NFL Player News

Tepper angrily threw a drink at a Jaguars fan during the Panthers’ Week 17 loss to the Jaguars, leading to discipline from the league office. The owner has helmed a Panthers team that is 2-14 heading into Week 18 without its own first overall pick in 2024. Tepper’s frustrations have led to a $300,000 fine from the NFL, a small percentage of his net worth as his team looks to the future.

Hot off of an overall TE2 finish in Week 15, Strange appears on Wednesday’s injury report. His limited participation is a net positive but Thursday should provide clarity as to when the injury occurred. He is a streaming TE1 if active.

O’Connell must only make it through the week setback-free to get the start against the Jaguars. O’Connell is just a mid-tier QB2 in this one but he at least stabilizes things for the Raiders’ pass catchers. Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers should return to their usual productivity levels.

Meyers made it through Weeks 14 and 15 without suffering any reported setbacks so he should be close to full health this week. With Aidan O’Connell (knee) potentially returning this week, Meyers is suddenly back in the WR3 conversation against the beleaguered Jaguars pass defense.

Smith’s “rest” designation is likely the thing we should pay attention to but his “back” designation is worth monitoring, just to be safe. Fantasy managers should tentatively expect Smith to play this week. His Thursday status will clarify things though.

This is the third Burns-related transaction for the Seahawks in the last four days. The former rotational player rejoins a Seahawks team he initially signed with in 2022. Burns is unlikely to vault into a high-volume rotational role but he could chip in here and there.

A Wednesday LP would typically bode positively for a player’s availability but with Prater coming off of injured reserve, this places him more so in the “truly questionable” category. His Thursday and Friday participation levels are worth monitoring.

Benson sprained an ankle in Week 15 and passing-down specialist Emari Demercado (back) was recently placed on injured reserve. If Benson is unable to play, James Conner will again handle a high-volume rushing workload while dominating the two-minute drill and split splitting third- and fourth-and-long situations with DeeJay Dallas.

Watt’s Wednesday return bodes positively for his Week 16 availability, putting him on track to play against the Ravens. Watt had a big impact when these teams played each other in Week 11, notching five quarterback pressures and 1.0 NFL sacks.

The Steelers appear to be highly unlikely to have their No. 2 QB active for their Week 16 game against the Ravens. Anyone stashing Fields in re-draft formats can safely drop him.

CEH was waived by the Chiefs earlier this week. He began the year on the non-football injury list and was activated a month and a half into the season. He was a healthy scratch in every game after that before being cut. With Alvin Kamara banged up, the Saints are in need of some depth at running back. Kendre Miller would draw the start if Kamara misses Week 16. Edwards-Helaire would mix in for backup duties with Jamaal Williams if he can get up to speed in time.