NFL Player News

Toub points out that the new kickoff rules could require kickers to be more involved in tackles — something the Chiefs may prefer for Butker to avoid. Toub said the team watched every kickoff in the XFL, which first experimented with this rule, and found that kickers were involved in “at least 25 to 40 percent of the tackles” in the tape they watched. Toub said safety Justin Reid has been viewed as a potential option to replace Butker on kickoffs, but it doesn’t seem like anything is definite at this time. It wouldn’t be surprising to see other teams consider this approach to avoid injuries to their kickers.

Omenihu tore his ACL in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory in February and began the season on the PUP list. His full practice participation to begin the week suggests Omenihu will be ready to return for the Chiefs’ Black Friday game against the Raiders. The 27-year-old tallied seven sacks last season, his first with the Chiefs. Initially drafted by the Texans, he has 18.5 career sacks through five seasons. Omenihu is trending to make his season debut in Week 13.

Also out was CB Jakorian Bennett (shoulder). The Raiders secondary struggled without either cornerback in Week 12 against the Broncos and both are trending out again. Hobbs and/or Bennett will need to practice later in the week in order to play Friday, but for now, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are slated for an extremely favorable matchup in Week 13.

Tucker caught seven passes for 82 yards in the Raiders’ Week 12 loss to the Broncos. He was not noted to leave the game with an injury, so this limited hip listing can be assumed as load management on a short week. Practice reports later in the week will tell if that is indeed the case, but for now expect Tucker to still be on track to play Friday against the Chiefs.

Mattison was listed as a limited participant in the Raiders’ Tuesday walk-through after missing Week 12 due to an ankle injury. With Zamir White (quad) missing practice, Mattison is slated to be the lead back if he is good to go for Friday against the Chiefs. Regardless, expect another heavy dose of Ameer Abdullah. If Mattison can play, he is a low-end RB3, otherwise Abdullah slates into that range.

White missed Week 12 due to a quad strain and remains out to begin the week. The Raiders play on Friday in a short week against the Chiefs. White starting out with a DNP is a sign he is on track to miss another week and Ameer Abdullah will see increased usage again.

Jones has reportedly “zeroed on a ‘leading’ choice”, according to Anderson. The former Giants quarterback was cut last week after being benched for Tommy DeVito. The Ravens and Vikings were his leading suitors and while Anderson also reports the Raiders are interested, FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz reported Monday that Jones eliminated the Raiders from signing contention. While a starting job may not be in the cards for Jones, a backup job on a contending team seems to be where he is headed.

Rush was listed as limited for the second straight day while managing a knee issue. It is likely a minor load management listing on a short week for Rush as the Cowboys play Thanksgiving day against the Giants. Trey Lance is currently the backup, though Rush should play barring setbacks. He is likely going to be missing a key blocker in OG Zack Martin (ankle/shoulder) who was listed as DNP for the second straight day.

Ferguson was listed as a non-participant for the second straight day due to a concussion he suffered in Week 11. He is considered a long shot to play Thanksgiving against the Giants. Luke Schoonmaker will be the primary tight end in Ferguson’s absence, with Week 14 the earliest Ferguson is likely to return.

Lamb has now been listed as limited on back-to-back days due to back and foot issues. The limited status and the fact that he played through the same injuries Week 12 indicate Lamb should be good to go for the Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game against the Giants. Also listed as limited for the second straight day was WR Brandin Cooks (knee), whose 21-day window to be activated off injured reserve is open. While Lamb is likely to play, Cooks is more of a question mark as he has missed seven straight games.

Diggs was initially listed as a limited participant on Monday, but was downgraded to a non-participant Tuesday. He missed Week 12 due to the groin and knee injuries and is now at risk of missing Week 13. Wednesday’s practice report will indicate how close Diggs is to being able to play Thanksgiving against the Giants.