NFL Player News

Blackwell (6'0/175) suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee in Sunday’s practice. He started Duke’s first two games of the year racking up four tackles and one TFL while also returning five kicks for 35 yards. The Buford, GA native was named a preseason honorable mention All-ACC selection by ESPN’s Phil Steele, starting all ten games he played in last season. For his career, Blackwell has tallied 57 tackles, 13 PBU and one forced fumble. The injury is a major blow to a beleaguered Duke secondary that just lost fellow starting cornerback Mark Gilbert to foot surgery.

Guerendo logged a limited session on Wednesday after being listed as a DNP on both Monday and Tuesday. The rookie has remained optimistic about his Week 15 availability, but this is something fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on up until inactives are announced 90 minutes before kickoff. If he does play, starting Guerendo would come with obvious risks of reaggravating his injury, but assuming the best, he’d make for a fringe RB1/RB2. Patrick Taylor would slide into the RB2 ranks if Guerendo were to ultimately be held out.

McBride popped up on the injury report with a knee issue Wednesday. He was able to practice in a limited capacity, indicating the issue is minor and that he should still be able to play Week 15. McBride has at least 12 targets in each of his last three games and stands as the top option in the passing game for Kyler Murray. Expect him to suit up barring setbacks as a fantasy TE1 against the Patriots.

Haslem told ESPN the Browns’ performance this season “is a little perplexing”. He expressed support for Berry and Stefanski, who both signed contract extensions in the offseason. Haslem also added that it is too early to make decisions on the quarterback position. Given that Berry and Stefanski just signed new contracts and went 11-6 in 2023, they are likely to stick around. However, the Browns could be evaluating new quarterback talent after disappointing seasons from Deshaun Watson, who is owed $92 million in guaranteed money over the next two years.

Burrow briefly exited the Bengals Week 14 game against the Cowboys to apply a sleeve to his left knee. He was able to return afterward and remained mobile in the pocket. Fantasy managers should not expect Burrow to miss time but he certainly managing a new issue.

Engram is already hampered by poor quarterback play. Adding a shoulder injury to the mix is rough. Little is known about the issue at this time so fantasy managers will want to monitor Engram’s practice participation closely. He is already toiling in the TE2 ranks as is.

The Eagles held an walkthrough practice Wednesday, so the injury report is an estimation. Hurts popped up with a left finger injury, but was still estimated to be a full participant, keeping him on track to play Week 15. With question marks surrounding his rapport with A.J. Brown and the passing game, Hurts’ passing abilities will be under extra scrutiny the rest of the season. The finger injury being on his non-throwing hand should not impact Hurts too much, and his rushing output keeps him in QB1 territory for Week 15.

Pickens was unable to practice on Wednesday, as expected. He appears highly unlikely to play after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain during Week 14’s practice week. Fantasy managers should monitor Pickens’ developments but fully prepare as though he will miss at least one more week.

Metcalf practiced in full just once last week (Friday) so his complete participation early this week signals improved health for the veteran field stretcher. Metcalf could have a big role in an expectedly high-scoring game against the Packers in Week 15.

Mike Macdonald is already telling reporters that Walker doesn’t necessarily need to practice in order to play and Walker’s injured calf required further testing earlier this week. While his malady could certainly improve, it currently looks as though Zach Charbonnet will handle another high-volume, dual-threat workload with Walker again sidelined in Week 15. No. 3 RB Kenny McIntosh is worth stashing in very deep leagues.

Shepard’s potential absence would consolidate the Buccaneers’ target tree in Week 15 so this is an injury for fantasy managers to monitor. The team’s upcoming game against the Chargers is likely to be a fantasy-friendly high-scoring affair. He would be WR4/5-viable if active.