Pederson: Zach Ertz needs more time

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.