Eagles Beat: Wendell Smallwood could be workhorse RB if Ryan Mathews is out

Nov 22, 2016

The Eagles enter the week of preparation for Green Bay a little light at running back.

Both Ryan Mathews (knee) and Darren Sproles (rib fracture) left Sunday's game early and did not return. Head coach Doug Pederson said Mathews is day to day and Sproles won't practice early in the week but is expected to be back for the game on Monday against the Packers.

Aside from Mathews and Sproles, the Eagles have just Kenjon Barner and rookie Wendell Smallwood as their other running backs.

Based on Sunday, it seems like if Mathews isn't ready to play, Smallwood would become the Eagles' workhorse running back.

Fantasy Impact:

The story speculates Mathews won't be ready. We've already seen Sproles take 10-15 carries this year while Mathews was dealing with a tooth issue but Sproles now has a rib problem. Smallwood will likely be a big pickup this week and should get enough touches to warrant a start as long as Mathews is out. He'll still come with risks with Sproles and Barner in the mix for touches. Keep in mind this game is Monday night.

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.