NFL Player News

Rivera is a former linebacker who rose through the coaching ranks as a defensive coordinator. Before being hired as the Panthers’ head coach for the 2011 season, Rivera spent three seasons as the Bears defensive coordinator (2004-2006) and was the Chargers defensive coordinator from 2008 until 2010. He also spent five seasons as the Eagles’ linebackers coach, which would make his hiring somewhat of a reunion between the two sides. Rivera’s final season in Washington was about as bad as it could get. In addition to going 4-13, the Commanders’ defense also allowed 518 points, the third-most by any team in NFL history. Rivera won’t be responsible for roster management, which was arguably the weakest part of his tenure in Washington, and he’s already gone on record saying how much he enjoyed coaching the defense after the Commanders fired Jack Del Rio mid-way through last season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a coach as respected as Rivera earn another opportunity in the league ahead of next season.

This is Fant’s third lower-body injury of the season, though his early-week participation at least bodes positively for his Week 16 availability. The veteran tight end dealt with a September toe injury before being sidelined by a multi-week groin strain. On the plus side, at least his newest injury isn’t a recurrence.

Metcalf has been nursing a shoulder injury for a couple weeks, but has played through it. He starts out the week not practicing, but should be good to go for Week 16 against the Packers if the same practice trends as weeks prior hold up. Metcalf’s fantasy viability will be tied to Geno Smith, who did practice on Wednesday.

Walker was officially listed as DNP, but had done some walkthrough activities earlier in the day, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. He has missed two straight games due to his calf injury and the Seahawks will hope he practices this week to play in Week 16. With Zach Charbonnet (oblique) also not practicing, Kenny McIntosh is in line to start if Walker is not ready to go against the Packers.

Charbonnet pops up on the injury report with a new oblique injury and did not practice on Wednesday. He has started the past two games with Kenneth Walker (calf) out, but now picks up his own injury to put his status in jeopardy for Week 16. If Charbonnet cannot practice the rest of the week, the Seahawks would hope for either Walker to return or rely on Kenny McIntosh to carry the load against the Packers.

Smith’s week is off to a far better start than many expected. He participated in both Wednesday’s morning walk-through and afternoon practice. His status as a full participant puts him on track to play in Week 16, barring a setback. He is a borderline QB1/2 against the Vikings.

Winfield suffered a knee injury in Week 14, leading head coach Todd Bowles to surmise that he would miss a “couple of games” with a sprained knee. He did indeed miss Week 15, and is tracking to miss Week 16 as well. It would be a surprise for him to return against the Cowboys, but his next chance to play will be Week 17 against the Panthers.

Shepard has been dealing with a foot injury for the past week, but was active Week 15. He had just one catch for 16 yards and is continuing to nurse the foot injury heading into Week 16. If Shepard is able to practice later in the week, expect him to be active as a fantasy WR5/6 against the Cowboys.

This is a new injury for Tagovailoa and it is unclear as to when it occurred. Hopefully, this is something he has already been rehabbing and will not impact his game-day availability. Thursday’s injury report should clarify things.

Otton popped up on the injury report with a knee issue, getting a non-participant estimation for Wednesday. It is still early in the week, but notable that Otton starts out with a DNP. The tight end has taken a backseat in the Bucs’ offense with Mike Evans back, but his status is worth monitoring for fantasy managers looking to start him in Week 16 against the Cowboys.

Mayfield was listed as DNP on the Bucs’ practice estimation for Wednesday. He has been dealing with a banged-up leg for the past few weeks, landing him on the injury report. However, he has been playing through it and it is likely Wednesday’s non-participation is just load management. Barring a setback, Mayfield is still on track to play Week 16 against the Cowboys.