Team news: Washington Commanders

The Colts have released kicker Matt Gay, their kicker the last two seasons.

Related Players: Spencer Shrader

Shrader is next in line for kicking duties after this absolute bombshell.

Three-time time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz is re-signing with the Commanders, per source. It’s a one-year deal worth $6.25 million with a max value of $9M.

Related Players: Ben Sinnott

Ertz had a resurgent season with Washington, hitting 60+ receptions for the first time since 2021. There should still be opportunity for Ertz in an ascending offense but as more of a TE2 than a TE1.

Shanahan said Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) was trending well and is expected to practice this week.

Related players: Patrick Taylor, Deebo Samuel

The Niners play on Monday night at home against the Lions. So those waiting on Guerendo may want to have a backup plan. Hopefully owners will get more information about his status well before that. He should be in line for a big workload, if he plays, just given his draft capital and past usage as the team's now RB1. Samuel would likely get some carries as well.

The 49ers had a big win on Sunday against the Bears, but 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel did not have a big game.

Samuel was held to two catches for 22 yards, continuing a disappointing season in which he’s averaging career-lows in catches per game and yards per game. But Samuel took to social media on Monday afternoon to say nothing is wrong.

“Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!” Samuel wrote.

He later added: “Just cause I voice my opinions mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!! Be Fr,” Samuel wrote.

Related players: Jauan Jennings

As the story mentioned, a comment like that could be portrayed as a complaint. The story mentions that Jennings has more targets, more catches and more yards, as well as more TDs than Samuel this season. The 49ers play on Thursday night in what is likely your opening round of the fantasy playoffs. So, owners may be hoping his post causes the Niners to come out and heavily target Samuel to potentially fix any hard feelings.

Austin Ekeler's response when asked whether he could return this season:

"It's week to week. I want to continue to learn more. It's my second concussion (this season). Am I more susceptible to a third now that I've had two and the severity of mine? It's a learning process for me because I've never had anything this bad and twice in the same season. ... The best thing about is the team has my back ... I really appreciate DQ (Dan Quinn) and Adam Peters for being there."

Related players: Brian Robinson, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez

It doesn't seem like Ekeler has a timetable and the week to week tag indicates it could be some time. Ekeler is clearly concerned about this long-term well-being. From a fantasy angle, Robinson should continue to lead the way with McNichols seeing the passing down work. Rodriguez may be a guy to pick up in deeper leagues as a stash, especially if Ekeler ends up missing significant time. Rodriguez got some mop-up time and ended up carrying the ball 13 times for 94 yards, adding a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Titans.

Per Kyle Shanahan, 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey us going back on IR with his PCL injury.

Related players: Isaac Guerendo, Deebo Samuel, Jordan Mason

It’s a 6 week recovery time for CMC, the post went on to say. It's possible he could return if the Niners make a long playoff run, but for this fantasy season, McCaffrey is done. Sandler, in a separate post, mentioned that Mason will also go on IR with a high ankle sprain, leaving Guerendo as the assumed RB1. The Niners will have to make a move to bring in more running backs, but the team did trade up in the fourth round to pick Guerendo, so it's possible they give him a legit chance the rest of the season. He should be a popular pickup off the wire this week.

The Commanders elevated kicker Zane Gonzalez from the practice squad for the third time this season on Sunday, which left them with the choice of signing Gonzalez to the active roster or finding someone else to do the kicking this week.

They opted for door No. 1. The team announced that they signed Gonzalez to their 53-man roster on Monday.

Related players: Austin Seibert

Gonzalez filled in for Seibert in two November Games and then returned for the win over the Titans after Seibert went on injured reserve last week, the story said.

The Commanders placed running back Austin Ekeler on injured reserve.

Ekeler took a nasty hit on a late kickoff return Sunday against the Cowboys. He suffered his second concussion of the season. Ekeler will miss at least four games and Washington still has their bye coming in Week 14, so the earliest Ekeler can return would be Week 18 against the Cowboys, meaning most fantasy leagues will be finished by the time Ekeler comes back. The Commanders will have Brian Robinson available Sunday after he was able to practice this week following his ankle injury Sunday.

Austin Ekeler's tests last night came back 'good', Dan Quinn said. But Ekeler will be in the concussion protocol. So, too, is Andrew Wylie. Brian Robinson is getting treatment for his ankle. Will know more later in the week.

Related players: Jeremy McNichols, Nick Bellore

The Commanders have a home game against the Titans, which falls in the early window on Sunday in Week 13. Owners should have time to make adjustments if they are game-time calls. Players in protocol have mostly missed the following week of action, so Ekeler's status appears in doubt. Robinson owners will need to monitor his practice status this week. If both backs aren't able to go, McNichols could have a big role. McNichols hasn't had double-digit carries this season, but has turned in some fantasy relevant games on limited work, including 7-42-0 on Oct. 20, 7-44-1 on Oct. 6 and 8-68-2 on Sept. 29.

Commanders HC Dan Quinn told reporters Sunday that running back Austin Ekeler suffered a concussion late in Sunday’s 34-26 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Ekeler took a bit hit late in the game as Washington while returning a kickoff. He was taken to a local hospital. It was a scary-looking scene as Ekeler looked like he was out cold. Medical personnel immediately tended to Ekeler. Here’s hoping Ekeler’s concussion isn’t too serious.