NFL Player News

It’s the last pick in the fifth round, so it’s as close as you can possibly get to the sixth. Rivers developed a bit of a “soft” reputation as the former No. 9 overall pick in the draft with Cincinnati, but he was not averse to playing through injuries and is a quality run defender when healthy. Look for Michael Boley to start at middle linebacker for the Giants. Rivers should handle the weak-side duties, with Mathias Kiwanuka staying on the strong side.

Speaking on the Matt LaFleur Podcast, coach LaFleur said Morgan would miss the remainder of the season due to a recurring shoulder injury. The rookie first-rounder has been limited to just six games this season and made only one start. Morgan played exclusively at left tackle during his final three seasons at the University of Arizona but saw work at both guard positions during his rookie campaign while earning a PFF blocking grade of 59.2. Assuming he doesn’t suffer any setbacks, we would expect him to be ready by training camp next season.

Brown suffered what was once believed to be a season-ending shoulder injury in the Chiefs’ first preseason game and hasn’t been heard from since. Now, the speedy receiver will make his long-awaited debut with the team on Saturday against the Texans, providing what should be a much-needed boost to the offense. Reports out of training camp suggested Brown and Patrick Mahomes were developing a good rapport with one another before Brown’s injury. He’s too risky a bet for fantasy managers to count on in Week 16 outside of deep leagues, but a solid target share/route participation rate could make him an intriguing dart thrown in Week 17 against the Steelers.

Hurst was placed on injured reserve with a hip injury in late November. He was designated for return early this week and has been listed as a full participant ever since. Hurst caught just seven passes for 65 yards before going down and won’t have any fantasy viability.

Turner was a late addition on the Vikings’ Wednesday injury report after having a limited showing the the team’s evening walkthrough. Turner looks to be dealing with a knee issue and his practice status later in the week will show how serious this new issue is and if Turner can play in Week 16.

This is Fant’s third lower-body injury of the season, though his early-week participation at least bodes positively for his Week 16 availability. The veteran tight end dealt with a September toe injury before being sidelined by a multi-week groin strain. On the plus side, at least his newest injury isn’t a recurrence.

Metcalf has been nursing a shoulder injury for a couple weeks, but has played through it. He starts out the week not practicing, but should be good to go for Week 16 against the Vikings if the same practice trends as weeks prior hold up. Metcalf’s fantasy viability will be tied to Geno Smith, who did practice on Wednesday.

Walker was officially listed as DNP, but had done some walkthrough activities earlier in the day, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. He has missed two straight games due to his calf injury and the Seahawks will hope he practices this week to play in Week 16. With Zach Charbonnet (oblique) also not practicing, Kenny McIntosh is in line to start if Walker is not ready to go against the Vikings.

Charbonnet pops up on the injury report with a new oblique injury and did not practice on Wednesday. He has started the past two games with Kenneth Walker (calf) out, but now picks up his own injury to put his status in jeopardy for Week 16. If Charbonnet cannot practice the rest of the week, the Seahawks would hope for either Walker to return or rely on Kenny McIntosh to carry the load against the Vikings.

Smith’s week is off to a far better start than many expected. He participated in both Wednesday’s morning walk-through and afternoon practice. His status as a full participant puts him on track to play in Week 16, barring a setback. He is a borderline QB1/2 against the Vikings.