Cowboys QB Mark Sanchez, RB Darren McFadden to see expanded roles in Week 17

Mike McCarthy on DK Metcalf and where he's at:

"I think just the biggest thing, number one, just know he has our support. We're going to throw the ball to DK. I can promise you that. But just continue to work. He's a true professional."

Related Players: Michael Pittman Jr., Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington

McCarthy’s comments do not guarantee an immediate breakout, but Pittsburgh clearly has no intention of reducing Metcalf’s role after two inefficient games. His current low-end WR2 ranking appropriately balances the expected volume with an offense that has struggled to create explosive plays. Fantasy managers should continue starting him as a lower-end WR2/WR3, with hopes that a blow-up game could turn things around. Metcalf has shown he is able to turn one positive play into some big fantasy output.

Some other notes from the open period to media:

- WR Michael Pittman Jr. continued to work today. He is battling a foot injury but was participating.

- Spencer Anderson still has the big wrap on his lower right leg.

- Rico Dowdle did not participate but was out of his boot. Jaylen Warren was participating.

- Joey Porter Jr. continues his work. Jamel Dean and Jalen Ramsey returned to practice after missing yesterday.

Related Players: DK Metcalf, Roman Wilson, Germie Bernard, Ben Skowronek, Pat Freiermuth, Darnell Washington

Pittman is moving in the right direction, although his official Thursday participation level and Friday status will determine whether he is a viable Week 3 option. A full practice would put him on track to play; another limited session would leave him as a risky flex. Wilson and Bernard would lose some opportunity if Pittman returns.

No Nico Collins, Ed Ingram or Jadeveon Clowney at practice today.

Dalton Schultz and Trent Brown, who didn’t practice Wednesday, have both returned.

Related Players: Xavier Hutchinson, Kayshon Boutte, Jaylin Noel, Jared Wayne

Collins needs to return Friday to retain a realistic chance of playing, and even a limited session would leave him carrying substantial re-injury risk. Schultz remains the clearest beneficiary of another absence. Hutchinson, Boutte and Noel are the highest-ranked available Houston receivers, although the Texans used a committee approach without Collins in Week 2.