NFL Player News

Araiza (6'2/200) is still waiting to workout at the combine, but a video of him booming a near 80-yard punt during warmups is already going viral. Araiza will be a coveted special teamer in this year’s NFL Draft. The former San Diego Aztec excels as both a punter and a kicker, and averaged 51.2 yards per punt for his career. While capable of playing both positions, Araiza will likely serve as a punter in the NFL.

He’ll have 21 days to be activated, though it seems like the Raiders beat believes he has a chance to play in Week 13 against the Chiefs on Black Friday. If it isn’t O’Connell, it will be Desmond Ridder getting reps. If activated, O’Connell will nevertheless be a bad fantasy play even despite the Chiefs defense looking fairly mortal against the Panthers in Week 12.

He partially tore the pec in Week 12’s loss against the Titans. His absence put Eric Murray on to the field as a deep safety and Jimmie Ward moved up to be the main nickel for Houston. Ward caught a pick-six in Pitre’s absence, so perhaps the dropoff won’t be stark, but Murray has never been a great defender. Pitre had been having the best season of his career with a 79.5 PFF run grade in 660 defensive snaps.

Sanders was taken to the hospital after suffering a neck injury in Sunday’s Week 12 contest. Canales said the team is still working through their evaluation of Sanders, but the rookie tight end was in the building on Monday. It seems unlikely that Sanders would suit up in Week 13 against the Buccaneers, which would leave Tommy Tremble to serve as the team’s TE1.

He left Week 12’s game with the injury and did not return. Trenton Scott played in his absence. Wylie is in some danger of missing Week 13’s game against the Titans with the injury.

He would not go as far as to say he’s optimistic that he’ll play in Week 13. Mosley has not played since leaving Week 8’s game and would have been on injured reserve at this point for most organizations. The fact that the Jets are letting him speak to the media suggests his return is at least somewhat close, but it’s hard to understand his timetable. It could also be argued that the Jets might be better off letting younger linebackers play and seeing what they have in a lost season.

Smith was listed as questionable heading into the weekend, but the veteran linebacker didn’t log a practice this week, making him an increasingly long shot to be active on Monday night. After Monday’s game against the Chargers, the Ravens get a Week 13 matchup at home against the Eagles and then enter their Week 14 bye. Smith may miss at least one more game to have additional time to recover from the injury he suffered late in last week’s loss to the Steelers.

Mayfield played through the injury in Sunday’s win over the Giants. He threw for 294 yards while completing 24-of-30 passes and appears to be good to go for Week 13’s game against the Panthers. Mayfield profiles as a low-end QB1 in what should be a plus matchup with his WR1 back in the mix.

O’Connell has been on injured reserve since October 21st after suffering a broken thumb in Week 7. While it’s not a lock he’ll make the start in Week 13, the option will certainly be on the table if the Raiders activate him from injured reserve. The second-year quarterback has thrown for 455-2-2 in four appearances this season and has made two starts. Assuming he stays healthy, O’Connell should have a chance to start the remainder of the Raiders’ games this season while Desmond Ridder serves as his backup. O’Connell has little to no fantasy upside at this time, even in 2QB/Superflex leagues.

Lawrence has missed the Jaguars’ last two games while recovering from an injury to his non-throwing shoulder. The team hopes to get a good look at him on Monday to see where he’s at in his recovery, leaving the door open to a potential return in Week 13 against the Texans. If he cannot start, the Jaguars would be looking at a third-straight game with Mac Jones under center. During Jones’ first two starts of the season, the Jaguars have been outscored 64-13, with Jones throwing for 249 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions.

Downs played through a shoulder injury in Sunday’s loss to the Lions. According to Rapoport, the team believes Downs avoided a major injury, but he’ll likely miss at least one game while recovering. Downs has caught 53 passes for 594 yards and four touchdowns this season and is well on pace to surpass his rookie year total of 68-771-2. With the Colts on the verge of entering their Week 14 bye, Downs’ fantasy managers will need to find a way to replace his production for at least the next two weeks.