NFL Player News

Easterby has been with the Texans since 2019 and served as interim general manager in 2020 before the Texans hired Nick Caserio. Even after Caserio was hired, reports surfaced that Easterby was making calls to agents behaving like a general manager, adding to a culture of dysfunction in Houston. His departure marks a major shift in direction for the Texans and could indicate more changes are on the way. Caserio and Easterby have ties that go back to the Patriots and would have had a role in the selection of head coach Lovie Smith as well.

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.

Mixon was also limited for Tuesday’s session. The veteran back exited his Week 15 game after being brought down by a hip-drop tackle but returned after a brief check by trainers. Head coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters after the game that Mixon “came out fine.” All signs point to Mixon playing on Saturday against the Chiefs. He will be a volume-based RB2 versus the AFC frontrunners.

Dan Campbell called some of the Lions’ Wednesday absences precautionary, so Glasgow could return to practice at any point this week. While the Detroit defense has sustained more injuries than any other unit, the offense, sans David Montgomery, should have all of the big names available for Week 16.

The Titans continue to give Boyd the day off on Wednesday though he is doing little with the extra day of rest, totaling fewer than 40 receiving yards in each of his last three games. He is a touchdown-dependent dart throw who has not yet scored a touchdown this season.

Westbrook-Ikhine evidently sprained an ankle in Week 15 and slot receiver Tyler Boyd continues to ineffectually play through a foot injury. This could be a notably high-volume week for Calvin Ridley. Westbrook-Ikhine’s Thursday and Friday practice reports will clarify his Week 16 status.

Blackshear missed Week 15 with the chest issue but should be good to go after opening the week with a full session. With Jonathon Brooks and Miles Sanders on injured reserve, Blackshear will likely split the RB2 duties with Mike Boone, though neither is on the fantasy radar for Week 16.