Team news: Minnesota Vikings | Page 9

Vikings are holding a walk-thru today. Didn't see RB Alexander Mattison during the portion open to reporters. Kevin O'Connell didn't rule out Mattison for Sunday's game but spoke more strongly today than he did Monday about the likelihood of Ty Chandler being their primary RB.

A follow-up quote was even more promising for Ty Chandler to continue getting a big load if Mattison misses;

"We're kind of building with the mindset that Ty is going to be a guy we're trying to get the ball to a lot, both in the run and the pass, and if we have Alex that's going to be a huge bonus for the depth and making sure we have our full group available."

Chandler should be an RB1 if he gets anything approaching the 26 (!!) opportunities he earned in Week 15.

In open part of Cardinals practice, WR Hollywood Brown was not out there. Jonathan Gannon said earlier they need a healthy Brown "to help us win."

Also not spotted:
ILB Josh Woods
WR Greg Dortch

Related Players: Michael Wilson, Rondale Moore, Greg Dortch

Hollywood Brown popped for 12 targets and 88 yards back in Week 12 but has combined for a total of 60 snaps, three targets, and zero receptions in the two following games. Even if he is cleared ahead of Week 16, it will be nearly impossible to trust him in the fantasy Semi-Finals.

Christian Watson (hamstring), Jayden Reed (toe), De’Vondre Campbell (neck), Darnell Savage (shoulder), and Elgton Jenkins (shoulder) are present but not practicing.

Emanuel Wilson designated to return off IR and is practicing. A.J. Dillon also practicing after missing Sunday.

Related Players: Aaron Jones

We should expect the typical Packers RB split in Week 16, but Jones remains the higher-upside play here, and should be considered a low-end RB2, while Dillon is in FLEX considerations for deep leagues.

The Commanders benched quarterback Sam Howell for veteran Jacoby Brissett in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Rams.

But while Brissett provided a clear spark and tossed two touchdown passes to make things interesting, head coach Ron Rivera said after the game that Howell remains Washington’s QB1.

The Rams were up 28-7 when Howell was replaced. He finished the game 11-of-26 for 102 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Brissett came in and went 8-of-10 for 124 yards with two touchdown passes.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson is officially active against the Bengals in Week 15.

Jefferson was listed as questionable with a chest injury but did practice in full Thursday, so the arrow was pointing up for him playing. He left Sunday’s game against the Raiders with that chest injury but did practice all week. Jefferson is our No. 13 wide receiver this week.

Christian Watson is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers.

Questionable:

Jaire Alexander
Aaron Jones
Quay Walker
A.J. Dillon
Dontayvion Wicks
Darnell Savage
Eric Stokes

Related Players: Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft

With Watson's disappointing season continuing, both Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed should be considered WR3s heading into this weekend.

Vikings RB Alexander Mattison (ankle) was briefly on the practice field today during the portion open to reporters, but it did not appear he was participating. Also did not see RT Brian O'Neill (ankle). Not looking good for either of them to play Saturday on a short week.

Related Players: Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu

We should expect Ty Chandler to get a majority of the work here in Nick Mullens first start if Mattison ends up missing Saturday's game. That would make him an RB2 option for Week 15.

Once again, no Marquise Brown (heel) during the open portion of Cardinals practice on Wednesday.

Related Players: Trey McBride, Greg Dortch, Rondale Moore

The last time we saw Hollywood Brown was in Week 13, when he received one target on 20 routes, which he did not haul in. Trey McBride has morphed into the No. 1 receiving option on the Cardinals, and already has a nice rapport with Kyler Murray. No other receiving options should be started unless we have a full clearance soon for Brown.

Vikings’ WR Justin Jefferson told reporters that he will play Saturday in Cincinnati.

Related Players: Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, K.J. Osborn, Brandon Powell

Jefferson didn't last very long last week, but he did earn three targets on only eight routes. If he is good to go, it's going to be next to impossible to keep him on your bench, particularly with a great matchup against the Bengals.

Vikings’ HC Kevin O'Connell considers WR Justin Jefferson day-to-day with the chest injury he suffered Sunday vs. the Raiders.

It was frustrating for owners who couldn't wait to get Jefferson back in their lineups in Week 14. The good news is the team believes he has a chance to play in Week 15. Hopefully the loss of Jefferson this past week didn't cost his owners a playoff berth. The Vikings play the first game of Saturday's slate, so owners will have plenty of notice about Jefferson's status.