Team news: Washington Commanders

Former Eagles QB Marcus Mariota is signing with the Washington Commanders on a 1-year deal with a base value of $6 million and upside to $10 million, per source.

Related Players: Sam Howell

The Commanders sign further insurance for the quarterback room, in case their eventual rookie signal-caller has problems getting up to speed.

Veteran RB Austin Ekeler is signing with the Commanders on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million.

Related Players: Brian Robinson, Chris Rodriguez

The Brian Robinson bellcow role lasted about two hours, but the Commanders backs have company now. Ekeler had clearly lost a step last season, but a veteran pass-catching presence in the backfield will be an obvious plus. Ekeler should carve out a role that puts him in RB2 conversation, while Robinson holds onto a goal-line role that makes him almost as fantasy viable.

Former Commanders' running back Antonio Gibson is expected to join the Patriots.

Related Players: Rhamondre Stevenson, Ezekiel Eliott, Brian Robinson, Chris Rodriguez

The Patriots backfield looks like it's going to be an absolute nightmare for fantasy purposes, as part of one of the worst offenses in the league. Gibson shouldn't be more than a late-round dart.

This should leave Brian Robinson as the bellcow in Washington.

Bears practice report:

DNP: Darnell Mooney, Cole Kmet
Limited: Lucas Patrick
Full: Teven Jenkins, Noah Sewell, Equanimeous St. Brown

Related Players: D.J. Moore, Byron Pringle, Dante Pettis, Robert Tonyan

Justin Fields' legs yet again saved a mediocre passing game last week, and it looks like he may have to do without some of his best weapons yet again. D.J. Moore should be peppered with targets upon his return, which will make him a safe WR2 for Championship Week.

The Commanders placed RB Chris Rodriguez Jr (ankle) on IR. Ends his season early.

Related Players: Brian Robinson, Antonio Gibson, Derrick Gore

After a key injury to Brian Robinson, we got to see a little bit more of the rookie, including a two-touchdown in Week 16, which was nice for dynasty owners who took a stab in rookie drafts. There's a chance that Antonio Gibson gets a huge workload ahead of a touch matchup against the 49ers in Week 17.

Commanders ruled out RB Brian Robinson for Sunday’s game vs. the Jets.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez

Chris Rodriguez took a surprising amount of early-down work last week, and should have a decent RB3 role, particularly in Standard or point-per-carry leagues. Gibson should maintain the pass-catching role and be an asset in half-PPR leagues as an RB3 in his own right.

DeVonta Smith hadn’t been practicing in full because of a knee injury. This latest inclusion on the report is for a new knee injury he suffered in the game.

Related Players: A.J. Brown, Julio Jones, Quez Watkins, Olamide Zaccheaus

A.J. Brown could me in for a monster workload as the Eagles begin the easiest stretch of their season. None of the receiving options behind him should be trusted if Smith were to miss this week.

Ian Rapoport said Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is still dealing with an illness, but speculated that most players who deal with an illness tend to play.

Related players: Marcus Mariota

Rapoport said Hurts was seemingly was OK, but then got worse and was listed as questionable. Hurts flew separate from the team to Seattle to avoid spreading the illness. We'll likely know more about Hurts' status as the day goes on.

Commanders RB Brian Robinson (hamstring) is out Sunday vs. the Rams.

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez

This is shaping up as a good week for Antonio Gibson has an RB2, while Chris Rodriguez can be considered a desperation FLEX play with some touchdown equity in a game that has the potential to be a shootout.

Practice report:
DNP
LB Jamin Davis
TE Curtis Hodges (back)
RB Brian Robinson (hamstring)
DE James Smith-Williams (hamstring)

Limited

C Tyler Larsen (knee)

Full

CB Emmanuel Forbes (elbow)
G Saahdiq Charles (calf)

Related Players: Antonio Gibson, Chris Rodriguez

Not looking good for Robinson's Week 15 availability, as his injury came halfway through the team's Week 13 game, immediately before their bye week. GIbson logged 14 opportunities for 72 total yards two weeks ago, and would figure to be the RB1 once again, presenting a solid fantasy floor against the Rams.