Team news: Washington Commanders | Page 30

Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is practicing Wednesday as he works his way back from a serious hamstring injury.

It looks like Ekeler has a chance to suit up this week but his practice status should be monitored to ensure he does not suffer any setbacks as hamstring injuries are notoriously difficult to come back from. Ekeler should immediately reclaim a large role in the Chargers backfield upon his return and will render Kalen Ballage, Justin Jackson, and Joshua Kelley pure backup options.

Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson told reporters on Wednesday that tight end Zach Ertz is "trending in the right direction" to play Week 12 against Seattle.
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The Eagles and Seahawks don't play until Monday night so this could be headache for those rostering Ertz or teammate Dallas Goedert. Ertz has sat out the last five weeks on injured reserve as he recovers from a significant ankle sprain. Ertz's return would put a serious dent in Goedert's previously growing fantasy appeal.

Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin took a step in the right direction at practice on Tuesday. McLaurin was listed as a non-participant on Monday’s estimated practice report, but moved up to a limited session with the team back on the field.

McLaurin, who leads the team with 62 catches and 871 receiving yards, is dealing with an ankle injury. McLaurin looks to be trending up for Thursday's game at Dallas.

The Chargers plan to designate RB Austin Ekeler for return from injured reserve this week, per source.

Related players: Kalen Ballage, Joshua Kelley

Pelissero said it's not yet clear if he’ll play Sunday against the Bills, but Ekeler will practice for the first time since a significant hamstring injury in Week 4. The designated for return tag means his 21-day window will open. Ballage has been running as the lead back but Ekeler would likely jump right into that role again, making Ballage and Kelley backups.

Raheem Morris says they don't know right now if Julio Jones will be in or out for Sunday's game against the Raiders. Morris said the Falcons could make it a "game-time decision" with Julio if need be.

Related players: Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage, Olamide Zaccheaus, Christian Blake

If Jones can't go, Ridley would be the team's WR1 with Gage likely remaining as the slot guy and WR3. That means Zaccheaus could slide in Jones' spot and be a potential sneaky start. The Falcons host the Raiders in an early afternoon game on Sunday so Jones owners will know in advance and have time to adjust lineups.

Washington snap counts vs. Cincy
Offense - 62 snaps
WR
Terry McLaurin: 57 (92%)
Cam Sims: 52 (84%)
Steve Sims: 20 (32%)

Cam Sims caught just two balls for 20 yards while Steve Sims had the team's touchdown, but with those kind of snap totals, bigger fantasy numbers could be in the future for Cam. Week 10 he had a 4-54-0 line and in Week 9 a 3-110-0 line. He's a name to keep an eye on for those needing WR help. You'll likely want to see more consistency before plugging him in lineups.

Eagles HC Doug Pederson told reporters that TE Zach Ertz "needs more time" before he is activated.

Related Players: Dallas Goedert, Richard Rodgers

This frees up Goedert and Rodgers to be tight end plays for another week. If Ertz returns next week, Rodgers fades out of the fantasy picture until another injury happens.

Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who suffered a mid-foot sprain against the Panthers on Oct. 29, is trying to make it back to face the Saints on Sunday.

He ran off to the side with the trainers on Monday, noted Falcons interim coach Raheem Morris.

Related players: Olamide Zaccheaus, Brandon Powell, Christian Blake

Morris said the team should have a better feel for Ridley's status on Wednesday. The team hopes to have him in individual drills and team work as well. With Ridley out against the Broncos, backup receivers Zaccheaus, Powell and Blake all caught passes. Zaccheaus caught a 51-yard touchdown pass and Powell had his first career touchdown catch, the story said.