Caldwell: QB Matthew Stafford (finger) will play Week 15

Dec 12, 2016

Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell rarely begins his news conferences with an opening statement. But he had one Monday.

Yes, Matthew Stafford injured his finger. Yes, he will play on Sunday against the New York Giants. No, don't ask him about it.

"He did have an issue with his finger, there's no question," Caldwell said. "He's going to be able to play in the next game, he's going to practice and those things."

Fantasy Impact:

The story pointed out that one complicating factor could be the weather. This is Detroit's first and only cold-weather game of the year, at the Giants, and freezing temperatures could affect anybody's ability to grip the football. And that's especially true of a quarterback who struggled to grip the football indoors because of a dislocated finger. Early forecasts have temps in the low to mid 40s as highs for next Sunday.

yesterday

Cowboys hope to get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back for Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:55 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said he's hoping Cowboys will get WR Brandin Cooks (knee) back this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Cooper Rush will get the start at QB again against the Commanders in Week 12. CeeDee Lamb led the way with 12 targets vs. the Texans, but it was Luke Schoonmaker, who took over after Jake Ferguson left with a concussion, who had 10 targets which was most behind Lamb. The addition of Cooks should help the Cowboys offense in what is a good matchup against the Commanders defense. For the fantasy world, Rush did end up throwing for 354 yards.

Cowboys will start Cooper Rush at QB in Week 12

Calvin Watkins on X

yesterday · 5:48 PM EST

Mike McCarthy said Cooper Rush "will be the starter" this week against Washington and a package of plays will be formed for Trey Lance.

Fantasy Impact:

McCarthy came out and said he regrets not giving Lance a chance to run the offense in the loss to the Texans on Monday Night, but even after that the team is going forward with Rush in Week 12 against the Commanders. One would have to assume Rush gets the start the following week as well, which is a short week and a game on Thanksgiving Day game against the Giants.

49ers TE George Kittle (hamstring) 'close' to playing in Week 11

The Athletic

yesterday · 3:18 PM EST

Shanahan said George Kittle was “close” to playing against Seattle and should be able to practice Wednesday.

Fantasy Impact:

It's at least a good sign Kittle is expected to practice Wednesday. The hope is he will be ready to go in Week 12. The 49ers play at the Packers, and it's in the later Sunday window so owners will certainly want to pay attention to what kind of work Kittle can get in this week at practice.