NFL Player News

LSU and TCU were also looking for a pledge from Mathis, to no avail. This stings for the Tigers, in particular, as the 6-foot-4, 287-pounder hails from Monroe, Louisiana. Scout.com notes that Mathis “can still develop as a pass rusher in terms of moves.” As things stand at this phase in his development, "[h]e uses more power, quickness and bull rush right now.” He ranks as the outlet’s No. 95 overall prospect in the 2017 cycle. The boys running the ESPN 300 are even more hyped on the newest member of the Crimson Tide. They slot him into their master list at No. 37.

Evans was limited in Wednesday’s practice and will likely be limited again on Thursday. The veteran receiver is working his way back from a severe hamstring injury that has caused him to miss the Buccaneers’ last three games, but he is reportedly planning to play in Week 12 against the Giants. Evans will project as a WR2 in his first game back.

Horn is reportedly dealing with a calf injury and was limited in practice on Wednesday due to the injury. Horn presumably went into the Panthers’ Week 11 bye at full health, so it’s possible this is a minor injury he suffered during the team’s bye week. Barring any setbacks, it sounds like the team is expecting to see him in this week’s game against the Chiefs.

Injuries to Zamir White (quad) and Alexander Mattison (ankle) will shoehorn Laube into Sunday’s rotation. The rookie sixth-round pick hasn’t been active since losing a fumble on his first career touch back in Week 6 against the Steelers, but it sounds like he and Ameer Abdullah could be slated for busy days against one of the league’s top defenses. Laube could offer some upside as a pass-catcher in Sunday’s AFC West showdown, but fantasy managers shouldn’t be flocking to put him in their starting lineups. If the matchup wasn’t challenging enough as is, the Raiders have been one of the worst rushing teams in the league all season. Pro Football Focus has them graded as the fifth-worst run-blocking team in all of football. Laube is better used as a stash rather than a start in Week 12, even with a tough week of byes on tap.

Shenault left Week 11 against the 49ers early and did not return. He now starts out the week listed as DNP on Wednesday. If Shenault cannot get a practice in by the end of the week, the Seahawks’ special teams depth will be tested. Dee Williams is the team’s other primary returner if Shenault does not play Week 12 against the Cardinals, though Williams (ankle) also did not practice Wednesday.

Fant remains out due to a groin injury he suffered in Week 8. He has yet to practice since suffering the injury, leaving rookie AJ Barner as the starting tight end. Fellow TE Brady Russell (foot) was also listed as DNP while TE Pharaoh Brown (elbow) was a full participant. No Seahawks tight end options are appealing at this point of the season.

Demercado was listed as a limited participant in the Cardinals’ first official practice report of the week. He was the only offensive skill position player listed with an injury designation. The backfield is mostly James Conner and Trey Benson, with Demercado chipping in every once in a while. If Demercado cannot go Week 12 against the Seahawks, it does not shift fantasy stances by much.

Bryant, the team’s No. 3 TE, and No. 4 TE Justin Shorter (illness) were both unable to practice on Wednesday but, fortunately, No. 2 TE Michael Mayer (personal) returned to play in Week 11 after an extended absence. Mayer’s presence helps negate concern over depth.

Havenstein still has Thursday and Friday to test out his injured ankle but it would have been nice to see him participate in a limited capacity on Wednesday. Former starter/backup T Joe Noteboom (ankle) did resume practicing in a limited capacity though, which bodes positively for his Week 12 availability.

Bosa had been rehabilitating a combination hip and oblique injury for weeks, entering Week 11. He pulled up lame in-game while rushing the passer and was later reported to have strained his other oblique. Bosa’s inability to participate on Wednesday was expected but is still concerning. He is truly questionable for Week 12.

This is a big loss for the Cowboys’ special teams unit. Todd Archer reports “special teams coordinator John Fassel became emotional when talking about” Bell’s season-ending dislocated shoulder injury. Bell’s 85.9 PFF special teams grade not only leads all Cowboys special teams players, it ranks eighth among 138 NFL special teams players with at least 165 special teams snaps. Bell will likely be placed on injured reserve by the end of the week.