Alex Smith leaves game with concussion

Nov 11, 2012

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith suffered a concussion in the first half of Sunday's 24-24 tie with the St. Louis Rams and did not return. Smith was hit hard in the right shoulder by Rams linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar on a 4-yard run in the first quarter. He remained in the game long enough to connect with receiver Michael Crabtree on a 14-yard touchdown pass, but was in obvious discomfort on the sideline before leaving for the locker room with his helmet off. Smith finished 7 of 8 passing with 72 yards and the score.

Colin Kaepernick took over on the following drive. Coach Jim Harbaugh told FOX at halftime he believed in his backup, but if San Francisco hoped to take a wider look at Kaepernick under center, this isn't the way the team wanted it to happen.

Fantasy Impact:

In relief of Smith, Colin Kaepernick completed 11-of-17 passes for 117 yards, while rushing eight times for 66 yards and a TD. Kaepernick would be a solid fantasy add if Smith is sidelined because of the upside he brings with his running ability.

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Steelers call WR George Pickens doubtful, outside chance to play

Pro Football Talk

2 hours ago

The Steelers did not have receiver George Pickens for their Week 14 victory over the Browns and they are likely to be without him again against the Eagles on Sunday.

Head coach Mike Tomlin said in his Tuesday press conference that Pickens could be characterized as doubtful for Week 15, but there is still an outside chance he’ll play.

Fantasy Impact:

The Steelers thought Pickens would play last week but was eventually ruled out. After Sunday’s contest, Pickens underwent an MRI, which revealed the injury was more significant than initially believed, the story said. Reports from those who follow the team on Monday mentioned it was unlikely Pickens would play, and that's certainly looking like the case.

Cowboys don't expect to make change at QB

Pro Football Talk

4 hours ago

The Cowboys’ loss to the Bengals on Monday night dropped them to 5-8 on the season and left them with scant hope of making it to the playoffs this season, but that’s not going to lead to a shift in their plan at quarterback.

That was the word from team owner Jerry Jones on Tuesday morning. Cooper Rush has been the team’s starter since Dak Prescott’s hamstring injury, but there have been questions about whether the Cowboys will take a look at Trey Lance before his contract expires at the end of the season.

Fantasy Impact:

The story said Jones has been resistant to playing Lance and that he hasn't changed his mind about who will start against the Panthers in Week 15. Jones added in a quote he thought the team "did some good things out there" against the Bengals, and that he believes Rush "gives us our best chance." Unless things change over the final couple of weeks, it doesn't look like Lance is going to get any kind of chance in Dallas.

Raiders Beat: Team will be looking for a QB in 2025

The Athletic

5 hours ago

Looking ahead to 2025, the Raiders will find themselves searching for an answer at quarterback for the third offseason in a row.

Related players: Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew, Desmond Ridder

Fantasy Impact:

The author said O'Connell is the best bet to be in the mix, but it's only because he hasn't really played much. Minshew is under contract for next season, but hasn't played well in his time this season. The Raiders are on pace to have one of the top picks in the NFL Draft, but also could opt to go another direction and take the best player, much like they did last draft with Brock Bowers at TE. The author said the Raiders could once again explore the available veterans: Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Jameis Winston are scheduled to be free agents. Either way, it appears the Raiders will probably have a new starting QB in 2025.