NFL Player News

Re-adjusting to life with an inaccurate Anthony Richardson under center, Downs made a diving 31-yard third down grab on the Colts’ opening series. His touchdown was a fourth quarter 10-yarder that required the wideout to dive for the plane. Richardson makes for a bumpy fantasy ride, but Downs has now had back-to-back useful outings with Ant under center. Week 12 could be a different story with the Colts likely to be in negative game script against a Lions defense that has been tidal waving opposing passers of late.

Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz was first with the report. The Chiefs’ star pass rusher has been working his way back from a torn ACL he suffered last season, and was on pace for a career year before his injury. Last season, Omenihu posted a career-high seven sacks in 11 games while also breaking up two passes and forcing two fumbles. His return will provide a nice boost to a defense that already ranks ninth in points allowed per game (19.8) but just 27th in total sacks (21).

Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz was first with the news. The Chiefs will officially have their RB1 back for Friday’s game against the Raiders, meaning Kareem Hunt’s fantasy stock will take a bit of a hit. It’s unknown just how much Pacheco will play in his return, but the Chiefs were giving him a 42 percent opportunity share in the two games he appeared in. From a fantasy perspective, it’s probably best to take a cautious approach with Pacheco out of the gate. He should still have some RB2/RB3 upside, but if you think you have safer options, don’t hesitate to play them.

The Bears only had two players on their injury report this week, and both were ruled out before Thursday. Desperately hoping to end their five-game losing streak, the Bears will have their work cut out for them against the one-loss Lions.

Montgomery was a full participant in the Lions’ final practice of the week, leading us to believe he would suit up for Thursday’s game despite his questionable tag. Now officially active, Montgomery will be available to once again split touches with Jahmyr Gibbs in this Thanksgiving Day tilt. Montgomery is a fringe RB1/RB2 against his former team.

St. Brown was listed as questionable on Wednesday but was trending in the right direction to play after being listed as a full participant. The Lions’ WR1 will be a low-end WR1 in fantasy as Detroit kicks off this Thanksgiving Day slate against the Bears. We can safely start the Sun God in what figures to be a solid fantasy matchup. While St. Brown is out, the Lions did declare CB Emmanuel Moseley, CB Carlton Davis III, OL Giovanni Manu, OL Taylor Decker, OL Kayode Awosika, and OL Colby Sorsdal inactive for Week 13.

That’s two straight DNPs for Pierce, who is officially on the wrong side of playing in Week 13 against the Patriots. Head coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that Pierce was “fine,” so it’s possible he will get on the practice field Friday to remove any concern about his availability, but it’s wait-and-see, for now.

Higbee returned to practice this week after starting the season on the PUP list due to a knee injury he suffered last January. He was listed with a limited status on Wednesday, but he is unlikely to play Week 13 against the Saints. This will be Higbee’s first week to ramp up practices and Week 14 against the Bills will be his next opportunity to suit up.

Fant has missed multiple weeks due to a groin injury, but could be on his way back this week. He got in a pair of limited practices last week and starts this week out as a full participant. If he is cleared to play, Fant is no more than a back-end TE2 play against the Jets.

Lockett has been managing various injuries throughout the season and is listed with a knee injury for his non-participation to begin the week. He is the clear No. 3 wide receiver behind DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba now and fantasy managers in shallower leagues can cut Lockett at this point of the season. If he cannot practice later in the week, Lockett is likely to miss Week 13 against the Jets, propping Smith-Njigba up further as a borderline WR1 fantasy play.

Metcalf popped up on the Seahawks’ practice report with a new shoulder injury, listed as a non-participant for Wednesday. We have not yet heard about Metcalf’s shoulder issue, so the severity of the injury is still up in the air. If Metcalf can practice over the next couple days, he has a better chance of suiting up for Week 13. Otherwise, Metcalf is at risk of missing the Seahawks’ game against the Jets. With Tyler Lockett (knee) also missing practice, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is slated for a big game this week.