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Dallas Cowboys

Tony Pollard has yet to practice this week
Consecutive DNPs due to thigh injury
By: Doug Orth | Dec 27 2022, 11:30 pm

Tony Pollard is dealing with a thigh ailment that held him out of practice on Monday and again on Tuesday. (dallascowboys.com)

FFToday's Take: Team owner Jerry Jones told 105.3 the Fan the Cowboys expect Pollard will play against the Titans. However, HC Mike McCarthy noted Tuesday that third-stringer Malik Davis will get the bulk of RB2 reps this week in the event a decision is made to rest Pollard in much the same way the team did Ezekiel Elliott a few weeks ago. Pollard will be in the high-end RB2 discussion if he plays against the Titans, while Davis would be a decent flex in deeper leagues if he Pollard sits.

Miami Dolphins

Tua back in concussion protocol
Second time this season
By: Doug Orth | Dec 27 2022, 1:15 am

Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel said Tua Tagovailoa is in the concussion protocol. Tua met with doctors today and told them he had some symptoms per McDaniel. (NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe)

FFToday's Take: Depending on one's cynicism, one could say Tagovailoa has been concussed three times this year. However, the Week 3 blow to the head was considered a back issue before a Week 4 tackle gave him his first official concussion. Given the league's heightened sensitivity to concussions following the handling of Tagovailoa's issues earlier this season, it seems highly unlikely he will clear protocol in time for Week 17 versus the Patriots. Assuming that is the case, Teddy Bridgewater would likely draw the start.

Green Bay Packers

Christian Watson could be ready for Week 17
Left Christmas Day game early with hip injury
By: Doug Orth | Dec 26 2022, 6:30 pm

Packers coach Matt LaFleur said WR Christian Watson (hip) will be day-to-day. (Tom Silverstein on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Watson piled up six catches and eight targets on only 25 snaps before his day came to an end. The day-to-day designation suggests he will likely be listed as questionable for Week 17 versus the Vikings. If he can play through the injury, he gets the best matchup he can ask for against a Minnesota defense that has been clobbered by receivers all season long. Watson possesses overall WR1 upside this week and needs to be started in all leagues if he can play.

New York Jets

Mike White likely to start in Week 17
Rib injury has sidelined QB for last two games
By: Doug Orth | Dec 26 2022, 6:20 pm

Doctors cleared Jets’ QB Mike White today for contact, as @BrianCoz reported, and he now is expected to start Sunday vs. Seattle. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)

FFToday's Take: Fantasy managers of Garrett Wilson in particular might be doing a happy dance right now. White is by no means a savior for the Jets' offense with only one rushing touchdown (and no passing scores) in his two most recent starts, but he at least offers the team more competent quarterback play than Zach Wilson. Consider him a viable streamer in Week 17 against a weak Seattle defense, although fantasy managers in their championship game should be able to do better.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Leonard Fournette dealing with foot injury?
Tweeted that he has been playing through Lisfranc sprain
By: Doug Orth | Dec 26 2022, 6:00 pm

Buccaneers RB Leonard Fournette said in a tweet today that he is playing through a Lisfranc injury in his foot. “I’m playing with a lisfranc in my foot every week can barely push off my foot,” Fournette wrote in a tweet he later deleted. (PFT - Michael David Smith)

FFToday's Take: Fournette must have felt better Christmas night, as he handled 29 touches in an overtime win. He appeared on the injury report in Week 14 but has been absent from it over the last two weeks. He deleted his tweet minutes after posting it, which suggests a team official reached out to him to make him aware of the trouble the Bucs could get into if they are found guilty of "hiding" the injury. Fournette's heavy usage in the passing game (68 catches in 2022) should keep him firmly in the RB2 conversation again in Week 17 against the Panthers.

Denver Broncos

Broncos fire HC Nathaniel Hackett
Third coach to be fired this season
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 26 2022, 1:00 pm

The Broncos announced they have fired head coach Nathaniel Hackett. Broncos owner and CEO Greg Penner will lead the coaching search along with the ownership group and GM George Paton. (Jeff Howe on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Hackett becomes the third head coach to be fired this season, joining Matt Rhule (CAR) and Frank Reich (IND) in the unemployment line. The Broncos have been extremely disappointing on offense this season after the signing of Russell Wilson and Hackett has made questionable decisions in his first year as a HC. The Broncos were embarrassed by the Rams yesterday to the tune of 51-14 which was likely the final nail in the coffin for Hackett.

New England Patriots

Damien Harris a gametime decision
Thigh injury
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 24 2022, 7:00 am

#Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) is likely to play despite being listed as questionable, while RB Damien Harris (thigh) is more of a game-time decision, source said. WR Jakobi Meyers (shoulder) is also expected to go. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Harris injured his thigh Week 12 and hasn't played since. His return would lower the ceiling on Stevenson who is expected to get the bulk of the work at running back for New England. The Patriots host the Bengals in an early game so we'll know 90 minutes before kickoff if Harris is available.

Cincinnati Bengals

Hayden Hurst downgraded to Out for Bengals
Calf injury
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 23 2022, 12:56 pm

The #Bengals have downgraded TE Hayden Hurst (calf) to out vs. the #Patriots. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Hurst has been dealing with a calf injury for the last couple weeks. He did get in some limited practice time this week. In his absence, Mitchell Wilcox has been handling the majority of tight end duties but isn't really a fantasy option.

Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker, Fant, Goodwin expected to play
All listed as questionable
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 22 2022, 5:19 pm

So to recap from Pete Carroll, he said all four players listed as questionable --- RBs Kenneth Walker and DeeJay Dallas, TE Noah Fant and WR Marquise Goodwin --- are expected to play. .... (Bob Codotta on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: The Seahawks listed a good portion of the starting skill position players as Questionable but all are expected to play against the Chiefs in Week 16. Walker added a back issue to his injury list which is somewhat concerning but unless we get specific news that will keep him limited, he should be treated as an RB2 this week.

New Orleans

Chris Olave, Jarivs Landry out for Week 16
Hamstring injury for Olave
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 22 2022, 3:34 pm

Saints WRs Chris Olave and Jarvis Landry ruled out for Saturday at Cleveland (I guess this is the week to be without them if ever). LB Pete Werner and RB Dwayne Washington also out. G Andrus Peat was added to the report with illness, listed as questionable. (Mike Triplett on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Olave will sit due to a hamstring injury while Landry has been put on IR due to an ankle injury. This means more opportunities for Rashid Shaheed, Tre'Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway although it will be difficult to trust any receivers on the Saints side outside of Shaheed.

Baltimore Ravens

Tyler Huntley remains starting QB, Lamar remains sidelined
Third-straight game with Lamar on the bench
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 22 2022, 1:07 pm

Ravens’ QB Tyler Huntley is starting Saturday vs the Falcons, per HC John Harbaugh. No Lamar Jackson for a third straight game. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: The Ravens are sticking with Tyler Huntley at quarterback this week as Jackson still isn't ready to go due to a knee injury. Huntley has zero passing TDs and 1 rushing TD in three games since becoming the starter. The Ravens are facing the Browns this week in a game with 35.5 over/under.

Indianapolis Colts

Colts make a move at QB: Nick Foles will start
Matt Ryan to the bench
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 21 2022, 11:58 am

The Colts are changing quarterbacks again. Nick Foles will take over for Matt Ryan as the starter Monday Night against the Chargers, and the plan is for Foles to start the final three games of the season. Announcement expected Wednesday afternoon. (Dan Graziano on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: HC Jeff Saturday stated that the offense wasn't making enough plays downfield and hopefully Foles will offer that opportunity. This is the second time Ryan has been benched this season. Foles is a QB2 option moving forward for a team playing out the string. Upcoming schedule: LAC, @NYG, HOU.

Philadelphia Eagles

Dallas Goedert set to return in Week 16
Sidelined with shoulder injury since Week 10
By: Doug Orth | Dec 20 2022, 11:55 pm

The Eagles activated TE Dallas Goedert to the 53-man roster. (NFL Network - Ian Rapoport)

FFToday's Take: Goedert's return to the roster comes at the same time Jalen Hurts is dealing with his own shoulder injury. Regardless if Hurts or Gardner Minshew gets the start in Week 16 versus the Cowboys, Goedert needs to be started in fantasy. With the utter disaster that the tight end position has been in fantasy this season, Goedert was one of a handful of options who consistently delivered each week before going down.

Seattle Seahawks

Tyler Lockett could return Week 17
Will miss Week 16 after undergoing finger surgery
By: Doug Orth | Dec 20 2022, 11:30 pm

Pete Carroll said WR Tyler Lockett had hand surgery yesterday and the report from the surgeon was that it went "perfect." Carroll said there's a chance Lockett will only miss one game. (ESPN - Brady Henderson)

FFToday's Take: Lockett is the overall WR8 for the season, so his fantasy managers will feel his absence this week against the Chiefs. Assuming Lockett returns for Week 17, he will get a Jets defense that has been excellent at limiting the production of perimeter receivers, but that should not be enough of a reason to sit him if he plays. Marquise Goodwin will start in his place in Week 16 and is a worthy flex option in deeper leagues.

Green Bay Packers

AJ Dillon out of concussion protocol
Left Week 15 early
By: Doug Orth | Dec 20 2022, 11:00 pm

AJ Dillon has cleared concussion protocol, Matt LaFleur says. (The Athletic - Matt Schneidman)

FFToday's Take: Dillon cleared the protocol less than 24 hours after suffering what was feared to be a concussion. This means he'll likely be good to go against a Miami defense that has been stingy against running backs on the ground but relatively soft against them through the air. Even better, Dillon is seeing the usage and producing in a way recently that most expected when he was a fifth-round pick in fantasy drafts this summer. Dillon should be considered a usable RB2 and a strong flex option this weekend.

Pittburgh Steelers

Kenny Pickett will start in Week 16
Steelers QB out of concussion protocol
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 20 2022, 12:09 pm

Mike Tomlin on injuries: Terrell Edmunds (hamstring), Diontae Johnson (turf toe), Derek Watt (ankle) will be limited in practice. Kenny Pickett has to "check a box procedurally" but if there was practice he would be a full participant. Says Pickett will start on Saturday. (Brooke Pryor on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Pickett suffered a concussion in Week 14 and missed last week's game against the Panthers. While he lacks QB1 upside, he'll be a high-end QB2 in a decent matchup against the Raiders.

Chicgao Bears

Khalil Herbert close to return
Has been sidelined with hip injury since Week 9
By: Doug Orth | Dec 19 2022, 11:55 pm

Khalil Herbert (hip) will be designated for a return from injured reserve this week and rejoin the Bears in practice, Matt Eberflus said. (670 The Score - Chris Emma)

FFToday's Take: Considering Herbert will likely be playing for the first time in almost two months this month, there is a decent chance he won't serve as a true 1B to David Montgomery's 1A status. With that said, a lot of that figures to be determined in how he practices this week. Before his injury, Herbert was regularly handling about 10 carries per game. If he is active against Buffalo this weekend, fantasy managers should consider him as a volatile but high-upside flex option.

Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson in limbo for Week 16
Missed last two games with knee injury
By: Doug Orth | Dec 19 2022, 11:30 pm

John Harbaugh declined to say whether Ravens QB Lamar Jackson will return this week after missing two games with a knee injury. Harbaugh said he is going to "climb behind the barricade" of not divulging injury information because of competitive reasons. (ESPN - Jamison Hensley)

FFToday's Take: The good news here is that Baltimore plays the Falcons early Saturday, so fantasy managers should have time (and the options) to pivot if necessary. The problem is that the Ravens' offense was just getting by with him healthy and has fallen flat without him. Atlanta hasn't played against many mobile quarterbacks this season. Justin Fields was the most recent one and he gouged the Falcons for 153 yards passing, 85 yards rushing and two total TDs in Week 11. That would be a reasonable expectation for Jackson if he can play. If he cannot go, Tyler Huntley will get another start.

Philadelphia Eagles

Jalen Hurts in question for Week 16
Shoulder injury
By: Doug Orth | Dec 19 2022, 8:00 pm

Eagles QB and MVP candidate Jalen Hurts is uncertain to play Saturday vs. the Cowboys due to a sprained shoulder that he suffered during Sunday's win over the Bears, per league sources. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)

FFToday's Take: Fantasy managers likely rode Hurts to a first-round bye. Their reward for that bye is the likelihood they will be without the top-scoring player in most fantasy leagues coming off that bye. Gardner Minshew would get the start if Hurts can't go and a difficult player to start as anything other than a low-end QB2 in two-quarterback or superflex leagues.

Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor likely to miss the rest of the season
High-ankle sprain
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 19 2022, 8:00 am

It looks like the Indianapolis Colts will have to shut star running back Jonathan Taylor down for the rest of the season. Taylor has been diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Running backs Deon Jackson and Zack Moss carried the load for the Colts after Taylor’s early exit against Minnesota and are expected to continue to do so. (Fox 59 in Indianapolis)

FFToday's Take: That will do it for Taylor's 2022 season which has been a disappointment due to TD regression and injury. Zack Moss played 67% of the snaps against Minnesota while Deon Jackson played 32% and received most of the passing down work. Both will be waiver wire options for the fantasy playoffs.

New England Patriots

Jakobi Meyers expected to play
Coming off a concussion
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 18 2022, 12:00 am

#Patriots WR Jakobi Meyers (concussion) is expected to play, while RB Rhamondre Stevenson, questionable with an ankle injury, has what is described as a "good chance" to go, as well. A pre-game workout will determine his fate. (Ian Rapoport on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Meyers was limited in practice this week but should be good to go in a decent matchup against the Raiders. With DeVante Parker out, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Tyquan Thornton will round out the rest of the receiving crew. Three running backs are expected to be active today for New England: Stevenson, Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kadarius Toney expected to play
Hamstring injury
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 17 2022, 11:47 pm

Chiefs’ WR Kadarius Toney, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a hamstring injury, is expected to play vs. the Texans, per source. The Chiefs also expect WR Mecole Hardman to return off injured reserve from his abdominal injury Saturday vs. Seattle, per source. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Toney hasn't played since Week 11 due to a hamstring injury. Assuming there are no restrictions, he'll be hard to trust as a Flex option given the Chiefs offense likes to spread the ball around. Toney will be battling for targets with JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justin Watson and Skyy Moore at receiver.

Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders activate Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow off IR
Long layoffs for both
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 17 2022, 5:06 pm

#Raiders activate TE Darren Waller, WR Hunter Renfrow, in time to face #Patriots. (Paul Gutierrez on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Both Waller and Renfrow will be eligible to play this week against the Patiots. How much they play will be the question. Waller hasn't played since Week 4 with a hamstring injury and Renfrow hasn't played since Week 9 with an oblique injury. Hopefully, we'll get some indication of their usage by tomorrow. Both will be risky fantasy plays in Week 15.

Houston Texans

Dameon Pierce lands on Injured Reserve
Out for the season
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 17 2022, 4:55 pm

Texans place Dameon Pierce, Derek Stingley Jr., on injured reserve, Jon Greenard activated, Royce Freeman signed to active roster along with Jacobi Francis @KPRC2. (Aaron Wilson on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Pierce suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 14 and now will miss the remainder of the season. Rex Burkhead and Dare Ogunbowale will be handling running back duties against the Chiefs in Week 15 while Royce Freeman has been added to the roster. Burkhead and Ogunbowale are PPR league dart-throws on Sunday.

New England Patriots

Damien Harris downgraded to Out
Patriots running back dilemma
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 17 2022, 11:02 am

The Patriots have downgraded RB Damien Harris (thigh) to out for Sunday’s game against the Raiders. With Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) questionable, the Patriots might consider bringing J.J. Taylor up to the game-day roster. (Mike Reiss on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Harris was limited in practice this week so this is somewhat of a surprise. As of now, Stevenson, Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr. are the likely running backs available for Sunday but Stevenson's health and role are still an issue. Hopefully we'll get more clarity late tonight or Sunday morning.

New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson, Damien Harris listed as Questionable
Both RBs limited on Friday
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 16 2022, 5:08 pm

The Patriots have ruled CB Jalen Mills (groin), WR DeVante Parker (concussion) and OT Isaiah Wynn (foot) out for Sunday's game, while RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle), RB Damien Harris (thigh), CB Jack Jones (knee) and WR Jakobi Meyers (concussion) are among those questionable. (Mike Reiss on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Both Patriots running backs were limited on Friday and listed as Questionable on the final injury report. Stevenson got in one limited session this week while Harris was limited each day. It's going to be a mess trying to figure out this backfield if both are active on Sunday.

Denver Broncos

Russell Wilson out, Brett Rypien to start for DEN
Brett Rypien vs. Colt McCoy
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 16 2022, 3:20 pm

Broncos ruled out Russell Wilson for Sunday’s game. And so it’s Brett Rypien vs. Colt McCoy. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: According to head coach Nathaniel Hackett, Wilson cleared concussion protocol but they decided to rest him this week and get him ready for Week 16 against the Rams. Brett Rypien will get the start at quarterback for the Broncos and have very little fantasy value. Wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Kendall have also been ruled out.

New York Jets

Zach Wilson to start for the Jets
Mike White out
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 16 2022, 10:36 am

Sources: Jets doctors will not clear QB Mike White for contact before Sunday’s game vs. Detroit and thus Zach Wilson will start against the Lions. White wanted to play and has practiced but Jets doctors are not signing off. Thus, Wilson is back as the Jets’ starting QB. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: It's back to Zach as White is dealing with a rib injury after taking multiple shots to the chest last week against the Bills. For the most part, Wilson hasn't been great this season, delivering one spiked week against the Patriots (Wk8). Otherwise, he's been a low-end QB2 most weeks. This hurts the value of Garrett Wilson and slightly dings Zonovan Knight as the offense isn't likely to be as efficient.

Seattle Seahawks

Tyler Lockett expected to miss time with broken finger
Injured in Week 15
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 15 2022, 11:00 pm

Pete Carroll said Tyler Lockett broke a bone in his hand late in the game. They’re still determining the best course of action, but the early indications are that Lockett is expected to miss some time. Carroll said it’s a spiral metacarpal fracture and likened it to what Rashaad Penny suffered as a rookie in 2018. That was in mid-August and he was back by the opener, for reference. (Brady Henderson on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Seattle will likely lose one of their top playmakers for at least a couple weeks if not the rest of the regular season but we should have a better idea of his timeline in a couple days. Marquise Goodwin is likely to see additional opportunities in the games to come.

New England Patriots

Damien Harris limited Thursday, Rhamondre sits
WR DeVante Parker also missed
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 15 2022, 5:00 pm

Thursday practice report from inside Arizona Stadium: RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) remains out, no full-pads work this week, and WR Kendrick Bourne (84), as always, brings a little extra juice. (Mike Reiss on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: WR DeVante Parker also missed practice with a concussion while WR Jakobi Meyers (concussion) was limited. Damien Harris (thigh) got in a second straight practice of limited work. For now it seems like Harris, Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong Jr. will be the top running backs for New England against the Raiders. We'll have a better idea of this situation after practice on Friday.

Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson ruled out, Tyler Huntley off injury report
Huntley out of concussion protocol
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 15 2022, 2:40 pm

Ravens have ruled out QB Lamar Jackson for Saturday’s game vs. Cleveland; QB Tyler Huntley has cleared protocol and is off the injury report. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Head coach John Harbaugh declined to name a starter for this week's game against the Browns but all signs point towards Huntley getting the call. This will be the second game in a row with Lamar on the sidelines. Huntley was the QB28 last week against the Steelers.

Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker not listed on final injury report
Ready to go for Week 15
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 14 2022, 4:28 pm

Actually, the Seahawks just released their finish injury report and Kenneth Walker isn’t even listed, so he’s considered healthy enough to play tomorrow. Five players are listed as questionable: RB DeeJay Dallas, S Ryan Neal, DT Al Woods, S Joey Blount and CB Tre Brown. (Brady Henderson on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Walker missed Week 14 with what Pete Carroll described as a "jammed ankle". Seattle used Travis Homer last week as their main back but with Walker in the mix, expected Homer to serve in a backup role. The 49ers are the worst possible matchup for running backs this season.

Las Vegas Raiders

Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow ready to return?
Both coming off IR this week
By: Mike Krueger | Dec 14 2022, 2:09 pm

Raiders have designated TE Darren Waller and WR Hunter Renfrow to return from injured reserve. (Adam Schefter on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: Waller has been dealing with a hamstring issue the majority of the season while Renfrow has been sidelined with an oblique injury. We'll see how much practice time they get this week. Waller said last week that he anticipates playing in Week 15.

Seattle Seahawks

Kenneth Walker logs full practice Tuesday
Missed Week 14 with a "jammed" ankle
By: Doug Orth | Dec 13 2022, 11:55 pm

It's looking like Kenneth Walker has a decent chance of playing Thursday night vs. the 49ers. The Seahawks list him as a full participant today. (ESPN - Brady Henderson)

FFToday's Take: Walker has been a revelation for the Seahawks and his managers, but his ability to deliver the goods in fantasy might have to wait a week - assuming he plays. Not only is it possible that Walker may have to share some work if his conditioning took a hit - his last full game was Week 12 - but he will face the 49ers, who have been the most difficult matchup for running backs this season.

Los Angeles Rams

Cooper Kupp not expected to play again in 2022
WR out since Week 10 recovering from ankle surgery
By: Doug Orth | Dec 13 2022, 11:55 pm

Sean McVay said he'd be "hard-pressed" to see a scenario where WR Cooper Kupp (ankle) plays again this season. (TheRams.com - Stu Jackson)

FFToday's Take: It would make absolutely no sense for the Rams to bring back Kupp for a game or two at the end of a lost season, especially with Matthew Stafford (neck) also sidelined. The Rams have been relying more heavily on Van Jefferson, Ben Skowronek and Tutu Atwell in recent weeks, which is something we should expect to continue with Baker Mayfield under center.

Green Bay Packers

Romeo Doubs expects to return Week 15
Sidelined since Week 9 with ankle injury
By: Doug Orth | Dec 13 2022, 11:50 pm

Romeo Doubs said he fully expects to play Monday night against the Rams. Hasn’t played since injuring his ankle on the first offensive play against the Lions in Week 9. (The Athletic - Matt Schneidman)

FFToday's Take: In Doubs' absence, fellow rookie Christian Watson has emerged as a big-play stud. Allen Lazard remains a consistent target for Aaron Rodgers as well, making it likely Doubs will serve as a situational deep threat in his first game back. Considering it will be his first game in six weeks, it is just as well that the Packers ease him into things. Only fantasy managers in the deepest of leagues should consider starting him despite a plus matchup against the Rams on Monday night.

San Francisco

Deebo Samuel likely to miss about three weeks
Ankle and knee injuries
By: Doug Orth | Dec 13 2022, 11:30 pm

49ers’ HC Kyle Shanahan told reporters that he expects WR Deebo Samuel to return from his knee and ankle injuries in around three weeks. (ESPN - Adam Schefter)

FFToday's Take: It would not be a surprise if the 49ers end up giving Samuel the rest of the regular season to heal up so he can be in good health for the NFL postseason. In his absence, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle should be more involved in the passing game in Samuel's absence, which should also free up about five or six targets per game for Jauan Jennings. Fantasy managers in dire need of a roster space can probably drop Samuel, although such a move comes with some risk.

Arizona Cardinals

Likely torn ACL for Kyler Murray
Colt McCoy expected to play out the string as Arizona's starting QB
By: Doug Orth | Dec 13 2022, 1:45 am

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is expected to have an MRI tomorrow but there is "little doubt that it’s torn," a source told me, referring to the quarterback's ACL. (ESPN - Josh Weinfuss)

FFToday's Take: It would be shocking if the diagnosis is anything but a torn ACL. Murray went down without being contacted on his first and only rush attempt of the game. His season will go down as a disappointment in fantasy only because he has set the bar so high for himself. In his defense, he never had the opportunity to play with DeAndre Hopkins, Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore and Zach Ertz at the same time this season. Given the timing of his injury, it is entirely possible Murray may not be ready for Week 1 of the 2023 season. Colt McCoy will likely start the rest of the season in place of Murray.

Cincinnati Bengals

Tyler Boyd likely to miss a game or two
Suffered dislocated finger early in Week 14
By: Doug Orth | Dec 12 2022, 8:10 pm

Bengals WR Tyler Boyd could miss a week or two after dislocating a finger on his right hand in Sunday's win over the #Browns, but it shouldn't be an extended absence, per source. Healing, pain tolerance will dictate when he returns. (NFL Network - Tom Pelissero)

FFToday's Take: Ja'Marr Chase managed 10 catches against the Browns in part because Tee Higgins and Boyd played a total of three snaps. Trenton Irwin logged a season-high 56 offensive snaps as a result and would likely be the Bengals' second-best option in the passing game if Higgins, Boyd and Hayden Hurst (calf) cannot play versus the Bucs in Week 15. If that were to happen, Irwin would be worth a play in only deep leagues with multiple flex spots.

Houston Texans

Dameon Pierce uncertain for Week 15
Ankle injury sidelined him for most of fourth quarter in Week 14
By: Doug Orth | Dec 12 2022, 8:00 pm

Smith: RB Dameon Pierce has an ankle injury that kept him from finishing game. It's concerning. It would take an awful lot to keep him from playing. (Drew Dougherty on Twitter)

FFToday's Take: For now, fantasy managers should prepare to be without Pierce or at least expect a scaled-back workload. In Pierce's absence on Sunday, Dare Ogunbowale, Eno Benjamin and Rex Burkhead all saw work, which would likely be the plan of attack against the Chiefs next weekend. Short of complete desperation, starting any of those three players is not advisable if Pierce doesn't play versus the Chiefs.