NFL Player News

Count us skeptical. Easterby, by all accounts, is very much involved in Houston’s decision making and reportedly has the ear of team owner Cal McNair. “It’s a support role that really hopefully drives the innovation and hopefully the efficiency of the operation to give the coaches and the players and the general manager what they need to be able to do their job well,” Easterby said in a recent interview, explaining his undefined role with the Texans. In January, The Bench 97.5’s Lance Zierlein reported Easterby is “still making calls to agents on behalf of the team and is very much involved in the football side.” That Easterby -- who clearly has influence over the team’s direction -- remains with the organization is a mystery without any clues. The Texans will remain a laughing stock as long as their failed front office stays intact.

The Jaguars frequently listed injured players as limited all week before allowing them to play on Sunday so Strange’s continued limitation is not necessarily concerning. Unless actionable, negative information is provided by the team, fantasy managers should expect their streaming TE1 to suit up against the Raiders this week.

Meyers has been limited in both practices to start the week, but this is presumably the same ankle injury he’s played through the last two weeks. Barring an unexpected setback, we would expect Meyers to suit up for Week 16 against the Jaguars, although we should have more clarity on his situation on Friday.

Gonzalez remains truly questionable until otherwise stated. He appeared to be ready to play last week but was ultimately ruled inactive despite practicing in full. The Commanders’ Week 16 game against the Eagles should be a fantasy-friendly environment.

Agholor was a DNP all week, but head coach John Harbaugh said he still has a chance to clear concussion protocol before Saturday’s game against the Steelers. If he is cleared, Agholor could see a bigger role than usual, with Rashod Bateman (foot, questionable) trending in the wrong direction. Even if he’s active, Agholor won’t have any fantasy upside this week.

Bateman’s Week 16 outlook doesn’t look great despite his questionable status. The veteran receiver popped up on Wednesday’s injury report and was a DNP on Thursday. On top of all of that, he was also spotted in the facility wearing a boot. The Ravens will probably give Bateman until Saturday to see whether or not he can suit up, but the early signs suggest he’s in line to miss this week’s game. His status will be one to monitor in the coming days.

Ertz still has multiple NFL concussion protocol phases he must clear in order to return but this is a big step in the right direction. He remains questionable to play but could be available for Week 16 against his former Eagles squad.

Barmore opened the year on the NFI list after being treated for blood clots in the offseason. In a statement released by the Patriots, the team said Barmore “experienced some recurring symptoms that required further evaluation,” which led to the decision to return him to the NFI list. Barmore, 25, appeared in four games for the Patriots this season, totaling six tackles and one sack. He signed a four-year, $92 million contract extension in April and will hopefully be back in time for the start of next season.

Beat reporter Nick Underhill reports “Kamara’s injury is more significant than believed,” labeling him “week to week.” News broke earlier this week that Kamara needed to undergo additional testing for his groin injury. It appears as though those tests brought undesirable results. Fantasy managers should rush to add Kendre Miller wherever he is available. He is RB2-viable against the Packers on Monday night.

It’s the least surprising football news we’ll hear all week. Just days after benching Jake Haener for an atrocious half of football, the Saints have decided it would be best to start Rattler in Monday night’s game against the Packers. Rattler had an up-and-down outing in the two quarters he played against the Commanders but nearly mounted a comeback win in the fourth quarter when he threw a touchdown to Foster Moreau as time expired. A failed two-point conversion attempt ultimately sealed the Saints’ fate in the 20-19 defeat, but Rattler was unquestionably the best available quarterback for the Saints last week. Fantasy managers in traditional 1QB leagues can ignore Rattler, but he may have some viability for those in 2QB/Superflex leagues.

Olave was officially limited in Thursday’s practice, per beat reporter Mike Triplett. Fantasy managers should not expect Olave to be rushed into action in time for the Saints’ Week 16 Monday Night Football game but this is certainly worth monitoring. It appears as though Olave has a real chance of playing in Week 17 at least.