ways to get the ball to Brown after he was targeted four times against Carolina.

“I’m going to focus more on trying to find different ways of increasing the likelihood of the ball going to him,” Moore said, via a transcript from the team.

Brown came out and criticized the passing game after just getting by the Panthers in Week 14. The Eagles, thanks to Saquon Barkley, have been a run-first team this year, and it's largely worked, thanks also to an improved defense. DeVonta Smith has also voiced frustration recently. The Eagles aren't likely to stop giving Barkley the ball, but we've had a few stories in the news this week featuring unhappy WRs, and there can often be a bit of a change in the game plan to keep players happy. The Eagles host the Steelers this week, so things may not come easy again for the offense.

The Steelers did not have receiver George Pickens for their Week 14 victory over the Browns and they are likely to be without him again against the Eagles on Sunday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said in his Tuesday press conference that Pickens could be characterized as doubtful for Week 15, but there is still an outside chance he’ll play.

The Steelers thought Pickens would play last week but was eventually ruled out. After Sunday’s contest, Pickens underwent an MRI, which revealed the injury was more significant than initially believed, the story said. Reports from those who follow the team on Monday mentioned it was unlikely Pickens would play, and that's certainly looking like the case.

The Cowboys’ loss to the Bengals on Monday night dropped them to 5-8 on the season and left them with scant hope of making it to the playoffs this season, but that’s not going to lead to a shift in their plan at quarterback.

That was the word from team owner Jerry Jones on Tuesday morning. Cooper Rush has been the team’s starter since Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury, but there have been questions about whether the Cowboys will take a look at Trey Lance before his contract expires at the end of the season.

The story said Jones has been resistant to playing Lance and that he hasn't changed his mind about who will start against the Panthers in Week 15. Jones added in a quote he thought the team "did some good things out there" against the Bengals, and that he believes Rush "gives us our best chance." Unless things change over the final couple of weeks, it doesn't look like Lance is going to get any kind of chance in Dallas.

Looking ahead to 2025, the Raiders will find themselves searching for an answer at quarterback for the third offseason in a row.

Related players: Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew, Desmond Ridder

The author said O'Connell is the best bet to be in the mix, but it's only because he hasn't really played much. Minshew is under contract for next season, but hasn't played well in his time this season. The Raiders are on pace to have one of the top picks in the NFL Draft, but also could opt to go another direction and take the best player, much like they did last draft with Brock Bowers at TE. The author said the Raiders could once again explore the available veterans: Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Jameis Winston are scheduled to be free agents. Either way, it appears the Raiders will probably have a new starting QB in 2025.

It's hard to get the ball when you play only 25 snaps like Jayden Reed did against the Lions. That followed the Thanksgiving win over Miami, when Reed played 36 of the 54 offensive plays the Packers ran.

In fact, since Reed's five-catch, 113-yard performance in the Week 9 loss to the Lions at Lambeau Field, he has totaled 73 yards receiving on eight catches in four games, including the zero-catch game against Detroit last week.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was quoted on the story as saying the Lions were daring them to throw the ball and the team didn't want to get into that kind of game. So, the Packers continued to run the ball, and used a bigger, two-TE personnel formation. As the story pointed out, when that happens, it's typical for the slot WR to leave the field, which was Reed. In the story, LeFleur admitted the team could have done a better job of trying to get Reed more involved. Now the question for fantasy owners is, as we enter the playoffs, will there be an over-correction, where the Packers look to force-feed Reed the ball. It will be tough to trust Reed in lineups based on his lack of production over the last several weeks. The Packers have a Sunday night game at Seattle in Week 15.

Starting in Washington, this is now his third straight week Rico Dowdle taking 70%+ of the carries.

Related players: Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, Dalvin Cook

The post went on to say Dowdle was averaging 48% of the Cowboys' carries over the course of his first nine games. Pittsburgh was the only week he got more than 57% of the team's carries. We did report, even starting back in summer, that Dowdle was the best RB on the team according to those who cover the Cowboys. Unfortunately for owners, it took some time for Dowdle to become the clear RB1, but for those who own him heading into the playoffs, this is a comforting stat to know. The next question will be what is Dowdle's future with the Cowboys. With so many needs and questions heading into 2025, it's possible Dowdle is back as an overall inexpensive option.

Joe Burrow with a postgame bombshell:

“I’m confident we are going to do what it takes to get Tee Higgins back (in 2025).”

The post added that Burrow went on to say he is willing to do what it takes to make that happen. As Clifford said himself, it's a mega statement coming from Burrow. We can't blame Burrow for wanting to keep both Chase and Higgins around, and it sounds like he'll be willing to at least restructure his deal to make it happen. Higgins should be a highly-sought after player in the offseason, and a recent report said the Patriots would be willing go pay him a lot.

On his Zoom call with the beat coach Mike Macdonald says Kenneth Walker's issue is his calf.

Related players: Zach Charbonnet

The post added it's no longer Walker's ankle that's the issue. The post also added the Seahawks are sending Walker for more tests, and they should know more about how much longer their lead RB may be out. Walker didn't practice last Thursday and Friday before being downgraded to out on Saturday. ESPN and Adam Schefter said Walker should have a chance to play in Week 15, but owners will want to monitor how the tests go and see if Walker can get on the practice field this week. Charbonnet had a huge game filling in, rushing 22 times for 134 yards and two TDs, adding seven catches for 59 yards.

The 49ers had a big win on Sunday against the Bears, but 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel did not have a big game.

Samuel was held to two catches for 22 yards, continuing a disappointing season in which he’s averaging career-lows in catches per game and yards per game. But Samuel took to social media on Monday afternoon to say nothing is wrong.

“Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!” Samuel wrote.

He later added: “Just cause I voice my opinions mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!! Be Fr,” Samuel wrote.

Related players: Jauan Jennings

As the story mentioned, a comment like that could be portrayed as a complaint. The story mentions that Jennings has more targets, more catches and more yards, as well as more TDs than Samuel this season. The 49ers play on Thursday night in what is likely your opening round of the fantasy playoffs. So, owners may be hoping his post causes the Niners to come out and heavily target Samuel to potentially fix any hard feelings.

The Giants aren’t planning to make another quarterback change this week, but they’ll have to wait for word on Drew Lock’s health before they know for sure.

Giants head coach Brian Daboll said at his Monday press conference that Lock is sore and dealing with a couple of things after Sunday’s 14-11 loss to the Saints.

Related players: Tommy DeVito

Daboll said Lock is having an MRI to rule out any structural issues, but he did not specify what part of the body is being looked at, the story said.

On Monday, Darren Rizzi confirmed that Carr is now in the concussion protocol while saying the hand injury is not something that will lead the Saints to rule him out for multiple weeks at this time.

“Derek’s dealing with a non-throwing hand injury,” Rizzi said. “As it stands at this moment, I don’t believe it’s going to be an IR situation, I think it’s going to be a week-to-week situation. We’re gonna kinda take this day by day this week. We’ll see how this week plays out. He is in the concussion protocol also so he’s gotta complete the first step of that tomorrow.”

Related players: Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener

We just reported Carr would likely miss the rest of the season, but the Saints weren't putting him on IR with the hope he could return this season. It looks like the week to week tag means Carr will at least miss this week, with a window open to play in Week 16. The Saints are expected to make a decision at QB for Week 15 on Tuesday.

Aaron Rodgers fought through wayyyy more painful injuries than people realized this year, which propped him MORE in the eyes of his teammates, while others including owner talked of his benching his teammates didn’t feel same way seeing how much pain his played through

Rodgers has dealt with a grade two hamstring strain, an MCL sprain, and a high ankle sprain, according to Glazer. Rodgers hasn't played well this season but is coming off one of his better games in Week 14. The Jets lost to the Dolphins, but Rodgers threw for 339 with a touchdown and no interceptions. He's expected to finish out the season as the Jets starting QB.

Saints QB Derek Carr did, in fact, suffer a significant fracture in his non-throwing hand, per me and Tom Pelissero.

Related players: Spencer Rattler, Jake Haener

He’s expected to miss several weeks, Rapoport went on to say. And based on where we are in the season, this is almost certainly season-ending based on that timeline. The Saints will turn to either Haener or Rattler. The Saints also didn't put Carr on IR, at least not yet, according to Pro Football Talk, so they seem to be leaving the door open to a return this season. The Saints are expected to decide between Haener and Rattler on Tuesday, according to reports.

Kevin Stefanski is sticking with Jameis Winston as the Browns’ starting QB.

Related players: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, Bailey Zappe

The Browns don't really have a better option at this point and it doesn't seem likely Thompson-Robinson is the future of the team or he probably would have been under center by now. Winston has 13 TD passes and 9 INTs in the eight games he's played. Winston can be in your fantasy QB mix in deeper leagues, and/or two QB or superflex leagues.

As it turns out, quarterback Aidan O’Connell’s injury is not as significant as previously feared.

According to multiple reports, an MRI confirmed O’Connell suffered a bone bruise in his knee. O’Connell has not yet been ruled out for next Monday’s matchup with the Falcons.

Related players: Desmond Ridder

A report from earlier today said the Raiders believed O'Connell suffered a significant knee injury, but that is not the case. O'Connell plays on Monday night, so owners will need a backup plan if they are counting on O'Connell in lineups in Week 15. O’Connell was taken off the field with a cart and had an air cast over his leg, the story pointed out.

Panthers head coach Dave Canales gave an update on running back Jonathon Brooks’s knee injury at his Monday press conference and it was not a positive one.

Canales said that Brooks tore the ACL in his right knee during Sunday’s 22-16 loss to the Eagles. Brooks tore the same ACL during his final season at Texas and the second-round pick was playing in his third game after being activated from the non-football injury list.

Related players: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone

It's a terrible outcome for what many considered the top RB back at the NFL Draft. Brooks will look to be back before the start of next season, but given how careful the Panthers were with Brooks coming into this season, one can assume they will take a similar path. As the story said, Hubbard went over 1,000 yards against the Eagles, and with Sanders already injured and Blackshear injured during the game, Hubbard was forced to carry the load. He should continue to do so for the rest of the season. The team has Boone on the practice squad, but will likely need to make anther move at the position.

Demarcus Robinson left Sunday’s 44-42 win over the Bills in the second half with a shoulder injury and did not return. McVay said that Robinson, who did not have a catch Sunday, has an AC joint sprain and that the team is hopeful he will be able to play against the 49ers on Thursday night.

Robinson has been an up and down fantasy play this season. He had touchdowns each of his last two games coming into Week 14, before putting up a zero. But in Week 10 (1-23-0) and Week 11 (2-19-0) he wasn't involved. Prior to those weeks, Robinson did have two TDs in both Week 8 and Week 9, however. The Rams take on the 49ers Thursday night in Week 15 action.

“George Pickens was listed as questionable,” head coach Mike Tomlin said, via the team’s website. “We didn’t feel like he was going to be able to play the number of snaps we thought would be worth putting him a uniform for. We didn’t want a small problem to become a big problem.”

The story said a report on Sunday morning indicated that Pickens would be able to play after being added to the injury report on Friday, but he was eventually ruled out. There are some who follow the team who feel like Pickens will not be available Week 15 against the Eagles, so we'll have to continue to monitor his practice status this week. There has been no official word yet from the team as far as Pickens' status for Week 15, however.

Todd Bowles says rookie RB Bucky Irving’s back has tightened up. His availability against the Chargers will depend on if they can get the back to loosen up.

Related players: Rachaad White, Sean Tucker

Irving got four carries and a catch, but then gave way to White, who went on to catch and rush for a TD, as well as gain 90 yards on the ground with Irving on the sideline. It was frustrating for Irving owners who may have played Irving last week and took advantage of his success. The Bucs play at the Chargers in a game in the later window Sunday of Week 15. Irving will be a risky play even if he seems good to go unless we get some really positive news about his back leading up to Week 15. We'll continue to monitor his practice status this week.

The byes are over. As of next week, all 16 teams are back in the pool.

And the Week 15 schedule is unusual, to say the least.

It’s a joint CBS/FOX doubleheader weekend, and each network will broadcast an awesome late afternoon game. CBS has the 10-3 Bills at the 12-1 Lions. Fox has the 10-3 Steelers at the 11-2 Eagles.

Elsewhere at 4:25 p.m. ET, the 7-6 Bucs visit the 8-5 Chargers in a game that oozes with playoff implications. Also, the 6-7 Colts travel to Denver to face the 8-5 Broncos in a showdown highly relevant to the wild-card chase.

That’s four late-afternoon games with significant relevance to both teams.

The story pointed out that the early Sunday window features: Cowboys-Panthers, Chiefs-Browns, Dolphins-Texans, Jets-Jaguars, Commanders-Saints, Ravens-Giants and Bengals-Titans. Monday night is a staggered doubleheader featuring Bears-Vikings and Falcons-Raiders. From a fantasy angle, Week 15 is the first week of the playoffs for many fantasy leagues. With so many of the top teams playing later in the day Sunday, it also means owners will have to wait a bit for a lot of the key fantasy players from these same teams. And, any injuries could force fantasy owners to make tough decisions about players in the early window.

Isaac Guerendo doesn't seem concerned about the foot sprain he suffered today.

Related players: Patrick Taylor, Israel Abanikanda

Guerendo was having a great fantasy day and was the team's clear RB1 against the Bears before leaving with a foot sprain. There are a couple of reports out there, including this one which comes from the Mercury News, saying Guerendo leaving was just precautionary, and that he "feels great." Other reports don't necessarily mention that. Hopefully we'll learn more today. What complicates this injury is the Niners take on the Rams on Thursday night, so it's a short week. We'll at least learn more as the practice week goes on. If Guerendo can 't go, Taylor is up next with newly-signed Abanikanda after that.

Sources: Raiders fear QB Aidan O'Connell suffered a season-ending knee injury today vs Tampa Bay.

Related players: Desmond Ridder, Carter Bradley

O'Connell is undergoing additional testing to confirm the full severity, but it looks like the Raiders will have to turn to yet another QB this season. Next up should be Ridder, which probably doesn't do a lot to change the fantasy potential of this offense. There is likely to be big changes on the Raiders next season and QB could be one of them.

Saints QB Derek Carr is feared to have suffered a broken left (non-throwing) hand during Sunday’s game against the Giants.

Carr was attempting to run and dive for a first down during the fourth quarter when he suffered the injury. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi also said Carr was being evaluated for a concussion but did not confirm whether Carr was in the concussion protocol. Jake Haener took over and finished the game. The Saints are 5-8 but are only two games behind the 7-6 Buccaneers in the NFC South. We should know more about the injury and a potential timeline Monday.

Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell was carted off the field with a leg injury during Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers.

O’Connell was given an air cast, which is usually a sign of a bad injury, just like what we saw with Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson. Yet another quarterback injury for Vegas, who also lost Gardner Minshew to a shoulder injury. Desmond Ridder is now in at quarterback. The Raiders currently do not have another quarterback on the active roster.

Panthers RB Jonathan Brooks was carted off the field with a knee injury during Sunday’s game against the Eagles.

Brooks spent most of the season recovering from his ACL injury last season at Texas, only coming back a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, it’s the same knee. No word on the severity of the injury yet. We’ll keep an eye on this one.

Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is off the injury report and is good to go for Monday against the Bengals.

Lamb is still dealing with an AC joint injury but did practice Friday and Saturday (the Cowboys held a walkthrough Saturday). Lamb has said he’s been dealing with the injury for a few weeks but that he does have full range of motion and should be fine for Monday. He officially has no game designation for the game. Lamb is our WR10 this week.

Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase is off the injury report and is good to go for Monday Night Football against the Cowboys.

Chase was limited Thursday with an ankle injury but has no problems now and does not have a game designation. The Bengals are fighting to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. Having Chase healthy does help. Given the talent and the weakness of Dallas’ defense, Chase is our No. 1 wide receiver this week.

Jets running back Breece Hall was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.

Hall was originally listed as doubtful with a knee injury. Ultimately, his chances of playing were low anyway. Now, that chance is zero. This opens the door for rookie Braelon Allen to get more work with fellow rookie Isaiah Davis behind him.

The Eagles placed tight end Dallas Goedert on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Goedert suffered the injury during Sunday’s win over the Ravens. Technically, Goedert can return for Week 18 against the Giants, but it’s more likely the Eagles will just hold him out until the playoffs. The Eagles are still in contention for a first-round bye, which could give Goedert an extra week of rest. The Eagles signed E.J. Jenkins from their practice squad Saturday and, earlier in the week, signed C.J. Uzomah from their practice squad. Look for the Eagles to find their future tight end in April’s draft.

The Saints have placed TE Taysom Hill (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season.

Related Players: Juwan Johnson, Foster Moreau

We're projecting for Johnson to be the biggest beneficiary of the hybrid tight end missing the rest of this season, and he makes for a good streaming option for managers in need on this week with six byes.

Injury report:
OUT
Ryan Bates
Elijah Hicks
Roschon Johnson

QUESTIONABLE
D.J. Moore
D'Andre Swift

Related Players: Travis Homer, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze

Is it Travis Homer season? It certainly seems possible, and he should be snatched up just in case for teams desperate at the RB position.

Allen and Odunze would both get a hefty bump to their floor outcomes if Moore were to miss, as well.

Browns game status for Week 14:

Myles Harden, Juan Thornhill, Jamari Thrash are all listed as questionable.

Maurice Hurst, Sam Kamara, Cedric Tillman and Jed Wills are all out.

Related Players: Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore, David Njoku

Jeudy and Moore should continue to see more targets in a pass-heavy Jameis Winston-led offense. Jeudy should be considered a WR2, with Moore coming in as a low-end WR3.

Breece Hall (knee) and Sauce Gardner (hamstring) are doubtful for Sunday at Miami per Ulbrich and C.J. Mosley (neck) is headed to injured reserve.

Related Players: Braelon Allen, Isaiah Davis

Stashing Allen has officially paid off. The rookie should carry the brunt of the work against the Dolphins, which makes him a low-end RB2.

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) is practicing once more, as he trends towards playing for the first time since Nov. 14.

I did not see Dallas Goedert (knee), Sydney Brown (knee), or Reed Blankenship (concussion). Britain Covey (neck) and Johnny Wilson (hamstring), who were limited yesterday, are present.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, Jahan Dotson, Grant Calcaterra

Calcaterra will have a great matchup against the Panthers secondary, but he can safely be left on waiver wires.

As for Smith, it looks like his hamstring is all healed up, which makes him a low-end WR2 in a game the Eagles should be able to do whatever they want on offense.

Ja'Tavion Sanders is ready to go Sunday. Jadeveon Clowney should play too, per Canales.

Related Players: Tommy Tremble

Great news for the rookie, but it does muck up a pretty great situation for TE streaming purposes. Tremble was an interesting target in deep leagues, but the two will likely cap the fantasy aspirations of the other. Keep Sanders in mind for a nice matchup against the Cowboys in Week 15.

Raiders HC Antonio Pierce said QB Aidan O'Connell (illness) and WR Jakobi Meyers (ankle) are "full go," will practice today and are on track to play against the Bucs on Sunday. They didn't practice yesterday.

Related Players: Tre Tucker, Terrace Marshall, Kristian Wilkerson

O'Connell can be left off starting lineups unless you're desperate for a QB streamer, but Meyers profiles as an intriguing low-end WR2 against a Buccaneers secondary that has allowed the league's highest schedule-adjusted fantasy points to the position.

WR Jalen Coker is doubtful for Sunday.

Related Players: Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, David Moore

The rookie had some decent games heading into the team's Week 11 bye, but hasn't been able to see the field in the two weeks since. He's a safe drop in most every league size but remains an interesting Dynasty hold as we look ahead to 2025.

CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) has no doubts he will play Monday. "It comes with the territory man. It’s about being a baller and it’s about going out there and sacrificing, putting yourself out there for your guys. And that’s what I'm doing. As far as Monday goes, I’ll be fine by then."

Related Players: KaVontae Turpin, Jalen Tolbert, Brandin Cooks

The Cowboys have a great MNF matchup against a Bengals defense ranking 30th in WR aFPA, so this is great news for Lamb managers. Consider him a volume-based WR1 for Week 14.

Malik Nabers will not practice today and has a hip flexor. A new injury Giants. Brian Daboll not sure about Sunday. Nabers is not ruled out at this time.

Related Players: Wan'Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt

If Nabers ends up missing this week, Robinson is definitely a target for PPR leagues, but the rest of the group should probably be faded. This likely would also bump Tyrone Tracy's floor a tad, making him a no-doubt RB2 against a leaky Saints run defense.

Today’s Bucs-Raiders injury report…Mike Evans and Bucky Irving still not practicing. Talked to Evans today though and he said, “I’m feeling good. Played close to 70 plays the last game. Felt…really good shape. I’m getting very close.”

Related Players: Rachaad White, Sean Tucker, Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Rakim Jarrett

We don't need to panic quite yet, but we're coming up against it if Evans and Irving don't practice on Friday. While the WR2s aren't particularly interesting, Rachaad White would be an easy click in Week 14 if Irving misses the game.

These Packers are off the injury report and expected to play Thursday night: RB Josh Jacobs (calf), DL Kenny Clark (rest), TE John FitzPatrick (back), OL Elgton Jenkins (knee), C Josh Myers(pectoral), tackle Rasheed Walker (knee) and DL Colby Wooden(shoulder).

Related Players: Emanuel Wilson, Chris Brooks

The Packers are content to run the peak-years Josh Jacobs into the ground, and we should do the same in our Fake Football lineups. With 20-25 opportunities in the mix on any given week, there's no reason to consider Jacobs anything but an RB1.

The Eagles listed WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) as a full participant on today's estimated injury report.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, Jahan Dotson, Britain Covey

Fantastic news for the Eagles, who decided to simply lean on Saquon Barkley with their WR2 void in Week 13. This should hopefully add lump humph to Jalen Hurts' menial passing totals, with Smith considered a fringe WR2/3 in Week 14.

Titans HC Brian Callahan said WR Treylon Burks underwent surgery on his torn ACL and he will be out for the season.

Related Players: Calvin Ridley, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Burks never could find a holding in the starting lineup, with or without DeAndre Hopkins on the team. It's been a disappointing first three seasons for the former first-round rookie, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he looks for a fresh start as we head into 2025.

Ravens EVP and GM Eric DeCosta announced that Diontae Johnson’s one-game suspension stemmed from the wide receiver refusing to enter Sunday’s game against the Eagles.

Related Players: Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Devontez Walker

Yikes. If you haven't already, Johnson is completely free to be dropped to waiver wires for the remainder of the 2024 season.

And the winner of the Bengals workout: Cade York. The former Browns and Commanders kicker is being added to Cincy’s practice squad, sources say. He’s in line to kick while Evan McPherson is sidelined.

York gets a good matchup against a Cowboys defense that figures to have their hands full handling the Bengals explosive passing attack. The vet makes for a great streaming option for managers who lost McPherson, or are staring at their kicker on a bye.

The Giants plan to start Drew Lock at quarterback on Sunday against the Saints, per coach Brian Daboll.

Tommy DeVito (forearm) will be limited at practice.

Either option is someone we should be targeting with opposing D/STs, not as a fantasy-viable starter. Malik Nabers is the only Giants option we can confidently start, with Tyrone Tracy a fringe RB2/3, even in a great matchup.

The Eagles have signed veteran TE CJ Uzomah to the active roster.

Related Players: Dallas Goedert, Grant Calcaterra

Probably not the best sign for Goedert's Week 14 availability, as this lends some veteran presence to the passing and blocking game. The Eagles TEs are an easy fade, even in a good matchup against the Panthers.

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson tells reporters that QB Trevor Lawrence is in the NFL's concussion protocol and won't practice today.

Related Players: Mac Jones

We shouldn't expect Lawrence to return in Week 14, and there's a chance he doesn't return next week, either. Consider Jones out of streaming viability, even with a decent matchup @ the Titans.

The Raiders used up their temporary practice squad elevations for running back Sincere McCormick, so they made a more lasting roster move on Tuesday.

McCormick has been signed to the 53-man roster in Las Vegas. Wide receiver D.J. Turner was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Related players: Alexander Mattison, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah

McCormick played in the last two games for the Raiders as they were missing Mattison and White due to injuries. McCormick ran 12 times for 64 yards in last Friday’s loss to the Chiefs and he had five carries for 33 yards against the Broncos in Week 12, the story said. McCormick led the way for the Raiders against the Chiefs with 12 carries to Abdullah's 10. McCormick may be worth a pickup and stash at this point, as the Raiders are trying to figure out their roster for 2025. Mattison, White and Abdullah don't necessarily offer much future upside at the position, so it's possible the team will see what they have with McCormick going forward. However, keep an eye on the injury statuses of Mattison and White. The Raiders are at Tampa Bay in Week 14.

Austin Ekeler's response when asked whether he could return this season:

"It's week to week. I want to continue to learn more. It's my second concussion (this season). Am I more susceptible to a third now that I've had two and the severity of mine? It's a learning process for me because I've never had anything this bad and twice in the same season. ... The best thing about is the team has my back ... I really appreciate DQ (Dan Quinn) and Adam Peters for being there."

Related players: Brian Robinson, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez

It doesn't seem like Ekeler has a timetable and the week to week tag indicates it could be some time. Ekeler is clearly concerned about this long-term well-being. From a fantasy angle, Robinson should continue to lead the way with McNichols seeing the passing down work. Rodriguez may be a guy to pick up in deeper leagues as a stash, especially if Ekeler ends up missing significant time. Rodriguez got some mop-up time and ended up carrying the ball 13 times for 94 yards, adding a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Titans.

The 49ers were down to one healthy running back on their active roster, so they added another one off the waiver wire on Tuesday.

The NFL’s daily transaction report shows that they have claimed Israel Abanikanda off of waivers from the Jets. Abanikanda was let go on Monday when the Jets signed running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu to the 53-man roster.

Christian McCaffrey was officially moved to injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Related players: Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

Guerendo is expected to take over the team's RB1 role with Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason both heading to IR. Abanikanda should be a familiar name to those in dynasty circles. He was a 2023 fifth-round pick but at the time was buried on the depth chart with the Jets, and he never earned much of a role on offense and didn’t play in the regular season this year, the story said. He appeared in six games as a rookie and ran 22 times for 70 yards while catching seven passes for 43 yards, the story added. The team also signed Vaughn to their practice squad.

The Vikings have started the clock on getting a couple of special teamers back in the lineup.

The team announced on Tuesday that kicker Will Reichard and long snapper Andrew DePaola have been designated for return from injured reserve.

Related players: Parker Romo

Romo has gone 11-of-12 on field goals and 7-of-8 on extra points with Reichard out of the lineup. It's not yet clear which kicker will be in action this week. The Vikings are in the early Sunday window at home against the Falcons.

Bucky Irving ran 25 times for 152 yards and a touchdown and caught three passes for 33 yards to continue a strong stretch.

The 25 carries were the most for a Bucs back this season and it’s a sign of changing balance with Rachaad White, who also had a 38-yard run to set up the game-winning field goal in overtime. Head coach Todd Bowles said Irving’s increased comfort level in the offense is the reason for the shift.

Related players: Sean Tucker

“He’s getting more comfortable with the offense,"Bowles said, via the team’s website. “The more comfortable he gets, the more you can give him, the more he can do. Both are running well — we’re happy with both of them. Bucky has a skill you can’t teach — he can make people miss in the hole. He’s tough on the inside. Rachaad had a big run at the end of the game, as well. Using them both together seems to be working out for us.”

The story pointed out Irving’s rate of missed tackles ranks first in the league, so that skill Bowles identified is one that the rookie is putting to good use. The story also pointed out Irving has now scored in three straight games while rushing for 313 yards and catching 12 passes for 111 yards in those contests. White is still a factor, but Irving looks like he's taken over as the top back. Tucker, meanwhile, has had five touches since Week 10, a span of three games, and they all came in Week 12. Tucker had zero touches in Week 10 and Week 13.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford came out of Sunday’s victory over the Saints with an injury.

Coach Sean McVay said, via Jourdan Rodrigue of TheAthletic.com, that Stafford has a lateral ankle sprain, but the injury should not affect Stafford’s practice time or game status, the story said. The Rams play the Bills on Sunday and the Rams are in the thick of the NFC West Division race. The story added Stafford has taken 11 sacks and 25 hits the past four games and has been sacked 28 times this season.

Jim Harbaugh said that Ladd McConkey (knee) is “working through a couple things.”

Harbaugh added and that the team will evaluate where he’s at as the week progresses. The post went on to say, when asked about the possibility of McConkey practicing this week, Harbaugh said, “We’ll see.” This certainly has a different tone it seems. Hopefully we get a clearer picture of McConkey's status for Week 14. The Chargers travel to KC for a Sunday night game, so owners are going to need some kind of backup plan if McConkey comes down to a game-time call and ends up not playing.

Per Kyle Shanahan, 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey us going back on IR with his PCL injury.

Related players: Isaac Guerendo, Deebo Samuel, Jordan Mason

It’s a 6 week recovery time for CMC, the post went on to say. It's possible he could return if the Niners make a long playoff run, but for this fantasy season, McCaffrey is done. Sandler, in a separate post, mentioned that Mason will also go on IR with a high ankle sprain, leaving Guerendo as the assumed RB1. The Niners will have to make a move to bring in more running backs, but the team did trade up in the fourth round to pick Guerendo, so it's possible they give him a legit chance the rest of the season. He should be a popular pickup off the wire this week.

Giants placed DT Dexter Lawrence and TE Theo Johnson on season-ending injured reserve.

Related players: Daniel Bellinger, Chris Manhertz, Greg Dulcich

Since Week 9, a span of four games, Johnson averaged nearly six targets a game and in Week 13 he tied a season high of five catches with a season high of 54 yards against the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. Johnson will likely see a new coaching staff in 2025, but also a new QB and hopefully an improved offense overall.

Harbaugh said that Rashod Bateman has a sore knee and he's getting treatment.
"It's not a long-term thing."

Related players: Diontae Johnson, Nelson Agholor, Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Justice Hill

There was no other timetable, according to the post. It's possible Bateman is good to go in Week 15, after the bye this week. If Bateman misses time, it's not likely another WR steps up as a fantasy factor at this point, especially with Andrews, Likely and Hill combining for 21 targets against the Eagles this past week.

The Commanders elevated kicker Zane Gonzalez from the practice squad for the third time this season on Sunday, which left them with the choice of signing Gonzalez to the active roster or finding someone else to do the kicking this week.

They opted for door No. 1. The team announced that they signed Gonzalez to their 53-man roster on Monday.

Related players: Austin Seibert

Gonzalez filled in for Seibert in two November Games and then returned for the win over the Titans after Seibert went on injured reserve last week, the story said.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said while Romeo Doubs is still in the concussion protocol, he has progressed to the point where he could possibly play.

The Packers are hoping to get Doubs back for Thursday Night Football in what is a huge game against the Lions. Hopefully Doubs continues to progress and we'll continue to monitor his practice status as the week goes on.

Saints coach Darren Rizzi said team is expected to open the practice window for both RB Kendre Miller and WR Bub Means this week as they're eligible to return from IR.

Related players: Alvin Kamara

Another beat reporter, Ross Jackson, went on add in a post on X that Miller will get a clean slate and it's "all gas, no brakes" when Miller gets back. With the Saints not going anywhere, the return of Miller could eat into Kamara's workload. Taysom Hill is out for the season, so Kamara may get an extra crack at the end zone now and then, but it's probably worth it for the Saints to get more looks at Miller to close out the season. It's just something for Kamara owners to keep in mind once Miller is back on the field.

Tests today confirmed that Saints TE Taysom Hill is out for the year with the knee injury he suffered Sunday, per source.

This was the fear after the injury happened during Sunday's game. Hill had six rushing touchdowns this season as that's the area where he did the most damage this year. The injury should open up more chances for Alvin Kamara, but the Saints lose another offensive weapon for the rest of the season. Hill is under contract with the Saints for one more season.

Ulbrich on whether Aaron Rodgers is week to week as the QB: “No, he’s our quarterback.”

Related players: Tyrod Taylor, Adrian Martinez

There are those who follow the team who think it's no lock Rodgers finishes out the season as the starter with all the struggles so far this year, but it looks like for Week 14 he'll be under center at least. There probably isn't much of an upside to play Taylor or Martinez at this point. But a move away from Rodgers also likely means the Jets are moving on for good, and it's possible they don't want to close that door just yet.

Bucky Irving said he’s feeling much better today than he did leaving the field last night. He also said he needs to get his offensive linemen something really nice for Christmas because of their blocking efforts.

Related players: Rachaad White, Sean Tucker

Irving was listed as questionable to return at one point, but was able to come back and play through the injury. He was injured in a kick return. There was also a concerning video of him limping to the locker room after the game. This will be worth watching this week. The Bucs have a home game against the Raiders during the early Sunday window of Week 14, so owners should have plenty of time to make adjustments depending on his status. Hopefully we'll know more as the week goes on, too.

Baker Mayfield got stepped on in the third quarter and initially worried that he might have suffered a season-ending injury.

Related players: Kyle Trask

Trask replaced him, but it turned out to be a one-play absence for the quarterback. Mayfield said, "I’ve seen some people pop their Achilles before and they say it feels like you got cleated. Obviously, not knowing what exactly happened that’s what I thought I did. It was a little painful, but I got taped again and went back out there.” Mayfield should be good to go despite not having his best game in Week 13. The Bucs host the Raiders in Week 14 in the early Sunday window.

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that evaluations of Dallas Goedert’s knee show that he avoided a major injury. More testing is coming on Monday, but the belief is that Goedert suffered a sprain.

Related players: Grant Calcaterra, C.J. Uzomah

Goedert had three catches for 35 yards and a touchdown in the 24-19 win. He missed three games earlier this year and has 38 catches for 441 yards and two touchdowns on the season, the story pointed out. The Eagles have a winnable game against the Panthers this coming week, so it may make sense to not rush Goedert back into action. The Eagles have also been without DeVonta Smith, and if that trend continues next week, Calcaterra may find himself getting some worthwhile, fantasy targets.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said after Sunday’s game that running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a potential season-ending PCL injury in his knee.

It’s been that kind of season for the 49ers, who have been decimated by injuries and fell to 5-7 after their 35-10 loss to the now five-time reigning AFC East champion Buffalo Bills. After missing the first eight games of the season with an Achilles injury, McCaffrey finally made his debut in Week 10. He’ll end up playing just four games this season. Not exactly what fantasy owners were hoping for when they spent a high draft pick on him. A vast majority of fantasy leagues saw McCaffrey go No. 1 overall. So it’s back to Jordan Mason, who rushed 13 times for 78 yards, one of the lone bright spots on a night where almost nothing went right offensively for the 49ers. Brock Purdy didn’t even reach 100 yards passing. Overall, it was yet another forgetful night for the reigning NFC champions and it’s the end of the line in 2024 for one of the most exciting running backs in the league.

Saints TE Taysom Hill will undergo an MRI Monday on his knee to determine the severity of the injury.

While nothing is official yet, there is worry that the knee injury is a season-ending one. The injury happened in the fourth quarter when Hill ran for a first down as the Saints were looking to make a comeback. His knee hit one of the Rams’ helmets. Very unfortunate for the Saints’ Swiss Army knife.

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey went to the locker room with what the team is calling a knee injury.

McCaffrey is questionable to return. McCaffrey took a toss early in the second quarter and went down on his own accord. The team initially said a knee injury but there is concern, though nothing official, that the injury could be his calf or even his Achilles again. Jordan Mason is now handling most of the backfield work while CMC is out.

Edit: McCaffrey may have injured his knee on the previous play before the toss. Him going down on the toss may have been more of him not feeling right when he started running. Either way, it’s an unfortunate setback after he waited quite a long time to finally play this season.

49ers QB Brock Purdy is active, Bills WR Keon Coleman is inactive for Sunday Night Football.

Purdy was questionable but trended towards playing with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss last week. It will be interesting to see how the 49ers handle him, given the injury and the weather conditions.

Coleman was limited in practice all week with a wrist injury, so it seems the Bills are being cautious with their rookie.

Saints TE Taysom Hill was carted off the field with a knee injury, later declared doubtful to return.

The injury occurred in the fourth quarter on a fourth down attempt in which Hill took the snap himself and ran for a first down. Hill had 47 totals yards before the injury, which hopefully isn’t too serious.

Ravens WR Rashod Bateman left Sunday’s game against the Eagles with a knee injury.

Bateman ended up not seeing a single target Sunday in a game where six different Ravens receivers have caught at least one pass.

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence left Sunday’s game against the Texans with a concussion.

Lawrence took a nasty hit from Texans LB Aziz Al-Shahir as he was sliding. A major brawl broke out the teams. Al-Shahir was ejected from the game. Mac Jones is now in the game for Jacksonville.