December 2021 4for4 Player News Articles

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo (thumb) is doubtful for Week 17, while RB Elijah Mitchell (knee) is questionable to play against the Houston Texans.

Related Player: Trey Lance

It is Trey Lance time by the bay. His rushing floor makes him an interesting DFS play and iffy season-long start.

Saints WR Deonte Harris has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

If his conditioning is good, Harris should play immediately.

Saints WR Tre'Quan Smith (chest) will not play Week 17, while RB Mark Ingram (knee) and WRs Lil'Jordan Humphrey (illness) and Ty Montgomery (back) are questionable to play against the Carolina Panthers.

None of these players are must-starts Week 17, but Ingram is the closest to a flex play of the group.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (ankle) and WR Marquise Brown (illness) are questionable for Week 17 against the Los Angeles Rams.

Related Player: Tyler Huntley

Expect Brown to play, but if Jackson is active, he could be extremely limited based on video taken of him during practice.

Seahawks RB Alex Collins (abdomen) is questionable for Week 17 against the Detroit Lions.

Related Player: Rashaad Penny

Collins is the most likely player to cut into Penny's carries, but Collins is best left on the waiver wire Championship week.

Cardinals RB James Conner (heel) and WR Rondale Moore (ankle) are questionable for Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Related Players: Chase Edmonds, Andy Isabella

Both players are needed as the Cardinals try to get set for the playoffs. Conner has TD upside and Moore is more of a desperation flex play.

Chargers TE Jared Cook has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Colts TE Jack Doyle (knee/ankle) is questionable for Week 17 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Look for Doyle to suit up. He has been Indy's best tight end over the past month.

Patriots RB Damien Harris (hamstring) and WR Jakobi Meyers (thigh) are questionable for Week 17, while Nelson Agholor (concussion) will not play against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week.

Expect Meyers and Harris to play and be useful enough as secondary options. Harris has a chance to be an RB1 against the Jaguars at his ceiling.

Vikings TE Tyler Conklin (hamstring) is questionable for Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers.

With Sean Mannion starting, Conklin has little value outside of a dump-off option. Avoid Conklin if you can.

Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (shoulder) is questionable for Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Related Player: Darrel Williams

Williams will already see enough carries to dip into CEH's value, so both could be RB2 plays this week.

Bucs WRs Antonio Brown (ankle), Mike Evans (hamstring), and Tyler Johnson (quad) are questionable for Week 17 against the New York Jets.

Related Players: Scott Miller, Jalen Darden, Breshad Perriman

If Evans and Brown miss Week 17, it may be best to avoid Bucs wideouts, even in a good matchup against the Jets.

Jets WR Jamison Crowder (calf) is doubtful for Week 17 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Related Players: Braxton Berrios, Denzel Mims, Keelan Cole

Berrios gets the biggest boost of the Jets receivers for Week 17.

Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Giants WR Kadarius Toney (shoulder) will not play Week 17 against the Chicago Bears.

That leaves Darius Slayton and Kenny Golladay as the starters and not much else. Start them at your own peril.

Bears QB Justin Fields (ankle) is questionable for Week 17 against the New York Giants.

Andy Dalton is starting and Nick Foles is the back-up, so take from that what you will.

WFT WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) is questionable for Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Samuel's season has been a disaster and if active, he is nothing more than waiver wire fodder.

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni told reporters Friday that RB Jordan Howard (neck/stinger) will be questionable for Week 17 against the WFT.

The Eagles may be able to take it easy on Howard and sit him Week 17 with the WFT dealing with injuries and COVID. Monitor Sunday's inactives.

Buccaneers Assistant and interim HC Harold Goodwin told reporters Friday that WR Mike Evans (hamstring) will be a game-day decision.

Evans was activated from the COVID list Friday and made an appearance at practice Friday, so the hope is the rest helped. The Bucs WR room looks bleak without Evans.

Titans WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine was activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

His return is big, especially if Julio Jones is not activated from the COVID list.

Vikings QB Sean Mannion will be activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list and start Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers.

Move along. Nothing to see here.

WFT RB Antonio Gibson has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related Player: Jaret Patterson

Gibson is expected to miss Week 17 unless he somehow tests negative Saturday and Sunday.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and will miss Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers.

Related Players: Kyle Sloter, Kellen Mond

All of your Vikings skill position take a major hit Week 17.

Lions HC Dan Campbell told reporters Friday that QB Jared Goff (knee) is doubtful for Week 17. Tim Boyle will start.

Happy Week 17!

Jaguars WR Laviska Shenault was removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Play him at your own risk.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams has been activated from the reserve/COVID list.

Williams was set to miss Week 17 due to being unvaccinated but is able to make his return with the NFL changing the time players who test positive need to remain sidelined and in health and safety protocols. Mike Williams is currently our 27th ranked wide receiver for Week 17.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo missed Thursday's practice due to a thumb injury.

Jimmy G is dealing with a UCL sprain in his right thumb and has now missed two straight practices. Despite the injury, JImmy G sounds confident that he can play through it against the Houston Texans on Sunday. The quarterback insisted that he played through the injury for most of Week 16 and should be able to suit up as the 49ers attempt to clinch a postseason berth. With that said, he did admit that he and the coaching staff will remain in lockstep in looking out for the team's best interests. Trey Lance has taken all the first-team reps with Garoppolo sidelined and is currently our 14th ranked quarterback for Week 17.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner missed Thursday's practice due to a heel injury.

Conner was seen doing warmups early on Thursday, so reports surfaced that he was indeed practicing. That was not the case. The team's official injury report lists him as DNP, which is more in line with head coach Kliff Kingsbury's comments that Conner is going to be a game-time decision for Week 17. If Conner is ultimately ruled out, Chase Edmonds will be a no-doubt RB1 option. Edmonds is currently our 30th running back for Week 17.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown missed Thursday's practice due to a calf injury.

Brown was added to the injury report on Thursday with a calf injury. The injury appears to be a new one, as he was last listed with a chest injury while he was on injured reserve. Calf injuries can be tricky, so there is now legitimate concern regarding his Week 17 availability. Hopefully, Friday's practice and final injury report will clarify things for fantasy managers, but we could be heading towards a questionable or out tag. This is a situation to monitor.

New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.

Saquon returned to a limited session on Thursday after missing Wednesday's practice with an ankle injury. Saquon has struggled along with the rest of the Giants offense this season, and battling an ankle injury is not going to help matters. His return to practice is a good sign for his availability against the Chicago Bears, but we will get a better idea of his status for this weekend following the release of Friday's final injury report. Saquon is currently our 21st ranked running back for Week 17.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans returned to practice on Thursday.

Evans returned to practice on Thursday, suggesting that he has been activated from the reserve/COVID list. He reportedly looked noticeably fatigued running his routes, so perhaps he is still feeling some of the ill effects from his bout with COVID. If active, Evans will be a WR2 option for Week 17.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown did not participate in Thursday's practice.

Brown was not listed on Wednesday's injury report, so this appears to be a new injury for the wide receiver. We should get more information on the nature of the injury later today and should have a better idea of his Week 17 status following Friday's practice. Brown is currently our 24th ranked wide receiver for Week 17.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb has been designated to return from I.R.

Cobb had core muscle surgery during the Packers' bye week but appears to be nearing a return now that he has been designated to return. Cobb has been a relative disappointment during his second tenure with Green Bay but could make some noise if he starts to see consistent snaps and targets.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remains absent from practice due to an ankle injury.

Lamar was listed as limited on Wednesday, so the downgrade to a DNP on Thursday is concerning. With that said, Tyler Huntley returned to practice on Thursday, so perhaps the Ravens decided to be cautious with Huntley available to take first-team reps. According to reports, Lamar was noticeably limping badly during Wednesday's session. Huntley is currently our 11th ranked quarterback for Week 17.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell returned to the practice field on Thursday.

The oft-injured receiver is participating in his first practice since suffering a broken foot during Week 6. There was some hope that Campbell would be able to return to game action last week, so the return to practice should bode well for his Week 17 availability. The return to practice means that Campbell has been designated to return from short-term injured reserve.

Washington running back Antonio Gibson was not spotted during the portion on Thursday's practice open to the media.

Gibson was limited on Wednesday and looks to be headed towards a DNP on Thursday, putting his Week 17 status in doubt. The hip injury appears to be a new one for Gibson as he was listed with a shin injury on last week's injury report. We should have more clarity on his Week 17 availability following the release of the team's final injury report on Friday, but Gibson is likely headed towards a questionable tag. Washington plays in the early window this weekend, so fantasy managers will be able to adjust accordingly on Sunday morning. Gibson is currently our 21st ranked running back for Week 17.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner returned to practice on Thursday.

Conner did not do much work at practice on Wednesday, and according to head coach Kliff Kingsbury is set to be a game-time decision this weekend. With that said, logging what looks to be at least a limited practice on a Thursday bodes well for his chances of suiting up. However, the Cardinals will likely exercise caution with their lead back due to having already clinched a playoff berth. This is a situation to monitor, but fantasy managers will still want to have a contingency plan at the ready.

Packers WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Saints QBs Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian have been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Expect Hill to start Week 17 with Siemian as his back-up.

Bears QB Justin Fields (ankle) was limited in his first practice since injuring his ankle. QB Andy Dalton was a full participant.

Related Player: Nick Foles

Foles played well in his spot start Week 16 and is probably a better option than Dalton should Fields miss Week 17.

Lions QB Jared Goff (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Goff missed Week 16 due to COVID-19 protocols, so his knee injury is still causing problems ahead of Week 17.

Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown (ankle) was limited during Wednesday's practice.

Brown performed well Week 16 and is probably getting as much rest as possible. The Bucs are thin at wideout and need their last starter from Week 1 to stay healthy.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (ankle) and RB Kenneth Gainwell (ankle) were limited Wednesday, while RBs Jordan Howard (neck) and Miles Sanders (hand) did not practice.

Hurts is expected to play Week 17, while the Eagles RB situation is far from set.

Raiders TE Darren Waller has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related Player: Foster Moreau

*Inaudible groan*

49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo told reporters Wednesday that he believes he can play Week 17 despite a torn thumb UCL and fractured bone in his throwing hand. Garoppolo does not need surgery at this time.

Related Player: Trey Lance

Jimmy G is not stupid and knows an open door for Lance means his starting gig could go away in San Francisco. It is admirable that he wants to play, but we have seen multiple times this season that an injury to a QB's throwing hand is a major issue and he could do more damage with one hit. This is a situation to monitor heading into Sunday.

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wednesday that RB Trey Sermon " should be good to go this week" and is hoping RB Elijah Mitchell will be too.

Related Players: Jeff Wilson Jr., JaMycal Hasty

Nothing would make Shanahan happier than four healthy, capable running backs to play Week 17.

Panthers HC Matt Rhule told reporters Wednesday that Sam Darnold will start Week 17.

Related Player: Cam Newton

Darnold starting should not move the needle much, but the hope is that his return to starting can get WR D.J. Moore back on track.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid told reporters Wednesday that everyone on the active roster has cleared COVID protocols, meaning TE Travis Kelce has been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson practiced Wednesday, but showed limitations due to his sprained ankle.

Related Player: Josh Johnson

It is great to see Jackson practice, but it is clear he is far from healthy. If Jackson gets in limited practices Thursday and Friday he may play Week 17.

The Denver Broncos have added WR Tim Patrick to the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The New England Patriots have removed RB Rhamondre Stevenson from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Stevenson will rejoin the Patriots backfield with Damien Harris.

Cardinals HC Kliff Kingsbury told reporters Wednesday that RB James Conner (heel) and WR Rondale Moore (ankle) are expected to be game-day decisions Week 17.

Related Players: Chase Edmonds

Week 17's matchup is worse for Conner than Moore, but with the playoffs (and fantasy championships) in the balance, both are needed this week.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) and WR Kadarius Toney (shoulder) did not practice Wednesday.

The Giants are atop the list of teams that need the season to end with the myriad of injuries they have had. Both are desperately needed Week 17 against the Bears in Chicago.

The Houston Texans have activated WR Brandin Cooks from the reserve/COVID-19 list and is practicing Wednesday.

Vikings WR Adam Thielen underwent season-ending ankle surgery December 28.

Related Player: K.J. Osborn

Tough end to the season for one of the best red zone targets in the NFL. Osborn becomes a WR3/Flex Week 17.

Lions HC Dan Campbell told reporters Wednesday that RB D'Andre Swift (shoulder) will play Weeks 17 and 18. "We'll shut him down after Green Bay,” Campbell said.

Related Players: Jamaal Williams, Craig Reynolds

The Lions backfield situation is officially too murky to feel good about any of their options.

Broncos QB Drew Lock is expected to start Week 17 as Teddy Bridgewater continues to recover from a concussion.

No need to rush Bridgewater back after Lock played well enough Week 16.

Vikings RB Dalvin Cook has been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

As long as his conditioning is good, fire up Cook Week 17.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have activated WR Breshad Perriman from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Perriman should line up as a starter with the Buccaneers missing Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.

The Buffalo Bills activated WRs Cole Beasley and Gabriel Davis from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The Bills get reinforcements ahead of Championship Week in fantasy football. Both are viable against the Falcons Week 17.

John Madden, a legendary figure known to one generation as a Hall of Fame coach, another generation as the sport’s greatest announcer, and yet another generation for the video game that bears his name, has died at the age of 85.

The NFL announced Madden’s passing today.

As the story said, as great a coach as he was, he did more for the sport after he retired from coaching. In the broadcasting booth, Madden became a sensation, not just the best broadcaster in football but one of the most popular figures in America, as famous as any movie star but as down-to-earth as any guy you’d talk about sports with at the barbershop. Everyone loved him. If you missed it, there was a great tribute to Madden, called All-Madden, that was broadcast on Fox on Christmas Day.

The NFL informed clubs that unvaccinated players who tested positive for COVID-19 in recent days -- including #Colts QB Carson Wentz and LB Darius Leonard and #Chargers WR Mike Williams -- are now eligible to play Sunday provided symptoms have improved, per sources.

We reported earlier today the league and the NFLPA were in talks about this. You can read the complete memo on Pelissero's Twitter page. But some keys are vaccinated players can test out in less than five days. The five days is mandatory for unvaccinated players but it will allow those tested early in the week to still have a chance to play in the next game - obviously very important with the upcoming playoffs.

With two games remaining in the 2021 regular season, the Jacksonville Jaguars have begun searching for the franchise's next head coach. The Jaguars have requested to speak to Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Rick Stroud and ESPN's Adam Schefter. The Jaguars have also requested to speak with Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, per Schefter. The Jaguars have also put in an interview request with Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

The Jaguars will speak this week with former Eagles coach Doug Pederson, according to Pelissero. Pederson is currently on a semi-sabbatical after being relieved of his duties last season after five seasons in Philadelphia. Pederson led the Eagles to a 46-39-1 overall record that included the franchise's first Super Bowl victory at the end of the 2017 season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians has tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently isolating at his home, the team announced Tuesday afternoon.

Given the potential new guidelines, Arians could possibly be back before Sunday. Luckily for the Bucs, they only play the Jets. "Harold Goodwin will take over my duties during my absence. I have complete confidence in him and the rest of our coaching staff to prepare the team for this week's game against the Jets," Arians said in a statement.

NFL and NFLPA are getting close to adopting the new CDC guidelines.

The guidelines would reduce the quarantine time to five days from 10 days for all players, including those who are unvaccinated. The agreement could be done today, per sources. Most recently, Carson Wentz, who is unvaccinated, was placed on the COVID list, so this could potentially bring him back before Sunday's game, assuming the two sides agree to the terms in time.

The Indianapolis Colts have placed starting quarterback Carson Wentz on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Tuesday.

Related players: Sam Ehlinger, Brett Hundley

It is unclear if Wentz was put on the list as a close contact or if he tested positive, but either way he will miss Sunday's key game against the Las Vegas Raiders, because he's an unvaccinated player. If he's a close contact he must quarantine for five days and then could return if he tested negative. If he tested positive he must quarantine for 10 days, according to the story. Rookie Ehlinger, barring the Colts bringing in a quarterback from the outside or going with practice squad quarterback Hundley, will start against the Raiders. Ehlinger missed the start of the regular season due to a knee injury suffered in a preseason game at Detroit.

After the win, Bucs head coach Bruce Arians was asked if he thinks Ke'Shawn Vaughn has a future as the team’s third-down back.

“No, I think he’s a lead back,” Arians said, via Zach Goodall of SI.com. “He has great running skills, excellent jump-cut ability and he’s worked on his hands. His hands are better. He dropped [a pass on Sunday] — it pissed him off — but he has worked on his hands hard. I think he’s a lead dog.”

Related players: Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones

A lead role may not be in the cards for Vaughn in the near future, but Fournette and Jones aren’t under contract in 2022 and there’s a window for Vaughn to make his case for a bigger piece of the offensive pie down the road, the story said. As for the rest of this season, Vaughn may have earned a few more touches at the expense of Jones. It's something to think about as we head into the what is likely your fantasy finals in Week 17.

Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield revived such talk by throwing a career-high four interceptions against the Packers. It seems even more likely — if it already wasn’t — that General Manager Andrew Berry will bring in someone to challenge Mayfield next season. Considering the state of the roster, Berry can do much better than Mitchell Trubisky, currently the backup in Buffalo, with no slight intended towards the former Mentor High School star.

A lot of the story was about Cleveland luring Aaron Rodgers to town next year, but bringing in competition for Mayfield shouldn't go unnoticed for his owners, perhaps especially in dynasty leagues. The story mentioned Mayfield's four-INT performance only gave the team more minuses as far as offering an extension goes. While it seems like the writer has higher hopes than Trubisky, the story also mentioned the team could have interest in Derek Carr and could be in the mix to trade for Russell Wilson. While WR may not be at the top of the list, Cleveland does have some positives in terms of luring a QB, including the defense, offensive line and RB position.

As for Trey Lance, HC Kyle Shanahan said the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft has made good progress while running the scout team The coach pointed to improved decision-making and accuracy, among other things.

Related players: Jimmy Garoppolo

"This last month of Trey has been his best consecutive four weeks at practice since we've had him," Shanahan said. "He's had a number of good days and he's had some bad days like most guys do, but as far as his consistency and stuff, I feel this last month has been his best." As for Jimmy G., Shanahan indicated the decision will come down to not only how Garoppolo feels but also how he looks throwing the ball if he progresses to that stage, the story said. In a story we posted Monday, the 49ers will know more on Wednesday.

According to Staley, wide receiver Mike Williams, safety Nasir Adderley and cornerback Chris Harris Jr. will miss the pivotal game due to being on the reserve/COVID-19 list, per Fernando Ramirez of SI.

Related players: Jalen Guyton, Josh Palmer, Jason Moore

Williams was added to the list on Christmas, and due to the 10-day quarantine rule for unvaccinated players, he will miss Sunday. The NFL recently updated their protocols so that vaccinated players could "test out" of protocols more quickly. Since Adderley and Harris have already been ruled out, it would appear they are unvaccinated as well, according to the story. It's possible Guyton could test out and return. Moore caught three passes for 56 yards in Week 16.

Rams’ HC Sean McVay said RB Darrell Henderson Jr. is being placed on injured reserve due to an MCL injury.

Related players: Sony Michel, Cam Akers

With Henderson's season over, it would be assumed Michel takes over as the RB1 for at least Week 17. But the team said there is a good possibility Akers plays in Week 17 coming off an Achilles injury. One wouldn't think the Rams give Akers a ton of work this week, meaning Michel should be an RB1 play, coming off another huge game. We'll likely hear more about Akers' role as the week goes on. The Rams play at the Ravens in an early Sunday game in Week 17.

Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans is already week-to-week with a hamstring injury. But now another reason may keep him off the field for Sunday’s game against the Jets.

Tampa Bay placed Evans on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday.

Some who follow the team felt that Evans was likely going to sit out in Week 17 against the Jets because of the hamstring, and potentially return for Week 18 against Carolina.

Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is considered week-to-week with a bruised shoulder, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Edwards-Helaire sustained the injury during the Chiefs' Week 16 victory over the Steelers.

Related players: Darrel Williams

It doesn't necessarily rule out CEH against Cincy this week, but his status is certainly in doubt. The Chiefs got good news when an MRI said he didn't suffer a broken collarbone. Williams would be the lead back if CEH is out. It's an early afternoon game against the Bengals in Week 17.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is battling an injury that could force him to miss this Sunday's matchup against the Houston Texans. On Monday, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that Garoppolo sprained his thumb when he was sacked during their 20-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Thursday night.

Related players: Trey Lance

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting the injury could be more serious than just a sprain. Jimmy G sat out on Monday and the team said they will see where he is on Wednesday. The Niners are in the playoff hunt and host the Texans in a later afternoon game on Sunday.

The Jacksonville Jaguars put running back James Robinson on injured reserve because of an Achilles injury and placed 11 players on the reserve/COVID-19 list on Monday.

Related players: Carlos Hyde, Dare Ogunbowale

The noncontact injury occurred in the first quarter when Robinson came out of his stance in the backfield. He immediately fell to the ground and grabbed his left foot. He was helped off the field and then taken into the locker room via cart with a towel draped over his head, the story said. With Hyde on the IR, Ogunbowale should again take over as the team's RB1. He carried 17 times for 57 yards and a TD in Week 16 while adding two catches for 15 yards.

Browns activated the following from COVID-19 reserve:
DE Jadeveon Clowney
G Drew Forbes
S Ronnie Harrison Jr.
CB Troy Hill
RB Kareem Hunt
DT Malik McDowell
T Jedrick Wills Jr.
LB Mack Wilson
They also placed LB Elijah Lee on the list.

Related players: Nick Chubb, D'Ernest Johnson

Chubb and Johnson have handled the load the last two weeks, and Chubb, especially, has been fantastic. Don't forget, Hunt was dealing with an ankle injury before hitting the COVID list. Reports say the ankle would have kept him out in Week 16, so Hunt is no lock to play in Week 17 as a result.

Some good news following tests: There is swelling, but no structural damage and the injury is not season-ending, source said.

Related players: Darrell Williams, Derrick Gore

Clyde Edwards-Helaire should return shortly, Rapoport added - although he didn't go into details what "shortly" means. It's possible CEH could be at practice in some form this week, so it's worth keeping an eye on when the Chiefs get back to the field. If he can't go, Williams becomes a potential RB1 play in Week 17 at the Bengals.

Nick Sirianni says Miles Sanders broke his hand and will be out on Sunday.

Related players: Jordan Howard, Boston Scott, Kenneth Gainwell

The tweet added the team hopes to get Sanders back soon, and as a result, he will not go on IR, according to the tweet. Howard could get a huge role this week against Washington, and as Clark added, his MRI for a stinger came back good, so he should be ready to go for Week 17. Scott and Gainwell likely mix in as well but Howard should be the main, early-down guy.

Josh Reynolds has tested positive for COVID.

Related players: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, Khadarel Hodge

Reynolds was running as the team's WR, and of course had a previous connection with QB Jared Goff dating back to the Rams. Raymond could move up to the WR2 with Reynolds out. St. Brown looks to have established itself as the team's WR1.

Bucs announce that receiver Breshad Perriman has been activated off the reserve/COVID-19 list after missing the last two games.

Perriman could see a decent role in the passing offense with Chris Godwin out for the year and Mike Evans' status up in the air at this point. Perriman is more of a deep threat but the Bucs get the Jets and Panthers in Weeks 17 and 18 to close the season so the matchups are favorable.

Lions QB Jared Goff was cleared from the COVID-19 reserve list.

Related players: Tim Boyle

Goff will get the start in Week 17, and while it's hard to believe it's being said, the passing offense gets a bump up with Goff's return. Goff had played well over the past several weeks before going on the COVID list.

Ron Rivera said Taylor Heinicke will start vs. Philly on Sunday, but "we'll see" beyond that.

Related players: Kyle Allen

"Will we play Kyle [Allen]? Probably. But we're going to stick with Taylor for now," said Rivera in the tweet. Rivera went on to say via the tweet, it's not "an indictment" on Heinicke, but more about wanting to see Allen play. Either way, it's not good news for Heinicke because there isn't a lot Allen is going to offer at this point.

Bears WR Allen Robinson, TE Jesse James, CB Jaylon Johnson, RB Ryan Nall and S Tashaun Gipson are all being activated from the NFL's reserve/COVID-19 list.

Robinson should be good for Week 17 fantasy finals but as an owner can you really trust him. Maybe QB Nick Foles makes a difference if he gets another start, but Robinson is probably best left on your bench for the finals.

The Panthers have had an outbreak of positive COVID-19 test, "somewhat significant,'' per Matt Rhule.

The tweet added everybody has been sent home and Rhule hopes they will be able to resume preparation on Wednesday. There's a chance there will be more to this and we'll likely hear some names in the near future.

“This journey for me is far from over,” Rashaad Penny said, via Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. “I knew what I could do. I mean, again, it’s just I was never on the field. It’s unfortunate, but I’m thankful for whatever I’ve been doing these last few weeks. I couldn’t have done it without these guys giving me an opportunity to show what I can do and just never giving up on me.”

Penny ran 17 times for 135 yards and a touchdown in the 25-24 loss to the Bears to continue his first extended run as a starter since being drafted in the first round of the 2018 draft. Penny ran for 137 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago and said the last few weeks have been “a big milestone” because he’s stayed healthy and shown he can be productive after his career went off track because of injuries. Penny looks to have a chance to extend his story right into 2022, but staying healthy will be the obvious key for his success.

Even with the question of their postseason fate back in play, there's a bigger one looming this offseason -- the same one Tua Tagovailoa been hearing since his arrival in Miami: is he the guy?

The Dolphins were rumored to be heavily interested in Deshaun Watson right up to the trade deadline, while also saying they still had confidence in Tua. The story is filled with information to let you draw your own conclusions about Tua, but ironically, Miami is unbeaten since the deadline and Tagovailoa has completed 74.5% of his passes for 1,101 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions over five games during the winning streak, the story pointed out. The questions will likely be asked right up until next year with the Dolphins still being one of the teams linked to Watson.

X-Rays on the collarbone of Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire were negative.

Related players: Darrel Williams, Derrick Gore

He’ll have an MRI tomorrow to determine how serious it is. Rapoport said on Good Morning Football normally a collarbone injury means it's broken so he didn't rule out CEH coming back quickly since the X-rays were negative. There will be more to come on this so we'll keep an eye on it. The Chiefs are at Cincy in an early game in Week 17.

The Eagles fear RB Miles Sanders suffered a fractured hand during Sunday's win over the Giants. He'll undergo more testing Monday.

If it is indeed a fracture, he's done for the rest of the regular season. If that's the case, he'll finish without a single touchdown in 2021. Jordan Howard and Boston Scott would lead the backfield as the Eagles try to sneak their way into the playoffs. They currently sit as the No. 7 seed and can actually clinch a playoff spot next week with a win and some help. They visit Washington in Week 17 before hosting Dallas to wrap up the regular season.

Rams RB Darrell Henderson Jr. will have an MRI Monday on his knee to determine the extent of his sprain.

Henderson suffered the injury during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s win against the Vikings. The Rams are hoping it’s a minor injury. L.A. took over the NFC West lead with the win today. They have a cross-country trip to Baltimore next week to face the reeling Ravens.

Eagles RB Miles Sanders is out for the rest of Sunday’s game against the Giants with a hand injury.

Sanders had 48 total yards on eight touches before exiting. This certainly feels like a cherry on top of what has been a very disappointing season for Sanders, who has zero touchdowns this season, despite averaging 5.5 yards per carry. The Eagles still have Jordan Howard and Boston Scott in the backfield.

The Raiders placed WR Bryan Edwards and QB Marcus Mariota on the reserve/COVID list Sunday.

The team also activated QB Nathan Peterman and WR Dillon Stoner. Edwards is the third-leading receiver for Vegas. Derek Carr will still have his trusty boys, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller as they prepare for a huge game against a fellow 7-7 team in Denver.

Jaguars RB James Robinson suffered a torn Achilles Sunday against the Jets.

Just absolutely unfortunate for Robinson, who was performing very well and was overcoming coaching issues all season. Dare Ogunbowale is in at running back. Hopefully Robinson can come back early next season along with first-round pick Travis Etienne, who will also be coming off injury next season.

The Giants will be bringing back both QB Daniel Jones and HC Joe Judge for the 2022 season.

Despite the fifth-straight double-digit loss season, the Giants see a foundation between Jones and Judge, including Judge cleaning up some of the messes left behind from previous regimes. The big change for the team will likely come at the general manager spot. It is still believed that Dave Gettleman will step down after the season. Jones has one year left on his contract, plus a potential fifth-year option in which the team has until May to decide on. Jones had 2,428 yards, ten touchdowns and seven interceptions this season but has been shut down for the season due to injury. Jake Fromm is getting his first career start today against the Eagles.

Nico Collins will enter as the Texans top receiving option but won’t be worth more than a dart throw against the run-funneling defense of the Los Angeles Chargers.

Labeled a game-time decision by head coach Kliff Kingsbury after missing practice all week, the starting back will miss tonight after expecting to play earlier today.

This will be a major boost to Chase Edmonds stock with the Colts missing two of their top defensive starters.

Labeled a game-time decision despite not practicing all week, Conner could see a reduced workload in a difficult matchup. Indianapolis has allowed the second-fewest rushing touchdowns this season.

Chase Edmonds who has worked through his own injuries recently will split work with Conner and both enter as more RB2/3 than RB1 given the matchup.

After missing the last six weeks on IR, Darnold will return and play snaps for the struggling Carolina Panthers. Cam Newton will get the start but the Panthers want to take another look at the only quarterback they have under contract next season. With playoffs out of the question and head coach Matt Rhule on the hot seat, look for this to be the last week Cam Newton receives as a starter if Sunday doesn't go well.

The matchup is difficult for the backfield but Darnold could provide a bump in production for D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. Anderson has had his statistics cut in half this season while Moore is approaching his third straight 1000 yard season.

Raiders TE Darren Waller (knee/back) is doubtful to play Week 16 against the Denver Broncos.

The entire crew at 4for4 is also doubtful to play against Denver. Foster Moreau is a streaming option.

Patriots RBs Damien Harris (hamstring) and Brandon Bolden (knee) are questionable for Week 16's game against the Buffalo Bills.

Related Player: J.J. Taylor

Rhamondre Stevenson has already been ruled out, so not having either of Harris or Bolden would lead to a thin backfield.

Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson and WR Nelson Agholor will miss Week 16's game against the Buffalo Bills due to non-COVID illnesses.

UPDATE: Stevenson has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Wash your hands and start Damien Harris (hopefully) and Jakobi Meyers.

Jets WR Jamison Crowder (calf) is doubtful for Week 16 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Related Player: Braxton Berrios

Crowder has been outplayed by Berrios in recent games and is missing an opportunity to be the top wideout for the Jets this week.

The Cleveland Browns have activated QB Baker Mayfield and WR Jarvis Landry from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Good news for the Browns offense, but it is unknown how the virus will alter how each plays on the road at Green Bay. Temper expectations for both.

Ravens QBs Lamar Jackson (ankle) and Tyler Huntley (illness) are questionable for Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Huntley is expected to start and has been under the weather. Jackson did not practice all week.

Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth (concussion) will not play Week 16 at Kansas City.

Bears WR Jakeem Grant (concussion) will not play Week 16 at Seattle. QB Justin Fields (ankle) will not start and is questionable to be the backup. WR Marquise Goodwin (foot) are questionable. Nick Foles will start for Chicago.

Related Players: Damiere Byrd, Dazz Newsome

Fade the Bears offense minus David Montgomery.

Giants WR Kadarius Toney (COVID/oblique) is questionable for Week 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Toney is trying to ramp up from COVID-19 and his lingering oblique injury. His services are needed because Collin Johnson and Sterling Shepard are out.

WFT RB Antonio Gibson (toe) and WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) are questionable for Week 16's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

Expect Gibson to play, and who knows with Samuel. He is not on the fantasy radar because he does not play/does not finish games.

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) will not play Week 16 against the Carolina Panthers. He did not practice this past week.

Related Players: Tyler Johnson, Scott Miller, Breshad Perriman

The Bucs will be without their two best wideouts Week 16 with Antonio Brown's status still in question. Look for Rob Gronkowski to be the target leader in Tampa's passing attack.

Rams TE Tyler Higbee has been activated from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Higbee's return is welcomed since the tight end position has been a zero without him. It is unknown how the virus will alter his play and snap count Week 16 at Minnesota.

Lions HC Dan Campbell told reporters Friday that QB Jared Goff (COVID-19) is "highly unlikely" to play Week 16 at Atlanta.

Related Player: Tim Boyle

The Falcons defense just became the Christmas gift you did not know you needed.

During his weekly radio hit on WGR 550 AM, Bills HC Sean McDermott said that WR Gabriel Davis will be placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related Players: Emmanuel Sanders, Isaiah McKenzie

A huge loss for the Bills. Davis and Cole Beasley will more than likely both miss Week 16's game against New England, a must-win.

Jaguars WR Laviska Shenault has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list. He will miss Week 16's game against the New York Jets unless he tests negative Saturday and Sunday morning.

A disappointing season for Shenault hits another snag. He was barely a flex play with little usage the past month.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner is listed as questionable for their Week 16 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

Conner is dealing with a heel issue and says that his ankle feels fine. He expects to play on Saturday but noted that the decision will come down to pain management. Conner has been excellent in 2021 and is the RB5 on the season, thanks in large part due to his penchant for finding the end zone. He may be limited if active but still offers RB2 appeal due to his touchdown upside. The Cardinals veteran running back is currently our 20th ranked running back for Week 16.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury.

Lamar has now missed five straight practices since suffering the injury and will likely need to practice in some fashion on Friday to be active for Week 16. With that said, Lamar was listed as questionable last week despite not practicing, so don't be surprised if the team follows the same path if he is unable to practice tomorrow. If Lamar cannot go, Tyler Huntley will be an instant QB1 option against the Cincinnati Bengals. Lamar is currently our ninth-ranked quarterback for Week 16.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett has been activated from the reserve/COVID list.

Lockett missed Week 15 while in health and safety protocols but is set to return for Week 16. Russell Wilson looked lost without his most reliable receiver, so Lockett's return should help the offense operate more smoothly against the Chicago Bears. Lockett is currently our 11th ranked wide receiver for Week 16.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Leonard Fournette has been placed on short-term injured reserve.

Fournette is dealing with a hamstring injury. With the Buccaneers cruising to a playoff spot and the multi-week timeline usually associated with these types of injuries, the team has decided to place him on short-term I.R. This move ensures that he will be sidelined through the rest of the regular season. Ronald Jones will get the tap to be the lead back in Fournette's absence, but Ke'Shawn Vaughn and Le'Veon Bell could wrestle some snaps if he struggles. Jones is currently our eighth-ranked running back for Week 16.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver D.J. Moore missed Thursday's practice with a hamstring injury.

Moore has now missed the first two practices of the week and is in jeopardy of missing Week 16 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He will need to practice in some fashion on Friday to have a chance of playing on Sunday and will still likely be listed as questionable if he does. There is a good chance that he will see his snaps reduced even if he is active, so fantasy managers may want to avoid this situation if possible. Moore is currently our 22nd ranked wide receiver for Week 16.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

Sanders managed a full practice on Thursday after logging a limited session on Wednesday. He missed practice all of last week with the knee injury, so his practice participation suggests that he will indeed be good to go for Week 16. Sanders has slowed since a strong start to the season but will have the opportunity for extra snaps with Cole Beasley ruled out against New England due to landing on the reserve/COVID list. Sanders is currently our 59th ranked wide receiver for Week 16.

Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers has been designated to return from injured reserve.

The Rams best-case scenario was Cam Akers making a speedy recovery from his Achilles injury and returning in time for the playoffs. With the Rams opening up the 21-day window to activate him or send him to season-ending injured reserve, he must be progressing well. Akers would provide a massive boost to the Rams offense and would give them a true threat out of the backfield. He may not make it back in time for fantasy football's finals week, but this transaction suggests the playoffs are still a legitimate possibility.

Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown has been activated from injured reserve and will play tonight against the San Francisco 49ers.

Brown has been sidelined since Week 11 with the chest injury but will make his return tonight against the 49ers. Tennessee is battling for the second seed in the AFC, so Brown's return could not come at a better time. Brown's return should be a big boost for the Titans offense and should hopefully help raise the floor of Ryan Tannehill. Brown is our 17th ranked wide receiver for Week 16.

Washington running back Antonio Gibson missed Thursday's practice with a toe injury.

Gibson was listed as limited on Wednesday's estimated practice report and misses Washington's first practice of the week. Playing on a short week, Gibson has just one more day to test out his foot in practice. With J.D. McKissic on injured reserve and practice squad running back still on the reserve/COVUD list, rookie running back Jaret Patterson could be called upon to play an expanded role for Washington if Gibson is ruled out. Gibson is currently our 12th ranked running back for Week 16.

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson remained sidelined during Thursday's practice due to an illness.

While there is optimism that Stevenson will recover in time for Sunday's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, fantasy managers should be sure to have a backup option at the ready. If Stevenson cannot go, Damien Harris will boast RB1 upside for what could be another run-heavy gameplan against the division rivals. If Rhamondre is active, both backs will hover around the RB2 periphery with their touchdown upside making them legit RB2 options in some formats.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Taysom Hill has been placed on the reserve/COVID list.

Taysom will be joining fellow quarterback Trevor Siemian on the list, leaving the Saints with fourth-string rookie Ian Book in line to start against a hungry Miami Dolphins team. Book's potential presence under center will be a drain on the fantasy values of all Saints skill players, most notably on the rushing upsides of Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram. Outside of single game DFS contests, Book should not be considered a fantasy option for Week 16.

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been placed on the reserve/COVID list.

This is a massive blow for the Minnesota Vikings as they try to jockey their way to a postseason berth. Cook has been ruled out, so fantasy managers are set to be down an RB1 for the semi-finals, so here is hoping you found a way to handcuff Cook with Alexander Mattison this year. Mattison, who was activated from the list yesterday, has a tough matchup against the Los Angeles Rams but has volume-based RB1 appeal. Mattison is currently our third-ranked running back for Week 16.

Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke has been activated from the reserve/COVID list.

Heinicke is set to be back under center for Week 16 after missing last week's contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. He is not much of a fantasy option outside of superflex leagues, but his return provides a boost for the team's healthy skill players. Heinicke is currently our 28th ranked quarterback for Week 16.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins (ribs) was limited Wednesday.

It's been a minute since Cousins popped up on the injury report. Expect limited reps the rest of this week ahead of a tough matchup against the Rams Week 16.

Saints TE Adam Trautman has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related Player: Nick Vannett

If Trautman cannot play Week 16, Vannett will be the only viable tight end available for New Orleans.

Chargers WR Jalen Guyton has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Guyton has been used as L.A.'s third wideout in three-wide sets. He has to test negative on consecutive days and be vaccinated in order to play Week 16.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list.

The do-it-all back has to test negative on consecutive days and be vaccinated to have a chance to play Week 16.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (ankle) did not practice Wednesday and has not done so since hurting his ankle Week 14 at Cleveland.

Related Player: Tyler Huntley

Another ominous start to the week for Jackson, especially with the Ravens fighting for their playoff lives. Huntley was excellent Week 15 and would start Week 16.

The Seattle Seahawks added TE Will Dissly to the reserve/COVID-19 list, while RB Alex Collins was removed from the list.

Steelers TE Pat Freiermuth did not practice Wednesday as he remains in concussion protocol.

If Freiermuth does not show signs of a limited practice Thursday, it will be safe to think he misses Week 16 at Kansas City.

The Houston Texans have placed WR Brandin Cooks on the reserve/COVID-19 list.

He will need two consecutive negative tests prior to Sunday to play (if vaccinated).

49ers RB Elijah Mitchell (concussion/knee) will not play Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans.

Related Players: Jeff Wilson Jr., Deebo Samuel

Mitchell has a chance to be available for Week 17 with the extra rest coming. Wilson and Samuel take on a very good Titans run defense.

Jets WR Jamison Crowder (calf) did not practice Wednesday.

A thin WR corps needs Crowder healthy if they want a chance to put up a fight on offense.

Panthers HC Matt Rhule told reporters Wednesday that WR D.J. Moore (hamstring) will be a game-time decision.

The Panthers offense is in shambles. If Moore does play, he is barely a flex consideration with the team's issues at quarterback.

Panthers HC Matt Rhule told reporters Wednesday that Cam Newton will start Week 16, but Sam Darnold is expected to have a role under center as well.

Matt Rhule and Matt Nagy need to be locked in a hotel room together and figure out why they overthink everything.

Browns HC Kevin Stefanski told reporters Wednesday that he expects RB Kareem Hunt (ankle) to miss Week 16 even if he clears COVID-19 protocols.

Related Player: D'Ernest Johnson

It has been an up-and-down season for the former rushing champ. The Browns are fighting for their playoff lives and need him healthy asap.

Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater (concussion) will not play Week 16.

Related Player: Drew Lock

Get better Teddy.

Chiefs K Harrison Butker will not play Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is in COVID-19 protocols and is unvaccinated. Elliott Fry will kick.

Panthers QB Sam Darnold (shoulder) has been cleared for contact.

Related Players: Cam Newton, P.J. Walker

At this point all we can hope for is all three QBs playing in the same game.

The Cleveland Browns have activated TE Austin Hooper from the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Assuming he practices Wednesday, expect Hooper to play Week 16.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have signed RB Le'Veon Bell to the active roster.

Related Players: Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

This signing says a lot. Fournette is more than likely missing Week 16 and Bucs HC Bruce Arians has shown he is not particularly fond of Jones and Vaughn. Bell is worth a speculative add as the fantasy season enters its twilight.

Sources: The Bucs are signing RB Le’Veon Bell, pending physical.

Related players: Ronald Jones, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

The Bucs needed depth with the loss of Leonard Fournette for what looks to be the rest of the regular season. Jones should get a majority of the workload, per HC Bruce Arians, at least on early downs. But both Bell and Vaughn could help in the passing game or as a change of pace. With the Bucs also banged up at WR, it could be a run-heavy attack over the final three weeks as Tampa gets the Panthers, Jets and Panthers again to finish the season.

Buccaneers now are “likely” to place RB Leonard Fournette on injured reserve with the hamstring injury that left him on crutches Sunday night, per a league source. He then would miss rest of regular season.

Related players: Ronald Jones, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

Fournette is expected to be return for the playoffs, per source. He was also expected to possibly miss two games anyway, so fantasy owners at least get some closure on a running back who may have very well helped to lead them to the playoffs. HC Bruce Arians has already said this will be the Jones show going forward, and so he should get a bulk of the work, which is why the team said they didn't want to move him back at the trade deadline. With the team banged up at WR, Jones is likely to get a heavy workload and certainly has RB1 potential in the fantasy playoffs.

Jacksonville has placed running back Carlos Hyde and safety Rayshawn Jenkins on injured reserve. With just three weeks left in the season Hyde and Jenkins are done for the year.

Related players: James Robinson, Dare Ogunbowale, Nathan Cottrell

Hyde suffered a concussion in the Week 14 loss to Tennessee and missed Sunday’s loss to Houston. He finished 2021 with 253 yards on 72 carries along with 12 catches for 65 yards, the story said. Ogunbowale and Cottrell are next up on the depth chart behind Robinson, who should get a bulk of the work going forward.

The Cardinals didn’t hold a practice on Tuesday, but they did issue an injury report because they will be hosting the Colts on Christmas.

That report says that running back James Conner would not have practiced because of a heel injury.

Related players: Chase Edmonds

It’s a new ailment for Conner, who had eight carries for 39 yards and two catches for 31 yards in Arizona’s Week 15 loss to the Lions.

J.D McKissic is on IR. That means he misses at least three of last four games.

Related players: Jonathan Williams, Jaret Patterson, Antonio Gibson

McKissic is dealing with a concussion. He'll have a chance to return for Week 18, which could be a meaningful game assuming Washington can remain in the playoff hunt - or it could be a meaningless game in which they don't risk McKissic's return. Williams and Patterson should see time behind Gibson going forward.

The Bills placed WR Cole Beasley on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related players: Gabriel Davis, Emmanuel Sanders, Isaiah McKenzie

Rapoport clarified Beasley did test positive and is unvaccinated. He'll miss the Week 16 game against New England but will have a chance to come back for Week 17's game against the Falcons. Sanders missed Week 15 with a knee injury but Davis has been a much better fantasy play as of late, and that could be especially true with Beasley out for Week 16.

According to multiple reports, the Panthers are signing Lirim Hajrullahu to their active roster. Hajrullahu was on Washington’s practice squad.

The Panthers lost kicker Zane Gonzalez to a quad injury during warmups before Sunday’s loss to the Bills.

Garrett Gilbert - fresh off New England’s practice squad - gets the starting assignment tonight.

Related players: Terry McLaurin, Antonio Gibson

Neither WFT QB Taylor Heinicke nor Kyle Allen tested out. So they remain on the Reserve/COVID list. It's a big game for both teams who need this win to keep pace for a wild card playoff spot. With Gilbert getting the nod, it's a huge downgrade for the passing game and McLaurin.

Chiefs’ WR Tyreek Hill, CB Rashad Fenton and TE Blake Bell are being placed on Reserve/COVID.

Schefter called Kansas City, "this week’s hot spot." This is obviously something to monitor as you likely have a Chief on your roster if you're still playing meaningful fantasy games at this point. Schefter went on to say other players are likely coming, but as one source said, “it’s a mess,” according to Schefter's tweet. TE Travis Kelce is already on the list as well as K Harrison Butker.

Quarterback Jared Goff might miss Detroit’s Week 16 matchup with Atlanta after testing positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

In an interview with 97.1 The Ticket on Tuesday, Goff said he’s feeling OK and trying to stay prepared on Sunday if he’s able to do so.

“I’m feeling good. It’s pretty much a mild cold,” Goff said, via Eric Woodyard of ESPN. “I’m feeling fine. I had some symptoms pop up really Sunday night after the game.”

Related players: Tim Boyle

Goff admitted he didn’t know the chances of being available for Sunday’s game, but he’s doing his best to stay hydrated and rested. Goff has been playing well as of late, but if he can't go, Boyle likely gets the start in Week 16.

Vrabel: A.J. Brown will be part of walkthrough today.

Good news for Brown and his owners. The team will try and get him up to speed during the week but at this point a determination on his status for Thursday will come later in week, the tweet said.

Hearing it’s looking unlikely that WR Tyler Lockett will be activated off the COVID-19 list in time for tonight’s game against the Rams.

Related players: Freddie Swain, D'Wayne Eskridge

He’s one of nine Seahawks on the list, according to Henderson. The deadline to activate those players for this game is 1 p.m., which is West Coast time and 4 p.m. on the east. Owners may want to at least make sure it's official but always good to have a backup plan. Swain and Eskridge could be desperation plays if needed.

Rams’ RT Rob Havenstein, TE Tyler Higbee and SS Jordan Fuller were the three LA starters that did not test out to be able to play tonight vs. Seahawks, per source. They’re out tonight.

Related players: Kendall Blanton

With Higbee out in Week 14, Blanton filled in and caught two balls for 29 yards on three targets. If you waited to use Higbee, Blanton is at least a desperation play.

"We'll use both of them," said HC Sean McVay as far as Sony Michel and Darrell Henderson.

Of course it depends on if both backs can go on Monday night against the Seahawks. But if they can, it sounds like it could be a committee, especially after Michel play well over the last two weeks with Henderson out of the lineup. McVay added it could depend on the "flow of the game" as well. Lots of coach talk here but it's hard to read between the lines because both backs have played well with lead roles when given the chance.

Signs continue to point to recently-signed Garrett Gilbert starting tonight at QB for the WFT,

Related players: Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Allen

That decision is still pending a final round of COVID testing for Heinicke and Allen, per sources. It is a 25-minute private flight from DC to Philly, so always a chance, Schefter went on to say. However, Schefter added it's looking bleak. It's a key game for both teams in terms of the playoffs so if The WFT can get Heinicke or Allen to the game, they will likely do what they can if one or both are negative.

49ers Elijah Mitchell's will be a game-night decision Thursday.

Related players: Jeff Wilson

Mitchell is out of concussion protocol so the issue now is his knee. But Inman's tweet said his knee issue has taken a "positive turn." Mitchell's concussion and knee injury came on the same play, according to Inman. The Niners play on Thursday night to kick off Week 16. Wilson would be a solid play if needed, if Mitchell can't go on the short week.

Zac Taylor told reporters that Joe Mixon could miss some practice time, but that the early word on his ankle has him feeling optimistic about the back’s availability for Sunday’s battle for first place in the AFC North against the Ravens.

It's obviously a key game but so far the signs look good. Mixon hurt his ankle late in Sunday’s win over the Broncos. Expect Mixon to at least be limited early in the week heading into Week 16.

Miami co-OC Eric Studesville said Dolphins want to continue with competition in the RB room. "All those guys are going to play and participate in the game plan."

Related players: Duke Johnson, Myles Gaskin

Johnson and Gaskin should lead the way at least based off Week 15's win over the Jets. Duke got 22 carries for 107 yards and two TDs while Gaskin ran 10 times for 54 yards. They were the only two RBs to get work with other backs on the COVID list, but should have earned a majority of the work again in Week 16. It's a road game at New Orleans on Monday night.

Head coach John Harbaugh said on Monday that Jackson’s ankle is “getting better” and that he is “hopeful” that Jackson will be able to practice on Wednesday.

Related players: Tyler Huntley

Jackson didn’t practice at all last week and Harbaugh said the team will take its time before making any final decisions about whether Jackson or Huntley is under center against the Bengals, the story said.

The Kansas City Chiefs could be without kicker Harrison Butker when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 16 on Sunday.

After his placement on the COVID reserve list, along with many others, Butker is among the group of players for whom they’ll need to “wait and see” concerning their availability after mid-week testing.

Related players: Elliott Fry

On Monday, Butker was among the newer players added to the list, including cornerback Charvarius Ward and tight end Travis Kelce. If there’s at least a ray of hope, it can be found in the following: he was suffering from just cold-like symptoms according to the site. Fry would do the kicking for the Chiefs according to the story.

This season, in many ways, was a real opportunity for Russell Gage. The potential of a solidified, understood role as a week-in, week-out starter. The chance to emerge during a contract year -- always good timing -- to then receive a payday that could alter life for generations of his family.

But things, well, they haven’t quite gone that way for the 25-year-old from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In the final year of his contract with the Falcons, it has been a little hit and miss because of an early-season injury and then inconsistent production.

But as the story said, right now, as the season is winding down, he has been hitting more often than missing, potentially finding his way to the ball at the right time. The story went on to say, for the second straight season, Gage’s role has become bigger than initially anticipated. In 2020, Gage became the team’s de facto No. 2 receiver as Julio Jones battled injuries. This year, when he was slated to be the No. 2 receiver after Jones was traded to Tennessee, he in effect became Atlanta’s No. 1 after Calvin Ridley left the team on Halloween to handle personal issues.

Jaguars interim head coach Darrell Bevell is turning over the playcalling duties to passing game coordinator Brian Schottenheimer for the final three games of the season.

Related players: James Robinson

Bevell wanted to focus more on being the head coach and making those kind of decisions. It's potentially good news for Robinson as Schottenheimer was Seattle's offensive coordinator the previous three seasons, and the Seahawks finished in the top 10 in scoring each season and led the NFL in rushing in 2018. Schottenheimer's rush offense ranked in the top 10 in three of his six seasons with the Jets, but he has never had a pass offense rank higher than 14th in his 12 seasons as a coordinator.

The Patriots have placed WR Kendrick Bourne, LB Harvey Langi, LB Cameron McGrone and LB Ronnie Perkins on the reserve/COVID list.

Bourne wasn't really a factor against the Bills in the wind in Week 14, but was back in the game plane this week with 44 receiving yards and 19 rushing yards against the Colts. Before that he was averaging about four catches a game since a breakout game on Sept. 26. He'll need to test positive before Week 16's game against Buffalo.

Kadarius Toney expected back off the Reseve/COVID list this week, per Joe Judge.

There was no word if Toney's oblique injury will keep him out of Week 16 against the Eagles or if he'll be able to suit up. With lots of question marks at QB heading into Week 16 for the Giants, Toney would be a risky play even if he's healthy.

The Titans designated receiver A.J. Brown off of injured reserve on Monday. Tennessee now has 21 days to activate Brown to the active roster.

Brown could be activated in time to play in Thursday night's home game against the 49ers, but a more likely scenario is that he'll return for the Titans' Week 17 home game against the Dolphins, the story said. Brown has not played since sustaining a chest injury during the team's Week 11 loss to the Texans.

Jalen Hurts is set to start at quarterback against Washington on Tuesday night.

Hurts did not play in Week 13 because of an ankle injury and was limited in practice early last week.

Related players: Gardner Minshew

But as the story said, he began working in full as the week went on and the two extra days to prepare for the game leave him on track to play. The Eagles did not give Hurts any injury designation for the game.

The Detroit Lions have placed quarterback Jared Goff on the COVID reserve list, with this news coming about 24 hours after the team’s upset win against the Arizona Cardinals.

Related players: David Blough, Tim Boyle

It’s a tough break for Goff and the Lions, with the quarterback playing the best football of his season while leading the team to two wins in three weeks. Goff was the NFC offensive player of the week two games ago and threw for three touchdowns and no interceptions in the team’s win over the Cardinals on Sunday. Boyle started last time Goff had to miss time but Goff still has a chance to test positive leading up to Week 16.

Running back Jamaal Williams was activated from the COVID list.

Related players: Craig Reynolds

Williams landed on the list on the Friday heading into the game in Denver. The team recently promoted Reynolds who has played great over the last few weeks, so it remains to be seen how the Lions divide up RB carries for the rest of the season.

Chiefs’ TE Travis Kelce is being placed on the Reserve/COVID list, sources tell ESPN.

Related players: Jody Fortson, Blake Bell, Noah Gray

Schefter said Kelce is vaccinated so there’s a chance he’s back for Sunday with the new return-to-play protocols.

Taylor said Joe Mixon's injury is a sprained ankle.

Related players: Samaje Perine, Chris Evans

HC Zac Taylor said Mixon will be limited early but he called the situation "encouraging." Seems like good news and seems like Mixon has a real shot to play in Week 16. The Bengals play a key, early Sunday game this week at home against the Ravens.

The Giants are shutting down QB Daniel Jones for the remainder of the season because of his neck injury, per source.

Related players: Mike Glennon, Jake Fromm

The move makes sense for a team that's likely not going to make the playoffs. It's a premature end to his third professional season, one that probably left the Giants with more questions than answers going forward at the position. The good new is there is optimism the injury is not expected to affect Jones’ long-term future, which is the most important thing. Glennon threw three INTs in Week 15 and the team is considering making a switch to Fromm in Week 16 against the Eagles.

Shanahan didn’t rule out Elijah Mitchell for Thursday’s game against the Titans.

Related players: Jeff Wilson, Kyle Juszczyk, JaMycal Hasty

The story said Shanahan seemed skeptical about the running back’s prospects last week. Mitchell is now out of the concussion protocol but still is dealing with a knee injury suffered against the Seahawks on Dec. 5. Wilson played on 50 snaps last week with Hasty getting just three. It may be a battle to be ready on the short week for Mitchell, however.

McLaurin (concussion) doesn't carry an injury designation ahead of Tuesday's game against the Eagles.

Related players: Taylor Heinicke, Kyle Allen

McLaurin fully participated in each of Washington's three practice sessions this week, the story said. While it's good news he'll be back after a concussion, who will be throwing him the ball is another story. It's unclear who will be able to start for The Football Team at QB heading into Tuesday night's game. No matter who it is, McLaurin should draw a lot of targets at least.

J.D. McKissic and Curtis Samuel out for Tuesday game vs Eagles. Not Covid. Just injured.

Related players: Antonio Gibson, Adam Humphries, DeAndre Carter

The extra time won't help to get either player back on the field. McKissic is battling a neck injury while Samuel has been having trouble all year staying on the field and is dealing with a hamstring issue. Humphries and Carter are next up on the depth chart at WR while Gibson should again be in store for a potential huge workload at RB.

Bucs’ WR Mike Evans has a strained hamstring, is week too week.

Related players: Antonio Brown, Breshad Perriman, Tyler Johnson, Scott Miller

Owners were probably hoping for a better tag when it was revealed the injury wasn't expected to be serious. However Schefter said Evans does have a chance to play in Week 16 so that's at least some good news. With Chris Godwin out for the year, Evans would likely see a big uptick in targets if he plays. Brown is expected back this week, but reports say he'll play about 30-35 snaps in Week 16. Perriman, Johnson and Miller will have to pick up the slack in the passing game.

Bruce Arians says it's Ronald Jones' time now to do what Leonard Fournette did late last year when Jones got hurt. Arians says it's Jones's job right now.

Fournette is expected to miss a game or two, but that game or two is also the fantasy semifinals and finals for a lot of leagues. ESPN's Mike Clay tweeted about Jones and how he produced in four games with Fournette out of the lineup last year: 26 touches, 128 yards; 20 touches, 125 yards; 25 touches, 121 yards, 2 TD; 19 touches, 84 yards, 1 TD. Those who already backed up for Fournette with Jones at least can feel good about plugging in a potential solid option for the next week or two. He'll be a must-add off the wire and a potential RB1 for Week 16. The Bucs play the Panthers, Jets and Panthers again to close the regular season.

The MRI came back on WR Chris Godwin and its worse than imagined. He’s out for the year with a torn ACL.

Related players: Mike Evans, Antonio Brown, Breshad Perriman, Tyler Johnson, Scott Miller

Godwin played on the franchise tag this past year and was set to be a free agent. Now, he's out for the season with a long road ahead, Rapoport reminds us. The good news for the Bucs is Evans' hamstring injury isn't supposed to be serious and the team expects to get Brown back for Week 16. According to the Pewter Report, though, HC Bruce Arians says they'll wait and see for how many snaps Brown can play. He's been out since Week 6. The plan is to see how he looks on Wednesday and Thursday and they estimate him for about 30-35 snaps in Week 16, according to the tweet. Perriman is more of a boom or bust, big-play threat, leaving the door open for Johnson and Miller to earn more snaps. The team is also hurt in the passing game with RBs Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard out.

Will Fuller had a setback, Brian Flores said.

Related players: DeVante Parker, Jaylen Waddle, Isaiah Ford

He's likely done for the season other reports say. Fuller played in just two games for the 'Fins catching four passes for 26 yards. He will be a free agent in March. Miami will now rely on Parker and Waddle going forward, which so far, hasn't been a bad thing at all. Ford saw three target and had three catches for 51 yards this past week so he could slide into a WR3 role.

The expectation in Denver is Drew Lock will start for the Broncos at QB Sunday.

Related players: Teddy Bridgewater, Javonte Williams, Melvin Gordon

The Broncos will take on the Raiders in Week 16 and are likely to continue to rely heavily on the running game with Williams and Gordon. Bridgewater is doing better, and is in the concussion protocol the tweet said. Other reports say the team isn't expected to put Bridgewater on IR, leaving the door open he returns at some point over the last three weeks. The Denver passing game is probably something to avoid at this point, however.

C Corey Linsley, OLB Joey Bosa and RB Austin Ekeler are being placed on the COVID-19 list, per source. Chargers dealing with a situation.

Related players: Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree

The tweet said more names could drop today for the Bolts. It's possible Ekeler can be cleared for Week 16, especially with more relaxed rules. And, the Chargers fortunately play an early afternoon game Sunday against the Texans leaving owners time to adjust lineups. If Ekeler isn't able to go, Jackson probably is the lead back with Kelley also getting some work.

Brian Flores says Jaylen Waddle and Phillip Lindsay will come off COVID list.

Related players: DeVante Parker

It's a huge addition for the Dolphins in a potential playoff run, especially pairing him with Parker who has produced lines of 5-62 and 4-68-1 over the last two games since returning. Even with Parker back in Week 13, Waddle collected a 9-90-0 line on 11 targets so he's clearly the WR1. Miami ends the season with the Saints, Titans and Patriots.

Matt Rhule said he can't speculate who will be the full time guy this week.

Relaed players: Cam Newton, Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker

Not many thought Darnold would be in the mix to get back on the field at this point, but here we are. The choice for Week 16 looks to be between Newton and Darnold at this point, but Rhule said he still needs some clarity from Darnold's test results Monday. Darnold has to be cleared by a doctor for contact practice.

The Lions signed RB Craig Reynolds from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, per source. He's now signed with Detroit through 2022.

Related players: D'Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, Godwin Igwebuike, Jermar Jefferson

The tweet went on to say Reynolds has 37 carries for 195 yards with an 88.3 PFF grade over the last two weeks. He's no threat to Swift in town but it's worth it for the Lions to see what Reynolds can do with for the rest of the season heading into 2022. It looks like at the very least he's passed Igwebuike and Jefferson on the depth chart. He'll be tough to trust in the Lions offense but is worth adding for the depth at the very least.

After Sunday’s 31-30 loss to the Packers, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said that he anticipates having Lamar Jackson back in the lineup to face the Bengals in Week 16.

Related players: Tyler Huntley

The story said the Ravens will have no issues playing Huntley again if Jackson is unable to go. Huntley threw for two TDs and ran for two more in the team's loss in Week 15. Fantasy owners should have plenty of notice as far as Jackson's status goes - the Ravens are at Cincy for an early afternoon game on Sunday.

The New York Giants may actually look toward the future regarding the quarterback position -- for next week at least. With Daniel Jones still nursing a neck injury, Giants head coach Joe Judge will consider starting Jake Fromm over Mike Glennon for the team's Week 16 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Fromm replaced Glennon late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Dallas Cowboys, finishing 6 of 12 for 82 yards in limited minutes. In comparison, Glennon went 13 of 24 for 99 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions -- losing another start for the Giants. Glennon's .200 win percentage is the lowest for any starting quarterback in NFL history (minimum 25 starts) the story went on to say.

Leonard Fournette may miss some time, a game or two, but not a major injury.

Related players: Ronald Jones, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

Unfortunately, a game or two at this stage of the season is a huge deal and depending on how things go the Bucs certainly could hold out Fournette the rest of the regular season with games against the Panthers, Jets and then the Panthers again to close the regular season. Jones should get a chance to be the lead back with Vaughn mixing in at times as well, probably mostly in the passing game and as a change of pace.

The rest of the injuries bear watching, but don't appear to be anything severe.
— Mike Evans’ hamstring should be OK, nothing major.

Related players: Antonio Brown

It's good news for the Bucs who will be without Godwin for the rest of the regular season. It's not clear if Evans will play in Week 16, but the Bucs have an early game Sunday at Carolina so owners will have plenty of time to adjust. The return of Brown should make things a little better for the Tampa offense as well, which got shutout in Week 15 against the Saints.

Bucs WR Chris Godwin, who suffered an MCL sprain, is expected to miss the rest of the regular season, source said.

Related players: Antonio Brown, Mike Evans

With three games left, Injured Reserve makes sense, Rapoport went on to say. Godwin should be able to return for the playoffs, which obviously is most important the tweet pointed out. Brown's return to the team is coming at a key time as he could be the team's top receiving target. Evans' hamstring injury is not as serious but his status for Week 16 is still up in the air. The Bucs have an early Sunday game in Week 16 at Carolina.

It’ll be Nick Mullens starting today against the Raiders, per sources.

Related players: Baker Mayfield, Case Keenum

Browns QBs Mayfield and Keenum didn’t test out of COVID protocols heading into the first of two Monday night games in Week 15, even needing just one negative test now. One would think it should be a heavy dose of Nick Chubb and then D'Ernest Johnson in the passing game and passing situations for the Browns tonight.

One day after running for 102 yards and two touchdowns, RB Duke Johnson is being signed to the Miami Dolphins’ active roster, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Related players: Myles Gaskin

Johnson ran 22 times for 107 yards and two scores, so this isn't a surprise. Gaskin got 10 carries for 54 yards but it looks like Duke may be getting another chance to prove he can be a lead back. Miami gets a tough Saints defense in Week 16 on a Monday night game so it remains to be seen if Johnson can come close to these numbers again. If you're hurting at RB heading into the fantasy semifinals, Duke is at least worth a pickup.

Devin Singletary not only handled 22 of the 23 running back carries but also took 67 of the 70 total running back snaps against Carolina. Matt Breida didn’t get his first offensive snap until midway through the third quarter. His only other two snaps were on the Bills’ two kneeldowns at the end of the game. While the disparity might not be as stark in future games, it’s clear who the Bills trust most to lead their backfield as they enter the final three games.

Related players: Zack Moss

For now, Singletary has put his ball-security issues to rest and shown a spark with some chunk plays when the Bills have needed it, the story said. Although coach Sean McDermott wouldn’t label Singletary the featured back, the recent usage means he has graduated from the early-season 1A label and is now just No. 1 ahead of Breida and Moss, the story went on to say. The Bills are still a pass-heavy team but Singletary could have some fantasy value in the fantasy semifinals and finals.

Bucs’ HC Bruce Arians on the decision to bring back WR Antonio Brown and S Mike Edwards after they misrepresented their vaccination status: “Yeah, it’s in the best interest of our football team. Both of those guys have served their time and we’ll welcome them back.”

Related players: Chris Godwin, Mike Evans

Those who kept Brown around all this time, through injury and suspension, could be greatly rewarded as we enter the fantasy semifinals and finals. The Bucs lost Evans and Godwin on Sunday night this past week and both could be looking at missing multiple weeks. The team also lost top pass-catching RB Leonard Fournette, so Brown could be in store for a lot of targets over the next few weeks.

In the third quarter, Leonard Fournette was helped to the locker room with what the team called a hamstring injury. He also did not return in the Bucs' 9-0 loss.

Related players: Ronald Jones, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

It wasn't a good week for the Buccaneers who also lost Chris Godwin and Mike Evans at WR. Early reports say all players could be looking at being out for multiple weeks. If Fournette misses time, Jones likely takes over a bulk of the work, especially on early downs but don't be surprised if the once-popular Vaughn also gets work, especially on passing down.

The early thought on Chris Godwin’s injury is he sprained his MCL during Sunday’s game against the Saints.

Godwin will miss time and will undergo an MRI to determine a timetable for his return. It’s possible he could be out until the playoffs wit just three weeks left in the season. The Bucs could just choose to rest him. They still have the division in their grasp, but will likely be playing on Wild Card Weekend. The Bucs’ remaining schedule is the Panthers, Jets and then the Panthers again.

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) is doubtful and WR Chris Godwin (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday’s game against the Saints. We could continue to see a lot of Leonard Fournette, who already has six catches tonight.

Update: Both have been ruled out for the rest of the game.

Tough news on top of what’s already been a fairly quiet day for the Buccaneers offense, as they trail at the half, 6-0. Godwin was the leading receiver for Tampa in the first half with 49 yards on six catches. Evans has one catch for 14 yards.

Broncos QB Teddy Bridgewater was carted off the field during Sunday’s game against the Bengals.

Bridgewater took a shot to the side and was face down on the ground. Our best wishes to Bridgewater. Drew Lock is now in at quarterback.

Seahawks RB Travis Homer was among six Seahawks players added to the team’s reserve/COVID list Sunday.

WR Tyler Lockett and RB Alex Collins were already on the list. So both the Seahawks and Rams were dealing with COVID issues, though it was more the Rams’ issues that caused their game to be pushed back to Tuesday. With no Collins or Homer, things really set up well for Rashaad Penny to really take control of the backfield in Seattle in a game the Seahawks absolutely have to have, but also now a chance for the Rams to pull even with the Cardinals atop the NFC West.

Giants WR Sterling Shepard suffered a torn Achilles during Sunday’s loss to the Cowboys and is done for the season.

Very unfortunate for Shepard, who had been battling injury all season and now is not only lost for the rest of 2021, but almost certainly will miss the start of the 2022 season. Shepard is still under contract with the Giants for two more seasons but will have missed 20 games in the last three seasons.

The activation will generate a committee in the backfield for Arizona. James Conner is dealing with an ankle injury of his own and should allow Edmonds a workload that is serviceable for fantasy against a exploitable Detroit run defense.

Edmonds could see RB1 usage of Conner ends up with an inactive tag. Monitor the status of the starting running back before confidently inserting Edmonds into your lineup.

The activation will generate a committee in the backfield for Arizona. James Conner is dealing with an ankle injury of his own and should allow Edmonds a workload that is serviceable for fantasy against a exploitable Detroit run defense.

Edmonds could see RB1 usage of Conner ends up with an inactive tag. Monitor the status of the starting running back before confidently inserting Edmonds into your lineup.

49ers RB Elijah Mitchell (knee/concussion) will miss Week 15's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Related Players: Deebo Samuel, Jeff Wilson Jr., JaMycal Hasty

Look for Samuel and Wilson to get most of the rushing work for San Fran, with Hasty filling in during two-minute drills or a blowout.

Lions WR Josh Reynolds (thigh) is questionable for Week 15's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

If Reynolds cannot play, Amon-Ra St. Brown would be Detroit's only trusted wideout playing.

Cardinals RB James Conner (ankle) and TE Zach Ertz (hamstring) are questionable for Week 15's game at the Detroit Lions.

Related Players: Chase Edmonds, Eno Benjamin

Edmonds reportedly looked good at practice and could be activated for the game against Detroit. Ertz popped up on the injury report Friday so his status is one to watch carefully Sunday.

Cowboys RB Tony Pollard (foot) is questionable for Week 15's game at the New York Giants.

Related Player: Corey Clement

Pollard got in two limited practices. If he does not play, Corey Clement will be Dallas's change-of-pace back.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson (ankle) and WR Marquise Brown (non-COVID illness) are questionable for Week 15's game against the Green Bay Packers.

Related Player: Tyler Huntley

Jackson did not practice at all this week, including Friday's walk-through. If he does play Sunday, he would be severely limited. The Packers defense has been very good and is slowly getting healthy. It may be best for Jackson to take a week off.

Sunday's Week 15 games between the Washington Football Team and Philadelphia Eagles, and Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks have been postponed to Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

Saturday's game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns has been postponed to Monday, December 20, 2021.

Giants WR Sterling Shepard (calf) is questionable for Week 15's game against the Dallas Cowboys.

The Giants are thinner at receiver with Kadarius Toney and John Ross out for COVID protocols. His insertion in the starting lineup would go a long way to giving the Giants a shot at scoring against Dallas.

Patriots RB Damien Harris (hamstring) has been downgraded to out for Saturday's game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Related Players: Rhamondre Stevenson, Brandon Bolden

Not great news on the Harris front. Stevenson should start with Bolden as the change of pace back if he plays.

Eagles RBs Miles Sanders (ankle) and Jordan Howard (knee) will play Week 15 against the WFT.

Related Players: Kenneth Gainwell Jr., Boston Scott

Jalen Hurts could attempt a Mac Jones-like three passes Sunday and the Eagles could win by 20.

WFT WR Curtis Samuel (hamstring) will not play Week 15, while RB J.D. McKissic (concussion) and WR Terry McLaurin (concussion) are questionable.

WFT gets the Eagles off a bye with Kyle Allen, Kyle Shurmur, Garrett Gilbert, or you at QB this week. Lower expectations for the entire WFT offense.

Buccaneers HC Bruce Arians told reporters Friday that RB Leonard Fournette (knee) will play Week 15. He practiced in full Friday.

Panthers WR D.J. Moore (hamstring) is questionable for Week 15's game at Buffalo.

The Panthers offense is broken and will be facing a Bills team desperate for a win. Moore may be the only trustworthy Panther this week.

Bills HC Sean McDermott told reporters Friday that the Bills' medical team is comfortable with Josh Allen playing Sunday. McDermott believes Allen will be able to conduct the offense as usual.

This is all good news to read, but we won't know if Allen has any limitations until he takes the field Sunday.

Dolphins RBs Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed have been removed from the reserve/COVID-19 list and are expected to play Week 15.

The Dolphins have an elite offensive matchup against a healthy and horrible Jets defense. Gaskin may not have a full workload after missing almost a full week of practice, but he is healthy, and that puts him in elite company Week 15.

Bills HC Sean McDermott told reporters Friday that WR Emmanuel Sanders (knee) will not play Week 15 against the Carolina Panthers.

Related Player: Gabriel Davis

The veteran has seen his role fade as the season has worn on. Gabriel Davis becomes a lot more appealing in part because he does not have COVID-19.

Jaguars interim HC Darrell Bevell told reporters Friday that RB Carlos Hyde is still in concussion protocol and will miss Week 15's game against the Houston Texans.

Related Player: James Robinson

As if you didn't need another reason to lock Robinson into your fantasy lineup...

WFT QB Taylor Heinicke has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related Players: Garrett Gilbert, Kyle Allen

It is time to fade the WFT offense this week.

San Francisco 49ers running back Elijah Mitchell missed Thursday's practice.

Mitchell is listed with a concussion and knee injury but was spotted working on the side of the field with trainers, a sign that he may have exited the league's concussion protocol. He will need to log at least a limited practice on Friday to have a chance at playing this weekend, so this is a situation to monitor. Mitchell has been excellent when healthy and is currently our eighth-ranked running back for Week 15.

Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury.

Conner has emerged as a touchdown machine for the Arizona Cardinals and will remain the lead back when Chase Edmonds returns from injury. Conner will need to practice in some fashion on Friday to be active for Sunday's contest against the Lions, but the team remains optimistic. If he cannot go, Chase Edmonds, who has been practicing but has no participation level listed due to still being on injured reserve, will be back in a lead back role with Eno Benjamin backing him up. Conner is currently our 21st ranked running back for Week 15.

Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift missed Thursday's practice with a shoulder injury.

Swift has missed consecutive days of practice and will need to take the practice field on Friday to have a chance of suiting up on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions seem to be holding out hope that Swift will be able to appear in games again this season, but he has yet to resume practicing since injuring his shoulder. If Swift cannot go and Jamaal Williams remains out, Craig Reynolds, Godwin Igwebuike, and Jermar Jefferson will form a committee, with Reynolds being the presumptive favorite to lead the team in carries. This is a situation to monitor.

Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson underwent thumb surgery and will be out for the rest of the season.

Hockenson underwent thumb surgery this morning and will miss the rest of the season. He has a lengthy recovery period but is expected to be ready for the team's offseason program. This is a big blow to a Lions offense that has little in the way of talent behind him. Hockenson's absence should stabilize Amon-Ra St. Brown's role as a high-volume receiver. Brock Wright is expected to draw the bulk of the snaps at tight end for Week 15.

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury.

The Ravens were hoping to have Lamar back at practice today, so the missed practice is a concern. However, Friday's practice session will still be critical to determining whether or not he plays this weekend. Lamar is currently our 13th ranked quarterback for Week 15.

Seattle Seahawks running back Alex Collins has been placed on the reserve/COVID list.

Alex Collins joins Tyler Lockett on the COVID list and is in danger of missing Week 15. The Seahawks have good depth at running back and were already planning to five Rashaad Penny the start this weekend. DeeJay Dallas and Adrian Peterson (if active) will be Penny's top backups. Penny is our 23rd ranked running back for Week 15.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett has been placed on the reserve/COVID list.

Lockett has been placed on the reserve/COVID list, putting him in serious danger of missing this Sunday's contest against the Los Angeles Rams. He can be cleared if he returns two negative tests 24 hours apart but is up against the clock due to being placed in the protocol on Thursday. If Lockett cannot go, D.K. Metcalf should see an uptick in targets, and D'Wayne Eskridge and Freddie Swain should see expanded roles.

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been placed on the reserve/COVID list.

Being placed on the list this late in the week puts Waddle in serious danger of missing this weekend's contest against the New York Jets. He can still be cleared if he produces two negative tests 24 hours apart, but the late addition to the reserve/COVID list makes him being available for Week 15 unlikely. This is a situation to monitor, but fantasy managers should plan to be without their terrific rookie receiver for the start of the fantasy playoffs.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler is expected to play tonight against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ekeler is banged up and playing on a short week, but the Chargers are playing for their playoff lives, and a loss could be detrimental to their chances to make the postseason. With that in mind, Ekeler will give it a go tonight. Ekeler may see a reduced workload but should still be featured when he is on the field. Ekeler is our 4th ranked running back for Week 15.

Packers RB Aaron Jones (knee) and WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (back) were limited during Wednesday's practice. QB Aaron Rodgers (toe) did not practice.

Rodgers will continue to rest as needed. Jones should play and will also rest as much as needed. MVS is a new injury and should be closely monitored.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) is a game-time decision and will try out his ankle before Thursday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Related Players: Justin Jackson, Larry Rountree III, Joshua Kelley

If Ekeler is active, it could be a dicey proposition. The Chiefs front seven has been much better with the acquisition of Melvin Ingram and Chris Jones moving back to defensive tackle.

Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette (ankle) did not practice Wednesday.

It is unsure if this is added rest after Sunday, but it is important to follow his practice status the next two days.

Lions RB D'Andre Swift (shoulder) and TE T.J. Hockensen (hand) did not practice Wednesday.

Related Players: Craig Reynolds, Jamaal Williams, Brock Wright

Could be another long week for the Lions offense, but at least Reynolds and Wright showed signs of life in place of their respective starters.

Raiders TE Darren Waller (knee, back) did not practice Wednesday, while TE Foster Moreau (abdomen) was limited.

Las Vegas may be severely limited at tight end Week 15. If both are out, do not attempt to start a Raiders tight end.

Cowboys RB Tony Pollard rehabbed, but did not participate in practice Wednesday.

Related Player: Corey Clement

It would not be surprising to see Pollard out once again Week 15. Pick up Clement or have another option ready.

Patriots RBs Brandon Bolden (knee) and Damien Harris (hamstring) were limited at Wednesday's practice.

It could be extra rest coming off the bye, but Bolden and Harris being limited is worth monitoring and not being full participants is cause for some concern.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts (ankle) and RBs Miles Sanders (ankle) and Jordan Howard (knee) were limited participants Wednesday.

Related Players: Gardner Minshew, Kenneth Gainwell, Boston Scott

It's all a mess for Philly coming out of their bye. Friday's final injury report will have the best idea of how to tackle the Eagles offense.

Giants RB Saquon Barkley (ankle) and K Graham Gano (illness) did not practice Wednesday.

More concern can be had if both are DNPs through Friday.

Cardinals WR DeAndre Hopkins (knee) is expected to miss the rest of the regular season. He sprained his knee Week 14 and was expected to get a second opinion Wednesday.

Related Players: Christian Kirk, Zach Ertz, Rondale Moore, A.J. Green

Tough loss for the Cardinals and even tougher for Hopkins now that he is in a stable offense. All pass catchers get a boost without Hopkins.

WFT RB J.D. McKissic (concussion) and WRs Terry McLaurin (concussion) and Curtis Samuel (hamstring) did not practice Wednesday.

McKissic is in danger of missing his third game, while McLaurin may be in danger of missing his first. If you have been holding out hope for Samuel, it is time to cut bait.

49ers RB Elijah Mitchell (concussion) and TE George Kittle (knee soreness) were not practicing Wednesday.

Related Players: JaMycal Hasty, Jeff Wilson Jr.

The hope was to have Mitchell carry the load Week 15, but no practice for him puts that in jeopardy.

Kittle should be good and his absence considered more of a precaution.

Panthers WR D.J. Moore (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday.

The last thing Cam Newton or P.J. Walker needs is their top wideout to not be playing on game day.

Bills QB Josh Allen (foot) was limited Wednesday, and WR Emmanuel Sanders (knee) did not practice ahead of Week 15's game against the Carolina Panthers. The Bills conducted a walk-through practice Wednesday.

Allen not having a DNP for a walk-through is pretty important. Sanders' role with the Bills have changed drastically and a missed game would hurt his standing in the receiving pecking order.

WFT QB Kyle Allen has been placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Taylor Heinicke (knee) is on track to start Week 15.

The Carolina Panthers have designated QB Sam Darnold (shoulder). He has 21 days to be placed on the active roster or miss the remainder of the season.

Related Players: Cam Newton, P.J. Walker

If you have three QBs, do you even have one?

With RB Rex Burkhead (hip) unable to play Week 15, Texans HC David Culley told reporters Wednesday that David Johnson and Royce Freeman will be the lead backs Week 15.

Johnson missed Week 14 because of COVID, so it is unknown how much if at all the virus changes his practice time ahead of Week 15. Johnson and Freeman are dart throw RBs this weekend.

Giants HC Joe Judge told reporters Wednesday that QB Mike Glennon will start Week 15 with Daniel Jones (neck) still not cleared.

Glennon is worth a look in two-QB leagues, and that is about it.

QB Josh Johnson has been added to the Baltimore Ravens' active roster. He was on the New York Jets practice squad.

Related Players: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley

This is more about Lamar's ankle than Johnson's role with the team. Jackson is very much in doubt for Week 15.

Giants WR John Ross has been added to the reserve/COVID-19 list. Fellow WR Kadarius Toney is also on the list.

At this point if a player is NOT on the COVID-19 list, add them.

Browns QB Baker Mayfield was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list and is in danger of missing Saturday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Related Player: Case Keenum

COVID is crushing teams across multiple sports and it is now to the point where postponements may make sense. If the game goes on sans-Mayfield, Case Keenum would get his second start of the season.

Last week, PFT reported that the Buccaneers are considering cutting receiver Antonio Brown, who currently is serving a three-game suspension for using a fake vaccination card. On Tuesday, coach Bruce Arians made it crystal clear that termination is on the table.

Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, Arians said as to the decision regarding Brown, “It could go either way right now, it really could.”

Earlier this week the team said "we'll see how it goes." The story made a point about how cutting Brown seems to be on the table and would probably be the right thing to do. However, Brown could end up on a competing team, the story mentioned the Packers as an example, which probably means the Bucs will hold on to Brown in the end. The team said a decision could come later this week or early next week. Brown is still suspended for this week's game and was also dealing with an ankle injury.

Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson and Trenton Cannon are scheduled to be unrestricted free agents in March. Given how vital that position is, I think the 49ers should re-sign Wilson (no brainer), re-sign Mostert (more expensive, yes, but it’s necessary) and bring in one more additional runner. That would give them: Mostert, Elijah Mitchell, Wilson, Trey Sermon, JaMycal Hasty and _____ to start the offseason.

The author went on to say the 49ers’ motto when it comes to running backs ought to be: We can never have enough. The big fantasy question would be who is the lead back as Mostert, Mitchell and Wilson have all had the role at one time or another.

The bottom line is that once Elijah Mitchell is back and Jeff Wilson is 100 percent — and he’s getting closer — the less of a need there will be for Deebo Samuel to play eight snaps at running back. Maybe that drops to three or four in coming weeks. That seems about right.

The question was part of a mailbag. The author pointed out maybe there’s a slightly higher risk of getting injured on runs through the A or B gaps. But it’s not like Samuel’s playing a dainty, finesse version of wide receiver, either. He’s trying to smash through tacklers every opportunity he gets, the author said.

Buccaneers running back Gio Bernard will miss at least the next three games.

Bernard has been placed on injured reserve with hip and knee injuries. He got hurt in Sunday’s game against the Bills and did not return.

Related players: Leonard Fournette

Bernard wasn't seeing as much time as he did early in the season thanks to the emergence of Fournette in the offense. Look for Fournette to eat up any snaps Bernard would have got in the passing game.

The Patriots added quarterback Mac Jones to their practice report about 90 minutes after the release of their initial practice report. He was a full participant with a left thumb injury.

His thumb issue, obviously, isn't on his throwing hand so there probably isn't a whole lot here. As the story said, Jones threw three times the last time the Patriots were in action in Week 13 and then had a bye in Week 14 so it's not clear when this injury happened.

Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler were limited Tuesday in practice.

Williams is dealing with a heel injury and Ekeler an ankle. Both are expected to play and with WR Keenan Allen off the COVID list the Bolts should be at full strength against the Chiefs on Thursday night in a huge AFC West battle.

Raiders TE Darren Waller didn't practice Tuesday because of back and knee issues.

Related players: Foster Moreau

Not a good sign so far for Waller and his owners heading into a Saturday afternoon game against the Browns. Moreau would again get the work at TE, but has been a fantasy disappointment thus far after a breakout game against the Eagles when Waller was out earlier this season.

Chargers WR Keenan Allen was activated off the COVID list.

Related players: Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton, Josh Palmer

Good news for the Bolts heading into a key AFC West game on Thursday night against the Chiefs. Williams didn't practice on Monday because of a heel issue, but the return of Allen likely downgrades Guyton and Palmer a bit for Week 15, assuming Williams plays as well.

From his Tuesday comments on the Pat McAfee Show, it still doesn’t sound like Rodgers is going to get surgery on the toe.

“Toe was definitely hurting after the game, but it is what it is,” Rodgers said, via Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “It’s not going to be a problem I don’t think. It’s not going to stop me from playing. It’s just pain management but I’m going to keep playing and probably not practice a whole lot.”

Rodgers said the status of his toe took a step back after the team's win over the Bears in Week 14. It looks like Rodgers won't get surgery during the season to fix the toe. At this point, Rodgers doesn't want to miss any time with Green Bay now in the top spot in the NFC.

Both Adrian Phillips (knee) and Damien Harris (hammy) were limited at today's practice. Patriots only DNP was Yodney Cajuste (illness).

Related players: Rhamondre Stevenson

It's a possible good sign that Harris could go in Week 15 against the Colts on Saturday night. If Harris plays, he and Stevenson likely split the workload, but if Harris is out, Stevenson would get a bulk of the workload, so this is worth watching leading up to Saturday.

Kliff Kingsbury said DeAndre Hopkins is having an MRI for a leg injury. No further information.

Kingsbury also said RB James Conner will get an MRI on his ankle.

Related players: A.J. Green, Rondale Moore, Chase Edmonds

Urban's tweet added that Kingsbury said Conner probably has played too many snaps in Edmonds' absence but that Conner has held up to this point. Hopefully for the Cards and for fantasy owners, Conner will be OK for his Week 15 matchup. The good news is the team plays an early Sunday game at Detroit so owners will know Conner's status in advance if he's a game-time call. The team could be close to activating Edmonds as well, as reports said he was close to going in Week 14 against the Rams.

I'm told Rams WR Odell Beckham Jr. has tested positive for COVID19, per league source.

Related players: Van Jefferson, Cooper Kupp

Like the Browns, the Rams closed their training facility and entered league protocols on Tuesday. Vaccinated players, of course, need to test negative twice in 24 hours to get cleared, but it's another player on a long list over the past few days.

Robert Saleh said Monday that he expects Michael Carter, Michael Carter II, Tevin Coleman, Bryce Huff and Tyler Kroft to return Sunday against Miami.

Carter was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury after Week 11. One would think he'd step back into the starting role for the Jets. He had 10 touches in Week 11 before getting hurt but before that logged 20, 14, 24 and 19 touches in the weeks leading up. The Jets get the Dolphins, Jaguars, Buccaneers and Bills to close out the season.

Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said last month that there was no update on Ridley, who is on the non-football illness list after stepping away from the team to deal with mental health issues. On Monday, he said things remain status quo when it comes to Ridley.

“As soon as we get an update, we’ll give you an update,” Smith said, via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I understand that you’ve got to ask, but there is no update there.”

Ridley only played five games for the Falcons this year and the Falcons’ lack of depth at wideout is illustrated by the fact that Russell Gage is the only receiver with more catches than Ridley had before leaving the team, the story pointed out.

Browns most recent COVID-19 testing round, they have been placed in enhanced mitigation protocols by the league.

Adam Schefter reports the team placed the following players on their COVID list: TE Austin Hooper, WR Jarvis Landry, G Wyatt Teller, OT Jedrick Wills, G Drew Forbes, DE Takkarist McKinley, WR JoJo Natson, and Ross Travis.

Today’s team meetings will be virtual and all players, coaches, and tiered personnel must be masked while indoors. Walkthrough practice still scheduled for this afternoon, but will now be closed to the media. More significant, the team is potentially without several starting lineman, as well as Landry and Hooper for this week's game if they aren't able to test negative twice in 24 hours.

“I’m not impulsive,” Jags owner Shad Khan said, via Mark Long of the Associated Press. “I learned that a long time ago with anything that’s this important you don’t want to be impulsive. You want to look at exactly what I know first-hand, what people are telling me and then collect that and do the right thing.”

Khan's comments are kind of all over the place. On one hand he acknowledged HC Urban Meyer has a winning history but also feels the current Jags team is better than the two wins they produced and he expected more from Meyer. While there could be a learning curve for a first-year coach coming from college, the drama around the team that seems to have been created by Meyer adds a whole other level to this situation.

The New York Giants will again be without quarterback Daniel Jones this week against the Dallas Cowboys because of a neck injury, a source told ESPN.

Related players: Mike Glennon, Jake Fromm

Jones underwent his weekly round of tests Monday and was not cleared for contact. The injury did not worsen, but the images still prompted the medical professionals involved to err on the side of caution, the story said. The story added Glennon is expected to start but Fromm could also see time. That could mean Glennon will be on a short leash.

“I think [Rashaad Penny] deserves a shot to show that, to start it out,” Carroll said, via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “We’ll still rotate to keep you guys fresh, but yeah, we’re gonna give him a shot again to come right on back and see if we can keep going.”

Related players: Alex Collins, Travis Homer, Adrian Peterson, DeeJay Dallas, Chris Carson

Finally healthy, Penny got the start against the Texans last Sunday and he made the most of it by running 16 times for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Carson is dealing with neck issues, with lots of questions surrounding his future, so the Seahawks could be looking for their future RB1.

Washington Football Team tight end Logan Thomas faces a longer recovery after further tests revealed a torn ACL, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Thomas is expected to undergo surgery this week and be ready for the start of the 2022 season.

Related players: Ricky Seals-Jones

Washington was hoping to get Thomas back if it made the playoffs but that won't be the case as Thomas is now on the IR for the second time this season. Thomas had signed a three-year extension worth up to $24.065 million in August. He caught a career-high 72 passes for 670 yards and six touchdowns in 2020 and became one of the NFL's best red zone targets at tight end.

The Chargers didn't practice today, but if they had, RB Austin Ekeler (ankle) would not have participated.

Related players: Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, Larry Rountree

A report earlier today said Ekeler's ankle is "fine." The team has a short week in Week 15, taking on the Chiefs in a huge AFC West showdown.

A fourth runner, Brian Hill, was elevated from the practice squad for the game and played 16 snaps on special teams. Hill’s was only a short-term promotion while cornerback Saivion Smith and receiver River Cracraft were signed to the 53-man roster. Perhaps that’s an indication the 49ers feel Elijah Mitchell will be back this week. (Smith, meanwhile, was waived on Monday but, per a league source, the 49ers plan to sign him back to the practice squad after he clears waivers.)

Related players: Jeff Wilson

It may be a little bit of a read-between-the-lines situation here, but it's at least a sign of hope for Mitchell owners who may have survived Week 14 and are heading into the playoffs and Week 15. The story also talked about how Mitchell maybe can't be relied on for 25 touches a game based on his injuries, and the story indicated Wilson could steal some touches to limit Mitchell and keep him healthy for the stretch run. If Mitchell can't go, Wilson, who played on a team-high 42 snaps, would likely get the biggest workload in Week 15.

Jeff Wilson’s 42 snaps were a season high and an indication he is returning to his pre-injury form. So was his 4.3-yard average. There was nothing flashy from him against the Bengals and his longest carry was 12 yards.

Related players: Elijah Mitchell

The story suggested the team could use a change of pace back to Mitchell and that Wilson's production against the Bengals was an encouraging sign he could be just that. The team seems to trust Wilson so the move would make sense. He's also getting healthier, proven by his 42 snaps in Week 14.

Eagles have placed WR Quez Watkins and RB Jason Huntley on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.

Related players: Jalen Reagor, Greg Ward

If Watkins has to miss Week 15 against Washington, Reagor likely moves into the team's WR2 role with Ward also possibly seeing more targets. This is a big game for both the Eagles and Washington who sit at 6-7 and are battling for the final wild card berth in the NFC. Watkins is more of a big-play, boom-or-bust deep threat for the Birds.

Giants WR Kadarius Toney also tested positive, per the wire.

Related players: Darius Slayton, Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard

Toney was already out of action because of an oblique injury so even if he is vaccinated, tests negative twice in 24 hours, it's not clear if he'll play in Week 15. Slayton, Golladay and Shepard are the team's top-three WRs at this point, but Daniel Jones is out leaving Mike Glennon as the QB. The Giants take on the Cowboys in Week 15.

Chiefs WR Josh Gordon tested positive, per the wire.

Related players: Mecole Hardman, Byron Pringle

Gordon caught two passes for 9 yards and a TD this past week but his status will be up in the air for a Thursday night game against the Chargers in Week 15. Reports say Gordon is vaccinated so he'll need two negative tests in 24 hours to get back on the field.

Viking put RB Alexander Mattison and WR Dan Chisena on COVID-19 reserve list, guard Kyle Hinton on practice squad COVID-19 list and LB Ryan Connelly goes to IR.

Related players: Dalvin Cook, Wayne Gallman, Kene Nwangwu, C.J. Ham

The Viking claimed RB Gallman off waivers in another move. Gallman likely at least slides in behind Cook and Nwangwu. Cook was dominant last week coming back from a shoulder injury but has dealt with his share of injuries this year and in his career, so his handcuff any given week is always worth noting.

Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy is “feeling a lot better” about RB Tony Pollard’s ability to play Sunday.

Related players: Ezekiel Elliott, Corey Clement

The Cowboys take on the Giants and already say Pollard's chances are better now versus last week leading up to the game against Washington. Pollard missed his first game of season with a torn plantar fascia. It's worth nothing that Elliott and Clement split the workload, with Zeke getting 12 carries to Clement's 13 and each catching a pass as well.

Sean McDermott says Emmanuel Sanders has a knee sprain and will most likely be out this week.

Related players: Gabriel Davis

Getzenberg went on to say McDermott gave a lot of praise to Davis after announcing Sanders is likely out for Week 15. Davis saw 8 targets as the Bills played from behind against the Bucs and caught five passes for 43 yards and a TD. Davis is likely still behind Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley and Dawson Knox in terms of pecking order.

Sean McDermott says that Josh Allen has a foot sprain and is day-to-day.

Related players: Mitchell Trubisky

Getzenberg went on to tweet that Allen has a "chance" to play in Week 15, which doesn't necessarily sound all that positive but the team is going to see how he progresses this week. Trubisky would start if Allen can't go. McDermott said the team will err on the side of caution with Allen, and with all their players. It's also worth noting McDermott didn't say yes or no in terms of the injury being turf toe. The team is calling it a foot sprain.

The Cardinals did NOT activate RB Chase Edmonds before tonight's game.

Related players: James Conner, Eno Benjamin

Three of the last four weeks Conner has logged 20 or more carries, and in that span he's recorded six touchdowns, including two receiving TDs He has 17 targets over the last four games as well. Benjamin will be the backup to Conner and has averaged about six touches over the last four games, that includes just three touches in Week 13. As the tweet said, this is shaping up to the James Conner Show vs. the Rams.

Rivera also told reporters that receiver Terry McLaurin is in the concussion protocol.

Related players: Cam Sims, Adam Humphries, Curtis Samuel

McLaurin didn't record a catch in Week 14 and neither did Samuel who was supposed to ramp up his workload after missing most of the season with a hamstring issue. Sims and Humphries led the way for Washington at WR and may have to again in Week 15 if McLaurin isn't cleared to return.

Washington quarterback Taylor Heinicke had to exit Sunday’s game with a knee injury, but at this point it still doesn’t sound serious.

Related players: Kyle Allen

Heinicke said after the game that his knee was fine and he should be ready to face the Eagles in Week 15. On Monday, head coach Ron Rivera told reporters in his press conference that Heinicke is sore and the team will monitor him over the course of the week. Allen replaced Heinicke in the fourth quarter and went 4-of-9 passing for 53 yards. Heinicke also played through an elbow issue on Sunday.

Justin Fields said his left hand was swollen and that he’d be going for X-rays to assess any damage. On Monday, head coach Matt Nagy said that Fields has a contusion and should be good to go this week.

Fields returned to the lineup on Sunday night after missing a couple of games with cracked ribs. “I feel like he should be good,” Nagy said, via NBCSportsChicago.com, in terms of Fields' hand injury.

Rams placed CB Jalen Ramsey and TE Tyler Higbee on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. Both players out of tonight’s game vs. Cardinals.

Related players: Kendall Blanton, Jacob Harris

Two big losses in what is a key game for the NFC West. With Higbee out, Blanton and Harris are next up on the depth chart. Higbee had a 5-48-0 line last week against the Jags while Blanton caught one pass for six yards.

Bucs RB Giovani Bernard suffered an MCL injury in addition to a hip strain in Sunday’s win over the Bills, per source. Expect him to miss some time.

Related players: Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones

There was nothing more specific as far as a timetable in the tweet, but Bernard has seen his time cut as of late thanks to Fournette. So any work Bernard was getting in the passing game likely gets added on to Fournette's workload.

The Lions are “hopeful” to get T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift back, and Dan Campbell says they felt better today, but they’re still day-to-day.

Related players: Jamaal Williams, Jermar Jefferson, Godwin Igwebuike, Craig Reynolds

Hockenson is dealing with a hand issue and Swift a shoulder injury. The Lions aren't likely to push either player to return with another lost season at hand. If Swift can't go and Williams is still out, it could be another combo of Jefferson, Igwebuike, and Reynolds at running back. The team said Jefferson didn't get much time because he was out of practice with a sickness leading up to the game. It's possible he would get more work in Week 15, which would really complicate the RB workload.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh told reporters that QB Lamar Jackson has an ankle sprain.

Related players: Tyler Huntley

The good news is it's “not a high-ankle sprain.” Harbaugh indicated there are plans for Jackson to be out there Sunday, but “we’ll see where it goes." Seems like potential good news, but this could be a decision made much later this week so owners should come up with a backup plan. The Ravens play a later Sunday game which could complicate matters for owners in the fantasy playoffs this week. If Jackson can't go, Huntley would get the start.

All three of the running backs on the Dolphins' active roster have tested positive for COVID-19, according to multiple reports.

Myles Gaskin (154 attempts) and Salvon Ahmed (54 attempts) were each placed on Miami's COVID-19 list during the bye week after testing positive, per multiple reports. And Phillip Lindsay (12 attempts), who missed Miami's last game due to an ankle injury, also tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported.

Related players: Malcolm Brown

The story said it's possible they could clear the NFL's protocols for returning to action in time to play against the Jets on Sunday, but it's not a guarantee for any of the players. Brown (33 attempts) remains on injured reserve and has missed the last six games due to a quad injury but the story said the team is hopeful he can practice this week.

In his Monday press conference, Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters that running back Kareem Hunt (ankle) and cornerback Troy Hill (knee) are both unlikely to play in Week 15.

Related players: Nick Chubb, D'Ernest Johnson

It was said Hunt could have returned to the game so this is maybe a bit of a surprise he's listed as unlikely to go. However, Hunt has one less day with a Saturday game against the Raiders on tap this week. Chubb should get a bulk of the workload with Johnson mixing in as a change of pace and passing-down back.

“I haven’t made that determination yet, but we’ll see how it goes,” HC Bruce Arians said, via Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times about WR Antonio Brown.

The Bucs play the Saints at home next Sunday and any decision about Brown will have to come early next week.

Brown is still suspended for Week 15's game but was also dealing with an ankle injury before the suspension was handed down. Brown falsified his vaccine status and Arians said earlier in the season Brown would be gone if he "screws up one time." This seems like a screw-up, but the Bucs are battling for a top seed in the NFC and are among the favorites to return to the Super Bowl.

From NFL Now: While surgery remains an option for Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, the current plan is more rest and rehab after last night's toe setback.

As it was reported earlier today, Rodgers had a setback and said he was in more pain after Week 14's win over the Bears. It sounds like surgery is a last resort for Rodgers, though, and according to Rapoport, no surgery is scheduled at this time.

Matt Rhule said Sam Darnold could be a factor down the stretch but not now.

Related players: Cam Newton, P.J. Walker

Rhule said Newton and Walker will continue to divide reps. However, Darnold is still a few weeks away according to the tweet. With three weeks left in the season, that doesn't leave a ton of time for Darnold to get back into the picture. The Panthers don't seem to have any answer at the QB spot right now.

Matt Rhule said WR D.J. Moore suffered a hamstring pull in the game on Sunday & is day-to-day.

Related players: Robby Anderson, Brandon Zylstra, Terrace Marshall

Moore finished with 10 targets catching six for 84 yards against the Falcons. The loss to Atlanta was a big blow to any playoff hopes for Carolina so there may not be a lot of incentive to rush back Moore as this point. Anderson led the way with 12 targets and a 7-84-1 line while Zylstra added a 4-45-0 line. It's possible rookie Marshall could be more of a factor but he didn't draw a target despite being active in Week 14.

Chargers coach Brandon Staley was optimistic about RB Austin Ekeler’s ankle on Sunday, tellign reporters he looked “fine.”

Sounds like Ekeler reaggravated the ankle from last week that put him on the injury report, the tweet said. With a quick turnaround vs. the Chiefs, it’s one to watch, Rapoport went on to say. He's right, but it could be the reason the Chargers kept Ekeler out of a game that was pretty much in hand against the Giants. The game with the Chiefs Thursday night could go a long way in determining the AFC West Division.

Broncos RB Melvin Gordon suffered a sprained thumb in Sunday’s game, source said, but it doesn’t figure to limit his playing time going forward.

Related players: Javonte Williams

Gordon returned to the game yesterday and ran for 111 yards. Gordon carried 24 times to Williams' 15. Both back scored two TDs in the romp over the Lions (Williams had a TD catch) but at this point it looks like Gordon remains a slightly better fantasy play, at least based on volume.

All the healing done by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers during the bye week might have been erased on Sunday night against the Chicago Bears.

Rodgers, who threw four touchdown passes, said he believes he suffered a setback with his fractured left pinky toe during the Packers’ 45-30 win.

Asked if the toe felt better coming out of the bye and after Sunday night’s game, Rodgers replied, “No, it feels worse.”

“I don’t know what kind of setback that I had tonight but we’ll look at it tomorrow. But definitely took a step back tonight,” Rodgers said.

We could hear more later today about just how much of a setback Rodgers suffered. Rodgers opted not to have surgery over the bye week but said that option still wasn't off the table as recently as last week. The belief is, Rodgers could have the surgery and not miss any time, which was a big requirement if he opted to go under the knife.

Josh Allen was seen in a walking boot and is dealing with a mild case of turf toe.

Allen finished the game and didn't consider going out, according to Rapoport. Allen ran for over 100 yards so all that is a good sign Allen will be able to play through this. He'll likely be limited in practice and maybe the injury cuts down his rushing totals, but for fantasy owners, it at least looks like he's going to take the field in Week 15 against the Panthers. The Bills are fighting for a playoff spot.

Giants QB Daniel Jones is flying back to NY/NJ tonight and will get an MRI on his neck.

Related players: Mike Glennon, Jake Fromm

The tweet went on to say Jones will be examined Monday by Dr. Frank Cammisa at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan. He's an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spinal conditions the tweet said. Glennon got the start in Week 14 but the Giants were beat by the Chargers so the door is certainly open for the team to go with Fromm at some point, assuming Jones' neck injury will keep him out several weeks or perhaps even the rest of the season. Fromm recently joined the team however, so may not be up to speed. As we head to the fantasy playoffs, the Giants offense may just be one to avoid.

Chargers HC Brandon Staley expects WR Keenan Allen to play Thursday vs. Chiefs barring any setbacks.

This game was in doubt as well after Allen was placed on the list early last week. The Bolts Week 15 game is a Thursday night contest at home against the Chiefs that has huge implications for the AFC West Division.

Josh Allen wore a walking boot on his left foot after Sunday’s overtime loss to the Buccaneers. He downplayed the injury but did acknowledge he will undergo further medical testing Monday.

Related players: Mitchell Trubisky

Allen admitted he was sore. He did not miss any plays after injuring his foot on a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter. He landed awkwardly on a tackle from behind by linebacker Devin White, with Allen’s leg folding underneath him. This is definitely worth watching as the week goes on. It seems like a good sign Allen isn't concerned but as we learned from the past, players aren't always a good judge of their injuries.

Browns’ RB Kareem Hunt will undergo a precautionary MRI on his ankle Monday.

Related players: Nick Chubb, D'Ernest Johnson

The rest of the tweet said the team felt he could have returned to the game if needed, so that sounds like good news for Week 15. Johnson saw his work on passing downs and as a change of pace behind Chubb, and that would likely continue if Hunt misses time. Schefter went on to report Hunt, “wanted to try and fight through it," but the Browns did not think they should put him back out there, according to HC Kevin Stefanski.

Washington QB Taylor Heinicke will undergo an MRI on his knee Monday but is expected to be ready to play next week against the Eagles.

Head coach Ron Rivera said after the game the injury doesn’t look to be serious. Heinicke left Sunday’s loss against Dallas with the injury and was replaced by Kyle Allen. Heinicke finished 11/25 for 122 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Despite the loss, Washington still holds the final playoff spot in the NFC at 6-7 going into what is now a very important game in the playoff picture against the Eagles, who are also 6-7 and coming off a bye.