NFL Player News

It’s a bit of a surprise given the Steelers’ lack of depth at wide receiver, but that’s perhaps an indictment on Watkins’ ability to stick on an NFL roster. The 26-year-old has attracted attention for his speed after the Eagles drafted him in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, but he’s totaled 98 catches for 1,249 yards and six touchdowns in 49 career games. He may need to sign to a practice squad to start 2024. The Steelers also waived/released LB Kyron Johnson, LB Luquay Washington, LB Jacoby Windmon, LB Marcus Haynes, DB Zyon Gilbert, DB Thomas Graham, DL Willington Previlon, DL Jacob Slade, OL TyKeem Doss, OL Joey Fisher, QB John Rhys Plumlee, RB Aaron Shampklin, RB Jack Colletto, RB La’Mical Perine, RB Jonathan Ward, TE Matt Sokol, TE Rodney Williams, WR Jaray Jenkins, WR Duece Watts and WR Dez Fitzpatrick.

Lawrence was officially listed as questionable, though Doug Pederson said on Friday he expects the quarterback to play, so this isn’t a surprise. Lawrence missed two games with an AC joint injury in his non-throwing shoulder before the Jags’ Week 12 bye. Per Rapoport, Lawrence is “far less than 100 percent” healthy and surgery after the season or even sooner has not been ruled out. Mac Jones made two dismal starts in his place. With Lawrence back in the fold, fantasy managers can safely get Brian Thomas Jr. and Evan Engram in their lineups this week.

Per Rapoport, Brown has an appointment with his surgeon scheduled for Week 15 that will give him final clearance to return to the field if all goes well. Brown was initially not expected to return before January, so things are progressing well for the speedy receiver. Still, the Chiefs had Isiah Pacheco back at practice for multiple weeks before getting him on the field. They could also have their playoff seeding locked up before Week 18. Brown may be physically ready to return by Week 16, but there are plenty of reasons for the Chiefs to hold him out much longer, possibly until the playoffs. Season-long fantasy managers don’t need to worry about stashing him for now.

Wilson, Cincy’s leading tackler, did not practice at all this week before being given the questionable tag. Wilson has two forced fumbles, as many recovered fumbles, and a pair of TFLs this year. With Wilson and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins out, the Bengals are going to be particularly susceptible to Pittsburgh’s running attack, setting both Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren up for good games this week.

Smith was listed as questionable on Friday after getting in two limited practices this week. The Eagles are giving him every chance to suit up, but it doesn’t look like he is quite ready to return. Smith will confirm the inevitable with a pre-game workout today. In a potential shootout with the Ravens, A.J. Brown, now in line to command even more targets, will push for a top-five ranking at his position this week. Dallas Goedert will crack the TE1 ranks as Philly’s de facto No. 2 receiver for Week 13.

Douglas was listed as questionable after getting in three limited practices this week. Douglas’s role as New England’s primary slot receiver has allowed him to hit nine PPR points four games in a row. On the other hand, his low aDOT targets don’t lend themselves to explosive plays, capping him at 11.3 fantasy points in those four contests. Douglas will remain a low-ceiling WR4/5 for his Week 13 game versus the Colts.

Hall appeared to be at risk of missing Week 13 after being held out of practice on Wednesday. Fantasy managers breathed a collective sigh of relief when he returned to practice on Friday. The Jets listed Hall as questionable to close the week, but Hall told reporters he wasn’t sore at all and is good for Sunday’s game. Hall will remain an explosive RB1 for his matchup with Seattle.

Tyron Smith will be eligible to return in Week 17, though the Jets are all but certain to be eliminated from the playoffs at that time, so this may be the last we’ve seen of Smith in a Jets uniform. Smith signed a one-year deal with the Jets in the offseason. Pro Football Focus graded him as a plus blocker in both the pass and run game, but will fail to come close to playing a full season once again. Smith last played more than 13 games in 2015 and has only hit 13 once in the past five years. The former Cowboy will have plenty of suitors on the open market, but his injury woes will limit him to another short-term deal.

Purdy practiced with the starters on Friday, indicating the team expected him to suit up at the time. As Schefter notes, Purdy didn’t suffer any setbacks over the weekend and should be good to go for a Sunday night date with the Bills. Having already missed a game with what was initially described as shoulder soreness, we fully expect the 49ers to take a run-heavy approach this week. Traveling to Buffalo for a windy, snow-covered game will also encourage Kyle Shanahan to lean on his ground game. Purdy will spend a game at the top of the QB2 ranks for Week 13.

Reynolds managed a week of full practices but drew a questionable tag as he still must be activated from injured reserve. Reynolds has not played since Week 5 following surgery on his finger in addition to being the victim of a shooting, attempting to return to an offense suddenly humming through quarterback Bo Nix.

Tillman was unable to practice at any point this week, indicating he is still experiencing concussion symptoms. He’ll miss the team’s game against the Broncos and have some additional time to start progressing through the league’s concussion protocol prior to Cleveland’s Week 14 game against the Steelers.