Team news: Houston Texans | Page 10

Bengals’ RB Joe Mixon, who missed Cincinnati’s win against the Titans due to a concussion, “is trending in the direction” of being able to play Sunday versus the Chiefs.

Related Players: Samaje Perine

Week 13's AFC Championship rematch could be nothing short of offensive fireworks, and Mixon —or Samaje Perine if Mixon is forced out for a second straight week— would be a must-start if cleared.

Per Geoff, Ja'Maar Chase limited again at Thanksgiving practice. Joe Mixon out Thursday with concussion while Dax Hill and Chris Evans went full.

Related Players: Samaje Perine

Samaje Perine looks to be in the driver's seat as the Bengals lead back for Week 12, which would make him a solid RB2 in fantasy.

It’ll be Kyle Allen for the Texans at QB Sunday, sources say.

Related players: Davis Mills

Reports said OC Pep Hamilton declined the change happened but others say it will be Allen under center in Week 12. Mills hasn't been good this year and it seems safe to assume the Texans will spend their high first round pick on a QB in this rich quarterback class in 2023.

During his Monday press conference, Texans’ HC Lovie Smith left the door open to a QB change this week, going away from Davis Mills to Kyle Allen. “We're not pleased with where we are,” Smith said. “Do we need to do some things differently? Yes, and we will.”

Saying that the Texans' offensive performance on Sunday was a hard watch would be an understatement. Mills was sacked five times and threw two interceptions, and running back Dameon Pierce ran the ball ten times for 0.8 yards per carry. If the quarterback change were to occur, Kyle Allen would inherit a terrible offensive line and a group of pass-catchers who have reiterated that they don't want to play for this team.

Head coach Zac Taylor says Mixon is in concussion protocol. Hope level for Ja’Marr Chase: "Don’t know. Hard to make a prediction for Sunday. Getting him back on the field this week, and it is day-by-day."

Related Players: Samaje Perine, Trayveon Williams

The Bengals were without two of their big play-makers but didn't seem any worse for wear, as names like Samaje Perine and Trenton Irwin found the end zone multiple times. Perine has proven to be a valuable fantasy commodity if Mixon isn't on the field, so this is something to keep an eye on throughout the week.

WR Brandin Cooks was with the WR/TE group during the individual period of Thursday’s practice.

Related Players: Nico Collins, Chris Moore

It looks like Cooks and the Texans have made up for the time being, and it will do neither party any good to see the wide receiver sitting on the bench. This undoubtedly steps on Nico Collins' toes, as it will be difficult for him to hit double-digit targets —as he did in Week 10— if Cooks is lining up opposite him. Both WRs can be considered high-floor/low-ceiling Flex plays against the Commanders in Week 11.

A new back in Houston: Texans claimed former Cardinals’ RB Eno Benjamin on waivers, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Jason Rosenhaus.

Related players: Dameon Pierce, Rex Burkhead

Benjamin will eventually battle Burkhead for the team's RB2 role this year and perhaps going forward. Pierce's role should be relatively safe with Benjamin maybe stealing some carries. Since Sept. 25, Pierce has had 20 or more carries four times, including 26 times vs. the Jags and 27 times vs. the Eagles. Benjamin should have more of a role in the passing game where he may cut into Burkhead's role.

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Arizona Cardinals and the injury will require surgery, head coach Sean McVay announced on Tuesday.

Related players: Tyler Higbee, Allen Robinson, Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek

Kupp will be having tightrope surgery on Wednesday and the All-Pro WR will be placed on injured reserve, holding him out for at least four games, McVay added according to the story. While it's possible Kupp could return to this season, according to several other sources, with the Rams season fading fast there may be no reason to do that. It's a big loss for fantasy owners who were still getting fantasy production despite the Rams struggles on offense. TE Higbee could see a nice bump in production while at WR, Robinson, Jefferson and Skowronek could also see increases. It's a big hit for the already-struggling QB Matthew Stafford.

Following an MRI of what was purported to be a "very painful" ankle injury, Cooper Kupp is expected to miss some time, though the exact length is to be determined.

Related Players: Van Jefferson, Allen Robinson, Ben Skowronek

Though Kupp's massive target share will likely be spread out quite evenly, Van Jefferson could be in for the biggest boost, per beat reporter Jordan Rodrigue. The Rams have quickly plummeted from Super Bowl winners into one of the worst offenses in the NFL, severely capping the fantasy ceiling of everybody in the lineup, even more so with their best offensive weapon sidelined.