NFL Player News

This came off the heels of Schefter reporting that Houston defensive coordinator Lovie Smith is now in the running for their head-coaching vacancy. McCown’s spot among the finalists for the Houston gig was always strange as he has no coaching experience beyond some work at his sons’ high school. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him brought in as a positions coach in the near future but his lack of experience was too much for even the hapless Houston brass to look past.

The Bengals listed him as limited with both “not injury related-rest” and the knee issue. Despite the contradiction, it’s just a maintenance day for Higgins. He will be good to go by the end of the week and remains in the WR2 ranks for his upcoming matchup with the Browns.

Burrow got the same maintenance treatment for last Wednesday’s practice and was cleared from the report entirely by Friday. He’ll do the same this week. Still not technically eliminated from the playoffs, Burrow and the Bengals offense are playing with their lives on the line this week. Expect another QB1 outing from Burrow when he takes on the NFC North rival Browns.

Surtain is ready to torment the Chargers’ perimeter wide receivers after practicing in full all week. The talented coverage defender infrequently covers the slot, logging just 54 slot snaps to 706 perimeter snaps this season. Chargers slot receiver Ladd McConkey should largely avoid Surtain on Thursday night.

Njoku didn’t practice at all last week, but the team still listed him as questionable, giving him a shot at turning things around over the weekend. As expected, Njoku was ultimately held out of Sunday’s game. He could return to practice later this week, but his odds of suiting up as of Wednesday are slim. Jordan Akins will draw the start if Njoku remains sidelined but is not on the fantasy radar for Week 16.

McLaughlin led Broncos running backs with seven carries in Week 15 and tied for a positional-high three targets before being forced from play. His Week 16 absence consolidates the backfield touch dispersal, moderately increasing Javonte Williams and Audric Estime’s flex-viability.

Ertz left Week 15’s game with a brain injury and did not return. Head coach Dan Quinn told reporters after the game that Ertz is in the league’s concussion protocol. A DNP to start the week means we aren’t likely to see the veteran tight end on Sunday. Rookie Ben Sinnott could finally see some reps with Ertz sidelined, though his role is too ambiguous for fantasy managers to rely on in the semifinal round.

Dissly is still working his way back from the shoulder injury he suffered in Week 14. Initial reports had him missing a couple of weeks, so this isn’t much of a surprise. Stone Smarrt will draw the start versus Denver. Smartt caught 5-of-6 targets for 50 yards in Week 15 and went for 54 yards in the previous game. He is a mid-range TE2 for Week 16.

Herbert has played through a myriad of injuries this year and will do so again this week after being upgraded to a full practice on Wednesday. He suffered a thigh contusion and an ankle sprain in Week 14 but played through both issues last week, so his status for Thursday’s game was never at risk. Herbert sits on the QB1/2 border for a tough matchup with a tough Denver defense this week.

Brown is now on track to play this weekend though he is likely to be eased into action given his extended absence. He is not a recommended start at this time but his big-play potential is tough to fully ignore. Brown is a boom/bust flex option if active.

This is another gentle step in the right direction for Mahomes, who practiced in full on Tuesday as well. Fantasy managers should currently expect him to play though the game plan will likely be built around quick-hitting routes and a high-volume rushing attack. He remains a QB1 nonetheless.